I missed the 2nd half but a 0-0 draw is probably the most positive result we could have realistically hoped to get.

I'm going to disagree. A game of massive importance and your 3 biggest signings that the manager asked for are on the bench. It's a bad look.

Zirkzee isn't a massive signing. He's the replacement for Antony Martial. And the other two are defenders (Ugarte wasn't bought for offense) and you can't really complain about defense today given that we conceded zero goals.

The problem is attack, and I'm not sure how to fix it. If we give the job to Ruud, isn't he the attacking coach?

Also, if you are mad at ten Hag, we don't really know that he asked for any of the three. I'd assume his relationship with de Ligt was a factor. However, other than being a Dutch player, I don't know that he has any particular connection to Zirkzee. And there were stories based on unnamed sources that Ugarte was an Ineos selection.

How did the manager ask for them? We can only go by what is said and has been reported but none of those players was an Antony situation where ETH was clearly the driver for the transfer and the organization just kind of went along with it and dumped out their pockets. ETH asked for reinforcements and specific areas to improve the roster but Ineos had just as much input. The only player of the 3 with which ETH has any relationship/history with is De Ligt and it has been widely reported that he has been on United's scouting radar for quite some time.

De Ligt started each of the last 4 EPL games, including big ones against Liverpool and Tottenham, but now it's a bad look because he didn't start against Villa? Is Hojlund now just meant to be a backup who plays in the Carabao Cup just because Zirkzee was signed?

Maguire injured. Out for several weeks.

Maguire used to be made of iron, but not so much the past couple years.

Man Utd sources say Noussair Mazraoui has had a minor corrective procedure after suffering palpitations. The precautionary procedure for a relatively common condition is said to have been a success and he will be available again in the next few weeks #mufc

— Chris Wheeler (@ChrisWheelerDM) October 10, 2024

The entire backline is made of glass

Yeah but his heart condition was a known thing, so we can't claim bad luck on this one.

Now why we didn't get a left back when Luke Shaw and Malacia have been injured forever, even if it were just a stop gap for cheap or loan… not sure.

Who's ready for the Lisandro Experience at left back? Get your tickets now.

INEOS drop Sir Alex Ferguson from his role as club ambassador. Apparently he was getting paid a few million quid in this capacity.

That has caused a predictable uproar from some former players and press. I personally wonder what exactly United was meant to get for that 2m a year as a "brand ambassador". Based strictly on ROI, it feels like a bad investment and more of an attempt to look after a club legend whose shadow is still immense partly due to his accomplishments but also partly due to the fact the club fell off a cliff when he left and still haven't recovered. It's probably number 731 on the list of why United are struggling but his large presence at the club 12 years after retiring probably doesn't help matters when the team and manager are struggling.

Honestly didn't know they were still paying him. But the reaction is largely overblown.

Sounds like Mazraoui is available for selection tomorrow? Man has a heart operation and is back in 2 weeks. The anti-Luke Shaw.

On the downside, there was a report in the Athletic yesterday that Mainoo will still be out a few weeks. I was hoping he could skip England and be ok since at the time it seemed like him going to England could have gone either way. Obviously not.

Edit for link: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5851173/2024/10/17/kobbie-mainoo-injury-update/?source=user_shared_article

De Ligt looking like he's been in the WWE with the blood lol.

Not so lol now.

Hello darkness my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again.

Man, what has happened to Dalot this year? Why is it that every thing we have that seems just a little bit good always turn into cat turds?

Well that's more like it. Viva Garnacho!

We are playing so much better this half (no jinx)

2-1 Hojlund. We look like an actual club this half.

Rashford's turnaround continues. Think he's had a very good game. Maybe weird to say but I think Garnacho is (understandably) very inconsistent. Amazing how much runs through him but he still gets it wrong more often than you'd like to see from a player who will likely start 40 games for you.

Rashford played great today. Great cross on the assist to Garnacho. Hojlund's finish was tidy, love to see it

It's been OK, but let's not get carried away. He did well, and I like how he's looking to create and pass more than last year. And I didn't notice anything infuriating on defense which probably means he was good defensively lol. But Garnacho would be my man of the match.

Edit: I will say, I think there were a few times in the last third of the game where he was driving to the touchline (edit: end line, me brain are dumb) and looking for the pass, and Zirkzee just isn't aggressive enough getting forward to be in position.

OMG United won and scored multiple goals. It's a festivus miracle.

It is ok to be happy when happy things occur. If Chelsea lose tomorrow, we are only 4 points off 5th (which probably will be good enough for Champions League if EPL teams including us can avoid falling on our faces in Europe).

2-1 is one thing...23 shots/11 on goal is more exciting for me especially when paired with allowing only 8/2. Obviously that last part doesn't matter if you don't win but consistent winning only comes when you dominate chances like that.

I am happy. I was also genuinely shocked when I saw the score. Will have to watch the recording when I get home.

Skip the first half. Pro tip.

Who's ready to watch Fred and Amrabat run through our midfield?

lmao Mazraoui is indeed playing in Bruno's role

United does a bunch of nothing for 15 minutes and the first time they sniff the attacking third they score.

Should be said that Ugarte picked Fred's pocket to start it all. Zirkzee with a nice leave for Eriksen to score.

Ugarte saves a goal with an insane tackle from behind. He's really good at what he's good at. Wish they'd stop trying to play through him when playing out of the back though.