Originally Posted by Tribec:
“Whilst Ibrahimovic is a top draw player, still among the best in Europe, I just hope we don't sign him or if we do, with the wages being quoted it's a pay as you play contract. I don't think he's the answer to our problems. At his age trying to adjust to the Premier League just may not happen, I get a sense of Veron and Di Maria all over again. Whilst we do need a forward who can score consistently, our biggest problem is still our midfield.
It's still fragile, it's still slow and lacking creativity. I may not be Carrick's biggest fan, but he did at least offer some creativity, but this year regardless of the injury it's been one year to many to rely on him. Schneiderlin has been a disappointment, Schwiny was doing OK till he got injured, and I fear we'll have the same next year from him. Mata and Herrera look great at times, but don't influence games as they should and are softer than butter. Fellaini, well he's Fellaini we could have done with him last night, but whilst I wanted him when he was at Everton, he's never quite reached the same levels at United. That leaves us with the youngsters, and whilst I think Lingard's done a decent job for us this year and can be a decent squad player for the next 2 or 3 years, till the next one comes through, I'm sure we can find an upgrade.
Oh and whilst this does sound almost like a broken record as I've been going on about the midfield for what seems like forever, it doesn't help in terms of creativity when the manager insists we play the way we do. Slow, patient, possession football is OK in Europe, but it doesn't cut the mustard in the Premier League, and it's been to our detriment.”
Apart from Schwiny being ok before he was injured, I pretty much agree with everything else you've said. I actually also think we've been quite lucky, all things considered. We have had a stinker of a season in terms of goals scored and entertainment value and yet are still ridiculously in with a shout of 4th (which I will be putting a bet on us to get) and in a major cup final. When it comes to LVG, the board seem to be thinking like Napoleon in terms of lucky generals but while I hope the wilting tulip is able to end this year with success and leave with dignity, after that we should get rid.
It's unthinkable that Conte, Guardiola, Klopp - or even Wegner will allow their teams to give us so many gift-wrapped presents of hope next season. While I don't agree that this is a title-winning team under different management, it's not far off working with a few tweaks. But we all know where the biggest change has to be.
Originally Posted by Tribec:
“It could be worse, I mean after Liverpool's last title they went 2-6-6 in terms of league position. We've bettered that, and I'm guessing it won't be another 23 years before we win the league again.”
No way. Might be another year though, if... well you know.....