Ajax vs Manchester United LIVE THREAD

[idrizzy]

So far 1-0 Man Utd with 24 minutes played, Pogba with the goal after a wicked deflection.

COME ON UNITED!!!!

 

[Syed1]

United needs to win this for Manchester.

 

[idrizzy]

Emotional game, indeed this means more than just a Europa league final.

 

[WC-Passion]

Traore has been dangerous so far, United got lucky with that goal but they've had the game under control.

 

[WC-Passion]

2-0 now, feels like game over imo.

 

[idrizzy]

Lo of poessession but nothing doing for Ajax. Younes and Traore have had moments but nothing doing.

Man Utd have been professional, and with only 10 minutes to go, this seems wrapped up.

 

[KingKhanWC]

As a Liverpool fan, I never want to Utd to win but exception today.

Well done, hopefully will be ring a smile to people's face in Manchester.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

A nice touch.

 

[shaz619]

As a Liverpool fan, I never want to Utd to win but exception today.

Well done, hopefully will be ring a smile to people's face in Manchester.

Everyone has supported United today, great to see the solidarity. Very emotional time

 

[KingKhanWC]

Everyone has supported United today, great to see the solidarity. Very emotional time

It was nice they won the cup. I think they will be a force next season and I hope we get them in the Champions league.

 

[shaz619]

It was nice they won the cup. I think they will be a force next season and I hope we get them in the Champions league.

It would defo be great to see the rivalry resume, arguably the best in football outside Villa/City

 

[Gabbar Singh]

 

[shaz619]

) This post has made my day, OMG my BELOVED ASTON VILLA! [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] [MENTION=131867]London_Lahori[/MENTION] [MENTION=136193]Adil_94[/MENTION] [MENTION=47617]Red Devil[/MENTION] If you think about it we've not done so bad in recent times, Arsenal only have 8 more trophies then us despite how expensive their team is in comparison

 

[shaz619]

United needs to win this for Manchester.

Are you a football fan?

 

[Syed1]

Are you a football fan?

Liverpool FC


#You'll Never Walk Alone

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=7898]Gabbar Singh[/MENTION] how the mighty have fallen, so much rich footballing history at Villa; they were among the elite clubs in England but have fallen so low. Expect to be back in the EPL 2 seasons time but won't put money on them competing for top 4 unless some ayraab buys the club

 

[shaz619]

Liverpool FC


#You'll Never Walk Alone

That's good, I always felt you came across one of those blokes who watched fake rugby and fake cricket for some reason might be due to your next door neighbours

 

[KingKhanWC]

) This post has made my day, OMG my BELOVED ASTON VILLA! [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] [MENTION=131867]London_Lahori[/MENTION] [MENTION=136193]Adil_94[/MENTION] [MENTION=47617]Red Devil[/MENTION] If you think about it we've not done so bad in recent times, Arsenal only have 8 more trophies then us despite how expensive their team is in comparison

Villa was a major force back in the days, a bit like the Windies. I think the 82 European Cup was the peak of the Glory days. Let's hope they come back before you get to Viv Richards age

 

[Mamoon]

Still remember the times when Man United fans (most during the SAF era) would claim from their high horses that the Europa League (UEFA Cup then) is the Carling Cup of European football and means nothing. How the mighty have fallen.

 

[Abdullah]

Still remember the times when Man United fans (most during the SAF era) would claim from their high horses that the Europa League (UEFA Cup then) is the Carling Cup of European football and means nothing. How the mighty have fallen.

The point still stands. It's just slightly more important now because it gets u into CL. And thats what this season was all about!!

 

[shaz619]

Still remember the times when Man United fans (most during the SAF era) would claim from their high horses that the Europa League (UEFA Cup then) is the Carling Cup of European football and means nothing. How the mighty have fallen.

But they're in the UCL and you're not

 

[shaz619]

Villa was a major force back in the days, a bit like the Windies. I think the 82 European Cup was the peak of the Glory days. Let's hope they come back before you get to Viv Richards age

Those days will never come back but we will forever enjoy burying Birmingham City for giggles

 

[shaz619]

The point still stands. It's just slightly more important now because it gets u into CL. And thats what this season was all about!!

True, there should be more scrutiny in the next season; no excuses for Man-U

 

[Abdullah]

True, there should be more scrutiny in the next season; no excuses for Man-U

I expect a great season if woodward can get him 80% of what he wants.
He now knows the capability of this squad and they know how he works.
Mouurinho can get to work now

 

[Mamoon]

The point still stands. It's just slightly more important now because it gets u into CL. And thats what this season was all about!!

Yeah, good for you. I suspect you will be playing the Arsenal role next season, waiting to get battered by the likes of Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Juventus etc. At least we are going to go one season without getting spanked by said teams. I would rather lose to some lowly mid-table Eastern European team on a Thursday night than get smashed by this lot. I am well and truly sick of getting humiliated in the Champions League.

 

[Mamoon]

But they're in the UCL and you're not

Finished above them for four straight seasons. I don't care about the Champions League at the moment because as I said in my previous post, I am fed up of getting hammered by the European giants.

 

[Abdullah]

Yeah, good for you. I suspect you will be playing the Arsenal role next season, waiting to get battered by the likes of Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Juventus etc. At least we are going to go one season without getting spanked by said teams. I would rather lose to some lowly mid-table Eastern European team on a Thursday night than get smashed by this lot. I am well and truly sick of getting humiliated in the Champions League.

Let's see. U can't argue that 2nd season isnt mouurinho most productive after working out what needs doing in season 1

 

[idrizzy]

UNITED UNITED UNITED!

EUL never mattered since you got a cup and nothing else as it was a hinderance in your domestic campaign. Ever since the new rules, UEL had value of UCL football and if you progressed to quarter finals you'd take the competition a tad more seriously.

United had 2 opportunities to get UCL (main goal) and after drawing vs Swansea, top 4 looked highly unlikely. So all eggs were put into winning the Europa and bish bash bosh, UCL here we come!

If Arsenal had the season we had (3 trophies, UCL football) it'd be their most successful season for more than a decade!

Mighty have fallen? We've only just begun.

 

[Mamoon]

Let's see. U can't argue that 2nd season isnt mouurinho most productive after working out what needs doing in season 1

Yes time will tell, but I think Mourinho is past his prime now. He is not the man and manager he once was. Although he did storm to the title with Chelsea in 2015, I feel that he hasn't been the same since his disappointing stint with Madrid. The inability to win the Champions League with them and the routine thrashings at the hands Guardiola changed him; it made him lose his aura, and the fear factor is no longer there. The fact that Madrid can't stop winning the Champions League ever since he left is quite embarrassing as well.

 

[Red Devil]

) This post has made my day, OMG my BELOVED ASTON VILLA! [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] [MENTION=131867]London_Lahori[/MENTION] [MENTION=136193]Adil_94[/MENTION] [MENTION=47617]Red Devil[/MENTION] If you think about it we've not done so bad in recent times, Arsenal only have 8 more trophies then us despite how expensive their team is in comparison

I remember Villa used to be a very tough team to beat under Martin O'Neill.

 

[Kianig89]

Jose Mourinho is a master and knows his strength accomplished his mission United back in UCL

will be a force next season they have mentally strong and experienced players who know how to tick boxes when it matters not wonderkids which are at Arsenal )

NOw waiting for UEFA SUPER CUP #ManU vs Real/Juve

 

[Kianig89]

Those days will never come back but we will forever enjoy burying Birmingham City for giggles

I remember Villa used to be a very tough team to beat under Martin O'Neill.

Aston Villa were a tough nut even under David O'laery in the 2000's they had quality players like Mellberg Laursen Angel etc its Rendy Lerner who has destroyed them

 

[Slog]

Still remember the times when Man United fans (most during the SAF era) would claim from their high horses that the Europa League (UEFA Cup then) is the Carling Cup of European football and means nothing. How the mighty have fallen.

Europa league didnt get you a UCL spot back then

 

[Zahid87]

A final is a final, and a win is a win.

But something does not sit right with me. Yes, Ajax play with a high press. Yes, there are ways to overcome that, and to nullify them.

However, we were not playing Man City or even Tottenham or Liverpool - where you can understand a more reactive approach. It was, with all due respect, an Ajax team full of kids. Again, yes we were professional, and we won. But I have watched and supported Manchester United for as long as I can remember. We should be taking the game to teams. Playing on the front foot. We should not have to be pragmatic against a team like Ajax.

I hope with a second transfer window, and some signings where Mourinho can shore up the midfield, and add some cutting edge up front, he will feel confident enough to try and 'out-football' a team like Ajax next time.

 

[Zahid87]

Still remember the times when Man United fans (most during the SAF era) would claim from their high horses that the Europa League (UEFA Cup then) is the Carling Cup of European football and means nothing. How the mighty have fallen.

Yes, we have fallen. Its clear. Look at our league positions over the past 4 years.

But - these competitions have become more important over time. Its not just us celebrating it. The League Cup, Mourinho made it competitive when he came to Chelsea. Before it was the mickey mouse cup, where kids were played. Mourinho gave it importance, and made it a point that he wanted to secure the first piece of silverware of the season. When we won it in 2006, I remember the lift it gave us as a team to just win something. Started the process for that group of players that went on to win everything.

The Europa League - well as others have pointed out, now it comes with a CL spot, so there is added incentive. But the English press is the English press - insular, attitude is that it is not worth our time (if only because teams representing the country have had so little to show for their efforts). Had Liverpool won it last year, the English press would have given it the same reverence as it has done this time.

Besides - why should we not celebrate. We want to win. Success is important. In the last two seasons, this group of players have won the FA Cup, League Cup and now the Europa League. Now they have got a taste of silverware, and the experience and know-how of how to manage a competition, lets see how much more they can achieve. Winning is a habit.

 

[shaz619]

Let's see. U can't argue that 2nd season isnt mouurinho most productive after working out what needs doing in season 1

UNITED UNITED UNITED!

EUL never mattered since you got a cup and nothing else as it was a hinderance in your domestic campaign. Ever since the new rules, UEL had value of UCL football and if you progressed to quarter finals you'd take the competition a tad more seriously.

United had 2 opportunities to get UCL (main goal) and after drawing vs Swansea, top 4 looked highly unlikely. So all eggs were put into winning the Europa and bish bash bosh, UCL here we come!

If Arsenal had the season we had (3 trophies, UCL football) it'd be their most successful season for more than a decade!

Mighty have fallen? We've only just begun.

Jose Mourinho is a master and knows his strength accomplished his mission United back in UCL

will be a force next season they have mentally strong and experienced players who know how to tick boxes when it matters not wonderkids which are at Arsenal )

NOw waiting for UEFA SUPER CUP #ManU vs Real/Juve

Yes, we have fallen. Its clear. Look at our league positions over the past 4 years.

But - these competitions have become more important over time. Its not just us celebrating it. The League Cup, Mourinho made it competitive when he came to Chelsea. Before it was the mickey mouse cup, where kids were played. Mourinho gave it importance, and made it a point that he wanted to secure the first piece of silverware of the season. When we won it in 2006, I remember the lift it gave us as a team to just win something. Started the process for that group of players that went on to win everything.

The Europa League - well as others have pointed out, now it comes with a CL spot, so there is added incentive. But the English press is the English press - insular, attitude is that it is not worth our time (if only because teams representing the country have had so little to show for their efforts). Had Liverpool won it last year, the English press would have given it the same reverence as it has done this time.

Besides - why should we not celebrate. We want to win. Success is important. In the last two seasons, this group of players have won the FA Cup, League Cup and now the Europa League. Now they have got a taste of silverware, and the experience and know-how of how to manage a competition, lets see how much more they can achieve. Winning is a habit.

On scale out of 10, what do you guys give Man U? and how does he compare in comparison to Van Gal in his first season

 

[Mamoon]

Jose Mourinho is a master and knows his strength accomplished his mission United back in UCL

will be a force next season they have mentally strong and experienced players who know how to tick boxes when it matters not wonderkids which are at Arsenal )

NOw waiting for UEFA SUPER CUP #ManU vs Real/Juve

Yes, same master who failed to win the Champions League with Madrid and cannot beat Guardiola to save his life.

 

[Mamoon]

Mourinho has a documented history of falling out with his players. Let's see if the trend continues at Man United.

 

[Mamoon]

Europa league didnt get you a UCL spot back then

I know, but that is not the point. There has been a clear shift in the mentality of the team, let's see if Mourinho has still what it takes to turn things around and win the PL and go deep in the Champions League.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes, we have fallen. Its clear. Look at our league positions over the past 4 years.

But - these competitions have become more important over time. Its not just us celebrating it. The League Cup, Mourinho made it competitive when he came to Chelsea. Before it was the mickey mouse cup, where kids were played. Mourinho gave it importance, and made it a point that he wanted to secure the first piece of silverware of the season. When we won it in 2006, I remember the lift it gave us as a team to just win something. Started the process for that group of players that went on to win everything.

The Europa League - well as others have pointed out, now it comes with a CL spot, so there is added incentive. But the English press is the English press - insular, attitude is that it is not worth our time (if only because teams representing the country have had so little to show for their efforts). Had Liverpool won it last year, the English press would have given it the same reverence as it has done this time.

Besides - why should we not celebrate. We want to win. Success is important. In the last two seasons, this group of players have won the FA Cup, League Cup and now the Europa League. Now they have got a taste of silverware, and the experience and know-how of how to manage a competition, lets see how much more they can achieve. Winning is a habit.

Agree with most, let's see if Mourinho can live up to the expectations next season. Anything below top two in the league will be considered a failure, but they have a good shot next season. Arsenal are well, Arsenal. If Wenger goes or stays, I back United to finish above them next season; Spurs will drop points at Wembley, and I see Liverpool maintaining their current level.

My money at this point is on City though, Guardiola will make some massive changes this summer and they are better placed than Man United to win the league at this stage. As far as Chelsea is concerned, I feel they are going to be a serious threat in the Champions League. European triumph is something that has been out of Conte's reach so far, and he will be looking to address that. Their squad isn't big enough to sustain a PL challenge along with European football, which they didn't have to deal with this season.

 

[Abdullah]

Yes time will tell, but I think Mourinho is past his prime now. He is not the man and manager he once was. Although he did storm to the title with Chelsea in 2015, I feel that he hasn't been the same since his disappointing stint with Madrid. The inability to win the Champions League with them and the routine thrashings at the hands Guardiola changed him; it made him lose his aura, and the fear factor is no longer there. The fact that Madrid can't stop winning the Champions League ever since he left is quite embarrassing as well.

A tad harsh. He was up against the 2nd or 3rd best team ever put together when he was at Madrid and won them a league. The only league they have won in the last 9 years, until this year which was their 2nd win in 9 years.

Again let's wait now c

 

[Abdullah]

On scale out of 10, what do you guys give Man U? and how does he compare in comparison to Van Gal in his first season

7 out of 10 this season.
Needs 3 4 players.
Van gal wasn't as ruthless as this guy. Not many people are. Van gal didn't get the players of the calibre that mour will get.

 

[Zahid87]

Agree with most, let's see if Mourinho can live up to the expectations next season. Anything below top two in the league will be considered a failure, but they have a good shot next season. Arsenal are well, Arsenal. If Wenger goes or stays, I back United to finish above them next season; Spurs will drop points at Wembley, and I see Liverpool maintaining their current level.

My money at this point is on City though, Guardiola will make some massive changes this summer and they are better placed than Man United to win the league at this stage. As far as Chelsea is concerned, I feel they are going to be a serious threat in the Champions League. European triumph is something that has been out of Conte's reach so far, and he will be looking to address that. Their squad isn't big enough to sustain a PL challenge along with European football, which they didn't have to deal with this season.

Guardiola's methods take time to implement on a team. He needs to new full backs at least this summer - who in his system, perform one of the most important tasks. He doesn't have the necessary midfield either (with Gundogan perpetually injured).

I can see them challenging for sure, but I think that a lot will depend on who he manages to purchase, and how quickly they adapt to his system. Walker should be a good fit, given that he has been well drilled by Pochettino. If he manages to get a midfielder from Bayern, he will also have done well.

With us....I am not sure. Am very uncertain with Mourinho, and this season has not done much to dispell any of the fears that I had. He does not coach attacking players, or any attacking systems. His forward players are left to their own devices to come up with ways of breaking teams down. This is ok when you have players who have played together, and are easy to form into a cohesive unit - but less so when you have a team like ours which already sufferers from a lack of creativity, and where the forward line is not stable.

If he can somehow get a bunch of players together who can do that for him, then we will be ok. Otherwise, we will struggle.

Also worry about certain players - Martial is a great talent, and needs to be nutured and guided. Not all players are extroverts like Pogba. He failed with De Bruyne. Can't make the same mistake with Martial.

I still wish we hired someone like Poch - would have got the best out of the likes of Martial, Rashford, Shaw etc. And we would certainly move towards a system which is much easier on the eye.

 

[idrizzy]

A final is a final, and a win is a win.

But something does not sit right with me. Yes, Ajax play with a high press. Yes, there are ways to overcome that, and to nullify them.

However, we were not playing Man City or even Tottenham or Liverpool - where you can understand a more reactive approach. It was, with all due respect, an Ajax team full of kids. Again, yes we were professional, and we won. But I have watched and supported Manchester United for as long as I can remember. We should be taking the game to teams. Playing on the front foot. We should not have to be pragmatic against a team like Ajax.

I hope with a second transfer window, and some signings where Mourinho can shore up the midfield, and add some cutting edge up front, he will feel confident enough to try and 'out-football' a team like Ajax next time.

It was a professional job but despite their youth, Ajax made it to the finals with their footballing philosophy based around Cruyff. They are naturally a possession based team (like LvG, and I'm sure in the first half you could draw comparisons) where they'll have a high press once they lose the ball.

Our footballing philosophy isn't really cemented yet - we played on the counter when we face teams that are possession driven and we play our normal game otherwise. I don't think Jose is entirely happy with the squad and will look to make some changes. He's changed formations a few times now so it's hard to say that he has marked down his footballing agenda.

We could've dispatched Ajax for 4 if we took some half chances too.

But yes, Jose will build and sell surplus. I expect a title challenge this season no question.

 

[idrizzy]

On scale out of 10, what do you guys give Man U? and how does he compare in comparison to Van Gal in his first season

Much better than LvG. Although LvG got top 4, his style of play - much similar to Ajax - was boring. Nothing excited me. The most penetrative player was Blind and he played CB. That said a lot about the LvG team. Most 0-0's at HT. No more than 5 shots on goal. Just abysmal. Jose is definitely an improvement - more quality in the final third but still not clinical enough.

Overall I'd say a 7/10 season for Jose. League Cup, EUL Cup with UCL QL is a good start. What needs to be added is a ruthlessness, where we can either hold a 1-0 lead or beat teams by more than 1 goal. There's been too many draws - Everton, Swansea, Stoke, Burnley, West Ham... etc where we've conceded in the 10 mins of the match. Not good enough. But I'm sure Jose will correct that in the upcoming transfer window.

 

[Zahid87]

It was a professional job but despite their youth, Ajax made it to the finals with their footballing philosophy based around Cruyff. They are naturally a possession based team (like LvG, and I'm sure in the first half you could draw comparisons) where they'll have a high press once they lose the ball.

Our footballing philosophy isn't really cemented yet - we played on the counter when we face teams that are possession driven and we play our normal game otherwise. I don't think Jose is entirely happy with the squad and will look to make some changes. He's changed formations a few times now so it's hard to say that he has marked down his footballing agenda.

We could've dispatched Ajax for 4 if we took some half chances too.

But yes, Jose will build and sell surplus. I expect a title challenge this season no question.

For me, the worrying thing is that I am not sure whether Jose will ever subscribe to the idea of having a footballing agenda, or a marked style of play. He seems to be a 'reactive' manager.

I know and accept that against certain teams, we will have to play on the back foot. No one expects us to beat certain teams (City, Bayern, etc), in a pure footballing contest. But I hope in a years time, Mourinho will (1) have a team capable of taking the game to a team like Ajax, and (2) have the confidence and will to do it.

Yes, Ajax play with a high press, and yes, the obvious and pragmatic way to beat the press is to bypass the midfield and go long. It worked. But at some point I would like us to be able to back ourselves in being able to beat the press with quick passing and build up play.

 

[London_Lahori]

) This post has made my day, OMG my BELOVED ASTON VILLA! [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] [MENTION=131867]London_Lahori[/MENTION] [MENTION=136193]Adil_94[/MENTION] [MENTION=47617]Red Devil[/MENTION] If you think about it we've not done so bad in recent times, Arsenal only have 8 more trophies then us despite how expensive their team is in comparison

This post should let the all the new fans realise that Villa are indeed a big club regardless of what's happened in the past 5 years or so.

 

[idrizzy]

For me, the worrying thing is that I am not sure whether Jose will ever subscribe to the idea of having a footballing agenda, or a marked style of play. He seems to be a 'reactive' manager.

I know and accept that against certain teams, we will have to play on the back foot. No one expects us to beat certain teams (City, Bayern, etc), in a pure footballing contest. But I hope in a years time, Mourinho will (1) have a team capable of taking the game to a team like Ajax, and (2) have the confidence and will to do it.

Yes, Ajax play with a high press, and yes, the obvious and pragmatic way to beat the press is to bypass the midfield and go long. It worked. But at some point I would like us to be able to back ourselves in being able to beat the press with quick passing and build up play.

I understand your argument of that 'it's only Ajax - a team full of youngsters, we should be on the front foot against such opposition as we're far by the superior side' but Lyon did that, and lost 4-1 in their first leg. We should've played the full game how we played the first team, etc.

But I think that we did more than fine. Our game isn't tika-taka and nor should we try to 'out tika-taka' teams. If Ajax was Bayern and Real were United, and the game ended 2-0, Real Madrid would get praises. It reminds me of how RM beat Bayern in Munich 3-0 with playing this counter attacking play.

I think you're underrestimating Ajax. Fair enough but their style of play made us play on the backfoot.

Like you said thoughc to outmanoeuvre them is something we'll learn but Jose is naturally defensive and again, we win't be able to outplay but play on the counter.

 

[shaz619]

7 out of 10 this season.
Needs 3 4 players.
Van gal wasn't as ruthless as this guy. Not many people are. Van gal didn't get the players of the calibre that mour will get.

Much better than LvG. Although LvG got top 4, his style of play - much similar to Ajax - was boring. Nothing excited me. The most penetrative player was Blind and he played CB. That said a lot about the LvG team. Most 0-0's at HT. No more than 5 shots on goal. Just abysmal. Jose is definitely an improvement - more quality in the final third but still not clinical enough.

Overall I'd say a 7/10 season for Jose. League Cup, EUL Cup with UCL QL is a good start. What needs to be added is a ruthlessness, where we can either hold a 1-0 lead or beat teams by more than 1 goal. There's been too many draws - Everton, Swansea, Stoke, Burnley, West Ham... etc where we've conceded in the 10 mins of the match. Not good enough. But I'm sure Jose will correct that in the upcoming transfer window.

I agree 7 is about right, Jose also tends to have a better second season; he achieved the bare minimum in his first stint at Man U. Don't support your team but loved Jose's passion and Celebration after the Europa League win good to see the legend smile, a unique personality; football wouldn't be the same without him

 

[shaz619]

Aston Villa were a tough nut even under David O'laery in the 2000's they had quality players like Mellberg Laursen Angel etc its Rendy Lerner who has destroyed them

This post should let the all the new fans realise that Villa are indeed a big club regardless of what's happened in the past 5 years or so.

Well said, the Glory Hunters better RECOGNISE [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] And Kianig89 we had a decent run under Martin O Neil as well, once he left the club has completely fallen apart

 

[shaz619]

Jose's tactics may have been questionable and he deserves criticism but at the end of the day he achieved his objective which was the UCL QL so you got to respect that