Manchester United - Theatre of Dreams - Part 38

[jahtl62]

As Amorim explained, his squad now suits his system far better.

Yet there is more to it than that.

Goalkeeper Sanne Lammens does not fit the 'system' but he doesn't inject a sense of panic in the rest of his team-mates and the crowd as Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir did before him.

It is inevitable the young Belgian will make mistakes. But he looks generally solid and doesn't give the aura of some impending calamity when the ball gets near him.

Matthijs de Ligt is not part of United's leadership group but he is leading the defence superbly. Skipper Bruno Fernandes had a quieter game but would have marked his 300th United appearance with a goal had it not been for an excellent reaction save from Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen in the second half.

Casemiro, with a goal and an assist, had another great night. His rehabilitation – he has been given the Brazil captaincy back by Carlo Ancelotti – continues, having fallen amazingly far in the United pecking order at some point, even behind a youngster currently on loan at West Brom.

"The other guys need to look at Casemiro," said Amorim. "In the beginning he was behind every midfielder even Toby [Collyer] but he fought and worked and is back in the national team and is so important for us. It shows football can change really fast."

It did not feel like it at the time, on that awful, embarrassing night at Blundell Park in August, but United's EFL Cup exit at Grimsby is now an advantage, just as it is they have no Europe to distract them this season.

They have one home game in 50 days because there is nothing in midweek. They have a full week to prepare for the trip to Nottingham Forest next Saturday and another one before they go to Tottenham seven days later.

As Amorim said, United must take advantage of such a forgiving fixture list.

There is still lots of work ahead but it does feel like a corner has been turned. And it isn't just the first team.

Ratcliffe wasn't there but if he had been at Leigh Sports Village a few hours earlier he might have discovered the academy he has so harshly criticised is not too bad either, after their seventh win of the season kept United at the top of Premier League 2 with a 100% record and another of their summer arrivals, Paraguay's Diego Leon, scoring a wonderful goal.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c20p1457e1mo

 

[jahtl62]

Man Utd summer signing from Paraguay playing in the U21 to get him used to playing in England. Very soon he will be promoted to the 1st team.

 

[x3nor_S]

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been criticised for one of the goals that he conceded against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday, as TEAMtalk reveals that the Red Devils chiefs are already looking to bring in an upgrade on the Belgian.

While the 23-year-old made some good saves against Brighton, the goalkeeper should have saved Danny Welbeck’s free-kick in the 74th minute.

The Manchester Evening News gave Lammens 6 out of 10 in their Player Ratings for that mistake, and so did The Sun, who noted that ‘he should have collected Welbeck’s goal’.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson, too, believes that Lammens should have done better.

Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live after the first Brighton goal went in: “A wonderful free kick from Danny Welbeck!

Despite Lammens’ positive performances, Man Utd are still looking for a new and better goalkeeper in 2026, TEAMtalk understands.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, reported on October 6: “Lammens is not the guaranteed first-choice goalkeeper for the long run – but he has given himself a chance of being No.1 for the next game.

“United seem adamant they are not going to commit to a first-choice shot-stopper, because they want a genuine battle for the shirt on a week-to-week basis.

Jones has also suggested that Man Utd could go back in for Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez, having tried to sign him in the summer of 2025, with the Argentine star’s camp aware of the Red Devils’ ‘plan’ to bring in another goalkeeper in 2026.

https://www.teamtalk.com/manchester...hton-mistake-old-trafford-premier-league-game

This should be a BS post

 

[Yellowfin]

News sell. Hindsight always correct....that is a good shot at goal....

 

[jahtl62]

Aston Villa beat Man City will be a big upset. Crystal Palace avoid losing to Arsenal will be another big upset. This season will have many upsets.

 

[jahtl62]

4th Man City 16 points
5th Man Utd 16 points
6th Liverpool 15 points
Very close because this weekend Liverpool & Man City lost.

 

[jahtl62]

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst revealed on X that Ratcliffe gave a standing ovation to Casemiro after his long-range goal in the 34th minute.

A United player must have character and determination and Casemiro embodies that perfectly.

The 33-year-old showcased his elite vision early on, spotting Matheus Cunha drifting into space on the left.

His deft pass allowed Cunha to take a touch before curling a sublime effort into the far corner.

Luke Shaw regained possession a few minutes later and linked up with the veteran midfielder.

With Brighton players expecting him to pass, Casemiro gambled by unleashing a shot that took a wicked deflection and flew past the helpless goalkeeper.

As the ball hit the net, Ratcliffe stood and applauded his midfield general.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have started to click in midfield.

The duo operated higher up the pitch, pressing with intensity and dictating play between the lines.

Casemiro also played seven passes into the final third, completed five ball recoveries and made three tackles.

When the Portuguese coach replaced him with Kobbie Mainoo, the difference was immediate.

Brighton began to find space in midfield, and United suddenly looked exposed forcing them to concede twice.

It is no coincidence that Casemiro may not be the best version of himself but he is still undroppable in this United side.

Both Ratcliffe and Amorim are aware of it.

https://manutdnews.com/man-united-s...from-ratcliffe-after-what-he-did-vs-brighton/

 

[jahtl62]

 

[jahtl62]

Here are five players the Portuguese boss has improved during his time at Old Trafford so far.

Casemiro
Towards the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign, Casemiro looked like he was finished at the top level.

However, the 33-year-old has completely turned things around under Amroim and has now established himself as a key player once again.

Amazingly, United have only conceded three goals this season when Casemiro has been on the pitch.

Matthijs de Ligt
After a somewhat rocky start to his United career, De Ligt has established himself as one of Amorim’s most consistent performers.

He’s won more defensive duels than any other centre-back in the Premier League this season and looks like an assured presence in United’s backline.

Leny Yoro
His debut season in Manchester ended up being derailed by injuries, but the teenager has shown real signs of improvement this season.

He’s a natural fit in Amorim’s system and will surely only improve from this point onward.

Amad Diallo
There’s no doubt that Amad has taken huge strides forward under Amorim.

He was arguably the best player at the club last season and, to the surprise of some, has seamlessly transitioned into a wing-back.

The 23-year-old is a constant threat in 1v1 situations and seems to be developing a good relationship with Bryan Mbeumo on the right-hand side.

Mason Mount
After only playing 513 minutes of Premier League football during his debut season for United, Mount’s career at Old Trafford seemed destined to fail from the start.

However, having now put his injury setbacks behind him, the 26-year-old has shown signs of life under Amorim.

In a United shirt, he’s yet to reach the same levels as he did with Chelsea, but the past few months have given fans reason for optimism.

“He loves Mason Mount,” Gary Neville said on The Overlap.

“You can tell he wants Mount in with Mbeumo and Cunha. Do you know what I think about Mount? He reminds me say Darren Anderton of Adam Lallana … Ji-Sung Park maybe a little bit.

“Players who do that ugly bit well but who also connect and glue things.”

https://www.planetfootball.com/manchester-united/man-utd-players-improved-ruben-amorim-cant-believe

 

[WhiteHunter]

maybe utd this season can follow leicester and win the league.

 

[cracker]

maybe utd this season can follow leicester and win the league.

which mountain are u at now?

 

[Jian19]

The new GK reminds me VDS

 

[white_prince]

which mountain are u at now?

U cannot talk to him like this because he is always right

 

[jahtl62]

maybe utd this season can follow leicester and win the league.

Man Utd will not win the league this season. Can get top 4 or 5 to qualify for the Champions League next season will be considered very good.

 

[jahtl62]

Ruben Amorim has made no secret of his disappointment in the players who failed his predecessor, Erik ten Hag. It's nearly a year since Ten Hag was given his marching orders by Manchester United after a dismal start to the season.

Towards the end of his time at United, it came to light that the former Ajax boss felt particularly let down by three senior players: Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Antony, whom he had previously worked with in the Netherlands before signing him for over £80million.

After taking the reins in November last year, Amorim quickly fell out with Rashford, dropping him from his squad and then loaning him out to Aston Villa. Rashford managed to secure a dream move to Barcelona in the summer and is keen to make his loan deal permanent.

Antony was swiftly moved on after failing to make an impact under Amorim. After a loan spell at Real Betis during the latter half of last season, Amorim approved his sale to the La Liga club for approximately £22m, despite this resulting in a significant loss of £60m.

Amorim was also open to parting ways with Casemiro, both in January and over the summer, but United were unable to offload the high-earning Brazilian.

Rather than seeing out the final season of his contract quietly, Casemiro has been one of Amorim's more dependable players this season, tasked with protecting the back three and disrupting play.

His noticeable impact continued this past weekend as he grabbed a goal and an assist in the 4-2 win over Brighton.

United only playing once every seven or so days has seemingly helped Casemiro reach levels already hit at Old Trafford with a strong 58-minute display against Liverpool at Anfield arriving the previous week.

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/ruben-amorim-man-utd-rashford-36136481\

Casemiro is able to find his form because there is no midweek game. With 1 week rest he will have more energy for the weekend league games. Players especially Shaw & Mount are getting less injuries because they are getting more rest without midweek game. Notice Casemiro, Shaw & Mount are usually taken out in the 2nd half because they can't last the full games or Amorim trying to prevent them from getting injured.

 

[jahtl62]

JADON SANCHO suffered the ultimate humiliation as he was hauled off against Manchester City despite being subbed on earlier in the match.

The Daily Mail have reported that the winger stormed off after the sub and gave Emery the cold shoulder.

The manager tried to comfort and probably explain the tactical decision but was ignored.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/37129739/jadon-sancho-aston-villa-man-utd/

Toxic player with a bad attitude.

 

[jahtl62]

The recent resurgence has come in part thanks to an improved midfield showing from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Question marks still exist over the viablity of an attack-minded Fernandes and an ageing Casemiro as a midfield pair but Amorim's subtle tactical changes have helped solidfy the central areas.

United are utilising Luke Shaw from left centre back to step into the midfield line and condense the play while also offering an added body in there to protect the midfield axis.

And, in Mathues Cunha, Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo, Amorim has a trio of players who are prepared to track back and fill in, again offering an added layer of protection to Casemiro and Fernandes.

It also offers the skipper a bit more licence to roam forward and impact play in the final third with the likes of Cunha and Mount having the discispline to drop in and cover the space left by Fernandes.

Whereas last season United had wide players in Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony and Marcus Rashford - who were often guilty of not retreating back to help the team out defensively - this term the Reds have shifted the make-up of their frontline and it's paying off.

The graft and was picked up by ex United midfielder Michael Carrick, who was analysing the game for Match of the Day.

"You can't expect two midfielders against a good team to deal with three or four players so how do you find a solution?" he said.

"They have the forwards dropping in to support Bruno and Casemiro, and they have found support with Luke Shaw jumping in and statying in there to almost make a three in midfield.

"In the end it is a numbers game and a spaces game and you have to fill the right spaces. Bruno, Luke Shaw and Casemiro fill that middle of the pitch.

He added: "I feel there is something building, Casemiro holds the middle of the pitch, Cunha drifts a bit, Bruno has licence to drift a bit higher and Mbuemo can drift off Sesko and there is that bit of fluidity."

https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...s/ruben-amorims-two-simple-solutions-32752206

 

[jahtl62]

Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney spoke about Mbeumo first, stating how impressed he’s been with his goalscoring.

He said: “At Man United, he’s had some really good chances in games as well – he just hasn’t always taken them. But I think his energy, his work rate, his desire… that’s what you need to be a Man United player.

“And yeah, I did say I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is that he belongs there. Obviously, Cunha’s come in, it’s great to see him get his goal, but Mbeumo has been consistent with his performances – and that’s the main thing.

“His confidence is very high at the minute, and hopefully that continues, because he’s certainly been the best signing for Man United this season.”

Rooney admitted uncertainty on Mbeumo last week, but that’s all but been abolished after the former Brentford star’s last few showings for the Red Devils.

Rooney then got onto the topic of Cunha, where again, the forward was showered with compliments.

Rooney continued: “No, you could see how much everyone was delighted for him – the manager as well – because that kind of thing can play on your mind.

“We’ve seen it with Darwin Nunez at Liverpool too – the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes. You lose that bit of confidence again. But getting that goal is massive for him because some of his performances have actually been really good.

“He’s obviously missed a few games through injury, but you could see the delight when he scored. I’ve had it before where players really need that goal because they’re going through a tough spell, and you just hope that it spurs them on.

“Hopefully now he can start showing what we saw from him at Wolves last year. I think he can kick on from this, get better, and start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck – because that’s what he’s capable of.

“He’s unpredictable at times, and that’s what makes him such a threat.”

Rooney is evidently a fan of the duo, and as are most Manchester United fans. The pair have transformed the Red Devils’ attack and made an instant impact, which is now reflected in results for Ruben Amorim.

If United can get Benjamin Sesko firing, they have one of the Premier League’s most dangerous trios, and will do so for years. Exciting times once again on the red side of Manchester.

https://tbrfootball.com/wayne-roone...-matheus-cunha-verdicts-at-manchester-united/

Now is to try to get Sesko to score goals. This requires playing more games & players passing & crossing him the ball to him. Man Utd should promote Chido Obi to back up centre forward to play with Cunha, Mbeumo & Amad. Once Man Utd can have Cunha, Mbeumo & Sesko scoring goals the chances of getting into top 4 or 5 will be better,

 

[jahtl62]

Football agents brutally named Benjamin Sesko as the worst summer signing in the Premier League.

Unfairly, however, it appears the die has already been cast, and his critics are not budging.

I’ve watched every minute Sesko has played this season, and here is why his doubters are all wrong.

In a survey from The Athletic, six of the 20 agents who participated selected Sesko as the top-flight’s worst deal, claiming it was overpriced and that it came too soon in his career.

The timing of their responses was, at the very least, questionable, especially after the 22-year-old scored against Brentford and Sunderland in consecutive games.

He then joined up with his Slovenia team-mates but drew a blank against Kosovo for the exact same reason he hasn’t quite taken off at United: a lack of quality service.

The statistics underpinning his positive performances prove he will come good, however.

First of all, Sesko has taken 12 shots in the Premier League this season, guiding six of them on target. Considering he has started just four games, this number feels about right.

From those six efforts on goal, he has scored twice, generating an xG of 1.9. Again, there is nothing glaring for supporters to be concerned about here. In fact, he is performing at the equivalent of a steady par.

Just two of his shots have been speculative efforts from outside the area. The rest have come inside the 18-yard-old box, while both of his goals were from a matter of yards out.

This tight zone has historically been Sesko’s bread and butter, and United simply must feed him more there.

Just two of his shots have been speculative efforts from outside the area. The rest have come inside the 18-yard-old box, while both of his goals were from a matter of yards out.

This tight zone has historically been Sesko’s bread and butter, and United simply must feed him more there.

Wayne Rooney certainly believes Sesko will come good at United, and couldn’t speak highly enough of his physicality after the victory against Sunderland.

“I think he’s a handful, and he uses his body well,” said Rooney.

https://tbrfootball.com/ive-discove...td-that-will-prove-all-his-critics-are-wrong/

Sesko is not the worst summer signing in the Premier league. There are some players even worse than him for their high transfer fees. Once he is consistent in scoring goals he will take Man Utd to the next level where Man Utd front 3 (Cunha, Mbeumo & Sesko) are the most dangerous in the Premier league. These 3 can surprise by scoring goals anytime in any game. Mbeumo already proven by scoring a last min goal against Brighton.

 

[YorYor]

Nice play overall that gave out good vibes. I think many of the positions are picking the players, and the stability is helping with the performances. Hopefully at the end of the season, we can all say that yes indeed, it wasn't a problem with the system but with the players and unfamiliarity..

The only position I have a problem with is the left wingback - I'd rather see PatrickD or NoussairM than DiogoD. Can't remember how many times I got fed up with his positioning and movement. Staying up and leaving space while we have a no-longer-able-to-run LukeS is suicidal.

Looks like it will take a few more games for BenjaminS to find his footing and hopefully activate his scoring boots. Hopefully when that happens, that front 3 will pose a much bigger threat and create more space between the opposition defenders.

Still early days for SenneL, let's not put him in big boots and gloves for now. Hopefully the defenders don't give him unnecessary stress! But I like the fact that there is no insistence on playing out from the back, definitely credit to the manager/coaches. Let's get the other positional plays sorted out first.