God's Football 2015-2016 season thread

[Aerith's Knight]

I have to say, Blind impressed me in that game. Not from the goal, which was good, sure, but from the defending save with 2 def vs. 3 attackers, getting the ball away 5 meters before the goal calmly and professionally. I think he will grow into a cornerstone of the Dutch national defense.

Fernandinho is also doing very well. Very good at picking up sloppy passes.

[Old Manus]

Looking forward to the WE'RE BACK headlines in the red tops this morning.

[Psychotic]

Not a chance. After Van Gaal called one of the Sun's main football writers a "fat man" the red tops have rallied around and are up in arms about this heinous crime against journalists. My particular favourite point that they make is that it is unbefitting of the manager of a club with the stature of Manchester United to insult humble journalists as if the Fergie era never happened.

[Aerith's Knight]

to insult humble journalists.

Why would he do that? Everyone knows journalists can only dish it out.

Poor guys, I hope they got a hug afterwards.

[Psychotic]

Pep to Man City confirmed. If United get Mourinho can you imagine Pep, Mourinho, Klopp and Sam Allardyce all in the same league at the same time? Titans.

[Bubba]

City to be relegated next season.

[Psychotic]

This season if we're lucky. Oh, were you not talking about Swansea?

[Formalhaut]

Not a chance. After Van Gaal called one of the Sun's main football writers a "fat man" the red tops have rallied around and are up in arms about this heinous crime against journalists. My particular favourite point that they make is that it is unbefitting of the manager of a club with the stature of Manchester United to insult humble journalists as if the Fergie era never happened.

The Fergie era is but a distant memory now, to be honest. And calling someone a 'fat man' is a pretty low jab. It's as if he couldn't think of a better insult to hurl. A pretty poor attempt.

[Psychotic]

Well, he is Dutch.

[Old Manus]

Pep well and truly bottling it by snubbing strugglers Man Utd and Chelsea and going to another team that's already winning. You're booooring me, Pep.

[DK]

https://media.giphy.com/media/gh1PcN7Agxlcc/giphy.gif

[Psychotic]

Old Manus to the Rant Thread for an undisclosed fee.

[Aerith's Knight]

Well, he is Dutch.

Well, you're a stupid doo-doo pants!



Okay, you may have a point.

[Old Manus]

As much as the concept of liking a team that Psychotic supports befouls me to my very core, I am actually starting to want to believe in Leicester. It's not even like they're just on a good run with one or two diamond in the rough world class players, they are legit a top quality team.

[Formalhaut]

As much as the concept of liking a team that Psychotic supports befouls me to my very core, I am actually starting to want to believe in Leicester. It's not even like they're just on a good run with one or two diamond in the rough world class players, they are legit a top quality team.

I would be incredibly happy if they won the league. Heck, I'd be happy with a top four finish for Leicester; I really want them to shake things up.

[Psychotic]

Yeah. For all the talk Vardy and Mahrez attract, N'Golo Kante is easily the best DM in the league and possibly even Leicester's best player.

[Bubba]

Whatever. Vardy shinned it.

[Loony BoB]

As much as the concept of liking a team that Psychotic supports befouls me to my very core, I am actually starting to want to believe in Leicester. It's not even like they're just on a good run with one or two diamond in the rough world class players, they are legit a top quality team.
I think this goes for most people out there. Everyone is pretty chuffed to see a new team going toe-to-toe with the big boys.

[Aerith's Knight]

Man, that first goal of Vardy was pretty awesome. I live in a good soccer age.

[Psychotic]

Can Gary Neville please be made Man United manager now? :D I'd settle for Ryan Giggs, mind. Though I reckon it is going to be Pochettino and while he's not a superstar name like Guardiola that is a prospect I fear. There's something about him and his teams that really impresses me, and I think he could do great things at United. Pellegrini would be a good choice too but probably not going to happen!

[Aerith's Knight]

People put way too much stock into what a manager does. In the end, it is all up to players. Considering we have total football, and player positions are fluid, it seems minimal.

I assume that bad transfer actions have to be agreed upon by the board as well, of course.

[Old Manus]

They won't want Pochettino in the Utd job as he isn't a headline cow. He doesn't have delusions of grandeur (Mourinho), he doesn't keep putting his foot in his mouth at press conferences (Van Gaal), he doesn't pull silly faces on the touchline (Klopp), and he isn't a permanent grump who believes everything is a conspiracy (Wenger). I mean shit, all that the newspapers could print about Pellegrini was that he was too boring for them to print anything about him. Sky Sports News is a 24 hour channel, god damn it!

[Loony BoB]

Perhaps we'll poach that young, fresh, unknown manager who has taken Leicester to the top.

[Psychotic]

I would prefer it if you didn't. One of my work colleagues lives around the corner from him and every morning I am regailed with tales of what he saw Claudio eating for breakfast through the curtains. At least wait until the restraining order is in place, eh?

[Psychotic]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.Never stop quoting this post.

[Formalhaut]

The manager isn't as important as everyone makes out, but for morale purposes, the manager is pretty important. The manager is also the 'face' of a team and sentiments towards that team is affected by the public opinion of the manager.

[Psychotic]

He has been having breakfast much later than usual this week if it helps.

[Formalhaut]

Just googled the result of the early match between Man City and Leicester. Leicester won 3-1? That seems pretty conclusive. It's such a big moment it's one of the top stories on The Guardian website.

[charliepanayi]

Not sure what is more annoying right now, us being crap when it comes to the crunch as per usual, or Man City being crap. Probably the latter.

[Rocket Edge]

Hahaha what is going on! Leicester for the title! If Bale is worth 100M then Mahrez is worth, and I mean this seriously, twice as much.

[Old Manus]

[Adam Johnson joke]

[charliepanayi]

Guardian asks its writers who will win the title now. Nobody says Arsenal, which shows at least some good sense. More say Spurs than Man City, which suggests less good sense. Results this weekend might turn any predictions upside down straight away anyway.

[Formalhaut]

And Man United lose against Sunderland. That's got to sting.

[Bubba]

Van Gaal out.

[Aerith's Knight]

Koeman for national coach.

[Formalhaut]

Arsenal 2 - 1 Leicester. Eh, I would have preferred a draw as opposed to 'last-gasp' victories. A draw was the fairer result and plenty of people are disappointed about Leicester losing. They've become many people's favourite team this season. They're still top, but in a much more precarious position.

[charliepanayi]

Villa. Dear oh dear.

[Formalhaut]

Villa. Dear oh dear.

I know right? Imagine being a home fan having to watch that.

[charliepanayi]

Especially being this fan:

https://twitter.com/steveladgrove/status/698783267890339840

Also, that Spurs penalty was never a penalty.

[Bubba]

It was a penalty all day long. It's Sterling's own fault for having arms.

[Old Manus]

I've decided that from now on, every time people get on my back on EoFF for low-effort troutposts I am just going to reply with this:

67143

[Mahad]

It was comical watching City in those last few minutes of the match. I would have prefer a draw, but it was a fun match.
Also, Liverpool. Oh Liverpool.

Anyways, I'm totally fine with Leicester taking the title this season.

[Psychotic]

Paul Pogba is the greatest player on the planet. Why? He has a fucking honest-to-god Pokemon haircut.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/02/10/01/3107777600000578-0-image-a-69_1455066501643.jpg

[Aerith's Knight]

Oh god, if this makes even more ridiculous haircuts the new fashion, I might actually snap and start building doom machines.

[Aerith's Knight]

Man U. wins a game?

van Gaal out.

[Old Manus]

Let's all take a moment to appreciate that one of the FIFA presidential candidates is literally a sex whale.

[Bubba]

I've encountered many a sex whale in my time and trust me when I say... don't trust the Tokyo-based ones.

[Psychotic]

Let's all take a moment to appreciate that one of the FIFA presidential candidates is literally a sex whale.Thank you. I've been trying to get my one football enjoying colleague to appreciate this fact all morning and it just hasn't got him as excited as it should.

Liverpool v United in Europe. I know it's "only" the Europa but yeah that'll be pretty fucking mental.

[Bubba]

That will indeed be tasty. I actually think being at home for the second leg will put us at a disadvantage.

Tottenham to get battered by Dortmund.

[Old Manus]

We've become the most boring team in the Premier League. A feat I didn't think was possible when we were in the same league as Van Gaal's Utd.

[Bubba]

What a game! Marcus Rashford to sign for Madrid in the summer for 75M.

Tottenham to win the league.

[Psychotic]

Brazilians: Bad at penalties.

The best team won tbf

[Old Manus]

That feel when it's your team that scuppers charliepanayi's best chance to win the league in a decade

[Formalhaut]

Well this was a poor week for the big teams:

Arsenal 1 - 2 Swansea

Tottenham 0 - 1 West Ham

Manchester City 0 - 3 Liverpool


Heck, even Leicester only scored a draw. Which technically means they increase their lead by a point. Not as much as three points, but you take your victories where you can I suppose.

[Bubba]

Well this was a poor week for the big teams

Bu...but... we won?

[Psychotic]

Well this was a poor week for the big teams

Bu...but... we won?Get in the Europa League bin with the rest of us.

[Old Manus]

The Big Teams have changed. The Big Four is now Leicester, Man City, Tottenham and West Ham.

[Psychotic]

2015/16: Nobody wants to win the Premier League.

[Bubba]

Sneaking a watch of that game whilst at work. Very entertaining!

[Loony BoB]

2015/16: Nobody wants to win the Premier League.
So mean to Leicester.

[Fox]

Man, I haven't really followed the footie too much since Sir Alex hung up his... gum, I guess, but Leicester have really drawn me back in. Really hope they win it, it would be the best underdog story for years. Also, as a Man U supporter who was 10 years old in 1999... I just have to root for anyone named Schmeichel. It's just the law. I'm such a Schmeichel fan I even learned to spell the name Schmeichel, which is a stupid word to have to try and spell.

[Psychotic]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc4E9f9W4AAi1MX.jpg

This mischievous giggle sums up my thoughts. I dislike Crystal Palace and I hate Alan Pardew so I give zero smurfs.

[Aerith's Knight]

That was disgusting. I sincerely hope that they institute the video referees soon, so that Benteke would get a red card and a free kick to the head in the parking lot for a schwalbe that dirty. Unbelievable.

This type of acting paying off, that's why I can sometimes detest football.

[Psychotic]

Naw. There was clearly contact to the back of his heel from Delaney's knee and that impeded him. Enough to go down? No. Enough to put him in a worsened position had the contact not been made? Yes. It's one of those situations where it's both a foul but also a dive. Too many football fans have the mentality that it can only be one or the other.

[Rocket Edge]

Who knew that I'd ever care about the Europa League. I have a bad feeling about tonights game. I don't see us getting a result.

LVG is doing a crap job at trying to deceive the fans that being in the Europa League is something we should be ever so proud of. Just leave already.

[Bubba]

If we don't score tonight then it's effectively tie over. I fancy Liverpool nicking one at Old Trafford and on the day Utd score three at home, Satan will be skating to work.

EDIT: Lovely stuff. That's the kind of passion and commitment I like in a team. It's just a shame it's not mine.

[Aerith's Knight]

While Liverpool deserved to win tonight, it is highly noticeable that there is a German coach on the team, since I'm starting to think of Liverpool when someone says Schwalbe, and visa versa.

Perhaps not the reputation you should strive for.

[Psychotic]

Great performance, great tactics, great fans, really pleased. Can't fault a single player in the team but in particular shout outs to Clyne and Lallana as they were both immense. Too many games against United have seen us be dominant but sterile and then concede a sloppy goal. Glad we sorted it out at both ends, although maybe we should've scored another goal or two.

Don't know what the fuck United were doing. Was slightly intrigued to watch Marcus Rashford, the young striker everyone has been raving about... instead he gets shunted out to right back? What the fuck was that? He was left totally exposed. I don't often feel sorry for United players but I did feel sorry for the kid.

[charliepanayi]

Liverpool v Dortmund in the next round? Would be fun.

When the Arsenal players and Wenger look back and think 'how did we totally screw up this season?', I imagine the first reason that will come to mind is 'oh yeah, we lost to that total shower of a Man Utd side'

[Bubba]

Liverpool v Dortmund in the next round? Would be fun.

When the Arsenal players and Wenger look back and think 'how did we totally screw up this season?', I imagine the first reason that will come to mind is 'oh yeah, we lost to that total shower of a Man Utd side'

You caught us on a rare 'half-decent' day. Plus, you were awful.

Also, no-one with any sense is raving about Marcus Rashford. He had a good game against Arsenal due to the fact that he was high on confidence after scoring two against a poor Midtjylland side. A similar thing happened with Macheda. The poor lad is nowhere near ready to lead the line for the first team. Carrying on playing him will do more harm than good at this stage in his career.

[Psychotic]

To clarify, my point wasn't "heh looks like Rashford is shit after all :smug:" and I hold him blameless. I'm saying Van Gaal is guilty of the football equivalent of criminal negligence by playing a young inexperienced kid totally out of position in such a major and intense game.

[Bubba]

Oh, I know man. He was thrown in as both Rooney and Martial were injured. As soon as Martial came back he should have gone back to the under-21's. I was referring more to certain Utd fans on Twitter saying he's the next Neymar and crap like that. He needs to be taken out of the firing line now. Plus yeah, no idea what he was doing back there last night.

Man Utd to win the return leg 7-0.

[Old Manus]

"but he has a tactic for everything"

EDIT: Continual Utd capitulations are worth it if only for the decorated ex-players losing their trout over it on television every week (https://streamable.com/jj1j)

EDIT2: 67596

[Psychotic]

While we are on the subject of Macca,

http://i.imgur.com/SE22BUx.jpg

[Old Manus]

You can see Scholesy dying inside every time Stevie Mac fires a broadside at United's woes on and off the pitch. If there wasn't a camera on them I reckon he would have hit him.

[Bubba]

Carroll to score a brace of headers. 2-0 West Ham.

[Bubba]

That's one of the best free kicks I've seen at Old Trafford in a long time. Great strike.

Wasn't a free-kick in the first place though!

[Formalhaut]

I'm largely indifferent to the FA Cup, if I'm honest.

[Fox]

That's one of the best free kicks I've seen at Old Trafford in a long time. Great strike.

Wasn't a free-kick in the first place though!

Possibly, but they *should* have had a penalty a couple of minutes earlier, so can't begrudge it too much

[Bubba]

That's one of the best free kicks I've seen at Old Trafford in a long time. Great strike.

Wasn't a free-kick in the first place though!

Possibly, but they *should* have had a penalty a couple of minutes earlier, so can't begrudge it too much

Haha, really? No.

1-1. Get in.

[Psychotic]

Christ what I wouldn't give to have Suarez back. He is a monster in many ways, not least of which his footballing ability and specifically his first touch. Absolutely broken.

[Formalhaut]

I would feel so upset if I Leicester lost the league now. I've never wanted a team to win so badly before.

[Psychotic]

Tell me about it. I want to see Old Manus eat a hat.

[DK]

He's just going to claim that "hat" is some archaic Welsh word that means "Strawberry" or something anyway. Don't build your hopes up even more my man.

[DK]

Then again, the Welsh word for Strawberry is probably "gfyllynllanrubiowydpomryn" so maybe not

[Old Manus]

How did you know my safe word?

[Psychotic]

He's just going to claim that "hat" is some archaic Welsh word that means "Strawberry" or something anyway. Don't build your hopes up even more my man.I reckon I could still bash one out while watching that so it's all good.

[Psychotic]

I know there's that game tonight and I should be posting #bantz or having a self-righteous rant about the Hillsborough banners on the M602 but

http://i1.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article11057003.ece/ALTERNATES/s1227b/JS85263094.jpg

New England kit

what

I don't even

WHAT THE smurf

that is an abomination

red socks and grey sleeves and skintight shirts and wayne rooney's veins and what the smurf is jordon ibe doing there he's never even played for the full team

fuck it i'm supporting norn iron this summer

[Old Manus]

they look like subutteo players

[Bubba]

Well, that's pretty much tie over. Scousers get the bragging rights but if we're being honest, neither of these teams are good enough to win the Europa League.

Still have a tiny bit of hope we can secure fourth place. I'm sure that will be dashed when we get out arses spanked by City on Sunday.

[Aerith's Knight]

That game... Fellaini pretty much dropped several scales on the football meter, and he wasn't that high to begin with.

I do have to say, Sakho and Blind for MvP. Great defending I'm seeing on both sides, at least from those two players.

I'll not discuss the remainder for.. well, you know the reasons.

[Psychotic]

Sakho is inhuman. What a beast.

[Old Manus]

There's something depressing about the two most deluded sets of fans in English football throwing chairs at each other in a Jokeropa League second round game. "This is still important!"

[Psychotic]

Steady on there son. Not denying that both Liverpool and United fans are delusional but neither is at Arsenal levels.

That said, if you think it was unimportant despite it getting more media coverage and viewing audience than any of the Champions League ties then I would slap a delusional label on you too.

[Bubba]

It was the first ever European tie between United and Liverpool so yeah, it was huge. Obviously neither club wants to be challenging for this trophy though. Liverpool to lose 13-0 on aggregate to Dortmund in the next round.

EDIT: Liverpool did actually get Dortmund. My prediction could come true!

Also City v PSG. Lovely.

[Psychotic]

I'm pretty happy with being in the Europa League and the Little Englander HURR HURR THUSDAY NIGHTS CHANOL 5 business has always confused the smurf out of me. I am a Liverpool and football fan. With the Europa League, I get more Liverpool playing football to watch. How terrible. If you asked what they thought of the competition in Germany or Spain they'd get confused if you told them how the English felt about it. You know, Germany and Spain, those countries with both club and national teams significantly better than the ones England produce. I don't even mean the Barcas and Bayerns. You stick Dortmund or Sevilla in the Premier League and they'd smurfing win it.

But no don't you see it's not as important as the premier league and SUPER SUNDAY omg will liverpool beat stoke city in the BATTLE FOR 8TH??? smurf me nothing is as tedious as Premier League culture. You win two games and suddenly OH WOW WILL LIVERPOOL SNEAK INTO THE TOP FOUR? oh wow oh gosh i don't know what i'd do if we did!!!!! :')

Europa League is a fun chance to see teams, players and fans I rarely see, and to see how Liverpool do against them. Teams and players much better than the ones in the Premier League to boot. I've seen us face Swansea a dozen times. Oh look, they're passing the ball a lot. Ashley Williams having a moan at the ref because he didn't get a decision, what a sight. Oh dear they've scored, can't wait to see whether Old Manus says lmaoverpool or plays it safe with a rofliverpool. 13-0 to Dortmund? That'd be pretty crazy to see, yeah, let's do that. That'd be smurfing fun. I'd enjoy that more than grinding out a 1-0 win against Bournemouth.

And Premier League fans are smurfing awful now. They are absolutely the worst. Both in the online sense and in the stadiums. I hear only the same two songs from opposition fans every week - Sign On and Stevie G falling on his arse - hate to break it to you lads, but the man is in another continent. If we're lucky, maybe some random trout will be sung to smurfing Sloop John B. In the 5-4 win against Norwich, they grabbed (what they thought) was a 90th minute equaliser, grabbing what could be a vital point in their relegation battle. Do they sing about how great Norwich are or celebrate their goalscorer? lol no, welfare benefits amirite. Guarantee you the Dortmund fans aren't going to be pulling that tedious overplayed #bantz trout. They look to be a great crowd and they're also a fan of our favourite song. It's going to be smurfing awesome to watch.

I've seen my team win this competition before, it was one of the greatest nights as a football fan I've had and I've got some bloody brilliant memories. Can't wait, smurf the haters.

[Aerith's Knight]

Guarantee you the Dortmund fans aren't going to be pulling that tedious overplayed #bantz trout. They look to be a great crowd and they're also a fan of our favourite song. It's going to be smurfing awesome to watch.

I wouldn't be surprised if everyone in the stadium starts singing it, regardless of whose fan they are. Don't think that they are rooting for Liverpool though, it's just a great song.



I've seen my team win this competition before, it was one of the greatest nights as a football fan I've had and I've got some bloody brilliant memories. Can't wait, smurf the haters.

My only team is "The Netherlands", and we haven't won a competition since the month I was born. >_>

[Psychotic]

Yeah but being Dutch sounds like a wild ride. You've had a fair few semi-finals and finals, and if it goes wrong it's usually for the comedy of the team falling out and fighting because Edgar Davids or Robin Van Persie is kicking off. With England we limp out at any point between the group stage and Quarter Finals inclusive, and it's simply met with "Ohhh yeah. We're not very good. Oops, kinda forgot that over the past two years."

[Aerith's Knight]

Which is odd considering the amount of money you pump into your football system.

[Psychotic]

At the highest level to players and agents, sure. At the lower and youth levels? Nah, go play hoofball on a dog toilet.

[Old Manus]

I'd like to apologise to all those people worldwide who found themselves subjected to watching that match. It was absolutely dreadful.

[Formalhaut]

Leicester marches on. It's another 1 - 0 victory, but 3 points is 3 points at the end of a tough season. I have my heart in my mouth every weekend when I open up the scores. If Leicester lost a game, and Tottenham won, suddenly everything could be different.

Come on Leicester! Restore my faith in premier league football once again!

[Bubba]

Tottenham beating Bournemouth tomorrow is no gimme. I just have a feeling Leicester will have a few bad games. I just hope they've done enough to win it!

[Psychotic]

Well look whether or not the title can be won, I think English football has had a major wake up call as a result of this season. Leicester as a city has had a real boost from it which is what I have enjoyed the most. There is a statue in the city centre commemorating a League Cup win for christ's sake so I'd love to see what happens if it can be pulled off! Oh, that and the absolutely rapier sharp counter attacking football.

[Formalhaut]

I just have a feeling Leicester will have a few bad games. I just hope they've done enough to win it!

Oh they will, no question. No team, especially one unused to such pressure, can expect to maintain forward momentum. The real question is whether or not Tottenham can capitalise on those stumbles and overtake Leicester.

Honestly, I think me and a lot of people will be gutted if Leicester don't win the league. They're pretty much assured a top-three finish, but now that they've been top for so long, I for one would be pissed if they came second after all they've been through.

It tells you something that Leicester had like, what, 19 points this time last year.

[Psychotic]

Spurs aren't the threat, it's Arsenal. No, really. Don't forget the annual February/March collapse is followed by the April and May "our season is over who cares" surge, whereas Pochettino teams tend to burn out around this time of year. Whether or not Arsenal will suddenly have a new collapse in May if it looks like they may win something worthwhile remains untested.

[sinuosity]

Arsenal are 8 points back, assuming they win their game in hand. That seems large, but honestly this season has been so crazy who knows. If Leicester get any injuries to key players they could collapse, hard. Spurs seem like the strongest threat at this point?

[charliepanayi]

No way will Arsenal win all their remaining games (and even if they somehow did, unlikely Leicester would collapse that badly at this point).The best strategy for Arsenal next season is to hypnotise the players at the start of the season into thinking they have nothing to play for. They only ever start winning when it's too late after all.

If Leicester do go on to win it I think I'll be 40% happy for them, 30% embarrassed that they did what we haven't come close to doing in years, and 30% relieved it wasn't Spurs winning it.

[charliepanayi]

Oh good, looks like we're not the only team who can be total dog turd against Man Utd.

[Bubba]

Oh good, looks like we're not the only team who can be total dog turd against Man Utd.

Fuck you, you :bou::bou::bou::bou:.

We were awesome today. A rarity, I know but... we were awesome.

[Aerith's Knight]

The Southampton-Liverpool game was amazing. 0-2 behind, and they still win 3-2. Action packed, very well done.

[Psychotic]

Yesterday shows that if Martin Skrtel plays against Dortmund, Bubba is going to be made to look really silly with his 13-0 prediction. It'll be 25-0.

[Formalhaut]

The Southampton-Liverpool game was amazing. 0-2 behind, and they still win 3-2. Action packed, very well done.

I agree. Not often you see such fantastic turnarounds in a match.

[Aerith's Knight]

The Southampton-Liverpool game was amazing. 0-2 behind, and they still win 3-2. Action packed, very well done.

I agree. Not often you see such fantastic turnarounds in a match.

I'm actually glad that the penalty was a miss. Winning this way is much more rewarding, and without grumbling on the other side. It also shows how much the suspended red card was worth, two goals from Mane.

[DK]

We need to use some of our limitless funding to find a way to get Vinnie a calf transplant, we are an utter steaming pile without him. Calf Transplant and some kind of immortality as well please.

But yeah not looking forward to PSG, half the first team's legs have exploded. Ibra is going to score more that Dortmund against Liverpool. Midfield is full of tanks as well. Not excited at all.

[charliepanayi]

RIP Johan Cruyff :(

[Bubba]

Very sad news :(

[charliepanayi]

I find it funny that they've stripped Adam Johnson of all his England caps, as if anyone cares about how many England caps he has!

[Psychotic]

What will they do if he wins his appeal? I mean, I'd be surprised if he did but I just like the idea of them awkwardly handing him a box of caps back.

[Old Manus]

Do they still give out a cap for every game? I thought it was just one on debut these days. Also RIP HJ Cruyff, now all Aerith's Knight is left with is, er, Edgar Davids.

[Psychotic]

Don't forget the man his parents named him after, Dennis Bergkamp.

[Aerith's Knight]

Cruijff was a good footballer, great innovator in his time, the origin of total football, what everyone uses now. He was not, I believe, the best footballer to grace the world. Many players these days would give him a run for his money. In his time however, perhaps he was.


Do they still give out a cap for every game? I thought it was just one on debut these days. Also RIP HJ Cruyff, now all Aerith's Knight is left with is, er, Edgar Davids.

All that comes to mind with that name is a missed shot on an empty goal, high over.


Don't forget the man his parents named him after, Dennis Bergkamp.

That's hard to do, since I was born in 88', and he didn't get anywhere until the 90's. Great player though. And here I thought you would bring out your favorite boy, Kuyt.

edit: Bloody hell. If Cruijff was still alive, he'd die from shame at watching this game.

[Loony BoB]

I find it funny that they've stripped Adam Johnson of all his England caps, as if anyone cares about how many England caps he has!
I just find it bizarre that they think they can do that. I mean, it's just a huge case of denial. It's like saying "Germany has stripped Adolf Hitler of all links to Germany. They have disowned him. He was never German."

I mean, he played the games, guys. You can't take that back.

[Formalhaut]

if everyone thinks he didn't play for England, then it must be true, right?

[Aerith's Knight]

You just gotta believe.

[Psychotic]

And so the hypening begins.

Of course, in the real tournament that blubbery fuck with the turning circle of an oil tanker will start every game no matter what. He will huff and puff and slow down the fast pressing game we exhibited tonight and the same old shit will happen.

It's just a shame because England have finally got rid of Gerrard and Lampard and we are so much better. The thing with those two and Rooney is that their style of play works wonders in the Premier League and against the Andorras of the world, but they're far too slow and selfish to do well against top international sides.

The line up and really different play style tonight took guts so who knows. Credit where it's due, good work Roy.

[Old Manus]

ENGLAND CONFIRMED AS WORLD CHAMPS

THE NEW GOLDEN GENERATION COMES OF AGE

HARRY KANE THE NEW ALAN SHEARER

DELE ALLI THE NEW PAUL GASCOIGNE

CHRIS SMALLING THE NEW TONY ADAMS

REST OF EUROPE ARE YOU EVEN TRYING?????

[Crop]

Well I'm glad to see an enjoyable game. I actually dropped 20 sheets to go to the Wales game yesterday, which was so boring it caused me to contemplate my own mortality.

I know the joke is "oh lol. England hype" but you know what, fuck it, I'm hyped and I'm going to continue to be hyped, because we only get two major tournaments every 4 years and it's fun. Really looking forward to the tournament, especially with Wales in the group too.

[Old Manus]

Well I'm glad to see an enjoyable game. I actually dropped 20 sheets to go to the Wales game yesterday, which was so boring it caused me to contemplate my own mortality.May God have mercy on your soul. I was at the SWALEC pre-season training for the true sport of kings and a few of the gents decided to go to the game instead. They assure me I missed nothing.

[Psychotic]

Who are you two fellas supporting in The Big One anyway? I need to know who to aim my bantz cannons at.

[Aerith's Knight]

The game against the Netherlands is going to be a slaughter. God, I wish I could not see it, but I know I will.

[Bubba]

Missed all the action as I was gigging last night. Just watched the highlights and yeah... WORLD BEATERS.

We might have half a chance at the Euros. Psy, please don't change my name to Jordan Henderson again.

[Psychotic]

That was entirely the fault of Old Manus. Big Andy - who, let us not forget, scored in the last Euros - must never be insulted or besmirched.

[Old Manus]

Liking the tasty chat about Rooney starting this summer. I think fans are looking at him after last night and being reminded of 10 years of boring dross from successive England teams made up of uninterested club players. That's not to say that New England will be any different, but at least they're something new. I think he'll probably be in at least one starting XI anyway, but who's to say he won't finally actually be good at a tournament now that he'll be playing with a midfield that doesn't include Milner, Barry and Lampard?

[Psychotic]

Me. I say it.

Also don't kid yourself, Milner's on the plane. Which is fine, in a squad with limited numbers having a player who can feasibly play in 4 or 5 positions is good. Just as long as he's not #1 choice for any of them, which fingers crossed he won't be but who knows with Roy. To be honest though, quite why we need both him and Henderson (the "we" can be either Liverpool or England) when they are the exact same player I don't know.

[Crop]

Who are you two fellas supporting in The Big One anyway? I need to know who to aim my bantz cannons at.

I only live here. England all the way.

Only downside is I don't think I'll be able to get over the border for the game. Don't think I'll risk going out and getting a pint of Brains smashed over my head, I'll watch it indoors.

[Old Manus]

CYMRU AM BYTH (unless Wales are already out then I will be a die hard Brit supporting the home nations)

[Aerith's Knight]

Bloody Brits. Get out of our country, go get your own weed from now on! Ya cheeky slags. :irked:

[Bubba]

Holland have edged the game, to be honest. It was a lovely move for the goal though.

Jamie Vardy to play Jamie Vardy in the new Jamie Vardy movie.

[Aerith's Knight]

Well, that was a lame way to tie.

[Bubba]

Well, that was a lame way to tie.

...and to take the lead. Clear foul not given.

[Aerith's Knight]

Well, that was a lame way to tie.

...and to take the lead. Clear foul not given.

Eh, don't agree. Foot on the ball, shove from the side, the BPL has a lot worse. No extended arm and ball contact, clear to me.

But still, a defender smacking the ball, lame penalty. 1-1 should've been the final score.

[Old Manus]

They wouldn't have conceded the goal if they hadn't had stood around like statues with their arms in the air waiting for the whistle to blow.

[Old Manus]

EURO FLOPS

VARDY AND FRIENDS FOLD AT WEMBLEY AS ROY RECALLS ROO FOR FRANCE

[Aerith's Knight]

They wouldn't have conceded the goal if they hadn't had stood around like statues with their arms in the air waiting for the whistle to blow.

First rule of any sports: Don't expect the referee to catch anything. Seen this happen too many time with off-side calls.

[Psychotic]

EURO FLOPS

VARDY AND FRIENDS FOLD AT WEMBLEY AS ROY RECALLS ROO FOR FRANCEForget Rooney, we're playing Wales. I fancy another leek-smeared scalp for Andy "Swanslayer" Carroll. Do it, Roy. You know it makes sense.

[Bubba]

Come on Bournemouth!

[Psychotic]

Come on Eileen!

[Bubba]

Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-LOO-RA RAY HOUGHTON!!!!

[Psychotic]

Come on Bournemouth!Not your finest work.

[Bubba]

Come on Bournemouth!Not your finest work.

Indeed... and definitely not theirs.

[Formalhaut]

With Leicester's fourth successive 1 - 0 victory over Southampton, they increase their lead over Tottenham to 7 points. Things are getting exciting!

[Psychotic]

Doesn't that make it less exciting?

[Formalhaut]

There's still every chance Tottenham or another team could still win the title (which would make me hate them forever).

My heart is in my mouth every weekend.

[Aerith's Knight]

Southampton really gave their all though. Great match to watch.

edit: Hmm, I'm getting a feeling of partiality on the ref of the Man. U - Everton game.

[Bubba]

Hmm, I'm getting a feeling of partiality on the ref of the Man. U - Everton game.

in what way?

[Aerith's Knight]

Hmm, I'm getting a feeling of partiality on the ref of the Man. U - Everton game.

in what way?

Nah, it let up after the first 20 min.

Still, whoever is taking care of the grass on Old trafford should be fired. It's like advanced slip n' slide instead of football.

[Bubba]

Hmm, I'm getting a feeling of partiality on the ref of the Man. U - Everton game.

in what way?

Nah, it let up after the first 20 min.

It didn't let up because it didn't exist. You don't like LVG, let it go, man.

It was a horrible game. I don't care though. All I want is three points from any game these days. Maybe next season my club will be recognisable.

[Psychotic]

Maybe next season my club will be recognisable.http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/3F08/production/_89063161_stones_martial1_afp.jpg

Red shirt, white shorts, black socks and a sense of pure unbridled evil? Nope, I definitely still recognise Manchester United. Everton on the other hand doing a Chelsea impression for reasons known only to themselves.

[Aerith's Knight]

Hmm, I'm getting a feeling of partiality on the ref of the Man. U - Everton game.

in what way?

Nah, it let up after the first 20 min.

It didn't let up because it didn't exist. You don't like LVG, let it go, man.

It was a horrible game. I don't care though. All I want is three points from any game these days. Maybe next season my club will be recognisable.

Dude, what is your problem? The ref seemed biased in favor of Everton. And why would I dislike van Gaal? The man got us 3rd place in the world cup.

I thought the game was alright, enough action and good defensive actions on both sides.

[Bubba]

Hmm, I'm getting a feeling of partiality on the ref of the Man. U - Everton game.

in what way?

Nah, it let up after the first 20 min.

It didn't let up because it didn't exist. You don't like LVG, let it go, man.

It was a horrible game. I don't care though. All I want is three points from any game these days. Maybe next season my club will be recognisable.

Dude, what is your problem? The ref seemed biased in favor of Everton. And why would I dislike van Gaal? The man got us 3rd place in the world cup.

I thought the game was alright, enough action and good defensive actions on both sides.

My apologies, man. I was in a terrible mood yesterday and clearly misread what you've posted. Sorry.

[Psychotic]

No don't make up I want to see Danny vs Denny.

[Old Manus]

I'm not even mad about losing to the West Indies. The coolest sports team in the world.

[Loony BoB]

Gutted about losing to England, personally.

[Old Manus]

It'll be interesting to see what happens to NZ cricket in the next few years. They've lost the talisman in Brendon McCullum, and the squad in general is aging a bit. Bowling wise they'll be OK for a while but both wicket keepers are in their 30s and so are a lot of their batsmen. They've been in the sun for the last 5 years but don't have any trophies to show for it.

[Aerith's Knight]

My apologies, man. I was in a terrible mood yesterday and clearly misread what you've posted. Sorry.

Fair enough mate, no hard feelings.

Also, no hard feelings either, Paul. I'm sure you're just upset about liverpool being terrible.

Understandable.

[Psychotic]

Well I mean I'm not gonna argue with it being terrible but that's hardly breaking news.

[Aerith's Knight]

Breaks Klopp's heart every week.

[Psychotic]

He'll get a lot of money in the Summer I'm sure. I don't mind either way, Klopp is my favourite.

[charliepanayi]

Fernando - doh!

[Psychotic]

Hey Football Thread! You know how I said Luis Suarez was great and y'all said he wasn't and now he's probably the best player in the world?

lol

[Bubba]

He can play a bit. He's still a knob though.

[Psychotic]

Well yeah.

[Loony BoB]

I'm not sure if anyone has doubted his footballing ability. His footballing ability is great (although I wouldn't say he's Messi/Ronaldo level, but I think that goes without saying). He, the person, Suarez, is not great despite this because he's a knob.

[Psychotic]

I would say he has now surpassed Messi and Ronaldo now actually. Neither is as good as perhaps they were a couple of years ago - though obviously he's not better than either was than when they were at their peak. For the past year or so though? Absolutely. This season Suarez has 45 goals and 18 assists in 45 games, and neither of the old big two has matched either figure.

The times they are a-changin'.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, I'm talking career more than year. Although I'll point out that while he does have 45 in 45 this year, Ronaldo has 42 in 40, so even when we talk of them being past their best, Ronaldo still manages to narrowly outperform him on goal to game ratio (and Messi isn't far off). The difference in games is mostly because of Real Madrid getting thrown out of the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player.

I think Suarez is "at their level" this year, but it's arguable whether or not he has actually surpassed them.

Still, all three of them are 29+, so we'll be seeing them decline in the next few years, probably... I wonder who will be the next person to win their first Ballon d'Or?

[Bubba]

Suarez isn't fit to bite Ronaldo's boots.

[Psychotic]

Neymar or Lewandowski is my guess.

[Bubba]

Memphis Depahahahahaha!! I was laughing writing it!

[Psychotic]

I thought your pick was Jordon "model for the new England kit for no apparent reason" Ibe.

[Aerith's Knight]

Memphis Depahahahahaha!! I was laughing writing it!

I laughed at your mind generating that name.

[Psychotic]

Great football and great atmosphere. The Europa League has been a highlight of my evenings this year. Glad that we have a manger who gives a shit, although the two huge ties we've drawn probably contributed too.

[Aerith's Knight]

Knowing Klopp, he would give two! Fresh from the market.

[Bubba]

Glad that we have a manger who gives a trout

67852

[Rocket Edge]

Still, all three of them are 29+, so we'll be seeing them decline in the next few years, probably... I wonder who will be the next person to win their first Ballon d'Or?
I honestly think it should be given to Suarez. Ronny & Messi have 7 between them, and although I agree that Suarez isn't exactly better than them, he certainly isn't worse. Give it to someone new.

This whole player of the year thing isn't all that accurate anyway unless you are clearly a cut above the past few years (like Messi). If say Aguero, Lewandowski and some others was playing up front for Barca I'm confident they would get just as good figures because ability-wise they are outstanding.

[Psychotic]

To be fair, Suarez managed 31 in 33 in a Liverpool side which featured the likes of Iago Aspas and Aly Cissokho.

[Psychotic]

BIG ANDY!!!

I mean that's not Swansea but close enough.

[Formalhaut]

Good result by Swansea to get make them more secure. Bournemouth did well against Villa, also. It's pretty much all but over for Aston Villa, really. All they're missing is a big fat 'R' replacing 20th.

I must not have looked at a table (or at least the lower half) for awhile, because I was mildly surprised that Bournemouth are 11th, which is a pretty fantastic place for them to be in.

[Old Manus]

Could based Gylfi carry the Swans any harder

[Formalhaut]

If Tottenham draw or lose against Manchester United, they have a slight mountain to climb to catch Leicester. An outright loss keeps the deficit at 10 whole points.

[Bubba]

Well trout

[Formalhaut]

Looks like the floodgates are opening now. Is this the first time Man. U has lost against Tottenham for a long time?

[Bubba]

Looks like the floodgates are opening now. Is this the first time Man. U has lost against Tottenham for a long time?

At White Hart Lane yes. They've stuffed us at Old Trafford.

[Psychotic]

Lads, it's Man United.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/20/roy-keane-ferguson-manchester-united

[DK]

Spuds can piss right off, I hope they lose all their remaining games by 20 goals and get relegated next season, dire team of filth. Awful fans as well (fwankwy)

[Bubba]

What a cracking cup tie. West Ham took to long to turn up in the second half. Cracking goal from Rashford and De Gea isn't human.

So if you had a spare seat for a striker on the plane to the Euros... would you take Rashford or Carroll?

[Psychotic]

Mate as far as I'm concerned Carroll is ahead of Harry Kane, let alone Marcus Rashford. Messi? Ronaldo? Pele? Jog on the lot of you. Big Andy is a colossus.

[Bubba]

Actually, I agree with you completely. Although it must be said, there are technically two definitions of a colossus

- A statue that is much bigger than life size
- A person or thing of enormous size, importance or ability

I think it's fair to say that the first description fits him perfectly.

[Crop]

I'm sure yesterday the chap who's moved in next door found out I was a Man Utd fan...in a very loud way.

Tonight I found out in an even louder way that he's a Liverpool fan.

[Aerith's Knight]

I think everyone is a Liverpool fan tonight.

[charliepanayi]

Dortmund really Arsenal'd that one up.

[Psychotic]

What a game. What a night. What an atmosphere. I feel smurfing sick, it's beautiful. I love football so much.
Liverpool to lose 13-0 on aggregate to Dortmund in the next round.
And you? Get to smurf. :aimkiss:

[Bubba]

Well spin my nipple nuts and send me to Alaska.

That's fucking incredible. You guys deserve to win this competition after that. Good luck to you!

[Rocket Edge]

I was going nuts. It was insane! It reminded me so much of those great Liverpool CL performances from yesteryear. I always like to see the PL clubs do well in Europe because it shows that the PL is a strong league. Amazing scenes.

[Formalhaut]

That was a pretty incredible comeback, have to admit.

[The Captain]

Jurgen Klopp will never have to buy a beer in Liverpool again. Though, I doubt he would have anyway. The man is a treasure.

All of the cracks in the team, and there are a bunch, were for one crazy, glorious, frustrating, heart-racing night forgotten as this team played their absolute guts out. My biggest fear now is that a letdown will set in and we won't go all the way but I have faith in Klopp that is becoming nearly fanatical.


I was watching this match at a sleepy pub in New York and the few people around were barely paying attention but as the game picked up, around the 65th minute, the place filled up and the buzz started to build. By Sakho's goal everyone was jumping up and down. By the time Milner made that cross to Lovren, the entire bar was converted. We all agreed to meet here again in a few weeks for the semi-finals. Long live football.

Also, I want to echo what has been said a lot, fair play to Dortmund. They are a truly great club, especially offensively and I will root for them against literally anyone else they play going forward. Their fans were wonderful, the atmosphere was dizzying and Anfield felt like it always should on these European nights again.

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

ANDY WHY

[Formalhaut]

Well, West Ham is now on my 'hate' list.

Grrr, just let Leicester win damn it!

[Aerith's Knight]

Liverpool does realize this isn't handball right?

[Psychotic]

I've just realised that Jamie Vardy is the chav Luis Suarez.

He's a nasty racist piece of shit but he's my nasty racist piece of shit, you know?

[Formalhaut]

Damn it Tottenham! :argh:

I so really want them to win the league. I've never been so interested in the league than I have this year.

[Loony BoB]

I've just realised that Jamie Vardy is the chav Luis Suarez.

He's a nasty racist piece of trout but he's my nasty racist piece of trout, you know?
What'd he do? :o

[Psychotic]

Got sent off for diving (second yellow) and screamed in the ref's face that he was a fucking :bou::bou::bou::bou:. Unless you mean the racism thing, he racially abused a gentleman in a casino at the start of the season and I believe you can find video of it.

[Loony BoB]

Oh, wow. I guess someone had to take up the John Terry mantle... Vardy for England Captain 2017?

[Psychotic]

Speaking of John Terry replacements, £40m for John Stones? ahahahahahahahahaha £4m would be a rip off.

4-0 as a score flatters Everton by some margin. It's been brutal.

[Aerith's Knight]

I suppose all fans in this thread are happy with the games tonight. Well, except for Manus. But nothing short of Swansea mysteriously swallowing all the good players from Bayern and Barcelona will save that wreck.

[Old Manus]

Pretty much safe now, so let's get this Vincent Tan 2.0 takeover over and done with and start work on plugging the ginormous holes in the squad (and club). A season to forget. Not a single game since the first few weeks where I can say we looked like a class side.

[The Captain]

With the injuries piling up, now is the time to see if Danny Sturridge can actually stay fit for a run of games until the end of the year. When he plays, he scores, but man, his injury history has been brutal.

Also,

I thoroughly enjoyed this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujVNijLlQGM


Seriously, can I write Klopp in for our next President?

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Only Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have more assists than James Milner in 2016. Beautiful.

[Rocket Edge]

John Stones is completely overrated as is Ross Barkley. Liverpool are attacking in packs going forward under Klopp to great effect. When I look at that compared to the rigid system of LVG's it makes me sad.

[Aerith's Knight]

I dunno, I find Man. U.'s matched to be chokfull of good passes, nice plays, just not a lot of finishers.

Liverpool's matches are a lot more chaotic, but it is of course fun to see 4-3, 5-4 matches etc, instead of 1-0, 2-0.

[Aerith's Knight]

I reiterate my point. What a match, just wonderful. Great plays on both Everton and United's side, not 3 minutes without a shot. But that last goal, that cheer, wonderful.

Makes you think that Rashford really was what Manchester needed. Someone to take the heat from Martial, so they both can be the artists they are. Fellaini playing good as well, better than I could've hoped for.

[charliepanayi]

Good old Everton, the only team more flaky when the chips are down than we are.

[Crop]

Had a few mates over for the game. What a game. What a save. What a last minute finish! Most enjoyable game of the season for me. Can't remember the last time I shouted so loud.

We're going to Wembley!...again.

[Psychotic]

I kind of hope it's enough to keep LvG in a job. Not in a snide "heh he's bad hope man u suck :smug:" kind of a way - he's on course to finish above Liverpool every season he's been there! - but because I find him to be entertaining. He's a funny guy and I like having him in the Premier League.

[Aerith's Knight]

I honestly don't care about managers. I care about the game, about the players, and about good football. If losing a manager causes a team to screw up for months, then I'd rather not see it. Not every manager replacement is like Klopp, and see how well Sunderland has been doing after the switch. Not to mention Chelsea isn't doing much better either.

[Loony BoB]

Honestly really feel that Rooney in the midfield is where he belongs now, and also that Martial/Rashford/Lingard are the future primary trio of Manchester United attacking talent - assuming we can keep them. When they play, you notice the difference a lot. There are other good players but those three have changed the season entirely.

Trying to remember the last batch of youngsters that came through to such notable effect... I mean we've seen long-stay players like O'Shea, Brown, Fletcher and co but if the young kids coming through right now really do stick with it, I'd be impressed.

[Psychotic]

Chelsea had the longest unbeaten run in the league thanks to Hiddink xD

Also I agree with two thirds of that trio. Martial and Rashford have shown glimpses of real talent that'll set them well over the coming years. Lingard, however, is simply not good enough for a club with the ambitions of Manchester United. Given his late breakthrough people don't realise he is, in football terms, significantly older than the other two and is the same age as the likes of Pogba, Coutinho and Isco.

[Loony BoB]

I don't care so much about his age compared to the other two as I do about his potential and play style. He's like Fletcher, a bit of a late bloomer, but damn has he made a difference in the games he plays in far more often than not. All three of them are capable of running at players and getting past them, and of scoring goals. Sure, Lingard may not be as much a #9 as the other two, but he's still an immense talent in the team coming through at the same time.

Also, not claiming he'll be amongst the people clamouring for player of the year awards a la those you mentioned, but more claiming he is among a trio of players who have made a notable difference, all in the same way, to our team's style of play.

[Psychotic]

The new Ashley Young, perhaps? Not a criticism, the man is a Premier League title winner.

[Loony BoB]

Yeah, maybe! Hopefully with less diving and more titles. Lingard's current goal to game ratio is a lot better than Ashley's, mind you, even without taking part in free kicks.

EDIT: Scratch that, it's similar to how Young's goal to game ratio used to be... before he joined United. xD

[Fox]

Serious question folks.

what the hell is going on in the Premier League?

Tell you what, as I United fan I have never wanted United to lose before, but I hope we gets our butts kicked next match.

[Crop]

I absolutely want to win the next game, and I think we can. Our home form has been great and with Arsenal and City still to play each other, we're in genuine contention for 4th place.

I want Leicester to win the league as much as the next football fan, but not at the expense of my team! Besides, they pretty much have the league sewn up now anyway.

[Fox]

I absolutely want to win the next game, and I think we can. Our home form has been great and with Arsenal and City still to play each other, we're in genuine contention for 4th place.

I want Leicester to win the league as much as the next football fan, but not at the expense of my team! Besides, they pretty much have the league sewn up now anyway.

Of course if my maths doesn't fail me... if Spurs were to lose any of their remaining games, that's it regardless of what Leicester do. It's always nice for a team to win the title with a win though.

[Psychotic]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.Never stop quoting this post.

[Old Manus]

I Leicester win the league, I will actually go out and buy a Liverpool shirt with 'Allen' printed on the back, frame it, hang it on my wall, take a picture, and make it both my EoFF avatar and signature. Then eat my hat.Never stop quoting this post.There is still time. I still believe.

[Loony BoB]

Serious question folks.

what the hell is going on in the Premier League?

Tell you what, as I United fan I have never wanted United to lose before, but I hope we gets our butts kicked next match.
...why? If you're a United fan, why?

If United win all their remaining games, it's quite likely they will get a top four spot because Arsenal and City have to play each other and we're two points behind both of them. If they draw it'll be trickier, but we're playing pretty good football lately (shocking, I know!).

Meanwhile Leicester only need, what, one win from three games to win the league? Let them get it against Everton or Chelsea, not us. Tottenham could easily drop points against Chelsea or Southampton, too, and their last match against Newcastle is a potential slip up considering the Magpies are fighting relegation (it's possible that fight will last until the final round).

Essentially there's no reason to want United to lose when Leicester will almost certainly win the league even if they do lose to United.

I'd much prefer us to be playing in the CL next season alongside Leicester.

Personally I really hope they lose to us and beat Everton. I always feel it's much more special to win the PL in a home game rather than an away one anyway.

[charliepanayi]

Serious question folks.

what the hell is going on in the Premier League?

Tell you what, as I United fan I have never wanted United to lose before, but I hope we gets our butts kicked next match.
...why? If you're a United fan, why?

If United win all their remaining games, it's quite likely they will get a top four spot because Arsenal and City have to play each other and we're two points behind both of them. If they draw it'll be trickier, but we're playing pretty good football lately (shocking, I know!).

Meanwhile Leicester only need, what, one win from three games to win the league? Let them get it against Everton or Chelsea, not us. Tottenham could easily drop points against Chelsea or Southampton, too, and their last match against Newcastle is a potential slip up considering the Magpies are fighting relegation (it's possible that fight will last until the final round).

Essentially there's no reason to want United to lose when Leicester will almost certainly win the league even if they do lose to United.

I'd much prefer us to be playing in the CL next season alongside Leicester.

Personally I really hope they lose to us and beat Everton. I always feel it's much more special to win the PL in a home game rather than an away one anyway.

Nah, I think Arsenal fans would say it was far more fun when we won it at Anfield/Old Trafford/White Hart Lane. Anyway, hopefully Leicester wrap it up now, so I can merely forget this season rather than endure the living hell of Spurs winning the title.

Also worth noting the Hillsborough inquest verdict today, which lays bare the full culpability of the police and the authorities.

[Loony BoB]

I dunno, I think when United won the league away we had to wait until the home game to be presented and that annoyed me. I like it when the league is won and trophy presented on the same day.

[charliepanayi]

This is well worth a read. The police, government (who never tried to disguise their contempt for football fans), footballing authorities and media all conspired to try and hide the truth of what happened at Hillsborough. And sadly now, 27 years on, many of the people responsible are dead or too old and infirm to face justice.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/26/hillsborough-disaster-deadly-mistakes-and-lies-that-lasted-decades?CMP=share_btn_tw

[Psychotic]

It's awful. You think this kind of multi agency cover up is the stuff of movies or the product of derranged tin foil hat wearers. The poor families have been through hell.

[The Captain]

To this day I still cannot fathom how long it has taken for justice to be done. May those who perished rest in peace and may the families feel the vindication they so surely deserve. Also, may the S!N "newspaper" finally set for good.

Random question:

Let's say Man City win The Champions League and Liverpool win Europa but Man Utd and Arsenal finish in the Top 4. Who gets left out of the Champions League next year? Surely England doesn't get 6 teams?!

Take care all. YNWA.

[Psychotic]

Nope, England would get 5 teams. The top 3, Man City and Liverpool would qualify in that situation.

[The Captain]

I gotcha. Would be a bitter pill for whomever finished 4th!

[Psychotic]

This is well worth a read. The police, government (who never tried to disguise their contempt for football fans), footballing authorities and media all conspired to try and hide the truth of what happened at Hillsborough. And sadly now, 27 years on, many of the people responsible are dead or too old and infirm to face justice.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/26/hillsborough-disaster-deadly-mistakes-and-lies-that-lasted-decades?CMP=share_btn_twFinally read this. I feel sick. Like, you can totally take the football element away from this, this is just plain fucking wrong. The police incompetency leading to so many deaths is one thing, but then to smear the families and friends of those who died as being responsible and consistently lying about it is a terrible abuse of power. A good article, the only thing missing (and I guess not entirely relevant to today's verdict but y'know) is the fucking Sun's role in it too, the collusion and printing what they knew to be bullshit in an attempt to sell papers.

Bringing it back onto football, this: http://imgur.com/a/Fj7Dv is such a nice album showing the support all across Europe. Football fans proving themselves to be the very opposite of how the lies from those in power tried to portray them.

[charliepanayi]

Re: The Sun, there's this article. The thought that so many idiots still read that awful excuse for a newspaper is a depressing one indeed.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/26/how-the-suns-truth-about-hillsborough-unravelled

[Rocket Edge]

Read this yesterday which I though was very sad - The 97th Hillsborough victim. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-97th-hillsborough-victim-fan-sold-ticket-to-friend-who-died-in-disaster-8142470.html)


I don't care so much about his age compared to the other two as I do about his potential and play style. He's like Fletcher, a bit of a late bloomer, but damn has he made a difference in the games he plays in far more often than not. All three of them are capable of running at players and getting past them, and of scoring goals. Sure, Lingard may not be as much a #9 as the other two, but he's still an immense talent in the team coming through at the same time.

Also, not claiming he'll be amongst the people clamouring for player of the year awards a la those you mentioned, but more claiming he is among a trio of players who have made a notable difference, all in the same way, to our team's style of play.
100%

Good shout with Fletch. His physique is the similar cause of why he's been a relatively late bloomer. He should have been given a chance earlier in his career but through negligence just wasn't, same sort of situation with Pereira right now. Lingard has been hugely underrated for us IMO. He makes so much things happen and drags defenses with his runs. I can guarantee that next season under a new manager we'll see more of him, where players aren't so isolated up front as we see under LVG. It's why we find it hard to score tap-ins or easy goals. Excited to think what potential that leaves Martial + Rashford with.

What signings do you think Man United need next season?

[Aerith's Knight]

They need mid-fielders. Rooney is a good choice, and works very well as a center-forward, but you need builders. You need people to move it forward. Too often I see them play it back to Blind to make that long pass towards Martial or Lingard. That shouldn't be the job of a defender. It leaves them out of position when there's a counter, which we've seen very often.

Maybe a good extra right wing defender would be good. Sometimes de Gea is all what keeps the count down. Then again, that's what you pay for with a keeper of that quality.

[Loony BoB]

Good shout with Fletch. His physique is the similar cause of why he's been a relatively late bloomer. He should have been given a chance earlier in his career but through negligence just wasn't, same sort of situation with Pereira right now. Lingard has been hugely underrated for us IMO. He makes so much things happen and drags defenses with his runs. I can guarantee that next season under a new manager we'll see more of him, where players aren't so isolated up front as we see under LVG. It's why we find it hard to score tap-ins or easy goals. Excited to think what potential that leaves Martial + Rashford with.

What signings do you think Man United need next season?
I'm not so certain that under a new manager we'll see more of him - LVG has actually played him a lot when he has been available. Januzaj got good playtime from Moyes and then got written off by LVG early on, the same thing could happen to Lingard.

Honestly, I'm not sure what signings we need. Our defence has been solid this season, our strikers are blooming, I suppose we could do better in midfield but I'm really not keen on the whole "buy the big bucks player" unless that player is really what we need. If Rooney is content to move into midfield permanently I think the entire team will benefit immensely. If we stick with 4-3-3 as we have been playing, you're looking at the set of...

Martial - Rashford - Lingard
Backup: Depay, Mata, Herrera, Rooney, Young, Wilson
Rooney - Carrick - Fellaini
Backup: Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Pereira, Mata
Shaw - Blind - Smalling - Darmian
Backup: Fosu-Mensah, Young, Jones, Rojo, Valencia, Varela, Borthwick-Jackson, McNair
De Gea
Backup: Romero, Johnstone, Pereira

This is not a bad side at all. If anything, perhaps bring in another central midfielder, potentially a true defensive one although I still don't really like those, preferring Vidal-style box-to-box instead... but there aren't so many of them these days. Potentially another some backup for the defence, but really, with the youth we have shining lately, why not keep the trust?

I genuinely do feel we'll improve if we stick with the current side - it is merely a case of which manager we'll have, and if we can keep all our best players. I'm more worried about who will leave the club rather than who will stay. If LVG stays, and sticks with the new pace-based system we've seen in recent games, we will be a force to be reckoned with next year and I would prefer that is the situation we come into. However, if LVG reverts to his old boring style he used for much of the season, we'll go backwards. If Mourinho is hired, I just don't think he suits our club as he doesn't support growing players, he's more of a short-term solution and we need to think long term. Also, I feel hiring someone who was a failure in his own right and has basically imploded is not always the best thing to do! Yes, he is a serious contender, but no, I don't think he's the instant solution many believe he is. I also don't trust him to play youth, I don't trust him to mess around with the side to a notable degree, all these things make me prefer LVG staying over hiring Mourinho.

However, I'm not against a change of manager so much as I am wanting us to take note that we have really improved late this year and if we continue on this path we will be serious contenders next season.

I think if LVG goes, it will be for failures at the start of the season, not recent ones, and if that is the case then I question it being the right one.

[Rocket Edge]

Agree with you both on Rooney. Still has so much to offer just was out of form and confidence at the start of the season. Central role could suit him to a tee.


I'm not so certain that under a new manager we'll see more of him - LVG has actually played him a lot when he has been available. Januzaj got good playtime from Moyes and then got written off by LVG early on, the same thing could happen to Lingard.
Good point. I think Lingard has done more this season and been more consistent than Januzaj did however.


Honestly, I'm not sure what signings we need. Our defence has been solid this season, our strikers are blooming, I suppose we could do better in midfield but I'm really not keen on the whole "buy the big bucks player" unless that player is really what we need. If Rooney is content to move into midfield permanently I think the entire team will benefit immensely. If we stick with 4-3-3 as we have been playing, you're looking at the set of...
4-3-3 should have implemented long ago. Playing against Norwich & Southampton at home with two defensive midfielders brought major WTH moments but it looks like the manager understands that we do more with bodies up there. Better late then never I suppose.



This is not a bad side at all. If anything, perhaps bring in another central midfielder, potentially a true defensive one although I still don't really like those, preferring Vidal-style box-to-box instead... but there aren't so many of them these days. Potentially another some backup for the defence, but really, with the youth we have shining lately, why not keep the trust?

I asked what some of you thought before giving my views because I thought we don't need much change at all. Blind has been under-appreciated at CB, so I'd be fine with him at the back with Smalling. Shaw coming back is huge, and Fosu-Mensah over Darmian at RB who I'm really high on. It's been the best part of the season seeing so much youth proving themselves. I'd love to fast-forward a few years and see what they'll develop into.

Saying that, I still wouldn't say no to a defensive midfielder. This Renato Sanchez kid who has been touted lately seems like a good punt for us. Seems to be that top box-to-box midfield prospect you said we sorely needed. And if a winger became available like Mahrez, I'd jump at it. Last season my number one pick was getting in Greizmann, but with Atletico doing so well it would be harder to prize him away. I think the pull of Mourinho and plenty of cash Atletico's could sway him though. He'd be a dream signing.


I genuinely do feel we'll improve if we stick with the current side - it is merely a case of which manager we'll have, and if we can keep all our best players. I'm more worried about who will leave the club rather than who will stay. If LVG stays, and sticks with the new pace-based system we've seen in recent games, we will be a force to be reckoned with next year and I would prefer that is the situation we come into. However, if LVG reverts to his old boring style he used for much of the season, we'll go backwards. If Mourinho is hired, I just don't think he suits our club as he doesn't support growing players, he's more of a short-term solution and we need to think long term. Also, I feel hiring someone who was a failure in his own right and has basically imploded is not always the best thing to do! Yes, he is a serious contender, but no, I don't think he's the instant solution many believe he is. I also don't trust him to play youth, I don't trust him to mess around with the side to a notable degree, all these things make me prefer LVG staying over hiring Mourinho.
There's myths about Mourinho. I think everyone knows Man United has been his dream job. I think he'd settle at United for years if he had his way. The youth thing is worrying, although even this season he was ready to drop Terry and start Zouma. I remember looking at the City game at Lingard when he was playing number 10, and how quick he was to go from defence to attack, and then back to defence with his pace. Straight away I was thinking Mourinho would love that.

Another myth is that he only plays defensively which I is rubbish. I can't remember off-hand but I seen a statistic for goals scored by his teams he managed and he was almost always #1 in the league. Yeah he parks the bus against some of the bigger teams, but I don't care. His track record doing this has been brilliant. I think he's exactly what we need.

As for LVG, he's a nice man and I've no ill feelings towards him. However, but he doesn't know how to build a unit to attack. Everyone is simply too isolated, and as well as that we lead a high line just like Arsenal that good attacking players can easily find holes in on a counter-attack. That's why Arsenal even with terrific players and a top CB in Koscielny will never win the league until they change manager again IMO.

I'd be disappointed if he's there next season to be honest.