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Nuno getting sacked in the morning. To be honest, I think I'd take Steve Bruce over the rubbish that is currently being served up. Harry Kane is having to play central midfield as it's the only way he gets a touch on the ball.
Reality for Tottenham is they're not going to have any top manager running towards them any time soon, and they're not going to really do much this season, might as well stick with Nuno, he's paid up anyway.
Conte was sniffing round the manu job, another chelsea old boy should go down well with the spuds faithful. Ronald Koeman is available. Couple of old boys knocking around Scotty Parker is doing a good job on the south coast
The reality of the situation at Spuds is that they’ve a squad who downed tools for Poch (who is a truly world class manager - I wish we bloody had him!) and they’ve not picked them back up again since.
The whole team (with the exception of Son) look like a bunch of sulky teenagers who are having a massive strop because everything is just, like SOOOOOO NOT FAIR! They haven’t managed a shot on target in their last two matches.
You’ve a squad full of Ozil’s and Pogba’s. The atmosphere in the dressing room must be absolutely toxic
Gennaro Gattuso was in the running last time. He'd sort the dressing room out right quick.
I saw a few guys who looked like they still wanted to play - some good defensive work and they some tails went up when they were going forward. I think they look more lost than lazy. They had plenty of possession but no ideas if how to break down the back 6. The ball movement was too slow but there was movement off the ball. I suspect that Kane situation is definitely not going to help the atmosphere
Wonder if they have someone lined up to take over? Maybe they've done it now so they can beat Man Utd to Conte.
Not a massive shock, but still astounds me how little time they get now.
The reality of the situation at Spuds is that they’ve a squad who downed tools for Poch
The modern phenomenon of 'losing the dressing room' being an acceptable tactic is just depressing - it's just a licence for players to sulk and whine (and put in minimal effort) until the board is forced to get rid of whoever they're not getting along with.
Spurs ditching Poch was just madness.
Not a massive shock, but still astounds me how little time they get now.
Yeah you'd think Spurs must be 4th bottom or something but I guess the supporters don't like the football and I think in Nuno's case he was like 5th choice so he wasn't going to get cut any slack.
So long as they stay away from Graham Potter then I don't care who they get.
Absolute madness!
So they’re now going to phone up all the managers who said ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to them a few months ago and ask them if they’ve changed their minds?
You couldn’t make it up
I think we all know where this is headed.
It’s inevitable…
😂
they have history when it comes to dodgy dealers
brown envelopes a gogo
how about an old boy pundit ? though another ex west londoner
what's Sol Campbell upto these days ?
iirc one or two of the managerial approaches in the summer broke down because the director of football was dictating a quite detailed style of play. Which, reading between the lines, does make it sound like the "manager" is just the head coach with even less power and influence than many that successfully manage within the modern structure.
A few suitcases full of used twenties for transfers, and…
Looking like Conte. Didn't he reject an offer before based on 'personal' terms, previously?
because the director of football was dictating a quite detailed style of play.
At Spurs? So has the DoF been given the boot as well?
Which, reading between the lines, does make it sound like the “manager” is just the head coach with even less power and influence than many that successfully manage within the modern structure.
For a lot of clubs outside the "big 6" this makes the most sense. If you don't have massive amounts of money then you need a DoF to determine way of playing and a strategy for recruitment of coaches and players otherwise every time you change manager you may end up having to change the majority of your team. Not to mention all the players you have in the youth/U23s that you are trying to prepare for the first team. Maybe the money Spurs have lost through COVID, a new stadium and lack of Champions league football they are trying to be more frugal.
Dear god!This is actually making our owners look competent in comparison
I wonder if we’ll get a ball by ball commentary on each manager that knocks them back?
from the bbc comments
Emery will walk in and assess the Newcastle squad and say- 'Ooh, you are awful...but I like you!'.
Man utd looking all at sea against the men from Atlantis.
Saved by the old guy again! Could be the theme of their season.
Indeed.
We’ve clearly decided to do away with any of that defence nonsense and just try and go for Kevin Keegan football and score more. But without much pace of intent.
Clean sheets? Forget it. Not when you’re sat so high up the pitch but react so slowly that you play the opposition onside
For both goals our defenders were jogging casually back from the centre circle where they appeared to have some deck chairs set up and we’re having a G&T and admiring the view.
Pogba was a total waste of space. It’s really bad when you think Fred would have been the better option. Seems he can’t pick a pass or do anything remotely useful unless he’s got a France kit on. The sooner he’s gone, the better. I’ll drive him to the airport myself
We’re going to get absolutely tonked by Citeh on Saturday if we set up like that. It’s got the potential to be even worse than Liverpool and I’m still suffering PTSD from that
The same citeh that lost 2-0 to Palace? But yeah, the other version could tear you apart.
Looks like Newcastle are having a bit of bother finding a manager - according to BBC Sport Unai Emery is also going to turn them down as did Conte, Fonseca etc leaving Eddie Howe as the front runner…..
Looks like Newcastle are having a bit of bother finding a manager – according to BBC Sport Unai Emery is also going to turn them down as did Conte, Fonseca etc leaving Eddie Howe as the front runner…..
Wonder what the odds are for Benitez to go back to them. Sounds like the Everton supporters are starting to turn on him after a few defeats and I'd expect the Geordies would be happy to have him back. I guess he's exactly what they need right now.
I don't think ManU did that badly last night, away from home against a decent Italian team, ManU had the clearer chances, but yeah, the goals were a bit weak they gave away, first one was again down to the lack of covering, Illcic had nobody marking him, Shaw had come in so i'd guess Pogba should have been watching that and covering, second goal was just a one pass dismantling of ManU's defence and Maguire not holding the line, more worrying was that challenge he put in to try and stop Zapata, if Zapata had went down it would've been a penalty and a red card, Maguire's head isn't in it just now, he definitely needs his manager and teammates to rally round him, but i'm not seeing much camaraderie at ManU just now.
Sounds like the Everton supporters are starting to turn on him after a few defeats
Starting to turn on him? When he came to OT at the beginning of his tenure he was serenaded by the Stretford End with the traditional chorus of ‘fat Spanish Waiter’ and the away end all joined in!
Starting to turn on him?
They seemed pretty happy with things when they beat us 2-0 back in August, unfortunately I was sat next to the away end that day. Have to say along with City they are the best team I've seen at the Amex this season.
It was always going to be that after some poor results (I imagine getting spanked by Watford at home would really sting) that he was going to get pelters.
The problem with Rapha is tempering your expectations. He will get results, he has already improved the Everton side with player selection and improving individuals. He does not, however, produce the most attractive football. It was always going to be a tough go at the Toffees, where they like their results served with a healthy dose of attractive football, all within budget.
They seemed okay with the bilge Moyes served up every week, since he got results so there is hope for Rapha yet.
Man U's equaliser involved a handball did it not? Also, Ronaldo's goal celebrations are the cringiest thing ever.
This Liverpool Athletico is very enjoyable so far.
If Athletico actually played football they’d do a lot better than their usual tactics vs Liverpool, they really are a hard team to like despite some great players.
A wild stab in the dark but I'd say it's got a lot to do with their manager.
Can't argue there, when playing football they're a lovely side, but once they lose the plot they lose it in a big way and turn into stroppy teens.
I’ve always liked Atleti. I guess I saw them as the one of the teams that might break the Real-Barca hold on La Liga. And they were Torres’ team. They have a cracking home kit too. I struggle to like them under Simeone.
I’m right there with you DD
Here we go again. Defending like a pub side
It's an old saying, but the next goal is crucial i think between a fair game and stopping a hammering.
Oh dear, this hasn't been a good half for ManU!
leave it !
This is absolutely abysmal. We’re going to get another 5-0 tonking here. If they stop at 5
Can’t wait to hear Keano’s appraisal of this shambles
Think it's been shameful that Man City haven't let ManU play with the ball on their own pitch!
I doubt Citeh will have many easier games than that
Pitiful
I forgot Sancho had been brought on at half time until his name got mentioned in the last min.
Man Utd were lucky to get 0 today! Disappointed City didn't add more in the second half with their dominance. OGS looked lost and confused every time the TV cameras focused on him. What next for MUFC now Conte has been installed at Spurs - how about bringing another legend back as Brucie is at a loose end😂?
Also Ronnie sliding in on a player already on the ground... another very dodgy moment from him with a hint of nastiness.
Surely this has to be OGS’s last game. It’s a shame as he seems a lovely bloke - but clearly not management material.
I did have to laugh at his pre-match comment that they are the biggest team in Manchester, therefore the biggest in the world though. That was frankly absurd.
Surely this has to be OGS’s last game. It’s a shame as he seems a lovely bloke – but clearly not management material.
Even if you get rid of him, the next guy ends up with the same problems. 'you have to play ronnie' which means no press, which means a deeper defensive line, which means more space in the midfield which means more closing down for the holding mids, which means more space around them etc. Etc.
The only way a new manager helps is if he hits ronnie with his car in the training ground parking, causing a long term injury, giving him a ready made excuse not to have him in the side.
Then he can start to work in the other problems.
I did have to laugh at his pre-match comment that they are the biggest team in Manchester,
They're not in Manchester, they're in Trafford, Greater Manchester... 🙂
Even if you get rid of him, the next guy ends up with the same problems. ‘you have to play ronnie’ which means no press, which means a deeper defensive line, which means more space in the midfield which means more closing down for the holding mids, which means more space around them etc. Etc.
This is a very good summary of the problems caused by Utd's summer spending. They were significantly better before Ronaldo was shoehorned in. I wonder how much say OGS got in his transfer - if not, it's hard to blame him entirely, as it's wrecked their shape.
It's certainly exposed some problems in defence which are Ole's department, though.
Ole’s not about to be sacked. They’ve just given him a long contract so they’d have to pay him off millions. So he’s safe as houses. It’s not like they give a toss about what’s happening on the pitch anyway. The bank balance, however…
Who would they get in anyway? Big Sam?
Plus, as described above, it won’t change a thing at theme park Old Trafford. As long as Ronnie keeps selling those replica shirts in Singapore, everything is at one with the world
I’m sure he’ll have us fighting for that last Europa league spot come the end of the season
I hope they give Ole more time. He needs it to make the system work. Nice to see Utd not being short-termists and giving their manager the space he needs. It would be good to see him have another few seasons.
Farke sacked after expressing relief @ first win! ????? 😀
In 'what is the point of VAR?' related news, Brighton win the dodgiest penalty I've seen in a long time, on review. The video clearly shows that yes, there was a tiny amount of contact but the attacker kept running and was free of the the defender when some mysterious force acted on his right leg, which was 90% of the way through it's stride and instead of his foot going to the ground, it shot backward at 90mph causing him to fall over.
Ridiculous.
Just had a look at United’s fixtures for Nov and Dec. Watford, Chelsea and Arsenal away next - hopefully they can scrape a win as after this Dec fixtures look decent, results should be better and Ole can keep doing his thang.
Ole can keep doing his thang
Just give him time.
Farke sacked after expressing relief @ first win! ????? 😀
Interesting - think they'll go down regardless, but now level with Newcastle.
Ole can keep doing his thang
Starting McFred every game while leaving a couple of proper world class players sat on the bench?
The Sancho thing I really cant comprehend. Spend two seasons pursuing him, finally get him (for 75 million quid) then leave him warming the bench while starting players every game who’s level is probably a mid-table championship side
Him and Van De Beek must be utterly mystified as to how and why they ended up at Old Trafford. Lingard must be wondering why he’s still there.
It’s utter madness. Just typical of the clueless manner in which the club is now run. Spaffing huge sums of money in the most rudderless fashion imaginable to achieve what exactly? Answers on a postcard, because I’m ****ef if I know
Lingard and Pogba will probably leave on frees next summer. We’re the new Arsenal. A laughable attitude to players contracts while not even being anywhere near title contenders and hoping we can end up in the last champions league spot (good luck with that)
Ole looks more like a spectator than a manager at the moment.
Ole’s not about to be sacked. They’ve just given him a long contract so they’d have to pay him off millions.
The Sancho situation is an absolute mystery to me. Destroyed teams in Germany in a top side, can't get a kick in a side looking for inspiration. Weird.
My theory is that VdB and Sancho were not Ole's transfer choices and he's sulking by not playing them. Or some kind of weird internal politics of that nature.
Sancho - and others, are adversely affected by the signing of Ronaldo, and him having to play every game.
Prior to him coming a front three of Sancho, Rashford and Cavani looked tasty. Pacy, hard working, interchangeable, they could set the tone for the whole team with Martial and Lingard as back up wide players. With the formation change to 3-5-2 there’s no wide forwards and I can’t see Sancho getting a game unless it’s 4-3-3. Shows United’s scattergun approach after pursuing him for so long but on the other hand Ronaldo guarantees goals! A blessing in disguise might be for Phil Jones to nobble him in training, put him out for a couple of months.
The other issue seems to be Bruno - not sure he can hack not being the biggest fish anymore. Seems to be whinging all the time, at teammates and the ref.
Yup agree with all that. Bruno was amazing last season and has been pretty average this one. Klopp spoiling the pen-fest doesn't help either. 🙂
It's very weird to be saying someone who scores so many goals is harming the team but I really think Ronaldo is.
It's also surely not wise to base your whole team's play around a 36 year old.
Should we start a seperate Ole/Utd thread? I think the postings would justify it 😀
If Jonathan Wilson can make a living out of rewriting the same article about Ole being out of his depth then we probably can justify a dedicated STW thread.
It is a bit ghoulish but there is something fascinating about the story of the treasured player returning to manage with the spectre of the old legendary manager lurking in the background, and now the star player returning and smashing in goals but is it actually helping etc. Has a lot of good dramatic elements to it!
Thats the whole point. It's no longer really a football club. It's a soap opera.
Just look at the ongoing will he/won't he Pogba saga
Whats happening off the pitch is considerably more interesting than the woeful, shambolic displays taking place the other side of the white line, whilst clearly being the cause of it
It continues to generate acres of news coverage (albeit in a car crash sort of way) all while the club continues to generate vast sums of money for the owners despite the mid-table obscurity (at best) nature of the performances on the pitch.
Maybe there really is no such thing as bad publicity?
Man U are a 2 man team at the moment, the goalie and the goalscorer. Everyone else is a bit part player in a pantomime.
Lingard is actually a West Ham player on loan to Man U, (reckon a cut price deal for him will be done in January). I bet he can't wait to get out of there.
In fact I wonder how many other United players would rather be playing elsewhere.
They're just not doing the basics well, the 11 players aren't working as a team, and on the pitch they either can't hold their position, or are easily dragged out of shape with a couple of passes.
There's also a lot of unhappy players, who aren't hiding it and are the older ones, no leaders either, and as Keane has said, Fred in central midfield!
Sad to hear Dean Smith has got the boot at Villa. That has come as a complete shock despite their recent dip in form. I wonder if they have got someone lined up to replace him, and if not I can't think of anyone available to fill such a big job.
or are easily dragged out of shape with a couple of passes
It was schoolboy football yesterday with the defence of no discernible shape, running after the ball en Masse, being dragged from side to side by Citeh constantly switching it. Clueless!
Sad to hear Dean Smith has got the boot at Villa. That has come as a complete shock despite their recent dip in form
It’s absolutely bonkers! What exactly is expected? Champions League? A crack at the title. It’s ludicrous! You always hear ‘he’s taken them as far as they could’. Well, Who do they think is going to get them further?
Didn’t Spurs say that about Poch? Well, that’s gone well, hasn’t it?
There was a Villa fan saying they should get Simeone in. Yeah, right. He didn’t expand on what exactly would have him jumping on the next plane for his exciting new life in the midlands
Conceding after 3 minutes?
Are you us in disguise? 😂
Have just watched the Hammers put Liverpool to the sword and coupled with the current situation at United I thought that with all the money spent, if Moyes had been given more time, where could United have been now?
This last week or two has seen the fall of a few premiership managers because failure is so very expensive but if clubs were to give their managers more time makes me think they might have more success.
Doubt Moyes would have done much more, it's throughout the ManU club structure, he's where he needs to be just now, he's got good backing, a good group of players and the fans love him just now.
It was a good game today, Liverpool lost due to unusual errors for them, but again, never out of the game really, West Ham will give everyone a game this year, they have a strong core in that team, and a decent pool of players.
They play the same team every week which has got to be a good thing - top four is definitely on if they can avoid too many injuries.
That was an absolutely cracking match!
West Ham look like a genuine top 4 squad. Playing as a proper team but they’ve some real quality players. I was out with my mate who’s a Hammers fan exiled in the north the other night and he still can’t quite believe what he’s seeing.
The table doesn’t lie. They’re where their performances deserve. They look good all over the pitch. They look a damn sight more of a top for team than we do at the moment. They just deservedly beat the team that (also deservedly) absolutely trounced us 2 weeks ago
I’d bet on them winning today at 5/1 which was an added bonus (and daft odds)
Nice to see me making Salah the captain on my FF team proved the usual kiss of death 😂
They’re not in Manchester, they’re in Trafford, Greater Manchester…
Don’t tell me that, tell the manager of the team that said it.
and the fans love him just now.
Yes we do, I’ll admit, I wasn’t keen the first time round, let alone the second. But he’s done something that I haven’t seen in my lifetime.
Im loving being a West Ham fan right now. What a result today!
Moyes went off, looked at what was going in coaching advances, did a learn and came back. Impressive when you consider hes old and has taken a kicking for best part of a decade
As much as West Ham play in the image of their manager, organised and diciplined and all that, there's a spirit of fun and even silliness in how they go about their business that you wouldn't usually associate with a team run by Moyes and Pearce.
It's said that they shouldn't have sold Haller but I can see why they did, he was skilled but a bit aloof. Team spirit seems to be a massive (pun intended) requirement for Moyes 2.0 and the team are riding high off that energy as much as anything else, there doesn't seem to be a single moaner, sulker or shorter in the pack.
There doesn't seem to be much dead wood on the books either,what he hasn't offloaded already he seems to have coached up to scratch.
Liverpool lost that match because they didn't have a plan for defending corners....against the best team in the league at taking corners.
Love the way Rice and Antonio seem to bully opponents without being bullies themselves. The days when it was said that certain players need to be able to show their 'nasty' side are over in the days of VAR, if players are going to bully theae daus they have to be nice about it.
Very impressed with how they physically dominated Liverpool, who couldn't handle it and had to fall over at every opportunity.