I can’t be bothered to go into the whys & wherefores of what we’ve just seen. This team, club, entity, whatever it is these days is just inexplicable. However many times you tell yourself not to invest any faith in them based on the sample size we now have, they still manage to drag you in. Bastards

Is it just me, or did the Dewsbury-Hall strike get a little knick off De Ligt? Hasn’t been mentioned on Sky so it could just be my eyes so apologies. But looks to me as though it loops slightly, potentially making it trickier for Lammens.

Really good point this. It’s about mentality this game now. The mentality to run that extra 10 yards, knowing it’ll be hard, but that with an extra man it will count. As Stuart says, instead we’ve seen a drop off. Almost an expectation. Really frustrating.

Half time thoughts… Very strange half. Red card just bizarre but have not done nearly enough and deserve to be losing at the break. Wing backs far too indecisive for me. Both really lacking control or clarity of thought. Changes needed at half time for me. Got to make use of the extra man.

Confident about this evening. Back at Old Trafford (feels like an age!), under the lights and players in good form. Everton will pose problems. Strong at set pieces and Ndiaye’s dribbling and directness will have to be watched. But I think we’ll have enough and get another win on the board.

And there you go. A quick double. Spurs have been asking for it. You can’t come and set up like that and expect to get anything out of the game. If I were a fan of them, I’d be fuming. Goalkeeper taking free kicks on the half way line etc. Awful side.

The lack of quality in this north London derby is stark. Spurs have turned up desperate not to lose and Arsenal lacking any kind of creativity. Not making for a great watch.

Keith Andrews lamenting the time it takes between penalty award and penalty take these days is enjoyable.

I’ll never be able to understand how those who lost loved ones to Covid feel. I can only imagine how hard it must be to watch those responsible for the failures just move on. Many cashing in with book deals, game shows appearances etc. Sheer insensitivity of the highest order.

Wordle 1,610 3/6 🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜ ⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Richard Osman and Marina Hyde unintentionally coming up with a far better name for Mary Earps’ autobiography on yesterday’s #therestisentertainment has made me chuckle. “Gloves Off”. So obvious!

How are we all feeling as we approach a weekend without United? Relieved at the break? Or Just want them back? #MUFC

Be surprised if Bellingham isn’t the one lining up in the 10 position come the first game of the World Cup. Playing Rogers there for these qualifiers is just sensible, pragmatic management. Tuchel already knows exactly what Bellingham offers. He’s just broadening our options for all circumstances.

If you’re after some lunchtime reading I’ve penned a few words on the non-stop nature of football and how we could all do with just taking a breath. If you like what you read, I’d be delighted if you would like and share.

And Breathe: The Game That Forgot How to Wait. A piece on football and patience.

A piece on football and patience. open.substack.com/pub/sensible...

Small bugbear. Football pundits unnecessarily prefixing the words ‘matches’ or ‘games’ with ‘football’. E.g. “The fans will start to get on his back if he doesn’t start winning football matches.”

Such fine margins football. De Ligt doesn’t get a touch on that & Lammens saves Tel’s strike. De Ligt gets his header slightly wrong & United lose going into the international break. Completely different mood among fans, media etc. Looking forward to Everton already. Back under the lights at OT.

Two weeks in a row now we’ve come away feeling disappointed to be drawing against sides that we lost away to last season. Lots to improve on in terms of killing a game, but let’s not forget where this side was last season and where we are now. Night and day. Everton (H) next up. #MUFC

Poro. Imagine going down after getting an accidental elbow in your chops in an attempt to get a player sent off while your side has the ball and thereby stopping a promising attack.

Whatever’s on that shiny new concourse must be amazing!

Half time thoughts… Think we’ve controlled that. Definitely beginning to look more assured away from home. Enjoying the efficiency of Amad and Mbeumo. Decision making has been excellent. Clinical from Bryan once again. Casemiro continuing his excellent form too. Calming influence throughout.

Come on Reds!

This is exactly what those who continuously banged the ‘change the formation’ drum were missing last season. If he’d given in & changed to a 4-2-3-1, picked up a few points here and there and then reverted to 3-4-3 this season, we’d be back to square one. That time was crucial.

Once again, the voice of reason.

Your daily reminder that Neville, while a brilliant defender & servant for the club, has become an out-of-touch, cantankerous crank. We get it, we used to be really good! You were part of that! But please, for all that’s good and holy, stop this weird obsession you’ve curated. We’re doing alright.

Once again enjoyed the #MNC on @bbc5live.bsky.social last night. Strangest part though was Andros Townsend, who I think is insightful and interesting to listen to, genuinely not knowing the rule about the whole of the ball being over the line 😂. Anyone else hear it?

Again, Anthony Taylor is standing out. Just like last week in the Utd/Brighton game, he’s letting fouls go (that nobody would have argued with if given) which is resulting in both sets of players getting worked up. There’s letting a game flow and then there’s just poor game management.

Seen Alvaro Carreras’s goal vs Valencia? If not. Don’t. It’s depressing.

If Mbeumo and co turn up next week, they’re going to have a field day against this Spurs back line. So, so poor.

Caicedo too good.

The way I see it is while it’s disappointing we didn’t win, it was an improved away performance. This, an away game at a mid-table side, is a far better indicator as to where we are than the game at Anfield. We’ve shown we can get up for those.

What’s the difference between waving an imaginary card and running up the ref and asking him to book a player?

Still feels wild that we’re on for 4 in a row today. On form, that’s exactly what should be happening, but the City Ground’s been a tricky place for us of late. Wouldn’t be surprised if we drop points, but let’s keep some perspective if that happens. Progress is progress. Just keep building. #MUFC

A lot of funny replies to what I found to be quite an interesting article. People get so worked up over things. Frustration at an article that observes older generations getting frustrated. I feel many haven’t actually read the piece. But it’s spot on. It’s just language linked to belonging.

Enjoying seeing Liverpool’s struggles continuing this evening but expected changes at the break after fielding a weakened side. Just seen their bench - there ain’t a whole lot there. Strange from Slot.

Our last 3PM Saturday away game was in May 2023 against Bournemouth! Even when you factor in the EL Thurs/Sun schedule, that’s mad. Plenty of Saturday 12:30s in that same period. Can you tell I’m looking forward to Saturday already!? #MUFC

Some rainy Wednesday morning musings about #MUFC & in particular Bruno and Cas… After reading some excellent pieces over the past few days, (go and check out @nqatpod.bsky.social‘s piece on Bruno & @mjcritchley.bsky.social & Carl Anka’s pieces in @theathleticfc.bsky.social if you haven’t already)

The fuss over who appears in TV adverts misses the point...

Enjoyable thread. Lots to be positive about after 3 wins. Just shows how quickly things can turn - one way or the other. Let’s just bear this in mind when the inevitable downturn does occur. Progress isn’t linear. There will be bumps. But so far, this season’s been fun.

If you’re after some lunchtime reading today, I’ve written a piece on Saturday’s entertaining win over Brighton. Mondays have been a lot easier of late, haven’t they! #MUFC

Some words on yesterday’s win over Brighton. #MUFC open.substack.com/pub/sensible...

So much to unpack here. That’ll come later. But for now… Come on!!!!! Get in!!!

The reason it’s not a red is because the ball’s basically in Lammens’ hands thereby making the fact he’s received a yellow and Brighton a free kick somewhat ridiculous. This ref 😂.

F.A.O Gary Neville Sources: @thistimesurely.bsky.social @tonyd7.bsky.social

He’s still going on about the ‘foul’! 😂

Gary, just enjoy it mate. The ref’s let all sorts go all evening. He’s literally waved play on in the build up to the goal so there was really any chance of it being chalked off! In other news… Get in!!!! Chuffed!

“Next goal is vital!” klaxon. 🎺

This is giving me Space Jam vibes. They’ve gone and got Batistuta, R9 and Zlatan in a room and…yeah, you know the rest. So pleased for the lad. Must be floating through life right now.