Sparkles

Well MU just paid over 80 m for Antony and that's a player yet to prove his worth, Casemiro at 30 yo for over 70 m that has worked out and no sell on value, Sancho for well over 70m hasn't produced results, Paid 38 m for 20 yo Amad Diallo who is on loan at Sunderland . Rewind to others, either transfers or wages, of players like Sanchez, De Maria, Maguire, Ronaldo's wages Don't think we look like cheap charlie's in fact the opposite, an easy touch. Be lucky to get 40 m for Harry whose dropped down to a bench role in big games While Ed Woodward was brining in mega bucks with commercial deals, albeit he had no clue about players ability or worth, it didn't matter while the cash flow was there. Now thanks to Covid and general economic decline those days for MU and most are over. MU also have to negotiate a new shirt sponsor now the current one has pulled the plug. MU are about to impose ,its rumoured by reliable sources, a salary cap of 200 m a year, not an ideal time to be negotiating a new deal for Rashford but the days of crazy transfers and salaries must end ,not sustainable unless you are from the ME

Anyone watch the Bournemouth game? if you didn't the result was a little flattering as late in the game our defence was sloppy and left De Gea to pull off a couple of top class saves ,he certainly has lifted his game especially distribution. Highlights the 1st 2 goals great passing and vision and the second Shaw's run from inside his own half and the cut back from Garnacho for Shaw who kept running and finished with his right foot was top class. Hard to seperate Shaw and Casemiro for MOM. ETH made some excellent substitutions, rotating those who needed a rest. Quite a turn around from the dross of last season and the first 2 games of this season Donny VDB cant catch a break, was perhaps was trying to hard but was replaced after clashing knees with a defender didn't look good for him at all ,probably weeks /months out. Games coming thick and fast and how will the Everton players respond as Lampard must be on the edge.

Agreed but you can't rely on 1-0 wins. De Gea's last minute incredible reaction saved the day but lessons can be learned. Firstly Garnocho could have easily rounded their keeper and tapped into an empty net in the first hal but he tried to pass it by him, a keepers flailing legs and arms save many a shot. If they had have scored early Wolves would have been chasing the game and be more open at the back In Rashford's absence, sensibly explained after the game and agreed by him he was responsible, the team looked toothless in attack without him. Martial is for me never a striker, too passive and doesn't impose himself on defenders, pretty sure a striker will have to come in probably on loan. While Shaw looked settled at CB expect him to be back at LB v Man City and Martinez in that CB role with Varane who has been calm and controlling the tempo. Pretty sure its been noted Haaland's reaction to being put on his backside by Godfrey for Everton last game, Haaland's responses were in red card territory. Sometimes as a defender when you know you are up against a bigger ,stronger, player you have to do what you have to do. That job might go to Martinez when the meet, hopefully outside the box. But first Bournemouth tonight at home, be nice to see an early goal or 2 so some players can be rested

Thanks for the info, next time will try the northern end. The surge hitting the concrete steps was so strong you could hear the sound 200 m away. Tried to swim but sank up to my knees in unstable sand, first wave knocked me over and been surfing most of my life back in Oz. Might explain why no one else was attempting to swim.????

Complete performance from MU v Forest .WC didn't seem to affect Casamiro and Varane the former most pundits MOM with Rashford as good, improving every game .Classic dummy run by Varane to open up the goal by Rashford, that's off the training pitch. Doubt there will be any major buys during January especially with the Glazers "will they or wont they sell ? situation". Obviously a striker is needed. Felix is a bit of an unknown quality and Gapko would probably not have settled into the PL quickly. Need imo a tried and tested, physical striker ,with a pedigree, maybe on loan. Can't see the need for another creative midfielder, Erikson, Casemiro and Fernandes are doing the job and a renewed Shaw looked comfortable at CB. Malacia may just turn out to be a very good buy, young ,loads of energy and aggressive, like that. MU just have to keeping winning the matches which look doable on paper. Now thanks to last night have a +3 goal difference, hardly enough but can see the influence of EtH working and importantly players responding.

Bit of advice please. We live in Chiang Mai and took advantage of the new Air Asia direct flights to Hua Hin then taxi to Cha Am. Hadn't been to Cha Am since I was working in Bangkok 15 years ago and distinctly remember a stretch of sandy beach at Cha Am but alas this trip the ocean water was pounding into the concrete steps every day making swimming there not only difficult but dangerous and my intention was to soak up some salt water rather than our small resort pool. We enjoyed our 4 days but couldn't get an answer if these ocean conditions are the new norm ,if so we will have to find another beach location. 2 days of misty rain was also unusual.

Do you actually watch the games ?

Maguire was ill no other reason. AWB played probably provided the best cross of his MU career but EtH obviously doesn't see him as a stand by RB. Scot McTom had another ordinary game. If MU are to be top 4 material he is simply too erratic, good heart, gives 100% but lacks the skill to be a top,reliable mf. Getting Charlton in the quarters is a good draw, like to see Iqbal.

Watched full replay this morning ,reasonably comfortable but but high flying Championship side Burnley squandered chances. Rashford's goal was brilliant ,seems he has well and truly got over his slump. Pity we didn't see Sancho. How a young player with his potential can be in such a mess is beyond me.

Not unexpected. Buys time. De Gea is a worry after so many years, great shot stopper but still incapable of being reliable in ball distribution. You would think after 1,000's of hours training it would improve but it hasn't ,important part of the game the way EtH wants to play.

I was not commenting on anything EtH is supposed to have said purely referring to Ronaldo' claim of being "Betrayed" by MU quotes, that's verging on defamation in todays world. Nothing he claimed in the tortuous interview has any evidence to back it up or any ability provide a witness. Now Piers Morgan is claiming Ronaldo texted him from the dressing room. immediatly after their win to say Bruno's goal was his when the technology inside the ball says no touch and the ball never spins. Uncle Piers is of course is lapping it up, using Ronaldo like a piece of putty when the player should be celebrating a win with his team mates, its really pathetic from him Bruno had a great game Ronaldo didn't.

First time I've really seen Pellistri in action over nearly a full 90 mins, looked very lively for Uruguay but how many wingers can MU accommodate, needs to be out on loan in a PL side, only 20 yo.

Casemiro's goal last night was something else. Seems we got a quality player who still has some miles in the tank.

Rick what "quotes" aren't real ? watched the whole tedious interview. Ronaldo, spoon fed by Morgan, said he was "Betrayed" but of course failed to back it up with any pertinent details or evidence.

VDB was told some time ago that he needs to shape up ,he is struggling to keep up with the pace and physicality of the EPL so its old news. Failed at Everton too.

Apart from the last 3 lines ,its generally accepted by those close to the club that due to CR's discontent with the status of the club and that he couldn't play CL that he wanted to move and no manager/coach wants a player who is going to disrupt the mission to try to get back to where the club used to be. No club playing CL took the opportunity to sign him I said weeks ago that another part of this current stand off is that Ronaldo is finding it hard to come to terms with the undeniable fact that he has lost pace ,his first touch has deserted him and he can't buy a goal plus the most important fact no club, apart from maybe the Saudis are going to pay his current wage no matter how many shirts they might sell or his commercial value. He's not the first player not to accept that his career is coming to an end but to lash out as the WC break arrived was poor form. EtH has acted in a professional way and given him more assistance/understanding than most players would get and the accusation that the club didn't support him when he had serious family issues I don't believe .Football clubs are renowned in supporting players who are going through difficult personal issues and are valued. Piers Morgan has exploited this scenario, he is a master of using celebs to promote himself. He asks the questions in a way to get the answers he wants. Its part of a common interview technique. I did the same in my years in the media. Morgan needed this interview, his ratings have tanked and he is also being paid mega bucks to produce ratings and not delivering, not at all surprised its came with the usual "teaser "clips, its very cynical. Lastly Ronaldo uses the term that he was "Betrayed". Accepting English is not his first language that's an accusation without any visual or verbal evidence. His agent and support staff are unusually quiet. Sad way to end at the club where his career really took off, he might one day regret it.

Re last Thursdays home game v Villa, struggling to remember when we went down a goal and then scored 4. The debate about playing better without Ronaldo in the side will continue but there's no getting away the chemistry between the team seems more positive when they are not trying to tee Ronaldo up with long balls. Will have to do without him tonight and a Sancho development, not sick or injured reportedly for his attitude. Maybe he has Garnacho complex???? EtH is going to get these issues sorted out and he's not messing around. Maguire and Fred seem to be on notice too, can't argue with that. Fulham away is a difficult game and some players, from both sides, will be relating to the closeness of the WC. Lose and top 4 looks difficult. Can't really get any enthusiasm for the WC and the time zone doesn't encourage watching any games live.

Maybe in his current form he is a liability but am sure he is giving his all and Ronaldo has lost his mojo, can't buy a goal. Who else is there ? HM used to be useful on set pieces for England and from memory has put a few in the back of the net reason why EtH gave him a go up front I guess. Some people moaned about letting Bailly go, he is injured again and had to be replaced that's 3 times this season he's had to come off injured. Another CB is a priority but EtH to be fair needs at least another 2 windows A family contact, since retired from Carrington, told me today team spirit is good, they are adapting to EtH different ways and yet another clean sheet so its not all doom and gloom. I've been banging on about Garnacho and proved right and if Mason Greenwood hadn't gone off the rails the 2 of them, with Rashford, could have been a potential front line for the next 5 years.

Appears attacking options are down to the bare bones tonight. Martial, Antony both not fit to start, Sancho ill, so that leaves Rashford ,Ronaldo, Elanga and Garnacho. Surely based on current form Elanga will be on the bench. Need to win by 2 clear goals to top the group but coming second not the end of the world.

Well was really referring to one block that was goal bound . Did say a couple of times not a few, there is a difference ! The guy has had a pounding from media and others, trying to be positive ???? he was hardly the only one who gave the ball away its contagious

Not exactly an inspiring performance from the host club considering they were playing a team just above the relegation zone. Rashford's header brilliant but you have to get the second and they had plenty of opportunities, Ronaldo's radar is way off. Last 10 minutes was just hanging on, no margin for error, and thankfully De Gea was in top form. Hard to believe he is not even in the top 5 of Spanish keepers, more a personality issue with the manager one would think. Positives another clean sheet but only +1 goal difference. Back 4 were all good and Dalot outstanding. Maguire, despite a couple of times giving the ball away, looked pretty solid and made important blocks. Elanga turned down the chance to impress, hardly involved. Garnacho has moved way up the pecking order. Move onto the next game, what's the priority Europa or top 4 ?

Suggested this a while ago when Sancho's form dip saw him being hooked early and averaging a 4/10 player rating. He is not the player that was expected to be a signature signing following his impressive outings with Dortmund. One factor any coach wants from a winger is to show some desire by running at the defence and getting into the box, worst nightmare for a defender is the danger that you are not going to match his pace and be forced to tackle him, mistime it, and maybe give away a penalty. Sancho for whatever reason is simply not showing the desire required and shows no reaction when he is hooked. I would hope that this upcoming Europa League fixture v Sheriff Tiraspol EtH takes the opportunity to rotate some positions and perhaps a front line of Ganarcho, Martial (if fit) or Rashford, Elanga The schedule is going to get brutal. Dalot for one has played every game. Total frustration with McTominay, put on to consolidate the defence and not for the first time decides to rugby tackle an attacker with both arms wrapped around him ,a foul anywhere on the pitch let alone in the penalty box. Has the message not got through that with VAR you are simply not going to get away with it. Those 2 points lost, after being the better team, might be critical come the final points tally.

BBC Sport have them on their web site, live text feed and yes on Match of the Day ,no explanation I've seen

I think his salary demands would be of greater importance .Clubs traditionally don't cough up that sort of money in January. Surely MU will not subsidise his weekly wage. Forgot to mention Michael Carrick seems to be closing in on the managers job at Middlesbrough. I think with his experience and demeanor he could well be at the start of a long journey. Have great respect for him as he was a true professional.

Mine is a fixed deposit for marriage visa, far less complicated and method used by most. Of course I also provide the actual passbook updated on the day and photo copies.