Champions League 2013/14

[mugsgame]

In the spirit of the infamous Keegan rant ......
"I'm loving this".

[Iron]

Do you really think they will be a mid table side Jeff?

Maybe not literally a mid-table team - they will probably be just outside of the top five.

I actually think they will bounce back next season and I am pretty sure that Moyes will still be in charge.

But why?

The players are clearly demoralized, and Moyes plays players out of position and leaves good players on the bench. He also likes a long-ball style of football that gives away possession.

Moyes has spent £80 million - a sum of money that could have significantly enhanced our weak defence - but our side are playing far worse this season than last. And the way we conceded after scoring last night epitomises the lack of concentration this season.

The 'he is new at the job' argument no longer washes. Martinez is relatively new at Everton, but they are threatening to grab a CL spot, without the player they sold to United for £30 million.

It is hard to see what will change at United that will improve their fortunes - what will make existing players play to their potential, and top players want to join United.

Jeff

[Online Trader]

I know you are not a fan of Moyes Jeff

Problem is there are no immediate candidates that stand out who would be ready made replacements.

I am not a United fan BTW (Villa for my sins, sorry Mugs )

I just think that he will be given at least the whole of next season to sort things out, clearly not being in the CL is a massive blow to the club financially as well as not being a particularly good advert for attracting new players to the club.

However players will still want to come to them as I am sure they like most people know that the glory days will return and there are not too many players out there that would turn down the chance of playing for Manchester United.

I am sure Villa fans would give their right arms to have the problems that United have

[Iron]

We'll see. I suspect that many shareholders will be agitating for a change of manager.

There's no guarantee that the next guy will do any better, but to use an analogy, if you're in a duff trade and the market keeps going against you, you get out. You don't just sit there and hope that things will work themselves out! Same principle.

Look at what Brendan Rogers has done for Liverpool or what Martinez has done for Everton. A great manager can make a huge difference. I just hope we don't do what Chelsea did, and go through several indifferent managers before we find another manager with the midas touch.

Jeff

[PeterLe]

There's no guarantee that the next guy will do any better, but to use an analogy, if you're in a duff trade and the market keeps going against you, you get out. You don't just sit there and hope that things will work themselves out! Same principle.

Jeff,
I dont think you can apply that principle to this scenario. The ethos at Man U has been set and forged by how Fergie was treated by the likes of Bobby Charlton and the senior management team.
I was reading a book last week about Jack Welsh (who became one of the best CEO and leadership of organisations we have ever seen). Early in his career he made some big cock up's (sackable) and was wholeheartedly supported.
Although David Moyes will have the ultimate say so, he is no doubt getting the best coaching/mentoring and advice too.
Im no expert on football, but I think you will see Mr Moyes still in charge this time next year. Who knows what they may be saying about him in ten years time?
Regards
Peter

[steven1976]

I'm sure the majority of the British public hopes he keeps his job. as mugs and keegan said, "lovin it"!

[giulio2010]

I noticed some decent play from Man Utd since the little plane flu over the stadium ( wrong one ). I even thought that last night when Man utd was playing outstanding football, the doubts came just 60 seconds after they scored, realizing that Bayern Munich was not playing until Man Utd goal. I think Man Utd still can make top 4 in premier league next year, considering the standard of the premier league, the problem will be more in Europe where 5-6 teams have almost consolidated their strenght in the major competition. There is only one team that continue to surprise me and that team is Chelsea.

[Iron]

I dont think you can apply that principle to this scenario. The ethos at Man U has been set and forged by how Fergie was treated by the likes of Bobby Charlton and the senior management team.

Sorry, but the Fergie analogy doesn't work.

Firstly, Moyes inherited a team of winners, whereas Fergie didn't. Secondly, saying,'This guy underperformed and later became a company legend, so we should let that underperformer keep his job' doesn't really work as an argument, even if you assume that Fergie underperformed.

I was reading a book last week about Jack Welsh (who became one of the best CEO and leadership of organisations we have ever seen). Early in his career he made some big cock up's (sackable) and was wholeheartedly supported.

Yes, although ironically Jack Welsh was a big fan of sacking incompetent managers - he sacked managers who enervated their staff, rather than energising them.

Although David Moyes will have the ultimate say so, he is no doubt getting the best coaching/mentoring and advice too.

If he hadn't got rid of Mike Phelan and replaced him with Phil Neville, I might agree...

Im no expert on football, but I think you will see Mr Moyes still in charge this time next year. Who knows what they may be saying about him in ten years time?

Who knows, but if I were Everton chairman and United wanted to swap Moyes plus ten million for Martinez, I'm not sure I'd accept. Martinez is making Everton the new Man U, and Moyes is making Man U the new Everton.

I honestly believe we have a second rate manager. Everything about him - his body language, his selections, his gaffes - tells me that he isn't up to the job.

Jeff

[woodhousejj]

Semi - Final 2014
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich
Athletico Madrid v Chelsea

John

[giulio2010]

I have really enjoyed Real vs Bayern tonight but, only because I was still recovering from the total boringness of last night semifinal...Chelsea changes coaches, still have a shot of a 3rd final and still boring me to death everytime they play european competitions.. ;

[Euler]

Sensational start by Real Madrid in the 2nd leg.

[Lagos]

Sensational graph on BAYERN! to qualify....they keep on falling back to half the odds without scoring any goals!

[Euler]

Pathetic display by Bayern in the second half.

[giulio2010]

Carlo Ancelotti has put together a perfect team, we can also point out the demerits of Bayern, but the tactics used yesterday by Ancelotti has paid off. Team short full coverage of the field and restarts like an accordion.
Well played Mr Ancelotti!

[Euler]

Interesting second half awaits