I think there's over a 50% chance that at least one of Wolves, Everton or Leicester makes a legit run at top 4 this season.

A penny for Giroud’s thoughts

Diaby KungFu wrote:

I think there's over a 50% chance that at least one of Wolves, Everton or Leicester makes a legit run at top 4 this season.

Those teams have nowhere near the resources required.

I think Everton do, and Wolves will make a push for Europa League at the very least.

Klaus wrote:

Feeling exactly like I did before this weekend: top 4 is going to be tough for us and United are better than people think they are.

I'm not afraid of United, they looked today like they did when OGS took over. They'll hit the same problems they hit last season and they have a lot of weak spots in that team. I think Spurs wont be able to pull away either. What this season has shown is that Chelsea lack any quality in attack. I'm more confident than ever we'll get top 4.

Diaby KungFu wrote:

I think there's over a 50% chance that at least one of Wolves, Everton or Leicester makes a legit run at top 4 this season.

Nah. One of them might push past Chelsea but none of those teams will finish within 10 points of the top 4.

Claudius wrote:

Klaus wrote:

Feeling exactly like I did before this weekend: top 4 is going to be tough for us and United are better than people think they are.

I don’t know if it’s because Chelsea are sitting back, but United look significantly smoother than us. And their counter attacks are well rehearsed. We are going to have to fight for top 4. I assume City, Pool and Spurs will go 1,2,3.

United looked pretty bad early on, their passing was as shoddy as Chelseas and both sides kept turning it over. It was only once Chelsea really pushed up after the second goal that United got so much space and started to actually play well.

I'm not afraid of United either, but I think they're far more likely than us to abandon something that isn't working. They're also likely to end up with something else that isn't working because they keep appointing one idiot after another, but at some point they'll get it right by accident. I can see them splashing big on a striker in January too if they need goals. Icardi maybe?

Guys, Wolves were 14 points off the Top 4. This after the Top 4 teams basically flatlined in the last month of the season. Those teams might be in a Europa League race but they will not compete for Top 4.

United are comfortably better (so are we) than Chelsea and easily our biggest threat for top 4. This is the first time in the post Fergie era, where they have addressed all of their needs with strong relevant signings, and didn't just load up on players with big reputations. I'd have them as slight favourites over us. Their defence and midfield is better than ours, whilst our attack is better than theirs. It's a wonder how it will all play out, but I can't imagine more than a few points separating us in the end.

I’m nervous. They look ahead of us. We probably have higher potential once all our players are back and IF Emery can make the whole greater than the sum of its parts

Claudius wrote:

Guys, Wolves were 14 points off the Top 4. This after the Top 4 teams basically flatlined in the last month of the season. Those teams might be in a Europa League race but they will not compete for Top 4.

Exactly. I think top 4 will take a few extra points this season too.

Don’t let today fool you, United are still weak going forward. Pogba is all they have.

deardevil wrote:

United are comfortably better (so are we) than Chelsea and easily our biggest threat for top 4. This is the first time in the post Fergie era, where they have addressed all of their needs with strong relevant signings, and didn't just load up on players with big reputations. I'd have them as slight favourites over us. Their defence and midfield is better than ours, whilst our attack is better than theirs. It's a wonder how it will all play out, but I can't imagine more than a few points separating us in the end.

I'm not sure their defence is better. I think our defence when everyones fit is going to be pretty good and Uniteds is massively overrated just because they spent big.

United look very confident in counter attacking situations and executed very well. That aside, I don't think they looked very good bar their new CB pairing. Chelsea's poor control of the ball and lethargic pressing handed easy possession to United which it made it a very comfortable afternoon for the boys in red. Would have been interesting to see how United reacted if Abraham had actually taken that early chance.

Overall, not worried about this United team over the course of a season. They have a Europa League campaign to manage as well and while more capable defensively, doubt its enough to challenge for a top 4 place. Also, Pogba is even more important for them now and a serious bid from one of the continental giants could easily unsettle him.

Chelsea will get better. Were very naïve and fitness and discipline can only get better after that showing. Again not overly worried. Think they are a more likely outfit to challenge for top 4 than United, but feel we definitely have the edge. Having Auba and Laca makes a big difference.

Was a great Pogba performance.

Have to say I don’t like Jose but the guy knows his football, insight on another level to other pundits.

I was looking forward to his stint as a pundit. You almost never see a manager as successful as he has been take on the role at this time in their career. Gives a manager's perspective of a top dressing room and attitude which is more current than someone like Souness can offer. Did laugh at his little dig at Shaw when giving his verdict on Maguire in the first half.