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Daily Manchester United - Episode 119 - Can United Progress in the FA Cup?
18 Plays1 month ago
Cormac, Sam and Toluwa look towards Manchester United's FA Cup tie vs Fulham at the weekend, as well as a recap of United's 3-2 win vs Ipswich Town.
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Transcript
Introduction and Match Overview
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Manchester United podcast. My name is Cormac and today I'm joined by Sam Antalua. Lads, how are we doing Sam, alright?
00:00:18
Sam Brady
Good, good. All good.
00:00:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Antalua.
00:00:21
Toluwa Famuyide
Always good after three points.
00:00:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely, yeah. So, obviously United scraped a 3-2 win, yes, against Ipswich. um Yeah, our centre-backs really led the way, scoring goals. What were your thoughts on the match, Sam?
00:00:34
Sam Brady
Yeah, I mean, i mean nothing think we've come to expect as fans this year that no game is simple. And yeah, it proved that way straight from, i mean, minute one, really. Obviously, it's getting that first goal, which wasn't great. And then yeah as you As you said, are our defenders um sort of saving the game yesterday and I think that sort of sums up where we're at in terms of ah an attacking sense.
00:01:01
Sam Brady
and then Obviously, the sending off sort of changed the game a little bit and and and gay gave the Ipswich a bit of hope. and Obviously, they got the goal pretty much straight after that red card as well and Almorin had to make some some tactical
Breaking the Winless Spell
00:01:14
Sam Brady
tweaks. but Yeah, we got through it eventually and and I think that the that sort of that's sort of the main main point from yesterday in terms of despite how we played, it it's just sort of the it's more about the result and and and getting that win and I think the reaction from the crowd and the reaction from the players was almost relief because I think i think as as as a club we haven't experienced a win in in a couple of weeks. So I think getting getting getting the good mood around the camp is is always good and and yeah hopefully that carries on into the weekend.
00:01:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, until they your ears out.
00:01:51
Toluwa Famuyide
I mean, yeah it's it's kind of a relief because, like Sam mentioned, it's been just a tough couple weeks, honestly, just a tough season in
Player Performances and Critique
00:01:59
Toluwa Famuyide
general. ah Honestly, i thought the players played decent. I like the performance, despite going one no down early on to a mistake.
00:02:07
Toluwa Famuyide
I thought the player showed a lot of heart. I liked the way that Zerkzeg played. Obviously Bruno Fernandez always gives you everything, but I liked that Zerkzeg did it up until the final whistle. um I was really impressed finally by McGuire, because he's always on the end of headers, but he doesn't normally score them. He's not really pro ah proficient with it.
00:02:25
Toluwa Famuyide
And finally we saw it again today and DeLict with a good finish. I mean, it's just all coming together. I feel like the last two performances have definitely shown improvement. um I thought the players obviously in the second half being down to 10 men, they just, they showed everything. There was a valiant performance and I'm looking forward to Fulham. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Premier League fixtures because I feel like the players can take, you know, something from this result.
00:02:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, there was definitely great heart shot and even a bit of a clash in the middle with Ugarte squaring up to the left and just see Masrowi flying in and taking the alloy. You love to see it. One of the huge talking points think of the game was Onana's performance, um obviously with the first goal, um you know, mixed up with Dorgou.
00:03:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who do you think was kind of more at fault for that, Dorgou or Onana, Sarah Yusufan?
00:03:12
Sam Brady
I think it has to be Anana. I think you have to question Anana's past couple performances. Obviously, he didn't have a great performance against Everton. He was at fault for for that their second goal where parried it up and Takori got on the end of it. And then yesterday, obviously, a miscommunication with him and Dorgi, but there's just no need for Anana to come out that that far. um And I think there's...
00:03:39
Sam Brady
As Tolua said there, I think ah we are starting to see more grit and and heart from a lot of those players. And a lot of players are starting to maybe turn a corner. And, OK, there's not maybe that quality there, but they're always sort of fighting to the very end. But then there are certain individuals where still you need to see improvement. And I think Anana is definitely one of them. I think Hoyland's another where we we are starting to question...
00:04:05
Sam Brady
when when are they going to sort of turn turn the corner in their season? um But yeah, I think, I mean, I didn't like an honest performance at all, even after that that mistake, to be honest. I think every time he got on the ball, he looked a bit nervous. He kicked the ball out of play a couple of times and,
00:04:23
Sam Brady
it's it's funny with Anon because some games I watch him and any and he makes some the good saves and I do think he's a good shot stopper but I think what we brought him in to do and and what he's meant to be good at with his feet and He just doesn't look trustworthy and then he makes the mistake, even for the second and Ipswich goal. I know
Goalkeeper Dilemma: Onana vs. De Gea
00:04:45
Sam Brady
obviously it's hard because he doesn't know if there's going to be a touch on the end of it, but I just want to see my goalkeeper come out and take command of the six-yard area and claim the ball and give everyone that that reassurance and confidence.
00:04:58
Sam Brady
And I'm like, when the ball's... five, six yards away from your goal line. and Just just come and come and take that pressure off the defenders. And, yeah, obviously a touch didn't come in and it and it went past him. But, yeah, and not ah not a great performance from him again, to be honest.
00:05:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, not at all. Tallulah.
00:05:15
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I mean, it's it's hard to it's hard to put any blame on Durgu in that situation because like Sam said, why is Onana coming all the way out? I mean, it seemed a pretty fairly routine situation where Onana would stay in goal, Durgu would pass it back and it'd be a clearance, you know? And Onana is just, you don't know what you're going get from him.
00:05:31
Toluwa Famuyide
And for 50 million pounds, it's like, that's a lot of money to be questioning whether or not you're going to get a good performance or not. And especially in the Premier League, we've seen mistakes from Onana this season, especially the game against Nottingham Forest. I mean, that that game kind of sealed it for me.
00:05:46
Toluwa Famuyide
Last season with the Champions League, I was so frustrated because to me, he single handedly cost us moving on to the next round. do You know what i mean? So it's it's just I can't really support Onana anymore. And I was I was thrilled to see Onana come through because.
00:06:00
Toluwa Famuyide
How often do you see a black goalkeeper in the Premier League playing for one of the best teams? I know, you know, race has nothing to do with it, but it's
FA Cup Match Preview: Fulham Challenge
00:06:07
Toluwa Famuyide
it's a rare thing. You know, you never see it. So, i you know, I had that extra confidence in him to say, you know what, he's going to take charge. Like Sam said, you want to see him come out and command the box. I don't.
00:06:16
Toluwa Famuyide
I don't trust Onana for one second. I actually put more faith in Bayandir to come out and command the box because he's much more of a bigger presence. He's taller. He might not be as technically gifted as Onana with the ball at his feet and shot stopping, like Sam said, but at least I know that he's going to try and come out and claim the ball.
00:06:34
Toluwa Famuyide
Onana's a bit shaky. And I don't know. It's it's tough because... We went from De Gea, who was making you know mistakes as well. you know He cost us a final, in my opinion. um And people are making those comparisons. And it's hard to support Onana when we had De Gea for so long. Yeah, he made mistakes, but he was clutch.
00:06:58
Toluwa Famuyide
And Onana hasn't really been clutch in the games that matter the most. I feel like he lets us down in the game that mattered the most. So I have to go with Onana.
00:07:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I agree with what you're saying. you know I thought think a lot of us, when we signed Onana, thought you know those mistakes wouldn't be happening anymore like we've seen with the hair, but it's been just the same, if not worse, really.
00:07:14
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:07:15
Sam Brady
Mm-hmm.
00:07:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
and and When we spent so much money on it, we thought we wouldn't have a goalkeeping issue at all. It seems to have backfired completely. and yeah and i agree. Onana, I think I don't know what he's doing coming out for that one. and Even the second one, i mean you see there a lap, but I really didn't think the lap was that close to even getting the ball, really, and Onana just looks shaky and goal and yeah he's not looking himself. I'll tell he's lucky by India he's injured at the moment because if he was there, I'd say absolutely we should be putting by India and Onana should get a little spell on the bench and maybe that would fix him.
00:07:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
and We'll go for our first ad break now. When we come back, we will look towards the FA Cup clash with Fulham on Saturday.
00:08:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
So looking forward to Fulham on Saturday, obviously, if we win, we'll be in the quarterfinals and the FA Cup was, you know, saving grace for us last year, at least getting us European competition after not a great season. ah Sarah, are you, Tolua, this time?
00:08:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
you confident going into this game against Fulham on Saturday?
00:08:58
Toluwa Famuyide
I'm more confident knowing that we got three points yesterday. um If we had come out of that game with anything but three points, it would have been another, well, what's going to happen now? You know, you never know what to expect with this team anymore. But I feel like we've come to expect, you know, a negative result.
00:09:14
Toluwa Famuyide
So winning against Ipswich was a huge boost to my confidence. I'm sure it was a huge boost to the players' confidence. I think against Fulham, it's going to be another tough one. Obviously, the last time we played Fulham was just a boring snooze fest. It was a pretty bad game, and we got saved um by a wonder strike. But this time, we don't have Lissandro, so we're going to have to come up with something different.
00:09:34
Toluwa Famuyide
um I just feel like the players are starting to... like I said, have more grit and determination. Sam said it perfectly. You know, the quality might still not be there. i feel like even though Zerk say he's a quality player, he still hasn't really gelled with the team yet.
00:09:49
Toluwa Famuyide
You can tell in moments where he has as an idea, but the his teammates aren't really there. And with time that'll come, I feel like Fulham is going to be a big test because it's, it's just a one-off, you know, you win or you lose.
00:09:55
Sam Brady
you
00:10:01
Toluwa Famuyide
So I feel like the players will be prepared and will be rare to go.
00:10:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Sam, your thoughts?
00:10:08
Sam Brady
Yeah, I mean, the cup competitions can be sort of the only saving grace for our season, I think. So it is a big game going into it, but it it just makes me nervous.
00:10:18
Sam Brady
I know we got the three points against Ipswich and hopefully that does boost the sort of confidence and morale of of the team. But it just makes me nervous that 20 minutes before full-time yesterday, I know we're down to 10 men, but we're sort parking the bus and and and defending for our lives against Ipswich. And I kept thinking yesterday, if this is any other team, bar maybe Ipswich, Southampton, Leicester, they probably punish us and and and we're probably lucky to to get a win out of that game. So I think Fulham are really going to go for it against us on Sunday. And I think...
00:10:53
Sam Brady
ah is again, it's going to be a tough test. As Toluwa said, it was sort of a boring game and and we we got the three points at at Craven Cottage. But i think, yeah, it's going to be another tough game on Sunday. um and and I just hope it's sort of, as I've as i've said, that that sort of win yesterday gives us the confidence to to really go there and have a good good go at it to be honest because as I've said it's either the FA Cup or the Europa League that can sort of give us the only sort of saving grace of the season so yeah hopefully that can that can really spur them on to get through to the quarters
00:11:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, please, God. and you know, Fulham, to be fair, they're coming off good win away to Wolves 2-1. You know, Wolves, obviously, they're below us. um But, you know, they've been on decent run form the last five games.
00:11:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Any players you're nervous about facing or think could cause us problems this weekend to look with for Fulham?
Fulham Threats and United's Strategy
00:11:52
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, for sure. There's a number of players. um Obviously, starting from the back, I love Anthony Robinson. I think he's a really class level back. And he's going to, whoever's on the right-hand side is going have a tough day um going up against him, especially tracking back because he loves to get forward.
00:12:08
Toluwa Famuyide
It's going to be, you know, the players are going to have to focus. And if, you know, um I'm correct and Going and with the way the a MRM has been lining up, Dalot is going to start in that wing back position and his form has been very shaky.
00:12:20
Toluwa Famuyide
um I'm not giving up on him yet. I know that he plays 90 minutes every game. So it's expected. It's a tough situation that he's in, but That's a tough opposition to go up against. ah Moving up the pitch, I'm really not looking forward to the prospect of either Rodrigo Muniz or Raul Jimenez, which whoever of them start is going to be a handful.
00:12:40
Toluwa Famuyide
um Like Sam said, if any other team had, we had played any of the team in those last 20 minutes of the game, besides Ipswich and the bottom you know teams, a player like Raul Jimenez or Muniz, they would punish us for sure.
00:12:54
Toluwa Famuyide
um I feel like the pace that we have at the back is just not enough to deal with players that are cunning and crafty and can get in behind the man, you know. So those are the players I feel like are the danger for Fulham.
00:13:06
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel like if we can just get past their press, I feel like a lot of teams know that we're very slow in our buildup. So they'll press really high up. I feel like as soon as we get past that first line of press, we'll be able to do something against Fulham.
00:13:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, absolutely, Sam.
00:13:21
Sam Brady
Yeah, like Toluwa said, you mentioned Munoz there. Obviously, he's coming off the back of ah a great goal against Wolves. I think he's really going to be a threat ah going forward for Fulham. I mean, and as ah as he mentioned before, I think Maguire... I mean, Maguire, to be honest, under Almorin is really impressed. He's been one of our, if not our best defender. I mean, it's one of them where I keep saying every week I still don't think he's good enough to to play for us to for where we want to be. But then...
00:13:51
Sam Brady
He plays really well every week and he comes up with some some important goals for us. um so And I think, yeah, if i if I remember correctly, scored obviously against Leicester in the previous round, I think, with that header. So hopefully he can keep Munez quiet and and be an attacking presence going forward.
00:14:14
Sam Brady
Adama Traore as well, he's always a threat, um especially if De Lott's going to play a left wing back, then he's going have to be careful of Adama Traore going forward. And then on the left-hand side, whether it's Smith Rowe, whether it's Harry Wilson, nothing think yeah going forward, Fulham pose a real threat. I mean i think they've they've proved that with that with their formal season. so I think we're just going to gonna have to watch watch their attacking presence going forward, to be honest.
00:14:45
Sam Brady
and Hopefully, Anana gets a talking to after yesterday and and stays on his line a bit more.
00:14:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
fascinating
00:14:52
Sam Brady
and yeah Hopefully he does the business in goal as well because if Bayern Day wasn't injured, i mean he's he's probably ah he's our cupkeeper, so he would be playing. so Hopefully Inanna steps in and and does an important job for us.
00:15:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I hit it head on the nail there, you know, their attack phone, they have a lot of, on paper anyway, great players, and even Iwobi, another one I'd throw up there in the attack, who, you know, I think is having a great season for them, but as good as their attack is, I think,
00:15:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
you look at their defense, like you said, Tolua, Anthony Robinson, you know, phenomenal. I could see him getting moved soon. And then even Calvin Bassi, I think is a great center back. You know, I think he'd be an ideal player for United system.
00:15:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, i love to see him in United Jersey someday. But yeah, no, I just think it's going to be, the forwards are going to have to their A game because it's fun. You know, their back line is just as good as their attack.
00:15:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah, it's going to be a, A close game for sure. Hopefully United can pull it out. And before we go to the break, i just want to touch on you, Tuluwa. You're on the Fulham crossover, obviously, yesterday. How was that? And I was speaking to the Fulham side of the daily podcast.
00:15:59
Toluwa Famuyide
It was cool. um Cool to get a different perspective as well. Obviously, he wants to win the game just as much as we do.
00:16:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:06
Toluwa Famuyide
So talking to him, or he was a little a little bit biased with some of his choices, which is fair.
00:16:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank
00:16:11
Toluwa Famuyide
But um it's nice to see and refreshing to see another aspect, another perspective um from another fan in the Premier League as well. He was saying basically how, you know, we're going through this period that we're going through. But to be fair, most of the teams in England never even get a sniff of what we've had, you know. So it made me kind of kind of realize, like, you know, he's he's a very loyal fan to Fulham.
00:16:31
Toluwa Famuyide
And it'd be nice to talk to them again.
00:16:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely, yeah.
00:16:33
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:16:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, time for a quick break, and then when we're back, we'll wrap up with a prediction, and then a prediction for lineups, excuse me, and then a score prediction as well, so be right back.
00:17:44
Sam Brady
Thank you.
Line-up Analysis and Tactical Decisions
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think the common theme between these predicted lineups the last few weeks has been it's been very predictable. I think in a few places now, obviously, with Doral going out and guys coming back from injury, might be a bit less predictable. ah But we'll start off with, I think, a very predictable one, and that's goalkeeper, Tolua. Who do you think is going to be in net for us?
00:18:12
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, it's got to be. It's got to be Onana. I mean, i don't even think we have anybody else that could you know live up to the the position and the the weight of the quarterfinals. So it's got to be Onana.
00:18:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:18:24
Sam Brady
Yeah, I mean, it'll be an honour. I'll be surprised if it's any different. And as as we've highlighted, he's had a shaky couple of games, if not season. So hopefully, maybe this is the game where he can sort of turn it around and ah and be an important aspect for him.
00:18:42
Sam Brady
An important game for him because he will definitely yeah sort of face more shots than he did yesterday. So yeah, an honour.
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think this will be one of the more important games from, you know, FA Cup, huge competition for us. And, yeah, the last few weeks he's had a great performance. Tomorrow will do huge for him, I'm sure. But, yeah, I agree with Onana, definitely 100%. Moving on to the three centre-backs then, Is that with you?
00:19:06
Sam Brady
Yeah, again, I think it'll be pretty much exactly the same as as the other night with De Ligt, Maguire and Jorow. Obviously, we saw Lindelof come on for a few minutes the other night there. But yeah, I think it'll be the exact same three as as the other other night.
00:19:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Never to do it.
00:19:23
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I have to share that same sentiment. I think Amarim is very, you know, he knows he has the same lineup pretty much every every game. I'd like to see Lindelof come in just to give one of the center backs a break. um Probably more so Maguire than DeLigt or Yoro. I feel like Maguire has been playing a lot more ever since he came back from his injury.
00:19:45
Toluwa Famuyide
So I'd like to see Lindelof just step in and give him a little time off. and And hopefully Lindelof, if he does play, has has a good performance.
00:19:50
Sam Brady
Mm-hmm.
00:19:52
Toluwa Famuyide
He's always had the, feel like, the potential to be a good center back, but he's just not really consistent enough. So yeah, i feel like the back three will stay the same as well.
00:20:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I agree. I think it would De Ligt, Maguire and Jaron. I thought, you know, they had played very well given the circumstances and yesterday against Ipswich. I would like to see, probably not the game front, but Aidan Heaven at some point. There's been a lot of hype around him last few weeks. But, yeah, I think just the epic of being matched a lot of online, I don't think we'll see him play. But, yeah, I agree with you there, boys.
00:20:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then moving on to the wingbacks. Now, obviously, Dorgou had a bit of a hard challenge yesterday. They out for a few games. I would start with right wingbacks then.
00:20:32
Sam Brady
ah Yeah, right wing back. Yeah, I think, as you mentioned there, Dorgou obviously will be out for this game. So I think Masrawi will probably come in on the right.
00:20:42
Sam Brady
And it's unfortunate because I think we were starting to see a bit of a better pattern with a left-footed left wing back and a right-footed right wing back. But now, obviously, with Dorgou out, I mean, Masrawi is going to have to come in on the right, which, I mean, will get on to the left back.
00:20:59
Sam Brady
But that means it frees up a space for De Lott there as well.
00:20:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:21:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to do it.
00:21:04
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, gotta be Masrawi, even though that's not the position that we signed him to play. It's one that I'm sure he's at least comfortable with, familiar with. So Masrawi for the right wing back spot.
00:21:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I agree with you. And then I'm guessing we're all going to be saying Dalos, Sam.
00:21:22
Sam Brady
Yeah, Deleuze on the left. um And I think, to be honest, as I said about the left-footed left-back and right-footed right-wing-back, not only does it look just better on the eye in terms of it gives you more options when it comes to going forward, but I think it also suits our forward three as well, especially Hoyland.
00:21:43
Sam Brady
I think when Deleuze is always having to cut back on that right and not first time and he's not able to first-time cross it like but like the option Dogu gives you, I think for Hoyland especially when he's running into the box and he's and he's had to sort of slow his run down or hold back, I really think that sort of doesn't help his case up front ah either. But yeah, it'll be yeah I expect it'll be Deleuze on the left.
00:22:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to I agree.
00:22:12
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I'd agree. Yesterday I saw you know something a little bit interesting with Dorgu. I found not only was he making overlapping runs, but he was kind of playing like an inverted fullback um or wingback, I guess you would call it in this system. So if Dalo does play, which we probably will at left wingback, I feel like he'll cut in a lot more, like Sam said, um and that might give up.
00:22:33
Toluwa Famuyide
you know, more space to whoever's playing on the left hand side. i don't know who that might be, but I feel like Dalot going down the left just won't work. That's going to be something that I feel like Fulham will also exploit. So but have to be careful with that.
00:22:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, agree. Delo, he's played there a lot this season, down the left wing side, especially early on. And yeah it just didn't seem to suit him at Left foot, he doesn't really have it.
00:22:53
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:22:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's a shame that Dorgun will be out for a few games because he was starting to look you know quite good. And he was making, as you said, those positive runs and overlapping looking for the ball all the time. So it's a shame for him that he'll be out for a little while.
00:23:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then moving on to the two holders, start with you this time, Talua.
00:23:11
Toluwa Famuyide
I mean, if em MRM goes with how he normally does, then it'll probably be Bruno and Uarte again. But at the same time, these players put in a shift in the last game. So I feel like one of them will be due some type of rest. Bruno has been playing 90 minutes for the past five seasons, it seems like, every game.
00:23:31
Toluwa Famuyide
So he's not going to bench Bruno, though. Too important of a game. feel like Uarte is too important because he's an engine. He gets back and forth. But... In a game like this, maybe he'll go with Erickson.
00:23:42
Toluwa Famuyide
Maybe. I can't see Casemiro starting. He's just now he's not good enough to start, my opinion, anymore. um But maybe Erickson to give us a little more creativity on the ball while Bruno is trying to do everything at once.
00:23:54
Toluwa Famuyide
So if I had to go for it, I'd say definitely Bruno and Ugarte. But I would like to see Erickson come in and give one of those guys a break as well.
00:24:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, sir.
00:24:05
Sam Brady
Yeah, see, I sort of agree and disagree what in terms of what Toluwa says. in terms of ah I agree that I don't think Casemiro can cut it as a starter anymore.
00:24:16
Sam Brady
But saying that, I actually have a feeling that he might come in next to Agate actually on on Sunday. and And not giving anything away, but that doesn't necessarily mean I think he's going to drop Bruno.
00:24:28
Sam Brady
But I think Casemiro is going to, I think, might potentially come in next to Agate. And it also gives us, and just to to try and get in the mind of Almorin, I think it also gives us obviously more of a defensive-minded option there with Agate and Casemiro against, as we've already highlighted, a very good,
00:24:49
Sam Brady
a very attackive and good going forward Fulham side. So potentially Casemiro might come in, yeah.
00:24:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and ah um it's a pity we don't have Casemiro two years ago because yeah I'd say he'd be the first name on the sheet. But no, I think I definitely think Ugarate would be there. um Bruno would be starting.
00:25:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just don't know if Holden, maybe they might push him up because, you know, we're as bare bones as it gets up top, really.
00:25:09
Sam Brady
I can't.
00:25:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, a lot of guys getting sold recently and stuff. So, i Definitely Ugarte. I could see Casimir also, like you said, Sam. um Kind of big game experience as well from him could help.
00:25:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I do think bru it would be Bruno Ugarte, although I would like to see maybe Bruno get pushed up higher umm a bit in this game. But I think Bruno Ugarte would be the holders. And then moving to the two behind the striker, Toluos, are you?
00:25:42
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, like you said, we're pretty bare bones up top, so I'd like to see. i feel like every United fan would like to see Chito, you know, but he's just too young. It's not smart to rely on such young players and such big um atmospheres like this.
00:25:58
Toluwa Famuyide
um I feel like it's going to have to be. um Garnacho, feel like he's a short end because like you said, we really have nobody else. um And on the right, if, you know, it goes back to the Ipswich game, it's going be Xerxe.
00:26:14
Toluwa Famuyide
and Those are probably my two.
00:26:16
Sam Brady
Mm-hmm.
00:26:16
Toluwa Famuyide
I would also like to push Bruno up a little bit more, but I feel like we just don't have enough cover in the midfield. You know, he's just such an engine. And we we saw that yesterday with his long busting sprints. Like he just gives everything for the team. I'd like to see him just kind of control the midfield. But yeah, Garnacho and Xerxe for me.
00:26:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, sir.
00:26:34
Sam Brady
Yeah, i mean, as I've alluded to, I think it would definitely be Xerxes. And this doesn't necessarily mean I agree with Almorin if he does do this.
00:26:45
Sam Brady
Because to be honest, I feel a bit bad for Garnaccio yesterday being dragged off because of the injury to Dorgoth. I thought he was actually our best attacker. And then obviously he walked straight down the tunnel and Almorin got asked about it.
00:26:59
Sam Brady
and said that that he'll talk to him about it. So that's why I think potentially might put push Bruno up on the left and bench Garnaccio for Sunday. Again, i don't i don't agree with that at all if he does do that, because I think Garnaccio was our best attacking option going forward.
00:27:16
Sam Brady
He's our only attacker at the minute with Ahmad out that gives us that pace going forward, gives us that sort of pace running at defenders one-on-one. But because of Garnaccio going down the tunnel and obviously Almiron and Garnaccio having that history of of of disputes earlier on in the season, I think he might try to push Bruno more more up the pitch and and and on the left. And on Bruno, I mean, i think we we're all in agreeance. Yesterday...
00:27:44
Sam Brady
he for For me, that was one of the best performances this season I've seen of Bruno. he just ran all over the pitch and and he's one player that is just so reliable and he gives his absolute all to everything for United. And I think if we want to sort of build...
00:28:01
Sam Brady
build a sort of project in the next couple of years. Bruno is the epitome of everything we want in a player for United right now. So I think, yeah, he he has to start. It's just what position he starts. And I think potentially we could see him off the left on Sunday.
00:28:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, no, I mean, Bruno, he was a pure captain's performance, really, as you said, he was everywhere, you know, and getting two assists as well. Yeah, where would we be without him? He's been, you know, I think he's fallen off a little bit from last season. He's still, by far, most creative, of you know, player going forward. Yeah, he had a superb game, like you said.
00:28:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Yeah, I think Zirk should be a shoe in there, and it's kind of going back to, yeah, will be Bruno or Garnaccio? And I don't think Garnaccio helped himself. don't know you've seen that Instagram post and he posted, but he was getting a bit of stick for it today.
00:28:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
um online so yeah they've had a history as you said him and Amarim Sam so yeah we'll see what they have to do um but I ah have a feeling he might go Garnaccio so yeah I'd say Garnaccio and then rounding up front who do we have Sam?
Hoyland's Form and Tactical Adjustments
00:29:03
Sam Brady
Well, i have I have Hoyland. I think Almorin has this this trust and faith in in Hoyland. And even though the past couple of games he's been subbed off after 70th minute, and I think even yesterday, that's why I say it was it was unfair on Garnaccio because I even think Hoyland ohland could have been taken off.
00:29:23
Sam Brady
And as Toluwa said, I'd love to see Obi sort of get a start, but he's obviously very young. and And as you said as as well, Cormac, it's a big game to sort of throw him in there.
00:29:38
Sam Brady
So I think it will be Hoyland, but I wouldn't be surprised if Obi got some minutes again on Sunday.
00:29:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to lower.
00:29:46
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, yeah, it's gotta be Hoyland, but i just don't know what has gone wrong with Hoyland. I feel like, you know, when he first came, he was electric. I know that the team wasn't in the best situation, but he was making something out of nothing, you know?
00:29:59
Toluwa Famuyide
And then this season, I know he was injured at the start, but ever since he came back from the injury, just been so bad. You know, he's been a ghost of himself. And in the game against Ipswich, It'd be one thing if, you know, he would get the ball to his feet and he'd lose it like he normally does because his touch isn't that great. But it it seemed like he wasn't even involved with the play.
00:30:18
Toluwa Famuyide
Like, it didn't seem like the players wanted to give him the ball. didn't seem like he was getting himself into positions to even receive the ball. So there's some type of disconnect with him and his teammates, for sure. I agree with Sam, you know.
00:30:29
Toluwa Famuyide
Amarim coming out and saying that he thinks Hoyland has a lot of potential and that his teammates need to do more for him. I agree with that. I feel like there's just something not clicking with him. Maybe it's the introduction of Zerkse because I feel like Amarim trusts Zerkse more, even though he's a new signing.
00:30:45
Toluwa Famuyide
And maybe that might rub Hoyland the wrong way. But the fact of the matter is Zerkse is so much more reliable on the ball than Hoyland is. and gives us a little bit more dynamism moving forward than Hoyland does. So it's got to be Hoyland, but I hope that he can finally just prove the doubters wrong and get back into his goal scoring ways.
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I mean, you said perfectly there. He just doesn't seem himself at the moment. I think he's gone like the last 17 games or something without scoring. And yeah, I mean, he's not even involved with the link-up play at all. And to fair, you know, service isn't great for him a lot of times, but you'd like see him a bit more involved and maybe dropping deep and stuff, but he doesn't even have that right now.
00:31:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think his performance was summed up last night where that ball got played across and he dummied it.
00:31:25
Toluwa Famuyide
you
00:31:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't know why he Didn't shoot perfect for a left foot shot, but he yeah just let it go and we're down a man. I'm not sure who we thought was making a run in behind him. um But yeah, no, I think it will be Hoyland, but I honestly would like to see, you know, maybe 60 minutes into the game if Hoyland's not doing anything, bring Obi Merdan on for the last half an hour and give him a shot because surely he can offer something better than what Hoyland's been offering lately.
00:31:43
Sam Brady
Yeah.
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
it' It hasn't been great at all for him.
00:31:50
Sam Brady
Yeah. Well, the thing is, the thing is, Cormac, sorry, like in the first half, Hoyland had eight touches. I mean, that's not good enough at all. but
00:31:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:59
Sam Brady
to be on To be our number nine, our main striker, to have eight touches in one half, I mean, yeah, Tallulah's right that, okay, maybe he might not get be getting the service, but you've got to do more. You have to do more. We we have to be seeing more from Hoyland. And,
00:32:16
Sam Brady
Yeah, runs about and and and does a bit, but even his press, he'll run a bit and, like, you can't kid us. He's running, but he's not actually pressing properly. And then eight touches, it's like it's just not good enough at all. and but And that's why i say like maybe just maybe just bench him like for a corporate for a game or so and ah because it's just not good enough performances. And then maybe that might be like kick it kick him up the arse a bit and and make him make him make him go for it. But yeah, it's just, yeah.
00:32:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
no Yeah, no, I agree. I mean, eight touches, when you're spending £70 million or £60 million pound on a player, and him for him to have eight touches and a half is a joke. You know, when you spend that money, you want those players having an impact. And yeah, he just hasn't been impactful at all for us, really, this season. And it's a shame to see. I know he's young.
00:33:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hopefully, he'll keep him improving. But yeah, I know it's just he seemed to have regressed in the last two years at United. um But yeah, that rounds out the predicted line-up. We'll move on now to the score prediction, lads.
Predictions and Fan Support
00:33:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Start you, Tloua. What are we thinking?
00:33:24
Toluwa Famuyide
Just based on the way that we played against them last time, feel like it's going to be kind of a similar game. I know that Fulham is going to want to come out and attack, but we play such a way that we just nullify a lot of teams and it just kind of turns into a, well, maybe one off chance somebody will score and that'll be it.
00:33:42
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel like this game might actually go to um extra time and penalties. I have just a strong feeling that we might not be able to get it done in full time.
00:33:54
Toluwa Famuyide
um And then extra, another extra time period will kill these players, you know?
00:33:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
okay
00:33:59
Toluwa Famuyide
So like literally they might not have legs after. So, but I know that, you know, seeing from this 10 man performance that they can come together and and hold it and make it secure. So maybe, maybe penalties, but yeah, I definitely see extra time for sure.
00:34:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Extra time. Yeah, and Sam.
00:34:14
Toluwa Famuyide
ah
00:34:15
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I would say maybe one, one going into extra time. Yeah.
00:34:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
and so
00:34:20
Sam Brady
Yeah, completely read my mind there, to be honest. ah i could I can see it going to penalties. I think it might be 1-1 after extra time and penalties and hopefully we we win. But I hope it doesn't go to extra time because obviously we've got Thursday night football to play in Spain as well. So I think if it goes to extra time come Thursday, our players will be absolutely shot. So yeah, extra time, penalties and hopefully a win.
00:34:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, hopefully, yeah. It's going to sound like I'm copying you, lads, but yeah, no, I had in my mind too a draw, I think, would be um kind of a low-scoring game. I think, Tuluye, you hit a good there, a 1-1 draw, I can see, and then I think United can use that magic they've been using, like, against Arsenal an extra time and come out.
00:35:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I can see it going the distance, depends, but, you know you've been fortunate in that aspect this season, so I think they can pull one more through this weekend, so yeah, hopefully.
00:35:13
Toluwa Famuyide
how come How sorry to cut you, but how crazy is it that we can't we don't even have the confidence to say it that United will win?
00:35:19
Sam Brady
Yeah.
00:35:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
and know
00:35:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah I know. other been I know Kieran's normally the optimistic one and I know he's giving me you a bit of stick, Sam, for the Spurs tradition, but no it's hard to be.
00:35:20
Sam Brady
Well, it's easy, you know?
00:35:30
Sam Brady
Yes.
00:35:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
United just haven't been playing that well at all this season.
00:35:33
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:35:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know all of Watching the last few games, you have to be realistic, I think, sometimes.
00:35:38
Toluwa Famuyide
It's tough.
00:35:39
Sam Brady
but it's crazy It's crazy to think that in the previous in previous rounds of the f FA Cup, we beat Arsenal.
00:35:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah in
00:35:45
Sam Brady
We've beaten City this year. We've drawn at Anfield. And yet we're still not confident enough to beat Fulham at Old Trafford. mean, that just sums up our season, really.
00:35:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, I know, I think we might be a bit more confident the like City or Liverpool.
00:35:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, no, exactly, we just haven't been great this season. But yeah, any final thoughts, lads? Start with you, Toluwa, just before we close out.
00:35:58
Sam Brady
Yeah.
00:36:05
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, just just to kind of piggyback off what you guys said, it would be nice to for OB to get some minutes because he is such a hot prospect. you know ah kind of want to see a situation where you strike while the iron is hot. you know he's he's He's playing in good form for the youth level.
00:36:20
Toluwa Famuyide
Why not just give him a chance to see what he does? It'll definitely give us something different because no other team has seen the way he plays you know in the first team level. So it'll definitely bring something different. I'd definitely like to see him on Sunday.
00:36:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and final thoughts, Sam?
00:36:34
Sam Brady
Yeah, i agree with that. And I also wanted to sort of sort of shout out our our own fans from yesterday because I don't know about you, lads, but I thought the fans in the stadium and the atmosphere was amazing yesterday. You obviously had Agate and Casemiro sort pumping their chest at the end and and the fans sort of getting right behind the team. and And that is the thing that you can never doubt about, about our fans and our and our atmosphere no matter of the results this season, we always get behind our team. And I thought yesterday, all right, it's against Ipswich. Okay, we sort scraped the result. But I hope that the given the reaction that that we we saw at Old Trafford from the fans and after the full-time whistle, I really hope that the players see that and and that gives them the confidence to go, you know what, like look at our fans giving us the support there. we We need to have more nights like that. So I think...
00:37:28
Sam Brady
I hope we go into another game at Old Trafford and the the players really go, you know what, like we we want we want to to feel that more and we want to give these fans what they deserve. So, yeah, big ah bigger up our fans and hopefully we see it.
00:37:42
Sam Brady
And I know, not hopefully, I know we're going to see an amazing atmosphere again on Sunday.
00:37:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. Can never question the United faithful. um Anyway, thanks for listening, everyone. Sam, Tullua, thanks for joining me. And yeah, hopefully we'll be back on Monday discussing a United win.
00:38:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.