Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Daily Manchester United - 156 – Chel-See You Tomorrow
11 Plays2 days ago
Kieran, Tom, and Toluwa are on today’s episode to discuss the loss against West Ham, our preview to the Chelsea game, and our predicted XI for the penultimate Premier League game of the season.
Our Sponsors
Bioniq
Don't settle for off-the-shelf solutions made for ANY body. Get what's right for YOU. Right now.
We’ve spent years analyzing blood markers to develop our patented algorithm, enabling us to create a 100% personalized supplement to support your health by optimizing your micronutrient status.
Follow the link and Use code GSPN2025 for 40% of your first month’s subscription.
Zencastr
Built for quality - Designed for growth
A new era for creation is here.
The only complete audio + video platform to get best-in-class recording, intuitive editing, AI-powered growth features, and top-tier distribution tools — all in one place.
Get started for free!
We highly recommend it!
Global Sports Podcast Network
Creating the world’s first network of 30-minute daily podcasts for the world’s biggest sporting export, the English Premier League.
For advertising and sponsorship details or to learn more about the scale and demographics of our audience – email Ken Davies, VP Business & Development at:
ken.davies@globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
www.globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
#MUFC #GGMU #DailyManUnited #CHEMUN #PremierLeague #PL #ManUnited #Chelsea#AthleticBilbao
Copyright | 2025 Global Sports Podcast Network | All Rights Reserved
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to the Daily Manchester United Podcast
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Daily Manchester United here on what is a very eventful Thursday. Thank you to Sam for bearing through the pain of having to review that result.
00:00:19
Tom Cairns
You're right.
00:00:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Did a thoroughly good job on his own there. And well, we're sort of picking up the pieces. My
Aftermath of Manchester United's Defeat
00:00:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
name's Kieran. I'm joined this episode by Tom and Tolua, who are ah ready to brunt the pain of what was. We've had some time to let this stew. We've had that two-nil result.
00:00:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
that Stente's now down to 16th. Thank goodness Tottenham lost because otherwise we would be literally worst of the rest. um I'll start with you, Tom, because, um I mean, looking at the stats, looking at the way we played, just was there was it seemed like it was a magnet pointing the other way in the goal. But where did it go wrong?
00:00:58
Tom Cairns
The lack of clinicalness is the best way to put it, which has been the emphasis of Manchester United's season, is that lack of killer instincts.
00:01:08
Tom Cairns
The players we've got are just not good enough in front of goal. It's as simple as that. and Rasmus Hoyland, as much as we've been trying to back him and back him, I think it's proven he isn't what Manchester United are after at this moment in time.
United's Rebuilding Needs and Transfer Targets
00:01:21
Tom Cairns
So it's going to come down to where do United look at in the summer? Do they look at Liam Dillard? Are they looking at Mateus Kuhn? Mateus Cunha, who looks like he's on his way there, but wait until the end of the season before anything gets put pen to paper on that potential deal.
00:01:38
Tom Cairns
Even one transfer window isn't going to resolve Manchester United's problems right here and there. It's going to take, at the very minimum, three or four.
00:01:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And i yeah, it's three or four transfer windows away, yet we've had 11 years to sort of get to grips with the fact that there's no more Ferguson. And I think that's what drive what that's what winds me up.
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um and It's been a hot topic on this show about you know transfer targets and transfer strategies, which you know the past two windows we've improved at. But Toluwa, I just want to ask you the same question before we move on. and you know What was your take on the loss to West Ham? What did you take away from it?
00:02:17
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I'd have to agree with Tom. It was just a lack of cutting edge. I think the problem with United... probably not even just this season, but the past two seasons, is just that in front of goal, we just suffer, we lack.
00:02:31
Toluwa Famuyide
For some reason, there's just nobody there that can really take the players by the scruff of the neck and kind of instill that confidence in them in front of goal. I feel like we're always relying on the individual moment with Bruno or relying on an individual moment from Ahmed, but there's no real run of consistency within our forward line.
00:02:48
Toluwa Famuyide
And then also on the West Ham game, it's it's you know the same old story, constant silly mistakes defensively. We lose the ball in midfield and it looks like the players don't know what to do in transition when when the other team is countering.
Critique of Defensive Strategies and Injuries
00:03:02
Toluwa Famuyide
And it's it's just worrying. It's worrying to see that because these are established professionals. These aren't kids. You know, Garte loses the ball and then Lindelof tracks back, but he's caught in an island. There's two.
00:03:14
Toluwa Famuyide
It's a two V one. And I'm starting to really question what the players do defensively in training, because I know that the you know, the impetus is to go forward and to score goals and to be entertaining. But at the same time, if you want to win a championship, you want to win a title, you want to win a Europa League, have to be solid at the back.
00:03:30
Toluwa Famuyide
And for some reason, we just have no clue what we're doing defensively. And it's worrying. It's very worrying because, like Tom said, it's going to take three or four summer windows, winter windows, if we even have the money, to try and rebuild the squad.
00:03:44
Toluwa Famuyide
But a lot of the players here, aren't really going to give us a lot of value in terms of money. It's going to be very difficult to rebuild if we're not winning competitions, if we're not placing you know higher in the Premier League, getting prize money.
00:03:51
Tom Cairns
Okay.
00:03:58
Toluwa Famuyide
It's just a worrying time for United, but you know we've been through this already. We already know what to expect. so
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, what you've said there perfectly summarises what Ferguson said in his time of Manchester United and the fact that attack wins you games and defence wins you titles. And nothing more could be summed up by that right now. Yes, the attack is flailing and fleeting at the moment with...
00:04:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hoyland not being able to file on cylinders. Xerxe out for what is now the rest of the season. um you You know, Garnaccio is missing chances, not consistent. We've got Rashford out on loan.
00:04:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ahmad, I'd like to think, is coming back up to fitness. But I think the priority is to put it basically put him in bubble wrap for the Europa League final. And there was this essence, Tom, that Amrim said it before. you know Our season is done.
00:04:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
like if We've only got the Europa League. Is this a case of now, i mean, having look at rotation, he had by endearing goal in terms of rotation. There wasn't actually a lot of it, considering the fact that we're so focused on the Europa League final and yet we still lost this game.
00:04:58
Tom Cairns
And it paid the price by the fact that Jorah got injured in that game against West Ham, which was a bit silly for a memory to just play to begin with. know he wants to rest rest Maguire, but this is like this is the kind of magnitude of a match against West Ham, who in my point of view are the kind of side that score from set pieces.
00:05:19
Tom Cairns
That's when you need Maguire in four. And I don't think Jorah really needed to be involved in that game whatsoever. So I do criticise Amarim for that. And um how whether whether it be fit enough for the Europa League final, I really don't know now.
00:05:34
Tom Cairns
Because it feels to me like we could well be fielding Lindelof, Maguire and Mats Rowie in that back three with Shaw being put into that left-wing back role and pushing Dorgio onto the right-hand side.
00:05:43
Toluwa Famuyide
you
00:05:50
Tom Cairns
Which you're kind of putting two players at least out of position from where they should be at.
00:05:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and ah when Ameren was asked, I believe today, according to the yeah Adam Marshall of Manchester United website, when asked about the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Aidan Heven, Leni Jura, there was no sign of them at Carrington on Wednesday during during the training session. He said, I don't know if they're going to be available.
00:06:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to try and push because it's the final matches and this is a final. All the players want that really bad match. I think they will not go to Chelsea, but we'll have the possibility of some of them in the final.
00:06:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Yeah, to it's not not ideal to have you know a defence that's already a little bit hampered at the moment. And i go back to Litscher getting injured with that, um I think it was collateral ligament injury. Can't remember if it was MCL, LCL, either way.
00:06:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rules him out for a couple of months. I feel like It's not a case of this defence was you know bad and it was patched over with Martinez. it It wasn't the greatest, but I feel like we've taken ah such a step down since since he got injured.
00:07:04
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, absolutely. And it's ah sad to say because Martinez wasn't in the greatest runoff form before his injury. He was kind of going through rough patch. And it's just a difficult time for the back line. Obviously, going from Ten Hag to Amirim, going into a new system, trying to figure all of those things out. And then, boom, to get injured is probably one of the worst things that could have happened. And I would say a lot of United fans would agree that Lichas is by far one of our best defenders.
00:07:29
Toluwa Famuyide
And it's crazy because, you know, he's a World Cup winner with Argentina. And, you know, he had he brings a lot of quality to the side, but the rest of the team severely lacks. If he's injured, then we're trying to rely on DeLicht, Maguire, Yoro.
00:07:43
Toluwa Famuyide
But DeLicht and Yoro seem to get injured a lot, too. And I agree with Tom 100%. I don't see the reason why... Amarin played so many of our starters in that West
Chelsea's Season Analysis and Strategies
00:07:54
Toluwa Famuyide
Ham game knowing exactly what's at stake. I feel like, like you said, the Premier League is done.
00:07:59
Toluwa Famuyide
So it's it's just another case of poor recruitment, I think. um I think DeLict and Euro have been great signings in terms of quality on the pitch. I know DeLict kind of, and Euro kind of took them a little bit of time to get up to speed with the league.
00:08:14
Toluwa Famuyide
But once they finally got settled in, it looked like, you know, they were a short end for the starting 11, but they just can't stay fit. And we seem to sign players that just can never stay fit. And if we're trying to compete, yeah, if we're trying to compete on multiple fronts, going the distance in the Premier League or Europe or this, and we need players that are ready and available.
00:08:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the curse.
00:08:33
Toluwa Famuyide
Not just ready and available, but also have quality. So, yeah, that'd be very nice.
00:08:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
That would be nice. Yeah, that would be nice.
00:08:39
Toluwa Famuyide
So I agree with you 100%. You know, it seems like we're taking two steps back every time we take one step forward. And if we don't win the Europa League, it's goingnna be it's going to be something.
00:08:50
Toluwa Famuyide
I know right now we're focusing on the game ah in front of us with Chelsea. But, I mean, right now all I can think about is if we don't win the Europa League, where do we go from there?
00:09:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
i first started When we first started this podcast all the way back in the summer, say July, August, one of the first things I said was, oh no, we're Tottenham.
00:09:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So Tottenham catching strays there. We've now got them in the Europa League final. If this all comes full circle and we're the reason Tottenham win a trophy for the first time since 2008, I don't know.
00:09:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
i Would I retire? i don't know. That would be me. I've been a horrible curse um all the way through. But yeah, with that victory for West Ham, they managed to reach the magical 40 points.
00:09:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Believe it or not, United still haven't. When we come back, there's what's now two more chances to get to that magical 40 point barrier. But one of the toughest opponents we'll face so far this season. We'll be back after this.
00:10:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So Premier League game coming up against Chelsea, away at Stamford Bridge on the 16th of May. And Chelsea come into this game in, well, I will say interesting form. That's the word I'm going to use.
00:10:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
If we have a look at their last few games in the Premier League, their last game against Newcastle, they had a man down, Nico Jackson getting sent off. Newcastle went on to win 2-0. Obviously, they beat Eurogarden's over two legs, five one on aggregate. They got a 3-1 win against Chelsea.
00:11:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
at Stamford Bridge. ah They also beat the other side of Liverpool in Everton at home, one on the road to Fulham. So in in theory, what we're seeing here is Newcastle might actually be the blip in this. um Tom, they haven't really, well, set the world alight this season, and yet they're still with an outside chance of getting second at Chelsea.
00:11:29
Tom Cairns
It's an interesting season, isn't it? and It underlines the fact that Liverpool have been by far the best team, even though it may not feel to some people that Liverpool are like the best of the best champions. But Chelsea have been in really interesting form, somewhat interrupted by their commitments in the Conference League, of which they're playing in the final in Vrachov against Real Betis, who are going to be ah no easy opposition by any means, especially with Manuel Pellegrini in charge.
00:11:55
Tom Cairns
So where do Chelsea's eggs go in the basket for? Do they go in the basket for these two Premier League games that could decide whether they're in the Champions League or not? Or do they go in the basket for, or how many of them go in the basket for the Conference League final to win a major trophy, but would only get them into the Europa League if they don't qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top five?
00:12:21
Tom Cairns
But so Chelsea's dilemma is a lot more... It's a lot more difficult to decide. Whereas for United, it's a lot easier.
00:12:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, we just have the dilemma of, you know, who's not injured, I guess, would be that one. But sort of ah this is going to be a strong Chelsea side, I think, no matter what. Because as you rightly said, Tom, to win the Conference League gets your spot in the Europa League. But if they can qualify for the Champions League by the league, they'd surely prioritise that.
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then if they don't win the Conference League Chelsea, they won't hear the end of it. So they're sort of... Between a rock and a hard place, I think they're just going to throw all their best players at all the games and and see what happens. But right now, they are fifth place. And right now, that is a Champions League spot. it was confirmed by UEFA earlier on this year as to fact that and now England has an extra coefficient for the Champions League because of their performance this season in the Champions League.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So they are fifth right now. They are five points away from no yes Five points away from Arsenal in second place. So they're still outside chance, but they have to win against United and hope Arsenal lose.
00:13:28
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I mean, you said it perfectly. Chelsea are going to throw all their best talent at United. They're going to throw all their best talent for the Conference League final. you said You kind of hit the nail on the head. If they don't win the Conference League final, then there's going to be an uproar no matter what, because that's a competition that a team of their caliber is expected to win.
00:13:49
Toluwa Famuyide
But if they don't get Champions League, then the season is a failure, pretty much, with all the money that they've spent, all the time and resources, the amount of players that they have, the squad depth that they have. They should be making top four, let alone this extra fifth spot.
00:14:02
Toluwa Famuyide
So it's a tricky one um for Chelsea. I think Maresca has a lot to think about in the next couple of weeks, obviously, because... the game against United on ah tomorrow is so important for their season.
00:14:15
Toluwa Famuyide
And like you said, for us, it's not really ah game that we really, i feel like should care about too much. I mean, of course we want to win every game, but I think the reality of the situation is no matter what we do now, it's all, it's Europa League or bust.
00:14:29
Toluwa Famuyide
So for Chelsea, all the best players, all the talent, all the impetus is going to come. And I think it's going to come from probably midfield. I feel like our midfield is so weak. Anzo Morescu is going to try and exploit that.
00:14:41
Toluwa Famuyide
And like Tom said, Batiste is not going to be an easy team. I mean, look at the way that Anthony's playing. Look at the way that Isco's playing. Look at the way that the current crop of players is is is performing in that European competition. So it's going to be difficult. But I think Chelsea have enough to get through.
00:14:55
Toluwa Famuyide
It's just whether or not they're consistent. Because like you said, they they're able to beat Liverpool.
00:14:57
Tom Cairns
Thank you.
00:14:59
Toluwa Famuyide
And then the next week, they they're not able to beat Newcastle. And Newcastle is by no means an easy team.
00:15:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:04
Toluwa Famuyide
But I would say pound for pound, you would you would argue that Chelsea have the better squad.
00:15:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
i
00:15:09
Toluwa Famuyide
So.
00:15:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, that's an interesting interesting one. I think Newcastle have been really good, like especially towards the the back end of this season.
00:15:14
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:15:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've been in phenomenal form.
00:15:16
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:15:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Forest have slightly tapered away, but that's to be expected because they've had such a great season. They just want to get this over the line and get Champions League football. I don't actually think Newcastle are ah a bad side. They're the League Cup winners. They've now got a trophy.
00:15:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've sort of broken that duck for a few years and and they' and they're riding high on it. And why not? The thing is as well, who Chelsea might start up top, and this might sound like it's a Chelsea podcast right now, but we're trying to get in the mindset here because Nico Jackson's suspended for the game and he would have been sort of the go-to.
00:15:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
the The man who, i don't know, I don't know what to make of him.
00:15:50
Tom Cairns
Thank
00:15:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
He can turn up in in the games that you really don't want him to turn up in. And if he weren't suspended, I would have backed him to score in this one. um But Tom, what should we expect from Chelsea from a side that are, as we said, ah which basket they going go for?
00:16:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are they going to go for the Conference League trophy? Are they going to go for qualification for the Champions League by the league? Or perhaps both at the same time?
00:16:15
Tom Cairns
Chelsea have got nine days after the Man United game before they play Forest and then they travel to Vruglav for the Conference League final. This is a game that they have to win because the last game they are up against in the Premier League is at Nottingham Forest.
00:16:30
Tom Cairns
They will not want to be going to the city ground needing a win because now they're pretty much equaling or putting more eggs in the basket on that knowing that there is a risk of getting players injured in that.
00:16:42
Tom Cairns
before they travel to Falkov for the Conference League final. This is a game they cannot afford to drop points in, Chelsea. And I expect them to go all out to win this one um rather comfortably, especially when you've got um Cole Palmer in your team. Is Cole Palmer still fit, by the way?
00:17:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah That's a good question. I think so. i haven't heard anything otherwise.
00:17:06
Toluwa Famuyide
you
00:17:08
Tom Cairns
just looking at so where they are. So, Cole Palmer's on 15 goals this season. Remember in the corresponding fixture last season, he got a hat-trick against us.
00:17:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
he didn't have to remind me of that.
00:17:18
Tom Cairns
And yeah, well, this is what and this is what he can do. and ah Now that Nico Jackson's injured, this is a chance for Cole Palmer to really shine for Chelsea. And i expect him to get the better of the defence that we are potentially going to end up putting out. Because I expect to see a youngster put in that back line.
00:17:39
Tom Cairns
I don't think...
00:17:43
Tom Cairns
does I wouldn't start Mats Rari. I wouldn't bother starting Mats Rari. If you're going to get another centre-half potentially injured in that game, United are in a heap of trouble. It's bad enough do you go to Chelsea and get beat comprehensively, but it's highly relevant ah it's hardly relevant to United anyway.
00:18:01
Tom Cairns
We've got Europa League final to focus on, which is next week. It's only five days after the Chelsea game. So you've got to get your priorities right and not try and risk... too many players that we need for Bilbao.
00:18:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I also remember at the start of the podcast when I said, remember when it was the worst season ever, when we finished sort of eighth or ninth, it was the worst Premier League season of all time. And now we're very much bottom half. We could very realistically finish 17th at this point in the season with two to go.
00:18:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I never really knew how good we had it. And to reflect on that after this break, we're going to have to see and predict an 11 between us for the United squad to face Chelsea. Should be a good one. So join us after this.
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencastr came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:19:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
United's Goalkeeper and Defensive Lineup Decisions
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
So roll up, roll up. Let's see what we can muster up in our penultimate Premier League game of the season away at Stamford Bridge on Friday night. This should be a good one. Tolua, I'm going to start with you because the matter of goalkeeper we thought was cut and dry.
00:19:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe not so much cut and dry. What about for you?
00:19:47
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I think for this game, he's 100% going to start Onana. Amarim definitely will still treat this game as an important match, even though probably in the back of ah of his mind, he's going to know that he's going to have to rest his key players.
00:20:01
Toluwa Famuyide
But at the end of the day, he still wants to save face. He he comes out with... pretty much 1,000 interviews a day for for United, saying how he's embarrassed at the status at the status of the club.
00:20:11
Toluwa Famuyide
He doesn't wish for us to be in this position. So that tells me that he's a manager that still has this importance on games like this. This isn't just a one-off game, to him at least. To us, we know that the Europa League is way more important.
00:20:25
Toluwa Famuyide
But for him, seeing the recent performances of Bayern Deer, not to say that any of those goals were particularly his fault, But I think he's going to put his trust in Onana. And if Onana can have a good game against Chelsea, it'll definitely set him up for the Europa League final, give him some confidence, and hopefully he'll perform in that game as well.
00:20:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, could be shooting practice, so worth getting the practice in. ah Tom, how about you for goalkeeper?
00:20:48
Tom Cairns
I'm on the fence with this one. I wouldn't mind either way for this match. I'm tempted to put Bayern Deer in goal for this one. I just think... I feel like Bayern Deer has struggled to settle into the Premier League and I think he needs a few more games before United ultimately decides is it worth giving him a go more regularly next season.
00:21:09
Tom Cairns
So with all the dead-robber games we've got left against Chelsea and Villa, I'd probably put Bayern Deer in between the sticks and rest an honour.
00:21:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Interesting. i I would be on the fence as well if Bayern wasn't 27. I think at 27, as a goalkeeper, you've got to you've got to have established yourself at some point. And yes, you argue the fact that if you look at statistics and you look at averages, goalkeepers normally reach their peak in their early But...
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
but For a club at Manchester United to have a keeper at 27 years old, you've got to be thinking, why are they not breaking in or why they not breaking through? um yeah yeah i would I would say, to counteract my own point, we had Victor Valdez and we had Sergio Romero. Again, Victor Valdez played for United. Remember that?
00:21:56
Tom Cairns
Yep.
00:21:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But both happy to be backup keepers in their early 30s. And this was a thing, early to mid-30s, they were happy to be the backups. Eventually, Romero wanted to move on because he wanted more playing time. But at 27, if he hasn't proven yet he should be challenging for that starting position, we've got to start questioning when he would.
00:22:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
For that reason, I think Inanna is going to start because I think this is all about building match fitness as well in keepers. And I think Inanna makes the most sense. Perhaps Baird would start instead in goal against Villa.
00:22:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just don't see it against Chelsea. Let's have a look at the back line then. So in terms of defenders, obviously we know Yoro is a doubt. ah We know De Ligt is a doubt.
00:22:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Heaven is out. Dallow is likely out. And of course, Martina is out with that long term injury. So we're picking at scraps here. I'll come to you first, Tom. What do you think about centre-backs?
00:22:52
Tom Cairns
Well, we're low on options there, aren't we? Unless we start fielding the youngsters for. I'd probably say that Lindelof will start. It'll probably end up being Maguire. And I'm going to say Frederiksen will start alongside those two. I think ah think we need to try and push Matsurari still on the right wing back role. But it's just the fact that we don't have any other options in right wing back other than him and Dallow. And Dallow is obviously injured.
00:23:20
Tom Cairns
I would not want to put Dogu on that right-hand side.
00:23:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough. Toluwa, over to you.
00:23:26
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I think that's probably the most expected of the Bactory. Definitely Lindelof, which... Lindelof is just it just makes me so sad. i mean, I used to love Lindelof, but it's clear that over the years his decline has has been so rapid.
00:23:43
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel like the game and the pace of the game has completely gone by him. But like Tom said, we have no options unless we play a back three of academy players. we We literally have no choice. So Lindelof definitely gets the start.
00:23:57
Toluwa Famuyide
As much as I don't really like Maguire, kind of want to save him as well for Europa League.
00:23:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:24:03
Toluwa Famuyide
Because if Maguire was to get injured, then, i mean, and know Masraoui is huge um on the right-hand side of the center back row. But Maguire, that aerial impact that he has for us could would literally win us a game from a set piece.
00:24:17
Toluwa Famuyide
And if we were to lose him, then our back line has no hope in that final.
00:24:22
Tom Cairns
Can I mention something as well to Lua?
00:24:24
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah. Yeah.
00:24:25
Tom Cairns
Do you remember four years ago, it was the Europa League final and Maguire was injured and he was like our top centre-half of which we needed for that final.
00:24:30
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:24:33
Tom Cairns
They could have made that difference.
00:24:34
Toluwa Famuyide
yeah yeah
00:24:35
Tom Cairns
Do they tend to risk Maguire for this game, knowing that there's a chance that we could end up playing Maguire in the Europa League final next week?
00:24:43
Toluwa Famuyide
I think so. I think, I mean, like I said, with Amorim, he's such a manager that even in a game like this, where for the fan, that's not really important, regardless because of the Europa League, how big that is. Amorim is a big game manager. He likes to play his big players in big games.
00:24:58
Toluwa Famuyide
And I feel like he's going to risk Maguire. If it was up to me, I wouldn't. I'm wondering, you know, maybe give Johnny Evans a go, but that's that's not going to happen. I feel like he's so...
00:25:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, i think I think to burst that bubble to low, I think he's injured as well. So we might not see him.
00:25:11
Toluwa Famuyide
Oh, he's injured. Okay.
00:25:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:12
Toluwa Famuyide
So then we we really have no choice. I mean, think McGuire is definitely going play. Not something that I would like to see, but hopefully he can get, you know, 50, 60 minutes. And regardless of the result, we could just take him out.
00:25:25
Toluwa Famuyide
um And I think Fredrickson, obviously, because we're so limited. Maybe Luke Shaw might get a run at left center back. ah That could be an option as well because I don't see him playing as a wingback in this game, especially for a full 90.
00:25:38
Toluwa Famuyide
I think Amarim is going to want to protect him as well for the final. So I think Amas is going to start again in the wingback position, which um very iffy on Amas because, you know, he's still a youngster, kind of weak, but he has so much room to grow.
00:25:51
Toluwa Famuyide
And to be fair with Tom, Dorgoo on the right wing back is just, that's just not it for me. I'm sorry. It's not. But it's either you have Dorgoo or you have Ahmed. And I don't really want to see Ahmed's forward presence be wasted because he has to track back and defend, which he's not very good at, by the way.
00:26:08
Toluwa Famuyide
So if I had to go for it, I'd agree with the back three that Tom said. Probably Amas and unfortunately Dorgoo to start on the right.
00:26:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I like how you prefaced it with unfortunately. um full Full faith, especially after this season. No, I completely agree with you. um Yeah, I think that's a solid enough back three.
00:26:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I would probably go with Lindelof, Fredrickson and Masraoui at the centre-backs.
00:26:33
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:26:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um i i I just think I don't want to see him start. I think he will start Ahmad. at the right wing back role.
00:26:43
Toluwa Famuyide
yeah yeah
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't want to see it, but I think it will happen because as you say, Dorgoo at the right wing back doesn't work. It hasn't worked.
00:26:50
Toluwa Famuyide
yeah
00:26:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think, you know, with Dallow out, who would have started there, I just think Maserawi at that point is not considered right wing back material. He's more considered right centre back, which that's absolutely fine.
00:27:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And then I think Amas may be on the left. The decision is whether they Luke Shaw would start. Because of course he did he did start against West Ham, but...
00:27:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Again, it's it's it's Luke Shaw. I don't know. Day-to-day, his injuries are have plagued him for 40% of his Manchester United career, which is an insane statistic.
00:27:19
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:27:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So I think you're right. Amas will probably start that wing-back role. So the back five is there. Now, moving on to holding midfielders then. um This has pretty much sparked debate the whole season. But Tom, how do you see the holding midfield lining up?
00:27:41
Tom Cairns
I would leave Casemiro out of this one. I know he would be a good game player for that for a game like this, but At this stage of the season when it's no longer relevant, I'd just leave Casemiro out. We don't want him being unfit for the final and then not being able to use him.
00:27:55
Tom Cairns
So I would rest Casemiro. I'll put him on the bench for this one. Eriksen would start for me. And probably...
00:28:06
Tom Cairns
I'd probably maybe start Maynou alongside Eriksen. Because I don't think... I'd probably maybe put Maynou in just... Add a little bit stability in that... six, um you know, with Harry Amas next to him in that left CDM role.
00:28:21
Tom Cairns
um So I would go with Maynard and Ericsson for that.
00:28:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
T'alloua, let's hear your holding midfield.
00:28:27
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I agree with Erickson. I think this is the perfect game for him to come in and kind of take control of the midfield. um He's so good at picking out a pass, which is what we need. We need to unlock Chelsea's defense no matter what.
00:28:38
Toluwa Famuyide
I think Ugarte is going to start just because it's so important, like Tom said, to keep Casemiro fit for the final. Casemiro is such an important player for us this season in Europe. And I feel like in the Premier League, he's kind of looked at as a you know, like a sidekick. He's not really played often as much as he should, especially.
00:28:55
Toluwa Famuyide
I think Ugarte is perfect for this game if Ericsson is alongside him only because Ugarte can win the ball back so well, but his passing is so poor. And if we have somebody like, for example, Maynou and Ugarte, that midfield is just going to get ran through by Chelsea, in my opinion.
00:29:11
Toluwa Famuyide
Um, Ugarte is not good enough on the ball to keep the ball and progress it. And Manu is not physical enough to withstand the back and forth 90 minutes that Chelsea is definitely going to play us. They're going to run at us. They're going to harry us for every ball.
00:29:26
Toluwa Famuyide
um Erickson by no means is physical either. But I think his experience and technicality is still levels ahead of Menuh, who right now is still developing, still kind of getting used to the system as well, because we've seen him play in the 10. We've seen him play in the holding.
00:29:42
Toluwa Famuyide
He doesn't really have a solidified spot yet in Amarim's system. So I think Ericsson and Ugarte would probably be the best option, especially if we're trying to rest Casemiro, we're trying rest Bruno, which he probably won't rest Bruno. But that's for a forward, you know, front three conversation.
00:29:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. if We'll get on to that in a little bit. But yeah, I i agree with you, Toluwa. I think it's Agathe and Eriksen. And i just think in a game like this, even if we're rotating players, I hope Amram's learned that the destroyer and the deep line playmaker can work. It can work because you've got...
00:30:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know a player covering each other's weakness. Ericsson can't defend. That's fine. He's never he's never been a defensive midfielder who's needed to defend. He hasn't been that for his whole career.
00:30:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agarte, yeah, his pack passing has been a little lacklustre.
00:30:33
Tom Cairns
Thank you.
00:30:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
His vision's not quite there. But when he's harrying opponents and putting tackles in and stopping attacks, even if they're fouls, stopping a counter-attack... hes he's been okay at that this season.
00:30:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I do think Casemiro will get rested.
00:30:46
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank you.
00:30:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I agree with that. And I think that holding me full is going to be Agate and Eriksen, which
Speculation on United's Midfield and Attack Lineup
00:30:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
leaves us with our front three. Let's get it all in there because this is going to be interesting.
00:31:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
where do we Where do we go from this? um And I think Fernandes gets benched. And I think it's going to be Maynou and Garnaccio.
00:31:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
who start in that attacking midfield. And I can see it happening. I can see... potentially Amrim's throwing something, anything at this to to make it work. And these are two players that need <unk> a game under their belt. you know we We saw Maynou pretty much help us get one foot back in the tie against Lyon.
00:31:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know we we've We've needed him at some points this season. And and playing him further forward just makes a a lot more sense with me. I don't like him deeper in the midfield like I like Fernandes deeper in the midfield if he plays there.
00:31:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's better higher up the pitches mainly. We unlock better things from him. um So with my two attacking midfellers the way, I'll hand it over to Tom.
00:31:55
Tom Cairns
I think it'll end up being Mount and Garmacho.
00:31:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:31:58
Tom Cairns
I think Mason Mount could do with some more minutes under his belt just to get him ready for the final. Because I still don't feel he is match fit yet. But i think if you give game time in this one, could to go alongside the amount of training session time he's had this week, we'll put him in better stead for the final.
00:32:13
Tom Cairns
And I think he'll be alongside Garmacho. And I'll agree with you that Fernandes will end up being benched for this.
00:32:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tollewa.
00:32:20
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, ah I mean, I think I'd have to agree as well. um I like Mason Mount starting in this game. I think he showed glimpses of quality against West Ham. ah His passing range is still there. He's still good on the ball, still makes great runs off the ball.
00:32:34
Toluwa Famuyide
And I think he's an ideal 10 in the system that Amarim wants to play. I think also Garnaccio is probably perfect for this game because he can exploit Chelsea's wingbacks going forward. And on the counterattack, he is pretty devastating if he's on his game, if he's going to be consistent. That's the key thing.
00:32:51
Toluwa Famuyide
I agree with you guys. I think Bruno should be benched. Will he be benched? that's That's a question for Amarim. I don't know because Amarim just doesn't... sometimes i just question why In certain games, he plays his best players.
00:33:04
Toluwa Famuyide
And Bruno has been one of our most consistent players for the past five, six seasons. And this is the type of game where he should come off the bench and if we need him, impact the game. But starting from the from the very off, I agree, it's not a smart idea.
00:33:18
Toluwa Famuyide
um So I'd agree. I think Mason Mount and Garnacho I would love to see Maynou, though. I just feel like if we were to start Maynou and Mount, we'd have no pace up top. And I think we need somebody who can hit Chelsea on the counter.
00:33:31
Toluwa Famuyide
And that is a Garnacho type player.
00:33:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then but to we'll stick with you then who's up top.
00:33:38
Toluwa Famuyide
It's gotta be Cheeto.
00:33:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
haven't got many options.
00:33:39
Toluwa Famuyide
It's gotta to be Cheeto. It's gotta be. I know this is a big game and he's young, but Hoyland is so out of form. And if we were to lose Hoyland in this game to injury, then we have no striker for sure, because Cheeto can't be registered for the Europa League.
00:33:54
Toluwa Famuyide
And Zerk say, like you said um earlier in the podcast, is out for the remainder of the season. So at that point, we actually have no option up front. And as bad as Hoyland has been, I'd rather have somebody who's done it in the Champions League. I know, you know, that season that he scored five, six goals in the Champions League group stage, we got knocked out.
00:34:13
Toluwa Famuyide
But... Hoyland has proven that he can score goals in important games. I know right now he's, his confidence is shot. His ability looks really, really low, but we need him. I know it's crazy to say, and I was going to say something earlier about the right wing back spot because so many fans, um,
00:34:31
Toluwa Famuyide
We're hating on Diogo Dalot, but how important would Dalot be right now for this team, especially because we have nobody else at wingback? So I'm thinking the same thing for Hoyland. And I think Chido has to start, get some minutes under his belt, play against experienced top level players that Chelsea has, gain that experience.
00:34:49
Toluwa Famuyide
So that next season, he probably will be, um ah how would I say this, an option for Amarim off the bench instead of having to look elsewhere. um Obviously, we still need a striker in the summer, but Obi has such immense talent. Every time I've seen him come on, he impacts the game instantly compared to Hoyland playing for 60, 70 minutes.
00:35:10
Toluwa Famuyide
So I'd love to see him start. And if he doesn't, I'm sure the United fans will definitely ah they't be upset.
00:35:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, who's up top for you?
00:35:18
Tom Cairns
I'm going to agree with Saloua. I think Chiderebi deserves to be starting. It'd be really, really daft if Amorin decided to play Hoyland or even start him because he gets injured.
00:35:30
Tom Cairns
We are in big trouble going into the final with no recognised striker able to start. It's probably going to end up being Kobe Maynou and starting a striker in the final just as it did in a particular Premier League game which we lost. of it was Crystal Palace where he played as a number nine at some point in the match and it didn't quite work.
00:35:48
Tom Cairns
So, Chidi Roby gets the nod for me for and for Chelsea tomorrow, on um on Friday.
00:35:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
going make a hat-trick then, which is weird to say. haven't seen one of those in a while. going make a hat-trick and say Obi to start. Again, you're you're both hitting the nail on the head.
00:36:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
It just makes sense to have our only registered striker, fit registered striker in the Europa League, not start this Premier League game where nothing is on the line.
00:36:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Give Obi the start, see what he can do, and who knows? Who knows what will happen? Which brings us on to, i think, the moment we've all been dreading The score predictions.
Match Predictions Against Chelsea
00:36:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, over to you.
00:36:28
Tom Cairns
It'll be a 4-0 win to Chelsea.
00:36:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
wow
00:36:32
Toluwa Famuyide
yeah
00:36:32
Tom Cairns
It's going to be very cool. I can i can see it.
00:36:35
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:36:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, I didn't like that one bit, but I can't really see any fault in it. Tell you what.
00:36:39
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I mean, if we're conceding four goals to Brentford, if we're conceding the goals that we conceded against West Ham, I mean, it could even be more than four. But if I had to give a score, I'm going to be a little generous.
00:36:51
Toluwa Famuyide
I'll give you United a three, ah Chelsea to win 3-1.
00:36:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
3-1. Okay, so both losses.
00:36:56
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel like that's generous.
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I'm going to make another hat-trick in United losses purely because we're we're just going to say, I don't care about this game when really we we really do care about this game. I'm probably going to say 4-2.
00:37:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
think it's going to be a bit of a goal fest, but... for all the wrong reasons.
00:37:13
Toluwa Famuyide
Hehehe.
00:37:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
i don't I don't think they're gonna be good United goals. They're just going lumped up and hope hope something happens.
00:37:17
Tom Cairns
Thank
00:37:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
But hey, we might get two goals. Who knows? So from your most optimistic hosts here on the Daily Manchester United, we've all predicted losses for Friday.
00:37:28
Toluwa Famuyide
thank
00:37:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you could probably skip game week 37. You already know what happens. In the meantime, though, hopefully you have enjoyed this podcast episode. If you want to hear more, we're on Spotify and Apple. And if you're already there, you can watch our episodes on YouTube as well. It's ah at Daily Manchester United podcast. So go and head over there. Watch out for that GSPN Daily Manchester United logo.
00:37:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you can watch all of the episodes to your
Closing Remarks and Social Media Engagement
00:37:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
heart's content. If you want to start a conversation with us, we'd love to hear from you. We're on all the social medias at GSPN Man United. We're on X and Twitter. We're on Instagram. We're on Facebook and we're on TikTok.
00:38:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
So go start a conversation with us about, no, silly, why are you playing Manu up top, Kieran? Well, you can discuss with me there. Tolua, Tom, thank you so much for joining me on today's episode.
00:38:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll probably all be back when we have to face off against Chelsea straight after the game. Oh boy, you won't want to miss that one. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your week. We'll talk to you on Friday. Take care.
00:38:34
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank you.