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Daily Manchester United - Episode 118 - Fulham Crossover (H)
0 Playsin 6 hours
Kieran and Toluwa invite Gavin from the Daily Fulham Podcast for a good old crossover episode ahead of the fifth-round tie of the FA Cup
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Transcript
Introduction to the crossover podcast
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the crossover episode between the Daily Manchester United and the Daily Fulham podcast. Over the weekend, it will be f FA Cup Magic, the fifth round upcoming of the magical f FA Cup.
00:00:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And hoping, well, either side could get there. Obviously, I'm hoping it's going to be Manchester United. My name's Kieran. I'm joined by the Daily Fulham by Gavin. Hello,
Fulham's Premier League performance and Nigerian players
00:00:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gavin.
00:00:31
Gavin
Hello, Kieran, you doing?
00:00:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
I could be doing better if we were slightly higher up the table, but I'll say what's sir what' said and that's that. And ah from the Daily Manchester United, brought some backup with me in Tallulah. Tallulah, welcome along.
00:00:43
Toluwa Famuyide
Thanks for having me, guys. What's going on?
00:00:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, we'll be a lot better if we can make it to the yeah quarterfinal. aallu ah Right, so the crossover then, how we're going to structure it is Daily Manchester United will be on the attack against the Daily Fulham, which, you know, we're punching up.
00:00:50
Toluwa Famuyide
yeah
00:00:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's perfectly acceptable. ah Gavin, obviously you've been following Fulham along. I believe ninth in the Premier League table as it stands above Aston Villa, I noticed, just going through this before we started the podcast.
00:01:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, it's been a pretty good season, hasn't it?
00:01:13
Gavin
It has been. and I think one of the buzzwords maybe used in recent times, used for a lot of clubs, given the fact that they're so congested in the table, is ah consistency. And maybe that's one of the words you can associate with Fulham, maybe the lack of consistency.
00:01:26
Gavin
But it was another good win away from home um against Wolves last time around. And their away form has been really impressive. So hopefully they can take that into the game. on the weekend at Old Trafford. But I think expectations maybe at the start of the season was to finish maybe around mid-table and first and foremost ensure their survival. I think they've got a great manager and mar in Marco Silva and they're pretty secure in um in their standing in the league. You're not so worried about them at the start the season. But then and it's always exciting, I guess, at this stage to have something to play for towards the end of the season and they'll have their eyes set on European football. But so will money clubs in the league.
00:02:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. Tuluwa, I'll let you have the next question.
00:02:06
Toluwa Famuyide
Absolutely. Thanks for speaking, Gavin. I wanted to ask, um currently in America, I know you guys are in England, Fulham has two Nigerian players of note.
00:02:18
Toluwa Famuyide
I'm Nigerian as well. Calvin Bassi and Alex Iwobi. I just wanted to know what you guys feel as a Fulham fan. What do you guys feel about these players and in their positions and how they kind of make your team a little bit better?
00:02:29
Toluwa Famuyide
I know right now Fulham individually have so much talent.
00:02:31
Gavin
Thank
00:02:32
Toluwa Famuyide
um I'm really liking the individual pieces that You know, Anthony Robinson being a great left back. Muniz is playing really well up top. But I want to know what you feel about Manaja Boyce.
00:02:42
Gavin
Yeah, well, I think first and foremost, they are both nailed on starters. We saw a bit of rotation in the game in midweek against Wolves. Maybe he was mindful of the weekend's game. That's why he opted to rest both Iwobi and Calvin Bassi. And they've been really good performers for for them this season. and Initially with Calvin Bassi, when he came into the fold last season, he found things a little bit difficult because he was playing slightly out of position. We know he likes to play on the left side of the fence.
00:03:08
Gavin
but he kind of had to fill a hole on the right side of the fence, made a couple of errors in a game. um So it was a bit of a slow start to his Fulham career. But since Tim Ream departed for America, he's made that position his own and he's been very solid this season.
Fulham's tactical approach and FA Cup prospects
00:03:22
Gavin
I think the signing of Joachim Andersson probably raised a lot of eyebrows at the start of the season and he was seen as the number one defender. But think Calvin Bassie has been the more consistent performer on a regular basis.
00:03:33
Gavin
And the other Nigerian boy, Alex Iwobi, Apart from Anthony Robinson, I would say he's probably Fulham's next best player this season. I think just recently he's been a little bit quiet, but he's just got such great versatility.
00:03:47
Gavin
They combine so well down that left-hand side, him and Anthony Robinson, but he's equally adept playing on the other side. We see them sometimes in certain games this season drop back in midfield. he can play behind the striker. So he's he's a manager's dream in the fact that he can fulfil so many roles.
00:04:03
Gavin
And of course, the last time Fulham were successful against Manchester United, he popped up with a a winner in the last minute. So maybe we might see something similar on the weekend.
00:04:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hope not.
00:04:12
Toluwa Famuyide
Bittersweet.
00:04:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hope not. We try not to let that happen. um I want to ask about Raul Jimenez because, of course, he's been a wonderful story over the last couple of years, not only for himself, but also for this sort of reincarnation. Obviously, he had that horrific head injury when he was playing for Wolves.
00:04:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
When he came back, it wasn't quite clicking for him, but he seems to have made his own at Fulham with nine goals in the Premier League so far this season.
00:04:36
Gavin
Yeah, 100%. I think with that head injury sustained against Arsenal, I think he went his next 28 or 29 games without a goal. And then sometimes you just need to move away, don't you, to just rekindle that sort of form you had, that feeling you had when he was at Wolves under Nuno in the first place.
00:04:51
Gavin
And there was some doubt about his signing to begin with because he came in as Mitrovic's replacement. And Mitrovic was a talismanic figure for so many seasons for Fulham. Going to Saudi Arabia and people seeing Jimenez, maybe the final bit of his journey at Wolves and thinking, you know, what are we doing here? But this season, he's been a man reborn.
00:05:10
Gavin
He's scored nine goals in Premier League. I think he scored a couple in the Cup as well. So, ah he's been really impressive at 33 years of age. There's no signs of him stopping. And I think what's good for Fulham is they have competition in places. So,
00:05:24
Gavin
ah He can't rest on his laurels because he's got Maniz jumping at the bit, wanting to come in the team. We saw Maniz scoring midweek. So um I just feel like the fact that he has got someone breathing down his neck, he knows now that he can't be five, six out 10 every week. Otherwise, he's going to be on the bench before you know it.
00:05:42
Toluwa Famuyide
Gavin, we know, you know, obviously the last time these two teams met, um United just ba ah barely edged it. Obviously a bit of a dull affair. know Fulham fans would want that one back if they had the chance.
00:05:53
Toluwa Famuyide
But going into this FA Cup fixture, do you think that Fulham are going to come out and attack United? Obviously as a United fan, I want us to come out and attack as well. Do you think Fulham are going to come and attack or do you think they're going to try and set up a mid-block type of thing and frustrate Manchester United?
00:06:08
Gavin
No, I certainly feel like Fulham will attack. Well, at least I hope so anyway. I've just been a little bit disappointed in some of their recent games against Manchester United because it's not the greatest Manchester United team and they've just, especially the last game at home, it was very lacklustre.
00:06:18
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:06:21
Gavin
As you said, very dull game and there wasn't many chances in the game. I think, yeah don't know if you're into XG, but i believe it was like maybe the lowest on record in terms of combined XG for both teams. So that tells you all you need to but know about that.
00:06:34
Gavin
But Fulham... They're better away from home, to be honest. They've won their last three in the league, went to Newcastle recently, tough place to go and won. And they've enjoyed success against other teams doing well in the league away from home. likes of Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, um as as I said, Newcastle, Chelsea as well. They've won there for the first time in a long time. So I feel like Fulham will go there, hopefully with that belief, and play on the front foot and and cause problems.
00:06:59
Gavin
to Manchester United because so many times so many teams we have seen recently have been able to do that. So, um yeah, I don't think there's any reason for Fulham to fear in Manchester United. They certainly have the players, I feel, that can take it to them and and get a positive result if if they just believe in themselves.
00:07:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and believing in yourself is is one thing as well. 42 points so far after 27 games. I mean, Manchester City are only five points up the road in that top four. I mean, Gavin, what's the sort of expectation, or maybe not so much expectation, but what's the belief? How far do you think Fulham can go towards the end of the season, the last 11?
00:07:35
Gavin
it's it's tough because their performances against the so-called better sides have been has been a lot better than the results against the low-half teams. That's why I think it was so crucial for them to get that result in midweek against Wolves because they drew with Southampton, they've drawn twice with Ipswich, lost to Wolves earlier on in the season and lost to West Ham, lost to Manchester United twice.
00:07:58
Gavin
um So a lot Fulham fans of be scratching roads are thinking they should actually be higher than where they are because their form against those teams higher up in the league has been really good and they've shown that they can hold their own and and be competitive in in most games. And I think the form at home as well has been a bit concerning. They were really good against Nottingham Forest. They beat them 2-1 recently and that doesn't tell the full story because it should have been four or five. Matt Sells was absolutely outstanding on a day. But then they followed that up with a really disappointing performance against Crystal Palace where they lost 2-0 and didn't have a shot on target. So,
00:08:30
Gavin
it's It's puzzling at times going into games, you're expecting more and then they don't quite deliver. And then and in certain games, you're expecting not much and then they surprise you. So ah again, I come back to consistency, but who is consistent apart from the team that wins the league and Southampton who loses every week? Every every side is inconsistent, basically.
00:08:50
Gavin
um
Fulham's league aspirations and Raul Jimenez's form
00:08:51
Gavin
But it's exciting, as I said, to go into the last couple of months of the season with something to strive for, something to fight for.
00:08:59
Toluwa Famuyide
Gavin, my last question, kind of bouncing off of the last one. um With that being said, what's the best position that you want Fulham to finish in? What's the dream spot?
00:09:09
Gavin
Well, I mean, obviously the dream position would be to finish in the top four. I think the Champions League place is is likely to go down to five this season. Whether that's realistic or not, who knows? But I feel they probably got hope by some of the form of the other teams, Manchester City,
00:09:27
Gavin
have been a bit hit and miss. I know they had really poor spell earlier on the season. and They look like they've overcome that, but we saw them on the weekend get obliterated by Liverpool.
00:09:32
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank you.
00:09:35
Gavin
Chelsea's form, I know they won in mid-week, but their form's been concerning. Managers under pressure there. Aston Villa, they're dealing with Champions League football. Newcastle, again, they're a bit hit miss. And you've got teams like Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest who are up there, but they're not used to being up there. So it's dealing with that expectation that's suddenly raised where at the start of the season, there wouldn't have been any any expectation on those sides. And you've got Brighton in the mix as well. So ideally, fourth or fifth, because it qualifies you for Champions League. But I think think a top-half finish would still represent a good season for Fulham. And they've just...
00:10:10
Gavin
got rid of that tag now of being that yo-yo club. And I think something else to aim for inside, he might not be saying it every day, Marco Silva, but I think their record points tally is well achievable. think it's 53. We've set several seasons ago now. So um they're well within sight of that. And if they can do that, then it's all positives.
00:10:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
All positives indeed. And yeah, as you said, but if there's that potential for the extra Champions League place going to fifth place due to the UEFA coefficient rankings, where the two top nations get an extra spot in their leagues, then who knows? You know, it could go down to seventh. It could go down to eighth in terms of European football as ah as a whole. So yeah, we'll see we'll see what Fulham can do from that.
00:10:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Well, in the next part of our crossover, it's time for Gavin's turn to ask us all the questions at Manchester United. We'll be back after this.
00:11:12
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank
00:11:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gavin, you've got two of us, so you can pick and choose who you'd like to answer each question if you really like, but we'll hand over the reins to you.
00:12:01
Gavin
um Well, i guess I guess I can ask both both of you guys these these questions. My first one is going to be ah about the gaffer, Ruben Amrim. um Eric Ten Hag didn't seem a week went by where he wasn't under pressure as the United gaffer and that's despite bringing them two trophies in the last couple of seasons and you know that's the expectations and That's kind of what you get judged on as Manchester United manager, not just being able to win trophies, but competing for league titles. and they've been a long way short.
00:12:26
Gavin
Ruben Amrim's come in and it's been difficult. It's probably been diff more difficult than he would have expected. So what do you guys feel about Amrim? Are you are you a fan? you Can you see what he's trying to do and implement these ideas, get them across? And do think in time that will prove prove to be a good appointment?
00:12:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll let you go first, Tolua.
00:12:44
Toluwa Famuyide
Cool. um Personally, I like Ruben Amorim. I also like Eric Tanhag. um I'm very big on giving managers time. There's no real reason why we shouldn't. I don't think we've ever been a club that's been like sort of like a Chelsea under Abramovich where it was a really short leash. If you didn't win the Premier League or if you didn't win a European competition, then your job is pretty much gone.
00:13:04
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel like we've always been built upon, you know, time and letting things build up and our youth system and all of these things that take time and it's a process. But obviously, like you said, We've just fallen so short of where we used to be.
00:13:17
Toluwa Famuyide
So nowadays everything is so much more quicker. I like his ideas. I like this tactics. But the truth is these players don't fit the mold. They don't fit what he's trying to do. At least some of them. I think there's a few fair of them that, you know, I've seen a good amount of ah tenacity and work rate.
00:13:33
Toluwa Famuyide
And I feel like that's what a lot of the Old Trafford supporters want to see. It's just work rate is a valiant effort every single time the boys play.
00:13:36
Gavin
Thank you.
00:13:40
Toluwa Famuyide
My only concern with Amarim is his inflexibility to change his tactics. I understand that he's very set on the 3-4-3, but when we're seeing um a team like Manchester United that struggles with finishing out games strong, ah struggles with starting games quick, struggles with even outrunning their opponents, I think Manchester United is in the bottom five for you know distance covered in the Premier League, which is poor. You you would expect a team like United to work hard every single time.
00:14:07
Toluwa Famuyide
I just think that In order for us to have shortterm short-term success, and success is very, I'm saying success very loosely, success is just honestly staying in the Premier League and hopefully getting a top half finish.
00:14:21
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel as if there are some times where he needs to just help the players more a little bit. I know the players don't help themselves, but I feel like his system could lend to a certain fair few of them. I know a lot of players are playing out of position to try
00:14:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, yes, that's a good answer. I mean, what I would add to that
Challenges at Manchester United: Management and pressure
00:14:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
is that it may not be inflexibility. It's that stubbornness from a manager to stick with the system. But to be honest, he said in a previous interview that if he now goes back to a four at the back, what's what's he proved? what's What's going to happen? We might get the same results. We might not.
00:14:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think he's been talking about starting fast in games. You know, we we saw against Everton.
00:15:03
Gavin
Thank you.
00:15:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Everton were the better team. They should have been three or four up by half time. um The Ipswich game has happened and I haven't seen it, so don't spoil it for me. But you know we just had a light lit under us in in the second half. We played so much better and we started to see glimpses of that system working. Now, this league has been so up and down for all teams, except if you're Liverpool. We've only lost once this season.
00:15:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it's been so all over the place for teams. Teams been dropping points everywhere. you know To teams you know up above, you saw you've already mentioned, Gavin, about Manchester City dropping a load of points at the start of the season.
00:15:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've had ah Chelsea. They've been rough and tumbled. You have Newcastle, who are now rising up the table once again. Bournemouth, who have been there, they're in a bit of a choppy form at the moment, but they're still up there in the top half.
00:15:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
This should have been a season where if we had put together some performances, we would be up in the top half easily. But because it's been so topsy-turvy, and we've also been a victim of that, where we've not put in good performances for most of those opportunities, we find ourselves in the position we do down there in you know the bottom half of the table.
00:16:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And keeping one eye on that relegation fight is not something I was really expecting at this point in the season. But let's see what happens at a summer transfer window. we We want more investment, but with the current...
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
know club situation where they're looking to lay off another 200 staff potentially ah by the by the yeah coming summer. It's all a little bit up in the air at the moment. I'm a little less confident when I was about a week ago.
00:16:38
Gavin
Yeah, I'll come to you, Kieran, then, for this one, because you mentioned it just briefly there about transfer windows and the summer transfer window. We've just recently had the winter transfer window, and one player we saw depart having spent, well, most of his life at Manchester United was Marcus Rashford. He's gone on loan to Aston Villa, he's made a decent start there.
00:16:56
Gavin
And the manager's come out. He's been outspoken about Rashford and maybe not putting in ah shift in training. Do you think he could still have a future at Manchester United then? Or do you feel with this regime under Amarim that that's it now?
00:17:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's got to work harder, harder than anybody to to win back Amrit. Because Rubens seems like the type of manager, not necessarily to hold a grudge, but if you set low standards, he expects much more from you to to win him over, to win him back.
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I quite like Amrit's not playing favourites, a little bit like Ten Hag was doing in his time, especially towards the end. was starting to play his favourites. He had the favourite player. he He trusted them and maybe had a little bit too much faith in them.
00:17:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And not getting out the collar sooner to take them off the pitch when they weren't in the greatest bit of form.
00:17:40
Gavin
Thank
00:17:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know Rashford's not been in great form, neither has Anthony. And that's why they're now both out on loan. It's weird that Rashford's gone up and so has Anthony in terms of league performances and whatnot. I mean, Anthony's having the time of his life out in the Liga at the moment.
00:17:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I just think that these this is the time. Anthony's doing the right thing, getting man-of-the-match performances, putting in some really good performances out in Spain to prove to Amorim that he's worthy of the spot.
00:18:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's entirely possible for him to win his place back in the team. But he's got to want he's got to want it. He's got a big contract at the club, one of the biggest at the club for ah for Marcus Rashford.
00:18:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's got to start earning it. And Amrim will have said that message to him. You've got to start earning this wage. You've got to be, as a senior member of this team, you know, he's in his late 20s now. I think he's 27 years now. So he should be at his peak. Statistically, he should be at his peak performance.
00:18:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But he's struggled at Manchester United over the last year and a half. Now he's at Villa, new environment. He's starting to get some assists there. Him and Asensio are putting in a a good performance. But the 4-1 loss that Villa showed as well also shows that he can have a game where he slightly disappears.
00:18:53
Gavin
And to Lula, I just want to pick up on something, a player that Kieran actually mentioned there, which was Anthony. And he's gone to Betis and he seems revitalised. Suddenly discovered how to how to score and he cost a lot of money for Manchester United. you probably talked about pound for pound, one of the worst signings Premier League history. But seems to be a familiar pattern, doesn't it? With players that go to Manchester United with big reputations, they've done well elsewhere and they go to United and almost seems career suicide. Why do you think that is the case and why players go to Old Trafford And then they just, you know, they hit the buffers. is The career almost goes downhill from that point on.
00:19:28
Toluwa Famuyide
I think the pressure is just monumental at Manchester United. Anytime a player comes to United, feel like even regardless of the price tag, you know, the pressure is just every single game you're expected to win. You're expected to dominate.
00:19:41
Toluwa Famuyide
You're expected to hold more of the ball. You're expected to basically just shut your your opponent out and... We've seen this season clearly United can't do that. United can't even help themselves in most of these games. They make so many errors.
00:19:53
Toluwa Famuyide
I think these players, when they go to another club like Anthony, like Marcus Rashford, the pressure is just lifted off because now they have to go to another environment that's a little more friendly, a little more receptive. They don't know their situation as well.
00:20:05
Toluwa Famuyide
They know that obviously these players are in bad form, but they know that they can turn it around with a new set of players around them, a new management style, a new this, a new that. The problem is for United. And I think, you know, Karen, we spoke about this another time.
00:20:19
Toluwa Famuyide
These players come in on such high wages that it makes it so difficult for you to justify why they can't perform under the lights of Old Trafford versus Anthony going to Batiste and scoring the goals that he's scoring or Rashford going to Villa and having these performances.
00:20:34
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel as if... um The pressure is just too much. DeLitt even said it in an interview that he hasn't faced pressure like this playing for Bayern or playing for Juventus. And those were bigger sides at the time. They were winning Champions Leagues. They were winning league titles. And he's saying he hasn't felt pressure like this. That's that's huge. But at the end of the day, you know, I'm still a little bit, you know, I want to give the players grace, but I'm still a little bit like on the fence because they make so much money.
00:21:00
Toluwa Famuyide
They make so much money. why should you why Why should you go out on loan to prove yourself when you're on $350,000 a week? You know what I mean? like You should be working, dying for this badge every single day and night. Obviously, they're human as well. We don't know their situation, but...
00:21:16
Toluwa Famuyide
From the outside looking in, we're just we're just fans wondering what's going on with our team, you know? So it is a familiar story. At the end of the day, we can only continue to, you know, put our hand into the transfer market and try to pick out the next best thing, the next option.
00:21:29
Toluwa Famuyide
We just have to be smarter. We have to be smarter. I think the recent signings that we've made have been smarter. I know the players haven't adapted as quick as we'd like, but I'm liking what I see from DeLict. I like what I see from Azrawi.
00:21:40
Toluwa Famuyide
I'm liking what I see from the new signings. I just think it needs time to gel as well.
00:21:44
Gavin
And I'll just finish off, but up I'll ask this question to both of you. Manchester United, of course, seeing them where they are in the league table in the lower reaches, you know, you talk, I don't know, in jest about relegation battles and it's crazy to think like that, isn't it? Because certainly when I was growing up, i just to about associated Man United with winning league titles and being that dominant force under c Sir Alex Ferguson.
00:21:59
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank
00:22:04
Gavin
And I suppose this is almost an impossible question to answer, but how many, how long, how many years do you think it's going to take for Manchester United to not necessarily be winning titles again, but at least being a force and competing possibly challenging because they don't want to be just a team that can be good up good in one-off games, in cup competitions.
00:22:21
Gavin
And we've seen at times this season in games against Man City and Liverpool, they've done well, haven't they? um But in the rest of the games, the you know, it's been a different story. So, I guess, how far away are they from piecing it all together and being cut back up there where their fans feel they should be? And that's on top of the perch in terms of England.
00:22:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's been 11 years so far. we're still We're still going. We're still counting. Yeah, I mean, i won't say it's been you know really tough. as as As football fans, we probably had it the easiest for any fans throughout you know the last 20, 30 years. We can say it's been comparatively...
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
easy-ish to be a Manchester United fan. Oh, no, we missed out on Europe. Oh, no, what a terrible shame. yeah Clubs have had it a lot worse. But when, you know, for Toluwa and i we've been United fans you know from very early days and we're talking at least for 20 years.
00:23:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we've we've not had this sort of experience before where we're sort of one eye on the relegation table. It's not going well. you know and The club is in financial in a bit of a financial crisis at the moment.
00:23:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
that We've had a recent club statement saying that they've made a financial loss consecutive five years in a row, which is not great. The next thing I'm hearing, I don't want to hear, is a five-year plan because that's that's almost like a death sentence for any football club. We've we've heard that before in the footballing world.
Speculations on Manchester United's future success
00:23:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's it's a worrying time because normally with Manchester United, the name alone should attract so much money to the club, so much sponsorship, so many fans coming to Old Trafford. And in fairness, we're still selling out Old Trafford, even though we're still in the bottom half of the table. Old Trafford's being sold out week in, week out.
00:24:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I just feel like, you know, how how are we in this trouble? Well, the transfer markets we've had, the transfer windows we've had have been ineffective. The wages we're paying are ineffective.
00:24:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's been so many players that have come through the doors and have had these wages. And it's been good enough for Europa League. And it's been good enough to just about get a couple of runner-up trophies every single year. And it's not even runner-up trophies. i don't know why I'm claiming that.
00:24:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But still, the thing is, we we have had success over the past 11 years. We've had five or six trophies down the line. You know, FA Cup, Europa League, League Cup. It's all adding up.
00:24:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But now to sort of face off in the bottom half of the table in these unfamiliar territory and the performances are still not improving as much as we'd like. And we didn't really have a new manager bounce.
00:24:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a worry. But how long it will take? for How long is a piece of string? And I'm afraid that's the that's the best answer I've got.
00:25:01
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah, I mean, who knows? I mean, we like like it's been so long since we've really tasted the true success of the Premier League title. I know, obviously, the pinnacle is the Champions League, but I think every United fan can say that they want a Premier League title again.
00:25:18
Toluwa Famuyide
And looking at the current state of affairs with our team, our current roster, our current manager, um the just the current state of affairs in every sense of the imagination with on the field things and off the pitch,
00:25:30
Toluwa Famuyide
I mean, it could take another 10 years, realistically. I mean, it really depends all on our next two or three transfer windows. I know we say that every couple of years. Oh, the next two or three, the next two or three. But the truth of the matter is it really does depend on the next two or three because,
00:25:45
Toluwa Famuyide
The next two or three are not just about bringing players in. It's about really finally getting rid of those players that just have held us back for so long. A lot of United fans would like to say, like well, Rashford is a part of that conversation, or maybe Diogo Dalot is a part of that conversation.
00:25:58
Toluwa Famuyide
The guys that came in under previous tenure. But truth of the matter is, we have players like Harry Maguire still at the club, which Maguire saves us on many occasions.
00:26:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Careful for what you say here, Tolua. Careful.
00:26:12
Toluwa Famuyide
He saves us on many occasions. He's an England international. He's a great player, but I just don't see how he in the long term can lead our back line. I can't see it.
00:26:23
Toluwa Famuyide
There's been so many comedy, ah so many different errors that he's made alongside our goalkeeper, alongside the other center backs. I don't want to just single them out, but there's players like that that are making ridiculous amounts of money.
00:26:34
Toluwa Famuyide
that are kind of holding us back from really going out and finding young stars, not just young stars, but also developed players, players with experience, players with a lot of in-game knowledge, a lot of tactical knowledge that might cost a little bit more because they're foreign, but they'll give us more edge, more bite.
00:26:50
Toluwa Famuyide
Right now, United is pretty toothless, you would say. i feel like most most teams would agree. Most fans would agree. I feel as if it just it really depends on how we get these players out. We're honestly going to have to take a loss on a lot of these players. That's just the truth. We signed Maguire for what, 80 million.
00:27:05
Toluwa Famuyide
We signed Sancho for 75 million plus. You know, we're going to have to take the L. That's just the truth. But I feel like once we get over that hump, we finally bring in players that are cheaper but have high potential that we can develop in the right ways.
00:27:18
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel as if we can finally get back to challenging. Let's just say for now, challenging top four. The Premier League title is way too out of reach with the way that Liverpool is playing way too far to reach.
00:27:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree. um Relatively tame questions, Gavin, but thank you. Thank you for them. After this short break, then, we'll be back at and we'll be ready to make it less tame when we try and fight each other to make a combined XI.
00:27:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Join us after this.
00:27:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zencaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording and AI editing, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:28:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
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Crafting a combined Manchester United and Fulham XI
00:28:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay, it's combined 11 times. So how this is going to work is we're all just going to say the player we want at those positions and we get to decide whether that's right or wrong. ah Myself and Tolua, we can put Fulham players in there if we want to.
00:28:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Likewise, Gavin, you can put Manchester United players in there if you really have to. Let's see then how we get on with this combined 11. Let's start with goalkeeper. I'll start the ball rolling. I've been really disappointed with Inanna. Whenever we do these combined 11s, I say i'm going to fight for Adana and that's that.
00:28:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
But his recent performances have got me thinking perhaps there's another option. I am actually going to go with Berne Leno.
00:29:00
Toluwa Famuyide
I'm going to keep it short and sweet. I've also been super disappointed with O'Donnell. It's burn Leno for me as well.
00:29:07
Gavin
Yeah, I think we're unanimous on this one. And I don't think Bernd Leno has necessarily had the the season he had last season, but I think Romain has made a lot of mistakes, especially when I've been watching United games. Leno had an awful game against West Ham recently, but by and large, he's pretty reliable. So I think ah we're in agreement there.
00:29:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he's pretty reliable. I think, correct me if I'm wrong, both teams play with a three centre-back system, so this might work out, perhaps?
00:29:35
Gavin
Fulham played it in the last game, but generally speaking, and they do like to play before the bat. That's what Marcus Giova tends to operate with.
00:29:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. Okay.
00:29:43
Gavin
But he just changed it about in midweek because of the game on the weekend. He gave Anthony Robinson the rest. so
00:29:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, then. Well, we'll go with the back line. So that's going to include, for us, it's going to be three centre-backs and the two wing-backs. Gavin, you pick the four at the back with the full-backs and two centre-backs. So, how am I going to play this? Hmm. This is going to be interesting because you've got Sessignon, and I think he's a great player. Great player down that left-hand side.
00:30:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, I know he got the move to Tottenham, didn't really get an impact. I don't really think he got a chance at Tottenham. Has come back to Fulham, and It's not like he never left, but he's certainly one of the better players at Fulham there.
00:30:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
i Would I put him ahead of Dorgu? I probably would. I would probably have to. i would be i would be committing various crimes if I didn't. i think
00:30:31
Gavin
Well, considering your man got sent off, I think it's a bit of an no-brainer, isn't it?
00:30:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I told you not to ruin it for me.
00:30:35
Gavin
Yeah.
00:30:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
i was going to watch that. Oh, well, never mind. But yeah, no, I have to say, I'm going to have to concede at left back then. um Toluwa, help me out here because slim pickings among the United. it to just Just shove some United players in there.
00:30:50
Toluwa Famuyide
I mean, to be fair, United to only have one real fit left back, left wing back, which is Dorgu. Um, if I had to say, i mean, Sasson Young, Sasson Young is, is definitely a very good player. I would say, um, I still fancy Jedi Robinson. I think he's just a level above obviously. And in terms of the left backs in the league, um,
00:31:17
Toluwa Famuyide
It's tough to say any Manchester United player, if I'm being honest. It's really tough. If anything, I'd put Masrawi or Dalot because if I was to choose a United player, but I don't think I will. um think I'm going to have to stick with a Fulham player. I'll just go with Ceci Young at that point.
00:31:31
Gavin
okay this this is This is straightforward.
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gavin, is that agreement?
00:31:32
Toluwa Famuyide
it's more it's It's hard to art to choose ah slim pickings right now in the United defense with the way we concede goals.
00:31:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
have Have we chosen the right Fulham player? That's the point, Gavin.
00:31:42
Gavin
I mean, you guys are playing a dis different system. You're playing five at the back slash three at the back. I'm playing four at the back and it's a no-brainer. It's is's Anthony Robinson. For me, he's been the best left-back across the Premier League this season.
00:31:52
Gavin
ah most defendant Most assists by defender. I think only Mo Salah has got more assists across the league than him. and just We talk about consistency. He's that consistent performer week in, week out. He's got such a great engine. doesn't get tired.
00:32:05
Gavin
just keeps bombing down that left side, as I said, combining with Iwobi. He's been so successful this season. and Yeah, I think he would get in pretty much every Premier League side. So, yeah, he definitely gets in the combined 11-year.
00:32:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's fair enough. if fair enough we'll we'll We'll concede at left back. ah The centre backs then, I'm probably... Right, I'll ask you Gavin, because maybe the game against Wolves wasn't the greatest showing for Fulham in terms of at the back, but how would you what which centre backs would you pick?
00:32:36
Gavin
who Are we basing this off of form or their overall like standing in the game? Because...
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would have said if if we were doing it on standing in the game, Anana would have made it. But form for me has kept him out.
00:32:52
Gavin
Because if we were doing it standing in the game, I would go with Joachim Andersen as one of the centre halves. But... I think on form, as I touched upon earlier, I think Calvin Bassi has been better than him. think even Isid Diop, when he's played, has been better than Joachim Andersson.
00:33:07
Gavin
So I can't put Joachim Andersson in there. So I think one of the centre-backs, just for sheer consistency, just the fact that he has played in every game for Fulham this season, is Calvin Bassi. So he would be one of my centre-backs.
00:33:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think I'd be inclined to agree. I mean, you mentioned about Issa Diop as well. i think he's a talented footballer, a very powerful defender as well, very tough to actually get past on his day.
00:33:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And I think he's not normally played as a centre-back, but because the right wing back has been a struggle for us recently as well, I might have to put in Masraoui. I think he's been United's best defender since he since he signed for us. He's been in an absolute revelation for €15 million. euros Yes, we got the price tag in again.
00:33:30
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank
00:33:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
For €15 million, euros he has been fantastic for us. He's struggled going forward when he's played as that right wing back role. He's had a couple of wobbly games at the centre-back, but when he's on form, on his day, he is he's brilliant player. He can defensively read the game so, so well, able to put the tackle in as and when. And I think out of the the centre-backs we have, he would probably make it.
00:34:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then um then I've always been a fan of De Ligt, but he's been struggling as well. Maguire, powerful in the air. Jorah I don't think has made too much of an impact. I think he's still young. He's still learning the trade.
00:34:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I would probably have to put in my back three, it's probably going to be Calvin, Bassey, Diop and Maserawi, which is something I didn't think I was going to say Luba.
00:34:37
Toluwa Famuyide
ah Yeah, that I kind of like that back three. I feel like that's a really solid back three. My back three is just a little bit different. I still retain Calvin Bassey because I think he brings not only physical prowess, but he's so quick and he reads the game pretty well for a defender like himself. I watch him for Nigeria a lot and he plays in a similar role for Nigeria and he's just so secure.
00:34:59
Toluwa Famuyide
I would also say, as my other two center backs, I really like DeLigt. I know it might be an odd one. I feel like DeLigt has so much room for, not growth, but he just needs to, how would I say, adapt to the Premier League a little bit quicker.
00:35:14
Toluwa Famuyide
I feel as though the past few games he has struggled only because maybe the system isn't one that he's played him particularly a lot. I know that at Juventus, they like to play that three at the back. But the way that United play that three at the back versus Juventus, I believe it was Allegri's three at the back was totally different. So I feel as if the lick definitely makes it for me.
00:35:33
Toluwa Famuyide
um Maguire, for me, Maguire doesn't make it. I've had too many grabs with Maguire. I just, I can't put him in my combined 11. I think the other center back to round it off would probably be Masrawi on current form.
00:35:46
Toluwa Famuyide
um I'm really liking the way that he plays. He's really, really, really solid out of position, which is so shocking to me. Normally he's a fullback as we know, but To go in and play as a right-sided center back, to go up against some of the best players on that left-hand side in the league, and to, you know, come out on top pretty consistently, he's in that back three for me as well.
00:36:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
How about yourself, Gavin? How does it look?
00:36:07
Gavin
um Can I just ask you a question about Masrell? You talked about him being in your back three as one your centre-backs there. I think he initially signed this ah to play at right back, didn't you I mean, I was i was thinking of having him in my team as right back.
00:36:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Correct, yes.
00:36:18
Gavin
can ken he So if I got forward back, can he play right-sided centre-back in a two?
00:36:24
Toluwa Famuyide
Hmm.
00:36:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
You could play it in a three, but you could certainly try them in a two if you really wanted
00:36:26
Gavin
Hmm. Hmm. ah Okay, then i'll i'll I'll probably go with De Ligt then. i would agree. I don't think he's probably had the best season at Manchester United, but he's got pedigrees, played for some big clubs, very experienced player, lot of international caps from Netherlands. So I would go with him and then Masraoui can play at right-back.
00:36:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nice. I think we we didn't even decide a right wing back there, Tolua. But again, we don't have a lot of choice.
00:36:54
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah. I mean...
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
All I can say is Castagne has been sort of that locking down
00:37:00
Gavin
if if ken If Kenny Tettie was fit, he would be in my team.
00:37:03
Toluwa Famuyide
Yeah.
00:37:04
Gavin
But because he's injured, like I've just ignored that.
00:37:06
Toluwa Famuyide
I was going to say, Kenny Tete definitely has a shout for me.
00:37:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:37:09
Toluwa Famuyide
I love the way he plays. um Like you said, we don't have a lot of choice. I mean, it's really Dalot. That's it for the United side.
00:37:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:37:16
Toluwa Famuyide
Masraoui doesn't play wingback for us, and I'm not putting Ahmad at right wingback. So I'd probably go Diogo Dalot.
00:37:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
It'd be a crime.
00:37:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i think I think that's fair. i think it's ah For me, it's toss-up between Dallow and Castagne, and both of them have been sort of quiet in the last few games, I think it's fair to say. So I think just because bias is shining through, i'm going to put Dallow in there.
00:37:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
um More familiar territory, ah holding midfield. Two of them, I think, for both United and Fulham. So this should be a little bit more straightforward. Gavin, I'll let you kick this one off.
00:37:50
Gavin
Well, I'm going to pick one and then I'm going to let you decide on the others because then I can make my mind up after that. and
00:37:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has, yeah.
00:37:57
Gavin
Deciding on the one Fulham player is an interesting one because it's a top... Is it Sander Berger? Is it Sasa Lukic? I mean, that's not easy because... They're similar players to a degree, although playing together, Sasolukic plays a little bit more. He's got a bit more of a licence to go forward and Sanderberga, sorry, can sit back a little bit.
00:38:17
Gavin
um That's not easy. I know Sanderberga's been linked with Man United in the past as well, hasn't he?
00:38:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
has yeah
00:38:25
Gavin
I'm going to go for Sanderberga just over Sasolukic.
00:38:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Interesting. I was thinking Lukic, if a Fulham player was going to go on there. But I see what you mean. Both of them are ah good players and they've they've been good in that deeper ah holding role.
00:38:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because actually, thinking about it, the way I want to set up my team is have Fernandes in the deeper deeper role. So perhaps teaming him with Sander-Berg would be an ideal partnership because then hopefully you've got someone who's willing to stay back and put in a tackle, i.e.
00:38:50
Gavin
Thank you.
00:38:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sander-Berg, but also you've got someone in there who can calm the play down in the midfield. And Amirim has tried to drop Fernandes a little bit deeper to help with that playmaking effort to to actually play through the middle rather than just go over the top.
00:39:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because when we played him as an attacking midfielder, he's been good. But I feel like a lot of the play bypasses him because the defence just want to get it over the top and get it forward. Whereas if they try and play it to Fernandes in the middle, he can at least have some options there. So probably Fernandes is a deep line playmaker for me.
00:39:32
Toluwa Famuyide
This one is tough as well for me because if we're basing it off of Amarim's system with those two in the midfield, I want Uarte in that midfield. I really love the way that he plays as well.
00:39:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:39:43
Toluwa Famuyide
I think he's just so tenacious and is one of those engines and one of those bulldogs in the midfield that will constantly win the ball back for you. He's not the most refined player with this technique, but... For me, I just want somebody who's just ah a workhorse, somebody who could run up and down and give everything and and win the ball back and quickly spring the counterattack, which is kind of our play style now um these days, is just quickly winning the ball back and running with pace.
00:40:08
Toluwa Famuyide
um I definitely go with Uarte. I know that might be a little bit... different, but I like Bruno Fernandes up to pitch. So I definitely go with Uartes as one of my midfielders. Should I say the second one?
00:40:19
Toluwa Famuyide
I definitely, yeah, I definitely, this is going to be a bit interesting too, because this isn't necessarily his position, but I feel like he's so good at carrying the ball and distributing.
00:40:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go for it. yeah
00:40:29
Toluwa Famuyide
It's Andreas Pereira, former United player. I feel as if the way he plays for Fulham, he's been unleashed. I know he's not the most, you know, flashy and the most world class type of player, but I feel like him paired with Uarte, it gives Pereira that freedom of of ah the license of freedom to just go and pick out a pass.
00:40:49
Toluwa Famuyide
um Like I said, I want Bruno a little bit further up. So that'll kind of give up give away those 10 positions, one of the 10 positions.
00:40:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well, it's ah two goals and three assists for Pereira. So, yeah, fair show ah for for that Fulham side. did Did that help at all, Gavin, in deciding who's second?
00:41:04
Gavin
No, it actually made matters worse when Tallulah mentioned Pereira. that I hadn't even considered that. he's He's funny because Pereira has taken a lot of stick this season at Fulham, but he played what he played well against Wolves and he's had some good appearances off the bench lately.
00:41:13
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank
00:41:18
Gavin
So the criticism has gone on to some of the other players now and he's ah he's kind of gotten away with think there was a spell in January as well. there's a Something got lost in translation about him, like not one of the committees long-term futures to Fulham being interested in moves elsewhere. But...
00:41:34
Gavin
if i'm being If I'm trying to be fair and not just put all Fulham players in the team, I'll probably be persuaded to go with Ugarte as well. Then, Ugarte next to Sanderburg.
00:41:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Interesting. Interesting. So ah for Toluwa and I, we've got three players left as attackers. And Gavin, you have four. So Gavin, as you've got more, choice.
00:41:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll let you go first.
00:41:57
Gavin
So are we going with the sort of Cam, the guy behind the striker? I guess that's what he would be in my system.
00:42:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:42:03
Gavin
that's That's an easy one. It's it's Bruno Fernandes, as much as I might not necessarily like him, and might as much as a lot of people might not necessarily like him. It's no doubt that he is a talented footballer and um he's been one of the rare signings in recent times that's actually been successful. So ah that's a pretty easy one. that pick He picks himself.
00:42:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah that's that's pretty fair that's pretty fair. What about your wingers then?
00:42:29
Gavin
So on the right, we've got, he doesn't play winger, because he's wingback, isn't he? Ahmad tends to be.
00:42:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
but He's also injured for the rest of the season.
00:42:38
Gavin
Yeah, but ah are we picking injured players in the team or or how are we doing it?
00:42:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we avoided injured players previously, so we've got to go with what who's fit.
00:42:47
Gavin
okay Okay, in that case then, I'm going to go for Adama Troyo. Again, he's a player that ah draws criticism. It's been levelled at him in his career, how he lacks end product, but on his day, he can be unplayable. We saw that recently in the game against Nottingham Forest.
00:43:03
Gavin
Had an interesting battle in the first game the season, didn't he, with Lissandro Martinez? But I just think at his absolute best, he is just so tough to deal with. So he would be on the right for me.
00:43:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. And how about your left wing?
00:43:18
Gavin
ah This one would be Alex Iwobi, the season he's had for Fulham. He's an experienced player now, 27, 28 years of age. um He played a lot of games for Arsenal, let's not forget. I think he played over 100 Premier League games for them, played over 100 Premier League games for Everton. But if you look at his numbers since moving to Fulham, they're considerably better than they were at both of those clubs. And I feel like it's a good fit for him because if you're underperforming a little bit at Everton at Goodison Park, you know what the fans are like there.
00:43:48
Gavin
They're quick to get on your back, aren't they? So it's not quite the same going to Fulham and he's been a really key, important player for them ah with goals and assists.
00:43:55
Toluwa Famuyide
Thank you.
00:43:57
Gavin
And i think we're seeing the most consistent version of Alex Iwobi that we've we've ever seen.
00:44:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I have to admit, you know, that's a strong winger line-up, Traore and Iwobi. I mean, Traore coming up against Ugarte in the last fixture in the Premier League, where Ugarte tried that cynical foul and came off worse.
00:44:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, it just sums up how powerful...
00:44:17
Gavin
Thank you.
00:44:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Adama Traore is. He's such a terrifying player to come up against because he he knows a trick or two. He's very difficult to get off the ball. Once he started, he is near impossible to actually stop.
00:44:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And so I was thinking to go a little bit radical with my three players is ah i've I've lost a lot of faith with with the forwards of of Manchester United in terms of the the goal return.
00:44:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Had Ahmad been fit, he would have absolutely made this. hands down. um i think Garnaccio has made more of an impact from the bench than he has at starting, which which kind of brings me away from actually starting him in this 11, which is very weird approach to do this. And I just think Ciddo Obi-Martin is not ready.
00:45:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's but he's been given the minutes and that's really good to see, but I wouldn't put him in here. I'm actually going to go against every fibre of my being and go for a Fulham front three.
00:45:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's going to be Iwobi and Traore with Jimenez up top. And that might be blasphemy, and I might be absolutely stoned for it, but you know what?
00:45:23
Toluwa Famuyide
Okay.
00:45:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fulham are ninth, and they're ninth for a reason.
00:45:33
Toluwa Famuyide
Oh, man, it's tough. The truth is it's tough because our forwards have been really lackluster this season. um I like Garnacho's game, and I would choose him as my, you know, left-sided 10, winger, whatever you want to call it, only because I feel like he's so dynamic. I know this season, more often than not, he's been kind of a ghost, but when Garnacho's really on his game, he can really be a handful for defenders. And we've seen that um his finishing can be elite when he wants it to be.
00:45:59
Toluwa Famuyide
His dribbling, his pace, his power. I would choose Garnacho in that left 10 position. And that begs the question of, okay, who's going to play on the right-hand side? It has to be Bruno for me. um I know Bruno isn't the paciest player, but I've noticed that United love to really attack down the left. um I think it's because, you know, there's obviously just...
00:46:18
Toluwa Famuyide
not a good enough um return rate from the right hand side when Ahmad is not there. There's really nobody that can take control of that position. We often see Xerxe play on the right hand side as the 10. And Xerxe is really more of a central player that can play in behind the striker.
00:46:33
Toluwa Famuyide
um So it would be Bruno Fernandes and it would be Garnacho. the the strike The striker one is easy. It has to be a Fulham player. I mean, Rasmus Hoyland has, what, one or two Premier League goals, and Xerxes has maybe two or three.
00:46:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:46:46
Toluwa Famuyide
It's just not good enough. I think Fulham are sport for choice with Munith and Raul Jimenez. It's tough.
00:46:54
Toluwa Famuyide
My mind wants to go for Jimenez because he's the more experienced striker. He's played in the Premier League longer. He's proven himself. But Muniz is just so dangerous. I mean, he's so dangerous. You cannot leave that guy alone. If you if you don't tight mark him, he's going to break your defender. And we saw in the most recent game the beautiful chip.
00:47:12
Toluwa Famuyide
I mean, his finishing is really otherworldly as well. So my front three would be Garnaccio, Bruno, and Muniz.
00:47:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So trying to take a little bit of faith back there to Manchester United. Gavin, you've got the final say of who starts up top.
00:47:22
Toluwa Famuyide
No.
00:47:24
Gavin
Yeah, it it has to be a Fulham player. I mean, when Xerxes came off the bench to score that goal, that winning goal against Fulham on the opening day of the season, I'm sure a lot of Man United fans would have been hoping that's the sign of things to come. And I thought you i well i fought the same as i fought the same as well. But um he hasn't scored the goals. Rasmus Hoyland, obviously, last season being brought in for a lot of money and it took him a long time to score his first goal. Went on the streak after that.
00:47:48
Gavin
And then his goals are dried up again now, haven't they? And I agree with Tallulah. I think it's... so Fulham are an interesting situation because you haven't got one striker there that's head and shoulders above the other one.
00:47:59
Gavin
um You could play one one week and the other the next week. And I'm just, I'm going to go, I'm going to lean towards, despite the fact that Jimenez has scored more goals this season and has played more games, I'm going to go with Rodrigo Meniz because of what his all-round game offers.
00:48:13
Gavin
And it wasn't just the goal which he took exquisitely well against Wolves, it was his all-round play. And when he backs the goal, backing into defenders, the strength he can show is his hold at play, being able to link other players into the game.
00:48:25
Gavin
I think what's what's important, what probably gets missed is the goals he scores. He's often coming on sometimes from the bench and he's scoring the winning goal. He's not scoring the third or fourth goal when Fulham have won the game.
00:48:38
Gavin
He came off the bench at Chelsea, scored the winning goal. He came off the bench at Newcastle, scored the winning goal. He scored the winning goal against Wolves. These are all important goals to give Fulham the three points. So you know, come of the hour, come of the man sort of thing. And he had that purple patched in the around January, February, March time ah last year, which was out of the blue because he had been up at Fulham for a number of seasons, but ah never shown any indication that he had that in him.
00:49:03
Gavin
um You know, and and there's reasons for that because he had Mitrovic in front of him and, you know, Fulham, Marco Silva is not going to play two strikers. So, He shipped him out on loan to Middlesbrough and he struggled to get games there. So you were kind of wondering at that time, what does the future hold for Rodrigo Munez? Is he someone that's surplus to requirements? But he found that scoring streak. And this season, I think there's a statistic that Fulham have scored.
00:49:27
Gavin
it might It might be either them or Bournemouth that scored more goals coming off the bench. And he's been a big part of that. And um yeah, i'm I'm going to go for the younger man who who gets it over Raul Jimenez.
00:49:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, there you go That is our combined 11. It's ah and not a lot of United players from me, but then again, there might be a reason why. But thank you so much for listening along to this crossover episode of the Daily Manchester United and the Daily Fulham.
00:49:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of course, if you're listening on the Manchester United podcast, make sure you do check out the Fulham side. Gavin, what's the socials for Fulham?
00:50:01
Gavin
That's a good question. We we are we yeah we're on Twitter.
00:50:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
i
00:50:05
Gavin
um Let me just quickly check. You've ah caught me off guard there a little bit, so I do have to check.
00:50:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I assume it's something like GSPN 4.
00:50:11
Gavin
So it is GSPNFulham on Twitter. I think it's GSPNDailyFulham on Instagram. And if you search for GSPNFulham on TikTok, you'll find it there as well.
00:50:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And of course, on the Manchester United fan, it's GSPN Man United. We're on Twitter and X. We're on Instagram. We're on Facebook. And we're even on TikTok as well. But you can catch both the Daily Fulham and the Daily Manchester United on YouTube as well. Find your playlist and you can watch the episodes from there. You can see our lovely faces. that What a terrifying prospect for you.
00:50:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Gavin, thank you so much for coming on and being such a good sport. Thank you for all the questions. so well Thank you for taking it easy on us. We needed an easy run.
00:50:49
Gavin
well Well, yeah, I mean, it's ah it's actually nice after seeing the years of dominance that Manchester United fans are getting to experience what 99% of ah the rest of the country and the rest of the world feel. So it's probably not going to last for long. You'll be back on your perch before long. So I know you've had a lot of suffering this season, so I thought it'd just be a bit easier on you guys tonight.
00:51:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Enjoy it while you can, Gavin. I will say that. Tolua, thank you so much as well for being the backup as well.
00:51:13
Toluwa Famuyide
As always, as always.
00:51:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And thank you as well for listening along or watching along wherever you have been consuming this podcast. ah It's been great fun. Hopefully it's three it's ah the for Manchester United and hopefully for the Fulham side, it's not the quarterfinal for you, but I might be a bit biased in that.
00:51:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah In the meantime, though, thank you so much for listening. Enjoy the weekend. Let's have a good FA Cup run and we'll talk to you on Monday. Take care.