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 - Episode 99 - The Palace Preview (H)
18 Plays1 month ago
Kieran and Niall look ahead to the game against Crystal Palace on Sunday!
Instagram: gspnmanunited
X: gspnmanunited
TikTok: gspnmanunited
Watch our episodes on YouTube!
GlobalSportsPodcastNetworkLtd – Find our Daily Manchester United Playlist!
Don’t forget to rate us below, it really helps us out!
Sponsors and Advertising
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!
#MadeByZencastr
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
Copyright | 2025 | Global Sports Podcast Network | All Rights Reserved
#GGMU #DailyManUnited #MUFC #PL #PremierLeague #MUNCRY
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction & Upcoming Game Preview
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the Daily Manchester United here on a fantastic Thursday. You might have been expecting a crossover, slight change of plan. It's coming tomorrow's episode. Today, though, we're going to be talking about the preview of that Crystal Palace game and two sides that probably need this victory more than most, 12th and 13th, respectively, for Manchester United and Crystal Palace. And to unpack the match with me alongside here, it is the Mr.
Manchester United's Form & Season Expectations
00:00:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Niall Hannigan. Niall, welcome along.
00:00:39
Niall
Thank you. Hearing how's things?
00:00:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, good. I was sort of got caught up in the moment of watching match day eight. And yeah, I'm looking forward to that chaos tomorrow when when we're a part of it.
00:00:45
Niall
Yes. I know. Yeah. I was, I was watching it myself and I was a bit disappointed. I was like, you know, this is, these are the nights that we should really be involved in back in the day and the childhood days. And look where we are now. Looking forward to a Thursday night of Golasos, but it's where we are, isn't it?
00:01:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. And a chance to seal ah Top 8 tomorrow. ah Yeah, it it should be good. Tomorrow, when we call this, it will be tonight when you listen to this. Gotta get into that habit. Never mind. We'll learn. We'll live and learn, eh? We're only nearly 100 episodes into the Daily Manchester
Crystal Palace's Struggles & Rebuilding Efforts
00:01:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
United. It's episode 99 today. And yeah.
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
We were just talking about the the the pre-show before the curtain came up on this on this episode. Now, these two teams have been really in rough form, but especially Palace. You were saying you're not really not sure what to make heads or tails of them coming into this one.
00:01:40
Niall
Yeah, definitely. um We mentioned before about Palace last year, really exciting team, um had some massive results. And and obviously, they've they've lost a couple of players. like I mean, Elise is a huge loss from last year um in terms of their their attack and talent going forward. They've brought in the likes of Vincettia to try and bolster that again, but just hasn't really seemed to pay off for them. um I think if you were to ask me at the back end of last season how they get on this season, I'd say, you know well into the top half so it has been i suppose from their perspective quite a disappointing season and and have kind of gone under the radar a bit where kind of had to check to see where they were obviously knew they weren't going that well but i wasn't sure exactly just not really keeping up to date with them as much so
00:02:25
Niall
Like you said, both teams desperate for a win.
Transfer Market Strategy & New Signings
00:02:30
Niall
I read a six-pointer. I always never thought United would be involved in a six-pointer, but yeah, a six-pointer at the weekend.
00:02:37
Niall
So we're trying to make this as interesting a preview as possible for this tight fixture at the weekend.
00:02:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah ah they're all six pointers though aren't they eventually they're all six pointers which is terrifying it's a terrifying concept but this is where we are as a club right now and i don't know if now you you had a chance to listen to that sort of uh wild card wednesday episode yesterday
00:02:48
Niall
They are.
00:03:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
where Dan and I were talking about transfers we'd like to have in, we're to keep going on the transfer market. A bit worrying though, I think we have got two signings over the line, one of them being Patrick Dorgou, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, get his name right, um but it's been a warringly quiet window, not just for Manchester United, but across the entire Premier League.
00:03:23
Niall
Yeah, it's just like everyone in the league is trying to figure out their PSR for the summer like and and trying to line up their their English talent so they can kind of balance the books a bit. But I wasn't really expecting much in this January in terms of transfers, even though we need them. I think we need probably about four to five windows anyway in terms of actually getting the players that that Amorim needs considering they might do an investment that was made in the summer as well. um It doesn't really matter if those players pay off or not, all that money went out went out the door so you kind of have to make make do with it until the end of the year and I'm kind of glad as well they didn't go overboard in January because you know there's a couple of signings that you can pick out in that window that that pay off but
00:04:07
Niall
most of the time, you know, some of them are cup tied or some of them, you're kind of overpaying to get it over the line. So I just hope that they have a bit of a strategy going into going into the summer and and kind of aligning with this new formation that we're looking to play.
Team Dynamics & Player Positioning
00:04:20
Niall
Yeah, the Dorgu one left wing back. I've only seen clips, to be honest. and I'm sure Dan on let yesterday's podcast or this week, he's our he's our expert and our chief scout at the United podcast here. He always seems to know about these upcoming players, but ah Yeah, I don't know. Obviously, like it's a position that we needed to bolster a bit. um I see that that Luke Shaw as well is is rumored to be back in training. and I saw so i had a meanme meme today on X about Dwayne The Rock Johnson breaking off his cast off his arm and it was Shaw whenever he sees a left back being signed at United that he's suddenly available again. But
00:05:01
Niall
um time time to stick on the boots so look we'll see what happens we now have three left wing backs or left backs on the books conventional ones anyway and to be honest I just hope he's decent because at this stage there's just been so many disappointments
00:05:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah we were we were talking about it yesterday about he's able to play on the left wing back row but also as a right winger going forward and might how that might be quite an odd mix of it but actually ah it's not actually that wild if you think about it I had a night to sleep on it and actually it's not that wild attacking wise if you want Patrick Dorby to do what he he needs to do attacking wise makes sense to play and where he can play with his stronger foot and Likewise on the left wing back.
00:05:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sure, if he needs to make a tackle, he'll probably want to leave with his stronger foot. So actually, there's a method to this madness, if if you like. But yeah, as you say, Chiefs scout Ardan has given him a seal of approval.
00:05:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we'll see how it goes.
00:05:58
Niall
That's great. I'm glad to hear, glad to hear.
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And look, look Dan put him in our top 10 French players. ah Lenny Euro, he put him in his top French players when we did that on a Wild Cup Wednesday.
00:06:05
Niall
Like ever are we have 10 French players currently or 10?
00:06:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, no, ever, ever. And he hadn't played a league game.
00:06:10
Niall
Yeah, but he loves doing this because he did this with Yarrow as well before Yarrow kicked the ball.
00:06:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:06:14
Niall
He was like top, like top 10 signings or something.
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, oh, sorry, that's that's what I meant. I misspoke. But yeah, look he just know he's a visionary are Dan.
00:06:20
Niall
Yeah, yeah, yeah. He is. He is.
00:06:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is a visionary, you know?
00:06:24
Niall
Yeah, we love him. We love him. He's actually, yeah, he should be CEO of this podcast, to be honest, because he's got that kind of vision mentality, you know?
00:06:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah.
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here we are. We're talking about one of our podcasters rather than the team. That's how just we're just so good.
00:06:36
Niall
Yeah.
00:06:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are so good as a team.
00:06:38
Niall
Yeah.
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah and Let's focus on the team that actually has to play the football. It's been, let's say, rough. It's been a rough January. God, this yeah this month has gone on for so long. You know, that that draw against Arsenal or at least the draw against Liverpool felt so long ago.
00:06:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah The FA Cup draw as well against Arsenal and the penalty shooter.
00:06:54
Niall
Yeah.
00:06:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
It just seems like it was ages away. I don't know whether that's January or it was just a case of we're just trying to roll through these matches as best we can.
00:07:06
Niall
Yeah it's a bit of both. I mean um watching United feels pretty long anyway but also January it comes around every year and it just it's always surprised you of how long it is like you know so you think we kind of learn at this stage but yeah I mean it's it's been it's been a rough January but it's been a a rough year. I mean Christmas was was the roughest of rough like you mean you have Newcastle, Bournemouth and Wolves all in a couple of peers there where all you're looking at is football and it's the last thing you want to be seeing is just your team getting played off the park but um look I don't know like um it's difficult to find positives but we have to stay positive so we do
00:07:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Somehow we're staying positive somehow. And when we come back for the second part, I'm sure we'll be looking more into maybe how we expect the team to line up and potentially what we could expect from the game. We'll be back after this.
00:08:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here
Match Anticipation & Strategic Priorities
00:08:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
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 from your phone and AI editing, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently. If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencaster.
00:08:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
This really is a fixture that just lights up any calendar. The last time we faced Palace ah away at Selhurst Park, it was an astonishing nil, nil. Niles surely it can only get better.
00:08:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
that That said, this is United we're talking about.
00:08:55
Niall
But Kieran, I was going to say that line. And then you'd be like, no, but you always say, surely it can't get any worse than this.
00:09:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
in
00:09:01
Niall
And then we end up quoting mc McCarthy on every episode of the podcast.
00:09:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Cue the clip.
00:09:07
Niall
I don't know. I mean, is it is it better than getting battered 3-0 in Sellers Park with Casimir playing for Crystal Palace two years ago?
00:09:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm.
00:09:15
Niall
Probably. Um, but yeah, let's, let's hope for, uh, if we can get on a bit of a run here, hopefully tomorrow night, tonight, sorry.
00:09:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm.
00:09:24
Niall
We, uh, we'll, we'll get the win in the Europa league and then the Colaso Thursday. Um, and we're on, yeah, 2 PM on Sunday. So a bit of a tight turnaround. Um, in terms of how the team will line up, what do you think?
00:09:37
Niall
Like I assume you go with the strongest team and in the Europa league fixture and then maybe try and keep a bit of consistency and go with the same team on Sunday or what do you think?
00:09:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's interesting. I wonder how Ruben is going to approach this. Surely the league has to take a big priority. you know Europa League wise, even with a loss we could still secure top eight, it's not out of the question.
00:09:58
Niall
Hmm.
00:09:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
He might actually play a rotated side against ah FCSB in order to make sure he has the strongest side ready for Crystal Palace. Because at this point, you know I've said on a previous podcast,
00:10:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah We could go on a great run in the Europa League, but if we're constantly having a battle relegation, if we're constantly having to battle Thursday night football ah with with this sort of battle to just make sure we stay afloat, um you know, that that could be an unnecessary distraction.
00:10:21
Niall
Yeah.
00:10:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
That being said, I quite like winning games. It gets quite addictive when when you're winning games. So, yeah, you you you want to win every game you come up against. So I predict a rotated side.
00:10:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I predict a Casamiro Ericsson midfield against FCSB as one last chance, one last roll of the dice, ah but I don't expect that against Palace.
00:10:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Amram's learned his lesson that the Premier League, you you can't have that pairing together. It just has not got the pace that you need in the Premier League. You might be able to get away with it in certain games, in very certain games, but not not when it comes to the Premier League.
00:11:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
that That lack of pace really came back to bite us against Newcastle.
00:11:06
Niall
Yeah, it's a good point. um you know he's He's coming up against teams that he's never even heard of in the Premier League and they're battering us. like So I think he's he's not taking it for granted anymore. So um yeah, let's give let's do a bit of a stab then at the the the team for Palace. Obviously the same formation.
00:11:23
Niall
um But yeah, I'd say there will be there will be a lot of changes for the the Thursday night game. So I'd say probably close to the strongest team. So maybe across the back, Delict, McGuire, and Martinez.
00:11:37
Niall
Or do you think Yarrows maybe get a ah place in there?
00:11:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Yora will start the Europa League game. I think he'll be on the bench for this for the Palace game.
00:11:43
Niall
Yeah.
00:11:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
That would that would be my sort of prediction. The ah the the question is, um I think Béndir starts the Europa League game. I think Anana starts the Premier League game.
00:11:55
Niall
Yep.
00:11:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it is quite it's close between those two at the moment. ah It really is. and And I don't know if it should be that close. and But I agree, Delict, McGuire, Martinez back three, that seems to be the the strongest back three we have at the moment. I've kept saying that we've only had five centre backs at the club. I completely forgot about Johnny Evans. I listened to this spot my the podcast this morning just to be like, make sure I don't say anything stupid. And I say a stupid thing of forgetting Johnny Evans. I mean, how could I have done that? Well, for all he's done to the club, the 37 year old is still going strong.
00:12:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But I don't expect him to start now. I think Amrim realises that he is pretty much emergency backup. And I think Jonny realises that as well. I think when he first signed that three month contract ah to bring him back, he was sort of thinking, oh, you know, I'll just play in the reserves, keep a fitness up.
00:12:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, I'm in the first team. Oh, here we go.
00:12:44
Niall
Yeah. Oh, I'm playing City.
00:12:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Contracts biggest team.
00:12:47
Niall
Yeah.
00:12:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, and I'm starting.
00:12:49
Niall
yeah
00:12:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:12:50
Niall
I'm putting in Man of the Match performances, I think.
00:12:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah In fairness in fairness.
00:12:52
Niall
So, yeah.
00:12:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, why why not? But I think yeah, Johnny Evans is getting a well-deserved break now, I think What
00:13:00
Niall
Yeah, I'm glad you were doing your own Monday Night Football on your performances on the podcast here and just to do a bit of a bit of analysis, pick out areas where you can improve on. That's what we like to see. Dan would be proud as our CEO of the podcast.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
What can I say? Look, this is this is a touchscreen behind me. you know i can i can I can drag and drop any way I want.
00:13:16
Niall
Yes.
00:13:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Next, I'll be doing my own ref watch on me.
00:13:21
Niall
Yes.
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah What decisions did I get right? Oh, jeez.
00:13:24
Niall
Just stop it there.
00:13:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:13:26
Niall
Just stop it there.
00:13:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
just And you see here. Here. Yeah.
00:13:30
Niall
Here, Johnny Evans, yeah.
00:13:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jonny Evans, circle Jonny. All right, we've discussed about the defenders and got slightly off topic. Midfield then, I guess you could call it midfield if you include the wing backs. How do you expect to to to line up? I don't know if Daugu is going to be ready in terms of fitness wise, but it's possible.
Midfield Strategies & Formation Experiments
00:13:50
Niall
Yeah, I think just in terms of what we've seen so far, um I'd say Masrawi and Dalo. It was interesting, they actually swapped sides um um in the previous game where Dalo actually went to the preferred right wing back. I think you get more out of him. like I think Dalla was an interesting one because he's good but he's not like top top and I think playing him left wing back is like so difficult for him like you' he's already not in a conventional right back but now he's also on his wrong side and he he he doesn't use his left foot so I think giving him the right right wing back gives him a bit more confidence actually taking players on and he's got a good delivery so I'm kind of happier with him on the right
00:14:32
Niall
As Raul we know is not amazing going forward anyway, but really smart player, good good enough technically as well. um And i'm i'm kind of I'm kind of happy with him playing on the left. So I'd say those two as the as as the wing backs.
00:14:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Makes sense. Yeah, I think do do what we've been doing previously I think with that with that five at the back or three at the back with the wing backs makes sense to ah To keep what we know at the moment. Um, now here's the thing holding midfielders Um, agate obviously had to be brought off against uh fullum in our last game did pick up a little bit of a knock so it might be a doubt for the game, but I think he's he's done um a fantastic job and I think he he's probably one of the first names on the team sheet in in the heart of that midfield. But who do you start alongside him? I know Amram's been experimenting, dropping Fernandez deeper and maybe almost like a regista style. He's able to just press forward when he needs to or when he wants to, to try and join the attack.
00:15:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there are other players that could play there. Copy Mainu, for example, in that deeper role. I mean, you could even, if you wanted to, you could bring in the likes of Ericsson to just try and stay at the heart of the midfield, but try and play make from a deeper. Don't expect him to press up so much and play Fernandez further forward. I mean, how how do you sort of predict that that will line up?
00:15:51
Niall
I think he'll stick with that with Bruno in there beside Ugarte. I think he's trying something. um And I think he'll he'll try for another while yet. ah we We spoke about this before. I actually think it could work if Bruno keeps his discipline. and He drops in there anyway. We've been having issues with having any sort of control in midfield on the ball in those games. Ugarte and Manu, I'm just not sure if that's the answer.
00:16:16
Niall
um the Ugarte point, I've had it out with a couple of people on the on the podcast here. I'm not convinced at all with the Ugarte, but um I think that's just the sign of where we are at the moment where like you're like, yeah, he has to play because what else are we going to do? um But ah I'm still not convinced. And I think the main new conversation is interesting. I think there's a There's also a bit of experimentation over the next few months possibly of him playing in the further two positions than the sitting midfield. Just because of his kind of technical ability and I think he's a bit more creative, not necessarily because I i think he just gets caught out in the in the deeper two in terms of legs. It's very important when you're playing, you may you mainly play against three players in there and you have to have legs to be able to deal with it.
00:17:07
Niall
and So there could be a world where he gets kind of tested out in the in the two number 10s. But yeah, I think he'll go with Ugarate and Bruno as the the deep lion too again and stick with that for a few weeks and see how they get on.
00:17:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we'll see. We'll see that. And Nal and I have three more players to predict. But before that, we'll have a quick message. We'll be back after this.
00:17:36
Niall
This podcast is part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, the only network bringing you exclusive daily news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League, women's football and fantasy football. A unique listening experience that puts fans first, bringing you the very latest breaking news from your team. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and make us your first listen every day. Global Sports Podcast Network, every club, every day.
Ahmad's Impact & Offensive Strategy
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
So three players left in the lineup, your sort of two attacking midfielders, if you like, and your man up top. um Silly, silly not to suggest Ahmad in this scenario. Possibly our stalwart for the season and and we're pitting all the hopes of maybe top half on Ahmad. He's been sensational, hasn't he?
00:18:32
Niall
yeah our our shining light our beacon of life this season um it's just it's just sad that he's in this environment like he should be if if united were where they were he should be like you know our kind of third winger in a way where like he's kind of coming off the bench and putting in brilliant performances and he's a lot of people to learn from but I'm sorry, Emma, but we are totally relying on you at the moment. Like, you better do something because there's not much else happening. But yeah, he's he's sensational. And I spoke with Cormac about this on a different episode. He's, he run, he nearly is faster running with the ball. He's so comfortable on the ball. It's like it's tied to his left foot. It's it's brilliant to watch. And I just love how direct he is as well. and So many wingers these days across all clubs around the world.
00:19:19
Niall
um terrified to take on their man in case they lose the ball. It's always run down the wing, cut back, back into the center midfield and just keep going around the side. And it's really refreshing to kind of see a bit of a throwback where he just he puts the fear of God into full backs when he just takes them on. And it's brilliant to watch. um And it stands out even more when you kind of see how lackluster it is in general with the team.
00:19:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think you've hit the nail on the head there. It's a case of Ahmad's been good. He has been good and he's put in some really good performances, but he can get isolated very easily.
00:19:54
Niall
Yeah.
00:19:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
If teams know how to stop him, he he cannot perform and that's to be expected. You know, you you can't pin all of your hopes on one player. unless they are absolutely one of the best players in the world.
00:20:08
Niall
Yeah.
00:20:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're talking Messi and Ronaldo could change the game by themselves. And Ahmad, we don't have anyone in that squad that could be close to world-class. I think the closest we come is Bruno Fernandes.
00:20:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But even then, I wouldn't say he was of the world-class category. Close, but not world-class. But yeah, he's just had a he's just had a fantastic season and and I hope he gets ah another goal here because currently I think he is our top school goalscorer in the Premier League with I think it was six last time I checked there and six goals.
00:20:27
Niall
I agree.
00:20:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um That is madness.
00:20:41
Niall
Not madness. It's February luck. Yeah.
00:20:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've we've played how many games we played now 23. And our our top goal score I think has six goals is.
00:20:50
Niall
And I'd be interested to see how many games he started because he hasn't like, there was a wide where he was not being picked at all from 10 hag. You know, it's, it's, it is mental.
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:59
Niall
Um, and I mean, last year was bad in terms of our, our, our scoring tally from our forwards, but I mean, it's, it's, it's simple. Like it we're 12th in the league. It makes sense. Like, you know, I'm, I'm actually surprised we were 12th in the league with our top goal scorer having
Player Roles & Pressure Dynamics
00:21:14
Niall
six goals.
00:21:14
Niall
Like. when when When you look at the team and you you kind of take away the Man United jersey, you know, we look like a very average team and look like we're kind of relying on a couple of wingers like, but like Palace, I suppose, but back in the day with Zaha and and just kind of give the ball to him and hope for the best and just carrying the team on his back. And he's getting filed as much as Zaha will get get filed as well, because teams know that that is the outlet and anything good that's going to come from United comes through him.
00:21:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is this you saying close enough welcome back, Wilfred Zaha? Is this what you're saying, you know?
00:21:47
Niall
Yeah, I knew that was a dangerous kind of comparison to bring up there because it was just like, oh, we had him. It's like the whole Danny Welbeck conversation.
00:21:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:55
Niall
It's like, oh, we should never have got rid of Danny Welbeck. And it's like, we probably should have, but also he is he would be our best player by the mile if he was still here.
00:22:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh, 34 is it? Yeah, yeah.
00:22:06
Niall
Yeah.
00:22:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's, uh, that's something. Just want to, um, you asked about Ahmad. He's played in 21 matches this this season in the Premier League, started 16 of them, six goals, six assists. Uh, yes, it's it's pretty good.
00:22:17
Niall
like 16 16 starts six goals six assists that's incredible like for a team that's this bad and then what was it he's he's played in five more off the bench then like he's had an unbelievable run because there was you know there was times where he he played a couple of games for for ten hug and then just couldn't get back in the team so yeah incredible season from him it's just
00:22:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, correct. Yeah.
00:22:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:22:42
Niall
It's just mental how you were pinning the Hope cinema. I mean, if you predicted this at the start of the season, you'd be like, like what has happened? That Ahmad is our best player by a mile.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:50
Niall
You'd be like, it was a bit like the Dalo season last year.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, tell me about it. Tell me about it. Yeah, I mean, early favourites for our player of the season. And yeah, so far we don't have the greatest greatest record for the season after for who we pick as a player of the season.
00:23:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry.
00:23:06
Niall
I don't even think there's a short list.
00:23:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry, Tioko.
00:23:07
Niall
I think it's just him.
00:23:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's just him.
00:23:09
Niall
like
00:23:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's It's just a piece of paper and it's just how bad on it.
00:23:12
Niall
Yeah, it's just his name in three days.
00:23:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah He's got my vote.
00:23:15
Niall
Yeah.
00:23:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Right, we should probably talk about the other two players. We expect to start here. So on the other side then, kind of your left-hand side, I think it's safe to say Rashford's not in this team anymore.
00:23:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's safe to say he's not going to be starting any games. He's not even making the bench for some of these games.
00:23:31
Niall
Yep.
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think it's fair to say it's Garnaccio on the left-hand side has has put in some good performances recently. You know, he's picked up an assist as well. I think quite recently as as well.
00:23:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he is a threat down that left-hand side, but you know as as much as he has been a good player for us you know he's got bags of potential but he seems to get in his own head a little bit and he starts to second guess yourself and that's the worst thing you can do as a footballer is start to second guess your own abilities and start to second guess what you should be doing and I feel like you know this pressure has got to him slightly but over the last couple of games he's been doing quite quite good so we should praise him for it.
00:24:11
Niall
Yeah, um I think it's a good point to get about getting into his own head, especially when you're an instinct player. Once you start overthinking it, then you're in trouble. And and he definitely is that type of player, you know a player that would thrive on counterattacks, taking shots on you know without lots of time. Once you start doing that, you're you're in trouble. um But yeah, I mean, he's been decent. It's just we have slim pickings as well, like who's who's actually competing with him.
00:24:39
Niall
No one, really, to be honest. like ah Which is just it's just where we are at the moment. We we kind of have to to go with it until we look to reinforce and whether we can bring someone in from the academy, whether Rashford can kind of turn that situation around. And just on that, like it's it's interesting because it's very split, I think, in terms of whether people support Amram slash United or Rashford. and like Rashford and Garnaccio were left out at the same time on the same weekend, and Garnaccio has turned it around.
00:25:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-mm.
00:25:09
Niall
like Obviously, is's not he's not just taking a grudge out on random players for the sake of it. you know if you If you prove in training and that you've got the right attitude, you can come back, and you can end up starting games, and you can get praised by him.
00:25:23
Niall
So know it would it would be interesting if it was if both of them neither came back. But then if one of them is coming back and the other one's not, You kind of have to go with what the manager is saying on this leg, so it's just disappointing that it's kind of finishing like this. I hope it does turn around, but um yeah, it's it's not not a good look at the moment.
00:25:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so many teams are in for Marcus Rashford anyway. I think at this point, I think he also ready to cash in but what they can on Marcus Rashford for the sake of PSR, which it would be a sad end to what has been a phenomenal player.
00:25:49
Niall
Yeah.
00:25:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
130 plus goals for Marcus Rashford for Manchester United. And you hark back to the days of, well, what's it now? 10 years ago, 10 years ago. Honestly, I remember making him making his debut every single time he scored, you know, when it came to the Premier League, when it came to the Europa League, heck, even the Champions League, I think on his debut, he managed to get a goal and that was about a year and a a bit later, was it? um Either way.
00:26:19
Niall
and vanal the Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:26:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, so I even scored on his England debut, a League Cup debut. I have to think of the FA Cup debut you also scored on, but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't.
00:26:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a sad end. We've got one more player then, who starts up top? And Niall, this has been a bit 50-50
Striker Rotation & Cohesion Challenges
00:26:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
from Amorim. i
00:26:38
Niall
Yeah.
00:26:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and this this one doesn't seem see This one seems to go by the least amount of logic, because whatever way we start to play, both of them seem to struggle, especially recently, with with long balls over the top. And you would think someone like Hoyland, who is quicker, is able to try and get in behind, but it it doesn't it doesn't seem to be working like that.
00:26:59
Niall
Yeah, it is. It's honestly like one of them starts, comes off after 60 minutes, plays per the other one comes on after 30 minutes, plays really well. Then they start the next game. And it's just the same cycle repeated again.
00:27:11
Niall
And they just keep taking each other's places. um And it's strange because they're totally different players, the two of them. So like, you know, we're we're trying to build up a style of play.
00:27:22
Niall
All the players kind of get used to each other. And the two of them couldn't be more polar opposite. Like Xerxes can't run in behind. and Hylin can do nothing but run in behind so it's like it's it's just it's frustrating because it's like we're we're not building any sort of cohesion at all here switching them around so honestly it could be anyone who started the last game i think Hylin did so probably Xerxes against Pallas then um true
00:27:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, unless Dierksi starts against FCSB, the that's that's what I'm thinking. But both of them have two goals in the Premier League so far this season, both of them.
00:27:55
Niall
Yeah, and Xerxes had, what, they won in his first game.
00:27:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Yep.
00:27:59
Niall
Got one in the 4-0. I think it was one of Amurim's first home games.
00:28:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:28:04
Niall
that was the I think that's the last game Rashford played, the 4-0 at Old Trafford.
00:28:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
he also yeah and as a highlight He also scored in the penalty shootout against Arsenal. He took the last penalty as well, so fair play to him. He was under a lot of stick at that time and for him to slot that away, that was just that's the perfect response.
00:28:19
Niall
He was, yeah, yeah.
00:28:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
but i just think yeah he Both of them have been struggling in fairness. but it it seems like neither of them are getting many shots away, and and this is this is what it's boiling down to. A lot of us through the shots that are happening aren't coming through through our strikers.
00:28:38
Niall
Yeah.
00:28:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've got Xerxes who likes to drop deeper, and and I do wonder if you start playing in one of those attacking midfield roles, that how well will he do? He's able to hold up the ball. He's not got a bad passing range on him either, but it seems weird how he's not quite a false nine,
00:28:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
but he's not quite an attacking midfielder. He's sort of caught in between. I see what he means now by a nine and a half and it's just not working at the moment, unfortunately.
00:29:02
Niall
no it's not working and to be honest the shot thing i don't even blame the strikers i blame our style of play and how we play it like it there's literally nothing created for them at all like it's it's that's why united are hard to watch at the moment because the the goals are few and far between that's been an issue you can see it across the stats you watch the game a lot of, a lot of periods, long periods of the game, it's kind of knock it around the back three and then some sort of a hopeful ball.
00:29:33
Niall
And then there's a big gap and you know, it's, it's just, it's, it's hard to watch.
00:29:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:29:36
Niall
We never have sustained pressure in the opposition half where we can actually create those chances for the strikers. So they're normally feeding off scrap. So I don't even blame them for the shots, but, um, sometimes they don't help themselves as well with, uh, with opportunities that we do get.
00:29:52
Niall
So, um, yeah, it's. there's There's a lot of issues. um the The forward area is just one of them. But it's it's difficult because you look around and you're trying to see like how this set of players will fit into the profiles needed for this formation. And it's like square pegs in round holes. like you know the type of players we need for the number 10s. I don't think we have them. Garnaccio plays, but he plays, he literally plays on the touchdown like he's playing left wing anyway. It's not the role. When Bruno was there in the other 10, he would drop in wherever he can. He's not like faster, kind of a dribbler.
00:30:31
Niall
and We don't really have a player. Ahmad suits the 10, but we don't have enough of them. um And then even the the deep-line midfielders, you'd want two absolute athletes in there. And we don't have that either. So wing backs, we have don't have wing backs. like So it's just there's ah there's a big overhaul needed. And it's not just in one area. it's It's pretty much across the team. But it's just crazy how we're still saying that. And we've I'd say you'd say that every year at United. And the amount of money that's been spent, you're like, we just need better slash more players.
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. On that positive note then, Niall, score prediction.
00:31:08
Niall
and I always have to go heart over head here or head over heart because I always get carried away and end up saying we're going to win.
Score Predictions & Season Reflections
00:31:15
Niall
um It's like you're having a great weekend and then there's someone going up behind you and it's just my United just ruining your weekend every every weekend.
00:31:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Knocking on the door.
00:31:24
Niall
Knocking on the door.
00:31:27
Niall
It's palace lads.
00:31:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah and Well, look, it was also Spurs lads.
00:31:31
Niall
I know. It was Spurs, and Spurs absolutely battered us, but 1-0 United.
00:31:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Did you know what I was thinking the same? I was thinking 1-0 United.
00:31:43
Niall
Well, we're not getting two goals, so it's either 1-1 or 1-0.
00:31:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:31:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we've gone with the 1-0 because, you know, ever the optimists we are, we're predicting a United victory.
00:31:52
Niall
Of course.
00:31:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Well, it has to be said, it's been a bit of ah a long January, made even longer by sort of, you know, how this season has gone so far. But look at it this way. A win could put us up to 11th.
00:32:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know the phrase by now.
00:32:08
Niall
You can't say up to 11th when we're 12th. It doesn't, the wording.
00:32:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Are we going up?
00:32:14
Niall
Yeah. I mean, it was, yeah, it was good.
00:32:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
There you go. There you go.
00:32:16
Niall
It was well-worded. It was well-worded to be fair.
00:32:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:32:18
Niall
It gave me more hope. I thought we were going top half there, but we could finish the finished Sunday on 11th.
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, look, look, we could go as high as 11th. It's about it really.
00:32:29
Niall
Yeah.
00:32:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, or we could drop down to 14th, but let's not think about that. 11th, 11th is the target. Hide Eddie into Sunday. Well, look, thank you so much for joining me now on what has been, well, not quite a car crash episode, but not very far away from it.
00:32:43
Niall
Yeah, 100%. Thanks, Kieran.
00:32:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you, Darla. Thank you so much as well for listening along, whether you're on Spotify or an Apple podcast. And if you're listening along and thinking, I would love something to watch whilst I'm listening to this, we'll find us on YouTube as well. Global Sports Podcast Network, LTD, the whole network is on there and you'll be able to find the daily Manchester United playlist as well. So you can see our lovely faces.
00:33:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
How terrifying for you. ah Thank you so much for listening along and watching along if you've been so kind to on YouTube. Have a great rest of your Thursday and we'll speak to you soon.