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Episode 85 - FA Cup Time
14 Plays1 day ago
On today’s episode, Kieran previews the FA Cup 3rd round fixture against Arsenal. Happy FA Cup 3rdRound Weekend to all who celebrate it!
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Transcript
Introduction and Podcast Overview
FA Cup Match Preview: Manchester United vs Arsenal
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the Daily Manchester United Podcast. It's me, Kieran, here. It's just me today. And the Arsenal guys, well, they've pushed their crossover to tomorrow. So you just got me today. Well, look, f FA Cup's coming up this weekend. No league football for a while. And it's time to knuckle down and, and well, let's let's see what we can do in the FA Cup, eh? We're the holders.
00:00:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
london It's gonna be a tough game, isn't it? Aren't they all tough games recently? We should be well up for this one, heading to the Emirates Stadium. You can watch it on BBC One, by the way, on Sunday, this coming Sunday. And, ah well, look, FA Cup third round weekend is, ah you mark it in your diaries every year, you know, who do you get? I remember the draw a couple of, but about a month and a half ago now that we drew Arsenal.
00:01:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
brilliant. you know Other teams get lower league teams and we have to come up against Arsenal to start our defence. The only team that has won the FA Cup more Well, there you go. It should be a good one. um I think a lot of focus now that we're in January, and as I recall, this is the 8th of January.
Transfer Window Insights and Player Movements
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're into this stage now of PSR's becoming a word again. And as much as that would unsettle some players, perhaps, there's been a couple of players that could be on the chopping block, Marcus Rashford, Kobi Mainu,
00:01:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
to name a couple. I mean in theory Scott McTominay was one of those that fell sort of victim to this PSR thing. The idea being that you can make a sale and you can make a profit out of the academy players and they're pure profit because in theory they cost you nothing to sign for the club. At least that's how PSR views it.
00:01:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
So going into this window, you might find teams you know offload one player to another, but bring in another one. So we'll see how it goes. But as far as I'm concerned, Coby Maino is untouchable. He's not going anywhere. Now, Marcus Rashford, on the other hand, it'd be interesting to see he missed the Liverpool game due to illness. We'll see if he is eligible to start, and whether he gets picked to go into this match against Arsenal.
00:02:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think if he doesn't start in that game and if it's not due to illness, then I think he probably will be leaving this window. Which, you know, we'll have to wait and see how that all plays out, how we're looking to, you know, get get on top of everything. I think, in essence, what I'm hoping for in this window is maybe a little bit of solidity. Niall and Dan were were talking on yesterday's podcast about the top three they would bring in, and they raised some fair points, you know. um would I quite would like to see Nuno Mendez in perhaps a Manchester United shirt, Jokores maybe. um I've always been a fan of Inacio as well, I believe playing for sporting.
00:03:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
It looks like a phenomenal player, a young player as well, but you know we'll have to wait and see. you know the The board are very much more interested in giving a hard time for those you know nine to fivers of Manchester United and not going after the players that are earning the millions. But that's by the by, that's sort of how it works.
00:03:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not necessarily worried. I just think it's going to be quite a quiet transfer window. I went into this thinking, oh yeah, there could be a lot of changes. You know, this could be Hammerim's chance of getting the chopping board out and seeing who who leaves. But when I think about it, it might not be that simple because a lot of other players, a lot of other clubs might not be interested in selling in the January transfer window either.
00:03:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
and not only not selling but also not buying and that's the that's the big one they're not buying right now ah there's been seven i think there's been seven transfers this window so far so you put it down as one per day for a january transfer window that's not a lot right now that's not a huge amount, but hey, we'll see.
Luke Shaw's Career and Future at Manchester United
00:04:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looking at it, um obviously Luke Shaw, what to do with Luke Shaw, right? That's a tricky one. I think the lad said it last night as much as he's been fantastic, as much as he is a fantastic player when he's absolutely in full, the injuries are what cost him. The fact that he's been out for nearly half of his time at Manchester United due to injury.
00:04:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
is worrying, considering he's been here for, I think it's 10 years now, might be more than 10 years now, that he's been at Manchester United. And I think it might be the time to see if we can move him to a new club. And that does hurt me to say, because I'm a big fan of Luke Shaw. I would have loved to have seen him maybe develop into a centre back on the left-hand side as part of that three, maybe a wide centre back who can really charge up to the mid midfield and put in early crosses and whatnot.
00:05:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
but I gotta have my realistic cap on. I just don't see that happening. I don't see that happening with the unfortunate injuries that Luke Shaw keeps having. I think it's sometimes better to cut your losses and move a player on who is unfortunately injury prone. Is that the fault of the player? Is that the fault of the club? Who who knows? What it is though, is it's costing us quite a bit of time with Luke on the shifts sidelines and we we have to,
00:05:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, think of other ways to play ah at the left. Dallow's been playing on the left and I thought he had a good game against Liverpool. Then again, the whole team was pretty good against
FA Cup Strategy Discussion
00:05:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool. So will will he start or will we give chances to Malaysia if he's fit? but Potentially, you know, it's it's all of those. it's It's all of those decisions and I think If you're going into this FA Cup game, you want the strongest, the strongest side. You want absolute strongest side. So if players don't make this and they're on the bench, as far as I'm concerned, they they might be considered up for sale by Hammerham. And we'll wait and see, eh? FA Cup is ah is a big one. Can we win it? Yes, we can. if If we perform the way we did against Liverpool, I see us winning the game.
00:06:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know Arsenal did not have a good game when they faced up ah last night against Newcastle, as I recall this, light losing 2-0. So they were already out of one cup competition.
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
they're going to be well up for it for revenge. And we're we're the next target. So we'll see how it goes. We'll see how the side are up for it. And I hope they are. And when I come back, it's it's sort of a case of predicting who's going to be where. And that's going to be an interesting one. But I'll leave you on tenterhooks. I'll be back after this.
00:06:59
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00:07:18
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00:07:32
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Predictions, predictions, and probably most of them wrong, yes. What sort of team would we put out against Arsenal? I can't see many changes from Amorim's side that started the game against Liverpool. I really can't. I think it's it's a case of Is there anyone you'd really drop from those 11 starters? Not really. Considering on on the way they performed, Anana and Gull, with a back three of Martinez, Maguire and De Licht, with Dallo and Maseraui playing as those wing-backs Menua and Ugata in the middle of the park, as ah holding midfielders, then in those sort of two attacking roles, Fernandez and Diallo, and then Hoyland up top. I can't see Xerxes starting the game.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
as so As much as I would love to see him flourish at the club, I just don't think he's, he's I wouldn't say devoid of confidence, but it's not looking good. And, yeah well, from multiple news sources, he's apparently going to be considered to be sold coming into January. And it would be a shame because, I mean, he started all right against Fulham.
00:08:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
got us our first goal of the season, little did we know would be 13th place on a match day one this season. But I think it's a case where I think he he has the potential, but it's a case of can he perform in those big matches? And if he were to play, then I would think he wouldn't replace Hoyland. He would probably replace either Fernandez or Ahmad. And in that scenario, I don't really I don't think I would replace either. The only thing I could see happen is either Meinu or Agate not starting in this match. And that would be interesting to see because Fernandez in the game against Liverpool dropped deeper and was able to try and facilitate play from a holding midfield role as a deeper role. And that allowed the likes of Ahmad and Garnaccio later on in the game and Heuland to really press forward. So I think it's possible. I think you could play like that.
00:09:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whether Amorim would choose to play like that against Arsenal in a cup game, actually ah actually it could work, couldn't it? It worked against Liverpool, who were top of the table. It could work against Arsenal.
00:09:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that that could be a side. What I worry is Saka. So whoever's on our left, which is going to be Dallow, has got to be have have their wits about them, about Saka. He's a talented player, and I've got to see now. I might talk him all up, and but we'll see what happens. But if we can isolate Saka, we've got half a chance, I think. That's the way I see it. ah He might be out with a hamstring injury, and you know might not be back for a while, so maybe that's that's a blessing. But then you take one player out of the Arsenal side and they just seem to regenerate one. Nwanyeri. I hope I've not butchered your name, Ethan. I really do, I really do.
00:10:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
um juieri When I spoke to the Arsenal guys, I did say he was ah he was a ah really good talent to to keep your eye on, one for the future. One of the youngest players to come through at Arsenal, I believe. And I think he was 15 when he made his Premier League debut, which is ah which is absolutely insane. He might also be out with a muscle injury I'm seeing here, so this is going well. I'm just highlighting some of the players who could be a threat to us.
00:10:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
and might be out with injuries at the moment. ah Martin Odegard always makes Arsenal a better team whenever he plays. He is a talisman, but I think Fernandes can have the upper hand in that creative outlet. Reading up on the Manchester United website they released an article today that said that Bruno Fernandes has created 70-plus chances so far this season.
00:11:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's amazing how we're still 13th, isn't it? When you think about it like that. So certainly their creating chances are just not finishing them at the moment. So that that's one to watch out for, obviously. And i just I just look at this team, Saliba as well. When I when i went on the Arsenal crossover before, I said he wasn't in the greatest form.
00:11:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
but he is a talented player, very good at the back. what On his days, he's brilliant. Gabrielle, a menace in the air and considering the corners have not been a strong point for us, Gabrielle in the air from a corner is dangerous and we we have to be prepared for that. I think You know, I hope the work has gone in on the training ground to at least alleviate some of those pressures from corners. I really hope. Because if not, we know Arsenal are very powerful at set pieces. They have got that part of the game absolutely nailed down. And if we're not careful, all of the Arsenal goals could be set pieces. That's nothing against Arsenal, by the way.
00:12:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
you play the game, how you' how you're strongest. And if you're strongest playing from set pieces, I say take it. And if you're all challenging for European spots and possibly even for a spot at the top and you're focusing on set pieces, more power to you. If that's your strength, why not play to your strength? It'd be silly not to.
00:12:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think Arsenal's strength is United's weakness at the moment from set pieces. So I'm hoping a couple of extra hours have gone in on the training ground about how to stop Arsenal. It's possible. We've seen it's possible. you In Europe, in in Champions League, Arsenal have not been great from their set pieces because teams have managed to figure out a way to stop how powerful their set pieces are. And so if if we can boil that down and and try and nullify that set piece wizardry they've got going on then we might have half a chance. So yeah I'm picking out all of these attacking talents, I'm picking out all of these defensive talents from the wrong side of course. So how do I see Manchester United lining up? Will they start Manu? I think he was decent in that Liverpool game but the fact that he was subbed off against Liverpool I think is a clue as to maybe he was either being rested or perhaps Amorim
00:13:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know is saving him for another rainy day. Maybe in that point, mainly was not the right option and bringing him off at that moment, obviously is ah it's a decision that he's made, but I can't really fault Amrym at the moment because he's absolutely putting it a shift right now. And we'll see how it all goes. So, back three. And now, wood would Euro start?
00:14:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he'd probably keep the same back three. I think it would be Martinez, Maguire, and De Lict. And to be honest, I think Dallow might start. you you You potentially could put Malaysia at left back there with Maserawi on the right. I think Maserawi on the right is just locked in. That's one of the positions that's locked in on the pitch, no doubt about that. Holding midfield, I think Agate will start. I don't say i think Amorim will be wounded and scarred by the fact that he started Ericsson and Casimiro against you know, a a Newcastle side that just absolutely tore us apart. It was embarrassing in that first half. And I think he will probably learn from that. When Manu was subbed on, changed the game. Changed the game in our favour, but we just couldn't score. We could not get those chances over the line. So does he start there? Perhaps he does start, perhaps Manu does start there with Agati alongside and Fernandez starts in that advanced role. And perhaps later in the match, if we need another goal, we bring on, say, Garnaccio.
00:15:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
and and go from there. I just i can't see many changes to decide. I think all 11 that started proved why they should be starting. And that's what we want to see. Headaches for a manager, not because no one's playing well, but because everyone's playing well. That's the what that's the headache you want. So for Amram, I don't envy him having to decide who is going to start that match. What I will envy, though, is if Arsenal get the win. Hopefully that doesn't happen. And hopefully we get that crossover recorded for you, for your listening pleasure. And when we get to the last part, I've got to predict what's going to happen. Hold your breath. I'll be back after this.
00:15:52
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Key Match Analysis: Manchester United vs Arsenal
00:16:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, score predictions. I'm a bit nervous. I am a bit nervous. You don't want to go out of the FA Cup too early, do you? Let's face it, you you don't. And I think this is probably one of the tough games that nobody wanted. Arsenal didn't want United, United didn't want Arsenal. This is a game for later on in the Cup, not not for the very first time these two teams enter this year's FA Cup. um i said I'd be the ever the pessimist to say that United would lose, wouldn't I? I think it's a game that will probably go to extra time.
00:16:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think it will because as far as I'm thinking there's no replays anymore because all of the Premier League teams said we've got too many matches and then decided the club World Cup was a good idea. But I think it will probably be level after 90 minutes. I can't really see how that's going to... you know I think we've we've we struggled with converting chances. That's clear to see. I mean, you you would be blind not to see that chances have been few and far between. Not not in the case of we haven't been creating them. As I've already said, Bruno Fernandes has created 70 plus chances so far this season. and But what it does
00:17:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
worry me is that how few of those chances have been taken. I'm just going to have a look at the Premier League table. We have scored 23 goals in the Premier League this season. 23. That's the same amount of goals as Leicester City and they are 19th.
00:17:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Goal scoring has not been our forte this season. And that needs to change. It has to change if we're going to not only have success in the FA Cup, but to bring us back up the table.
Manchester United's Goal Conversion Issues
00:18:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
So although these chances are being made, they're not being converted. Hoyland up top potentially. I think he is a good i think he's a good player. And i I know there are some doubts about him. And I see those points and I relate to them.
00:18:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But who else could you start up there that would get you the goals? Potentially Garnacho, but I just see him more as as a winger, to a wider player, rather than a central attacker. But I suppose you could give it a try and see what happens. This would be ah a good game to try, eh? I mean, as United, really we've got less to lose. If Arsenal lose, and they're challenging for the title,
00:18:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
more more power to them, I guess. But if United lose, at least we could say, right, now we can focus on this. season No more domestic competition. We can focus on the league and hopefully get ourselves back up the order, back up the table.
00:18:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But with so few goals in the Premier League, it's it's a worry. You look at other teams around us, Arsenal have scored 39 goals this season, 15 more than Manchester United. And Arsenal are in good form in the league. They've won three of their last five games. They're undefeated for those five games as well, compared to United's form of one win in five and three of them being losses. But I'm hoping that that result against Liverpool, the draw, which a the more I think about that Maguire chance, the more I think, what if what if we what if we could just get that ball in the back of the net? We'd be 12th! The heights of 12th would have been fantastic, wouldn't it?
00:19:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll see, eh? We'll see. Well, it's only me today, and obviously you're probably bored of hearing my voice, but what you won't probably be bored of is the crossover that's happening tomorrow.
Upcoming Crossover Episode Tease
00:19:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're going to get recorded tomorrow, so you'll probably hear it tomorrow when you listen to this. It's confusing, isn't it? It's because I'm recording on a Wednesday night, and you're hearing this on a Thursday. You see, that's where the broad issue lies.
00:20:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
but hopefully we'll get that recorded for you. The lads at Arsenal always ah put up a great fight in the yeah in the crossovers. I sure experienced that last time around, so don't miss that one tomorrow. School prediction, again, I think it'll be level after 90 minutes. they can be I'll go for 2-2 after 90 minutes. We'll see what happens from there.
00:20:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hopefully you enjoy the rest of your day. Whatever you are doing, try not to remember that we're 13th and try to look forward to that FA Cup game. We've got nothing to lose here and everything to gain. Let's get right behind the Red Devils. Until next time, thank you so much for listening. Have a great rest of your day and I'll talk to you soon.