The Man U view

  • by Staff Writer
  • Saturday, 27th September 2014

West Ham United take on Manchester United at Old Trafford this afternoon in one of the most keenly-anticipated fixtures of the season so far.

So we asked Man U fan and KUMB member Damien1990 to share his thoughts on his team's performance so far this season...

After a poor start to the season, do you think van Gaal is the right man for Manchester United?

Yes. He'll need a while though and already some fans are saying he's not right and comparing him to Moyes, saying that Moyes had a better start etc. Some of the football we've played has been the best for a few years now (which isn't saying a lot as we had been playing some awful stuff for a while). The main issue is our defending and it's concerning that we haven't looked into why we've had a defensive injury crisis every season now for four+ years.

How do you feel about West Ham in general?

I've not really had any strong feelings either way but watched you play against Liverpool and was impressed. I think you'll do well this season.

Verdict on how you've done in the transfer market this summer?

Most of the signings are what we need in the positions we need them, but would rather we had signed another centre back or two instead of signing Falcao on deadline day. At the back we're screwed, and against you lot we're set to play a youth player at CB because Evans, Jones and Smalling are injured and Blackett is suspended.

West Ham? You've done brilliantly. Bought some quality younger players who will help with the change in style and should help you push to a top half finish, while letting go/selling some of the players who you no longer needed.

A lot was made in the media about how Allardyce outsmarted Rodgers in West Ham's win over Liverpool. What's the consensus among Manchester United fans about Allardyce nowadays, and what's your personal opinion?

I can't really speak about others but I've thought he got a bit of a rough ride at times - though I can understand it. I thought your owners didn't really like him and it'd be a matter of time before he would be sacked due to some differences but even with the ultimatum he's been given, he has been backed by the board, brought in players he wanted while getting rid of some of the dross and has done very well so far this season.

If he keeps it going he could be in contention for manager of the season, though there'll be a bit of competition for that.

Pretty closely related to the above but how much credit do you give to Allardyce for the perceived change in style, or do you think it is down to things like the appointment of Sheringham?

I agree about most of the plaudits going to Sam. At the end of the day, the manager and the manager only comes up with the tactics. Teddy would have helped the attacking players, but given the changes you've made in that department I think there would have been an improvement regardless.

How do you feel about Ravel Morrison?

He could have had something if he got his head straight and worked hard but even after being sold by us and told by Sir Alex that he needs to get away from Manchester it'd be a shame if all that ability was wasted. He hasn't really listened and will probably end up behind bars at some point. If it didn't work with Sir Alex and Sam, who could it work with?

The best time to play West Ham - or the worst?

It's an awful time to play you with the injuries we've got and the results we've had. Your attack will have a field day against our defence and after the results you've had you'll be on a high and raring to go.

What's the goal this season for your club?

Our goal should be top four at a minimum though with the money spent, should be higher than that. With the way we've started this season, despite the goalscorers being top four I just can't see it at this moment in time unless we improve defensively. On the attacking front we're getting there, but we're letting in way too many goals. If we had got a win against Leicester we'd be in a better position but still bad given the fixtures we've started the season with. To collapse in the manner we did was unforgiveable. Sure, the first penalty shouldn't have been given, but it's like the players took it as an excuse to wilt away and do nothing.

Which XI would you like to see your team field against us?

de Gea; Rafael, Thorpe, Rojo, Shaw; Blind; Herrera, di Maria; Mata; Falcao, Rooney.

The team van Gaal will most likely field will be similar to that but with van Persie in for Mata (Rooney dropping back) and there's some talk of McNair being in the starting XI over Thorpe (both youth players).

Finally, your prediction for the match?

A 2-2 draw, possibly 3-2 to you.

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