Jozi-based Tumelo Matsinyane is a Manchester United supporter. Enough said there. After United’s tragic 6-1 loss to bitter rivals City last month, Tumelo, seeking solace from loved ones, called home to Lesotho. Unfortunately, in his depression, Tumelo dialled the wrong number and found himself caught up in a conversation with that rowdy Mokhotlong-native Malome Thabiso – Selepe Se Chesang.
Tumelo
It was evident from the Stoke City game that Man United’s defence needed some serious attention. The problem is that Sir Alex – being the veteran in modern day football – underestimated the power and strength of his opponents. Stoke deserved three points on that day at the Britannia, so did Norwich when they visited Old Trafford. I would say the same for Chelsea too, who ought to have had a draw against United, but didn’t, thanks to Torres.
The problem is not with Sir Alex changing squads all the time (resting players as they claim) but with United’s defence. United are good going forward but struggle against teams that attack them from the first whistle. The last three games have shown us that United are beatable and, most importantly, that people like Rio and Evans need to go as soon as possible.
But although Man City won but I’m still not convinced they will take the title. The thing with the English Premiership is that most teams start well and then suddenly after 15 games begin to stumble. Remember how Chelsea started the season last year? Well, most people were certain that Chelsea would be crowned champions, but United took it from them in the end. I still think in many ways it will be a two-way chase between Chelsea and Man United.
Malome Thabiso
Hmm... I was agreeing with you until that last part... I believe City are here to stay. They have the players and a different type of manager to what Chelsea had with Ancelotti. Mancini is a guy who wants to win, at all costs. I won’t say he’s in the Jose Mourinho league yet, but he isn’t afraid to play five defenders if he has to. That’s why in Italy he romped the league for a couple of years – because he knows how to win leagues.
I don’t think it will be a cakewalk for City like people seem be expecting – looking at their start and this five point gap they have built up – but certainly City will be there at the end of the season; especially considering, as you say, the continued disintegration of the Manchester United defensive structure.
It’s something that’s has been pointed out, that since Carlos Queiroz left the club United have turned a blind eye to the arts of defending. The dude apparently was a stickler for defence. He was in charge of the team’s defensive structure and he would drill the United defence like a sergeant. That’s that time when United never looked like they would concede a goal… ever! And that’s when they were at their intimidating best.
Tumelo
Well I get your point, but truth be told Man City haven’t played like a team worthy of winning the Premiership yet. They may be gelling well now, but I perceive them as another Tottenham, full of surprises but when you expect them to win they let you down. Let’s hope, for their sake, this time around I’m wrong.
Man United think they are the best, the 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal, the magical comebacks in the Champions League and beating a B-side Barca team (in 2008) has made them think they can conquer the world. This is dangerous.
But I don’t see Man City taking the league title. Mancini is good, but sometimes he’s let down by his players.
And while no team has shown consistency yet except the two Manchester teams, there are still many games left and anything can happen. Arsenal is slowly climbing up the ladder and Chelsea still have the quality and know-how when it comes to winning trophies. I think we may have a photo-finish like we did last season’s South African Premier Soccer League.
Jonny Evans really worries me in the defence by the way – always making mistakes. This is another Aaron Mokoena in the making and the sooner he goes the better. Phil Jones is doing pretty well but Nani isn’t performing like he was last season and it’s clear that Man United rely on wingers far too much.
Malome Thabiso
You have a point there; United have, one way or the other, relied heavily on wing play in recent years, and that’s not just on the wingers, but on the cohesion (both offensively and defensively) between the wingers and fullbacks. That doesn’t seem to be there this season and it was exposed by City.
I think it’s still early to write off Rio too. He’s still more suitable against slick opponents such as Arsenal and even Barcelona.
I thing I definitely agree with is that there’s going to be a photo-finish at the end of the season. Should be exciting!
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| Tumelo calling home? |
It was evident from the Stoke City game that Man United’s defence needed some serious attention. The problem is that Sir Alex – being the veteran in modern day football – underestimated the power and strength of his opponents. Stoke deserved three points on that day at the Britannia, so did Norwich when they visited Old Trafford. I would say the same for Chelsea too, who ought to have had a draw against United, but didn’t, thanks to Torres.
The problem is not with Sir Alex changing squads all the time (resting players as they claim) but with United’s defence. United are good going forward but struggle against teams that attack them from the first whistle. The last three games have shown us that United are beatable and, most importantly, that people like Rio and Evans need to go as soon as possible.
But although Man City won but I’m still not convinced they will take the title. The thing with the English Premiership is that most teams start well and then suddenly after 15 games begin to stumble. Remember how Chelsea started the season last year? Well, most people were certain that Chelsea would be crowned champions, but United took it from them in the end. I still think in many ways it will be a two-way chase between Chelsea and Man United.
Malome Thabiso
Hmm... I was agreeing with you until that last part... I believe City are here to stay. They have the players and a different type of manager to what Chelsea had with Ancelotti. Mancini is a guy who wants to win, at all costs. I won’t say he’s in the Jose Mourinho league yet, but he isn’t afraid to play five defenders if he has to. That’s why in Italy he romped the league for a couple of years – because he knows how to win leagues.
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| Roberto "Winner" Mancini |
It’s something that’s has been pointed out, that since Carlos Queiroz left the club United have turned a blind eye to the arts of defending. The dude apparently was a stickler for defence. He was in charge of the team’s defensive structure and he would drill the United defence like a sergeant. That’s that time when United never looked like they would concede a goal… ever! And that’s when they were at their intimidating best.
Tumelo
Well I get your point, but truth be told Man City haven’t played like a team worthy of winning the Premiership yet. They may be gelling well now, but I perceive them as another Tottenham, full of surprises but when you expect them to win they let you down. Let’s hope, for their sake, this time around I’m wrong.
Man United think they are the best, the 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal, the magical comebacks in the Champions League and beating a B-side Barca team (in 2008) has made them think they can conquer the world. This is dangerous.
But I don’t see Man City taking the league title. Mancini is good, but sometimes he’s let down by his players.
And while no team has shown consistency yet except the two Manchester teams, there are still many games left and anything can happen. Arsenal is slowly climbing up the ladder and Chelsea still have the quality and know-how when it comes to winning trophies. I think we may have a photo-finish like we did last season’s South African Premier Soccer League.
 |
| Jonny Evans, the new Aaron Mokoena?... |
Malome Thabiso
You have a point there; United have, one way or the other, relied heavily on wing play in recent years, and that’s not just on the wingers, but on the cohesion (both offensively and defensively) between the wingers and fullbacks. That doesn’t seem to be there this season and it was exposed by City.
I think it’s still early to write off Rio too. He’s still more suitable against slick opponents such as Arsenal and even Barcelona.
I thing I definitely agree with is that there’s going to be a photo-finish at the end of the season. Should be exciting!
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