It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

I agree, great competition this time.
2022 is in Qatar(?) in the winter, during northern hemisphere football season!

From a brilliantly successful World Cup in 2018 then to it being an absolute disaster in 2022?

Hmmm?

Didn't like the style of refereeing; lack of yellows for stopping players on the break - allows teams poor against the counter to reduce the risk by foul means.

England:

Someone who brings the ball out without knowing the exits isn't a ball playing defender. Someone who can't defend isn't a defender. Too much weight given to an illusion.

When the opposition begin getting to your back line with increasing frequency you look at your system; a one for one swap in midfield was a mistake.

The winners, France, the best of a bad lot.

If the midfield performs...it takes weight off the defending.....England have to be going at the opposition...if that stops..: it's curtains most of the time.....it's due to our style of play, we are not good at sitting back defending a lead....

"Tom Heaton has not travelled with the Clarets’ squad as they prepare to launch their Europa League challenge tonight.

The club captain and keeper has a calf strain and so hasn’t made the trip to Aberdeen for the second qualifying round tie first leg."

Do you still want him back Dil -):

A "Thank you message" from Sir Alex Ferguson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ8Ac-LeIfw

Of course I do Stan.

Would have been England keeper at the WC if he hadn't got injured last season.

"Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope sustained a potentially serious shoulder injury in the Europa League draw at Aberdeen.

Pope, making his first appearance since returning from England’s World Cup campaign, was taken to hospital following the 12th minute collision, which resulted in Anders Lindegaard making his Clarets debut."

Sorry Dil due to the above we are a bit short on keepers these days -):

Off topic, but a great result for Geraint, Dil. Cardiff's finest.

He isn't French, must be on drugs.

Thanks England team for a great world cup....but this has made us all very...very...hungry for more success.....I'm hoping it's not going to be a bit like jeepers creepers when we only get to eat every 23 years or so.....Yep I hope the hunger for more appetising success is going to remain with the three lions camp.....go for it guys.....

Well...problems at ManU it seems.....thought of a ridiculous gag.....: football presenter on about ManU…...and the other pundit guy as it's hot this summer then puts two or more electric fans on the table...presenter then asks other guy what's this ?....other guy then points to the drawn (:(( on the centercircle part of the fans... (need ones that swivel from side to side like shaking heads)....punchline is : that the fans aren't happy at all...…………...………….oh dear.... oh dear....sorreeee...gotta laugh sometimes.... you could say but these are are not ManUal fans...euhh..no...we ran out..I'll have to see if there's more in store...in the meantime....these will have to do..... these are autoMatiC…..ohhh...dear...

I see Leeds Utd have started well....(:)))

I see Man Utd have not yet got started and may even go backwards if they lose against Tottenham.

There's definitely a poor atmosphere in the dressing room and which is preventing people from giving their best.

What's the rumor?

In the wake of Manchester United's abysmal loss to Brighton, the rumor circulating suggests that the top hierarchy, including United CEO Ed Woodward, have now lost faith in Mourinho's abilities and are beginning to doubt if he is the right manager for the club.

A loss to Tottenham - and he's gone, IMHO.

All is dandy doesn't sell papers or get clicks.

Woodward should be removed from the football side and retain commercial. If we are going by talk, he doesn't want to relinquish the football element; against a director of football, preferring the appointment of a style of go-between which allows him to keep all his goodies. The best for Woodward and the best for the club don't necessarily align.

Cheers,
KidA

Same sh1t different season. :(

rf , Leeds always start well. Top of the table late September last year until they played Cardiff.

Man U look clueless , wish we were playing them next week.

Fans, pundits, journos and their rose tinted glasses. When they had bad runs - including Double and Treble winning seasons - or had to play 2 or 3 midfielders in defence, Ferguson made the team more defensive; steadied the ship and ground out results. When he felt the defence was sorted, he let the attacking players have more freedom. I expect Manchester United to be more attacking once Mourinho is happy with the defence, though not at the Ferguson level.

Recruitment has been mixed, the same for Manchester City and Liverpool; how many goalkeepers and defenders? The direction the owners and Woodward go will make or break it. On the centres who played at BHA; Jonny Evans with Vidic or Ferdinand was good, as lead centre his performances plummeted. Smalling plus one may work. This is down to Mourinho and his staff to solve until the arrival of the next centre back. They also need to recruit a right winger (no political jokes, please).

On the media, most are stealing a living.

Mourhino brought in the two centre backs that played Sunday didn't he ?

Ashley Young is crap too since his diving was sussed out by refs.

I don't think Mourhino will last till Christmas , 21st December is my prediction ... day after they play Cardiff :-)

Warnock was 7/1 favourite 2 weeks ago to be first manager to go but he's now 8/1 fifth favourite and we haven't even won a game !