Manchester United (A) Post Match Thread 1 - 1

[Bob Weasel Fox]

I respectfully think your opinion is naff.

I'm not too impressed with your opinion either but hey ho

Up the Foxes

[Cadno'r Cymoedd]

Great report on the Times Online by Henry Winter

sunday may 1 2016

PREMIER LEAGUE

Morgan leads by example as Leicester place one hand on the title

Manchester United 1 Leicester City 1

Henry Winter | Chief Football Writer

May 1 2016, 6:00pm, The Sunday Times

At the end, the jubilant throng in the away section of Old Trafford unfurled a flag that read “Blue Army”, “Keep The Faith” and “Leicester City Premier League champions 2016”. It’s not long now. They’ve waited 132 years. They can handle a little longer, maybe even only a few hours.

The greatest party in Leicester’s 132-year existence could even begin shortly before 10pm on Monday night. Tottenham Hotspur must prevail at Chelsea to delay the Leicester revelry, and they have not experienced success at Stamford Bridge in the league since Gary Lineker scored the winner in a 2-1 victory on February 10, 1990. Lineker will soon be required to honour his pledge and present Match of the Day in his underwear.

For some, the party has already begun. Leicester’s supporters here celebrated as if the Barclays Premier League trophy was theirs. Pictures immediately circulated on social media of fans pouring out of pubs in Leicester, celebrating on the pavements. Outside Molly O’Grady’s near the cathedral, fans stripped to the waist and twirled their shirts in the air.

From far and wide, they had tuned in to this game, admiring another show of the resilience of the champions-elect. Leicester came from behind to take a thoroughly-merited point, their 24th from a possible 30, when Wes Morgan’s header cancelled out Anthony Martial’s strike. They lost Danny Drinkwater to a deserved dismissal late on but refused to yield. Claudio Ranieri was on the edge of his technical area, giving instructions and encouragement.

Even without the suspended Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s performance embodied many of the qualities that have defined their remarkable, historic season. They fought hard for every ball with N’Golo Kanté immense, making a series of interceptions. Morgan, who will be the first Leicester player to touch the trophy, led by example, scoring another vital goal (to go alongside his winner against Southampton), and making five tackles and four clearances.

He stole in front of Rojo to power the header past De Gea. Kasper Schmeichel delivered a display that his father, Peter the great, would have admired. He made some huge saves, especially from Wayne Rooney, who demonstrated his passing range again in that slightly deeper role. Schmeichel’s speed off the line also rescued his defence on a couple of occasions.

He was beaten early on but thereafter defiant. Within seven minutes, the party appeared on hold, the champagne back on ice. Knowing victory would seal the title, Leicester fans had so wanted the dream to be achieved in the Theatre of Dreams, at the home of the club most associated with Premier League glory.

Leicester fans poured into Old Trafford, arriving by coach, car and train, and a few making the pilgrimage from abroad, all hoping this would be the most momentous day in their club’s history.

The away corner was soon a large splash of blue on a red canvas. There were officially 3,125 Leicester fans present. Other fans were scattered around the ground, some in the corporate areas. Some parted with £10 for commemorative half-and-half scarves. Others bought copies of the £3.50 programme in bulk. Some clutched replica Premier League trophies.

Others waved a banner declaring “Grazie, Claudio”. One had a bell, celebrating the “dilly-ding, dilly-dong” catchphrase of their charismatic manager. A few wore T-shirts emblazoned with Ranieri’s face and “Leicester – the People’s Champions 2015-2016”.

Ranieri steered them to this date with destiny, drilling the defence into a formidable unit, treating them like adults, including giving the likes of Christian Fuchs additional time to see his family who live in New York. They kept singing Ranieri’s name.

They also saluted Schmeichel, the first of their players to run out. The volume cranked up even more when Morgan led out the rest of the match-day squad. United fans by the tunnel applauded politely, although a few enquired: “Who are you?”

They are the band of brothers who have produced one of the most unlikely sporting stories of all time. Even The New York Times marvelled at the narrative, gasping at the feat and contrasting the 5,000-1 long-shot with the odds “that Hugh Hefner, who founded Playboy magazine, would reveal that he was a virgin were set at 1,000 to 1”.

Such has been the pre-publication interest in “5,000-1”, the book of the fairytale written by the Leicester Mercury’s football writer, Rob Tanner, that the print run has been increased and there are already requests from three Far East countries to translate it. Hollywood is showing interest in the minnows who defied the odds and the Premier League’s obsession with big names and wages. “We are staying up,” sang the Leicester fans, mockingly.

There were some nervy moments. The road towards the title has been paved with obstacles. After eight minutes, Michael Carrick launched an attack, sending Jesse Lingard down the right. Antonio Valencia took over, seizing his chance at full back after Timothy Fosu-Mensah was dropped after conceding a penalty in the FA Cup semi-final.

Valencia cut inside Fuchs and then curled the ball across with the outside of his right boot. Danny Simpson was drawn out of position, chasing Marcus Rashford into the middle, leaving the far post untended. Martial’s response was clinical, the ball swept past Schmeichel. This was exactly what the Stretford End wanted, a strong start in their difficult pursuit of a Champions League place. United played with real vibrancy for a while.

Schmeichel, making his first appearance at the ground where his father made his name, saved low from Lingard. Rooney dribbled past Riyad Mahrez and Drinkwater. But Leicester keep facing challenges this season, and keep rising to the occasion. After 17 minutes, Mahrez looked like he was about to take a free-kick but it was Drinkwater who clipped it in. Morgan simply wanted the ball more than anyone, outmuscling Marcos Rojo and angling his header past David De Gea. Slightly put off by Leonardo Ulloa’s run, and let down by Rojo, De Gea had little chance of saving.

Morgan sprinted towards Little Leicester, the part of Old Trafford belonging to the 3,125 fans. “Tottenham Hotspur – we’re waiting for you,” they sang.

This was a real tussle for supremacy, occasionally illegal. Robert Huth pulled the hair of Marouane Fellaini, who responded with an elbow into the neck of the German. Another one for the FA disciplinary department.

Leicester’s determination to keep United at bay was relentless. Fuchs slid in to steer the ball away from Lingard and then headed out a Martial cross. Simpson then erred badly, trying to pick out Drinkwater, but seeing the ball nicked by Lingard. He sprinted into Leicester’s half, into untended area.

Simpson gave chase, drew level, and placed his left arm across the United flier. Lingard responded, pushing his right arm across and impeding Simpson. The pair fell as Schmeichel came flying out, clearing the loose ball. Michael Oliver, the referee, rightly waved play on, seeing nothing untoward with the coming-together.

But the referee then incensed Leicester when Mahrez collected De Gea’s punched clearance and turned Rojo. The defender, enduring a troubled half, stretched out his left leg and caught Mahrez, who fell to earth, slightly theatrically but definitely fouled. Oliver waved play on. Leicester briefly seethed and then got on with thwarting United.

Kanté took the ball off Martial. Simpson intercepted a Rooney pass on his chest. Ulloa headed over. Drinkwater seized on a Lingard pass and then blocked a Rooney shot. Having got within touching distance of the Premier League, Leicester were not going to freeze now. Their hunger shames many others.

Morgan, a battering ram causing chaos in a plywood-strength United back-line, headed wide a Fuchs corner at the start of the second half. All around were men in blue taking responsibility. Kanté blocked Martial’s cross. Fuchs flicked the ball away from Valencia.

As United threatened, Leicester fans got behind their team again and again. Ranieri responded, injecting more energy, introducing Demarai Gray for the tiring Shinji Okazaki. Leicester still held firm. Huth blocked Rashford’s shot. Mahrez, cutting in from the right, had his shot punched out by De Gea. Morgan tackled Martial. Drinkwater cynically stopped Rashford and earned the first of his bookings.

The Stretford End chanted “attack, attack, attack”. A draw was no use to United in their chase for fourth. Martial went close. Chris Smalling headed against the post. Juan Mata was about to head in Valencia’s cross when Morgan intervened.

Ranieri twisted again, sending on Marc Albrighton for Jeffrey Schlupp. Louis van Gaal was also trying to make an impact, sending on Ander Herrera and then Memphis Depay. Leicester were fortunate to escape a penalty with three minutes remaining when Drinkwater tugged back Depay, who had been brilliantly released by Herrera.

Depay tried to keep going but fell inside the area. Oliver was close by, and immediately signalled a free-kick and a second yellow for Drinkwater, who may face FA action for his response. Ranieri immediately removed Mahrez for Andy King to maintain the resistance movement in central midfield.

Schmeichel was then excellent, punching clear an effort from Rooney and then clutching a strike from the England captain. As the game closed, Schmeichel sped from his line to clear as Depay and Rooney closed in. At the final whistle, United fans saluted the Leicester players as they walked off. Behind them, Leicester supporters were unfurling that flag. They soon will be champions, and deservedly so.

[midland_red]

I never thought we would win this one (but wasn't sure whether we would get a point or not). So realistically, I'm happy with a point and so impressed at the never-say-die attitude of the lads. Still only been beaten by two teams all seasons.

Over to you Spurs...please end the stress for us Chelsea!

[SpinneyHillRanger]

Looking back at some of the highlights.... I hope ranieri has a strong word with royad. Had a good game but that shot when he could have played ulloa clean through was disgracefully selfish from him.

He would have been praised for a brilliant assist but went for his ownglory there.

I love riyad but if he wants to reach the elite level consistently he will have to improve this aspect. As some games in Europe especially he might only get one chance like that.

[foxes_rule1978]

Looking back at some of the highlights.... I hope ranieri has a strong word with royad. Had a good game but that shot when he could have played ulloa clean through was disgracefully selfish from him.

He would have been praised for a brilliant assist but went for his ownglory there.

I love riyad but if he wants to reach the elite level consistently he will have to improve this aspect. As some games in Europe especially he might only get one chance like that.

What? he has assisted in and been part of many chances we have created

[Sol thewall Bamba]

Anyone hearing anything about DD abusing the ref as he walked off and a possible extension a la Vardy? Or is it just usual Twitter bollocks? With Huth potentially in the spotlight, we're running out of bloody players! 

I'll get my boots out the loft.... 

[foxes_rule1978]

Anyone hearing anything about DD abusing the ref as he walked off and a possible extension a la Vardy? Or is it just usual Twitter bollocks? With Huth potentially in the spotlight, we're running out of bloody players!

I'll get my boots out the loft....

Doubt that... Anyway Spurs are without Alli and won't win tomorrow

[fazzyfox]

Granted but to be fair it is ****ing low to pull an opponents hair which Huth clearly does.

Imagine you are playing footy and some one pulls your hair (if you have any) how would you react?

I agree that it's out of order and it is rare (Ali Mauchlen and Port Vale's long haired Van Der Laan twice the size of Ali springs to mind). Although it would have meant trouble for us you'd hope as a player that the officials would spot it. A like for like reaction is difficult because of the angles involved and the fact that he wouldn't have been expecting it, you might try to grab / lock their arm so there's no more pulling momentum to end the pain first then react in a more confrontational way but adrenalin seemed to take over, it's just that with Fellaini it seems to be his stock response to any situation, for Van Gaal to call it normal behaviour (he meant normal for anyone not just Fellaini) is a worrying attitude.

[Sol thewall Bamba]

Doubt that... Anyway Spurs are without Alli and won't win tomorrow

Yeah I doubt there's anything in it. Disgusting how much Rooney gets away with because he's the FA's darling, horrible tackles, shirt pulling and constantly in the referee's ear. 

And anyway, like you say, I just can't see Spurs going to the Bridge tomorrow and winning. 

[Sharpe's Fox]

tbf hopefully it persuades Fellaini to cut that thing off

[SpinneyHillRanger]

What? he has assisted in and been part of many chances we have created

I know but that doesn't mean he is the complete player or can't improve. I'm talking about the highest level where players create chances season after season, game after game.

Riyad has been wonderful, I have stuck up for him even during his quieter games, but have seen plenty of occasions this season where he could play a teammate in but decides for the glory himself. It's great when it comes off but if it doesn't it can be a problem.... Especially in games with limited chances where he might only get one chance to play his team mate through if that player has an easier chance to score.

I want riyad to improve and reach the highest level.

[foxes_rule1978]

I know but that doesn't mean he is the complete player or can't improve. I'm talking about the highest level where players create chances season after season, game after game.

Riyad has been wonderful, I have stuck up for him even during his quieter games, but have seen plenty of occasions this season where he could play a teammate in but decides for the glory himself. It's great when it comes off but if it doesn't it can be a problem.... Especially in games with limited chances where he might only get one chance to play his team mate through if that player has an easier chance to score.

I want riyad to improve and reach the highest level.

What is the highest level? Creating and scoring combined more than any other? being PFA player of the year..? what is it... Unless you are talking Ballon d'or which at this rate and he produces in the CL he won't be far off

[fuchsntf]

FFS We have just got a great point at OT.

The fans on the street, back i Leicester, and at the game, gave far better interviews

than many fans on this forum..Ref this, ref that. Bothset of players were at it, no

fault of the ref, this was no j.Moss. Now forget it..!!

Post about the game !!!!

the forgotton great point at OT..or Still another game, no loss.

W.Morgan scoring, after nearly 16 minutes Manu domination.

A 2nd half, where Leicester away came up again with their special sort of guts n skill.

We have another 2 goes..2pts, No loss its ours....

We are 8 pts in front .We dont need to win Spurs do x 3.

Obligation has now become 'must' for Spurs.

I found this thread today top heavy on Refs remarks, and not enough on the team.

My post is not out of frustration,

I thought today would be a draw (superbru),

I believe tomorrow Spurs drop points...

[EastAnglianFox]

Henry Winter absolutely loves us, even when Nige and the team were going through last seasons struggles, he was always very complimentary in his write up's.

The complete opposite of the vile creature Oliver Holt.

[foxes_rule1978]

FFS We have just got a great point at OT.

The fans on the street, back i Leicester, and at the game, gave far better interviews

than many fans on this forum..Ref this, ref that. Bothset of players were at it, no

fault of the ref, this was no j.Moss. Now forget it..!!

Post about the game !!!!

the forgotton great point at OT..or Still another game, no loss.

W.Morgan scoring, after nearly 16 minutes Manu domination.

A 2nd half, where Leicester away came up again with their special sort of guts n skill.

We have another 2 goes..2pts, No loss its ours....

We are 8 pts in front .We dont need to win Spurs do x 3.

Obligation has now become 'must' for Spurs.

I found this thread today top heavy on Refs remarks, and not enough on the team.

My post is not out of frustration,

I thought today would be a draw (superbru),

I believe tomorrow Spurs drop points...

I agree, and we were great today especially second half.. just I feel the ref stuff is spilling over because of Moss and now we have DD suspended

[SpinneyHillRanger]

What is the highest level? Creating and scoring combined more than any other? being PFA player of the year..? what is it... Unless you are talking Ballon d'or which at this rate and he produces in the CL he won't be far off

Highest level at club level is CL. Also doing it consistently season after season. Doing the same thing again and again you can get found out.... If you that nk riyad is the finished article then IMO that is a disservice to him.... IMO he has plenty ue can improve on. He's improved considerably especially tactically and work rate... But he can still improve Like the rest, but if he improves from here he will reach the highest levels... Messi, Suarez, Ronaldo etc

[Bob Weasel Fox]

Great point away at a really tough ground

Proud of the lads battling performance as per usual

Great effort, great City, great club

Up the Foxes

[onekeithweller]

Van Gaal just comes across as an unhinged lunatic. A foreign Pearson, but shitter.

 

[MGLCFC]

Would have loved to win today, but a point is good and maybe enough. Spurs still have 3 tough games and I expect them to slip up somewhere. Having said that I think it is likely we will win our last two.

[thegaffer9]

Whilst the same in value, a point after being behind is always better than being pegged back.

A well earned point at Old Trafford, where, despite the much publicised problems - Utd have been very strong.

Would have been nice to wrap it up today, but it will be in our hands until the final kick of the season - testament to our achievements to date.

[ARM1968]

Thought the Ref had a poor patch early second half. But he didn't ruin the game like Moss did.

Great point. Get in.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

Solid point.

Great resilience after the early goal.

Nearly there lads calm down

Well put

I've had a stressful day at work and got an hour off in the end to see some of the second half and at first I was seething about the ref (yet again recently)

Had time to calm down now and like you say solid point

77 points nearly there now

Up the Foxes

[foxes_rule1978]

Thought the Ref had a poor patch early second half. But he didn't ruin the game like Moss did.

Great point. Get in.

He would have ruined it had he sent DD off much earlier

[promised land]

A nice touch from the owners at the end too, they walked down the touch line from the directors box and stood in front of us for what seemed like ages thanking us.

Despite what some on here say about the way the club operates, web site, ticket allocations etc, these are the best owners in the whole 92, fantastic of them to come over to us at the end.

[Jattdogg]

Cant say i didnt feel a bit gutted that we didnt win. Taking 1 point at old trafford in any season is a good thing so cant be upset about it ever (even if this isnt a SAF team).

We were a little flat to start but confidence grew as the game went on. Some good calls and non-calls but all in all was a fair result for both teams.

I think title talk may have affected us this game but the way i see it the boys will reflect and come out swinging in the next match. Unless of course chelsea does us a favour tomorrow (please!!!).

We're gunna win da league!