United 1 Boro 3 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

Sorry for no detailed report. Was always going to be tough to get one written last night and then today off to London with the family for 3 days (including taking in the Blades game). Currently sat on a train down to the smoke as I type thus. Will do s brief summary and ratings. No pod though till after Millwall when we will do a double header.


Overall, we were well beaten. We started really well and scored another set play goal and had 2 or 3 other chances to extend the lead with Ndiaye, McAtee and Berge guilty of poor final parts/decisions. Ndiaye scores that chance and it is a dream start.


However, after controlling the first 15, they grew into it and worked out how to pick us off and get through us. Teams that press Norwood and deny him space and then use pace/runners to exploit our kick of mobility in midfield, generally cause us problems. They also played those balls down the side exploiting the gaps between wing back and wide centre back.


They started to get in and the goal was due to us giving them too much space with Lowe culpable and then Egan/JLT not reacting. It was a good finish but too easy. They then had a few other chances and I was weirdly glad to get in at 1-1 even though we had failed to build on our intense start. The midfield 3 wasn’t working for the final part of the half and Hecky had to make an adjustment – personnel or shape but didn’t. As we have quite a lot recent times, but got away with it against poor opponents, we regressed and invited pressure.


The second we have numerous chances to clear and then set then up. We are slow to react, Anel this time and its a great finish. We huffed and puffed after this but not sure we had loads if chances. Heard some fans and Hecky say we just missed our opportunities but other than the Jebbo shot/Egan header when the game was done, not sure I can recall much ckea4 cut from us after that first 15? They kept picking us off and the quick runners in midfield and attack caused us all sorts of problems.


The third the ref has made an error as we had no real advantage. Yes we lose it bit that’s the point if the rule. He just the brings it back. It was only a few seconds after when Jebbo loses the ball. Still the way they broke down they right side again with one pass cutting us open is a concern and reminded me of how we defended in the top flight in the relegation season. Archer takes it really well. After this we sort if lost our composure, with Hecky stupidly sent off when we needed calm heads, players giving it away and Robbo arguing with a fan. The ground was half empty on full time and maybe the team deserved more but a late KO and the fade out saw many head home.


United – A night where it was a pivotal fixture which we could put real distance between us and them. We could show why we have been so clear and prove we are the 2nd best team almost definitively. The reality is on that evidence we looked a side struggling for ideas to create and extremely brittle defensively. Albeit one game but they looked a side akin to Forest last year who played us off the park in both games at the Lane.

They ran through us and looked full of energy. We looked slow and weirdly lacking in confidence. It was a rude awakening how easily they put us away.


In the end Boro were worthy winners and looked a good side. Hungry, fast, physical and fearless. They realised our weaknesses and exploited them. We folded like a pack of cards and in the end 1-3 was about right. Not sure I buy they took their chances and we did not? I thought in general play, they competed more, won more loose balls and played better and more incisive football.


Now with more tough games to come and Boro with a more favourable schedule,United have to respond. It was concerning how almost to a man our big players did not turn up. They literally shrunk in a game at home where they should have stamped their class. It was also concerning that a manager completely nullified our tactics/plan and our own manager did not respond. In the end when we needed leadership on and off the field, the players and manager did not show any.


Millwall is only days away and they have had an extra days rest and will be determined not to lose for a third time. For United we will now see what they are made of. With a Watford side that have the same pace/runners we struggle with, it’s not inconceivable that the gap could be a point in 10 days. That seems mad with such a buffer we had so a week ago but could be reality.


I think we maybe saw last night that for a the talk of us winning games and not really getting out if first gear and doing enough, that when we face better teams it won’t be enough. I thought the team would raise it accordingly against better opponents but we did not. We have not lost for ages but we have not really played any of the better sides and I did sense the lack of cohesiveness and consistency in games (we were relying on individual play to get a goal and then just seeing out leads) would catch up with us and so it proved. Too many players are not at the standards they were and need to up it and now. The excuses about injuries may have some validity but last night save RND for Lowe or Robinson, that was our strongest eleven and they were well beaten at home.


The team should be angry and busting a gut to put it right in the coming weeks after hearing/seeing the oles and the Boro celebrations on full time. As I say we will really see the character of the side now the run in starts.

 

[Deadbat]

Foderingham 6/10 – Not sure he had loads to do but picked the ball out three times. No chance with first or second but the third went through him a bit although hit hard. He made a few saves first half but then the whole backline wilted somewhat 2nd half.


Bogle 5/10 – Started ok but then overplayed the ball often trying too much. He never beat his man all night. Defensively 2nd half mostly out of position and too high up. Also showed he does not get tight enough to his man.


Lowe 4.5/10 – Looked like the Lowe of the Premier League where teams got past him easily and he was not able to stop crosses/balls going in. The first goal he is miles off his man. This continued for much of the game and there were big gaps down the sides between the LCB/RCB and LWB/RWB. Had a few moments going forward but poor choices made.


Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Think he has been poor for a while. Dives in, picks up bookings for things he does not need to and then when needed to be closer,the 2nd goal, he is slow to react. He has moments going forward but looks a long way from the player who started the season looking like a star and a snip at 4 million. Whether it’s after affects of glandular fever or he is struggling with the churn of the Championship, he looks leggy and clumsy currently.


Egan 6/10 – The best of the backline and not sure he was that great either! Front two bullied us but to be fair he had no protection in front at all. Too slow on the first to get across and then the third he gets exposed badly so I blame others more. Kept plugging away but it looked like the Premier League 2nd season as the midfield failed to stop runners or penetration.


Robinson 5.5/10 – Set up the first with the direct long throw but then he started to switch off defensively and they found gaos down his and Lowe’s side. He lost his cool 2nd half and was then arguing needlessly with a fan. Yes the fan was not great but he’s a professional. Get the ball and get on with it. We needed to get it forward so showing who’s ‘hard’ at that point is not needed at that stage.


Norwood 4/10 – Now and again Norwood has those games. Normally when an opponent presses and harries him. That happened tonight with Akpom and Archer all over him when he had the ball. We then struggle. His passing was off the mark all game and he put some routine stuff straight out of play. He compounded his showing by inadvertently setting them up for the 2nd goal. He had absolutely no help from two passengers alongside him who failed to spot we were getting out matched in the middle.


Berge 4/10 – Largely anonymous. Needed to impose himself in a big game and get in the ball. Failed to do this and defensively he was a liability as quick players ran through the middle of the pitch. I think we got the selection wrong. Is there an argument for Fleck ot Coulibaly to give us more tenacity in there? Hindsight of course. His strength is attacking but when McAtee and Ndiaye play, it means he has to be more reserved. I was really disappointed with him jogging around d when we needed much more from him.


McAtee 4/10 – Another who had a bit if a nightmare really. He was always looking for the ball and trying to get on it. He does not hide, which is an accusation I feel I fairly levelled at him to start the season. He gets k to good areas but his touch and final bit was poor and then defensively he offered nothing when we needed him to run back more. The 3rd he does get fouled and maybe as Hecky says, should go down. Our midfield three were woeful,with and without the ball last night and I felt we had to change it but Osborn was not the switch to make.


McBurnie 6/10 – Our best player and he was only ‘OK.’ That sums up the evening. Scored a good well directed header and a nuisance early on but then as the game went in with others not supporting, his influence lessened.


Ndiaye 4/10 – Poor performance and reminiscent of some of the games we saw last season. For the most part, he has been really consistent and even though the goals have dried up, he has been assisting. Tonight he had chances but took tame shots and then got crowded out and offered little- in direct comparison to the direct and dangerous Boro front two. He has dropped off a but recently and is not offering the same threat. Needs to re-up his game and prove his quality. We can’t have games where he is just not involved. I also thought he did not press or defend like he has done.


Subs


Jebbison 5/10 – He did more than Ndiaye/McAtee/Berge in that he got in good positions- one shot saved and then a poor header. He did give it away on the third. I wonder if he might start at Millwall and rest Ndiaye?
Osborn – I get why he was brought on in that we needed legs bit surely even though he’s been lacking games, Fleck or Coulibaly are better options? Also the change whoever it was, needed to be made at half time. They were winning midfield. At 1-3 we needed to create and score. Osborn does not do that. It was a baffling change.


Manager Heckingbottom 2/10 – Out coached and out tactician-ed. Did not react either and did not change it They wrestled control, sat on Norwood and exploited our lack of runners and defensive midfielders. They used the pace down the flanks/wide areas of the defence and cut us open. He needed to be more pragmatic at half time. We needed another body in midfield and to just get control. His failure to act was worrying as was our lack of a plan to get back in. We seem to rely on individual play rather than a team approach or sustained way of playing? Boro in contrast had that. He then loses his cool and whilst his comments about refereeing/going down are correct, he now faces a ban. Unprofessional and poor leadership when you need your manager to set an example.


I have some sympathy with all the off field stuff. All the claptrap about it veing a great window and what a masterstroke Abdullah pulled keeping our players was irksome at the time. Now it looks even more ridiculous. Other teams strengthened (look at Boro- signed 3 or 4 including the excellent Archer, and Burnley brought 3 in). We failed to replace Khadra and once again the two weaknesses which I pointed out in the summer,lack of a midfield protecter and another physical, mobile striker were shown up. The fact we somehow got into an embargo is rank bad management behind the scenes. Blaming an incoming new owner (that is now not going to happen you sense) is nonsense too. He’s the current owner and should sort the bills out. We should have been bringing in the two players who I feel would have got us over the line. The failure to do this could be catastrophic for the next 10 years if we do not go up. I get we have no money but the reality is borrowing a few million more to net 200 million in a few months is less of a risk than us not going up and the implosion and financial mess the club would be left in. Sure many will not agree but that’s my thoughts and hope I’m not proven right in a few months. People will say its one loss but it has been coming and the bench options last night were pretty poor in comparison to others at the top.


Boro player of the match – Archer scored two well taken goals but thought Akpom bullied us all game. Looks a top player even if this season seems an outlier maybe? Gives was a threat and the lad in midfield Hackney was very impressive. Boro just had more energy and mobility regardless of the skull in setting up/taking the goals.


Boro weak link - Thought the two centre backs, Fry and Lenihan were poor to begin with and we should have exploited their lack of pace better.
Referee – Marinner was not great but still better than the previous two clowns at the Lane. The bookings were all right with some moments of stupidity from Anel and McBurnie and both will soon get 2 match bans you feel at this rate, both heading towards 10 yellows before the cut off. Anel now on 9? His general referring was bit fussy but not sure he can be blamed for our fade out. The third is a foul and he needs to recognise it was not an advantage really. He will say we lost it after but he can still bring back. I think he knew he’d cocked up. Still we need to defend better after.


Crowd- Boro travelled in numbers and got behind them buoyed by a confident team that showed no fear. United fans were good to start but then much like the team, became quiet and nervy. It was sad to see many stream away and maybe the team deserves more but equally in the biggest game of the season, the team shat themselves and you can understand the frustration as it felt a bit typical United in not doing it in the big games as has been the case for much of my supporting life.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Painfully all true.

You comments regarding the embargo and our failure to strengthen in the transfer window, especially compared to our rivals is spot on.
Very typical United behaviour.

 

[Revolution]

Very good team has an off night.

Other very good team plays better than any away side has at the Lane since we were relegated.

Sometimes you have to tip your hat to the opposition. Last night was one of those times.

It was disappointing, but not a disaster. Hopefully we will react positively.

 

[Addison]

Thanks DB mirrors my thoughts entirely. Like you I was glad for the half time whistle and the full time one. I don't buy the we missed our chances view its papering over the problems that have been apparent for weeks. We blow hot and cold during games and don't possess the fitness and conditioning to last the full 90minutes. Great start but as we have done most of the season we took our foot off the gas and let them back into it. I disagree with PH that we were the better team first half it was even but they were in the ascendancy as half time approached.

It was obvious to everyone in the ground we needed to deal with Akpom second half. He was pushed up on Norwood stopping him playing and offensively he was floating in between the lines and no-one was picking him up. Last night exposed the defensive frailties of our two wing backs. Bogle was constantly leaving Archer down the left and Anel was struggling with him first half. Over on the other side Robinson gets caught in no mans land for the first as Lowe and Egan are beaten too easily. We didn't address these problems at half time and our usual no show in the second 45 minutes happened.

Disagree with you that we had virtually our full starting eleven out. Baldock and RND at wing back and a fully fit Clark at LCB are needed against the better teams who have pace. In midfield I keep hoping a fully fit John Fleck will return as once again there was a lack of balance and ball winning skills. Agree the options from the bench were limited but what you don't do is bring Osborn on in midfield when you are losing and chasing a game.

The fans have been criticised for leaving the ground. I didn't but when you see your team having the piss taken out of it in the last 15 minutes and the players seemingly having nothing left in the tank it is demoralising.

Boro were faster fitter sharper and tactically astute. Archer was everything we needed in the JTW. The owners have a lot to answer for the state of the off field mayhem. The very fact we are still 2 weeks away from being able to fully train on the improved academy pitches at a critical point in the season explains why the manager is still having to operate with one arm tied behind his back. Having said that with a 12.30 kick off on Saturday and the opposition having 24 hours more rest common sense suggested we needed to make full use of our 5 substitutes last night, we didn't.

 

[Bergen Blade]

It felt uncomfortable all night. I thought they were well set up to hurt us.



They had the pace of Archer up front. Him being considerably faster than all our centre halves meant we were scared of balls in behind, and concequently our defence dropped deeper. This left acres of space in front of them and the midfield couldn't cover it. Middlesbrough had three players, Forss, Akpom and McGree, in this area causing problems. I thought we chased their shadows a lot of the time.

So we had a back three dealing with their one central striker.

In midfield, Berge and McAtee are mentally attacking players more than defensive. They try to get forward to create stuff, leaving Norwood as the main one protecting the defence. Now Norwood has improved defensively this season. He uses his experience, works hard and challenges well. But, when he has to cover a lot of space, run a lot to press and track, he struggles. And his work load, the way the two teams were set up, was far too much.

The game was quite stretched at times, and as they broke it meant Berge and McAtee had to make a lot of really long runs back. It looked strange as Middlesbrough found space and even had efforts on goal, before our midfielders could get back. Their three attacking midfielders thrived and we struggled to deal with them.

I think last night was a lesson for us. Against good, well prepared teams in form we have to be more ready. So far we've played a lof teams who've had to prioritise stopping us, leaving too little quality to hurt us. Middlesbrough did have some luck, as we did create chances, but they were better set up to punish us with those three attacking midfielders finding so much space.

We need to have plans to make that midfield stronger when we're losing it. Hecky changed to a 4-4-2 diamond in the second half, and it seems to be our main plan B. Maybe he should be ready to make that change sooner. Maybe even at 1-0 when there were plenty of warning signs already.

 

[cooperblade]

It felt uncomfortable all night. I thought they were well set up to hurt us.

View attachment 154037

They had the pace of Archer up front. Him being considerably faster than all our centre halves meant we were scared of balls in behind, and concequently our defence dropped deeper. This left acres of space in front of them and the midfield couldn't cover it. Middlesbrough had three players, Forss, Akpom and McGree, in this area causing problems. I thought we chased their shadows a lot of the time.

So we had a back three dealing with their one central striker.

In midfield, Berge and McAtee are mentally attacking players more than defensive. They try to get forward to create stuff, leaving Norwood as the main one protecting the defence. Now Norwood has improved defensively this season. He uses his experience, works hard and challenges well. But, when he has to cover a lot of space, run a lot to press and track, he struggles. And his work load, the way the two teams were set up, was far too much.

The game was quite stretched at times, and as they broke it meant Berge and McAtee had to make a lot of really long runs back. It looked strange as Middlesbrough found space and even had efforts on goal, before our midfielders could get back. Their three attacking midfielders thrived and we struggled to deal with them.

I think last night was a lesson for us. Against good, well prepared teams in form we have to be more ready. So far we've played a lof teams who've had to prioritise stopping us, leaving too little quality to hurt us. Middlesbrough did have some luck, as we did create chances, but they were better set up to punish us with those three attacking midfielders finding so much space.

We need to have plans to make that midfield stronger when we're losing it. Hecky changed to a 4-4-2 diamond in the second half, and it seems to be our main plan B. Maybe he should be ready to make that change sooner. Maybe even at 1-0 when there were plenty of warning signs already.

From memory, Blackpool also played a 4-2-3-1 at Bramall Lane and we struggled against it then as well.

I wondered last night if we'd decided we were happy for it to be open believing we could outscore them in a basketball-style game.

 

[Addison]

It felt uncomfortable all night. I thought they were well set up to hurt us.

View attachment 154037

They had the pace of Archer up front. Him being considerably faster than all our centre halves meant we were scared of balls in behind, and concequently our defence dropped deeper. This left acres of space in front of them and the midfield couldn't cover it. Middlesbrough had three players, Forss, Akpom and McGree, in this area causing problems. I thought we chased their shadows a lot of the time.

So we had a back three dealing with their one central striker.

In midfield, Berge and McAtee are mentally attacking players more than defensive. They try to get forward to create stuff, leaving Norwood as the main one protecting the defence. Now Norwood has improved defensively this season. He uses his experience, works hard and challenges well. But, when he has to cover a lot of space, run a lot to press and track, he struggles. And his work load, the way the two teams were set up, was far too much.

The game was quite stretched at times, and as they broke it meant Berge and McAtee had to make a lot of really long runs back. It looked strange as Middlesbrough found space and even had efforts on goal, before our midfielders could get back. Their three attacking midfielders thrived and we struggled to deal with them.

I think last night was a lesson for us. Against good, well prepared teams in form we have to be more ready. So far we've played a lof teams who've had to prioritise stopping us, leaving too little quality to hurt us. Middlesbrough did have some luck, as we did create chances, but they were better set up to punish us with those three attacking midfielders finding so much space.

We need to have plans to make that midfield stronger when we're losing it. Hecky changed to a 4-4-2 diamond in the second half, and it seems to be our main plan B. Maybe he should be ready to make that change sooner. Maybe even at 1-0 when there were plenty of warning signs already.

Good analysis Begen. Agree at 1-0 we weren't coping with their movement in front of our back three. The wingbacks should have dropped deeper for a while to counter the threat and to keep control of the ball. We just don't seem to tactically adjust during games until we concede. Cooper Blade makes a good point about 4-2-3-1. We haven't come across it very often this season and struggle when their front midfield three run at us.

 

[Espania blade]

Foderingham 6/10 – Not sure he had loads to do but picked the ball out three times. No chance with first or second but the third went through him a bit although hit hard. He made a few saves first half but then the whole backline wilted somewhat 2nd half.


Bogle 5/10 – Started ok but then overplayed the ball often trying too much. He never beat his man all night. Defensively 2nd half mostly out of position and too high up. Also showed he does not get tight enough to his man.


Lowe 4.5/10 – Looked like the Lowe of the Premier League where teams got past him easily and he was not able to stop crosses/balls going in. The first goal he is miles off his man. This continued for much of the game and there were big gaps down the sides between the LCB/RCB and LWB/RWB. Had a few moments going forward but poor choices made.


Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Think he has been poor for a while. Dives in, picks up bookings for things he does not need to and then when needed to be closer,the 2nd goal, he is slow to react. He has moments going forward but looks a long way from the player who started the season looking like a star and a snip at 4 million. Whether it’s after affects of glandular fever or he is struggling with the churn of the Championship, he looks leggy and clumsy currently.


Egan 6/10 – The best of the backline and not sure he was that great either! Front two bullied us but to be fair he had no protection in front at all. Too slow on the first to get across and then the third he gets exposed badly so I blame others more. Kept plugging away but it looked like the Premier League 2nd season as the midfield failed to stop runners or penetration.


Robinson 5.5/10 – Set up the first with the direct long throw but then he started to switch off defensively and they found gaos down his and Lowe’s side. He lost his cool 2nd half and was then arguing needlessly with a fan. Yes the fan was not great but he’s a professional. Get the ball and get on with it. We needed to get it forward so showing who’s ‘hard’ at that point is not needed at that stage.


Norwood 4/10 – Now and again Norwood has those games. Normally when an opponent presses and harries him. That happened tonight with Akpom and Archer all over him when he had the ball. We then struggle. His passing was off the mark all game and he put some routine stuff straight out of play. He compounded his showing by inadvertently setting them up for the 2nd goal. He had absolutely no help from two passengers alongside him who failed to spot we were getting out matched in the middle.


Berge 4/10 – Largely anonymous. Needed to impose himself in a big game and get in the ball. Failed to do this and defensively he was a liability as quick players ran through the middle of the pitch. I think we got the selection wrong. Is there an argument for Fleck ot Coulibaly to give us more tenacity in there? Hindsight of course. His strength is attacking but when McAtee and Ndiaye play, it means he has to be more reserved. I was really disappointed with him jogging around d when we needed much more from him.


McAtee 4/10 – Another who had a bit if a nightmare really. He was always looking for the ball and trying to get on it. He does not hide, which is an accusation I feel I fairly levelled at him to start the season. He gets k to good areas but his touch and final bit was poor and then defensively he offered nothing when we needed him to run back more. The 3rd he does get fouled and maybe as Hecky says, should go down. Our midfield three were woeful,with and without the ball last night and I felt we had to change it but Osborn was not the switch to make.


McBurnie 6/10 – Our best player and he was only ‘OK.’ That sums up the evening. Scored a good well directed header and a nuisance early on but then as the game went in with others not supporting, his influence lessened.


Ndiaye 4/10 – Poor performance and reminiscent of some of the games we saw last season. For the most part, he has been really consistent and even though the goals have dried up, he has been assisting. Tonight he had chances but took tame shots and then got crowded out and offered little- in direct comparison to the direct and dangerous Boro front two. He has dropped off a but recently and is not offering the same threat. Needs to re-up his game and prove his quality. We can’t have games where he is just not involved. I also thought he did not press or defend like he has done.


Subs


Jebbison 5/10 – He did more than Ndiaye/McAtee/Berge in that he got in good positions- one shot saved and then a poor header. He did give it away on the third. I wonder if he might start at Millwall and rest Ndiaye?
Osborn – I get why he was brought on in that we needed legs bit surely even though he’s been lacking games, Fleck or Coulibaly are better options? Also the change whoever it was, needed to be made at half time. They were winning midfield. At 1-3 we needed to create and score. Osborn does not do that. It was a baffling change.


Manager Heckingbottom 2/10 – Out coached and out tactician-ed. Did not react either and did not change it They wrestled control, sat on Norwood and exploited our lack of runners and defensive midfielders. They used the pace down the flanks/wide areas of the defence and cut us open. He needed to be more pragmatic at half time. We needed another body in midfield and to just get control. His failure to act was worrying as was our lack of a plan to get back in. We seem to rely on individual play rather than a team approach or sustained way of playing? Boro in contrast had that. He then loses his cool and whilst his comments about refereeing/going down are correct, he now faces a ban. Unprofessional and poor leadership when you need your manager to set an example.


I have some sympathy with all the off field stuff. All the claptrap about it veing a great window and what a masterstroke Abdullah pulled keeping our players was irksome at the time. Now it looks even more ridiculous. Other teams strengthened (look at Boro- signed 3 or 4 including the excellent Archer, and Burnley brought 3 in). We failed to replace Khadra and once again the two weaknesses which I pointed out in the summer,lack of a midfield protecter and another physical, mobile striker were shown up. The fact we somehow got into an embargo is rank bad management behind the scenes. Blaming an incoming new owner (that is now not going to happen you sense) is nonsense too. He’s the current owner and should sort the bills out. We should have been bringing in the two players who I feel would have got us over the line. The failure to do this could be catastrophic for the next 10 years if we do not go up. I get we have no money but the reality is borrowing a few million more to net 200 million in a few months is less of a risk than us not going up and the implosion and financial mess the club would be left in. Sure many will not agree but that’s my thoughts and hope I’m not proven right in a few months. People will say its one loss but it has been coming and the bench options last night were pretty poor in comparison to others at the top.


Boro player of the match – Archer scored two well taken goals but thought Akpom bullied us all game. Looks a top player even if this season seems an outlier maybe? Gives was a threat and the lad in midfield Hackney was very impressive. Boro just had more energy and mobility regardless of the skull in setting up/taking the goals.


Boro weak link - Thought the two centre backs, Fry and Lenihan were poor to begin with and we should have exploited their lack of pace better.
Referee – Marinner was not great but still better than the previous two clowns at the Lane. The bookings were all right with some moments of stupidity from Anel and McBurnie and both will soon get 2 match bans you feel at this rate, both heading towards 10 yellows before the cut off. Anel now on 9? His general referring was bit fussy but not sure he can be blamed for our fade out. The third is a foul and he needs to recognise it was not an advantage really. He will say we lost it after but he can still bring back. I think he knew he’d cocked up. Still we need to defend better after.


Crowd- Boro travelled in numbers and got behind them buoyed by a confident team that showed no fear. United fans were good to start but then much like the team, became quiet and nervy. It was sad to see many stream away and maybe the team deserves more but equally in the biggest game of the season, the team shat themselves and you can understand the frustration as it felt a bit typical United in not doing it in the big games as has been the case for much of my supporting life.

Good report largely accurate, A great effort given your circumstances, well done DB much appreciated.
Going against popular opinion I thought McAtee had a descent first half, like Bogle et al he overplayed it against quality defenders, but at least he didn't go missing, (Berge ?). Let's face it they looked a really good team on the night and must be thinking they can catch us, especially with our next run of matches! - will we do our "Bladse"y thing and implode over the next few weeks ?

 

[Espania blade]

It felt uncomfortable all night. I thought they were well set up to hurt us.

View attachment 154037

They had the pace of Archer up front. Him being considerably faster than all our centre halves meant we were scared of balls in behind, and concequently our defence dropped deeper. This left acres of space in front of them and the midfield couldn't cover it. Middlesbrough had three players, Forss, Akpom and McGree, in this area causing problems. I thought we chased their shadows a lot of the time.

So we had a back three dealing with their one central striker.

In midfield, Berge and McAtee are mentally attacking players more than defensive. They try to get forward to create stuff, leaving Norwood as the main one protecting the defence. Now Norwood has improved defensively this season. He uses his experience, works hard and challenges well. But, when he has to cover a lot of space, run a lot to press and track, he struggles. And his work load, the way the two teams were set up, was far too much.

The game was quite stretched at times, and as they broke it meant Berge and McAtee had to make a lot of really long runs back. It looked strange as Middlesbrough found space and even had efforts on goal, before our midfielders could get back. Their three attacking midfielders thrived and we struggled to deal with them.

I think last night was a lesson for us. Against good, well prepared teams in form we have to be more ready. So far we've played a lof teams who've had to prioritise stopping us, leaving too little quality to hurt us. Middlesbrough did have some luck, as we did create chances, but they were better set up to punish us with those three attacking midfielders finding so much space.

We need to have plans to make that midfield stronger when we're losing it. Hecky changed to a 4-4-2 diamond in the second half, and it seems to be our main plan B. Maybe he should be ready to make that change sooner. Maybe even at 1-0 when there were plenty of warning signs already.

That's a really good assessment , thanks for that

 

[MadDad38]

Agree with the all the comments about our midfield being sliced open but also what struck me was that the immediate sequences after our attack breaking down or repelling one of theirs were virtually all being won by white shirts. When Bogle was trying to dribble past everyone the defender that tackled him could calmly find the Boro player who could then bypass our midfield. When we blocked a shot or headed away it seemed to land at one of their feet to give it another go.

Their whole team seemed to be better at assessing ”…what might happen next?” than us.

 

[Bergen Blade]

From memory, Blackpool also played a 4-2-3-1 at Bramall Lane and we struggled against it then as well.

I wondered last night if we'd decided we were happy for it to be open believing we could outscore them in a basketball-style game.

Yes, probably what Hecky was thinking and we did look likely to get through them.

Probably a good game for neutrals, but personally I worried too much.

 

[Bergen Blade]

Good analysis Begen. Agree at 1-0 we weren't coping with their movement in front of our back three. The wingbacks should have dropped deeper for a while to counter the threat and to keep control of the ball. We just don't seem to tactically adjust during games until we concede. Cooper Blade makes a good point about 4-2-3-1. We haven't come across it very often this season and struggle when their front midfield three run at us.

I think we want, or need, our centre halves to break out of their line and make challenges, certainly if opposition players have their back to goal. If not we're left with a back five marking one central striker, and simple maths means midfielders are going to struggle. Here is an example of JR breaking out to mark Akpom:



So this is required, but I often feel it makes it a bit more complicated for the backline, having people moving out of it. Gaps can appear and it can be difficult to keep the right distance between players and lines. Centre halves will always feel the most comfortable by staying in line with the other defenders and having play in front of them. But again we can't, and it can create difficult situations. On this occasion the team in general is too slow to move across, and Middlesbrough score moments later.

 

[cooperblade]

I think we want, or need, our centre halves to break out of their line and make challenges, certainly if opposition players have their back to goal. If not we're left with a back five marking one central striker, and simple maths means midfielders are going to struggle. Here is an example of JR breaking out to mark Akpom:

View attachment 154046

So this is required, but I often feel it makes it a bit more complicated for the backline, having people moving out of it. Gaps can appear and it can be difficult to keep the right distance between players and lines. Centre halves will always feel the most comfortable by staying in line with the other defenders and having play in front of them. But again we can't, and it can create difficult situations. On this occasion the team in general is too slow to move across, and Middlesbrough score moments later.

This, centre backs coming out to pick players up, was really noticeably last night. There were times when Egan would push onto Akpom and Norwood dropped into the back line.

Our formation felt a bit like a 3-1-4-2 last night and (it was really obvious at Boro goalkicks) there were situations where it was 6v6 at the Boro end of the pitch, 4v4 at our end with loads of space in the middle. 6v6 is more congested and McAtee's (and others') touch was slightly off whereas 4v4 left a lot of space against a very pacey front line.

Having said that, they scored 2 very fortunate goals and the result could easily have gone the other way.

 

[Houston_Blade]

I think we want, or need, our centre halves to break out of their line and make challenges, certainly if opposition players have their back to goal. If not we're left with a back five marking one central striker, and simple maths means midfielders are going to struggle. Here is an example of JR breaking out to mark Akpom:

View attachment 154046

So this is required, but I often feel it makes it a bit more complicated for the backline, having people moving out of it. Gaps can appear and it can be difficult to keep the right distance between players and lines. Centre halves will always feel the most comfortable by staying in line with the other defenders and having play in front of them. But again we can't, and it can create difficult situations. On this occasion the team in general is too slow to move across, and Middlesbrough score moments later.

I was saying this to anyone that would listen last night, they were dropping in and the defenders didn't follow.

Very obvious from the stands but the players didn't seem to realise, neither did the management.

The few times that Egan followed Archer into the space he won the ball or delayed Archer, only happened a couple of times though. Really poor to keep getting done by this.

Goal kicks were even worse, they all went wide and then one of their front 4 dropped into the space, normally with a Blades player about 10 yards behind them and had the time to turn and move forwards. Should have happened twice at the most and then been stopped, but we didn't seem able to think.

 

[Keen Blade]

The owner needs a mark of NIL for the embargo + failing to strengthen in January.
He's now just an absentee landlord who's main concern is to sell the club with indecent haste.
Goodness knows why he would spoil the ship for a ha'perth o' tar when it seems about to return to the PL - is it that he's under Saudi orders to get rid due to them owning the Barcodes ?
There is fuck-all local corporate leadership amongst the constant newsflow of "financial woes" and "takeover controversy" , both of which can have only negative effects.
The football manager has previously worked wonders with an injury-hit squad but I sense that the whole scenario is taking its toll upon him.
Getting sent off for stupidly kicking something strikes me as out of character for him.
Last night he completely failed to react to Boro's domination in midfield - he has a history of poor "in-game" management but last night was pathetic.
Maybe watching from the stands will give him a better view of what most fans can see is going wrong and enable him to react better ?
It has taken just one game to reduce the potential gap of 13 points to an actual 7 - so all you statisticians can shove your predictions where the sun don't shine.
A huge task now faces the manager & players , one which is psychologically more difficult than Boro's , who will now believe in our frailty and their own strength.
If Hecky can turn this around and achieve 2nd spot from here , it will be an achievement far beyond what is thought by most fans who have been spouting about "the gap's too big".
Try to forget the corporate crap Hecky , all we care about is you & the team.
Remember you have 5 substitutes and use them to good effect.
And don't have Osborn marking Jake Cooper on Saturday.

 

[Keen Blade]

can't get rid of this duplicate sorry

 

[Richeee]

Perhaps the reason we didn't strengthen in the jtw was Hecky saying we don't need anyone. He sees the players differently to us for example he keeps bringing Osborn on to do a job when most of us on here do not rate him except as a trier. He can't seem to get consistentcy out of Berge and as you say if Norwood has a poor game the team struggles. Fingers crossed we get some sort of a reaction at Millwall. UTB

 

[Lower Drop Blade]

Out coaching Hecky wouldn't be difficult.

 

[Rusty view]

Spot on summary for me. Especially the ref and no advantage.

Thougt mcatee started well as did berge so I'd maybe give them a higher mark.

We need to shoot earlier. Too many tines we tried to run it into their net.

Bogle got caught too high up too many times.

Frustrating as hell as we scored with 5 mins and had 2 clear cut chances. Another night and more clinical finishing we're 3 up in 15 mins.

Boro exploited our midfield as game went on. The space they had was scary at times.

 

[JohnDenver]

I wondered last night if we'd decided we were happy for it to be open believing we could outscore them in a basketball-style game.

In the first 15 minutes the fact McAtee was so high led to a series of opportunities for us. But once they settled and started to establish themselves, we got absolutely shredded down the left. It was overloads of the type we used to play for.

Hecky gets criticism for his caution, but this game showed why it’s useful.

Oh for John Fleck circa 2019.

 

[bakeblade]

Perhaps the reason we didn't strengthen in the jtw was Hecky saying we don't need anyone. He sees the players differently to us for example he keeps bringing Osborn on to do a job when most of us on here do not rate him except as a trier. He can't seem to get consistentcy out of Berge and as you say if Norwood has a poor game the team struggles. Fingers crossed we get some sort of a reaction at Millwall. UTB

I'm sure Hecky would have loved to have brought in a couple of players in January

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Great report and spot on as usual. We were bossed on the pitch and in the dugout.

‘Out tactician-ed’ is a great description of the way Hecky’s night went.

 

[petcharlie]

Foderingham 6/10 – Not sure he had loads to do but picked the ball out three times. No chance with first or second but the third went through him a bit although hit hard. He made a few saves first half but then the whole backline wilted somewhat 2nd half.


Bogle 5/10 – Started ok but then overplayed the ball often trying too much. He never beat his man all night. Defensively 2nd half mostly out of position and too high up. Also showed he does not get tight enough to his man.


Lowe 4.5/10 – Looked like the Lowe of the Premier League where teams got past him easily and he was not able to stop crosses/balls going in. The first goal he is miles off his man. This continued for much of the game and there were big gaps down the sides between the LCB/RCB and LWB/RWB. Had a few moments going forward but poor choices made.


Ahmedhodzic 4/10 – Think he has been poor for a while. Dives in, picks up bookings for things he does not need to and then when needed to be closer,the 2nd goal, he is slow to react. He has moments going forward but looks a long way from the player who started the season looking like a star and a snip at 4 million. Whether it’s after affects of glandular fever or he is struggling with the churn of the Championship, he looks leggy and clumsy currently.


Egan 6/10 – The best of the backline and not sure he was that great either! Front two bullied us but to be fair he had no protection in front at all. Too slow on the first to get across and then the third he gets exposed badly so I blame others more. Kept plugging away but it looked like the Premier League 2nd season as the midfield failed to stop runners or penetration.


Robinson 5.5/10 – Set up the first with the direct long throw but then he started to switch off defensively and they found gaos down his and Lowe’s side. He lost his cool 2nd half and was then arguing needlessly with a fan. Yes the fan was not great but he’s a professional. Get the ball and get on with it. We needed to get it forward so showing who’s ‘hard’ at that point is not needed at that stage.


Norwood 4/10 – Now and again Norwood has those games. Normally when an opponent presses and harries him. That happened tonight with Akpom and Archer all over him when he had the ball. We then struggle. His passing was off the mark all game and he put some routine stuff straight out of play. He compounded his showing by inadvertently setting them up for the 2nd goal. He had absolutely no help from two passengers alongside him who failed to spot we were getting out matched in the middle.


Berge 4/10 – Largely anonymous. Needed to impose himself in a big game and get in the ball. Failed to do this and defensively he was a liability as quick players ran through the middle of the pitch. I think we got the selection wrong. Is there an argument for Fleck ot Coulibaly to give us more tenacity in there? Hindsight of course. His strength is attacking but when McAtee and Ndiaye play, it means he has to be more reserved. I was really disappointed with him jogging around d when we needed much more from him.


McAtee 4/10 – Another who had a bit if a nightmare really. He was always looking for the ball and trying to get on it. He does not hide, which is an accusation I feel I fairly levelled at him to start the season. He gets k to good areas but his touch and final bit was poor and then defensively he offered nothing when we needed him to run back more. The 3rd he does get fouled and maybe as Hecky says, should go down. Our midfield three were woeful,with and without the ball last night and I felt we had to change it but Osborn was not the switch to make.


McBurnie 6/10 – Our best player and he was only ‘OK.’ That sums up the evening. Scored a good well directed header and a nuisance early on but then as the game went in with others not supporting, his influence lessened.


Ndiaye 4/10 – Poor performance and reminiscent of some of the games we saw last season. For the most part, he has been really consistent and even though the goals have dried up, he has been assisting. Tonight he had chances but took tame shots and then got crowded out and offered little- in direct comparison to the direct and dangerous Boro front two. He has dropped off a but recently and is not offering the same threat. Needs to re-up his game and prove his quality. We can’t have games where he is just not involved. I also thought he did not press or defend like he has done.


Subs


Jebbison 5/10 – He did more than Ndiaye/McAtee/Berge in that he got in good positions- one shot saved and then a poor header. He did give it away on the third. I wonder if he might start at Millwall and rest Ndiaye?
Osborn – I get why he was brought on in that we needed legs bit surely even though he’s been lacking games, Fleck or Coulibaly are better options? Also the change whoever it was, needed to be made at half time. They were winning midfield. At 1-3 we needed to create and score. Osborn does not do that. It was a baffling change.


Manager Heckingbottom 2/10 – Out coached and out tactician-ed. Did not react either and did not change it They wrestled control, sat on Norwood and exploited our lack of runners and defensive midfielders. They used the pace down the flanks/wide areas of the defence and cut us open. He needed to be more pragmatic at half time. We needed another body in midfield and to just get control. His failure to act was worrying as was our lack of a plan to get back in. We seem to rely on individual play rather than a team approach or sustained way of playing? Boro in contrast had that. He then loses his cool and whilst his comments about refereeing/going down are correct, he now faces a ban. Unprofessional and poor leadership when you need your manager to set an example.


I have some sympathy with all the off field stuff. All the claptrap about it veing a great window and what a masterstroke Abdullah pulled keeping our players was irksome at the time. Now it looks even more ridiculous. Other teams strengthened (look at Boro- signed 3 or 4 including the excellent Archer, and Burnley brought 3 in). We failed to replace Khadra and once again the two weaknesses which I pointed out in the summer,lack of a midfield protecter and another physical, mobile striker were shown up. The fact we somehow got into an embargo is rank bad management behind the scenes. Blaming an incoming new owner (that is now not going to happen you sense) is nonsense too. He’s the current owner and should sort the bills out. We should have been bringing in the two players who I feel would have got us over the line. The failure to do this could be catastrophic for the next 10 years if we do not go up. I get we have no money but the reality is borrowing a few million more to net 200 million in a few months is less of a risk than us not going up and the implosion and financial mess the club would be left in. Sure many will not agree but that’s my thoughts and hope I’m not proven right in a few months. People will say its one loss but it has been coming and the bench options last night were pretty poor in comparison to others at the top.


Boro player of the match – Archer scored two well taken goals but thought Akpom bullied us all game. Looks a top player even if this season seems an outlier maybe? Gives was a threat and the lad in midfield Hackney was very impressive. Boro just had more energy and mobility regardless of the skull in setting up/taking the goals.


Boro weak link - Thought the two centre backs, Fry and Lenihan were poor to begin with and we should have exploited their lack of pace better.
Referee – Marinner was not great but still better than the previous two clowns at the Lane. The bookings were all right with some moments of stupidity from Anel and McBurnie and both will soon get 2 match bans you feel at this rate, both heading towards 10 yellows before the cut off. Anel now on 9? His general referring was bit fussy but not sure he can be blamed for our fade out. The third is a foul and he needs to recognise it was not an advantage really. He will say we lost it after but he can still bring back. I think he knew he’d cocked up. Still we need to defend better after.


Crowd- Boro travelled in numbers and got behind them buoyed by a confident team that showed no fear. United fans were good to start but then much like the team, became quiet and nervy. It was sad to see many stream away and maybe the team deserves more but equally in the biggest game of the season, the team shat themselves and you can understand the frustration as it felt a bit typical United in not doing it in the big games as has been the case for much of my supporting life.

Could not agree more .The club could be put back years because of terrible management and awful decisions . You will not be well liked mate for saying it but you are so right Dead bat .Wish were not but can not deny the club has been run in an idiotic way .

 

[HOT CURRIE 10]

This, centre backs coming out to pick players up, was really noticeably last night. There were times when Egan would push onto Akpom and Norwood dropped into the back line.

Our formation felt a bit like a 3-1-4-2 last night and (it was really obvious at Boro goalkicks) there were situations where it was 6v6 at the Boro end of the pitch, 4v4 at our end with loads of space in the middle. 6v6 is more congested and McAtee's (and others') touch was slightly off whereas 4v4 left a lot of space against a very pacey front line.

Having said that, they scored 2 very fortunate goals and the result could easily have gone the other way.

This, centre backs coming out to pick players up, was really noticeably last night. There were times when Egan would push onto Akpom and Norwood dropped into the back line.

Our formation felt a bit like a 3-1-4-2 last night and (it was really obvious at Boro goalkicks) there were situations where it was 6v6 at the Boro end of the pitch, 4v4 at our end with loads of space in the middle. 6v6 is more congested and McAtee's (and others') touch was slightly off whereas 4v4 left a lot of space against a very pacey front line.

Having said that, they scored 2 very fortunate goals and the result could easily have gone the other way.

Good pick ups by you and Bergen,sensible and explained well and both correct by understanding football brains,unlike some proper idiots with knee jerk comments. We had too many players off it (Lowe,Berge,Norwood,Ahmedhodzic,Bogle and didn’t get close enough to the front 2 when they had possession,we dropped deep because of pace which opened up the midfield to pass around us cos we were outnumbered and chasing shadows,we looked nervous in possession with no width,confidence and poor tactical decisions from the sidelines,saying that illiman missed a sitter and another went begging before they sniffed and after that we missed numerous opportunities to level up,overall a real off night with the management very much accountable with baffling decisions. I said at halftime “2 good sides here”” then Norwood makes a shocking decision,different game then and Hecky and Co not reacting.

 

[sitwell]

Out coaching Hecky wouldn't be difficult.

Yes where does that defensive record come from eh ?

 

[sitwell]

I think we want, or need, our centre halves to break out of their line and make challenges, certainly if opposition players have their back to goal. If not we're left with a back five marking one central striker, and simple maths means midfielders are going to struggle. Here is an example of JR breaking out to mark Akpom:

View attachment 154046

So this is required, but I often feel it makes it a bit more complicated for the backline, having people moving out of it. Gaps can appear and it can be difficult to keep the right distance between players and lines. Centre halves will always feel the most comfortable by staying in line with the other defenders and having play in front of them. But again we can't, and it can create difficult situations. On this occasion the team in general is too slow to move across, and Middlesbrough score moments later.

The problem there stems from McAtee being over on the right hand side Berge not moving across and Iliman the same.

 

[wadblade]

Just watched the highlights we could have won if had the breaks we didnt
so we move on
UTB

 

[Dnblade]

From memory, Blackpool also played a 4-2-3-1 at Bramall Lane and we struggled against it then as well.

I wondered last night if we'd decided we were happy for it to be open believing we could outscore them in a basketball-style game.

I'm think Millwall play 4231 aswell...we sometimes get a bit outnumbered and over ran in midfield against teams who play that shape.
Fancy us to bounce back though.

 

[Champagneblade]

It felt uncomfortable all night. I thought they were well set up to hurt us.

View attachment 154037

They had the pace of Archer up front. Him being considerably faster than all our centre halves meant we were scared of balls in behind, and concequently our defence dropped deeper. This left acres of space in front of them and the midfield couldn't cover it. Middlesbrough had three players, Forss, Akpom and McGree, in this area causing problems. I thought we chased their shadows a lot of the time.

So we had a back three dealing with their one central striker.

In midfield, Berge and McAtee are mentally attacking players more than defensive. They try to get forward to create stuff, leaving Norwood as the main one protecting the defence. Now Norwood has improved defensively this season. He uses his experience, works hard and challenges well. But, when he has to cover a lot of space, run a lot to press and track, he struggles. And his work load, the way the two teams were set up, was far too much.

The game was quite stretched at times, and as they broke it meant Berge and McAtee had to make a lot of really long runs back. It looked strange as Middlesbrough found space and even had efforts on goal, before our midfielders could get back. Their three attacking midfielders thrived and we struggled to deal with them.

I think last night was a lesson for us. Against good, well prepared teams in form we have to be more ready. So far we've played a lof teams who've had to prioritise stopping us, leaving too little quality to hurt us. Middlesbrough did have some luck, as we did create chances, but they were better set up to punish us with those three attacking midfielders finding so much space.

We need to have plans to make that midfield stronger when we're losing it. Hecky changed to a 4-4-2 diamond in the second half, and it seems to be our main plan B. Maybe he should be ready to make that change sooner. Maybe even at 1-0 when there were plenty of warning signs already.

I know this will sound a bit cynical but we didn't show much street smarts.

At 1-0, once they started to get back into it, we should have spoiled the game. Instead of having two boxers keep swinging at each other, we should have been holding and disrupting the flow. To jump to another sports analogy, having it like a basketball game with high shots from both teams absolutely suited Boro's agenda and gave them a chance to get lucky. I know luck is perhaps a soft get out but they were lucky. The last two goals were not of their entire making and relied on some fortune going their way.

At half time we should have re-set and spoiled the game. We should have bought Coulibaly on and looked to disrupt their midfield. Quite possibly bringing Fleck on too. If we'd had say Norwood, Fleck, Coulibaly and then Berge maybe slightly further forward, though he wasn't having a great game with McBurnie up top we could have reduced chance creation.

It's been said that we are the best in the division at game management but we weren't the other day. We should have stemmed the tide when the warning signs were there. Making it a midfield battle would have caused them to adjust as they only had two out and out midfielders. McGree would have had to drop back too.

On a slightly less savoury angle, we didn't get stuck in much. Archer was nursing an ankle injury, how many times did our players go through him or test him out with a rough challenge? How many times did Lowe rough up Forss? I'd bet if Rhys was playing they would have known about it. Sounds cynical but it's part of the game and just as we don't buy fouls, we can be too nice.

Hecky also needs to get out of the habit on over-reliance on Berge and Ndiaye. If they are playing shit, hook them. Don't persevere at the detriment of the team just because something might happen.

As disjointed as it was on the pitch at times, we also lacked decisiveness off the pitch this time. Lessons to be learned all-round.