United – Just awful. An absolute mess. Tactically it did not work again with big gaps all over the team and nothing connected at all. Peck was left isolated again and I’m not sure where O’Hare and Hamer are meant to be playing? We had our full backs completely exposed by two wingers who offered nothing offensively but then didn’t even bother to get back. We crested nothing attacking wise all game until the late chance (the Campbell one came from their mistake).
We did not press or tackle and sat off and this pressing/high tempo play is nowhere to be seen. We are so passive without the ball and the opposition have time and space to do what they want. When on the ball there were major issues too. Firstly, noone moved at all. The whole team were stationery, even in open play or when it was dead. I was shocked that they all just stood there. I was screaming for someone to move. No one did. Its no wonder we concede chances if we don’t get close to opponents on the ball and then create nothing as no runs are made at all.
For all the criticism of the above which the manager has to take a lot of blame, the inability of our players this season to perform basics has been incredible. From the effort categories like running, tackling, competing and then as crucially, not being able to control simple balls or execute an easy pass. We have been lacking individually and collectively. The players showed in big games last year when the chips were down they folded (yes, I know a few have moved on) and we are seeing it now. The lack of fight and pride in their profession is not there even with the tactical issues.
Maybe when a new manager comes in, we see them all improve due some of the issues in set up but they have to execute basics better and show more effort. I’ve seen some say they are trying and maybe they are and it’s just snowballed and is a confidence thing? However, to watch the likes of Campbell, Peck, Burrows have such a huge drop off has to be on them as much as the manager?
I’m not going to discuss the game in much detail. Boro won and were well deserved winners. Not sure they were even that great but still a lot better than us. We could and should have had 10 men and better finishing and decisions and it would have been 2 or 3 long before the late chance. The lack of belief in the side is scary and any discussion of us moving up and still threatening the playoffs is pipe dreams. Coventry last year struggled but their performances were better than their results. We have lost every game and deserved to lose them all. Bristol weirdly was the best we have been.
Where do we go from here? There are issues outside the manager in terms of the bonkers recruitment policy that saw us bringing in 4 new players in just before the end of August mixed in with rumours about others going (Burrows, Peck, Hamer and even O’Hare). We’ve gone from trying to look at bringing in younger players who have re-sale value to throwing big money at the likes of Ings and Godfrey. We did need some experience bit sense the board have just got desperate. I have no idea of the approach but the team/squad is completely unsettled and there is no clarity on the direction. Now any hopes of going up have pretty much gone after the opening month. This is incredible but regardless of any points we have to make up, the squad and confidence is at such a point that even a new manager will take time to get it going again. At the moment it’s more about just getting our first point in scoring a goal. To be the only team to not have a point in the whole football league is shambolic.
I have a hunch they will keep Selles at least till after Ipswich. I could be wrong. A defeat will seal his fate. There is no way he survives till Charlton if they go 5 out of 5. I think they know they will look daft making the change so quickly after they made it but it’s not working. Selles is going to go now I feel. That is something I’m fairly certain of. He’s lost the players (the stuff at the end showed that) and he’s completely lost the fans. He won’t come back from that.
He should have surrounded himself with some experienced coaches too but it’s all been too much for him and his team and like David Weir he is woefully out of his depth. He can’t get his messages across, we are not showing anything that makes me think he knows what he is doing and we are getting worse each week. I’d do it now as its just delaying the inevitable. I’d be stunned if he makes it past Charlton.
As for who comes in, I do not know. The talk of Rohl or Gary O’Neill does not fill me with any confidence. I don’t want a Dyche type as that just is the same type we are moving away from. Sadly until we change the structure and have a football man on the board (DOF or whatever) it’s going to be the same issues. Least Rohl is used to crackpots above and no help but not convinced that he has any better track record than Selles. If they went for him, then wow, they’d be really saying f you, we do what we want. Steve Cooper seems the nice mix of progressive coach but a football man who has faced issues at clubs bit not sure he would come. I worry young managers like Mousinho or Challinour the expectation might be too much. However, whoever does come in (when it happens) cant really do any worse can they?
Ratings:
Cooper 5/10 – Despite Boro being the far better side, he didn’t have lots of saves to make weirdly. A few standard ones but most of their chances sort of came from crosses just evading the incoming men. I thought he was very slow down for the goal. Like the playoff final goal, didn’t react quick enough to a fairly weak shot and did not move his feet – just flopped down and missed it.
Godfrey 5/10 - He had one or two dodgy miscontrols and saw little in the way if an attacking threat but defensively he was ok but got pulled around at times with Brooks not supporting. Along with Tanganga, looks at least like he has an idea where to stand and been solid enough. Went off injured I think which is a worry with his record over the last few years.
Burrows 2/10 – His dramatic drop off reminds me of when Enda Stevens came back after a few months of no games due to covid. We knew he had weaknesses defensively but wow he has been woefully shown up this season. Nowhere near his man, got beat time after time and offering nothing on the ball with wretched touch and passing. Not helped with the structure of the side and Barry basically leaving him all alone but he has been dreadful this season and his confidence appears rock bottom. You’d take him out but the back up is McCallum! I’d be amazed if West Ham or a Premier League sides took him. He looks more like the league below than the league above currently.
Tanganga 8/10 – A very good debut and our outstanding individual performance of the season. In his first game. Probably wondered what the hell he had come into. He looked quick, strong and came out on top in many challenges. Saved a few certain goals and only one who seemed to be chucking his body on the line. Hopefully he will have a better partner soon and players in front that protect him more from having to defend so much.
Bindon 4/10 – Another performance where he struggled with pace and movement. He was by no means the worst player and he is few on the ball but is very slow and does not impose himself physically. Just looks very ordinary – that is being kind but had no protection from those in front at all. There were a few better moments but we don’t have time to learn on the job.
Peck 3/10 – Put in the same ridiculous role against two in the middle with O’Hare, Hamer miles in front (but still offering nothing as we had no connection at all). Like Burrows, his confidence is shot. The tactics aren’t helping but he is not showing the energy/buzz of last year at all. He is playing safe passes or going back. Very lucky not to get sent off after an awful tackle that could have caused a bad injury. Stupid 35 yard shot at the end when he never scores or looks like scoring. Not sure why Soumare is not playing either instead or preferably alongside.
Hamer 4/10 – Lots of rumours linking him with a move away. Today he was captain but again wherever he was meant to be playing, he had little to no influence on the game. Did try things but his passing this year has been wretched. He gave it away in the lead up to the goal. Another stupid booking. I’m not as vociferous about keeping him as a lot are. He’s been really poor this season, albeit another we are not getting the best out of. However we aren’t going up this year – that has gone already for me – in a year he will be in the same situation as Anel/Berge. You won’t get much for him in a year. Of we could get 15-20 million, I’d reluctantly take it. I know that’s essentially selling our best out saleable commodity and sadly we may need to have on eye on 12 months down the line. At the moment he is a peripheral figure in the side and another who does not look after the football.
O’Hare 3/10 – Had a decent first half v Bristol City but since then has largely been anonymous. Thought he’d be perfect for this supposed pressing game Selles was supposed to put in place. He has looked lightweight, been harried out of it and not seen the harrying closing down or workmate of last season. I forgot he was even playing today long before he came off and had no idea where he was meant to be playing- position wise. Did set up Campbell for that one chance.
Barry 3/10 – Like Bindon, just looks out of his depth. May have done ok for half a season at Stockport but he looks a player that is finding this level too much in terms of the pace of the play and aggressiveness. Painfully weak and very predictable when he has it. Had a decent 45 v Bristol City but another who looks totally clueless with what he is meant to be doing. When he gets it, just gets run off it. Defensively he never even tries to get back. Another in a long line, you’d take out if you had another option.
Brooks 3/10 – He was his usual predictable self mostly coming inside and taking too long but he had more of the ball than others I suppose. A couple of ok runs but for the most part ineffective again. Two moments summed him up. The first half when it bounced off him and he just stood and watched in the centre circle. Then 2nd half we broke and he took forever and came inside again- allowing them men back. Looks like he has no idea how to beat his man. Been so passive. Looks terrified of making a mistake.
Campbell 2/10 – See Burrows. Other than his goal opening day, he has been diabolical this season. Another who can blame the formation, the fact he is isolated and getting no service. All valid. However, he has to move, break out of a jog, win an occasional header, not lose every battle and offer a few runs. Missed a really good chance as he dithered. He was completely static all game and even hid at times. His body language has been awful. He looks like the lad who couldn’t get a game for a poor Stoke side. We were better when Ings came on. Not performing and needs to be dropped regardless of the tactical issues. I expect a modicum of effort. Thought he was better than that in terms of application but looks like he’s not interested currently.
Subs –
Cannon 1/10 – Didn’t even know he was on until another pathetic dive looking for a penalty. Just a complete waste of time. I still have no idea what he is good at or what his go to strength is?
One 6/10 – Played in this odd wide right wing back position after being left wing. Did ok actually despite being put in an unfamiliar position. Had a couple of neat touches and the great set up for McCallum. Maybe only one outfield apart from Tanganga who can come out with much credit.
Ings – Won a few loose balls and the deflected shot wide. Least put himself about even though it was all a bit desperate from us. Should start over the hapless Campbell next time but neither are fit enough to last 90 mins.
McCallum – He is another, like Cannon, who is not going to change games. Technically very limited. The miss at the end was awful and summed up his ability or lack of it. Has to score.
Chong – First 5 touches all went straight to Boro! Fitted right in. To be fair, he did have a few decent runs/passes near the end. No idea what position he was playing? We just seemed to have bodies strewn around with no structure or plan.
Manager: Selles 1/10 – Gets 1 for at least fronting up at the end and standing to take the abuse! The rest another total car crash. He made out the game was even. It wasn’t. Boro should have been 3 or 4 up before the late McCallum miss. We did not have a single shot on target again. 2nd away game running. He persisted with the same suicidal shape with no midfield and big gaps all over the field. Full backs horribly exposed. Weak wingers. Lightweight players all over. No pressure when out of possession and when we had it, no movement, interplay or idea how to get up the field, create pressure or put the opposition on the back foot. It’s insipid football. We look so stretched and the worst thing is it looks like we have 8 or 9 v 12 or 13 players! Every week!
I think he has to go. He has not been helped by the transfer strategy nor by his players not doing the basics (tackling, pressing, running and making basic skills of control and passing) but he has shown nothing. Motivation of the players look rock bottom and there is no belief in any of his ideas. He has failed so far in every possible facet of his job.
Boro – Did what they had to do against a side completely lacking confidence. They were worthy winners and should have won by more. First half they dominated and with better final balls or quicker play in the box, would have gone in a few goals to the good. They attacked in numbers and caused all sorts of problems down the right exposing Burrows all game. The lads in midfield bossed it largely due to our ridiculous formation which left Peck exposed again. They looked up for it though and in the end a well made and taken goal was all they needed. Missed chances late on to make it more convincing but then got away with a bad miss from McCallum.
4 wins from 4 is impressive and Edwards got exactly the start that our man would have wanted. Clearly together and playing for him. Showed when we had a rar3 break and they all ran back and held us up when Brooks had it. The celebration at the end was a bit over the top I felt but they are winning so will enjoy it I suppose. I did not look at them and think, wow, these look a promotion side but maybe they will be? If I had to guess, I’d say they will end up about 6th at best to 10th but we will see. That is not to be bitter as clearly they look miles better than us but just not convinced they look a side that will last the pace. They had some decent patterns of play though and Edwards got Luton up so I might be wrong.
Opponent Man of the Match – More of a team effort but give it Hackney for his industry all game. Hackney and Morris did everything our midfield did not. Got up and down, worked hard and played forward passes. Hopefully when Arblaster is back, him and Peck can form a similar understanding. Conway took his goal well and I thought Fry barely gave Campbell a sniff.
Opponent Weak link – I always think you can get at Ayling and a few times he took loose touches. A few of the forwards also took too long when well placed and better teams than us will punish the lack of clinical play.
Referee / Officials – Lewis Smith. Should have sent Peck off. VAR definitely sees him walking. An awful tackle and he was lucky to escape. We managed to pick up usual array of bookings for stupid things rather than aggressive play or physical stuff you don’t mind if it sets the tone. We weren’t physical or closing down but still gave away a number of stupid free kicks. As I say no blame to the officials. They actually helped us with the big decision first half.
Crowd/Day Out – Away end seemed full and they got behind the team early but became understandably frustrated. Half time the concensus were we were lucky to be even level. As we went behind, you then heard the first ‘Sacked in the morning!’ chants. This was joined in by Boro fans who also sang we were going down with the Wednesday. Some United fans joined in with this in a macabre fashion. We then had loud Wilder and Knill chants and One of our own followed. There were some boos in response to this, to give things balance. It just became a bit pantomime and was not a nice atmosphere. I’d not say toxic or even like there was in fighting. I think some (including me) were not happy with the Wilder chants but mostly the ire was towards Selles and you kind of expect that. Heard someone say Peck had lifted his hands to ask for more noise and some linked that with him asking the fans to sing the anti Selles chant louder. I’m not sure but that would be really disappointing if that had happened.
At the end, I’ve heard Jimmy Ramble say someone had said that Selles called the players back from going to the fans. That is incorrect. He actually went with them and then went in front of them. He probably expected it but I will credit him for going and facing it. Showed a lot of bottle to be fair as large number were singing sacked in the morning right at him. He just stood there for what seemed like an age. It was a bit uncomfortable and I wanted him to just go to be fair as the fans had made their point. He eventually turned round and walked off. I hated the fact non of the players went with him. He shook Hamer’s hand but then as he left, there was noone with him. Where were his staff? He just left on his own.
The players then stood and clapped the fans. I was a bit aghast that they got almost an ovation at this point. I’m not saying boo but their performances have been shambolic. It almost became like Selles v them. There is clearly a disconnect between the board and manager, manager and players and manager and fans. The obvious thing to do is remove that main factor. There are more deep rooted problems than Selles though as we will see continue when the next manager comes in I feel.
Oddly I’ve never been to the Riverside before. Just escaped me due to being evening fixtures or not working in terms of dates. Hoping my first visit would signal a change of luck (no win there for nearly 30 years – our only one too!) but we repeated last year’s result. Ground is nice but a bit soulless. They have a drummer and tried to whip up a bit of a Crystal Palace type atmosphere with ultra style fans. They made a bit of noise but overall I felt it was a bit flat for a team that has won every game.
Didn’t see too much of the town centre. Had a few beers at a place that had an outdoor bit near the station and went to Hit the Post which was on the walk way bit to the ground. We made a weekend of it and stayed in Saltburn. My mate and his family (live in Sheffield) have a place up there and are Boro fans so we met up with them Friday night and Saturday. Saltburn was nice. Quaint little place with a working tramway and pier. Also not too busy.
Had a nice run on the beach up to Redcarr as the weather was lovely. Enjoyed my fish and chips and the Dog always loves any beach. Sadly as with my last trip away with United (Plymouth) it ended up being more about the weekend away than the football.
I doubt I’ll do many away games this season. The last few seasons have really sapped my enthusiasm (not in a bad loser kind of way) but the Premier League experience, what happened at Wembley and the general feeling of what is happening in football (money/VAR/not a level playing field) has found me care less and less sadly. I will go to the home games of course but need to spend my other Saturday’s with family (last year before son goes to Uni) and not letting United stress me out.
A regular haunt for me with Boro mates before our annual defeat.
