Man U. V. Chelsea, Was It A Fix?

[Colmc54]

Of all the performances tonight I was left wondering if Willian is expecting to follow his former manager to Old Trafford. No wonder he was taken off (maybe there's another reason flu etc.) but he tonight was a shadow of the player that almost singlehandedly kept Chelsea in the ECL.
Both teams were far more committed to not losing than they were to trying to win.
Two Dutch managers both under pressure, was it always, as Paul Scholars predicted, going to be a goaless draw?

[VHG]

Willian did play the full match on Saturday against Watford and was named man of the match.

He has been one of the few star players for Chelsea this year (far better than Hazard and a few others) so deserves an off day. Remember Chelsea played with no striker as Costa was banned so midfield had to work harder.

I think while both managers wanted to win I am sure they were more concerned about not losing.

Hiddink can now say unbeaten in the last 3 games.

And Van Gaal has stopped the losing run (though hardly covered themselves in glory).

[Arksided]

I don't think any foolhearttedy goings on... but did enjoy seeing United at least have more of an attacking gumption than they have done more recently.

[Colmc54]

Thanks. Willian has long been my favourite EPL player.

If both teams are going out to not lose rather than try to win isn't there something wrong with charging the crowd and BT Sport subscribers money to watch it?

[Duncer]

Who is Paul Scholars?

[Arksided]

Paul 'Golden nugget' Scholes.

[-Talbot-]

was it always, as Paul Scholars predicted, going to be a goaless draw?




Yes, the blinding saves from both David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois were well rehearsed moves and totally fake!

[Colmc54]

I am using a phone with OCD predictive text so I missed when Scholars turned in to Scholars. I'm getting Surface Pro 4 next week so there shouldn't be so many unforced errors, talking of which...
I think the game we all paid to watch tonight would have been better if the ref had given a penalty for Willian's hand ball.

[Arksided]

Colmc54... I try not to give too much away about any games. As some people maybe waiting for Match of the day.

I agree with you though the hand-control ball may have changed the game.

[Colmc54]

Just watched the highlights on MOD. Yes MU were trying to win, but what about Matich's inexplicable high and handsome balloon into the stand and Rooney's miss also.
I get that there is s game within the game, I do
But sometimes I see things that appear to be inexplicable if everyone on the pitch is trying to win the game.
Maybe it's just me but the balloon into the stands was so inexplicable that I think both sides agreed to a draw at half time.

Please telle I'm wrong I honestly don't want to be right about this. I love football.

[campbellking]

Don't think you can 'fix it' to hit the woodwork twice as United did.
Matic is not a striker, as he ably proved with that effort.
I think Willian was taken off as he was struggling a bit after that challenge that got the United player booked (maybe he's being 'saved' for the Scunthorpe game!)

[-Talbot-]

Colm54
Maybe it's just me but the balloon into the stands was so inexplicable that I think both sides agreed to a draw at half time.


Why is it inexplicable?

Nemanja Matic ... Goals per game 0.06

There ^ is your answer.