Breaking the Habit - A Man United rebuild

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@CO88LER5 wrote:
Good start to the season. It's also good to know that Ander Barrenetxea seems to be fitting the bill at Old Trafford.

I like it when a recommendation comes good...

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Thanks, I do too. He did start slowly for me though, as I had this idea that I wanted him on the right side and use a left-footed on the left. But all his best performances have come from the left so far.

I watched some of Real Sociedad's game last night, where he also came on and scored a goal. Ruled out for offside though. But it was an inspiring cameo IMO. As a player, I was only familiar with from the game, it was also fun to watch the real version of him in action. Looks promising indeed.

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@JustinCase0110 wrote:

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Exactly how I approach my squad: trying to get every position covered twice (that's 22 players), then adding a third goalkeeper and a handful of academy players (ca. 30 in total).

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@Danimal5981 wrote:

Exactly how I approach my squad: trying to get every position covered twice (that's 22 players), then adding a third goalkeeper and a handful of academy players (ca. 30 in total).

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I usually go for a 24-25 man squad, including academy graduates. I don't really have any of those yet though.

When hit by injuries, fatigue etc., I cover the gaps by using players in their secondary positions. I hate having players around that don't play regularly. Perhaps that's why I also tend to 'forget' including a 3rd keeper from time to time.

RKC in Europa League, meaning they'd won the Dutch Cup?!?...

And then winning their opening game at Besiktas: wow!
I think pigs can fly before that happens...

I don't mind such unrealistic surprises, but I do wish the game makers would address the away game-bug (AI simulated teams away win more in Europe, than at home)

That 1-0 win over Man City seems like a vital 3 points, well done.

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@Danimal5981 wrote:

RKC in Europa League, meaning they'd won the Dutch Cup?!?...

And then winning their opening game at Besiktas: wow!
I think pigs can fly before that happens...

I don't mind such unrealistic surprises, but I do wish the game makers would address the away game-bug (AI simulated teams away win more in Europe, than at home)

That 1-0 win over Man City seems like a vital 3 points, well done.

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I was surprised to see Waalwijk in Europa League too. Not that I'm an expert in Dutch football, but that was a team that surprised me, when I saw the draw for the competition. Didn't know about the away bug, haven't noticed myself, but I agree nonetheless.

City win was vital, yes, especially after a few poor results. Leeds were the better team by far at Elland Road, and I have no words for the collapse in Istanbul. So going from that to a derby win was pretty sweet.

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@CO88LER5 wrote:
You've still got Antony, then.
Any particular reason why? Are you playing him much?

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Two reasons, I suppose.

1 - I deemed it unrealistic to sell him, since he probably wouldn't have anyone interested in buying him. So while Rashford, Bruno, Casemiro and others went away, I decided to "force" upon myself to make it work with Antony.

2 - While I struggle to see his potential on the right flank (often stopping and playing backwards), I felt some time ago that he might actually be useful on the left. He is a hard worker, and he does keep the ball quite well, compared to some United players like Bruno, who is often in a hurry to decide things and throws the ball away too quickly too often.

He was actually off to a flying start in my save, assisting my first two goals, if I remember correctly. His goal contributions have been few and far between since then, but I find him to be helpful in regards to width, possession and fight. Currently he and Ander Barrenetxea are rotating the left flank, the latter playing it a bit more attacking-minded than Antony. In time I have an idea to test him (and train him) as a left back, but his current defensive abilities are so poor that I'm not sure he'll ever be suited for that role.