2025/26 David Moyes

[JobForTheMoyes]

Say one thing for Moyes, he properly loves it when we win. None of this professional “the boys did well and showed character,” guff and polite applause for the away fans. He’s like a giggling kid when we take the points.

Winner’s mentality.

 

[SJB]

You are right Patterson's end product hasn't been there (since he arrived really) but he does offer balance. Just to have someone higher up the pitch who is more comfortable on the ball to offer up a triangle instead of passing it back helps the whole team stay in the opposition half.

It will also likely help pin their full back deeper and then you'll get fewer overlaps happening on that side of the pitch.

We played fairly good with Patterson in the side whilst Keane sat out his suspension, it would have been good to get confirmation one way or another if Patterson could do a better job than JOB, we never got the run of games to answer that question. You can't blame people for wanting to find out.

I thought Patterson was unfortunate to be dropped after 3 reasonable displays but O'Brien has vindicated Moyes decision by being solid defensively and offering us more going forwards in the games since. He hit the woodwork and played a big part in the OG today - we're comparing hard facts with notions of what Patterson might offer. History shows these notions have no grounds.

 

[SJB]

That heat map is based on all games right?

That's the season, yes. As stated, sample size for Patterson isn't really enough.

 

[JobForTheMoyes]

That's the season, yes. As stated, sample size for Patterson isn't really enough.

Patterson’s heat map has a deep red, almost black, circle just to the side of the middle of the pitch.

 

[Toffeepot]

I thought Patterson was unfortunate to be dropped after 3 reasonable displays but O'Brien has vindicated Moyes decision by being solid defensively and offering us more going forwards in the games since. He hit the woodwork and played a big part in the OG today - we're comparing hard facts with notions of what Patterson might offer. History shows these notions have no grounds.

You're right in that Patterson shouldn't definitely take the spot, but a lot of it has to do with moving JOB to CB where he seems really good. With JB back now he will more than likely stay at FB

 

[MaximusEvertonius]

It's a myth, Patterson barely gets into the final third and his crossing is statistically among the worst in the league. O'Brien plays higher up the pitch and beats Patterson on nearly every attacking metric. You do have a point about sample size but Patterson showed nothing to suggest he provides more attacking threat when given a run of games..

View attachment 342718
View attachment 342719

I like the heat map. It’s telling. I still think the stats are skewed when the sample size is low. You’re right that Jake has been pressing higher and definitely improving at RB. Totally agree.

But by his own admission he’s said he’s naturally a centre back but will do what he’s asked. I think Jake plays better at centre and is more natural.

So maybe that would be my argument or question rather. If Nathan is more natural and comfortable at RB and Jake at CB, why sit the RB and take the natural fortress Jake is in the middle with his size and place him on the right? If we had no options, I’d get it. But we have the personnel and he’s choosing to sit one of them. I believe Moyes sees the team as better with Jake out of position than with Patterson even seeing the pitch.

 

[chopper6]

The starting 11 and first half tactics resulted in us being 1-0 at HT, playing really poorly too.

The changes to the team & tactics second half won us the game. Which is actually why alot of fans are frustrated in the first place!

Both things can be true!

The baiting I find boring tbh, I think fans are allowed to say it as they see it ‘live’!

Things can change for the better or worse during the game, but you can only comment on what it looked like at that point!

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, so the posters trying to take the moral high ground…nah not for me.

I’ve praised Moyes & I’ve berated him. Again both things in my opinion are ok.

And yes he’s absolutely improved us.

Doesn’t mean he doesn’t get things wrong either though.

We are all blues & want the best which is why i think emotions run high. There’s not one blue who’s better than another.

No need for the baiting.

 

[blue to the bone]

I have noticed that almost all our American support are anti Moyes.
Is there a reason for this. Or any one have a theory on it perhaps !

 

[JobForTheMoyes]

I have noticed that almost all our American support are anti Moyes.
Is there a reason for this. Or any one have a theory on it perhaps !

Cos they are hipsters who abandoned Man Utd after the 2013-14 season

 

[GrandOldTeam]

Just went to bask in the league table, and what's this? 8th?

Pffft.

Didn't get enough enjoyment from 7th when I had the chance.

 

[Neiler]

Would have been happy enough competing with Brighton and Newcastle year 1 if I’m honest.

 

[LinekersLegs]

…..they play for this fella, I’d have no doubt about the spirit this group have.

We have a much better mentality when we go behind, rather than instantly accept defeat.

Just wish we were a bit better at not going behind in the first place!

 

[blulouie]

Keane over Branthwaite

 

[SJB]

I like the heat map. It’s telling. I still think the stats are skewed when the sample size is low. You’re right that Jake has been pressing higher and definitely improving at RB. Totally agree.

But by his own admission he’s said he’s naturally a centre back but will do what he’s asked. I think Jake plays better at centre and is more natural.

So maybe that would be my argument or question rather. If Nathan is more natural and comfortable at RB and Jake at CB, why sit the RB and take the natural fortress Jake is in the middle with his size and place him on the right? If we had no options, I’d get it. But we have the personnel and he’s choosing to sit one of them. I believe Moyes sees the team as better with Jake out of position than with Patterson even seeing the pitch.

Tarkowski appears to be undroppable in Moyes eyes so I think it's moot point as to who should partner Branthwaite there, leaving RB as the only place JOB gets a start. JOB is undoubtedly better at CB than he is FB.

If we can keep hold of Branthwaite and O'Brien we have a centre back pairing that could be the bedrock of our team for years, it's important that we add competent fullbacks to the team in the Summer so that there's no excuse for not playing the two there.

 

[Bedfordblue]

Just went to bask in the league table, and what's this? 8th?

Pffft.

Didn't get enough enjoyment from 7th when I had the chance.

Relax, we’re only 7 points off 4th