Click here to go to the discussion thread by Yacob

I headed over to Redcafe to ask the questions and got a decent response as always. Check out both threads, plenty more replies. The questions were:

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
3 – What young players could make an impact?
4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
10 – Scoreline prediction?

MannyB

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
I expected us to do top 3 at the start of the season. Then we dropped quite a few points, but we were able to grind out results and we are back up there. I’m hopeful of top 3. Top 4 minimum.

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
We are better despite what journalists, opposition fans and pundits say. There actually seems to be some direction and belief this year and it’s starting to show. Injuries have really stifled our progression into our new way of playing.

3 – What young players could make an impact?
Januzaj is talented but needs to start showing it. Blackett is pretty decent.

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
He’s been great for us this season. He had a shakey couples of months when he joined (which I feel was exaggerated) and people formed there opinions of him. But he’s finally getting the plaudits I think he deserves.
How great he can be, depends on how long his current form holds up. I don’t remember van der Sar hitting this level of form though.

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
Eric Cantona would be such a laugh. Or George Best.

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
It was weirder last year under Moyes comparing how very different the two men were and how they carried themselves. I’m over it now we have LVG and looking forward to seeing the team progress.

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Don’t eat biscuits

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Hummels

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
Don’t mind them at this moment. A well supported club. There was a point when fans would go on and on about how big a club they are. That was annoying. Other then that, you guys are alright. Pardews a bit of dick

10 – Scoreline prediction?
2-1 to us hopefully. But we have a habit of dropping points this season so you never know.

Herrera

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
We will finish 3rd and Newcastle about 10th, they’ve been hit and miss with form a lot this season so it’s hard to say.

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
Players have looked like they have much more confidence as opposed to last season.

3 – What young players could make an impact?
Patrick McNair looks like the only youth player who is good enough for the first team. Januzaj has been unconvincing and so has Wilson.

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
He can be great.

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
Roy Keane so I can have the joy of kicking him out.

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
Yes.

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
[No Answer]

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Diego Godin

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
They’re a decent club but their fans are a very annoying and arrogant.

10 – Scoreline prediction?
2-0 to us. Rooney and Falcao with the goals.

maba723

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
I think 3rd will be realistic(mostly because teams Challenging United for 3rd are poor). 9th for Newcastle

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
There are visible signs of improvement. Last season was a disaster. I’m all for giving managers time, especially after replacing a great manager at any club, but we never saw any signs of good things to come under Moyes. The football was boring and predictable while it’s somehow entertaining to watch United this season(I still think Van Gaal needs a bit more time to make things click)

3 – What young players could make an impact?
I think it has to be one of the center backs since most of United’s CBs are either off form or suffering from injuries. Blackett has shown promise this season and I hoped he would keep his starting position after that red card vs. Leicester City. Really think he deserves a place in the team

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
He’s alright 😉 Only way is up from here. Give him a fixed CB pairing and he’ll improve in my opinion

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
Robin Van Persie.. What a man, what a man. Looks like he’s a funny guy who you’d never get bored with

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
To be honest, got used to it after Moyes’ first game.

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Trying to think of a biscuit that used to be good but isn’t anymore..

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Laporte. His club are struggling in the League and he’s a decent young CB

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
Neutral after Bellamy left, hated them while he was there

10 – Scoreline prediction?
3-1

IceBird

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
You can’t think of anything in the EPL, but I hope we make it into top 4. As for Newcastle I hope you get a european place.

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
LVG has already made his touch, you can feel that in the players performances, every player get on the pitch like he’s on a mission and everyone look stick to what LVG planning for the game and trying his best to please the manager and that’s where big managers touch is noticed, so from that you can know what I’d say about Moyes ;-]

3 – What young players could make an impact?
Lingard, I rate this guy very much and I think so doe’s LVG, but he’s unlucky with the early injury he got this season :[. As for Januzaj, the ego will destroy him and LVG looks also had enough of him. Also Blackett looks a fine bloke…

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
He’s top class, and might be one of world’s best, but IMO Neuer will always has one step ahead of him…

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
Baggio

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
Yeah…

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
I don’t eat biscuits much, but if I have to pick one I’ll pick a biscuit that doesn’t please me until the last piece xD

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Any top class defender will please me…

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
City army! still a great club with huge local fanbase.

10 – Scoreline prediction?
Hopefully, we will win this with good performance.

17Larsson

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
Man Utd 3rd, Newcastle 7th

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
Progressed well because LvG has a personality big enough to handle a club this size

3 – What young players could make an impact?
Wilson and McNair

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
Best in the World. Not quite there yet but very close

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
Eric Cantona because he is the greatest man that ever lived

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
I still watch old press conferences of his on youtube! His attack on Pardew is one of my all time favourites. He always knew exactly what to say. The ultimate leader

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Viscount. Because it’s classy and you can make small trophies out of the wrappers

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Varane

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
I love the passion Newcastle fans have. Most people call it delusion but the City has a great buzz when Newcastle are at home

10 – Scoreline prediction?
2-0

Globule

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
I’m really confident that we’re going to finish at least 3rd. We’ve done okay in the first half of the season despite a horrific injury list, so at some point you’d hope that the situation would improve. With a fully fit squad I think we can really start to kick on. The January transfer window could also play a part. As for Newcastle I really have no idea. The only thing consistent about them is their inconsistency. They seemed to be picking up some momentum and looked like they could challenge for a European spot, but have had a few disappointing results recently. I would imagine they’ll finish between 8th and 12th.

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
Hard to say. I think the biggest differences (apart from the players) are mental. We seem to be a lot more together and happy and some of our old confidence has returned. We still look a bit dodgier than I expected at times. If I’m honest, I was hoping we’d be a bit further along in the reanimation process at this point, but it’d be harsh to criticise too much considering injuries.

3 – What young players could make an impact?
In this match alone or the season? Wilson has been getting a bit of stick recently, but I would expect him to repay some of LvG’s faith at some point this season. If we’re talking this match alone, I’m not sure. We’ll probably pick up another injury at the back early on and McNair will have to come on.

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
De Gea is probably the player of the season so far. I honestly think he’s got his team more points this season than any other player. I think his progress will level out soon because I think he’s already nearing his peak, but he will become more commanding which is going to improve his game a lot.

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
David Beckham. He’s got OCD so my flat would always be clean.

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
Yes, sadly. Last season was such a monumental fall from grace that it was hard not to get used to it.

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Chocolate digestive. The digestive was the biscuit of biscuits for a long time, but then the chocolate digestive came along and stole its crown. Although at the moment we’re more like a bag of broken biscuits. You know they were good once, but they’ve been damaged so don’t look as nice as they once did. Still taste good though.

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Varane, but that’s not going to happen. Vlaar would be my ‘realistic, instantly-solidifies us’ option.

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
I’ve grown to like them. I used to dislike them a lot for getting ideas above their station, but relegation has changed the mentality of the club. Especially with an owner who seems on auto-pilot. It’s made the club a bit more humble. I like that he’s stuck with Pardew though. I’m not a fan of sacking managers easily, so it’s a nice change for a club to show a bit of patience. And they’ve had some of my favourite non-United players down the years too – Given, Ginola, Speed, and for some reason Temuri Ketsbaia. Not to mention some of the cracking games we’ve had with you.

10 – Scoreline prediction?
I’ve given up predicting our results, and doing the same for Newcastle seems like madness, but because you asked, I’ll predict 4-1 because we’re at home. I reckon it’ll be a really open match and I’m confident of us winning, and a little less so of us scoring 4. Although the way our defence has been this season, I could also see you scoring more than 1

Raw

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
Probably 3rd or 4th for us, 3rd if these damned injuries ease up. As for Newcastle I’d say about 8th.

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
There’s actual progress in this team rather than a slow decline, plus we’re getting results against the bigger teams. If only he came in earlier so we wouldn’t have had that poor run at the start of the season that cost so many easy points. What I do like about this team is that there seems to be a better spirit around the club, they’re fighting a lot more in those difficult games.

3 – What young players could make an impact?
I think McNair’s been the brightest prospect from this season alone. Januzaj hasn’t yet shown what made him look so promising last season but I do hope he gets more chances. Wilson may not have a goal yet but he’s got pace and should hopefully improve. Blackett’s decent back up and it would be nice if Pereira got a chance soon.

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
Right now he’s definitely top 2 in the league, arguable whether or not he’s better than Courtois since Courtois hasn’t had a dodgy defence in front of him to show what he’s truly made of. He’s definitely got the potential to be worlds best and I really hope he achieves that at United.

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
De Gea. He’ll keep the house safe.

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
Getting a bit used to it but I really do miss Fergie on the sidelines. It does help going through 3 different managers in a single year, mind.

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Jammie Dodgers. Because we’ve been pretty jammy recently.

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
It would be a dream if we got someone like Godin in, but a player like Vlaar would still improve us quite a bit. If Rafael keeps getting injured then a new RB might be needed too.

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
Decent club, don’t really have any ill feelings towards you lot. Would have been nice to see you guys win the League Cup and I did enjoy your win over Chelsea. I can sympathise with your recent poor record against local rivals though, it’s just as bad as ours!

10 – Scoreline prediction?
2-1 to Man Utd. We’ll go 2-0 up and make things hard for ourselves again.

Pexbo

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
United 3rd – Newcastle 8th

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
It’s difficult to say just how far we have progressed thanks to injuries. If key players get back to fitness I think we’re capable of title winning form. The reality is that we will seldom have that luxury without clearing out some of the glass and bringing in some steel.

3 – What young players could make an impact?
Wilson. Januzaj is the obvious one but he won’t make any impact in the style we play until he learns how to do the basics well. Wilson on the other hand can slot in and poach a few goals. He’s instictive. Like Michael Owen with height, albeit nowhere near as polished.

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
Ability wise he is up there with anyone, Neuer included. What he lacks in distribution he makes up for in shot stopping. His command of the area has improved immensely and he has no real weakness anymore.

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
David May. He’s got to be every United fans ideal footy mate, hasn’t he?

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
Yeah, I couldn’t adjust to Moyes. He just didn’t feel a United manager at all. So after that shock it’s felt quite natural to have Van Gaal in.

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Fig Biscuit. Plenty of flavour and substance but you try dipping it and it’s got this weak and crumbly exterior that is too soft and goes to shit just when you need it to hold it’s own.

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Varane. I’d happily drop £45m+ on him. He’s Ferdinand MkII

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
For this game? I wouldn’t rule it out. It certainly won’t be an easy 3pts. All depends on who scored first though.

10 – Scoreline prediction?
2-1 United

Joga Bonito

1 – Where do you think you’ll finish this season? What about Newcastle?
Man Utd 2nd, Newcastle 8th

2 – How do you feel the team have progressed since the arrival of LVG? (as opposed to last season under Moyes)
The team has become more possession oriented but does seem to lack a cutting edge at times. We are improving stylistically and gelling together as a team. The team is heading in a clear direction (better than under Moyes where god knows where we were heading or what sorts of plans he had for us) and seems to be fully behind LVG. Still room for improvement and need to find the correct balance between attacking and defensive play but I reckon we’ll get there under LVG.

3 – What young players could make an impact?
Shaw, Januzaj, McNair and Wilson

4 – How good to you think De Gea can be/is?
He is the best in the league along Courtois. One of the best shot stoppers in the world already but needs to develop his all round game further to become the very best in the world. Still young for a goalie and is on his way there.

5 – If you could have one football player, past or present, live in your spare room who would it be and why?
No one

6 – Have you got used to not having Ferguson as manager (still seems a little strange to me)?
Not yet. Still feels strange. At times still expect the cameras to pan over to Fergie to do his jumping up and down celebration after we score a goal…

7 – If your club was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be? And why would it be that biscuit?
Eh?

8 – Who would be the first choice defender you would like to see you sign in January?
Godin

9 – What are your thoughts on Newcastle United as an outsider?
A nice club with an extremely passionate fanbase who deserve a better administration.

10 – Scoreline prediction?
3-1

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