The Kraken

I think its more to do with the fact that Adkins was doing ok but MP could do better. If he has that same feeling about an alternative manager then we may see the same thing, especially if our form does not pick up in January and February against the lesser sides. I don't think it'll happen myself but I wouldn't rule it out. Personally I'd prefer any manager to be given the full season unless a change is absolutely necessary, but that's just me.

He was called a fool after Adkins was dismissed last season after overcoming our poor start and turning things around. It would be completely reckless to get rid of MP but if Cortese thinks he's not getting full value for his significant investment then we know he'll change things. £60M spent over 2 years on players, I think we know our CEO has loftier ambitions than 9th place and being humbled at home by the elite. Can't see it happening but then couldn't see the Adkins departure either.

Personally I won't understand it if we put out a seriously weakened side; this is our only chance to win anything this season and I hope we go for it. We're not going to get relegated, I'd say we're not going to qualify for Europe through a league placing, so we may as well go for it and try and win a cup IMO.

Not according to plenty on here, he didn't. Remarkably.

January and February sees us play West Brom, Sunderland, Arsenal, Fulham, Stoke, Hull, West Ham. Just need to make the most of those games, if our poor run of results continue against those sides then its a concern, until then its still a decent season so far (albeit in rather stuttering form right now).

Sack him now and get Paulo di Canio in charge.

What Diggers said.

With Osvaldo I'm questioning more and more whether he's is who MP is referring to when he said :“It’s been a tough moment at this time because some of our players are having some personal problems that perhaps haven’t been talked about". Could all be just 2+2=5, of course, but it seemed a strange thing to publically come out with.

Of course he will. He's already been sounded out for at least one other PL job this season.

As stevegrant says, I can see him being lined up for at least a couple of PL sides, and I'm sure a few in the Championship would be interested.

True story, but I don't think Malky will be out of work for too long, his stock is high despite all the recent guff and goings on down there.

Yep, reports suggesting its $2M.

I wouldn't be surprised if he did make money available to a new manager. That seemed like more of a smack on the wrists comment and that Malky wouldn't be given any more to spend, if he was still there. It'll be interesting to see what upheaval there is on the backroom support staff, assistants and coaches. Loads of staff left Watford to go to Cardiff with Malky and you can bet your b*llocks to a barn dance that they will be loyal to their former boss.

To be honest I don't see Man Utd as the club for a player like him anyway. If Arsenal or Chelsea came in then I'd be more worried.

Mackay probably hasn't spent much more than we have over the promotion periods. In our promotion year we brought in Cork, Lee, Fox, Hooiveld, de Ridder and Sharp; that lot must have been, what, around £7M or £8M? Half of those players haven't made a PL appearance with us, two are reserves and considered sub-standard for this division, only Jack Cork looks like he can cut it. So I personally wouldn't be too quick to point out the lack of spine being built; Adkins didn't do that either, yet he still did a brilliant job in getting us promoted and then (after a terrible start) looking like he would keep us up.

And yet they've not been in the relegation places all season. So its hardly a leap of faith to say that it looked like they could stay up.

Good outcome all round. Hope they go down now.

Good lord. 2 points from 6 games, against whoever you're playing, is a poor run. No wins in 6. 1 win in 9. If you're that precious about form, we can call it a 100% record in our last 1 games, if you like?

2 points from 6 games is a poor run. Great to buck that trend.

Leon Osman started today instead of Barkley (came on as sub) I'm sure they can work something out. Slightly differing positions but then can line up with a good attacking midfield without really dropping much in quality.

Completely agree.

After what he's done after just 2 games back, Walcott has to be a genuine contender for a starting spot. Absolutely on fire since his return.

Great result. We now find ourselves in nomansland. 4 points off the top 8, 6 points clear of the bottom 11. Which way will we progress.........?

This from a Stokie: Ref having a shocker. Stoke were 1-0 up and cruising, Whelan sent off for two yellows, neither were. Penalty to Newcastle (it was), another debatable red. Penalty saved, up the other end, clear handball by Williamson, ref misses it, straight up the other end Newcastle score for 1-1. Awful reffing. Hughes has been sent to the stand too. All before half time!!