They were my thoughts too. Shola actually does look slow when he runs, and is slow when he runs.

On the subject of pace... I think it is Davya who has often said Williamson is slower than a bus in reverse. I didn't think he looked that slow the other day, he's not quick by any means, but I've seen slower.

Is Carroll really that slow? I thought he looked pretty rapid the other day, certainly quicket than Vidic or Evans - not sure if that is saying anything though.

Perch also looks like he's got a bit of pace in him.

Overall much as I'd have expected really.

- Carroll looked very promising, I'd really rather he toned it down till the end of the transfer window as Ashley will bite the hand off anyone who comes in with an offer for him and then say Shola's as much as we need to get through the season.

- Most of the midfield were not too bad but gave the ball away too easily - Barton a particular offender on that front.

- Same old story from Jonas, a wizard at getting into position and then does fuck all with it - and he was entirely at fault for their first goal

- Enrique - we know he is better than that performance

- Harper - not much more he could have done really, hard to say how he might realistically have saved any of the goals.

- Perch - very worrying, on that showing he is in the wrong league.

The question really is how they react to losing a game that we were always going to lose. It's a shame to start the season off on a negative but equally may as well get it out of the way. On past form, if we'd played at Old Trafford half way through the season when Man Utd are in their stride they'd give us a much worse hiding than that. I'd like to see the team take this result as a reminder of the challenge they face in this division and a spur to give their best.

Its obvious the Daily Mail's Martin Samuel doesnt like Andy Carroll

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...d-Trafford.html

I think this link now needs a few more comments left on it

I think this link now needs a few more comments left on it

Unfortunately:

"We are no longer accepting comments on this article"

How convenient.

Do you think they put that up at 3.15 this afternoon?

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Shame, they aren't taking comments on the article anymore

The Mail really is a shit rag. I picked up a copy while waiting for a haircut the other day and was foolish enough to read some of Littlejohn's column. I was foaming at the mouth within minutes.

Samuel, Littlejohn, Moir

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