Quote Originally Posted by Ollie the Optimist View Post
Pre season is about getting the players fit and used to each other rather than results. In previous years, we have had great results and shocking starts to the season and vice versa.

when you look at the starting line ups for most games so far, I dont think any of them have been the side you would expect to start at Old Trafford (assuming everyone fully fit). Each game also sees pretty much everyone get substituted at some point so major changes are made which isn't easy either to fully assess the current readiness.
My big issue last night was Arteta playing Gyokores to start the game, with half the staring 11 on the bench.

Then when he brings on Odegaard, Rice, Zubimendi, etc - they guys that you would expect to start feeding Goku some through balls and the like - he takes him off and puts Merino up front

Managing Goku to bring his fitness levels up is fine and understandable.

Not having him play with the main players that he should be is inexcusable.