Here's me walking through a minefield. Stayed out if the match thread for reasons. I did manage to aquire a laggy stream on the pc, so I can partially answer your question.
I don't think Rafael is the problem, but I also don't think he's in a position where thw success the fans want is achievable. Moshiri looks like an owner willing to spend, but the board/Brands don't have the cohesive plan which would make the spending effective. Player assessments and value need to fit the overall plan, and if they don't line up, you're stuck with square holes and round pegs. You can see the results of that on the pitch. The only times our side have looked consistently good was when it all came together, specifically the boot room years and during the Edward's Era. Pick any other period and we were a somewhat disfunction mess with some high points. (My Canucks are a shining example of mismanagement atm, just so you know that I know what it looks like. Aqualini/Benning etc can find the nearest cliff)
I can say he has you on the right track. When Gray scored, and the following 20ish minutes, there wasn't a kopite who didn't have a tight pucker. It was a match and it wasn't obvious which way it would go. Salah was the difference, and it's not unreasonable to say he's just having one if those years. Wasn't much Coleman could have done that wouldn't have earned a red. After he had given Pickford an earful for missing the ball early, I had no doubt your guys were giving it their all. It showed. United have a more expensive team and you guys had 10x the fight.
Nobody wants to use injuries as an excuse, but they have to be taken into account. You're missing 4? starters atm? That's huge boots to fill at any time. Lacking depth due to poor recruiting is when it shows.
Yesterday was just a perfect storm of two teams in much different form, and imo, the look on his face was a reflection of that. He knows how hard a blow it was to the players and the fans. He sounds like a computer, but he really cares. He may not love the club like most of you, but he respects it and his role in it. You'll always get the best out of him. He almost drove our best to Chelsea, but in the end Stevie credits him with making him the manager he is now.
I really don't know who the club need to bring in. Ragnick would have been my first suggestion. A culture overhaul type of guy, but that means the board would have to bend the knee. Would they?
Just my take guys. Tar, feathers, and pitchforks are available for low prices. I'll be right over there if you like.
