Well we'll be stuck with him for at least another 3 seasons I imagine, or until Harry gets his next prem job. He'd better come good, as the opportunity cost for signing a big money central midfielder who turns out to be rubbish is huge for us. We need big money quality in that area more than anywhere else, and with limited funds, a shite 30m CM would be a disaster.
Marouane Fellaini | 2013/14 Performances
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
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I think we'd be fine if we played Carrick and Cleverley with Rooney dropping in deeper to collect. We could give Januzaj a free role and have Nani flanking on the right. That would give us a good midfield shape and add a hell of a lot more zip to our play as opposed to playing Fellaini there.
But obviously, we all know Rooney transfer fuss is because Fergie played him too deep..
But obviously, we all know Rooney transfer fuss is because Fergie played him too deep..
Ironic comment coming from the person who compiled a list of Fellaini's position in every match since New Year based on false formation stats
My point is that he's played in midfield plenty of times this year and for the vast majority of his career for club and country, but anyway we least know he is versatile and can play a more attacking role if required.
and yes the most important thing is how he performs for us, many have already written him off before he has even had a chance to show what he can do which is obviously idiotic - especially when it is often based on a false view that he is playing out of position for us.
He's definitely been too static and timid. I'm hoping he has been carrying an injury so there is at least hope for massive improvement in his performances.
That's something resembling to what we played at Sunderland in the second half.
Rood, you're correct that Fellaini played 'in midfield', but are mistaken in certain respects when using your stats. Fellaini's average position can be affected by a lot of different things during a match, such as the quality of opposition and their style of play. And I haven't seen anyone in this thread say he didn't play in midfield, they just said that more often than not, Fellaini played as the furthest forward of a three.
You also have to remember, as you said, that you looked at '5-6' games, which is a fairly small sample size and you don't provide context as to who the opponents are. It might have been that Everton relied on counter-attacks while giving up territory and possession, so the more mobile Osman was relied upon to make runs to support the striker, despite being the more central player.
That being said, from what I saw, Fellaini more often than not was used behind the striker and certainly did not screen the defense, and Ross Barkley has just taken over from where he was, albeit with a different style.
You also have to remember, as you said, that you looked at '5-6' games, which is a fairly small sample size and you don't provide context as to who the opponents are. It might have been that Everton relied on counter-attacks while giving up territory and possession, so the more mobile Osman was relied upon to make runs to support the striker, despite being the more central player.
That being said, from what I saw, Fellaini more often than not was used behind the striker and certainly did not screen the defense, and Ross Barkley has just taken over from where he was, albeit with a different style.
We'd probably still get £15 mil for him (i.e his real value). Big Sam for instance would spunk all over his desk at just the thought of Fellaini and Carroll in the same team. He'd be absolutely thrilled with the signing.
Well I was convinced. We don't sign anyone unless they're "world class."
He can't play as a defensive midfielder, he needs to play upfront.
Aye can't see him doing really well in a deep role. His awareness is simply poor, while he's not very good at distribution either. His only use that I can see in that role is closing down opponents quickly, but that's not happening at all.
Up front his hold up play can be useful. Albeit we are already stocked with talent in that position.
I have not claimed to have done any kind of in depth analysis, I was just disproving claims from others like "Fellaini played in midfield just three times for Everton last season" - this is factually incorrect and is the kind of misinformation that starts becoming internet fact if it goes unchallenged.
Feel free to go and look into it further, as I said I was actually suprised myself at how many games he played defensively at the end of last season as he is mostly known for playing further forward - I provided all the links to the real information, it is there for all to see. I just checked the last 6 matches of last season before getting bored!
And if you do go and look you will see that it is absolutely clear that Moyes set up with a 4-2-3-1 with Fellaini in the 2 on several occasions and this happened in very different types of games (e.g. Chelsea away and West Ham at home) so it is not just by accident or due to opposition or the run of play etc
Now whether Fellaini is suited to partner Carrick in this kind of set up is a whole other topic for discussion and so far the results have been mixed to say the least - regardless I thought it was important to understand that he has played in this system and is not alien to playing in a defensive 2 like many seem to suggest.
I'm sure no one is saying he's alien to it, just that he's not very good at it. And that most of the plaudits he received at Everton were for playing as the target man (not a striker, but he was their target man)
That's exactly what everyone has been saying. I actually never saw him play back but admittedly, I didn't watch Everton much. When I did, he was a target man.
What analysis tool is that, Rood?
It is from Soccernet - very useful tool
For example you can get the one from our last game (click 'Live' > 'Tactical Formation' > 'Average Position'): http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/367413/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739
It is is best way to see how teams set up and who plays where.
Yes many are saying that, just read the thread and you see such comments from many people!
Most United fans will obviously remember the recent times he did well against us when he was target man, but last season when they got Anichebe back to fitness he was their natural target man and it was at that point that Fellaini was moved back to his natural midfield position.
It is true that he has played plenty further forward in recent times, but for most of his career he has been a more defensive midfielder with almost a box to box role - he was getting rave reviews as a defensive midfielder in the past so hopefully he can rediscover that kind of form:
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/01/18/marouane-fellaini-superb-in-a-deep-lying-role-for-everton/
I'm not going to come out with the torch and pitchfork for Fellaini just yet. We have seen how he played against us on opening day last year and other performances against us. Others have seen him on other occasions on what he can accomplish. There is something holding him back from being what he can be in the middle. Posters like Silentwitness who have watched him week in week out knows this isn't the Fellaini that played for Everton. The thing is he used to track back all the time and show much more aggression, this isn't his style of play he's showing right now. All of his passes have been safe, I haven't seen a long range pass or a killer ball; he is capable of doing that. It's as if he is doing his best to play safe and not get into trouble, needs to step out of his comfort zone.
There have been glimpses, even for United really. When he came on in his debut, we near instantly looked comfortable and in control especially in midfield. The first game in Europe was fine too. Last weekend was ups and downs, but he wasn't bad as people are saying and we completely lost it in midfield without him.
I havent seen enough for Fellaini to justify his fee. He hasnt slotted into our style of play.
This is what gives me a little bit of hope for the guy. Yes his debut was Crystal Palace, but it did look like we had some nice control in midfield, and I do think he can bring that to the bigger games should he get rid of this stage fright he seems to have. He really needs to switch on and remove that sluggishness he has, because he does have the ability to move around better than this.
Hope he plays again tonight. I believe in Fellaini
In fact I am really looking forward to tonights game, I have a good feeling about it
In fact I am really looking forward to tonights game, I have a good feeling about it
Really? I think against what is a very quick, counter-attacking Sociedad he's going to be rendered useless due to his lack of mobility. I'd rather start Anderson and Cleverley with Carrick if fit.
Yep really. He needs games and will improve with them
Fellaini will radiate confidence and stability tonight. Believe me.
Kevin hath spoken. Let us all now rejoice.
Delightful signing.
Is Kevin the guy who thought we should've signed Barry, or is that Kelvin?
I'm pretty sure it's Kevin. Scott Parker too, no?
How many CMs do you have available tonight? It would be a perfect tactic to play
----Carrick----?-------
--------Fellaini--------
in midfield tonight. Fellaini wouldn't be playing behind the striker but as the highest of three central midfielders, allowing him to pressurise and win the ball back in their half of the pitch, plus he would be able to use his aerial ability well.
----Carrick----?-------
--------Fellaini--------
in midfield tonight. Fellaini wouldn't be playing behind the striker but as the highest of three central midfielders, allowing him to pressurise and win the ball back in their half of the pitch, plus he would be able to use his aerial ability well.
Yep. He still might not be that good but, seeing as we're stuck with him, better hope he gets regular playing time so we can at least get the best of what he has to offer.
He'll be scintillating for us or something.
Anderson played the other night for the reserves so I am not expecting him tonight, and Cleverley got a knock and is doubtfull for tonight, so that leaves us with just Jones or Giggs, plus Carrick and Fellaini of course, so not really a great night for trying that. Even if they all are available, I don't think many of us would like to see that formation to be fair, most of us are desperate to see Kagawa in that position more than Fellaini.
Yeah, it would work well with Cleverley i feel. It takes away the extra creativity from a 4-2-3-1 with Kagawa playing behind RVP but i think in a game against Sociedad who i think United could struggle to cope with, it would be a good option to have for his pressing game high up the pitch.
I am not fan of that, to be honest with you. He could be good for pressing, but spanish teams like playing pressing game themselves, and I don't think he would be great with the ball at his feet against Sociedad, and we're dying for bit creativity, plus I don't like to see him being shifted through different positions in every game, he is brought to play as a cm, and he should continue to play there. His performances haven't been great lately, and moving him into different position won't help him.
Can't even get in the team ahead of Giggs now
Amazing signing!
Amazing signing!
Bit of a stupid comment considering how much we rotate.
It's not. He was taken off at the weekend. Didn't play for Belgium last week.
So should be ready for this game.
So should be ready for this game.
what a load of shit. Good old Daily Nazi.
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