If RVP was match fit I also wouldn't have any qualms, but he isn't unfortunately - I also agree in that the negativity is over done, still think there's something left in him, but be a lot to ask him to come back firing from an injury into a game at the Bridge.
Carrick, Blind, Jones, Rojo all out for the Chelsea game - What now?!
- Thread starter Annihilate Now!
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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.
If RVP was match fit I also wouldn't have any qualms, but he isn't unfortunately - I also agree in that the negativity is over done, still think there's something left in him, but be a lot to ask him to come back firing from an injury into a game at the Bridge.
Just another part of Chelsea's luck this season. They've got everything going for them at the moment.
Must be, has to be, wish it is... Seems odd that all four happened to be injured in one game and most are just knocks. Given that Chelsea would have been planning for our setup, this gives them something else to think about till we hit them with a surprise!
This is a bit different, but just a thought.
-----------------Rooney
Mata---Herrera--Fellaini--Di maria
------------------Young---------
Get Young to do a job keeping the centrebacks occupied. He's got pace to threaten in behind and he'll more then likely do an occupying job for van Gaal which Falcao just wouldn't. And what with Youngs recent form he might get some joy from it.
We've already lost that partnership down the left side with blind being injured so why not bring in Di Maria to have a go at Ivanovic. I think Di Maria is likely to have a ton more success 1 on 1 with Ivanovic then Young would especially with Blind being out.
-----------------Rooney
Mata---Herrera--Fellaini--Di maria
------------------Young---------
Get Young to do a job keeping the centrebacks occupied. He's got pace to threaten in behind and he'll more then likely do an occupying job for van Gaal which Falcao just wouldn't. And what with Youngs recent form he might get some joy from it.
We've already lost that partnership down the left side with blind being injured so why not bring in Di Maria to have a go at Ivanovic. I think Di Maria is likely to have a ton more success 1 on 1 with Ivanovic then Young would especially with Blind being out.
Any young dm in the reserves looking to make a name for themselves?
Yep, this is a game where we are going to need more discipline than ever and Di Maria doesn't fit that criteria. I think we'll probably move Rooney into Carrick's role and start Falcao up top, with Shaw and Blackett or McNair coming into the back 4.
So disappointed what a joke. Blind, Carrick and Jones have been integral to our team. This is going to effect our game a lot.
No, I don't agree. We have to play as close as to the system as we can. Rooney in midfield is probably the closest we have to a DF similar to Blind or Carrick; everything else we have to keep the same and either have RvP or Falcao up top.
These are the salient points of discussion.
1. Holding Midfielder - We desperately need someone to do a job tomorrow. Can it be Herrera? I don't think so. Yes, he's got good interceptive qualities. Yes, he's very nifty with the ball at his feet. Yes, he's more disciplined than before. But, he lacks any sort of strength to deal with the torrent of blue midfielders who will be hounding him. Carrick has strength and Blind is wiry but strong. Rooney will have to come in. There was a point in the season, when Carrick was subbed off and Rooney played the role, and I distinctly remember LVG praising Wayne for doing that job well.
Rooney has the power and intelligence needed to pull it off. The only thing I'm worried about is his dodgy first touch. It's been known to be fidgety at times, but tomorrow he'll need to be on top of his game. He's the captain. He's got TONNES of experience and he can deal with the pressure. He's my man.
2. Formation - Do we persist with this winning formula that's been created? The flat back four is working well for us, but it depends a whole lot on communication and intelligence.
Chris Smalling has been our general at the back ever since his debacle at The Etihad. He communicates well. Paddy McNair and Shaw will have to listen to his every word. Let's be rational. Luke Shaw has prem experience and has the ability. He just needs confidence. Smalling can give him that. Paddy will have his biggest test yet. No time to feck up, boy. This is it. Make or break your future at United. They will benefit a lot from Rooney also helping out in front of them. The Captain has been outstanding as a leader.
3. Has the 'Philosophy' sunk in? - Tomorrow will be LVG's biggest test, yet. We will finally get to see if it wasn't just those 11 players who have got his methods down or of the entire squad have begun to benefit from it.
Let's remember this. In the early part of the season it was McNair who was keeping Jones and Evans out of the team at times. He seems to have impressed LVG and that means he has understood his methods or at least grasped his methods quicker than most. It's been a while since we saw his face, and maybe by now he has completely grasped. Tomorrow, we will know for sure if he was what LVG thought him to be.
Shaw is used to playing possession football. He played that effectively for Pochettino for a couple of years. Pochettino at Southampton did a lot of what we do. High press, quick ball circulation and flying wing backs. In theory, the lad ought to to do his job without too much worry. My worry is his lack of playing time due to injuries. Hell of a time to be called on. This game should shed some light on his mentality and if he can make it into the big leagues. He's 19, but he's been hailed as a supremely talented individual. He has to show it now.
Tomorrow, we will see a bit of hesitation but I think we should be fine in the pressing game. The vast majority of our press is unaffected by these injuries. Only Blind or the LB position has been affected to a bad degree as Blind has played an integral role in launching attacks. Rooney will be the most important player for us tomorrow. All will depend on his discipline and his ability to inspire the troops.
1. Holding Midfielder - We desperately need someone to do a job tomorrow. Can it be Herrera? I don't think so. Yes, he's got good interceptive qualities. Yes, he's very nifty with the ball at his feet. Yes, he's more disciplined than before. But, he lacks any sort of strength to deal with the torrent of blue midfielders who will be hounding him. Carrick has strength and Blind is wiry but strong. Rooney will have to come in. There was a point in the season, when Carrick was subbed off and Rooney played the role, and I distinctly remember LVG praising Wayne for doing that job well.
Rooney has the power and intelligence needed to pull it off. The only thing I'm worried about is his dodgy first touch. It's been known to be fidgety at times, but tomorrow he'll need to be on top of his game. He's the captain. He's got TONNES of experience and he can deal with the pressure. He's my man.
2. Formation - Do we persist with this winning formula that's been created? The flat back four is working well for us, but it depends a whole lot on communication and intelligence.
Chris Smalling has been our general at the back ever since his debacle at The Etihad. He communicates well. Paddy McNair and Shaw will have to listen to his every word. Let's be rational. Luke Shaw has prem experience and has the ability. He just needs confidence. Smalling can give him that. Paddy will have his biggest test yet. No time to feck up, boy. This is it. Make or break your future at United. They will benefit a lot from Rooney also helping out in front of them. The Captain has been outstanding as a leader.
3. Has the 'Philosophy' sunk in? - Tomorrow will be LVG's biggest test, yet. We will finally get to see if it wasn't just those 11 players who have got his methods down or of the entire squad have begun to benefit from it.
Let's remember this. In the early part of the season it was McNair who was keeping Jones and Evans out of the team at times. He seems to have impressed LVG and that means he has understood his methods or at least grasped his methods quicker than most. It's been a while since we saw his face, and maybe by now he has completely grasped. Tomorrow, we will know for sure if he was what LVG thought him to be.
Shaw is used to playing possession football. He played that effectively for Pochettino for a couple of years. Pochettino at Southampton did a lot of what we do. High press, quick ball circulation and flying wing backs. In theory, the lad ought to to do his job without too much worry. My worry is his lack of playing time due to injuries. Hell of a time to be called on. This game should shed some light on his mentality and if he can make it into the big leagues. He's 19, but he's been hailed as a supremely talented individual. He has to show it now.
Tomorrow, we will see a bit of hesitation but I think we should be fine in the pressing game. The vast majority of our press is unaffected by these injuries. Only Blind or the LB position has been affected to a bad degree as Blind has played an integral role in launching attacks. Rooney will be the most important player for us tomorrow. All will depend on his discipline and his ability to inspire the troops.
Yes Pearson and James but they're both on loan.
If Rooney or Fellaini have to play deeper we're instantly giving our back four significantly less protection than they're used to. In fact it's probably the least protection they'll have had all season. Away from home. Against the best team in the league. Oh and it isn't our first choice back four either. Two of them are missing. Just for shits and giggles.
In this context would it not make sense to replace Fellaini or Rooney with someone who's not going to spend most of the game on the deck, waving his hands in the air, or generally passing the ball to the opposition?
They should resign like they did at Bayern.
Does anyone know how long these players are out for?
That'll most likely be it be it. Still a decent team, in my opinion.
That'll most likely be it be it. Still a decent team, in my opinion.
Bugger
cheers mateDid you miss the Neville break down of Rooneys role in the team against city?
Young is more likely to play to thise instructions then Falcao would and I'm not even sure RvP is fit and he doesnt have the pace to threaten in behind.
Surely we could still go 4-3-3?
DDG
Valencia, McNair, Smalling, Shaw
Herrera
ADM Fellaini
Mata Young
Rooney
I don't think anyone's specifically better suited to Carricks role than Herrera, but by playing him there, we can keep Rooney up top and ADM can come from deep. Tbf his best games have been from a CM position imo.
Edit: For some reason the positioning's changed when i pressed send, so FYI Mata and Young are playing the same positions they have for the past few weeks.
DDG
Valencia, McNair, Smalling, Shaw
Herrera
ADM Fellaini
Mata Young
Rooney
I don't think anyone's specifically better suited to Carricks role than Herrera, but by playing him there, we can keep Rooney up top and ADM can come from deep. Tbf his best games have been from a CM position imo.
Edit: For some reason the positioning's changed when i pressed send, so FYI Mata and Young are playing the same positions they have for the past few weeks.
Any chance LVG is playing mind games?
fecks SAKE, I just hope we play with the same spirit and confidence and put in a performance that's all you can ask for!!
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
I just read it on The Sun. Will have to listen to the presser for confirmation as its not believeble.
Maybe a psych for Mourinho?
I just read it on The Sun. Will have to listen to the presser for confirmation as its not believeble.
Maybe a psych for Mourinho?
LVG said in his press conference that he'd hope they make it, but wouldn't. Ie it was too close. If it were on a Sunday afternoon or Monday they'd make it, but tomorrow is too close.
Can we have some freak occurence of weather to postpone the game?
Line up game just got a bit more interesting!
He hoped Blind and Jones will be fit but they wont.
Could change of course but I very much doubt it.
Shaw hasn't played for a while, I'd be tempted to stick Young at LB and Di Maria on the wing.
I would play this team:
Valencia--Smalling-Blackett--Shaw
------------Mcnair-------------
-----Herrera------Fellaini
Mata----------------------Young
-----------Rooney--------------
Valencia--Smalling-Blackett--Shaw
------------Mcnair-------------
-----Herrera------Fellaini
Mata----------------------Young
-----------Rooney--------------
My hunch: Blind will play in the middle, replaced by Shaw on the left and we will be fine.
I'm not saying Rooney or Fellaini playing in DM is great I'm saying it's our only option, which it is.
Whoever moves leaves a space open in the front five positions. Moving Valencia there instead of Di Maria would be atrocious.
You also raise the point that it's not our first choice back four, yet you advocate moving one of the 2 fit defenders from our first choice back four into midfield in order to accommodate, who himself could be described as a defensive liability, and who hasn't played first team football for months.
I just don't get this level of Di Maria hatred.
I do hope so
I think this is the most logical solution.
Herrera as no6 with dimaria and Fellaini infront of him. McNair as CB, Rafa as LB possibly
I wouldn't mind this:
-----------------------------DDG--------------------------
Rafael -------- Smalling --------- McNair ----------Young
-------------------------- Valencia -----------------------
Mata -----------Herrera --------- Felliani --------- Di Maria
-------------------------- Rooney ------------------------
Alternatively, leave Valencia at rightback and put Young in defensive midfield and Shaw at leftback.
-----------------------------DDG--------------------------
Rafael -------- Smalling --------- McNair ----------Young
-------------------------- Valencia -----------------------
Mata -----------Herrera --------- Felliani --------- Di Maria
-------------------------- Rooney ------------------------
Alternatively, leave Valencia at rightback and put Young in defensive midfield and Shaw at leftback.
We need to find a long-term replacement for Carrick in the summer, maybe one who can work as an understudy for a season before making him a regular.
That's Blind, we need cover for #8s.
Ridiculous.
I think we will go back 5 now.
De Gea - Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Young - Rooney, Herrera, Mata - Di Maria, Fellaini.
I don't know how the front 5 will lineup, just throw them together on the pitch and play for a draw. Di Maria upfront for counters, Fellaini to hoof the ball, Mata at least with some creativity and the rest need to work hard because we have no DM
I think we will go back 5 now.
De Gea - Valencia, Smalling, McNair, Blackett, Young - Rooney, Herrera, Mata - Di Maria, Fellaini.
I don't know how the front 5 will lineup, just throw them together on the pitch and play for a draw. Di Maria upfront for counters, Fellaini to hoof the ball, Mata at least with some creativity and the rest need to work hard because we have no DM
I'm not too worried about this game, funnily enough. For some reason, I can imagine Herrera, Di Maria and Mata to putting some really good defensive displays.
I'm reminded of games where players like Modric (in his last season at Tottenham against Chelsea), Nasri and Cazorla have put in defensive masterclasses against difficult opponents.
Our flair players are all capable of defending, they just lack the concentration to do it week-in-week-out. A game at Stamford Bridge will bring the best out of them.
I'm reminded of games where players like Modric (in his last season at Tottenham against Chelsea), Nasri and Cazorla have put in defensive masterclasses against difficult opponents.
Our flair players are all capable of defending, they just lack the concentration to do it week-in-week-out. A game at Stamford Bridge will bring the best out of them.
Just because they dont stack injury prone players across their back line its hardly their fault
Blind's been written off by a lot of people here though.
A lot of people here should take some vitamins there memories are letting them down.
I think Herrera has played as a number 6 before? Maybe he's the best choice for that role from what's available.
Still. Injury crisis in defence and no cover for Carrick. Some things never change....
I hope the people who said we don't need another CB are taking note.....
Still. Injury crisis in defence and no cover for Carrick. Some things never change....
I hope the people who said we don't need another CB are taking note.....
True, it’s like most people decided already he will not be ever good enough to replace Carrick.