I still don't see him as a holding midfielder. Mourinho surely played him there out of necessity more than anything else.
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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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If Fred was here last season would McTominay have played at all? And that was in a season where Pogba and Fellaini missed a tonne of games with injuries. Can’t see Pereira getting a look in tbh.
Why not? It is the position he has shown his highest level yet, in a full performance. I certainly can't see him as a winger or as a 10, but maybe an 8 then? He certainly isn't the type of player to control the game from deep yet, nor is he a destroyer of sorts so playing as a 6 might not be the best fit. Right now, he is like a tidy effective box-box player being told to stay back. I really enjoy that tho, and think he can grow to be a excellent player in that position albeit a different type than the classical deep playmaker.
I can. If we continue to play 3 in midfield it only takes one injury to thrust him into contention. He'll feature plenty in the cup games too. I think Jose has been impressed with him this tour.
Pogba - Fred - Pereira would be one hell of a press resistant midfield that for sure.
That’s a Barcelona midfield
I would like to see this with Matic playing longside either Smalling or Bailly at the back
How did my fav get on last night? I missed the match unfortunately.
With Matic being injured and Andreas starting every pre-season game, does it look like he start the season at number 6?
Tidy, Classy, Elegant on the ball as always. Nothing to see here.
Awe good to hear, that makes it 4 out 4. I think he's done enough to start against Leicester next week ❤
I think the midfield 3 will be Andreas - Fred - Herrera, at the start of the season.
Eventually becoming Matic (Andreas) Fred (Herrera) Pogba (McTominay).
I think so - with Herrera and Fred in front of him.
I think that's the plan. He won't be starting tonight if he were not to start the season against Leicester.
If he is picked for the Bayern game, it will be a certainty.
I'm hoping to see it before Matic comes back from injury
He'll be a revelation.
Leicester will be getting no change out of that midfield.
Really hope he gets a serious chance in the first team this season. The quality is there for all to see and he’s the kind of talent we should be integrating into the squad.
I haven't seen any of the preseason games, has he been that impressive?
A lot of price, and I certainly hope is true, let's hope he stays and plays a lot of minutes. He could save us a fortune by replacing Matic in the future, of course as a different number 6.
A lot of price, and I certainly hope is true, let's hope he stays and plays a lot of minutes. He could save us a fortune by replacing Matic in the future, of course as a different number 6.
Fellaini goes in place of McTominay as Pogbas back up then.
He looks like Thiago light at times, that gif above really is something you expect Thiago to do.
Many may not agree with me and I don’t blame them. But I am in a way glad Matic is injured and will be out for the Leicester game, not sure if he will miss any games after this? Because this would then give Pereira a chance to shine as a number 6, if he takes it, which I hope he does! Then surely he would have a chance of regularly starting ahead of Matic even when he is fit again?
Even if he demotes Pereira to the bench, it’s positive signs because Mourinho knows he has a player capable of filling in instead of Matic when he is injured/burnt out. Last season for many games Matic was running on fumes because Jose didn’t trust anyone else to come and replace him. Now with Pereira, he can give him plenty of minutes from the start or even off the bench, before eventually making the number 6 position his own.
If Matic had been fit, then you can expect Jose would most likely start him ahead of Pereira and then who knows when he would get his first opportunity to shine!
Yes Pereira is not as good defensively as Matic, but the only way to improve that side of his game is by playing regular minutes, let’s not forget Carrick is investing a lot of time in Pereira too, so that will help immensely. From recent interviews, Pogba has stated he also realised he needs to contribute more defensively for the purpose of the team, Fred is also a hard working player and efficient in pressing opponents. So having a 3 man midfield where all the players are willing to work defensively as a unit and also be able to contribute going forward too could be an exciting prospect for us If we do sign another commanding CB which is an upgrade on what we have, then hopefully it gives our midfield, including Pereira the license to still express themselves and play more risky passes.
This could be a blessing in disguise!
Even if he demotes Pereira to the bench, it’s positive signs because Mourinho knows he has a player capable of filling in instead of Matic when he is injured/burnt out. Last season for many games Matic was running on fumes because Jose didn’t trust anyone else to come and replace him. Now with Pereira, he can give him plenty of minutes from the start or even off the bench, before eventually making the number 6 position his own.
If Matic had been fit, then you can expect Jose would most likely start him ahead of Pereira and then who knows when he would get his first opportunity to shine!
Yes Pereira is not as good defensively as Matic, but the only way to improve that side of his game is by playing regular minutes, let’s not forget Carrick is investing a lot of time in Pereira too, so that will help immensely. From recent interviews, Pogba has stated he also realised he needs to contribute more defensively for the purpose of the team, Fred is also a hard working player and efficient in pressing opponents. So having a 3 man midfield where all the players are willing to work defensively as a unit and also be able to contribute going forward too could be an exciting prospect for us
If we do sign another commanding CB which is an upgrade on what we have, then hopefully it gives our midfield, including Pereira the license to still express themselves and play more risky passes.This could be a blessing in disguise!
I can't see Mourinho being a fan of it. Another thing is Matic always plays.
I think Pereira is a top player and will prove here or elsewhere.
I think if they all do their fair share of defensive duties then it can work, Fred and Pereira will definitely do their fair share. I think Pogba will step up this season with his defensive duties too.
As long as he's a squad player this season that's good enough. Any expectations of him being a first team regular are premature.
I think all three are very defensively capable. However, for a team that doesn't press, it does not seem like a physical enough midfield for Mourinho.
Personally I'd love to see it.
It has to happen at least once to see what potential it has because on paper I think this is the most exciting midfield we've had in a long time. At least for home games against the small teams we can get by with this midfield for sure. Will save Matic from being burned out again. I wonder if there's a future for Matic as the third CB? He picks the ball from deep all the the time anyways because our centre backs our so bad on the ball. Maybe he could play in the middle of a 3 man defence and allow this midfield to push up further?
Matic is missing the start of the season, Pereira has been playing as a 6 and has very suddenly said his new position is no.6 despite barely ever playing there.
I think it is highly likely he is being prepped to be Matic's replacement and will be the first option to rest him and take over from him in 1-2 seasons.
Think he played very well again.
Has to happen more than once imo. If Mourinho truly has faith, he has to be brave enough to stick with it and give that combination a run of games.
I certainly believe that combination is our best on the ball and I think it has potential in transition.
Pereira, Fred and Pogba are all very good and getting the ball with their back to goal and turning their man. It's been one of the areas we've been consistently shit at and one of the reasons our attackers have to come ridiculously deep to get the ball.
If he starts the Bayern game, imo, that puts him above McTominay at least. I hope he's sensational. This team needs ball players to start prospering.
Loved some of the footwork I saw last night. I think at this stage, I'll be disappointed if he doesn't get plenty of minutes this season.
As much as McTominay hasn't done much wrong, I think difference in quality is pretty stark.
As much as McTominay hasn't done much wrong, I think difference in quality is pretty stark.
To be fair I wouldn't be shocked if he's already above him in the pecking order, he's started every game this pre-season hasn't he? If he has that's a big indicator to me.
Only because Matic is injured, the real deal will be when Matic is back.
Mctominay should go for a loan in the championship IMO.
Indeed, I do think like the poster above said that he looks like he's being groomed for that Matic position. I can envision Pereira getting more game time as the season wears on depending on performance/what we're challenging for at the time, Matic just turned 30 today so he's got a few more years left in the tank but if Pereira impressed in the actual season then we could see him phased into the starting 11 next season.
I agree, McTominay's game time may end up being limited if he stays, I don't think it'd do him any harm at all to go out on loan as long as he gets ample playing time.
He’s looked like the best player in our preseason, with only Alexis being anywhere near him in terms of performance quality.
I’m honestly impressed with how he’s made himself look like a natural at the number 6 position. He always played as an offensive position throughout his youth career with us and never seemed like he knew what defending was.
I’m honestly impressed with how he’s made himself look like a natural at the number 6 position. He always played as an offensive position throughout his youth career with us and never seemed like he knew what defending was.
That is blatantly untrue though as he always loved to fly into a tackle. He also played as a deeper 8 a number of times and a large portion of youth followers always thought he'd develop into a deeper midfielder. He has always been better at dropping deep and getting the ball and in and around the box has always been his weakness.
I agree with you actually and think it would be a good idea. Because Matic is still a great player and Mourinho will play him in 100% games available. But he is just too slow for some games alongside Pogba who is another player whos first few steps and turn is way too long, holding the ball too long too, so if we are ever speed up our play, not just our attacking play but press a bit higher and play it quicker we could use those players while Matic will read it from the back and he would be an excellent passer from the back, need more eggressive midfield for sure and just because they are small doesn¨t mean they cant hold the ball
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