If I'm being honest, Ferdinand is a ridiculously good defender.
Manchester United vs Valencia CF
- Thread starter BahamaRed
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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.
Lets not get ahead of ourselves - we all know Gibson has a great shot on him, but can we really afford the luxury of playing with a Lampardesque player in a 2-man midfield regularly?
I would say he and Nani will prove good options against teams that are parking the bus, but Gibson still needs to add more to his overall game to be useful for us as a first team regular imo.
Cleverly looked good, Tosic looked decent but he still seems to just be doing the same thing - hit the ball past a player on the outside and whip a cross in. He could add some variety to his game in that department.
Carrick and Fletcher were both thoroughly average.
Rooney/Owen looks like a good combo as I predicted - Rooney always plays best with an out-and-out striker ahead of him, and I hope that now some more people might realise this.
Defensively, De Laet was a revelation, another solid performance from Evans, and the others all did OK too.
Valencia had another great game, I hope he isnt just too eager to impress in his first few games and that he keeps this level of performance consistently - if so, I would go as far to say he can replace Ronaldo in our team.
Central midfield remains our biggest weakness - and it showed in the way that Silva performed when brought on. Other than that though, our squad is looking very solid.
I would say he and Nani will prove good options against teams that are parking the bus, but Gibson still needs to add more to his overall game to be useful for us as a first team regular imo.
Cleverly looked good, Tosic looked decent but he still seems to just be doing the same thing - hit the ball past a player on the outside and whip a cross in. He could add some variety to his game in that department.
Carrick and Fletcher were both thoroughly average.
Rooney/Owen looks like a good combo as I predicted - Rooney always plays best with an out-and-out striker ahead of him, and I hope that now some more people might realise this.
Defensively, De Laet was a revelation, another solid performance from Evans, and the others all did OK too.
Valencia had another great game, I hope he isnt just too eager to impress in his first few games and that he keeps this level of performance consistently - if so, I would go as far to say he can replace Ronaldo in our team.
Central midfield remains our biggest weakness - and it showed in the way that Silva performed when brought on. Other than that though, our squad is looking very solid.
Good performance that. A few top-notch performances (De Laet, Valencia, Ferdinand) and we look fit, sharp and composed atm, and are playing some pretty exciting flowing football. It was nice to see Gibson and Cleverley come on and make an impact too, as neither has had too much first team action. We played really well, and managed a pleasing result against a threatening Valencia side. We look prepared for an upcoming campaign, and were more fluent and creative today than against Bayern imo.
Only disappointing things were Carrick, and Rooney's rather sloppy first half performance. A good display by most of the side. Oh, and I forgot what a good shot stopped PIG can be, even if his kicking and collecting of balls isn't too good.
Only disappointing things were Carrick, and Rooney's rather sloppy first half performance. A good display by most of the side. Oh, and I forgot what a good shot stopped PIG can be, even if his kicking and collecting of balls isn't too good.
Da Laet,Fletcher,Valencia were all very good.
Gibson is certainly more talented than we thought.People had lost faith in him and was considered as the next David Jones but he could actually turn out to be a good player.
Gibson is certainly more talented than we thought.People had lost faith in him and was considered as the next David Jones but he could actually turn out to be a good player.
I think if we had faced a full strength Valencia, with Villa and Silva playing for 90 minutes, we wouldve been given a much tougher time. Lets not get too overexcited.
I think that's the best thing about this season. Getting to see the youngsters prove their ability in the first team. I am glad Fergie did not get out the cheque book and buy a bunch of players because this means more opportunities for Macheda, Gibson, Welbeck. I watched Cleverly play last preseason (or was it the one before??) and he impressed then, and then went out on loan and I had no idea how he did, and was suprised to see him today, didn't think he was in Fergie's plans, but what a mature performance. I can only once where he misplaced a pass. He was very tidy and had such composure.
I thought Owen did well, except for his finishing. I think he's trying too hard and needs to relax. The goals will come as long as he gets into those positions.
I'm looking forward to more of our youngsters making a name for themselves this season and in the seasons to come. The future is definitely bright. I think that excites me more than any title ambitions for the coming season
I thought Owen did well, except for his finishing. I think he's trying too hard and needs to relax. The goals will come as long as he gets into those positions.
I'm looking forward to more of our youngsters making a name for themselves this season and in the seasons to come. The future is definitely bright. I think that excites me more than any title ambitions for the coming season
Whilst this is true, I think Villa and Silva were probably able to play top rate stuff for a half each as they both presumably knew that was all they were going to have to play. Neither would have shown the same energy and creativity over a 90 minute period imo.
You're right though, they would have posed more of an attacking threat second half if Villa had stayed on the pitch in the second half, for sure.
Can anyone tell me if the highlights of this game are being shown ? I missed the fecking thing 
Dropped off ? Not following Plech
Thinks it's even steven if United had fielded a full strength team.
To sleep.
Fat?
Really enjoyed the night. Good to be back in match-going mode. What a fantastic turnout for a friendly too. I am sure not many teams in the world would pull in 70,000+ for a pretty meaningless game. Atmosphere was very "pre-season friendly" with about 2 chants and countless mexican waves!. But it was good to see the lads again. Valencia looked very promising and there were some other good performances particularly from Ferdinand, Fletcher and I thought Owen did well - a shame he couldn't put away one of his chances, but at least he was making them. Young players looked useful particularly Cleverley. Difficult to draw conclusions but a useful runout and definitely our most testing friendly yet - a good warm up for Wembley.