Not sure what relevance that was to my comment, I was being genuine. Falcao and Di Maria instead of Rvp and Mata will make you guys stronger IMO. Still lack a midfield and CBs though
No reason all of them cant play plenty of games. Even without european football. van Persie is 31 after all.
I fear there could be sparks between van Persie and Falcao ... is there room for both on the same treatment table?
I agree regarding the wages. But if that's £18m over the year, we can afford it, and a better way of looking at it, is 18m worth a place in the top 4? If he turns out to be prolific, I'd say so. It is a risk at the end of the day, but one the club can afford. Rooney should be rotated with the front man or on the left. Mata should always be behind the front man whoever that is. Having said that, it's a versatile attacking line up. We could play this... ------------DDG -----Jones Evans Rojo Rafael ADM Herrera Shaw ----------Mata -----Rooney Falcao or this... -----------DDG Rafael Jones Rojo Shaw -------Blind Herrera Di Maria Mata Rooney ---------Falcao But personally I'd rotate the strikers (especially Rooney) Also agree about the midfield general. Last season seems to be so easily forgotten...as are the last 4 games. I'm hoping that Blind can step up to the mark though. CB I'm not so worried about tbh...if our new midfield can keep possession which seems to be the main problem exposing our defense.
Never said they wouldn't, I just don't think the trio I highlighted works as they get in each others way IMO
I personally see Rooney as the weak link (heres comes the "bias" claims) but there is no way he'll be dropped after LVG made him club captain
Tentatively agree with the first bit (would like to give him a chance with our new signings - some things just click). Sadly agree with the second bit. Then again, ppl say LVG doesn't give a fck so you never know. Apart from Rooney, thoughts as a rival on our line up now? Is that enough to get top 4? Which teams out of the current top 4/5 could that side beat at least at home.
I think you lack balance. You have some quality attacking players but still lack a quality CM and CB. Herrara and Rojo could become good signings but what if they flop? You have to rely on Fletcher (used to be great but not now), Carrick (fair enough so long as you have legs along side him), Cleverley (is he still there?), Smalling and Jones (don't rate either). With the squad you have, I'd probably go with something like... De Gea Rafael - Smalling - Rojo - Shaw Blind - Herrara Di Maria - Mata - Rooney Falcao Leaves players like Jones, Evans, Carrick, Januzai, RvP, etc on the bench. Not bad but that highlighted section looks suspect IMO
That's a fair shout tbf. I only disagree about the Smalling/Jones comment. I actually think Blind and Herrera (although we wait and see) may be fine, but what if one is out...or Blind covers left back? That's when I think we'll struggle bcos like you said Fletcher will be put in there and he is finished sadly. Gutted we sold Kagawa btw.
On paper we have a greatly improved midfield. We have yet to see it on the pitch though. Every chance it turns out pretty good. The dutch poty and a highly rated spanish midfielder. Add to that one of the top performers in the world last season plus one of the best players at the world cup and you have a very good set of players.
Carrick, fletcher and even Cleverley are ok when they are only covering. Its when they are lining up game after game, month after month.
Insane money. If you buy him for 45 odd mill at the end of the season (which is being reported), then that's a lot for a 29 year old. £350k a week? Gone for the money. Welbeck gone is a bit of a surprise too. A friend of mine says some player called 'Larence' is off who he rates as one of your best young players? Big changes for sure.
