It's so refreshing to have options in the squad now. Obviously the signing of Charlie is an additional option, but also the fact that Targett is starting as part of a five means effectively creates a second option for us (that being Tadic in the two games before today, and no doubt would have been for a third game today had Davis been fit). For most of the season we've pretty much had Mane, Tadic and Pelle all starting, with only Long then available to change anything. JWP, Juanmi and (when available) a half-fit Jay weren't exactly inspiring offensive options. But conceivably we could have Austin, Pelle and Tadic all warming the touchline at the Emirates, all ready to be called upon if required.
This is funny. The United match thread has a great title..... Funny all the opposing fans on there too http://www.not606.com/threads/manchester-united-v-liverpools-feeder-club.321417/page-4
We also seem to have found a setup that maximizes the skillset and minimizes the weaknesses of said squad, which has a lot of players who'd prefer to play through the middle in some fashion. Neither Targett nor Cedric are great defensively, but with 3 CBs they don't need to be; their responsibilities shift toward forcing teams to play through the congested centre, and both are quite capable of using their pace to harass wide players. JWP and Davis aren't seeing time on the wing anymore, where they have some utility but provide little width, and we have mobility (and now finishing!) up top to produce chances when we intercept and counter. Part of the reason we were dead set on Mane, Tadic and Pelle is that they were really the only three who fit adequately; that's no longer the case. Speaking of Juanmi: I have probably mentioned it before, but if he has a chance here, it'll be as the second forward in this sort of formation. May not get that chance in short order, however, because of the options ahead of him.
Indeed. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But to openly second guess a proven quality manager [and in one or two cases, call for his sacking] who, for whatever reason, has clearly just been going through a poor patch with his squad, is a bit knee-jerk, in my opinion.
Quote from a ManU fan on not606: It isn't difficult - just look at Koeman - what he did there was called managing ..............a while ago he identified a shortcoming in his squad, he bought the exact player that he needed (and played him in the correct position) and then used mystical things called tactics to bring on the player at the right time
I also think that having Bertrand as that third CB, rather than Yoshida (or Caulker, pre him leaving), is a bit of a masterstroke from Ron. Who of us saw Bertrand as a possible CB option? I think we're all pretty comfortable with the notion that Bertrand can defend, so it's not like we're playing a dodgy defender in that position. But much more than that, he is quick, he is comfortable on the ball, he's a set piece taker option, and naturally he's never going to be uncomfortable at being pulled out wide (either as a result of following his man, or covering for Targett being caught upfield). All things that Yoshida isn't really. That one personal change within the five - Targett rather than Yoshida - has helped to completely transform the effectiveness of a 5-3-2 for us.
I assume you have Fellaini in goal. If so, good call - Afroman will have a legitimate reason to elbow people in the face and DDG will probably be our best chance of scoring posted on that manu match thread on thursday the clairvoyants. If their own fans are wised up to it how are the refs not???
I think we saw what Davis brings to the team, by his very absence. Many times we had no one actually sitting in a central, advanced midfield position, which led to a lot of long balls or moves breaking down, because we had no one scavenging there, but despite that we were deserved winners. One thing I really, really wanted to see, was Saints score, after United took a quick free quick but bounced the ball off the ref, for us to attack. Had we scored from that breakaway, I think my bladder would have given way as a result of laughing too much.
Absolutely, and Bertrand seems to have a very good sense of when to step out of the defensive line to deal with a threat, which is an important part of a back three. None of the trio are traditional stay-at-home CBs, but they've done a remarkably good job of coordinating their jaunts into midfield, such that we haven't had the dreaded "two defenders went for a ball in the gap, one stayed home and played everyone onside, half the opponent's starting lineup waltzed in for an easy goal" moment that poorly-drilled back threes feature with disturbing regularity.
This new formation is good news for Targett. Koeman says it is very hard for Matty to get a chance when he has an England player in front of him...but he is getting chances now Bertrand plays as a third CB.
Oh how I would have loved to have written that quote. Absolutely spot on, with just the right amount of sarcasm thrown in.
The important thing is that against the 'lesser' teams, Targett continues to contribute offensively (two assist from two games is certainly contributing so far). If he doesn't, it'll soon be back to the drawing board again. We'd have to put Bertrand back out there, probably resulting in a change of formation with it. It's not like we could keep Bertrand where he is, and bring someone else in for Targett. I wouldn't want Tadic playing LWB, and no doubt Ron wouldn't either. But so far, so very, very good.
Going to watch an hours play on Match Choice...not because it will be the greatest game, but I'm going to enjoy the anticipation.
