I'm starting to get a bit concerned about the contribution of Tunnicliffe. The problem is I think that he looks a good player, moves well, has a good first touch and passes it about well but none of this seems to result in any end product. No assists and no goals after starting most games this season is just not good enough. Where are the killer passes forward or even any shots on goal ? and for a big lad he never even seems to get stuck in for corners etc, in fact I can hardly remember him heading the ball at all. With Skuse and Hyam being so defensive minded it's vital that whoever plays in the other central midfield spot makes an attacking contribution. So in conclusion I'm starting to think he is flattering to deceive, It's no good just looking good he has to start making his mark on games.
Completely agree anglian I mentioned something similar a few weeks ago as his loan was coming to an end and I felt that maybe we should look to bring in someone a bit different in.. if/when he goes back to United.. which we obviously haven't. At the start of the season he looked a decent player (out of position) on the left and he and Cressy looked to have struck up an understanding.. In midfield he has looked OK and I agree that our biggest issue in midfield is that all the players we have are 'much of a muchness' and all play in a similar style, with no one breaking from midfield I fancy he'll become a handy player in a couple of years time but at the minute he doesn't seem to really take games by the scruff of the neck and control things..... but then that could easily by said about Skuse, Hyam, Tabb, Anderson etc.
I dont get what he does or offers us. I havent from the moment he got here and have not seen any obvious Man Utd pedigree. He is probably my number 1 pet hate this season.
He's systematic of McCarthy...lots of huff n puff, and very workmanlike. He's useful to have in a team, but not with another two defensive midfielders. I think we should go back to 442, with Skuse (who i don't rate in the slightest, but is best of a bad bunch) and Tunnicliffe in the centre. We then need to find two wide players as nothing we have are going to worry the opposition. I'd actually start giving Taylor a run on wide right, especially as Chambers is so defensive on the right. As for our other midfielders (Tabb, Hunt, Anderson, Wordsworth, Edwards)..well, they are all just not good enough. And to think the MM said that he's happy with the players he has - very dillusional.
Tunnicliffe clearly isnt going to make a Prem player so I cant see Man Utd retaining him so I wouldnt be at all surprised to see him here under contract next season. Who else do we have? Wordsworth? useless, Anderson? equally useless, Tabb? disappointingly useless, Carlos? gives 100% but retirement beckons, Hyam and Skues? the best weve got, Hunt? could improve with games. With no cash available thats it for the rest of the season.