I've not heard that but it doesn't seem true considering he's giving everyone a chance, including the likes of Blackett, McNair, Wilson and Januzaj. Young the pariah of last season has been our most improved player. And Fellaini. Agree about Falcao, I think 99% of United fans I know feel the same. I've said on another thread I actually think Hernandez is more suited to the way LVG sets us up. Would rather have him back. Blind still a bit inconsistent - can be brilliant but has moments when he's positionally caught out. Di Maria I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt. He just isn't getting the space to play. That comes from the lack of movement in midfield or a LB with enough quality on the overlap. When you look at last season Marcello on his outside and then the likes of Modric and Alonso pulling strings in the middle to create the space for him. Mata - needs to be played at the tip of the diamond behind the front 2 OR in the middle of a 3 behind a lone striker (Rooney). But isn't getting picked. Herrera is quality. Not just bcos he's at United but bcos I've watched him come through in La Liga. He will be a top CM. He is exactly what we've been crying out for since Scholes. Finally, we need Carrick back. No coincidence our successful period of 10-12 games were when he came back.
All our players have taken a season or more to come good: Ronaldo, vidic, rio, evra, RVN are just a few. Why should it be any different with our current new players?
The players you've mentioned were integrated into a successful team/squad by a manager with a tried and trusted system and a history of success in the Prem? Are you assuming the two situations are the same, or that any of the united newbies are even as good in their respective positions at united as those you mentioned?
Di Maria is a good player but he needs to be around quality. In this Utd team there's too many average players that castrate his skill basically. He looked lightweight today as well - he is literally lightweight, very thin - getting knocked off the ball far too easy. Herrera's goal was a good shot. He's got potential. You've got no width though, it's all through the middle, and you're playing at snail's pace. Traditionally Utd get the ball out wide, bomb forward. It's not happening for you right now.
I agree about the width. The width is about pulling defenders, creating space in midfield. Full-backs on the overlap as well. Why Rafael can't get a start is mind-boggling as well, pretty sure he's fit. I don't think it's about the quality, but more about the pedestrian style of play and some really really poor movement from some of our players. So in the end, they all play the safe option except for Herrera who can pick a pass, or ADM who will run and eventually get dispossessed because he has no options ahead of him.
Think it's both. I look at your squad and don't see quality throughout in all positions. Players I'd rate as top or potential to be top out of your team today would be: De Gea Di Maria Herrera Mata RVP (currently gash and fading, but still has something about him) Below that: McNair Blind Then: Jones, Rojo, Shaw, Fellaini are gash And I don't rate Rooney. Never have. But he does score and work hard So obviously I'd say your defence has serious issues. It all starts at the back. Sort that and your attacking play improves. Just look at us. Once we sorted the defence a bit (I know it's still v shaky) we improved massively. Think that's the first thing you should look at.
Agree with all of this and would add that we need to shoot more from outside the box, we always try to play in/through a crowded box when often in the build-up a player has had a chance to shoot (remember players like Scholes, Beckham, Keane, Cantona etc), Rooney had at least 3 chances today and chose to pass wide or turn back, the only players prepared to have a go are Blind and Herrera we need more.
Whatever else can be said of Rooney, he's a bloody good goalscorer and assister. I would have him in the top group. Other than that I agree (Jones probably up with Blind and McNair). Shaw yeh big big question mark but maybe he needs a season? You haven't mentioned Carrick. He was playing the best I've seen him play for about 3 years. The thing about Carrick is he's a typical English midfielder in that he raises his game with quality around him AND in return he makes them play better also. But ask him to control a midfield with mediocrity around him (like last season or for England) and he struggles. That's a good shout about the defence, but you guys also have pace and lots of it. Not just runners but the quickness of passing.
I hate it that teams just fold against our rivals. #typical. No chance Saints are going to win so hoping for a draw. Having said that, you dont get goals unless you have a pop. And United just dont do enough of that.
You know what, much as I hate those scouse bastrds, I really wouldnt begrudge them Top 4 the way they're playing. And I blame LVG for making Rodgers look good. That's probably the saddest indictment of his tenure so far.
