If we were to take a consensus of opinion on Macheda whether he'll make it at United, it would be indifferent IMO. Some people feel that he didn't really step up after THAT goal against Aston Villa, but his other goal against Villa this season wasn't bad either! Last season he went to Sampdoria on loan and didn't set the world alight. He didn't perform as Sampdoria were relegated but that team was in general turmoil after selling some of their best players like Cassano, so all in all, a tough time for Federico. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_7008429,00.html He says that he'd rather stay in the Premiership if he goes out on loan next season and I think that if he does go somewhere that makes him an important part of their team (similarly to Sturridge at Bolton) do you think he will flourish? I think that such a loan spell would offer a much better indication of Macheda's talent and development. When he made his first appearance for United against Villa, apart from the goal, he looked an all round package. There was this one moment that I remember when he burst down the left wing with huge pace and skill on the ball but performances after that have been a bit sluggish, he often got caught offside. This leaves me with a question, what is our strikeforce for next season? Bearing in mind that Owen is still with us (a good decision in my mind), Berba should be, if not definately staying. Rooney Berbatov Hernandez Owen Welbeck Diouf? Macheda? Diouf is an interesting one. I thought he did quite well at Blackburn and he looks much, much better than Manucho. At Blackburn he has 6 goals in 29 apps (credit to Wiki for that) and his total goal record is pretty good (and who was the last striker to leave Molde for us? ) but will he get a chance? Lastly, what do you think Welbeck's role in the team will be? Was he an out an out striker for Sunderland or a wide forward? I think that's his best position. He is frighteningly quick and great on the ball, I said on 606 a few years back that he almost reminds me of Henry when he is on the ball, floating over the ground with ease. His goals at the U21 Euros showed that he can play up front and could have a role in the future similar to Berbatov in terms of ability on the ball. With Hernandez's emergence I think people often forget what we have in reserve, lest we forget the likes of Josh King and Ravel Morrison!
I think our main 4 strikers are Rooney, Hernandez, Berbatov and Owen. I think Welbeck and Macheda are fantastic back up but I'm not sure if the two of them would be happy being 5th and 6th choice strikers. I think it would be a great idea to see how Macheda would do in this league in a whole season so I would be happy to see him go out on loan to QPR or Swansea. I think with Owen's injury record Welbeck would be good choice to keep him. I think Diouf is probably 7th choice striker so if he's happy with that then fine but I can see a lot of reserve games for him this season and very limited playing time in the first team.
Spoilt for choice up front at the moment. I'd like to see Welbeck in the squad this season and build on his time at Sunderland. He's in a tough spot though, if we go 2 up top he's competing with Rooney, Berba, Hernandez, and Owen. If we go 4-3-3, that brings Nani, Valencia, Giggs, and Young into the picture as well. I don't think Macheda even gets a sniff at the moment - I'd send him out on loan again, preferably in the PL this time.
I don't think it's fair to judge Macheda after his loan spell at Sampdoria. He's going to be 20 in August? Can't believe that guy was nearly the same age as me when he scored that goal against Villa! So if a club like QPR or Swansea were to take him, he'd be pretty much first choice. As long as he is getting the minutes on the pitch, doesn't matter where for me as long as its somewhere in the Premier League. I don't think we'll see 4-3-3 that often again. 2 years ago, it was almost a necessity with Rooney on his own but with the sucess that we have had with 2 upfront be it Rooney, Hernandez or Berbatov. Flexibility is the key and Welbeck has shown that he is ready for the Premier League and in a number of positions. If our strikerforce is Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Owen and Welbeck, I think that is plenty strong enough.
I think we'll see plenty of 4-3-3, even if we sign the 'CM that will solve all our problems'. It's a more flexible formation than 4-4-2 and given the versatility and variation we have up front it gives us better options.
When I said more 4-4-2 I didn't mean a rigid 2 wingers, 2 CM etc. All I meant is that we will see 2 strikers on the pitch, might not necessarily play upfront together. Like Rooney dropping off deep almost in midfield to link up the play.
yup - 4-2-3-1 is good - we've got the players that can swap positions up front to make it work. De Gea Rafael/O'Shea Rio/Smalling Vidic/Jones Evra/Fabio Carrick/Gibson Anderson/Fletcher Nani/Valencia Rooney/Giggs Young/Park Hernandez/Berbatov
I would love Kiko succeed but i have my doubts unfortunatly. You forget that 10 minuets before he scored at Villa this year he gave away the ball and they scored!. Give him one more loan. To an English team, before he judge if he is united quality. There is something there but he is far from the complete package and i had expected him to improve more by now.
