What is your best XI?

First off I would just like to congratulate you on pipping Otelul Galeti to 3rd spot hence qualifying for the Europa League

Secondly, I've seen a lot of United fans bemoaning the formation and tactics used yesterday, I personally thought the line up you used was something close to your strongest but what are your thoughts on this?

I believe Jones atm is a poor defender and will end up costing you points, Rio is also past it and not good enough. Smalling is class and I don't understand why he is played out of position to supplement Jones, Smalling is and will be the better player of the two and should be partnering Vidic at CB

Nani, who I thought was your best player yesterday is wasted out wide, he should be playing behind Rooney and Valencia out on the right.

What would your first XI be and why?

 

Jones is class.

De Gea
Evra, Vidic, Smalling, Rafael (if he can ever stay fit)
Nani, Cleverly, Jones, Young
Rooney, Hernandez

I would play Jones in midfield since that's the weakest area of our team and he is quite capable in that position.

 

I would like to congratulate Chelsea on their many Champions League trophies.......oh..........wait..........

 

You obviously only read the first sentance.

 

I read the rest and made my mind up. Getting fed up with the wums on here recently.

 

Do you not feel that may leave you a little exposed in CM? Good going forward but tracking back.....?

 

Jeez, thanks. I think Barca and Madrid will be too strong for us but the fact you think we'll win it gives me a little more confidence

 

You had to expect that.

I didn't think this thread was a WUM tbh.

 

Lately there have been a lot of wumming comments and articles. And yes despite the rest of the comment, I consider the thread to be a weak attempt to wum. It stays for now.

 

I think Jones is pretty good at breaking up play, what with his favoured position being central defence.

 

I think Jones is class, you just need Vidic to stay fit to partner him.

 

Our defence isn't as sold without Vidic, probably because Ferdinand is past his best and Smalling is still inexperienced.

 

Rio and Evans have to go, bring in another experienced defender who can still offer.

 

Evans, Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson: all players to go.

 

Yeah, Fletch seems to be past it. I used to think he was quality a couple of seasons ago, a lot of people criticised him but he was top notch and consistant at the job he was given IMO.

 

Fletcher a few seasons ago was vital to the midfield. He has never been the same since his illness. Time to move him on next summer?

 

De Gea
Rafael Smalling Vidic Evra
Jones Carrick/Giggs
Nani Cleverly Rooney
Harnandez

Personally I don't think Fletcher was ever vital. I think that Fergie's indulgence of Fletcher is the root cause of our midfield decline.

 

I understand what you are saying but you must admit a few seasons ago he was one of the first names on the team sheet.