Our last two managers have been accused of playing square pegs in round holes to accommodate certain individuals, from Welbs on the wing, Jones and Smalling at full back to Rooney in the No 10 role and Mata on the wings.
So, what does LVG do about the issue? We seem to be overstocked in certain positions and understocked in others, which I believe is the reason for the situation to have arisen in the first place.
If LVG opts to play a 4-3-3, where do you fit Rooney in? Similarly to the formation he is currently playing with Holland which is so reliant on Robben's runs, which Rooney cannot offer?
I think he has the balls to drop anybody who he feels doesn't offer the team what is required, so I'm intrigued to see how we will line up under LVG.
Who do people expect to see at permanent fixtures in the side next season, and can LVG finally get the best out of Rooney and RVP simultaneously?
Square Pegs & Round Holes
posted on 27/6/14
comment by Josunited (U8584)
posted 27 seconds ago
Perhaps following a number of high-profile signings by United and a return of the feel-good factor amongst fans as they look forward to the start of the new season, he may decide to sell Rooney?? - just playing devils-advocate here, but is it a possibility? Much depends on who comes in next (if anyone) but we will have to have players leave or the squad will be way too big!! Whilst many of our 'fringe players' aren't worth much, Rooney could surely still fetch a decent price?
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I wouldn't mind that to be honest, I think he will be eager to impress LVG though.
posted on 27/6/14
Although it is still a kind of square peg, round hole idea... I would start shifting Valencia back to RB any time Rafael is injured (especially if we play a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2).
He is not amazing in defence, but capable and far more suited to the role than Jones and Smalling.
I also think moving those CBs to the RB position is making them more susceptible to injury.
posted on 27/6/14
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - The 2nd coming of... (U2958)
posted 48 seconds ago
Although it is still a kind of square peg, round hole idea... I would start shifting Valencia back to RB any time Rafael is injured (especially if we play a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2).
He is not amazing in defence, but capable and far more suited to the role than Jones and Smalling.
I also think moving those CBs to the RB position is making them more susceptible to injury.
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I hate Valencia at full back, never seen him play there and not be caught out with runs in behind him.
Perhaps is LVG was to incorporate the 5 at the back he currently does with Holland. I think Valencia's new contract was a terrible idea.
posted on 27/6/14
I know there is a split amongst posters here on the subject of needing an additional CB or not. I have to say, I think its crucial we get an established CB - it doesn't even have to be a ridiculously priced one but someone with experience and brave, and someone who can mentor the young CB's we have at the club already. I don';t think Evans has the strength of character to do that. Another Midfielder and a CB and I think we're good to go tbh
posted on 27/6/14
Jos, even if LVG decided to move him on, there aren't that many clubs out there who could afford to pay Rooney's wages.
posted on 27/6/14
comment by Josunited (U8584)
posted 6 minutes ago
I know there is a split amongst posters here on the subject of needing an additional CB or not. I have to say, I think its crucial we get an established CB - it doesn't even have to be a ridiculously priced one but someone with experience and brave, and someone who can mentor the young CB's we have at the club already. I don';t think Evans has the strength of character to do that. Another Midfielder and a CB and I think we're good to go tbh
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I'd like a winger too
posted on 27/6/14
Our CBs are far too injury prone, each and everyone of them. So yeas, I think signing one (probably two) CB(s) is a must. People say Keane can come in and do a job and whilst I think he has potential and could possibly step in in desperate circumstances, the fact is that he didn't look outstanding at Blackburn on loan. So how is he going to do in the PL for United when asked to play about 30 games, due to the injuries of all our other Cbs.? Oh well, at least we have Carrick to fill in there
posted on 27/6/14
Busby - I do agree, I just think that seeing LVG give Valencia a contract extension, and allegedly keeping Nani, is there room for another winger (considering no b*gger will buy Young also!!)
posted on 27/6/14
Jos. I know football has changed but wen SAF bought Steve Bruce he looked at the number of games he had played and was available for rather than let a slight injury doubt concern him. Think it has now come to the stage where we need a CB who is available for each game and who can organise a defence. Doesn't have to be a world beater as if our other young defenders can fulfil their 'potential' then new CB's consistency of selection could be vital. Who is available I don't really know but even a Gary Cahill type signing would be good business.
posted on 27/6/14
Diafol - I agree. A Vidic type defender is what we need to nurture the younger CB's and get us organised in the interim, after all, we could have a very young defence at this rate - - - Rafael; Smalling; Jones; Shaw!!!