Very very please with last night game. The result doesn't really matter to be fair (as it's only preseason) but the first half, to a man, I'm really liking what LVG's done!
The positives:
Young played very well, which was a massive surprise, the same with fletcher - was shocked to see him spraying the ball out to wings etc! We seem to be hungry to win, impress playing with high energy and eager to win the ball back and break!
Nobody seems to have really mentioned jones last night, I thought he was class throughout... Especially 2nd half (marshalling defence with addition of shaw and Blackett). I honestly think he'll flourish this year!
The only disappointment I have is how well we've play, I know that sounds stupid but I'm sure many of you, like me, would have been hoping we played that bad LVG would have been forced to buy... But it gives me renewed hope for the squad, as a whole, at least!
Does it need adding too - well ultimately YES! Nobody can turn down a Vidal or Hummels if available, and it's a big IF... But with the reduced games and a hopeful sprinkle of world class talent, we should be ok.
And by ok, I mean higher than Liverpool and Arsenal!
Thought Zaha was well schooled by Pepe but what did anyone expect? Not sure if he'll still be about at start of season. Worried about RVP being rested for start of season but hopefully this will mean we keep Hernandez! It will be criminal to let him go IMO.
Discuss
Last nights game...
posted on 3/8/14
And I think Rooney loves the link up with Mata, Herrera and Fletcher. I can't wait to see Van Persie linking in this formation.
posted on 3/8/14
comment by Shinjisshin (U1700)
posted 2 minutes ago
And I think Rooney loves the link up with Mata, Herrera and Fletcher. I can't wait to see Van Persie linking in this formation.
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Might be a while. LVG says RVP will miss start of the season.
posted on 3/8/14
RVP won't be available till the second game if the season at the earliest
posted on 3/8/14
I was very encouraged yesterday. Two players I'd want to point out (mainly because most on here are too stubborn to give any praise) are Welbeck and Cleverley.
Welbeck played with much more confidence than last season. Very good awareness for Young's first goal. And his pace will be very important in this formation.
As for Cleverley, I think everyone watches him through sh%t tinted glasses. Very good performance yesterday. Passing was very good. Recycled the ball quickly, very often 1 touch. And he also looked forward most of the time (atleast as often as Herrera managed in the first half). He also offers a lot of energy in the middle. I think a lot on here spent so long slating him last season, they can't bring them selves to see he's doing well.
Obviously I would love to sign a world class midfielder to partner Herrera, but I have no problem going into the season with Cleverley.
posted on 3/8/14
comment by Wonder Man (U11164)
posted 4 minutes ago
I was very encouraged yesterday. Two players I'd want to point out (mainly because most on here are too stubborn to give any praise) are Welbeck and Cleverley.
Welbeck played with much more confidence than last season. Very good awareness for Young's first goal. And his pace will be very important in this formation.
As for Cleverley, I think everyone watches him through sh%t tinted glasses. Very good performance yesterday. Passing was very good. Recycled the ball quickly, very often 1 touch. And he also looked forward most of the time (atleast as often as Herrera managed in the first half). He also offers a lot of energy in the middle. I think a lot on here spent so long slating him last season, they can't bring them selves to see he's doing well.
Obviously I would love to sign a world class midfielder to partner Herrera, but I have no problem going into the season with Cleverley.
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Fletcher is a far better option than cleverley, who is just not good enough.
posted on 3/8/14
Cleverleys passing was awful last night
posted on 3/8/14
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Fletcher is a far better option than cleverley, who is just not good enough.
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I wouldn't argue with Fletch being a slightly better option atm, but he won't play every game. Cleverley can be a very decent option for us in the middle. He gives us more energy than Fletch or Carrick which you need in some games.
posted on 3/8/14
Welbeck played with much more confidence than last season. Very good awareness for Young's first goal. And his pace will be very important in this formation.
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I was impressed with Welbeck yesterday and think he could be one of the chief beneficiaries of the 3-5-2 system. Firstly, he is not really the no. 9 and so there is not quite the same pressure on him to be the main goalscorer. Secondly, his pace and movement always stretches defences. I don't really see Van Persie and Rooney as a partnership - it's more the kind of thing you would choose in a fantasy league team, where you have two star performers but they never have to play together in 'real life'. Welbeck complements Rooney better than Van Persie does.
posted on 3/8/14
I was impressed with Welbeck yesterday and think he could be one of the chief beneficiaries of the 3-5-2 system. Firstly, he is not really the no. 9 and so there is not quite the same pressure on him to be the main goalscorer. Secondly, his pace and movement always stretches defences. I don't really see Van Persie and Rooney as a partnership - it's more the kind of thing you would choose in a fantasy league team, where you have two star performers but they never have to play together in 'real life'. Welbeck complements Rooney better than Van Persie does.
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I seen someone on here say that Zaha was more effective (or words to that effect) than Welbeck when the change was made, made me wander if the chap was on drugs?!?!
posted on 4/8/14
comment by Wonder Man (U11164)
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Welbeck was very good but Cleverley was useless, sorry