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Will Smalling & Jones ever be good enough?

Chris Smalling, particularly since his 'stupid' sending off against Man City has received a lot of negative press, and has been subject to a lot of criticism.

Phil Jones, although in my opinion is an inferior defender, also receives his fair share but is largely excused by United fans for being younger.

But will either of these two ever be good enough to be a mainstay in the Utd defence?

So much was expected of these two when they first arrived and so little has been produced.

With Chris Smalling, I generally fail to subscribe to the dominant narrative that he is 'awful' and not good enough. I think physically he possesses the potential to be dominant in the air and on the ground - I just think he has lapses in concentration and decision making that let him down.

Phil Jones I feel simply has no chill. He doesn't read the game well or sense danger, but rather fails to hold his position, fails to organise and constantly looks like an accident waiting to happen. But he is young.

Do we all think these two are just clowns? Or can their fortunes be turned around at United?

I personally have more faith in Smalling than Jones.

Thoughts?

posted on 8/11/14

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posted on 8/11/14

If they can not stay fit they will not improve
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That's the long and short of it. They are all talented defenders I believe, but we can't persist with them any more in the hope that they will stay fit. This was a make or break season for all 3, and they have all completely failed so far.

posted on 8/11/14

Ship them all away

posted on 8/11/14

Guarantee the posters saying "ship them out" ect. Will be singing their praises after 2 good games. Sad.

posted on 8/11/14

Smalling is a good centre back, I've never had an issue with his ability, yes he was stupid against City but it's not like he does stuff like that every week.

The problem with all three (Smalling, Jones and Evans) is, of course, their injuries.We can never seem to get 10-12 games with two of them starting each time and forming a relationship.

If we are to buy another centre back, or promote from within, that players injury record or susceptibility to injury has to be high priority in deciding whether or not to bring them in because it's getting ridiculous now.

comment by baz83 (U9225)

posted on 8/11/14

No.

Watching Smalling and Jones play for England U21's, I felt sure they were the future of both club and country, but I don't think they will ever fulfil that early potential.

Evans looks - and always has looked - a mistake waiting to happen.

We need a top class centre half and none of them tick the right boxes.

posted on 8/11/14

Evans looks - and always has looked - a mistake waiting to happen.
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I'm guessing you've overlooked the fact that when he arrived on the scene he was absolutely brilliant and was crucial to our record without conceding.

He's regressed, no doubt - However he's not a mistake waiting to happen. Smalling and Jones emphasis a 'mistake waiting to happen'.

comment by IAmMe (U18491)

posted on 8/11/14

In response to OP

They are already "... good enough ...".

Still need to move up to be full MUFC quality though, but they definitely look good at the mo, especially Jones.

The club's current defensive problems are all at the FB and GK positions. Something that is continuously overlooked on these boards.

posted on 8/11/14

comment by The Number 4 Shirt. (U19487)
posted 4 hours, 3 minutes ago
Smalling, Jones and Evans are all good enough, definitely. The issue for Smalling is fitness, for Jones it's his rashness and propensity to get himself hurt, rather than multiple niggling injuries (though the shin splints issue is a serious concern) and for Evans it is confidence - he seems to lack the belief that he IS one of the worlds best center halfs which, even if you aren't, you HAVE to think you are to be able to deliver at a club like ours. Smalling is the best defender, Jones is the most physical and Evans is the best ball player. Each one of them has at separate times been both written off by the majority on here, but also at other times been thought of as the future of our defence by the majority on here.

Get them all at 100% and tell Smalling and Evans they need to give us a brilliant season this year, because they're going to be first choice for as long as they are fit, available and deserve it. Being Jones in when one is suspended/injured and tell him that if he has a good game and shows clear signs of a partnership forming with whichever he plays alongside, he'll keep his place. This way all three will form partnerships, know each others games inside out and if educated to operate in a three in training as well will give us an alternate option when it suits. And if they can't beat their issues, we'll just have to be cut throat. All are good enough however.
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Most amount of garbage written in one post on this site ever.

posted on 8/11/14

comment by Darkphoenix (U11503)
posted 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
Evans looks - and always has looked - a mistake waiting to happen.
----
I'm guessing you've overlooked the fact that when he arrived on the scene he was absolutely brilliant and was crucial to our record without conceding.

He's regressed, no doubt - However he's not a mistake waiting to happen. Smalling and Jones emphasis a 'mistake waiting to happen'.
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I'm sorry that is just not true. Evans looks more likely to make an error than Jones and that is saying something

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