'can he play in the 'Scholes' role? That's where we really need somebody'

No he can't play that role which is why you guys would be far better off getting a CM like Sahin.

I'm sorry....Ronaldo wasn't a winger?

>>I'm sorry....Ronaldo wasn't a winger?

errr.......no

he's a forward who likes to start attacks from wide

like Robben and Suarez except better

Ronaldo's crossing is, was and will always be dire. He's not an English or United type winger

'he's a forward who likes to start attacks from wide'

I think you'll find we signed him as a winger and played him as a winger for the first few years....then played him more as a striker but we either had Park or Nani on the right when he moved into the middle...

>>I think you'll find we signed him as a winger and played him as a winger for the first few years

I know you did. And he was known as the stepover king with no end product for the first couple of seasons.

He failed as a winger, then Fergie changed the style.

Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo had more free roles and you played 2 DMs to compensate. Ronaldo always started from wide in transition to the final 3rd.

Now you still play 2 DMs but went back to the 'United Way' of a hundred crosses a a match and direct to goal attacks. It's the same as Giggs-Keane-Scholes-Beckham except you forgot to buy a replacement for Scholes at AM.

So he was bought with the intention of playing as a winger...

I dont think we forgot to buy a replacement, I honestly don't think there is anybody good enough to do the job Scholesy has done for the past 15 years.

Zidane called him the best player he ever played against and many people chuckled but I think everyone can now see what Zidane meant. He really is one of a kind.

"Zidane called him the best player he ever played against"

How many times will United fans keep recycling this old line? The answer is EVERY time.

Scholes is England's best player of the past generation (possibly past 3 generations) that is for sure.

BUT

He isn't fit to lace Zidane's boots. That is not to say that Paul wasn't world class (he clearly isn't anymore) but to say that Zidane is one of the most special midfielders in the history of world football.

I agree Scholes was irreplaceable but you haven't had an AM for years now.

2 deep and 4 attackers two being wide players. One extra fullback when opposition was pressed back.

Apparently Cleverly is supposed to be the next AM but he's only played 30 seconds to date.

@comment by A Theo

yes

Cleverley is good but seems to be very injury prone and it seems to me like he's grown a massive chip on he's shoulder since the start of the season and last week there was talk that him and Fergie had a massive bust up a few days before the Swansea game so all may not be as rosy as it seems with Cleverley.

I wouldn't want to start comparing Scholes to Zidane as obviously Zidane was the better player but I do feel they had different roles in their teams and in a way Scholes played more like Xavi, a far less glamorous role but equally as effective.

Also Zidane had elegance to his movement that maybe doesn't make you a better player but aesthetically looks great. I think people with half a brain understand the importance of Scholes but I still feel he is unappreciated as a player, to think that some people even try to suggest Gerrard is better is a complete joke. Along with Bergkamp easily the most technically gifted and most comfortable on the ball in the history of the PL.

I don't know much about Cleverley.

He was rubbish for the U21s last summer but was apparently excellent for you in a handful of matches at the start of the season. Didn't see those but the praise was unanimous so I assume he did very well for that brief period.

He was terrible for the U21's but he really made United tick at the start of the season, whether it was him trying to prove he's point or just him being young and wanting to be in the team he's forward play was brilliant and he's injury coincided with us not scoring as freely as we were at the start of the season. So i'm taking nothing away from the lad but since coming back from injury, I dont know if its because he hasnt been match fit or whether he's ego expects him to walk back into the team?

I have no idea Poznan

I'm reserving judgement until he gets a proper run

I think Cleverley plays the right way in that his game is about pass and movement, keeping the game flowing. Technically he is good, comfortable on the ball in tight spaces and always on his toes and willing to press.

He is young(ish) and I believe still has a lot to learn but he is also very disciplined and seems willing to learn. I think if he is lucky with not getting injuries then he could become a very good player (not great) who could be an invaluable member of United's squad.

Silly season is nearly upon us
_______________

I think it already is...

Looking forward to watching some future stars in the Euros and Olympics though this summer! (just to see what they are capable of, not signings)

OP is right what do u tube and twitter know...now FM12 is different that will show yot how well a player is....Podolski scored 22 PL goals for Arsenal on FM12

FM...

I just took Darlington from the Conference to the Premier League in 5 years.

Realistic.

"Ronaldo's crossing is, was and will always be dire. He's not an English or United type winger"

He never bothered or attempted crosses though.

He's more of a wing forward. Basically a striker that cuts in from the left.