comment by Busby (U19985)
posted 44 minutes ago
One of those where he just let Fellaini know he was there, something Fellaini likes to do himself.
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We have all seen Fellaini letting himself know that he is there. He's a master at it.

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comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 5 minutes ago
So why do folks complain so much about it most weeks before a ball is kicked?

...............

I will always complain when Fellaini starts games in the midfield. He isn't any good as a midfield player.
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Please try and be objective

He may not be a world class midfielder but he’s certainly good enough to carry out what Jose wants from a midfielder

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comment by Dave NotSo (U11711)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by rossobianchi (U17054)
posted 10 minutes ago
On a (completely) different note, anyone still laughing at Smalling taking out Jones again at the weekend?

That's one way to try to get your place in the side back I suppose, Mike.
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Haha, not the first time either, right? Didn't Mike put him out for a month when on England duty?
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Yep; broke his toe in training

We know that Mike thinks his best chance of getting back into the starting eleven as first choice is by replacing Jones.

As well as actively trying to put him on the DL, he's been practising some of PJ's trademark moves...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GC2_HUAuT_E

comment by Seebs ~WengerIN (U21648)
posted 2 hours, 53 minutes ago
Jose has apparently clocked on to a very important point about Herrera.

He's very average.
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Pretty much.

comment by Robb Plissken 🎬⚽️⭐️ (U21234)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 5 minutes ago
So why do folks complain so much about it most weeks before a ball is kicked?

...............

I will always complain when Fellaini starts games in the midfield. He isn't any good as a midfield player.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Please try and be objective

He may not be a world class midfielder but he’s certainly good enough to carry out what Jose wants from a midfielder
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He does know how to land an elbow.

When we have Fellaini in the team, we don't have much control of the game. As soon as the opposition push up, we struggle, just like Southampton the other day and even Everton. A good midfielder usually finds pockets of spaces to get the ball pass move and keep hold of the ball to control the pace of the game. Fellaini can' do that. He's too slow and clumsy.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Herrera isn't that great, but we generally look better in midfield when he plays.

He's the best player in the squad at pressing the opposition and intercepts well also so we lose that ability to win the ball higher up the pitch when he doesn't play.

His distribution isn't amazing but he usually gets his head up and releases the ball early.

We need an upgrade in that area of the pitch, but I'd still prefer to see him starting games more often than not.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I think most fans would prefer to see Herrera back in the first 11,most likely in place of Fellaini.
Though personally I dont see Herrera as a particular huge leap in standard over the Belgium.

I'm definitely not his biggest fan, that job has been filled, but surely it's fair to say that he's done well for us at times.

................

I expect a bit more than that considering this is his fifth season with us.

He's the best player in the squad at pressing the opposition and intercepts well also so we lose that ability to win the ball higher up the pitch when he doesn't play.

...........

Which is why it beggars belief Jose keeps playing Groot.

Though personally I dont see Herrera as a particular huge leap in standard over the Belgium.

..............

As a midfield player, a massive leap.

Yeah he's a much better player than Fellaini.

Hmm,I'm wary about overrating Herrera too much though I would say his offensive game has dipped hugely since his first season with us.

Both LVG and Jose have restricted that element of his game in that respect,to the detriment of the player and fans.

It's not really overrating Herrera, Fellaini just isn't a very good footballer.

You have moved his position compared to where he was before he came to you.

Personally, I would always have him ahead of Fellaini, but that's because I prefer the style of football you'd play more than you do when Fellaini plays. Mourinho won't care about that though and go for what is the most effective for him (to be completely honest, I'm not a fan of Mourinho teams in general and haven't watched you much this season though)

I said last year that I thought Herrera needed to be replaced at some point if you are going to be back to challenging for the CL

Yeah he played more as an attacking midfielder for Bilbao. Agreed about the Mourinho stuff, though I don't think Fellaini is more effective either.

Our midfield is still a problem area for me. In terms of balance and quality, especially when up against the very best midfields.

We haven't played any of the very best midfields yet, with our current CM squad. (i'm not counting the euro charity shield)

I don't really either, but I think Mourinho does (think he's effective).

I agree about your midfield, it's why I'm amazed all the pundits seem to be going on about the two Manchester clubs as much as they are and not including Chelsea. We're both lacking in midfield. We might get away with it, but we're definitely not the finished articles.

Personally I see Chelsea as Champions again.

It's the Pep and Jose narrative that the pundits love. Chelsea are mentioned as challengers but behind these two when really they're the favourites.

If Mourinho was still at Chelsea they'd be saying different I imagine.

I said last year that I thought Herrera needed to be replaced at some point if you are going to be back to challenging for the CL

................

But not with Fellaini, Melts.