Wrap up Varane, get a DM and a RB that can challenge for that position, and this would have been an excellent window. Get a new 1st choice keeper as well, and this would be an extraordinary window.
comment by N2 (U22280)
posted 8 minutes ago
Wrap up Varane, get a DM and a RB that can challenge for that position, and this would have been an excellent window. Get a new 1st choice keeper as well, and this would be an extraordinary window.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do all that and offload a few and it’s no longer a window but a greenhouse. Add Haaland and it’s practically the Eden Project.
comment by The Red Side™ (U11275)
posted 7 minutes ago
I don't think Howson really knows what he's talking about in that video either.
Saul isn't a very good progressor of the ball, certainly not near the level of Barcelona's midfielders. In fact he ranks below average in progressive actions in La Liga last season. He's not a ball dominant midfielder and like Busquets in any sense.
If you restrict him by using him in a deeper more disciplined role, you're taking away some of his best qualities which are making attacking runs and getting into shooting positions in the box. He's kind of like VdB in that sense although not as good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not going to argue with that, as I said, I'm not an avid watcher. Going through his stats for last season though, I can understand why some see him being sound enough as a 6 - not to say he definitely is, just looking at it from a less informed perspective.
Defensively he at least appears to be comfortable
Tackles 2.86 80
Tackles Won 2.02 85
Tackles (Def 3rd) 1.39 86
Dribblers Tackled 1.32 96
Dribbles Contested 2.93 83
% of dribblers tackled 45.2% 93
Aerials won 2.75 94
Passes Completed (Short) 22.68 79
Passes Attempted (Short) 25.75 81
The end number is the percentile he is, compared to players across the top 5 leagues in the last 365 days. So being at 80 puts him just inside the top 20% for that particular stat. It's a bit tricky because obviously they don't tell the full story and I'm not imposing a particular opinion of the player, more just adding some points of discussion.
What's interesting though is these are when compared to central midfielders. He does play in more advanced/wide roles which means you have to also consider him against players in those positions as well. In his last 50 games, 25 are tagged as a central midfielder with the other 25 being split across attacking mod, attacking mod right and left, defensive mid and right and left wing. So it suggests Simeone does deploy him in a variety of positions depending on the need.
When you compare him to attacking midfielders/wingers, his numbers do hold up a little better and at least appear on paper as though he has the ability to play a more defensive role or a box to box in a 3.
Passes Attempted (Head) 3.14 99
Tackles 2.86 99
Tackles Won 2.02 99
Tackles (Def 3rd) 1.39 99
Dribblers Tackled 1.32 99
% of dribblers tackled 45.2% 99
Touches (Def Pen) 2.16 99
Touches (Def 3rd) 12.75 99
Miscontrols 0.91 99
Aerials won 2.75 99
Low Passes 7.98 98
Tackles (Mid 3rd) 1.15 98
Tkl+Int 3.94 98
Dispossessed 0.87 98
Ball Recoveries 9.23 98
Dribbles Contested 2.93 97
Pressures (Def 3rd) 6.69 97
Clearances 1.43 97
Touches (Mid 3rd) 36.34 97
Pass Completion % 84.1% 96
Pass Completion % (Long) 72.8% 96
Passes Blocked 0.87 96
Passes Received % 84.9% 96
Passes Attempted (Short) 25.75 95
Passes Completed (Medium) 16.55 95
Passes Completed 43.90 94
Passes Completed (Short) 22.68 94
Passes Attempted (Medium) 19.44 94
Live-ball passes 50.56 94
Passes Attempted (Other) 0.52 94
Blocks 1.88 93
Shots Blocked 0.21 93
Touches (Live-Ball) 61.67 93
Successful Dribble % 68.2% 93
% of Aerials Won 49.7% 93
Passes Attempted (Left) 36.13 91
Passes Attempted 52.23 90
Ground passes 37.39 90
Passes Blocked 1.67 90
Touches 63.24
All in all he at least appears versatile and quite well disciplined in carrying out a variety of duties.
What concerns me is Atletico's lack of (seemingly) concern with letting him go. As I said, stats don't tell a whole story. He does appear at least to have the skill set to be a versatile player and bring some value. At the price being touted, we could probably do worse, not many world class midfielders available for sub £40 million and it may be that he would add depth and versatility more than an immediate world class addition.
One of the problems with these stats is that it doesn’t give you the best idea about their understanding of positioning. Fred ranks high in a lot of those defensive metrics, but we know from watching him play it’s because he’s an excellent ball winner with a fantastic engine but he lacks the discipline and understanding of how to hold his position compared to other defensive midfielders - notably Matic in our own team.
I don’t watch Atleti much nowadays because they make my eyes bleed, but I’ve never seen Saul play and thought he could perform the same role as Busquets. He’s not had the years of coaching and experience in that role for me to be confident he could slot in and play that way, nor does he have the technical ability to perform what’s needed with the ball.
Obviously expecting anyone to perform that role like Busquets is a high expectation, after he’s the man the role is named after, but you still need many of the fundamentals he has if you want someone to replicate it. Few players can and do. Rodri is probably the one that comes closest, and even he struggles to play that role on his own in City side coached by Pep Guardiola.
Asking Saul to do it with Pogba, Bruno and the United coaching staff is just daft, in my opinion.
One of the problems with these stats is that it doesn’t give you the best idea about their understanding of positioning
-----------
Yeah that's fair, they help paint a picture though and regarding Fred, I think there's also an element of him also being better than people's 'eye test'. Whilst stats aren't reliable in telling a whole story, people's testimony is even less so unless they are a credible person. So the best we can do is consider both and look to come to some sort of middle ground.
I'd also suggest that playing in so many positions for a manager like Simeone indicates he has a good footballing brain and can be relied on in a variety of positions and roles, which isn't a terrible thing.
In other rumours, Newcastle are apparently in for Tuanzebe
Yes I'm aware of what those stats and the percentile ranking mean but unfortunately stats don't tell you everything, like where exactly and in what scenario he's making those defensive actions. He's not sitting and screening one area which is what we need from any midfielder we're bringing in. Saul contributes a lot defensively but letting him defend from within a more offensive role is I think the way to get the best out of him and it always has been as long as I've been watching him.
For me, Saul is an automatic no to play in our midfield because he's not good enough on the ball and we have too many midfielders as it is who have weaknesses in possession, which is why we struggle to play through the centre of the pitch when Pogba isn't playing. We do to an extent when he does play as well.
I think we really need a more specialist midfielder rather than somebody versatile who's good at a lot of things but a master of none.
I do agree with that, I think Fred is a lot better than he’s given credit for. I’m not a big fan of his due to his style more than anything, but his level of performances have been good the last two seasons - that stats indicate that as well.
I think Saul’s versatility, in many ways, has led to his stagnation. I don’t think he developed into the attacking player he promised to be, but has become serviceable in many different positions.
Perhaps a move away to new environment could reinvigorate him, but I just don’t think it’s wise to expect him to come into United and perform a very demanding, specialised role in midfield set up that wouldn’t be drilled well enough, or be using suitable midfielders, for it to not be an issue for him.
comment by Clockwork Red: Jadon and the Argonauts (U4892)
posted 33 minutes ago
Fast-moving one, this: United have agreed personal terms with Raphael Varane and almost there on club agreement. Deal all but done #mufc
Samuel Luckhurst
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not really fast moving.
Every single day for the last month we’ve been told by a different Twitter Journo or gossip column that personal terms have been agreed or ‘aren’t a problem’ and that a deal just needed to be agreed between the clubs. That had to end one day.
Is Pogba staying a good thing? Hasn't he refused a new contract?
comment by Clockwork Red: Jadon and the Argonauts (U4892)
posted 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
comment by ... (U22638)
posted 9 minutes ago
It's an interesting thought, but not going to come off. Ole has tremendous faith in McTominay and he's going to be the sitting player.
Tripper/wan Bissaka and Shaw will be the wing backs and push up very high. This means Varane and Maguire may get exposed on counter attacks down their side.
The idea is to have McTominay play a holding midfield role and be able to drop into defence to form a 3 should such a counter occur. That way Varane/Maguire can push out wide, prevent a counter and give the wing backs time to get back into position. Then they slip back into defence and Scott comes forward again to shield the back line.
Very similar to how he's been playing for Scotland but with an urge to get out of the defensive 3 as soon as is viable.
2 of Bruno, Lingard, Pogba and van de Beek will make up our midfield 3 with Scott - first choice being Pogba and Bruno with van de Beek as the reserve initially and Lingard deployed in the position if required (though he's mainly going to be Sancho's cover).
Sancho will play a free role behind a front two and be able to join the attack either centrally or from the flanks, as well as drop into midfield to give us an extra man in there should we need at any point.
Cavani, Rashford and Greenwood are the strikers. Marcus is obviously out for a few months so Dan James will be back up to Edinson and Mason in the early season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve heard that Solskjær wants McTominay in a more advanced role this season, after a promising goal return last year?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's more that we dont intend to have a deep double pivot this season. Fred may come in and sit and Scott could be pushed forward for rotation or cover. Ole will encourage bravery in his play for sure and may release him to push forward often, but most of Scott's goal come from the edge of the box and that's what Ole is looking for - a decent attempt or 2 on goal from a loose ball per game. Obviously he's 6'4 and a great serial threat too from Shaw / Trippier set pieces.
comment by Bryãn's left boot (U22081)
posted 21 minutes ago
Is Pogba staying a good thing? Hasn't he refused a new contract?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Always reject the first offer and all that. Don't get sucked into the Raiola bs, the boy has every right to play hardball for as good a contract as he can get. More power to him. We have every right to say yes or no after all.
comment by Mr. McGibblets (Freedom FC) (U7214)
posted 1 hour, 59 minutes ago
Saul is a lone 6. I wish he was.
Tchouameni is the man we need to look into. Or Racic. Can that rich boy in this board send a message to Ole please??
----------------------------------------------------------------------
comment by Don Draper's dandruff (U20155)
posted 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 9 minutes ago
The only reason we would possibly be interested in Saul is if Pogba is on his bike.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
no idea why pogba would be playing on saul's bike, but if it helps us to land the player then it's all good
----------------------------------------------------------------------
still love your work Don
Has Edison Cavani left us then OP?
Some people in our fanbase are weirdly loyal to Martial and I don't know why. He's had 2 good years for us in 6 seasons.
https://twitter.com/DiMarzio/status/1419694075708588037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1419694075708588037%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tsn.ca%2Fmanchester-united-raphael-varane-real-madrid-france-1.1673069
comment by ... (U22638)
posted 1 hour, 12 minutes ago
comment by Clockwork Red: Jadon and the Argonauts (U4892)
posted 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
comment by ... (U22638)
posted 9 minutes ago
It's an interesting thought, but not going to come off. Ole has tremendous faith in McTominay and he's going to be the sitting player.
Tripper/wan Bissaka and Shaw will be the wing backs and push up very high. This means Varane and Maguire may get exposed on counter attacks down their side.
The idea is to have McTominay play a holding midfield role and be able to drop into defence to form a 3 should such a counter occur. That way Varane/Maguire can push out wide, prevent a counter and give the wing backs time to get back into position. Then they slip back into defence and Scott comes forward again to shield the back line.
Very similar to how he's been playing for Scotland but with an urge to get out of the defensive 3 as soon as is viable.
2 of Bruno, Lingard, Pogba and van de Beek will make up our midfield 3 with Scott - first choice being Pogba and Bruno with van de Beek as the reserve initially and Lingard deployed in the position if required (though he's mainly going to be Sancho's cover).
Sancho will play a free role behind a front two and be able to join the attack either centrally or from the flanks, as well as drop into midfield to give us an extra man in there should we need at any point.
Cavani, Rashford and Greenwood are the strikers. Marcus is obviously out for a few months so Dan James will be back up to Edinson and Mason in the early season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve heard that Solskjær wants McTominay in a more advanced role this season, after a promising goal return last year?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's more that we dont intend to have a deep double pivot this season. Fred may come in and sit and Scott could be pushed forward for rotation or cover. Ole will encourage bravery in his play for sure and may release him to push forward often, but most of Scott's goal come from the edge of the box and that's what Ole is looking for - a decent attempt or 2 on goal from a loose ball per game. Obviously he's 6'4 and a great serial threat too from Shaw / Trippier set pieces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You seem petty sure about this formation and have posted a few times about it? My worry is, if you’re right, that neither Fred or McTominay is right for that “single-pivot” role and Matic is getting on.
Pleasantly surprised at the varane deal if it goes through, 1 more cdm and a rb and we good to go
Saul is not happening ffs
🤬
comment by Plump Jadon (U22314)
posted 3 minutes ago
Saul is not happening ffs
🤬
----------------------------------------------------------------------
you said the same about varane, keep saying it and one day, surely, you'll be right
BBC's Simon Stone:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57967166
comment by Barf Vader (U15867)
posted 21 seconds ago
BBC's Simon Stone:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57967166
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Great price, even with addons.
£34m plus add one. Hard to grumble at that even the most pessimistic of supporters surely? Who else could you get for that?
comment by Jadon The King Sancho (U10026)
posted 6 minutes ago
About 2/3 of Ben White.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well some people will have you believe he's 2/3 the player, so probably feel that's about right.
Sign in if you want to comment
Sancho, Varane and...
Page 3 of 4
posted on 26/7/21
Wrap up Varane, get a DM and a RB that can challenge for that position, and this would have been an excellent window. Get a new 1st choice keeper as well, and this would be an extraordinary window.
posted on 26/7/21
comment by N2 (U22280)
posted 8 minutes ago
Wrap up Varane, get a DM and a RB that can challenge for that position, and this would have been an excellent window. Get a new 1st choice keeper as well, and this would be an extraordinary window.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Do all that and offload a few and it’s no longer a window but a greenhouse. Add Haaland and it’s practically the Eden Project.
posted on 26/7/21
comment by The Red Side™ (U11275)
posted 7 minutes ago
I don't think Howson really knows what he's talking about in that video either.
Saul isn't a very good progressor of the ball, certainly not near the level of Barcelona's midfielders. In fact he ranks below average in progressive actions in La Liga last season. He's not a ball dominant midfielder and like Busquets in any sense.
If you restrict him by using him in a deeper more disciplined role, you're taking away some of his best qualities which are making attacking runs and getting into shooting positions in the box. He's kind of like VdB in that sense although not as good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not going to argue with that, as I said, I'm not an avid watcher. Going through his stats for last season though, I can understand why some see him being sound enough as a 6 - not to say he definitely is, just looking at it from a less informed perspective.
Defensively he at least appears to be comfortable
Tackles 2.86 80
Tackles Won 2.02 85
Tackles (Def 3rd) 1.39 86
Dribblers Tackled 1.32 96
Dribbles Contested 2.93 83
% of dribblers tackled 45.2% 93
Aerials won 2.75 94
Passes Completed (Short) 22.68 79
Passes Attempted (Short) 25.75 81
The end number is the percentile he is, compared to players across the top 5 leagues in the last 365 days. So being at 80 puts him just inside the top 20% for that particular stat. It's a bit tricky because obviously they don't tell the full story and I'm not imposing a particular opinion of the player, more just adding some points of discussion.
What's interesting though is these are when compared to central midfielders. He does play in more advanced/wide roles which means you have to also consider him against players in those positions as well. In his last 50 games, 25 are tagged as a central midfielder with the other 25 being split across attacking mod, attacking mod right and left, defensive mid and right and left wing. So it suggests Simeone does deploy him in a variety of positions depending on the need.
When you compare him to attacking midfielders/wingers, his numbers do hold up a little better and at least appear on paper as though he has the ability to play a more defensive role or a box to box in a 3.
Passes Attempted (Head) 3.14 99
Tackles 2.86 99
Tackles Won 2.02 99
Tackles (Def 3rd) 1.39 99
Dribblers Tackled 1.32 99
% of dribblers tackled 45.2% 99
Touches (Def Pen) 2.16 99
Touches (Def 3rd) 12.75 99
Miscontrols 0.91 99
Aerials won 2.75 99
Low Passes 7.98 98
Tackles (Mid 3rd) 1.15 98
Tkl+Int 3.94 98
Dispossessed 0.87 98
Ball Recoveries 9.23 98
Dribbles Contested 2.93 97
Pressures (Def 3rd) 6.69 97
Clearances 1.43 97
Touches (Mid 3rd) 36.34 97
Pass Completion % 84.1% 96
Pass Completion % (Long) 72.8% 96
Passes Blocked 0.87 96
Passes Received % 84.9% 96
Passes Attempted (Short) 25.75 95
Passes Completed (Medium) 16.55 95
Passes Completed 43.90 94
Passes Completed (Short) 22.68 94
Passes Attempted (Medium) 19.44 94
Live-ball passes 50.56 94
Passes Attempted (Other) 0.52 94
Blocks 1.88 93
Shots Blocked 0.21 93
Touches (Live-Ball) 61.67 93
Successful Dribble % 68.2% 93
% of Aerials Won 49.7% 93
Passes Attempted (Left) 36.13 91
Passes Attempted 52.23 90
Ground passes 37.39 90
Passes Blocked 1.67 90
Touches 63.24
All in all he at least appears versatile and quite well disciplined in carrying out a variety of duties.
What concerns me is Atletico's lack of (seemingly) concern with letting him go. As I said, stats don't tell a whole story. He does appear at least to have the skill set to be a versatile player and bring some value. At the price being touted, we could probably do worse, not many world class midfielders available for sub £40 million and it may be that he would add depth and versatility more than an immediate world class addition.
posted on 26/7/21
One of the problems with these stats is that it doesn’t give you the best idea about their understanding of positioning. Fred ranks high in a lot of those defensive metrics, but we know from watching him play it’s because he’s an excellent ball winner with a fantastic engine but he lacks the discipline and understanding of how to hold his position compared to other defensive midfielders - notably Matic in our own team.
I don’t watch Atleti much nowadays because they make my eyes bleed, but I’ve never seen Saul play and thought he could perform the same role as Busquets. He’s not had the years of coaching and experience in that role for me to be confident he could slot in and play that way, nor does he have the technical ability to perform what’s needed with the ball.
Obviously expecting anyone to perform that role like Busquets is a high expectation, after he’s the man the role is named after, but you still need many of the fundamentals he has if you want someone to replicate it. Few players can and do. Rodri is probably the one that comes closest, and even he struggles to play that role on his own in City side coached by Pep Guardiola.
Asking Saul to do it with Pogba, Bruno and the United coaching staff is just daft, in my opinion.
posted on 26/7/21
One of the problems with these stats is that it doesn’t give you the best idea about their understanding of positioning
-----------
Yeah that's fair, they help paint a picture though and regarding Fred, I think there's also an element of him also being better than people's 'eye test'. Whilst stats aren't reliable in telling a whole story, people's testimony is even less so unless they are a credible person. So the best we can do is consider both and look to come to some sort of middle ground.
I'd also suggest that playing in so many positions for a manager like Simeone indicates he has a good footballing brain and can be relied on in a variety of positions and roles, which isn't a terrible thing.
posted on 26/7/21
In other rumours, Newcastle are apparently in for Tuanzebe
posted on 26/7/21
Yes I'm aware of what those stats and the percentile ranking mean but unfortunately stats don't tell you everything, like where exactly and in what scenario he's making those defensive actions. He's not sitting and screening one area which is what we need from any midfielder we're bringing in. Saul contributes a lot defensively but letting him defend from within a more offensive role is I think the way to get the best out of him and it always has been as long as I've been watching him.
For me, Saul is an automatic no to play in our midfield because he's not good enough on the ball and we have too many midfielders as it is who have weaknesses in possession, which is why we struggle to play through the centre of the pitch when Pogba isn't playing. We do to an extent when he does play as well.
I think we really need a more specialist midfielder rather than somebody versatile who's good at a lot of things but a master of none.
posted on 26/7/21
I do agree with that, I think Fred is a lot better than he’s given credit for. I’m not a big fan of his due to his style more than anything, but his level of performances have been good the last two seasons - that stats indicate that as well.
I think Saul’s versatility, in many ways, has led to his stagnation. I don’t think he developed into the attacking player he promised to be, but has become serviceable in many different positions.
Perhaps a move away to new environment could reinvigorate him, but I just don’t think it’s wise to expect him to come into United and perform a very demanding, specialised role in midfield set up that wouldn’t be drilled well enough, or be using suitable midfielders, for it to not be an issue for him.
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Clockwork Red: Jadon and the Argonauts (U4892)
posted 33 minutes ago
Fast-moving one, this: United have agreed personal terms with Raphael Varane and almost there on club agreement. Deal all but done #mufc
Samuel Luckhurst
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not really fast moving.
Every single day for the last month we’ve been told by a different Twitter Journo or gossip column that personal terms have been agreed or ‘aren’t a problem’ and that a deal just needed to be agreed between the clubs. That had to end one day.
posted on 26/7/21
Is Pogba staying a good thing? Hasn't he refused a new contract?
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Clockwork Red: Jadon and the Argonauts (U4892)
posted 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
comment by ... (U22638)
posted 9 minutes ago
It's an interesting thought, but not going to come off. Ole has tremendous faith in McTominay and he's going to be the sitting player.
Tripper/wan Bissaka and Shaw will be the wing backs and push up very high. This means Varane and Maguire may get exposed on counter attacks down their side.
The idea is to have McTominay play a holding midfield role and be able to drop into defence to form a 3 should such a counter occur. That way Varane/Maguire can push out wide, prevent a counter and give the wing backs time to get back into position. Then they slip back into defence and Scott comes forward again to shield the back line.
Very similar to how he's been playing for Scotland but with an urge to get out of the defensive 3 as soon as is viable.
2 of Bruno, Lingard, Pogba and van de Beek will make up our midfield 3 with Scott - first choice being Pogba and Bruno with van de Beek as the reserve initially and Lingard deployed in the position if required (though he's mainly going to be Sancho's cover).
Sancho will play a free role behind a front two and be able to join the attack either centrally or from the flanks, as well as drop into midfield to give us an extra man in there should we need at any point.
Cavani, Rashford and Greenwood are the strikers. Marcus is obviously out for a few months so Dan James will be back up to Edinson and Mason in the early season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve heard that Solskjær wants McTominay in a more advanced role this season, after a promising goal return last year?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's more that we dont intend to have a deep double pivot this season. Fred may come in and sit and Scott could be pushed forward for rotation or cover. Ole will encourage bravery in his play for sure and may release him to push forward often, but most of Scott's goal come from the edge of the box and that's what Ole is looking for - a decent attempt or 2 on goal from a loose ball per game. Obviously he's 6'4 and a great serial threat too from Shaw / Trippier set pieces.
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Bryãn's left boot (U22081)
posted 21 minutes ago
Is Pogba staying a good thing? Hasn't he refused a new contract?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Always reject the first offer and all that. Don't get sucked into the Raiola bs, the boy has every right to play hardball for as good a contract as he can get. More power to him. We have every right to say yes or no after all.
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Mr. McGibblets (Freedom FC) (U7214)
posted 1 hour, 59 minutes ago
Saul is a lone 6. I wish he was.
Tchouameni is the man we need to look into. Or Racic. Can that rich boy in this board send a message to Ole please??
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Don Draper's dandruff (U20155)
posted 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 9 minutes ago
The only reason we would possibly be interested in Saul is if Pogba is on his bike.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
no idea why pogba would be playing on saul's bike, but if it helps us to land the player then it's all good
----------------------------------------------------------------------
still love your work Don
posted on 26/7/21
Has Edison Cavani left us then OP?
Some people in our fanbase are weirdly loyal to Martial and I don't know why. He's had 2 good years for us in 6 seasons.
posted on 26/7/21
https://twitter.com/DiMarzio/status/1419694075708588037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1419694075708588037%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tsn.ca%2Fmanchester-united-raphael-varane-real-madrid-france-1.1673069
posted on 26/7/21
comment by ... (U22638)
posted 1 hour, 12 minutes ago
comment by Clockwork Red: Jadon and the Argonauts (U4892)
posted 1 hour, 35 minutes ago
comment by ... (U22638)
posted 9 minutes ago
It's an interesting thought, but not going to come off. Ole has tremendous faith in McTominay and he's going to be the sitting player.
Tripper/wan Bissaka and Shaw will be the wing backs and push up very high. This means Varane and Maguire may get exposed on counter attacks down their side.
The idea is to have McTominay play a holding midfield role and be able to drop into defence to form a 3 should such a counter occur. That way Varane/Maguire can push out wide, prevent a counter and give the wing backs time to get back into position. Then they slip back into defence and Scott comes forward again to shield the back line.
Very similar to how he's been playing for Scotland but with an urge to get out of the defensive 3 as soon as is viable.
2 of Bruno, Lingard, Pogba and van de Beek will make up our midfield 3 with Scott - first choice being Pogba and Bruno with van de Beek as the reserve initially and Lingard deployed in the position if required (though he's mainly going to be Sancho's cover).
Sancho will play a free role behind a front two and be able to join the attack either centrally or from the flanks, as well as drop into midfield to give us an extra man in there should we need at any point.
Cavani, Rashford and Greenwood are the strikers. Marcus is obviously out for a few months so Dan James will be back up to Edinson and Mason in the early season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ve heard that Solskjær wants McTominay in a more advanced role this season, after a promising goal return last year?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It's more that we dont intend to have a deep double pivot this season. Fred may come in and sit and Scott could be pushed forward for rotation or cover. Ole will encourage bravery in his play for sure and may release him to push forward often, but most of Scott's goal come from the edge of the box and that's what Ole is looking for - a decent attempt or 2 on goal from a loose ball per game. Obviously he's 6'4 and a great serial threat too from Shaw / Trippier set pieces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You seem petty sure about this formation and have posted a few times about it? My worry is, if you’re right, that neither Fred or McTominay is right for that “single-pivot” role and Matic is getting on.
posted on 26/7/21
Pleasantly surprised at the varane deal if it goes through, 1 more cdm and a rb and we good to go
posted on 26/7/21
Saul is not happening ffs
🤬
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Plump Jadon (U22314)
posted 3 minutes ago
Saul is not happening ffs
🤬
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you said the same about varane, keep saying it and one day, surely, you'll be right
posted on 26/7/21
BBC's Simon Stone:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57967166
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Barf Vader (U15867)
posted 21 seconds ago
BBC's Simon Stone:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57967166
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Great price, even with addons.
posted on 26/7/21
£34m plus add one. Hard to grumble at that even the most pessimistic of supporters surely? Who else could you get for that?
posted on 26/7/21
About 2/3 of Ben White.
posted on 26/7/21
comment by Jadon The King Sancho (U10026)
posted 6 minutes ago
About 2/3 of Ben White.
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Well some people will have you believe he's 2/3 the player, so probably feel that's about right.
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