ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United

Posted by Mark Payne on 11/03/2011

It is certainly not business as usual when the best way to view a Manchester United match is via the ‘minute by minute’ report. Sadly, the club’s reputation for swashbuckling football that takes the breath away is looking misplaced at the moment.

It seems to be de riguer to score and concede several billion goals every time you step on the field in the top flight nowadays. United have decided to buck the trend out of necessity. The club and all of the players are still shell-shocked from the result against City.

After the start we had to the season this is all quite difficult to take. It now seems like a hundred years since we put eight goals past Arsenal. At the time I said that it is a fool who shouts from the rooftops in September and then went about clearing my throat. The fans at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, much as it hurts me to say it, were as quiet as mice.

But then, we didn’t have a lot to cheer on either. Whilst it is completely understandable that Ferguson would want to get some result between us and the derby, we have played dreadful football for several matchers on the trot. It is starting to go against the principles of the institution.

It also, somewhat, goes against the principles of team selection to play matches without a midfield. Call me Mr. Picky, but when we were taught the basics of the game you could play in defence if you were a clogger, in midfield if you could pass the ball, and up front if you could shoot accurately. The weird kid went in goal.

Anderson is starting to look like an ex-player, an also-ran, an expensive mistake and, personally, I have never been a fan of Michael Carrick. Those are just my opinions of course. The fact is that United haven’t bought a midfielder since I had a full head of hair. Rooney is an unbelievable footballer but he is one of the best strikers in the world. Putting him in front of the back four, well as he plays there, is mis-use of resources.

We have a surplus of assets up front this season (especially when Owen is not injured) so it makes sense to drop a striker back for the time being. You can’t hide from the reality that a temporary solution is a permanent problem though.

United now have three victories and three clean sheets in a week but we are not ourselves at the moment. It does nobody any good to whine about our lack of midfield reinforcements right now, but it is something that must be rectified in January. In the meantime the team needs to buck its ideas up and start playing like Manchester United again.

Sunderland at home is a good place to start.

Follow Mark on twitter.com/markjpayne

Comments

Posted by Raizzen on 11/03/2011

Read somewhere from the site's article that the shouts for a midfield player has hit a crescendo. Am not quite sure what the gaffer meant when he said that, but I sure hope it had reached him enough.

Enough for him to act on it. I mean yes we missed Sneijder but that doesn't mean we can't have plan B. Our midfield, Cleverley aside, has looked so plain that you could slot in any midfield from any above average (i.e Everton, Fulham etc) EPL teams and they would look 10x better. OK maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But that's just how bad our current midfield is.

Posted by Jeff on 11/03/2011

I agree. Not sure what's happened to the midfield. Cleverly looks a great prospect, don't you don't want to put the weight on him. Anderson I think has had a great season, but has gone off a bit. Mind you, so has everyone else.
Putting Rooney in midfield is a misuse. Sure, he can play there, but he scores goals. Why take him away from the goalmouth?
I'd think playing Rooney in behind the front two, Messi style, and making sure he stays as far forward as possible, then deploying a Fletcher or Carrick in front of the back 4 would be a better option.
And thank god Valencia is back on the wing. He did admirably at the back, but he's a winger! Play the man in position. We've got plenty on wingbacks to choose from. Why Fergie hasn't given Fabio more or a go is beyond me.

Posted by David Smith on 11/03/2011

I've been complaining in this forum about Anderson for as long as I've been here, so I need not say anymore on him, but you can put Nani in the same class as well. Besides gleefully jumping into Valencia's arms after United's first goal, just what did our....ahem....Ballon d'Or nominee do last night? Absolute fuck all, yet again, is your answer. The fact that he's been nominated for the European Footballer of the Year, after being dropped for the Champions' League Final, is about as absurd and laughable as United's performances of late. Rooney and Jones, proper United players who wear the famous shirt with a bit of pride, were once again the only real positives from an absolute travesty of a match. Ray Wilkins summed up Berbatov best when he announced he would ask Gary Neville just when it is the moody Bulgarian smiles. De Gea did well the few times he was called upon, but United were never going to be tested by this motley crew. Sunderland on Saturday, oh joy! Can't hardly wait. Zzzz

Posted by Oz on 11/03/2011

Hey Mark, In general, Ive noticed in the past that you have often avoided making such statements on the need for new players etc.- well specific players anyway. So things must be bad!

I must admit, that I have been an advocate of Andersons in the past- I just thought he needed regular game time and to become more consistent to add to his high energy play and all would be good. What I do like about him is that he is good at receiving the ball in tight situations (as is Clevely)before turning is way out. However, I am now starting to think he just has not got what it takes (Dave Smith will be happy)- his passing has been shocking!! mind you last night they were all shocking (even Rooney had a few bad passes mixed amongst the excellent ones) except the keeper, that boy can really distribute the ball. I dont get it - these guys are Pro footballers who practice every day- passing is the most essential part of their trade, if you cant make even simple passes against inferior teams ....

Posted by Jeremiah Magaji on 11/03/2011

Nani doesn't play well on the left wing. Anderson is one foot short. Buying in January? I doubt that. We'll probably be seeing Gibson soon enough.

Posted by ManUtd Fan on 11/03/2011

2-0, clean sheet three points , not enough? I mean it's just start of the season and you guys start to comment on some players. Nani, the player who scored so many crucial goals for us, the player with most assists last season, a laughable fuck just because of one game? Berbatov when he scored 3 against Liverpool last season and was the top scorer? If you like beautiful football, plenty of goals in every game go support Barcelona.

Posted by Kelvin on 11/03/2011

Hey All.....

Its okay that our team is not perfect. In the current world of rich owners who can buy a fantasy league team "overnight"...2 for each position...and Barca who I respectfully admit have all the check marks against my list of desired attributes of the team I would support.....we tend to ask for perfection...forgeting that in the normal world perfection does not exist...or if it does, its supposed to be a rare and treasured occurance (1999).

United is basically an English Club.....in the EPL...speed and physical play are the key factors. Faster pace, more direct paths to goal. Exciting to watch....but not as technical and skillfull and possesion oriented as other leagues.

When teams fall back and defend deep, or we face technically sound teams who are used to holding possesion better....this "flaw" in our play becomes more obvious.

You can either have a more measured pass them to death game..or a faster swahbuckling overwhelm them game.

Which do you prefer?

Posted by the kaizer on 11/03/2011

I am tired of complaining about our midfield.

Posted by CRDB7 on 11/03/2011

Play Young as the attacking midfielder and Valencia & Nani on the wings

Posted by David Smith on 11/03/2011

I don't think anyone is asking for or expecting perfection, Kelvin, but as loyal fans of Manchester United Football Club, we most certainly have the right to demand so much more from these players. The past 6 or 7 weeks have seen such an alarming drop in form, attitude and spirit - the worst I've seen in almost 20 years. The second half capitulation against Citeh, ten men or not, was the most disheartening thing I've seen from a United side since the 80's. The midfield has clearly been an issue for some time and Fergie's solely to blame for that. Cleverly, as much potential as he has, certainly isn't the saviour and answer this season. United never had a problem in the past paying over the top for the likes of Ferdinand, Veron and Berbatov (just to name a few) and they shouldn't now for a midfielder or two. It's the nature of the beast. Also, some of our non-British players need a stern reminder of what it truly means to put that famous kit on. I just don't see it at the moment.

Posted by Moses on 11/03/2011

I totally agree with you that playing Rooney in front of the back four was misuse of resources.But nonetheless,He did well. Anderson's been outta steam & I was thinking with Scholes retirement,he will have more playing time which he has & will lace up his socks. But he has refused to and that only proves one point,He's not good enough or He's not ready to improve on his passes & I think January is de appropriate time to fix this.
Finally,somebody needs to remind the old trafford faithfuls that their attitude is not encouraging. I've seen team lose @ home & yet their home fans still cheer them. There's really no point going to the stadium if you going to turn it into a cemetery. Stronger opponents will take advantage of that.

Posted by RM on 11/03/2011

SAF has hinted at 2 more "Chicharito" type of players coming up - I just don't see any big signings...

Is it just me, or was the game not a perfect opportunity to see just how good Pogba might be?

Posted by Stupadad on 11/03/2011

The whole team has been off form the last couple of matches so stop bagging Anderson for our recent results! He was taken off when we went a man down against City for Jones yet we still conceded four more goals! How come he is to blame for that??? He didn't play against Everton where we were so blunt but there he is again taking the blame for that performance. Looking at his stats from the beginning of the season, he has been our most consistent central midfielder with the highest average passing accuracy and most interceptions and successful tackles. He's been great for us this season and even scored two goals!!! The rest have been playing poorly around him because even when he is not there we still can't get going! So he definately isn't the problem!!!!

Posted by Daniel on 11/03/2011

I agree on midfielder obvious need, but there is also something to worry about if we are waiting for one salvator, I mean this team has ten more excelent players that should fix the link-midfielder missing player.

Posted by Valentine on 11/03/2011

What is most frustrating about United right now is not that we are not playing well.... we've been below average for at least a full season now. Whats most worrying is the general feeling of "nothing is wrong" attitude displayed by the club. Quotes such as "we are closing the gap on Barcelona" "We are fine. We have always played with wide players." " "We have 2 great central defenders" (one of which is Evans) are the ones that are suicidal worthy depressing.

Posted by KPM on 11/03/2011

Maybe if Fergie wasn't so stubborn in the summer (or the last couple years), he would have bought a decent midfielder and not relied on average players to scrape out 1-0 or 2-1 results. A central midfield consisting of the likes of Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs, or Park is not going to scare anybody, with the horror shows against Barcelona and Man City coming to mind.

Posted by Rahul on 11/04/2011

Finally, people are starting to see the malaise in this team. We've been poor for more than a year now.

I think the personnel are fine, just that they need a good kick on their ass. No effort, no commitment at all. Fletcher, Rooney, Jones, and De Gea are the only ones putting in the effort.

I'm surprised nobody mentioend Evra. He's been so awful and he's our captain? C'mmon!

Posted by Kapil on 11/04/2011

Yes evra...he has been really poor...its indeed strange that nobody above mentioned him...he needs a little reminder that his place in the playing ix is not guaranteed...just like rio...

Posted by dubs on 11/04/2011

Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Park...all reup'd contracts within the past year, and all are playing below par - if playing at all. The January window = a "motivator", for them and some others in that midfield i feel. Possibly bring in younger, more hungry players just to keep the current squad members honest. Or maybe not. Gaffer knows best...
I would personally love to see someone already in the side, a Carrick/Fletcher/Gibson type, raise their form and provide a response the whole team can build off.
Lest we forget, there is plenty to be decided before that point arrives. Despite the last few weeks, United have done enough to still be mentionable in both the Prem & CL. Fair play to all those comments above - I'm 90 percent in agreement. The boys just need to start playing with smiles and swagger again.

Posted by Anant on 11/04/2011

We just need a good young central midfielder who learns and adapts to the united style quickly... everything else is just fine

Posted by aussiered on 11/04/2011

You have all been spoilt, Twenty years now we have overall played pretty consistent football. And now that Shitty have gone top your all bitching like princesses. Harden up support the team and be gracious to accept that we may be in a transition. do any of you really believe SAF recent statements, he knows its going to get tough, he also knows how much effort was or wasnt applied towards Sneider being signed but at the end of the day we have what we have. Ok some have been indifferent for a number of games but lets hope they all come through the next ten weeks with only a point away or touch wood even a few points up on the blue nose _astards. There seems to be a collective memory lapse, we have dropped only 2 points agianst the big three rivals
And shitty have still got to play them all.
I will be waiting for the deluge of apologies when we click back into gear, You dont go from awesome to shit without the potential to go back again. Num twenty will be ours. Believe in United

Posted by anon on 11/04/2011

"Finally,somebody needs to remind the old trafford faithfuls that their attitude is not encouraging. I've seen team lose @ home & yet their home fans still cheer them. There's really no point going to the stadium if you going to turn it into a cemetery. Stronger opponents will take advantage of that."

Very true. It was very impressive and encouraging when the Arsenal travelling supporters actually sang louder (or at least got some people to believe so) than the Man Utd ones at times, despite the embarrassing 8-2.

I do believe that fans are indeed the twelfth man, even if they don't play a direct role, they're one of the biggest morale boosters for players.

Posted by Liamo on 11/04/2011

I have to say it has been so frustrating watching utd play lately, from a team that looked at the start of the season that could beat anyone to a side that now looks like it could be beaten by anyone is so depressing. We still have the nucleus of a fantastic team de dea, smalling,jones,vidic,the silva brothers, rooney,young,valencia,cleverly and little pea, as you can see I left out the modfielders cos carrick, anderson and park while good players are not good enough for united and giggsy is getting too old. SAF needs to invest in quality hungry midfielders in the mould of keane or scholes or give pogba or morrison their chance sooner rather tha later before we end up chasing city for years to come cos lets be honest something is seriously wrong when rooney has to play in midfield. You would never see something like that happening with the teams of the past cos they always had quality midfielders.

Posted by David Smith on 11/04/2011

A rather childish, ill-informed post there aussiered. It's got absolutely nothing to do with being spoilt or the the fact that Citeh are top of the league. In fact, I dare say it's not so much about losing, but rather the way we lost to Stockport's finest. It's also about Anderson and Evans not being the sort of quality required to anchor a Manchester United midfield and defence. The club isn't in a transition either; we've won the bloody league 4 of the past 5 years. United fans pay good money to follow the team home, away and in Europe and if you think commenting and complaining about the absolute shite on display against the noisy neighbours and last Wednesday night, then I suggest you stick to the rugby and cricket. No one is going to apologise when the players "click back into gear" either. We expect and demand them to do just that at some point. You can't win them all, but you most certainly can display pride when wearing our famous red shirt and give 100% effort.

Posted by Kripa on 11/04/2011

Nowadays a game is not won only by players on the pitch. Lots of people influence it, some of them were the backroom staffs, the ones who analyze opponent game videos over and over to find weaknesses and gestures, and tell the players how to best exploit them.

The press only highlights that goalkeepers were thought how to read how opponent players took their penalty and reacted accordingly, but players that was assigned to mark a certain player would also study him before a game.

Our start were excellent this year, and some of it was due to the new/young players opponents can't 'read' yet. But after every 4-5 games they must find a way to improve themselves, learning new tricks and unexpected moves.

Nobody stops Jones coming forward into the box earlier this season because no one anticipate it, but he almost never do it now, why? Simple, they expect him doing it and stop him. But great crosses are more difficult to master or stopped, so it's good to see him going that path.

-cont-

Posted by Kripa on 11/04/2011

-cont-

Fergie was spot on when he said some time ago that later in the season our veterans will came forward. These are players that were so rich in styles and techniques that opponents have a difficult time 'reading'. We also have mature guards that can read opponents and close up holes (although 2 of them have left us).

Do we need to get new players during the next window? Maybe, but I'd rather we give young players a chance. We had excellent young players already in the squad, IMHO Sir Alex did a better job than Wenger in mixing them with the vets to create a winning team.

Will Rooney lost his sharpness by turning him into a box to box midfielder? Maybe not, he'll be more formidable with an extended view of the whole pitch, he'll have more chance to sharpen his long range efforts, he also will have a chance to try to lead the team from the middle.

If this go the right way, Rooney - Fletcher partnership in the middle will create a very strong backbone for the future of the club.

Posted by Kapil on 11/05/2011

Couldn't agree more with david smith...hopefully SAF will do something to address all the issues...we all know he will...and we can do our job and support our team on matchdays...the least we can do...

Posted by aussiered on 11/05/2011

Dave Smith. You think that because you currently sit at OT watching the team you have some inate knowledge of the good the bad and the ugly. The facts are simple. If you dont like what you see fuck off and and watch something else. You have no comprehension of whats required to perform week in week out.and im pretty sure you will do a shit job for your employer at some stage. The boys play under a pressure you cant imagine. As far as showing pride in the shirt etc etc. You should practice what you preach. Stop bagging and start supporting you half witted muppet.

Posted by aussiered on 11/05/2011

Cont.
Im not sure which part of my comments are il~ informed DS
or childish as you put it. The facts speak for themselves. Disappointing performances in October dont spell the end and all members of the squad will be under no illusions of expectancy or level of performance expected. But the fact of life is sometimes 100% effort appears significantly less when the gears dont click. Also dont assume that a
username indicates a supporter who has never
ventured near OT. There is a thing out there called migration. As the saying goes open your mind and close your mouth the experience maybe life changing. Believe in United.

Posted by Damian Garside on 11/06/2011

I would just like to say that I don't belive that you deserve the kind of muppet insults that unfortunately have surfaced in response to your well-written and thoughtful piece.

The truth is, over time, United's huge world fan base will disappear if they sink to the second rank and City becdome the great English galacticos winning everything home and abroad. Which will mean that the Glazier's hopes of long term profit based on this world fan base will expire and they will default and have to sell off assest to make interest payments. That could set up a vicious cycle which takes us further down the road of non-achievement and penury.

Apart from that, its just so idiotic, my club -- or not even that -- my club's nmanager or owners right or wrong. It's childish, too and shows that people are scared of thinking for themselves or having an opinion.

My quesion is -- when ARE United going to start -- because it didn't happen against Sunderland?

Posted by oz on 11/06/2011

Hey Aussiered settle down a bit, I think David smiths main point is that its not about the winning or losing, or the fans being spoilt- as in we must win everything - its about how the team plays, or at least try and plays, the effort put in etc..

and united are playing very ordinary at the moment, which leads to questions and discussion about why?

this blog is a forum

Posted by liam on 11/07/2011

Stop hitting on eachother and move on.
I think everyone has a vaild point/opinion on the blogs so far. Do i agree with it no. Do i have to no.

I agree with Rahul. I think united have been lucky over the last year or so. The fresh blood has been good. i think its the guys that have been around for a few years that have let the team down. Evra, Evans and Rio (when playe) have been a waste of space. then there is the likes of nani, andreson and fletcher who have been incosistant at best.

A new mid fielders is needed - who that is im not sure but one think i do know is it will be at the fore front of SAF mind.

One thing though is a win is a win. Good, bad, slow... whatever. Im sure everyone will agree that the club is in the best hands possible.

Posted by Ahmad Syafiq on 11/07/2011

We'll see in 2 months' time. At least we are getting back to basics in getting clean sheets (4 on the trot now - Aldershot (3-0), Everton (1-0), Otelul (2-0) and Sunderland(1-0)). We were winning 1-0 for like 6 out of 8 matches at one point (2007/2008 season), and I don't hear any complaints at that time. And we went on to win the league and UCL that season. Just treat this as part of the process. As long we're getting clean sheets which helps our defensive confidence, I have no complaints. As much as people would like to see huge scorelines (8-2, 6-1, 5-0), at the end of the day, it's just 3 points. Now's the international break, which is a good time to sharpen our match sharpness once more. Hopefully the goals will start flowing once more.

Posted by Kelvin on 11/07/2011

A rejoinder on the forum of play and form.

I like what Kripa says....our younger players caught some opposition off guard earlier in the season...and now they are become better known and their playing tendencies being better read and prepared for. Thats why the effectiveness level has dropped.

I actually do not think we are playing significantly worse now than at the start of the season...we are about the same. We have better energy and speed this season, but less vision, possession and experience in keeping the ball and moving into attacking positions against well set up defenses.

We were just not being punished for loss of possesion earlier, and arguably our finishing was a touch better.

Posted by Benjamin Nigel on 11/07/2011

i think United is in a bad perch, this i agree. one thing that i don't agree with the gaffer is playing Rooney in a midfield position,this completely makes us so ordinary and u realize that the team lucks alot of balance upfront because of withdrawing Rooney.Fergie should just bring in Sneijder come January and United will be in a better position to compete with the likes of Barca and Real Madrid.
However, you can only write off united at your own wish coz those guys will certainly bounce back.

Posted by Fk muhammed on 11/07/2011

I will like rooney playing his normal position [forward] there should be some one fit for the mid-field, someone like anderson and other

Posted by Eric Be3S on 11/08/2011

This article makes me look at the January transfer window already.......

SAF probably should sell Tomas Kuscazk, Darron Gibson, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov altogether, and financed the purchase of Wesley Sneijder and Jake Rodwell for replacements....

We definitely needs some improvements in the engine room. Someone who can tackle and deliver it to the playmaker (I like Rodwell for that matter, he can be useful also in the air, which will help defensively and attacking-wise)

The statistics shows that MU allowed too many chances and shots at De Gea's goal whichever the opponent is, which is a worrying signs.

Also we haven't got the creativity builder from the midfield since Scholesy retired (here comes Sneijder as contender, have been for ages now....sighhhhh). Cleverley is good, but he's not a finished article yet. Rooney is excellent in that part, but using him there is a huge waste of his talents.

and also sell Jonny Evans for Neven Subotic?...

How do U think Mark?

Posted by AARON MARK HENDRIX on 11/10/2011

Playing Rooney or Young or anyone(besides Cleverly) for tht matter in midfield will not solve the problemo folks.We do not have a player who can distribute the ball effectively and hold possesion,dictate the game and create chances for the team.Pogba is a young dude,he might be good,but he wont win us the CL Final now will he?Sadly,though the chances are slightly higher,neither will Cleverly.Coz these guys are not there yet.So,we need to get a playmaker before we even think about playing good football.The first few games of the season were when we played without fear and surprised,and caught teams off guard.Its worth noting that no one individual carried us thru those games,it was guys like Wayne,Ashley,Nani,Jones,Smalling etc who collectively put in great performances and with tht we overcame all those teams.Looking back, it appears that the 5-0 win over Bolton was the last decent game we played.Since, we've been poor,to say the least..

Posted by johanzul on 11/12/2011

As for me, Rooney at Center Midfield is a good temporary solution for MU but bad for England if being put as permanent position.

From my viewpoint, if it is due to MU doesn't have the $$$ for whatever reason to buy top quality players, my choice is that Giggsy/Cleverly at Attacking Midfield while Carrick/Anderson Defending Midfield. Young/Nani on Right Winger while Park/Valencia on Left Winger.

I believe that the current squad is enough for BPL challenge and even to win it (it's going to be tough but we can make it) but still, not for CL as which most of the fans in these blogs had been cried out loud since last season.

The secret of why MU had a lot of success in EPL/BPL not because we have top quality players but the way rotation of players had been made with most of the times approach to the game made was too slow but we got good result. Again, the current setup is good for BPL not CL.

Anyway, lets SAF and the team worry about it and take up the challenge. Proof us wrong ;)

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