[Cassidy]

I think Bayern fans have said he was very stubborn in his approach there, he was heavily criticized for team having too much possession without doing much with it and he made some bold decisions (dropped Klose and Toni to play Muller if I remember correctly?). At United so far it was his insistence to play 352 which although short has cost us points plus van Persie being in the team despite playing poorly.

To be fair to him, apart from Herrera (who got injured early on) what were his other midfeild options? He needed to try something, it didn't work and he moved on quickly. Don't think you can call that stubborn.

As for RVP, well Falcao isn't fit so... who do you replace him with Wilson? He has already started subbing off RVP (who has goals this season) for Wilson (who hasn't) so again bit harsh to say that is stubborn.

 

[Petr1]

Cant see why van Gaal would have a problem with Herrera. He has the technique and creative ability plus hes not afraid to put in a tackle. Sure its just bs

 

[Pogue Mahone]

That statement went too far (he has alot to prove before you want to go and call him that) especially when we have a player like Di Maria
However your assesment of his performances are a little on the harsh side. Someone even said he looks soft, he clearly isn't, he gets knocked off the ball a bit (but its usually a foul when he does in fariness as he plays on the edge of balance when moving with the ball, a bit like D Silva)

I probably am being a little harsh, you're right there. I tend to do that when I think someone is getting praise (or criticism) their performances don't justify. Just think a lot of people are overlooking the perfectly valid reasons Van Gaal might have for taking Herrera out of the team for a while. Blind is a bit of a freak in the way he's adjusted to life at Manchester United so quickly. Hererra's learning curve is a bit more normal and I wouldn't have expected him to have mastered every element of being a CM in the PL just yet.

So I'm not too bothered about him having a bit of time off (along with Di Maria being shunted out wide) if the manager thinks that's the best way to stop that alarming streak of defensive vulnerability we had in large portions of the Everton, West Ham, & Leicester games.

 

[Adebesi]

I think Bayern fans have said he was very stubborn in his approach there, he was heavily criticized for team having too much possession without doing much with it and he made some bold decisions (dropped Klose and Toni to play Muller if I remember correctly?). At United so far it was his insistence to play 352 which although short has cost us points plus van Persie being in the team despite playing poorly.

Yeah OK he clearly came with a reputation for being stubborn with a massive ruthless streak, I just dont think weve actually seen evidence of it at United yet. Which may be because he has mellowed a bit, or he may be biding his time and making further assessments before he fully commits to a plan and acts really decisively. I dont think the 352 thing has anything to do with stubbornness, personally. The RVP one is more in that direction but still falls short. I would call it more a man who believes in a player and is giving him a chance to play himself into form. Not least because he hasnt had too many other options (though I would like to see Rooney play up front) and RVP hasnt in my assessment been that bad.

If RVP plays up front for the next 10 games then yes, Ill say it is stubborn (unless he is vindicated), I dont think people would see him that way if it wasnt for the reputation he arrived with.

 

[SonnyTheHaloPro]

He's a little bit overrated on here, he's rightfully been dropped to the bench for the last 3 games. He was shocking against West Brom and Leicester and his only really good game for us was against QPR in which every player in our team was good. He capitulated badly against Leicester in the second half and was invisible as was a lot of our players that day. Fellaini hasn't set the world on fire, but he's been solid and consistent, his physical presence is also a welcomed sight especially when we are defending in our own box, sorry but I just feel a bit more secure defensively when Fellaini/Carrick are playing. Herrera is also not our best midfielder, Di Maria and Carrick are both better, what exactly has Herrera done to be considered better than them two?

Although I actually think Herrera would be brilliant for us in a advanced position where his skills are put to better use, but I can't see LVG dropping Rooney to accommodate him, so unless Fellaini or Carrick mess up pretty bad in the next few games, I think we will be seeing a lot of Herrera on the bench. I think we should use him like Chelsea use Oscar, as an advanced midfielder who presses like crazy and wins the ball high up the pitch.

 

[Cassidy]

He's a little bit overrated on here, he's rightfully been dropped to the bench for the last 3 games. He was shocking against West Brom and Leicester and his only really good game for us was against QPR in which every player in our team was good. He capitulated badly against Leicester in the second half and was invisible as was a lot of our players that day. Fellaini hasn't set the world on fire, but he's been solid and consistent, his physical presence is also a welcomed sight especially when we are defending in our own box, sorry but I just feel a bit more secure defensively when Fellaini/Carrick are playing. Herrera is also not our best midfielder, Di Maria and Carrick are both better, what exactly has Herrera done to be considered better than them two?

Although I actually think Herrera would be brilliant for us in a advanced position where his skills are put to better use, but I can't see LVG dropping Rooney to accommodate him, so unless Fellaini or Carrick mess up pretty bad in the next few games, I think we will be seeing a lot of Herrera on the bench. I think we should use him like Chelsea use Oscar, as an advanced midfielder who presses like crazy and wins the ball high up the pitch.

Just as much as he is overrated in this thread, you are underatting him right there.

He has played well against WestHam, QPR, majority of the game against Leicester.

Not that I am saying he is better than Di Maria but you make the statement you make as if Di Maria hasn't been shite for the last 3/4 games.

Fact is Herrera has played well apart from 30 mins against Leicester.Oh and the game against WestBrom which he was likely not even fit for.

 

[RuudTom83]

Ah!, now it is Herrera, after Fellaini, Shaw, De Gea and Rafael. Who is the next ?

I know what you mean...I think the journalist are really struggling to come with any real drama at the club this season. Apart from the Rooney red card it has all been vague/bland stories about who is and isn't in LVG's plans.

Same happened with Januzaj until he played 4 games back-to-back. Then Mata comes off the bench and you'd think he had been in the reserves all season from the interview questions afterwards.

 

[SonnyTheHaloPro]

Just as much as he is overrated in this thread, you are underatting him right there.

He has played well against WestHam, QPR, majority of the game against Leicester. Oh and the game against WestBrom which he was likely not even fit for.

Not that I am saying he is better than Di Maria but you make the statement you make as if Di Maria hasn't been shite for the last 3/4 games.

Fact is Herrera has played well apart from 30 mins against Leicester.

I probably am underrating him abit, but I still think he'd be quality as a advanced MF.

Yes he played well vs West Ham, forgot about that game, my bad.

Di Maria has still been assisting and creating chances, that's the sign of a top quality performer.

So what? We need consistant performers who can play for 90mins not 30mins.

 

[Cassidy]

I probably am underrating him abit, but I still think he'd be quality as a advanced MF.

Yes he played well vs West Ham, forgot about that game, my bad.

Di Maria has still been assisting and creating chances, that's the sign of a top quality performer.

So what? We need consistant performers who can play for 90mins not 30mins.

In terms of goal contributions Herrera has 2 goals and an assist in what 4 games? Not to mention when he has been playing he has consistently been involved in creating chances.

You miss the point. The whole team played badly for 30 mins (including Di Maria before he was subbed off), my point was he has played well apart from 30 mins, so how has that all of a sudden made him an inconsistent performer?

 

[DomesticTadpole]

LVG has said it with every player thats been out injured...... no one is guaranteed a spot when fit. He's giving Fellaini a chance based on his performances which I think is fair.
At the end of the day there are 25 players in the team and only 11 can start. Not everyone can play all the time.

Problem with giving Fellaini his chance, and yes he has earned it, is that we are now relying on not condeding goals and with him and Carrick in the side we will not be the threat going forward, so if we concede first we might not have the personel to get a win.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

I probably am being a little harsh, you're right there. I tend to do that when I think someone is getting praise (or criticism) their performances don't justify. Just think a lot of people are overlooking the perfectly valid reasons Van Gaal might have for taking Herrera out of the team for a while. Blind is a bit of a freak in the way he's adjusted to life at Manchester United so quickly. Hererra's learning curve is a bit more normal and I wouldn't have expected him to have mastered every element of being a CM in the PL just yet.

So I'm not too bothered about him having a bit of time off (along with Di Maria being shunted out wide) if the manager thinks that's the best way to stop that alarming streak of defensive vulnerability we had in large portions of the Everton, West Ham, & Leicester games.

These new players will need time, it is a different type of football. If he starts shunting players out without letting them settle we will be in the same boat every season. New players coming in needing time to settle and not getting it. I think the defensive issues are dictating the type of midfield we play. A good strong defence and we can attack better without the worry of defensive cockups.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Also, people saying about the six weeks to mend his rib. Him playing in that corset might have added more time to the recovery and I believe it actually caused him a lot or irritation. If Ander was desperate to play, the manager should have put his foot down and said he needed recovery time. He didn't, so I think it was more LvG was desperate for him to play and it backfired.

 

[Devil may care]

He needs to get his tweet on like Falcao and shut this nonsense down.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

You notice that these stories come out during and international break, no press conferences from the club managers to put the situation right. It depends if the press ask LvG in his next press conference to clear things up, Marca just like mischief making.

 

[Mykey]

Problem with giving Fellaini his chance, and yes he has earned it, is that we are now relying on not condeding goals and with him and Carrick in the side we will not be the threat going forward, so if we concede first we might not have the personel to get a win.

We can bring Mata or Herrera one
I agree but I don't think anyone should be freaking out that Herrera hasn't been back yet, they tried to rush him with that corset and it didn't work out so they'll give it time.
Other players need game time too

 

[DomesticTadpole]

We can bring Mata or Herrera one
I agree but I don't think anyone should be freaking out that Herrera hasn't been back yet, they tried to rush him with that corset and it didn't work out so they'll give it time.
Other players need game time too

No saying LvG doesn't feel bad for setting his recovery back.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

We can bring Mata or Herrera one
I agree but I don't think anyone should be freaking out that Herrera hasn't been back yet, they tried to rush him with that corset and it didn't work out so they'll give it time.
Other players need game time too

These games where he has been on the bench. There have been sending off/ injuries issues or both which may have changed the substitutions that were going to be made. He has most likely just been plain unlucky not to get a run out. With yet another international break there are no U-21 games to give him a bit of a run out like Carrick got.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I believe he will return to the first 11 once the injured rib clears.

 

[Lynk]

Marca? The paper who photoshopped a stadium pre-season to make it look like there was more Madrid fans than United? They along with Jamie Hackson can do one.

 

[Kakeru]

I believe he will return to the first 11 once the injured rib clears.

I hope it will be soon. I really want to see his energy in midfield on a regular basis again.

 

[Sied]

He's looking well to me

 

[Devil may care]

Certainly looks to be moving freely, 2 more weeks off for this crappy international break should see him ready to come in against Arsenal.

 

[LR7]

The biggest disappointment is that he shone in the big games at Athletic Club last season (I only really watched him consistently last season because I had a feeling we would go back in for him) and he has missed our big games so far this season. I do think (and hope) his absence has been LvG not wanting to risk exacerbating his injury.

 

[ivaldo]

Needs to come straight back into midfield. Put Di Maria at the point of the diamond but largely let him do what the feck he wants.

 

[Pexbo]

Needs to come straight back into midfield. Put Di Maria at the point of the diamond but largely let him do what the feck he wants.

Putting him at the point of a diamond is a waste too. He needs to be deeper.

Until we have a strong defence behind him though that won't happe

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Certainly looks to be moving freely, 2 more weeks off for this crappy international break should see him ready to come in against Arsenal.

It'll be two months after the rib injury when we play Arsenal. Considering he was first cleared to play just two weeks afterwards, we can safely assume that if he is benched against Arsenal it will have nothing to do with his ribs.

 

[izec]

 

[Devil may care]

It'll be two months after the rib injury when we play Arsenal. Considering he was first cleared to play just two weeks afterwards, we can safely assume that if he is benched against Arsenal it will have nothing to do with his ribs.

Definitely, I mean it's possible he aggravated the rib injury by playing so soon after, but looking at that vid and Mata's comments he's fully fit now. I hope he does start, I know most would say I have an agenda bias against Fellaini and I freely admit I get zero joy from seeing him lumber about, but I do think the tempo of our passing and our pressing has been hurt by Herrera's absence. I'd love to see a Blind/Carrick/Herrera midfield trio.

 

[Sam]

If LVG genuinly rates Fellaini above Herrera then my confidence in the man will take a massive battering.

 

[mazhar13]

We've really missed him in the past few matches. Having someone who can actually dictate our pace and tempo from midfield was a must in the past three matches. Rooney's played this dictator role twice now, and he hasn't had the influence that I'd expect from a player in that role.

Whilst Herrera's passing has been somewhat sloppy so far, his movement, vision, and energy made us play at a good tempo and pace. Without him, we've been lethargic and overly reliant on our wingers to create chances and offer us a quick tempo to our game. The opposition notice this, and they outnumber our wide players, thus limiting their influence.

With Herrera, the opposition would always be dragged around, and this would offer up space for everyone else on the attack. When Herrera isn't his energetic, active self, we struggle as no one else offers what he offers through the middle (I'd say that only Kagawa and Welbeck offered that before Herrera did).

 

[Escobar]

If LVG genuinly rates Fellaini above Herrera then my confidence in the man will take a massive battering.

I kinda agree even though I'd mean it less dramatic

 

[bosnian_red]

It'll be two months after the rib injury when we play Arsenal. Considering he was first cleared to play just two weeks afterwards, we can safely assume that if he is benched against Arsenal it will have nothing to do with his ribs.

I think it's safe to assume we rushed him back (made him play in that special corset) and that he might have aggregated it so didn't play vs chelsea. Fellaini took his chance and played really well, so then kept his spot vs city, and then vs palace it made sense to play him because of the added height and muscle because our center backs were McNair and blind, so we needed someone like fellaini to provide height.

I don't buy that Van gaal doesn't rate him or whatever, I think he's a big fan of him, but it's just that when we have so many injuries in defence, we need more defensively minded midfielders to make up for it as well as some height so we aren't useless from corners(defending them, we'll always be useless from them going forward).

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think it's safe to assume we rushed him back (made him play in that special corset) and that he might have aggregated it so didn't play vs chelsea. Fellaini took his chance and played really well, so then kept his spot vs city, and then vs palace it made sense to play him because of the added height and muscle because our center backs were McNair and blind, so we needed someone like fellaini to provide height.

I don't buy that Van gaal doesn't rate him or whatever, I think he's a big fan of him, but it's just that when we have so many injuries in defence, we need more defensively minded midfielders to make up for it as well as some height so we aren't useless from corners(defending them, we'll always be useless from them going forward).

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think it's safe to assume we rushed him back (made him play in that special corset) and that he might have aggregated it so didn't play vs chelsea. Fellaini took his chance and played really well, so then kept his spot vs city, and then vs palace it made sense to play him because of the added height and muscle because our center backs were McNair and blind, so we needed someone like fellaini to provide height.

I don't buy that Van gaal doesn't rate him or whatever, I think he's a big fan of him, but it's just that when we have so many injuries in defence, we need more defensively minded midfielders to make up for it as well as some height so we aren't useless from corners(defending them, we'll always be useless from them going forward).

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think it's safe to assume we rushed him back (made him play in that special corset) and that he might have aggregated it so didn't play vs chelsea. Fellaini took his chance and played really well, so then kept his spot vs city, and then vs palace it made sense to play him because of the added height and muscle because our center backs were McNair and blind, so we needed someone like fellaini to provide height.

I don't buy that Van gaal doesn't rate him or whatever, I think he's a big fan of him, but it's just that when we have so many injuries in defence, we need more defensively minded midfielders to make up for it as well as some height so we aren't useless from corners(defending them, we'll always be useless from them going forward).

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think it's safe to assume we rushed him back (made him play in that special corset) and that he might have aggregated it so didn't play vs chelsea. Fellaini took his chance and played really well, so then kept his spot vs city, and then vs palace it made sense to play him because of the added height and muscle because our center backs were McNair and blind, so we needed someone like fellaini to provide height.

I don't buy that Van gaal doesn't rate him or whatever, I think he's a big fan of him, but it's just that when we have so many injuries in defence, we need more defensively minded midfielders to make up for it as well as some height so we aren't useless from corners(defending them, we'll always be useless from them going forward).

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think it's safe to assume we rushed him back (made him play in that special corset) and that he might have aggregated it so didn't play vs chelsea. Fellaini took his chance and played really well, so then kept his spot vs city, and then vs palace it made sense to play him because of the added height and muscle because our center backs were McNair and blind, so we needed someone like fellaini to provide height.

I don't buy that Van gaal doesn't rate him or whatever, I think he's a big fan of him, but it's just that when we have so many injuries in defence, we need more defensively minded midfielders to make up for it as well as some height so we aren't useless from corners(defending them, we'll always be useless from them going forward).

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

 

[Dante]

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

Agree with that last paragraph.

What annoys me is not Fellaini being picked ahead of Hererra it's the fact he won't take Rooney out of midfield, to play him up front. That gives Hererra his game, keeps Fellaini for his defensive qualities and provides us with a lone striker who will cover the ground we need him to cover.

Seems a no brainer and it's really frustrating Van Gaal sees things differently.

Agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed and agreed.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed and agreed.

Hear, hear, hear, hear, hear, hear.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed, agreed and agreed.

Hear, hear, hear, hear, hear, hear. Why is it playing silly sods when you try to post a reply?