You know, sometimes if people have made up their mind that they don't like a player, then they will always find a reason to fault him for something that isn't even his fault.
17
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 29
- Clean sheets
- 9
- Goals
- 2
- Assists
- 3
- Yellow cards
- 4
Our formation is leaving him with way to much in defence when the opposition is in transition. That team structure needs sorting out asap.
I thought he was fantastic today.
I don't know what it is about Blind but he seems to split opinion completely, some people think he's been very good, some people think he's been poor.
I like what i have seen with him to be honest, very calm and tidy player, good passer etc.
I have watched games and thought he's had a good game and then i have seen people on here say they thought he was poor. Its strange.
I like what i have seen with him to be honest, very calm and tidy player, good passer etc.
I have watched games and thought he's had a good game and then i have seen people on here say they thought he was poor. Its strange.
I agree with the general sentiment.
For 14mil he is a great addition to the squad. At worse he will be a good squad player-based on his performances so far.
He's a very clever player, very good at making those interception and, as you say, putting out fires. I absolutly agree. He's very Carrick like.
But he's almost hopeless at dealing with a player running directly through the middle. He just doesn't have the physical presence, or pace, to deal with it. Thats why I'd like to see him given a physically strong partner to help him out.
Best player on the pitch today. Did his job and kept possession. Maybe could have done better to cover for the 1st goal conceded but that was a culmination of everyones feckups and not just Blinds.
Great goal to help us grab a point. There is definitely more of that in his locker!
Great goal to help us grab a point. There is definitely more of that in his locker!
As much as I hate to say it. He looked like Fellaini was born to partner him because of this reason.
Seems to be happening alright. Commentary team gave the impression he was struggling. I thought he had a decent game. We had more posession than any other team at the ground this season. Blind played a big part in that, with and without the ball. Lovely goal too but the performance was grand without it.
He must have covered 20 miles today! He seemed to always be were the ball was. Saved us a point as well, so I don't think it's unfair to call him MOTM.
Enjoyed his performance today. We're starting to dominate possession a bit more and he's a big part of that. Great composed finish for his goal and I think 20 yards is his maximum range. That shot he had from 35/40 yards was ridiculous, unless you have some insane shooting ability you should never be gifting possession away like that.
I honestly think he's been one of our best 4 or 5 players over the whole season so far. I don't know why some people can't see it.
Right about that, the problem is people expect too much when they hear the description Defensive Midfielder but can't seem to understand that it's a job that requires partners with defensive nous. Playing what looked like a 4-1-4-1 in the first half and even when Fellaini was there he had too much to do as he would be expected to hold in the centre but then there he was also needed to snuff out danger on the flanks. Then ahead of him and his partner there was a ghost, defending is a team effort and when one of your partners is defensively inept then your task is difficult. He is not superman nor is he a Mascherano.
I'd play Carrick beside him and Herrera ahead of them in a 4-3-3, we urgently need to tighten up.
I like him. Nuff said.
I like him a lot. This coming from someone who didn't want us to buy him in the first place. As well as doing the basics as you'd expect from a holding midfield player, from time to time he provides moments of real quality. In this game, his superb long ball which sent Di Maria through and of course, his finish to make it 2-2.
Agree with this. And he carries himself like a Utd player – a lot of confidence and a lot of heart. More than can be said for many of our players. First one over to the away fans too.
As someone pointed out he's great at keeping the play ticking over and with someone next to him to break up play he can work his magic. Herrera was that guy I thought, at least for now – clearly not fully over his injury.
I do like him, but god damn either stop trying those long range pot shots or practice making them actually hit the target!
Granted, it was his long range goal that saved us a point. But still.
Granted, it was his long range goal that saved us a point. But still.
Yes that sounds good. Fellaini is not a defensive midfielder.
I've been very pleased with Blind so far this season. I'll throw my hand up and admit that I thought we were getting a utility player who would be another squad member that didn't justify his spot when he was called upon. I'm very happy to be wrong on this one. For me he has been a great replacement for Carrick and has done for us what Carrick did so well, keeping possesion and spreading the ball around. It is an understated, yet crucial role for us and I'm not suprised he doesn't seem to get much recognition like Carrick didn't up until a few years ago.
I don't want to test out this theory, but I think if we were to swap out Blind and replace him with any player in our squad even technically better ones like Herrera in that role, it would be a disaster.
I don't want to test out this theory, but I think if we were to swap out Blind and replace him with any player in our squad even technically better ones like Herrera in that role, it would be a disaster.
Right on, if he was partnered with a more solid midfield player, in a balanced side, he wouldn't have too much to do defensively. We could pair him with Herrera, instruct Herrera to pick his moments and play Di Maria as the most advanced midfielder- the problem is we will be confining Rooney to the flank and we don't have anyone ready to consistently start on the other flank. So a diamond with Carrick at the base, Blind on the left, Herrera on the right and Di Maria at the tip seems like the best way to go currently.
------------Carrick----------
---Herrera----------Blind---
------------Di Maria---------
----Rooney-------Falcao---
I feel Blind could do well in the role Di Maria has been playing from a defensive perspective whilst also passing it about, plus he has a fine cross and long pass on him which could work in releasing Di Maria and Shaw.
So far I am happy with him as he is a massive improvement on what we had and I also know that he wasn't brought in as a long term starter, if he grows into one well then that would be a bonus. We can't lose with him (,the signing that is) we won't!
He pushed forward a bit too much at times today IMO but he had a thankless task as the only proper CM in our team, we really need a CM partner for him, preferably a mobile, physical one who is right footed to balance him out. All in all he has hugely surpassed my expectations and he has the fight and attitude I want to see in a United player.
He was great today. West Brom basically sat back with ten men in their own half, it gave Blind no options when he was on the ball and for some reason no one was really dropping deep to help him. Blind largely did his job well against a very mobile West Brom side.
I definitely suffer from blind devotion though. There was a moment in the first half where he did a slide tackle and it looked like swan drifting over a winter's lake. He didn't even win the ball either, the elegant bastard.
I definitely suffer from blind devotion though. There was a moment in the first half where he did a slide tackle and it looked like swan drifting over a winter's lake. He didn't even win the ball either, the elegant bastard.
Good to see him grab a goal, a really nice finish. Could prove an important one come May.
he is improving with every match....what a great aquisition. His best years are ahead of him.
He is genuinely one of the slowest players I've seen for Manchester United.
But I think he's brilliant.
But I think he's brilliant.
He must be scoring a few long range shots in training for him to have 2 or 3 attempts every game. 
His goal was more controlled though, good finish.
His goal was more controlled though, good finish.
Yeah, his shots from range aren't too great but you won't improve if you don't practice them, and it's not like he's making stupid decisions with his shots. He just finds himself in great shooting positions so if he improves that, then all the better for us. I'd much rather have that then somebody who is afraid to shoot from range.He must be scoring a few long range shots in training for him to have 2 or 3 attempts every game.
His goal was more controlled though, good finish.
I think he's performed EXACTLY how the majority assumed he would. a good solid improvement over our other options in defensive midfield. but i dont think he's our "answer" to the long conundrum thats manchester uniteds inability to field some genuine top class quality in central midfield. if i had to call it, He's going to play a big part in our fortunes over the next 2 or 3 seasons, but not as a starter. i think we will be in for a starting CM in the summer or january.
I'm one of the ones who thought he was quite average. I thought the goal would mask it but his performance up until then wasn't that great. I'm not sure how much blame I attribute to him though because we do leave him fairly exposed.
He was our best player even before the goal. He was never known to be flashy. Does his job quietly. he's almost a Carrick replica with lesser passing range and slightly more aggression. We would have lost too many points if it wasn't him quietly controlling the midfield.
Agreed. He did a decent job and was clearly putting in the effort and workrate, but the main man he needed to keep quiet wasn't quiet at all. He was very loud and hurt us very much
He's decent, but he has to "sit" more. He's pushing forward too often.
So basically you're saying he's the new Carrick?
I think that is a valid criticism, he needs to play a more restricted role unless he is being paired with Carrick because he lacks the pace to make up for lost ground and get back in position in time. I also think that he takes too much upon himself putting out fires anywhere and everywhere which leaves us exposed in central areas.
Going through what Carrick has been through. He's practically a one man midfield. Expected to do it all by him self. He can't be everywhere breaking up the play, making interceptions, tackles, mopping up loose balls, marking Sessegnon(sp?), starting off our attacks and everything in between. Some of our other players need to play with more intelligence. He will benefit from Carrick returning (if we get the Carrick of 2012/13 back).
I thought he was good last night. Took his goal well. Gets into good positions on the edge of the box to get shots in but was ballooning them over before. Lots of composure in that shot and if he keeps them down from now on he will get a lot more goals. His reading of the game is superb. It's obvious why he was the only choice of LvG from that Dutch team.
I thought he was good last night. Took his goal well. Gets into good positions on the edge of the box to get shots in but was ballooning them over before. Lots of composure in that shot and if he keeps them down from now on he will get a lot more goals. His reading of the game is superb. It's obvious why he was the only choice of LvG from that Dutch team.
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Blind would have been on top of Sessegnon for the opener had he not been dragged out of position to cover for Shaw, who looked like he was running through treacle after being caught way out of position upfield.
I've been impressed with his passing and how positive he is on the ball. Defensively he did all he could considering he had Di Maria, an injured Herrera and Fellaini next to him while going forward I could have almost sworn he was supposed to be our #10 not Mata. Really impressed with him.
Put Carrick next to him and we have 2 very good midfielders who can pass a ball as well as anyone. This will also give Blind a bit more freedom to go forward.
Put Carrick next to him and we have 2 very good midfielders who can pass a ball as well as anyone. This will also give Blind a bit more freedom to go forward.
He was completely alone at times in midfield. He picked the ball up from our defenders and there was no one close to be seen. It made it difficult for him to bring the ball forward especially with WBA pressing
Couldn't have put it better myself and we need to address that lest we will pay dearly in the next two fixtures. Don't know which Carrick is coming back- he is a notorious slow starter but in his thirties and without a pre-season- but he'd normally be the most natural partner for him atm. Carrick can hold and Blind goes around fire fighting- boy do we need him for that given the predictably consistent brainfarts from our defenders! Herrera and/or Di Maria just ahead of them to provide energy, aid the pressing and creativity. With Di Maria's propensity to turn up on the left we could play a narrow 4-2-2-2;
------------De Gea----------
Rafa--Jones--Rojo--Shaw-
-----Carrick-----Blind-------
------Herrera-----Di Maria--
-------Rooney---Falcao----
Then hopefully we sign someone like Schneiderlin/Mccarthy or a true worldy like Koke as Carrick winds down. I think this is the most stable line up we can field this season. Herrera has a good understanding with Rafael and Di Maria continues doing his LCM/LW dual role but with less defensive responsibility. Off the ball Di Maria, Herrera and Rooney will lead the pressing, with Blind and Carrick mopping up.
It was already said but he should start with Carrick on sunday. He had a good game but didnt have any help in midfield.