[VP89]

Playing on the right does not make you a winger at least not of the traditional variety. Mata has spent the bulk of his career playing on the flanks and he's not a winger either.

Not even sure what smarter means. It's hard to debate when people start going into intangibles.

I'm confused, Mane isn't playing in a different role for Liverpool than what Mikhi operated for Dortmund. Its a wide player on the right side. Mata wouldn't suit the role because of his lack of pace and directness but Mikhi has that in abundance.

Mkhitaryan's ball retention and vision is better in my opinion (that's what I was inferring from 'smarter'). Putting that point aside though, he's a perfect player to operate on the wide right in Mourinho's system and very much a better player than Mane.

 

[Sparky Rhiwabon]

At this moment in time it's looking like we should have signed Mane when we had the chance (maybe Firmino as well for that matter!). Mane frightens defenders.

 

[harms]

At this moment in time it's looking like we should have signed Mane when we had the chance (maybe Firmino as well for that matter!). Mane frightens defenders.

What the hell, it's been a month or so since his transfer and he just came back from the injury He is miles better than Mane at this point and it seems unlikely that Mane will ever close the gap between them.

 

[Sparky Rhiwabon]

What the hell, it's been a month or so since his transfer and he just came back from the injury He is miles better than Mane at this point and it seems unlikely that Mane will ever close the gap between them.

OK, I'm just basing it on what I've seen - I didn't follow the Bundesliga so I can't comment on that.

 

[Bwuk]

What the hell, it's been a month or so since his transfer and he just came back from the injury He is miles better than Mane at this point and it seems unlikely that Mane will ever close the gap between them.

Wouldn't be so sure. Mane is an absolute monster of a player.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Mhki might have the higher ceiling but Mane is playing better than him right now. Hopefully though once he settles and actually plays regularly he will show his best form. It's not been a great start so far let's be honest. Hope that First half doesn't put Mourinho off, as getting your first start after an injury in against arguably the best team in the league is a little harsh.

 

[Yagami]

When we were linked with him, I was of the opinion that he was a very overrated player and that he'd struggle to make an impact here with him usually taking a lot of time to adapt to new surroundings and the fact that it was more so the Dortmund system that got the best out of him - something we weren't likely to play with Zlatan and Rooney starting with eachother. Even with my low expectations of the player, his performance on Saturday was shocking, and if we continue with the current set-up, while I don't expect him to be as bad, I don't expect much from him. Our attack is just too static and predictable to get the best out of him at the moment.

On his dribbling, I've never seen him as a good dribbler. It was more his clever movement and the fact that Dortmunds attacking foursome were so fluid he was so effective on the right.

 

[Godfather]

Mhki might have the higher ceiling but Mane is playing better than him right now. Hopefully though once he settles and actually plays regularly he will show his best form. It's not been a great start so far let's be honest. Hope that First half doesn't put Mourinho off, as getting your first start after an injury in against arguably the best team in the league is a little harsh.

Don't think he has a higher ceiling than Mane. Was all for his transfer. Would have fitted right into our side on the right wing but hey

 

[Silverman]

No need to worry about this guy at all. He was in for his first start when the whole team was all over the place. He is a quality player and will show it with time.

 

[LawCharltonBest]

My first instinct when we signed him was that he was going to turn out to be a poor signing.

I know I'd be speaking too early to say that's becoming true just yet. But I definitely don't get good vibes. I hope he wins me over soon

 

[Giant Midget]

The word I used was unnecessary. He does not offer us anything we did not already have. As far as I'm concerned, he's no better than the option we currently have. Although maybe he'll prove me wrong on that count.

We needed a right winger with pace and dribbling ability. Mkhi ticks neither of the two boxes.

We did not need a #10 at all and if we were to sign one it should have been in the mold of someone like Silva. Mkhi offers good productivity from that role but we already have Mata and Rooney who will get you a good amount of goals and assists if you play them there consistently.

The one summer signing that did not make any sense.

Eh?

There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the most talented players in the world.

He possesses an incredible combination of speed and technique. There’s very, very few you can say that about.

That's Klopp talking about him

 

[Yagami]

Eh?



That's Klopp talking about him

Mkhi isn't a slow player by any means, and I doubt you'll find many who would question his technique, but those two things in and of themselves don't make him a good dribbler. He's a fast thinker and plays the game very fast and direct, but I've never seen him as a good dribbler.

An example I can give is of our attack in the 07-08 season. We played some fast, direct football with Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez, but, at the time, I wouldn't have described any of them as good dribblers themselves. It was the speed of thought that went into their decision making and movement that was brilliant, not the dribbling. In fact, I'd say only Tevez went on to become a good dribbler after he left for City.

 

[bosnian_red]

One bad half after his first start of the season where our whole team was off it (and he wasnt fully fit) and suddenly hes not good enough? Ignoring that the 30 minutes he played before the international break he changed the game and was brilliant for us.The guy is world class at his best and has immense talent. He'll be fine and I have no doubt he'll rack up goals and assists for us.

Also people saying he isnt quick or isnt a good dribbler? The feck? Thats exactly what he is. 2 footed, has a very good touch, excellent technique, very quick and agile when running with the ball and good decision making.

 

[MartialsBeard]

Hes injured and played with an injury, next please.

 

[Sarni]

He was written off before he even got a game for us, just after Bournemouth game where he featured for about 10 minutes people were coming on here with 'I told you he was never going to make it here' stuff. It's funny that both him and Pogba have already been branded as flops, 4 games into season. We got some truly patient people here.

Massive overreaction to one bad game where he was still carrying a knock more likely than not. I'm a bit puzzled at why would anyone write him off or even start questioning him after City game.

 

[roonster09]

He was written off before he even got a game for us, just after Bournemouth game where he featured for about 10 minutes people were coming on here with 'I told you he was never going to make it here' stuff. It's funny that both him and Pogba have already been branded as flops, 4 games into season. We got some truly patient people here.

Or people full of themselves who thinks they know better than anyone (maybe because of FM?)

Doubts on Pobga and Mkhitaryan when both players proved their class elsewhere, Ibra who scored 5 goals already should be dropped, young talented players should be shipped off because their progress is not linear.

4 games in to the season few are already flops and Bailly is signing of the season.

 

[Shark]

He was written off before he even got a game for us, just after Bournemouth game where he featured for about 10 minutes people were coming on here with 'I told you he was never going to make it here' stuff. It's funny that both him and Pogba have already been branded as flops, 4 games into season. We got some truly patient people here.

Massive overreaction to one bad game where he was still carrying a knock more likely than not. I'm a bit puzzled at why would anyone write him off or even start questioning him after City game.

It's funny how some posters invent posts that don't actually exist. There's definitely concern, but I haven't seen anyone outright brand anyone a flop.

 

[VorZakone]

The overreaction, my god.

 

[Sparky10Legend]

Jose does have a history of players not being given a chance though, Coudrado/Luis makes me worry about Mikhi's future with us.

 

[El Zoido]

It's funny how some posters invent posts that don't actually exist. There's definitely concern, but I haven't seen anyone outright brand anyone a flop.

That's basically the implication, people saying he'll never start a league game for us again, and that he'll be back in Germany next season. Need to give the caf a week to calm down after a loss.

 

[2ndTouch]

Massive overreaction to one bad game where he was still carrying a knock more likely than not. I'm a bit puzzled at why would anyone write him off or even start questioning him after City game.

Mou publically questioned his mentality in the Sunday presser, and that is never a good sign, especially not with a sensitive guy like him.
It's certainly going to be interesting to see if he'll be able to establish himself at Utd or not.

 

[horsechoker]

Some people in here are so short sighted

 

[Sparky10Legend]

Bearing in mind 60-70m outlay (inc wages) I suggest Mou does some due diligence in future.

Has the player got the quality, and has he got the mindset.

 

[Sarni]

It's funny how some posters invent posts that don't actually exist. There's definitely concern, but I haven't seen anyone outright brand anyone a flop.

How is there "definitely a concern"? There's no concern whatsoever, he's had 3 games in which he was good in 2 and bad in 1, coming back from injury which looked like it might have not fully healed. There's absolutely zero concern and there shouldn't be any after 4 games into season, there might be a 'definitely concern' if he's not performing after 25-30 games in the league.

 

[Shark]

How is there "definitely a concern"? There's no concern whatsoever, he's had 3 games in which he was good in 2 and bad in 1, coming back from injury which looked like it might have not fully healed. There's absolutely zero concern and there shouldn't be any after 4 games into season, there might be a 'definitely concern' if he's not performing after 25-30 games in the league.

I'm saying that there's definitely some concern among some posters, but nobody has branded him a flop as you claimed. Rather it's 4 games in or not, he's had a dreadful game and we can only speak in the now at this point.

 

[dogwithabone]

I'm saying that there's definitely some concern among some posters, but nobody has branded him a flop as you claimed. Rather it's 4 games in or not, he's had a dreadful game and we can only speak in the now at this point.

If we are speaking in the 'now', as you put it, then Rooney should not even make the team bus let alone the starting eleven. De Gea, Evra, Vidic, three players who have virtually achieved legendary staus weren't pulling up any trees in their first games but a bit of patience was shown and they've gone on to have great United careers.

 

[The No.10!]

Obviously it is too early to draw any kind of conclusions on Mkhi, because against Southampton he really impressed me with his cameo, and against Hull he did just about fine, but his decision making was questionable. Against City, however, he was so terribly poor, he made me wish Memphis was in his place (Naah, I can't lie, it was Mata). Most probably it was the injury, because that was abysmal from the Armenian. I'm only hoping he manages to establish himself soon enough. I cannot tolerate another flop in that position.

 

[Shark]

If we are speaking in the 'now', as you put it, then Rooney should not even make the team bus let alone the starting eleven. De Gea, Evra, Vidic, three players who have virtually achieved legendary staus weren't pulling up any trees in their first games but a bit of patience was shown and they've gone on to have great United careers.

I just think that complaining about posters that are simply only speaking about what they are seeing or hearing from the manager at this point in time is a waste of time. What are posters on here going to talk about? His last game at Dortmund? Nobody has branded him a flop, there are some voicing concerns they maybe they had before he joined. If someone has branded him a flop well then they should rightly be mocked. I for one completely agree that he should be given a feck load more time, but I also don't see anything wrong with posters voicing concerns, as long as it isn't ridiculously knee jerk. We've had plenty of signings these past three years that just haven't worked out.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

I just think that complaining about posters that are simply only speaking about what they are seeing or hearing from the manager at this point in time is a waste of time. What are posters on here going to talk about? His last game at Dortmund? Nobody has branded him a flop, there are some voicing concerns they maybe they had before he joined. If someone has branded him a flop well then they should rightly be mocked. I for one completely agree that he should be given a feck load more time, but I also don't see anything wrong with posters voicing concerns, as long as it isn't ridiculously knee jerk. We've had plenty of signings these past three years that just haven't worked out.

Well said.

Though talking of Dortmund, whether or not Mkhi works out, there are a lot of similarities with Kagawa I think...

Creative player
Both excelled in a Dortmund system set up to get the best out of them
Incredibly similar BL stats for the season before they joined - Kagawa 13 goals in 31, Mkhi 11 goals in 31
Both technically very good but not particularly strong
Both said to be mentally fragile (by Dortmund fans who know them better, though I don't know if this is correct or not)

 

[VanGaalEra]

Any update on his injury?

Quite telling how much Jose rates him as he was willing to play him even when not 100% fit.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Well said.

Though talking of Dortmund, whether or not Mkhi works out, there are a lot of similarities with Kagawa I think...

Creative player
Both excelled in a Dortmund system set up to get the best out of them
Incredibly similar BL stats for the season before they joined - Kagawa 13 goals in 31, Mkhi 11 goals in 31
Both technically very good but not particularly strong
Both said to be mentally fragile (by Dortmund fans who know them better, though I don't know if this is correct or not)

You're being very selective with your "incredibly similar" stats. How many assists did Kagawa get in his final season with Dortmund?

 

[Lash]

He was poor, probably should of got hauled off earlier, but he's proved over a much longer period of time he's had quality. I'm not going to write him off after one game. There's been a lot of reports who suggest he usually takes a while to adapt, just a shame he saved that performance for the derby! 4 Games in, bad performances are going to crop up every now and again over the season, just hope they are very infrequent.

 

[Sparky10Legend]

He deserves a 5 game assurance "you will play every minute" to help him settle.

Dont buy world class talent and then treat them like crap.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

He deserves a 5 game assurance "you will play every minute" to help him settle.

Dont buy world class talent and then treat them like crap.

Just a tad melodramatic. Poor Miki. Won't someone think of the children?

 

[Litch]

I like him a lot and think he'll come good but this prem does find people out more than any other league in the world. Sadly no guarantees in football....

 

[Sparky10Legend]

Just a tad melodramatic. Poor Miki. Won't someone think of the children?

Thats what Chelsea fans said about Cuadrado after a month.....

 

[Stacks]

Mhki might have the higher ceiling but Mane is playing better than him right now. Hopefully though once he settles and actually plays regularly he will show his best form. It's not been a great start so far let's be honest. Hope that First half doesn't put Mourinho off, as getting your first start after an injury in against arguably the best team in the league is a little harsh.

Miki has played just one half of football. how can we judge?

 

[Rhyme Animal]

You're being very selective with your "incredibly similar" stats. How many assists did Kagawa get in his final season with Dortmund?

Not at all, they have more similarities than is usual for two players, as I listed.

If you're genuinely interested, in their final BL season at Dortmund they both played 31, Kagawa scored 13, Mkhi scored 11, Kagawa 8 assists, Mkhi 15 assists.

Combined (scorer or assist) Kagawa 21, Mkhitaryan 28

I liked Kagawa, and I like Mkhi, but I think if you try and shoehorn him into a less than ideal position/system, it'll go down a similar path. Time will tell.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

He deserves a 5 game assurance "you will play every minute" to help him settle.

Dont buy world class talent and then treat them like crap.

He hasn't been treated like crap. He's been eased into the team, coming on in games where he's allowed time and space to function.

Then he's been shown the faith and belief to have the honour of starting in a Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

If Mourinho decides that his woeful, flaky performance warrants earning his minutes again, that's fine.

He's let his manager down in a massive game.

 

[Ban]

Thats what Chelsea fans said about Cuadrado after a month.....

Did they?

And how was he treated like crap exactly?