[Sylar]

There was someone posting about how anyone who watched him at Dortmund knew he pretty much never took people on from a standstill. "Great dribbler, but not from a standstill," was his/her point.

Very surprised that was made as a point as ive seen him in Europe do so. I think it's apprehension or nerves maybe? He doesn't want to make mistakes so is playing it safe for now? I'm guessing it might change if we get 1 or 2 goal leads and he can then be more confident about trying and if he loses the ball so what?

I hope "Sancho can't take on players from stand still position" myth isn't taken as some factual statement.



His performance vs Sevilla, in a single game he took on players from stand still position at least 5 times and that's against a good team.

00:22 - He slows down to 0 and then takes on players
00:28 - taking on players from stand still
00:36 - takes on player from stand still
01:28 - takes on player from stand still
01:32 - takes on player from stand still

I think we will see more of this with more training and getting used to our team and players. I think right now he's just trying to recycle the ball

He does seem to be on the left a lot more than the right in these clips so will be interesting to see where we use him once Rashford is available

 

[FujiVice]

Had a slow start last year and this is a totally different league. Give him time.

 

[horsechoker]

Very surprised that was made as a point as ive seen him in Europe do so. I think it's apprehension or nerves maybe? He doesn't want to make mistakes so is playing it safe for now? I'm guessing it might change if we get 1 or 2 goal leads and he can then be more confident about trying and if he loses the ball so what?



I think we will see more of this with more training and getting used to our team and players. I think right now he's just trying to recycle the ball

He does seem to be on the left a lot more than the right in these clips so will be interesting to see where we use him once Rashford is available

One of the features of his game is that he likes to move around the pitch, even if he starts on the left he'll pop up on the right and vice-versa. It will be something his team mates will have to adjust to but if done right it will lead to a greater amount of unpredictability for defenders.

 

[siw2007]

Welcome to the premier league! I have no doubt it will click for him but he needs the time to adapt to PL football.

 

[spiriticon]

Despite being a couple of secs off the pace of the game, you can still see the skill of the feet and the vision he has. He will come good.

Mason was leading most of our counter attacks yesterday on the right on a 3 v 3 situation so the in-game opportunities are there. Sancho needs to find a way to get himself on the ball in these counter attacks. We'll be deadly when he susses it out.

 

[KennyBurner]

What a clueless post, Greenwood has been leaving defenders in the dust on a regular basis.

Only one clueless here is you. He doesn’t leave defenders in the dust like a Rashford or James. Ayling is also very slow.

 

[Brwned]

@Brwned I think he could be a great free-kick winner around the box if he could adjust to being tackled more. And if he shows that bravery and initiative, it should actually make defenders more scared to tackle him , which should open things up. He did look tentative yesterday, plus your argument about us needing to play more fluid football for him to 'slot right in'.

True! He is unusually contact averse for a dribbler. There's another thing you'd hope he can pick from Ronaldo. Definitely agree it would give him those extra few inches to work with.

 

[Robaldo]

Thought it would take time for him to adapt to the PL so wasn't surprised by the performance. Not worried in the slightest - I could see it being 6 months before he gets going.

Technically he looked fine; the issue was him being too passive and consistently preferring to keep possession rather than put Wolves under pressure.

 

[Teja]

It was pretty intense yesterday, so I think he'll get a pass but he should really rack up some assists or people will start questioning why we aren't playing Pogba in his position.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Only one clueless here is you. He doesn’t leave defenders in the dust like a Rashford or James. Ayling is also very slow.

Greenwood is only very fractionally slower than Rashford and will probably get quicker in the years ahead. He is clearly extremely quick.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Just a general remark: those who actually/genuinely seem to write him off aren't insanely fickle/impatient fans. They're people who didn't want us to sign him in the first place - and are now, predictably, trying to give it the ol' "told ya so".

Like I've said many times before, the contemporary football fan (in his/her most annoying form) isn't characterized by fickleness - but rather by sticking (fanatically) to their initial opinion about a player (or a manager).

 

[Chesterlestreet]

As for Sancho, he looked a bit rattled to me - trying too hard not to feck up, that sort of thing. Nerves, in other words. He wasn't that terrible - just very underwhelming for a player we'd very much like to shine from day one. The latter is unrealistic, though - he'll obviously need time. And he'll probably be up and down for a while - at best - while finding his bearings, etc.

 

[Marwood]

As for Sancho, he looked a bit rattled to me - trying too hard not to feck up, that sort of thing. Nerves, in other words. He wasn't that terrible - just very underwhelming for a player we'd very much like to shine from day one. The latter is unrealistic, though - he'll obviously need time. And he'll probably be up and down for a while - at best - while finding his bearings, etc.

Yeah thought the same. Visibly nervous.

Fairly predictable though. From what I've seen he's not some extremely confident alpha type on the pitch. Will take a bit of time to settle. That coupled with his body shape, which I reckon needs games.

It's why I thought some pre season in Scotland should have been essential.

 

[Fahad Jawaid]

Anybody coming from a different league there is always going to be a difference in intensity and physical nature of Premier league. I remember seeing David Silva made his debut vs Spurs away and despite his obvious class, in the first match the pace and intensity was too much from him, several times the ball was taken away from him as he needed more time, or physically over powered etc. He went on to have an amazing career and despite being a Utd fan could not dislike him.

Therefore, we need to remain patient with him, I think Newcastle at home is a great opportunity from him to start again, with all focus on Ronaldo and Newcastle likely sitting deep, it will allow him to have more space, as compared to pressing style of Southampton or Wolves. He also needs to get fitter as well, I find him chubby and unfit, it could also be the reason why he look out of place, I remember when he came back after Covid when BL restarted he had a belly, and was extremely unfit and it took him a while to regain fitness and form.

No wonder he looked so bad, with not being accustomed to the new league and seemingly also being unfit.

 

[Hoof the ball]

Sancho is struggling because he doesn't know how Ole wants him to play. You can see it clear as day. He's occupying spaces in the field that other United players are moving into, and cluttering us when we're progressing forward. Different teams transition differently and occupy different places on the field. It's not just a case of "get on the field and be more incisive." You can't just reduce football to "try harder", "be more of this", "do more of that". Instruction, clarity of tactical vision and coaching and cohesion as a team minimise the chances of someone like Sancho playing with this level of uncertainty from the get-go. If everyone knows their role and how to execute it then the above will happen far less and Sancho will get the ball more often in the kind of dangerous areas to affect the game.

 

[NewGlory]

He just got bullied constantly. He never once tried to take his man on be it with skill, pace or using his renknowned "pass and move" abilities. It was a very Van der Beek performance from him. Martial, though I don't particularly rate him these days, came on and did everything Sancho should have done at the minimum. Even if he wasn't amazing.

I had the same exact impression. Agree on Martial as well, Tony tried the right things, didn't have skills to pull most of it but the thinking/attitude was correct, whereas Sancho looked extremely timid. Glad to hear others also saw it the same way. Hope Sancho performs differently going forward. DvB flopping was bad enough, I don't think we can afford Sancho not hitting the ground running.

 

[NewGlory]

Lewandoski has been great in CL too, so I don’t have doubt on him. Just that the quality in BL in general has been quite poor, I’d never trust the top performers there based on their BL performance alone.

+1 Mkhitarian was tearing up Bundesliga and he was horrible in EPL

 

[The Mitcher]

I had the same exact impression. Agree on Martial as well, Tony tried the right things, didn't have skills to pull most of it but the thinking/attitude was correct, whereas Sancho looked extremely timid. Glad to hear others also saw it the same way. Hope Sancho performs differently going forward. DvB flopping was bad enough, I don't think we can afford Sancho not hitting the ground running.

Eredivisie signings are hit and miss. I do feel this whole "pass and move" thing that DvB and Sancho are apparently known for just appears like a euphemism or excuse for sideways and backwards passing; that unadventurous, cowardly style that players like Cleverley and even Carrick was accused of (Carrick was anything but, of course). Yet only flavours of the month and fan boy favourites get a pass as it's just "passing and moving" even if it's just moving side to side and backwards, not actually getting into the box.

 

[snk123]

Same old.. Scream for a signing then proceed to bash them as soon as they arrive.

Like Varane?

 

[In Rainbows]

+1 Mkhitarian was tearing up Bundesliga and he was horrible in EPL

He was a 1 season wonder.

 

[Dunkelheit]

+1 Mkhitarian was tearing up Bundesliga and he was horrible in EPL

He was a 1 season wonder.

Exactly, Mkhitaryan had one good season and even during this time, he was hit and miss sometimes. There was no BVB fan who really understood how someone could pay above 40 Mio € for him.

Sancho is a whole different beast

 

[AltiUn]

+1 Mkhitarian was tearing up Bundesliga and he was horrible in EPL

Even the Dortmund fans were telling us he was a one season wonder, ask them what their opinion on Sancho is as they've been watching him week in week out for the last 3 years.

 

[Dunkelheit]

Sadly for him, but good for us is that he doesnt have a lot of time to find some form. The competition for the attacking spots at United are miles high. Every player has to work their ass of to deserve a spot in the starting lineup. When Rashford is back in a couple of weeks (by the looks of it) he will be a serious contender for the LW. Pogba is as well when Mctominay is back. Greenwood is undropable and should continue to play at the RW, and Ronaldo of course takes the ST.

I can see a very frustrating year for Sancho unfortunately with a lot of cameo appearances in the league.

If you don't want him, I am sure we can arrange a transfer back to BVB

 

[Dunkelheit]

Even the Dortmund fans were telling us he was a one season wonder, ask them what their opinion on Sancho is as they've been watching him week in week out for the last 3 years.

Sancho always had some games where he did not look that good. But there were also games where he won games for us singlehandedly, especially in the 2nd half of last season. After a drought phase during first half, he suddenly was no longer someone who played with a team, but he played for a team, which is a big difference.
His biggest weakness is his professional level, because he does not always behave like a pro should. I am talking about skipping training and gaining some weight.

As I said numerous times, on good days he was one of the best I have ever seen playing for the BVB. And those days were plenty and not rare. Never compare him to Mhiki, never.

 

[VinzentFTW]

If you don't want him, I am sure we can arrange a transfer back to BVB

Im sure we can arrange a Haaland swap next year Just kidding, if he works hard enough im sure he will adjust and be a class player for us.

 

[romufc]

Even the Dortmund fans were telling us he was a one season wonder, ask them what their opinion on Sancho is as they've been watching him week in week out for the last 3 years.

Sancho a one season wonder? I guess you haven't done your research. That was his first start for United.

Go listen to players and professionals who have worked with Sancho and they will tell you he is a special talent.

 

[hellhunter]

Sancho a one season wonder? I guess you haven't done your research. That was his first start for United.

Go listen to players and professionals who have worked with Sancho and they will tell you he is a special talent.

Mkhitaryan the one season wonder, not Sancho

 

[romufc]

Mkhitaryan the one season wonder, not Sancho

Oh fair enough, my bad.

 

[Jeppers7]

Shame to see people jumping on him already. He’s going to need time to go from a well oiled machine to our cluster feck of tactics. The entire team was awful on Sunday with only the odd run from Mason and the odd worldie pass from Pogba having any effect. Sancho is a combination player so we better start working on that.

 

[AltiUn]

Sancho a one season wonder? I guess you haven't done your research. That was his first start for United.

Go listen to players and professionals who have worked with Sancho and they will tell you he is a special talent.

Mkhitaryan, not Sancho. Sorry, post wasn’t that clear.

 

[romufc]

Mkhitaryan, not Sancho. Sorry, post wasn’t that clear.

Fair enough, I think the fact that we singed Ronaldo might help because it takes that pressure of Sancho for being the main signing.

He is clearly not at it, hopefully a few more games and he is up to the standard.

The only other annoying thing is that he is away with England where again, he won't get minutes so a bit of a shame.

 

[Lynty]

Sancho is struggling because he doesn't know how Ole wants him to play. You can see it clear as day. He's occupying spaces in the field that other United players are moving into, and cluttering us when we're progressing forward. Different teams transition differently and occupy different places on the field. It's not just a case of "get on the field and be more incisive." You can't just reduce football to "try harder", "be more of this", "do more of that". Instruction, clarity of tactical vision and coaching and cohesion as a team minimise the chances of someone like Sancho playing with this level of uncertainty from the get-go. If everyone knows their role and how to execute it then the above will happen far less and Sancho will get the ball more often in the kind of dangerous areas to affect the game.

Give it up mate. Clear agenda in this post

 

[RedRonaldo]

No expecting alot from him this season, he needs more time. Maybe after Pogba is gone by next summer, he would have to step up and play a major role for us, I hope. For this season I am expecting to the following front 3 line up:

Greenwood Ronaldo Pogba
or
Greenwood Ronaldo Rashford

But Greenwood can't play every game, so Sancho would still have alot of game time to adapt to the pace of the league.

 

[Dve]

 

[kouroux]

I have no doubts it's more to do with nerves and pressure than the PL being super tough.
If/once he settles his nerves, his natural game will take over

 

[Adam-Utd]

He's had no pre season and clearly not match fit, people need to relax.

His reluctance to take people on will be more due to his legs feeling heavy and not having the stamina, so won't want to lose the ball.

He will be flying by November.

 

[Red Shorts]

Oh ffs Gareth, we only just got him!

 

[NewGlory]

No expecting alot from him this season, he needs more time. Maybe after Pogba is gone by next summer, he would have to step up and play a major role for us, I hope. For this season I am expecting to the following front 3 line up:

Greenwood Ronaldo Pogba
or
Greenwood Ronaldo Rashford

But Greenwood can't play every game, so Sancho would still have alot of game time to adapt to the pace of the league.

If the beginning of this season is any indication, it's clear that Pogba's best position is indeed up front on the left. Unfortunately, Ole won't play him there much because

1. Rashford
2. Ole doesn't have enough quality in midfield (esp. given he doesn't trust DvB) so he will always be putting Pogba further back in midfield.

It's a shame.

p.s. I am not sure Pogba will still leave now that we have Ronaldo, esp. if we improve and win something. Barcelona and Real Madrid are not as attractive as they once were, nor do they have enough money anymore. I doubt Pogba will go to City, he will be painted forever traitor if he does.

 

[saivet]

He's not in the squad for tonight. Hopefully it's nothing serious and he gets a start in one of the other games as he could do with some minutes under his belt.

 

[RuudTom83]

Maybe the champions league game coming up will be a good game for him to shine...the kid needs a bit of luck.