[Insanity]

If he finds a regular place in the team than the transition I feared when we bought him - "turning into Moyes Everton", would be complete long after Moyes left. Manchester United should play central midfielders not disruptors who run into the box at every given opportunity. Trying to take advantage due to their size, chesting ability, incesstant kicking and elbowing.

 

[Manucho the boss]

If Aguero "deserves" nastiness, then what does Fellaini deserve? A fecking medal?? The point is simple - Fellaini is an idiot.

We can't all play like Barcelona mate, we have to play to the strengths of the squad we have here for the moment.

I will say I hope he's not part of our long term plan under LVG as it's a bit embarrassing having him as our main tactic away from home.

Heard our team yesterday was the most expensive prem 11 ever assembled, we should be able to play better football than the type Fellaini leads to.

 

[CLARiiON]

Well, if a City player had done it to Fellaini I am sure City fans would have had no problem with it because they see Fellaini as deserving it too? One of those images was ridiculous, his sending off in that CL game was poor refereeing.

Yea, how about that stupid elbow? He got a mere yellow for that. That's a straight red.

 

[Kounan]

He is playing well, but we do have a problem that without Herrera and Mata (who doesn't play well, but does create something) we don't create anything upfront, which is a problem. LVG said it, we lost because we didn't score.

 

[CLARiiON]

We can't all play like Barcelona mate, we have to play to the strengths of the squad we have here for the moment.

Not the point i am making, I am simply saying Fellaini is an idiot. Nothing to do with Barcelona or Madrid in this discussion. I watch other teams as well, not just Barca games.

 

[Escobar]

He is playing well, but we do have a problem that without Herrera and Mata (who doesn't play well, but does create something) we don't create anything upfront, which is a problem. LVG said it, we lost because we didn't score.

Agreed. He's doing fine when he has a specific job but he doesnt really contribute enough when it comes to creating and opening up teams

 

[iBoss]

Fellaini did pick up the ball, turn and keep it well though. Yeah we did try go long a couple times, but there's no point in ignoring his aerial ability because it looks less pretty. He's done well in the last three games. I have criticised him a lot, although before he came back, I said I'd give him another chance, a clean slate.

He has done well. Good for him.

 

[ZDwyr]

Yea, how about that stupid elbow? He got a mere yellow for that. That's a straight red.

I am not saying he is a saint. Definitely needs to keep his elbows down. I am merely saying that Aguero irks me, I do not like him, so to see Fellaini (arguably our most aggressive player) getting stuck into him in a derby pleased me. I am not sure why you are making a big issue about this. Just because I think this doesn't mean I don't see Fellaini's faults.

 

[Manucho the boss]

I am not saying he is a saint. Definitely needs to keep his elbows down. I am merely saying that Aguero irks me, I do not like him, so to see Fellaini (arguably our most aggressive player) getting stuck into him in a derby pleased me. I am not sure why you are making a big issue about this. Just because I think this doesn't mean I don't see Fellaini's faults.

I don't like Aguero because he's a bloody excellent player for a team we're hoping to compete with. Fellaini played alright but when up against one of the top strikers in the World, you can't be as careless as he was kicking him in the box. I think he loses control of himself when under pressure, it was clearly a penalty although the ref had his view blocked, but then to get in Aguero's face, shouting and spitting, when you know you kicked him is childish and petulant.

 

[Kounan]

Agreed. He's doing fine when he has a specific job but he doesnt really contribute enough when it comes to creating and opening up teams

I would like to se him, Blind and Herrera.

Or, we play diamond with other players and after we score (at least 2), we switch the system and bring him in to protect the defense.

I am very happy with him in last 3 games and I want him to be part of the squad, but I would not always play him it would depend on whom we play.

 

[ZDwyr]

I don't like Aguero because he's a bloody excellent player for a team we're hoping to compete with. Fellaini played alright but when up against one of the top strikers in the World, you can't be as careless as he was kicking him in the box. I think he loses control of himself when under pressure, it was clearly a penalty although the ref had his view blocked, but then to get in Aguero's face, shouting and spitting, when you know you kicked him is childish and petulant.

Yes when I say I don't like Aguero - that is part of the reason why too. It was a clumsy challenge and could have been given as a penalty. I don't think he did spit, merely shouted which I have no problem with because I think Aguero did go down easily.

Also, these comments about hoofball are incorrect. Looking back over some passing stats and we are playing the same amount (sometimes significantly fewer) long balls than when Fellaini was not in the team.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Last year, Fellaini put in some good performances, more notably against West Brom, Leverkusen, West Ham, but didn't really impress in the bigger games. This year, however, Fellaini has just put in two great performances against arguably the best two leagues in the league; in City and Chelsea, and has arguably been the best midfielder on the pitch on both occasions.

Last season, it was pretty evident his confidence was low (as was the whole teams), he was in and out with injuries, and was playing in a 2 man midfield with Carrick. Since Fellaini has come on and scored that great goal against West Brom, his confidence seems to have shot through the sky, and hasn't looked back since. If he continues with this, and I don't see why he can't, he can be a very useful player for us in years to come. The guys a beast.

If someone has got that tackle he put on Toure I'd be much appreciated.

 

[tombombadil]

Yes when I say I don't like Aguero - that is part of the reason why too. It was a clumsy challenge and could have been given as a penalty. I don't think he did spit, merely shouted which I have no problem with because I think Aguero did go down easily.

Also, these comments about hoofball are incorrect. Looking back over some passing stats and we are playing the same amount (sometimes significantly fewer) long balls than when Fellaini was not in the team.

Nice stat to see. Having Fellaini as an option in attack doesn't mean we become a long ball team. It just means we have Fellaini as an option in attack.

 

[revel911]

I think he is a decent squad player, but I found he just got in everyone's way yesterday.

 

[Walrus]

Thank feck some of you lot dont run the club.


edit: Also, some of those "elbows" are ridiculous, as is the "spitting" claim yesterday. Its sad to see our own supporters so desperately trying to find flaws in arguably our best player of the last month.

 

[SammyUnited_83]

Thank feck some of you lot dont run the club.


edit: Also, some of those "elbows" are ridiculous, as is the "spitting" claim yesterday. Its sad to see our own supporters so desperately trying to find flaws in arguably our best player of the last month.

Agreed.

Maybe he can be a little bit dirty, but isn't that what we were crying out for.

I'm sure there are plenty of freeze frames of Keane and Cantona committing bad fouls, point is he might be a little mad, but he plays for us, I'd rather support him.

 

[Cassidy]

Agreed.

Maybe he can be a little bit dirty, but isn't that what we were crying out for.

I'm sure there are plenty of freeze frames of Keane and Cantona committing bad fouls, point is he might be a little mad, but he plays for us, I'd rather support him.

We've needed a bit of his type tbh, who the feck would have been scared of the likes of Cleverly, Anderson, Carrick in midfield?
At least they know now not to mess with the Big Fella

 

[montpelier]

The hoofball worked quite well yesterday, looked like there was half a plan to switch him with Rooney to get the lovable mop-top further forward so he can be found with a long-ish ball. It's not bad as an option (esp with 10 men) but I don't see RVP as being the one to live off MF's knockdowns. (Keeps him out of our box as well, though).

 

[TheGame]

If he finds a regular place in the team than the transition I feared when we bought him - "turning into Moyes Everton", would be complete long after Moyes left. Manchester United should play central midfielders not disruptors who run into the box at every given opportunity. Trying to take advantage due to their size, chesting ability, incesstant kicking and elbowing.

Its posts like this which demonstrate how clueless some posters are.

 

[Walrus]

Its posts like this which demonstrate how clueless some posters are.

Agreed.

Im pretty sure some people dont actually watch our games, they just see Fellaini on the teamsheet and assume that he has spent the entire match in the box whilst De Gea smashes the ball up to him.

 

[montpelier]

As a more neutral question. Does anyone think we look a bit lightweight when he's not playing. City & Chelsea both looked to have bigger more powerful sides than us.

Less neutrally, I just don't think he's good enough, regardless of the need for a player to fill that role. Wouldn't get into any other top side, would he? Not the best 2 in this League, anyway.

But maybe we need him a little bit, atm.

 

[Walrus]

As a more neutral question. Does anyone think we look a bit lightweight when he's not playing. City & Chelsea both looked to have bigger more powerful sides than us.

Less neutrally, I just don't think he's good enough, regardless of the need for a player to fill that role. Wouldn't get into any other top side, would he? Not the best 2 in this League, anyway.

But maybe we need him a little bit, atm.

Yes.

When was the last time (other than the last two games) where we played Chelsea or City (or any other decent team) and didnt just give up the midfield from the first minute? Its been that way for seasons. Finally we had a good showing and actually dominated possession/the game at some stages, and a big part of that was down to Fellaini.

 

[montpelier]

Yes.

When was the last time (other than the last two games) where we played Chelsea or City (or any other decent team) and didnt just give up the midfield from the first minute? Its been that way for seasons. Finally we had a good showing and actually dominated possession/the game at some stages, and a big part of that was down to Fellaini.

Even as a committed naysayer, it's difficult to argue with that.

 

[Shark]

I'd much prefer Herrera in his position, and I'm sure that LVG agrees with that too, but that's no reason to criticize Fellaini's contribution over the past few games. He'd be one of the last players I'd criticize right now and if he keeps it up, I'd be happy to see him stay here as a squad option. Fair play to him for stepping up.

 

[JPRouve]

Yes.

When was the last time (other than the last two games) where we played Chelsea or City (or any other decent team) and didnt just give up the midfield from the first minute? Its been that way for seasons. Finally we had a good showing and actually dominated possession/the game at some stages, and a big part of that was down to Fellaini.

I don't think that your conclusion is right.

Fellaini has been good but it's not his physical presence who maid the difference but just his presence, he is an upgrade on Cleverley, in all aspects of the game, which make a big difference, now a less "physical" player, like Herrera would have maid the same job.
For me the difference between the past season and this one is that we didn't surrender the center of the park, and it is a consequence of the "philosophy" and a more balanced midfield than the duo Cleverley-Carrick.

Blind this season is not better than Carrick during the last seasons (except last year) which makes me believe that the set up is probably the reason we haven't been bullied and have been better in possession.

 

[Walrus]

I don't think that your conclusion is right.

Fellaini has been good but it's not his physical presence who maid the difference but just his presence, he is an upgrade on Cleverley, in all aspects of the game, which make a big difference, now a less "physical" player, like Herrera would have maid the same job.
For me the difference between the past season and this one is that we didn't surrender the center of the park, and it is a consequence of the "philosophy" and a more balanced midfield than the duo Cleverley-Carrick.

Blind this season is not better than Carrick during the last seasons (except last year) which makes me believe that the set up is probably the reason we haven't been bullied and have been better in possession.

I dont think you can put it down to just philosophy - I doubt SAF or Moyes ever said before the game "ok lads, just ignore the middle of the pitch". Its got to be a result of personnel.

I dont entirely agree with you about Herrera being able to do the same thing - dont get me wrong, I like Herrera, but he doesnt bring us what Fellaini does (and nor does Fellaini bring what Herrera does). Fellaini's ability to win aerial duels in a manner that actually retains possession (ie actually heading the ball to a teammate in space, not just "winning" the header and the ball going straight to their CBs) is invaluable, as is his strength in holding the ball up when required. I cant remember him being dispossesed once in the last two games. When you have that sort of outlet when you can give him the ball and trust him not to lose it, it helps the entire team.

As you said - we havent been bullied, and Fellaini is a big part of that. I cant see Herrera (or anyone else in our squad really) performing the same role that Fellaini played against Fabregas/Matic, and then against Toure.

I imagine that with Herrera we would have given a better showing than most previous seasons anyway - because he is a better player than what we have had in previous seasons, but I cant see him having the same impact that Fellaini did.

 

[JPRouve]

I dont think you can put it down to just philosophy - I doubt SAF or Moyes ever said before the game "ok lads, just ignore the middle of the pitch". Its got to be a result of personnel.

I dont entirely agree with you about Herrera being able to do the same thing - dont get me wrong, I like Herrera, but he doesnt bring us what Fellaini does (and nor does Fellaini bring what Herrera does). Fellaini's ability to win aerial duels in a manner that actually retains possession (ie actually heading the ball to a teammate in space, not just "winning" the header and the ball going straight to their CBs) is invaluable, as is his strength in holding the ball up when required. I cant remember him being dispossesed once in the last two games. When you have that sort of outlet when you can give him the ball and trust him not to lose it, it helps the entire team.

As you said - we havent been bullied, and Fellaini is a big part of that. I cant see Herrera (or anyone else in our squad really) performing the same role that Fellaini played against Fabregas/Matic, and then against Toure.

I imagine that with Herrera we would have given a better showing than most previous seasons anyway - because he is a better player than what we have had in previous seasons, but I cant see him having the same impact that Fellaini did.

What bother in what you are saying is that Fellaini has been good with the ball in feet, not in the air, we didn't used that way, it's his pressing and fast simple passes who helped us, not is aerial prowess.
Fellaini is at the moment playing the same game than his teammates, is not used as an anchor or a bullier in chef.

 

[Zoo]

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

 

[Kazi]

All right Marouane all right. Just keep quiet and keep performing mate.

 

[Walrus]

What bother in what you are saying is that Fellaini has been good with the ball in feet, not in the air, we didn't used that way, it's his pressing and fast simple passes who helped us, not is aerial prowess.
Fellaini is at the moment playing the same game than his teammates, is not used as an anchor or a bullier in chef.

Whilst we havent been constantly hoofing long balls to him, his strength the air will naturally come into play over 90 minutes regardless. It was an important aspect of us retaining and winning back possesion that he was able to win the ball in the air in midfield and get the ball to a teammate in space. His very presence in this respect allows him to play his game, bullying the opposition midfield and winning the ball. This doesnt mean that the team is built around him doing it, but rather than it is an integral role in the side (especially against the big teams) and Fellaini does it better than most.

Those who are surprised (not suggesting that you fall into this camp) that he is actually decent with the ball at his feet, are simply those who probably never saw him at Everton and wrote him off the instant he joined United.
Yes, he is good with the ball at his feet, he can shield the ball better than anyone, thanks to his strength, but is also technically competent, and he has shown this on plenty of occassions.

 

[Shamwow]

Thank feck some of you lot dont run the club.


edit: Also, some of those "elbows" are ridiculous, as is the "spitting" claim yesterday. Its sad to see our own supporters so desperately trying to find flaws in arguably our best player of the last month.

Tbp that dude who posted all the pictures is a Barcelona supporter and he is well qualified to talk about this sort of thing seeing as he has no issues with Luis Suarez.

 

[Walrus]

Tbp that dude who posted all the pictures is a Barcelona supporter and he is well qualified to talk about this sort of thing seeing as he has no issues with Luis Suarez.

Touché

 

[Sheldon69]

Is it me ? But I'm sure fellaini missed 2 headers yesterday coz he couldn't see for his hair .

 

[Manucho the boss]

SSN just said he's got away without punishment for spitting again. Good for us I suppose but sometimes a lesson learned is better than making the same mistake over and over.

 

[Zoo]

SSN just said he's got away without punishment for spitting again. Good for us I suppose but sometimes a lesson learned is better than making the same mistake over and over.

What mistake did he make?

 

[NinjaFletch]

SSN just said he's got away without punishment for spitting again. Good for us I suppose but sometimes a lesson learned is better than making the same mistake over and over.

Well yeah, he 'got away' with it because he didn't spit.

Same way as I've 'got away' with robbing banks all my life.

 

[Shamwow]

SSN just said he's got away without punishment for spitting again. Good for us I suppose but sometimes a lesson learned is better than making the same mistake over and over.

 

[Manucho the boss]

What mistake did he make?

He leaned over Aguero who was on the ground and seemed to spit/ drool onto him. The ball was still in play so I'm not sure what he was playing at but it certainly wasn't smart and if it had been seen by the officials he could have been off.

 

[dwd]

He leaned over Aguero who was on the ground and seemed to spit/ drool onto him. The ball was still in play so I'm not sure what he was playing at but it certainly wasn't smart and if it had been seen by the officials he could have been off.

You actually think he spat/drooled on him on purpose?