Yeah, he was very good in that game. It's performances like that for Everton which made it so strange that you had half this place insisting last season that he could only ever be any use as a second striker.
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Yeah, he was very good in that game. It's performances like that for Everton which made it so strange that you had half this place insisting last season that he could only ever be any use as a second striker.
You are asking me what I mean after you are the one babbling on about the 'transition from Moyes will be complete'. I'm simply saying LVG is a successful coach and LVG is much more qualified then you or me in coaching and managing. He clearly wants to give Fellaini a chance in the team and Fellaini is doing well so far. Of course people should question him but simply mumbling on about some 'transition' and not having the blinkers off to give credit where it is due is what you are doing.
Do you actually watch any of the matches, I am slightly worried about you if you do and all you can see is him 'winning goal kicks' and 'chesting the ball'? Of course he is not a defensive midfielder, he was never suited to that role. He seems to be playing the box to box quite well in these past games, it suits him with 3 in the middle. He has a good technique and is passing is very good. I don't think he will do well if we only have 2 midfielders which we may employ in some games.You need to take your blinkers off and judge a player on how he is playing which according to alot of posters on this forum and the manager is quite well. Lets not forget he is also selected by the Belgian manager. Comparing him with Nolan just demonstrates the blinkered view you have.
Ye exactly. Even before that, Fellaini was putting in memorable performances in centre midfield for Everton, more notably against Chelsea, IIRC. I guess people only see what they want to see.
He did have some very good games Everton but he was very much a focal point for them and they knew that to exploit his full potential you have to hit the ball to him in the air a lot, that isn’t a criticism or slight against him or them it’s just what makes sense. When you have the ball you target him with long balls, ask him to use his chest, win headers and then when you don’t have it you ask him to just put himself about. At the moment as a stop gap to add physicality and do a job he has been useful but looking forward we either bite the bullet and exploit his aerial ability or we find the physical presence elsewhere.
Against Palace he should have either been in or on the edge of the box and we should have been hitting in more crosses/ long balls of he should have been replaced by Herrera in order for us to be more incisive. I think his long term future is very similar to Mata’s, both very good players the downside is they have weak all round games in relation to other players in their position, the upside is both are capable lots of goals and assists. In Fellaini’s last 3 games he probably hasn’t made one really difficult or incisive pass but he could have scored with headers in all 3 games and 1 of those headers led directly to a goal so it depends what the manager regards as being more beneficial.
His best is yet to come
One would truly hope. Because if we've seen his best ...
So absolutely nothing apart from being taller and bigger than the Arsenal players. Not one attempted creative pass made by him in that game, which sums him up. He's good at getting the ball and giving it back to you, and good at being a big lad and that's about it.
At 2.04 he receives the ball and then gives it straight back to his team mate even though his team mate is relatively closely marked. Just curious to see if you know why he did it?
Lol great video, love how he's absolutely bossing Arsenal! It honestly looks like a grown man playing against a junior side.
That being said, as several other posters have mentioned, he's no Fabregas or Xavi or Hazard. Fair enough, United could get a better midfielder. But I just want to say two things. First, he's not meant to be a Fabregas or a Xavi - he's a completely different type of player, more useful for keeping possession and bullying weaker players as opposed to creating chances or breaking open defenses (we don't need him for that). Second, while we could get a player who is probably better than Fellaini, the same could be said in almost all of our positions. Our urgent needs are clearly a backup for Rafael, and an experienced CB or two, before we even think about finding an upgrade for Fellaini.
He will destroy the Arsenal midfield and CBs with his size. They are weak at set-pieces, we should be playing him IMO. I'd like Herrera played too though, with Blind in a 4-3-3. Also, people criticizing his lack of creativity need to understand it isn't his game. Although he is capable of playing short/medium quick passes in between the lines to people who have space. There was a couple of examples in that video.
I didn't give that much consideration, but Arsenal have been struggling aerially of late and have conceded quite a few headed goals this season with Monreal being a particularly weak point and getting dominated in the air (culpable for Gomis' winner against Swansea). Fellaini should pose a huge threat in that respect and more so than against opposition like City, Chelsea and Palace who are generally solid from set-pieces due to the height and physicality they possess. If Koscielny returns that could change the whole complexion of Arsenal's solidity though, so I think Fellaini's inclusion could hinge on whoever of the aforementioned starts.
Personally, I would be against him starting were it not for the opposition and how he might thrive against them though. For as well as he's played, I think he disrupts the fluency and movement in our midfield - which goes for Rooney also - and although he's acquitted himself well, I would much rather see Herrera start whether it's at the expense of Fellaini or not. At least one of Carrick or Blind start, possibly both, so Felli's probably the missing man.
Personally, I would be against him starting were it not for the opposition and how he might thrive against them though. For as well as he's played, I think he disrupts the fluency and movement in our midfield - which goes for Rooney also - and although he's acquitted himself well, I would much rather see Herrera start whether it's at the expense of Fellaini or not. At least one of Carrick or Blind start, possibly both, so Felli's probably the missing man.
I agree with you....we must use Fellaini as a weapon in this match
If Arsenal are playing
Szczesny - Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs - Ramsey, Arteta, Wilshere - Sanchez, Welbeck, Cazorla
against us then they would only have Mertesacker and Chambers as big strong players (But Fellaini would kill Chambers)
Chelsea were strong at set-pieces, of course City too and Crystal Palace have had also some big strong players but Arsenal are looking really really weak there.
I would play Fellaini 100% from the start.
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Yup, not just set pieces, I can see Fellaini utterly bullying Arsenal. People need to stop looking at him purely as a solution to a specific problem, and start seeing him for who he is - a proven PL midfielder who dominated our midfield more than once. He absolutely bossed Carrick against us and not just in terms of winning aerial duels, but most would loathe the idea of starting Fellaini instead of Carrick.
Obviously they are different players, but again for me it is people making up their minds on Fellaini due to him being a Moyes-man, and refusing to see anything that doesn't agree with that.
Obviously they are different players, but again for me it is people making up their minds on Fellaini due to him being a Moyes-man, and refusing to see anything that doesn't agree with that.
I agree with those who are saying we should start Fellaini. When I looked in here the other day there were some who were saying we wouldn't need his physicality against a relatively weak Arsenal team, but I think this is a game where we can see his physicality used to its best effect.
Arsenal have no Matic/Toure figures who generally physically dominate the midfield, so rather than Fellaini being employed to somewhat nullify such a player as in the Chelsea/City games he'll be dominating that area for us instead. It's a cliché, but Arsenal remain very susceptible to being bullied and Fellaini is easily capable of overpowering almost every player in their squad.
Arsenal have no Matic/Toure figures who generally physically dominate the midfield, so rather than Fellaini being employed to somewhat nullify such a player as in the Chelsea/City games he'll be dominating that area for us instead. It's a cliché, but Arsenal remain very susceptible to being bullied and Fellaini is easily capable of overpowering almost every player in their squad.
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If by this you mean winning possession, then it's not as easy as you make it out to be. I mean, over the last few years, we've lacked someone with a bit of bite, who can bully the opposition players.
If you look at Arsenal, they've got plenty of players who can make that 'creative pass', but teams go through their midfield like they're not there, at times. Yes, Fellaini's never going to be Fabregas or Modric, but since he's been in the team, I personally feel we've looked more solid in midfield.
Yeah like said if they're playing a midfield Ramsey - Arteta - Wilshere then he would dominate that midfield too....Arsenal are losing many midfield battles
I'm still not a fan of Fellaini but i'm sure he could be a massive key player against Arsenal
I really think/feeling Fellaini could make his best game of the season in this match in 10 days......he's perfect for that match
And btw he can play football too.....he isn't just a big strong player
No serious i really would be shocked if he isn't in LVG's starting line-up against Arsenal
I really think/feeling Fellaini could make his best game of the season in this match in 10 days......he's perfect for that match
And btw he can play football too.....he isn't just a big strong player
No serious i really would be shocked if he isn't in LVG's starting line-up against Arsenal
I've always been in this camp. He's good on the ball, he's not playing 30 yard defence-splitting passes but he's got a good eye for those little through balls between the lines and he keeps possession very well. I'd not have defended him on here like I have since he signed if I thought he was only good for his physique.
Agree with you on all points, really looking forward to Fellaini's performance and the game in general.
The problem is just Fellaini will play twice for Belgium in the next days.......with our luck he'll come back injured and our clever talking is for nothing
Some people on here would be delighted. @Pexbo would probably start a poll to gauge how happy everyone is about it.The problem is just Fellaini will play twice for Belgium in the next days.......with our luck he'll come back injured and our clever talking is for nothing
Fellaini has had a couple of decent games for us and now people think he's a dead cert to boss the midfield against arsenal. Interesting. Don't see it myself. I'll be happy if he plays like he has the last few games, but I don't think he'll boss the midfield, bully arsenal, nor run the game.
I've rarely seen him do this for Man. Utd., though. More often than not, he's gone for much safer option than trying to play it between the lines. Case in point: the match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford when he had many instances to play di Maria, Januzaj, van Persie, or Rooney into dangerous areas but opted out and went someone more easily accessible.
I've seen him play some nice, quick, short passes for Everton, playing his teammates into dangerous areas. However, I've rarely seen him do this for us, and he needs to show that he has this in him; otherwise, he'll be nothing more than someone who helps us retain possession and win the ball quickly.
We haven't had a player who could "run the game" for a long time. I don't see anyone saying Fellaini will do that though. Whether he plays, or Herrera plays (if that is the choice), I think a United fan just wants them to play well. And objective observers know when a player has done well...
Absolutely, United fans should want him to do well. That's not saying that all do want him to. Maybe I'm mixing terminology, but I equate bossing midfield to running the game. I guess maybe the posters didn't mean it that way. Either way, I see it unlikely he'll boss midfield. I hope I'm wrong. But if he plays as he has the last few weeks I'll be happy (so long as one of the others takes it upon themselves to actually create something of course)
Irrespective of how he plays, for some on here he never be good even when it's clear that he's added something that others can't. He's a enforcer and a nightmare to play against. Like I said elsewhere, ideally we could find a player that's got Herrera and Fellaini qualities but unfortunately the nearest to that is playing in a light blue shirt. If he was playing for anyone else in the world, I'm sure we would have broken the bank for him.
Fellaini can be even more effective coming off the bench, either to chase the goal or defend the lead.
After all, if all of Di Maria, Herrera, Blind, Mata and Carrick (not too worried about the "groin injury", given the circumstances in which it is claimed to have occurred) are fit, would you really bench any of them to make room for Fellaini, who's neither a particularly creative midfielder nor a brilliant defensive midfielder?
Deploy the hairy Belgian if the starting XI needs a tweak in the 65th minute, but don't throw off a reasonably balanced squad to start the match.
After all, if all of Di Maria, Herrera, Blind, Mata and Carrick (not too worried about the "groin injury", given the circumstances in which it is claimed to have occurred) are fit, would you really bench any of them to make room for Fellaini, who's neither a particularly creative midfielder nor a brilliant defensive midfielder?
Deploy the hairy Belgian if the starting XI needs a tweak in the 65th minute, but don't throw off a reasonably balanced squad to start the match.
Thankyou.
Finally some sense amongst all the madness of this new found Fellaini love in nonsense.
Probably because he was absolute dog crap last season in CM.
On topic, I'm not quite sure where everyone is getting the idea that being a big bastard is the key to winning midfield battles. I mean it helps Toure and Matic but they've got a lot more in the locker. It's not something we've needed in my memory. Surely if we're arguing Arsenal are a less physical team than others, surely the best idea is to bench him and play Carrick, Herrera and Blind who are much better technically and tactically.
Well quite clearly LvG would seeing as Fellaini has been starting with Herrera and Mata on the bench!
Last season being an excellent benchmark...
+injured for a lot of the season
+no preseason
blah blah, i could go on, but in this thread some people are beyond reasoning with.
I can recall many occasions in the past few years where we have not been able to cope physically or technically in midfield against the best teams in England and Europe.
LvG may be a successful coach, and may prove to be a huge success here too, still doesn't change the fact that he has been floundering along since his appointment. Most of the summer shopping was done with a formation in mind, and since then he has abonded that and gone with something new with Fellaini in the middle. I am sorry, I am not going to buy someone's balderdash just because they were previously successful and over stress on the world "philosophy". The transition I mention is the slow tugrid football we have played with Fellaini in the middle, which has comprised our creativity and attacking play. As I mentioned previously, it was good against Chelsea, a team who we are clearly inferior to, though not against a terrible CP team. The solidity in the middle and protection for the defense in the Palace game was provided by Carrick, not Fellaini.
Have you seen any matches or understand the box to box role? Because that is not what Fellaini has played for us in the last 3 games. The comparison to Nolan was to give an example of the specific type of role, not a direct comparison between their actual qualities.
You are the one who needs to stop drinking the Van Gaal Kool-aid and watch the games properly. Or may be come with a constructive post without personal attacks, which help me take my "blinkers" off.
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Even though he has shown signs of quality, the last couple games, I admittedly still cannot stand the sight of him in our first team, let alone our squad.
His style of play and the long ball tactics we resort to (just because he's a big lad) when he's on the pitch is just painful to watch and I honestly cannot wait to see him moved on.
His style of play and the long ball tactics we resort to (just because he's a big lad) when he's on the pitch is just painful to watch and I honestly cannot wait to see him moved on.
LVG needs points more than anything so I think he is just trying to find a formation and line up that works, I expect there is still a lot of chopping and changing to come as I don’t think he has the players at his disposal to play how he wants. Fellaini has done well for the last 3 and a half games but I doubt there is any intention for him to be a first team regular beyond the short term and his long term future will be as a sub or at a different club.
Don´t get me wrong on here he has been torn apart more than any other player, not like we havent had dross players before (Ando anyone, that git got away with murder and a pile of cash doing it).. And I am all for giving players a fair chance or shot at it, new club, new players, new staff well you might be great at doing what you´re doing but a new workplace takes a bit to get used to.. That said he isn´t what we need in midfield the tempo just goes when he is there, no directness nothing. He is plainly a big log that moves about and can kick a ball, he offers nothing in build up what so ever when we have have the ball for 65-70% of the game, is clumsy and gives away to many freekicks. But when we are defending and need a bit of steel and hight in the middle he is a great tool and can easily hold the ball up to ease pressure! But we are dreadful to watch with him dictating tempo in the middle of the park..
Well, exactly. Which would be typical of the goldfish memories that infest this place. Anything that isn't happening right in front or our eyes, right now, might as well never have happened.
Same here. I wanted him out in the summer, and it kinda makes me feel like a c*nt, but my opinion of him is starting to shift. If he could find back to the form he had in his glorydays at Everton, he would be a very useful squadplayer
Why Carrick was just as bad for the entire season, is 33, and people are not writing him off ala Van Persie...all more dog crap!
You say the summer shopping was done with a formation in mind and yet we have tried 3-5-2, the diamond and now this 4-1-4-1 so which formation was in mind when the shopping was done? Where did I mention the word philosphy in my post? We have improved our posession play and are now keeping the ball more than ever. Fellaini has only featured in a handful of games this season and we have play worse football when he has not been in the team, especially at the beginning of the season. Who are you blaming then exactly? You are single handedly blaming Fellaini for our whole attacking play which is just plainly absurd when other attacking players have performed far worser in some games. I have already said Fellaini is not a defensive midfielder. He players better in a 3 rather than a 2 in my opinion.
You referred to Nolan and were not clear in your post. You put this box to box classification like its a game. He is not your standard high energy midfielder, we can all accept that. He has proved useful when attacking and has provided a useful physical presence in midfield and in the games he has played, we have a good possession record so what tumescent player you are referring to, I don't know. He is also very good technically which alot of people seem to forget. I thought the whole team against City lacked something they showed at Chelsea.
I have simply pointed out LVG is a sucessful coach. I don't have any blinkers on like the anti Felliani ones which you have on. LVG needs to find a formation which fits, personally I would like to see the diamond which with the right players can be our best approach. I think we need points on the board and quick because for all the philosphy talk and improving, it means nothing without points.
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You said it yourself Carrick is 32 therefore not in his prime anymore when Fellaini is 27 and logically supposed to show us his best self. Being lenient for a player who isn't in his prime seems logic to me.
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