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What you've said is right about his use of the ball but he's not the only player who has been guilty of killing our tempo in recent games. It's been a common theme throughout the team, imo.
Despite popular opinion, I think he's been one of our most consistent players this season and we do seem to miss his aerial presence defensively when he doesn't play.
That may be true but only because we persist on playing Blind at CB just because he's left footed. When it's just not his natural position, nor is he strong enough in the air in my opinion to play there long term in the PL.
We are basically putting two square pegs in two round holes, to the detriment of the side.
It's not just because he's left footed, it's also because he's a great passer of the ball, helping us keeping possession.
That may be true but only because we persist on playing Blind at CB just because he's left footed. When it's just not his natural position, nor is he strong enough in the air in my opinion to play there long term in the PL.
We are basically putting two square pegs in two round holes, to the detriment of the side.
I understand your sentiments but I'm of the opinion that Blind has been great at CB; better than Jones, McNair and Rojo anyway.
His lack of height is covered by Smalling and Fellaini and their inability to spray the ball about is covered by Blind.
It's unorthodox but I like it. I'm also happy that LVG is persisting with the same setup, injuries permitting. We've had to chop and change so much over the past few months which can't have helped our performances and this year we've started to improve our play dramatically.
I constantly slate him, so credit where it's due. He was decent last night, not great but he did ok. I will admit i thought an immobile midfield of him and Carrick was an accident waiting to happen, especially if Fellaini did his usual disappearing act. But he didn't let that happen. Kudos.
As usual, the shocking (but so anymore) of "can't pass, no aerial threat" comments in this thread.
You know if people genuinely criticized Fellaini for his short-comings it would make sense but playing him down as this disaster just proves some of you hate them man no matter what he does or will ever do.
To the lot that thing is absolutely terrible: You do realize such a terrible player was Everton's best player for a few seasons (and they were a top 6 team throughout). Anyway, no use arguing with them since they've made up their mind.
But to answer the normal critiques, I think he should start against Chelsea because he seems to be finding some form.
I don't see what is particularly ridiculous about those criticisms. His passing, for a player playing regularly in midfield, is distinctly average. Someone like Carrick, for example, is a far, far better passer. Fellaini's passing usually involves him tentatively shifting it off to whoever's beside him because he knows he's not a good passer.
And his aerial threat is distinctly average considering his height. He consistently squanders chances when he does get them, and doesn't win anywhere near the number of aerial duels as he should for someone of his size. No one's saying he's awful in the air, but he's basically moderately okay there because of his size. He certainly doesn't offer enough of an attacking threat. Useful for defending set-pieces/corners though.
That vs "the worst player the PL has seen" or "can't pass more than 5 yards" is a big difference. Besides, Carrick is a better paser because that is his strength. As for his aerial ability, he has had some bad outings this year in regards to that but in general he is very good in the air - at Everton and last season he proved that quite a lot of times.
So yes, there is something very ridiculous about those "worst ever" 'criticisms'
I admit I don't like Fellaini in terms of I just hate watching him play football, it's not what I want to see on a pitch, especially for United. His defenders are rabid at times but the thing I wonder is do even they think he's a player who should be a regular in a United team if we are to try and get back to where we were?
Cleverley, yes. Young, no way.Yeah I do. At least as part of the squad - he can do that job very well. He's a better player than the likes of Cleverly and Young who have had careers here.
Yeah I do. At least as part of the squad - he can do that job very well. He's a better player than the likes of Cleverly and Young who have had careers here.
Being better than Cleverley shouldn't be the barometer for deciding if a player is good enough to be in United's team though to be fair.
Cleverley, yes. Young, no way.
Yeah I do. At least as part of the squad - he can do that job very well. He's a better player than the likes of Cleverly and Young who have had careers here.
His day being the 29th of February?Well there was a time on here that my suggestion of him being better than Cleverley was laughed at.
Agree to disagree I suppose. If you were building a team and you could have one of the two which one would you have? I'd pick Fellaini. On his day he can be almost unstoppable.
This. Matic has the upper hand nowHe started really well, I thought, but faded away as the half progressed.
Yeah, Matic definitely came out on top. Maybe Morgan can have a go now. Kind of doubt it though. He rarely comes on as a sub.This. Matic has the upper hand now
He started really well, I thought, but faded away as the half progressed.
