Nick Powell

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The thing I've noticed about him the most is he's got some serious pace on him for a CM. He's quite quick.

Also, he's got some bite. The way he shrugged off Ramires like he was some kind of child against Chelsea in the COC was impressive.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Tom Ince had a good game too. First time I've watched him play 90 minutes since he was in Liverpool's academy. He's a real handful.

Powell played in midfield, ahead of McEachran and Henderson. Arguably a second striker but that was mainly because England dominated possession and the game was almost entirely played in Norn Iron's half..
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Reminds me to post this video clip.

 
thegregster said:
Reminds me to post this video clip.

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He should have lifted it over the keeper at the last, it is what Messi would have done. In fact, it puzzles me why more players do not realise that lifting the ball over the keeper is a very effective way of putting it in the net. If Messi has taught us anything, it is that.
 
His ability to turn on the edge of the area is very impressive. Don't know how we'll end up playing him, but I think he has a special attribute there that is very well suited for him in a more advanced position. That's not to say he couldn't make use of it as a central midfielder, though.
 
Adebesi said:
How far off is he? Do you reckon we will see him get starts in competitive games this season? Or is that too soon?

Presumably he'll play the upcoming CL game.
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Away at Gala? I highly doubt that. He'll probably make he bench.
 
I wouldn't start him against Galatasaray. Not the best atmosphere for a young player.
 
The lad looks pretty cocky anyway. I don't think that Gala would phase him. If it did, it would be a necessary experience for him.
 
Adebesi said:
Why not? The group is won. You think that atmosphere is too intense for the little whipper snapper?
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Pogue Mahone said:
It's a dead rubber. Why wouldn't he start?
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Hello Pogue.

I just doubt he will given the number of other options we have in that area whom also need minutes (Fletcher and Anderson in particular). Not to mention it's incredibly hostile and Fergie will still want to field a strong side to maintain the integrity of the competition and the club.
 
I would. Might as well give him the experience of it. So itll give him some nightmares for a bit, he'll live. By the time I was 18 I was completely comfortable with being screamed at by 50,000 angry Turks waving flares and throwing projectiles. Its character building.

In all seriousness though, given we have the luxury of not taking key players all the way to Turkey, we should definitely use it.
 
Adebesi said:
I would. Might as well give him the experience of it. So itll give him some nightmares for a bit, he'll live. By the time I was 18 I was completely comfortable with being screamed at by 50,000 angry Turks waving flares and throwing projectiles. Its character building.

In all seriousness though, given we have the luxury of not taking key players all the way to Turkey, we should definitely use it.
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He'll still get the benefit of experiencing the atmosphere... from the bench.
 
#Carl said:
Hello Pogue.

I just doubt he will given the number of other options we have in that area whom also need minutes (Fletcher and Anderson in particular). Not to mention it's incredibly hostile and Fergie will still want to field a strong side to maintain the integrity of the competition and the club.
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Maintain the integrity of the competition OR rest everyone who plays in the league....erm?
 
Adebesi said:
Not sure Anderson "needs minutes". I get the impression that SAF is holding him back, fearful of his injury record. But that is just my interpretation.
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Just going off what Fergie said the other week (after the COC game IIRC).
 
Anyone else notice the irony of people starting to worry about Anderson and Fletch not getting enough football after the almost unanimous consensus during the summer that we needed at least one more central midfielder? Not to mention the widespread frustration that Cleverley isn't being used as much as many of us would like. Maybe there's method in Fergie's madness after all?
 
pablotatt said:
Maintain the integrity of the competition OR rest everyone who plays in the league....erm?
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You can do both (kind of). Those expecting a League Cup side are going to be disappointed.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Anyone else notice the irony of people starting to worry about Anderson and Fletch not getting enough football after the almost unanimous consensus during the summer that we needed at least one more central midfielder? Not to mention the widespread frustration that Cleverley isn't being used as much as many of us would like. Maybe there's method in Fergie's madness after all?
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Wouldn't call that irony personally. Most people had a problem with the quality rather than the quantity of midfield players.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Anyone else notice the irony of people starting to worry about Anderson and Fletch not getting enough football after the almost unanimous consensus during the summer that we needed at least one more central midfielder? Not to mention the widespread frustration that Cleverley isn't being used as much as many of us would like. Maybe there's method in Fergie's madness after all?
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I think it's possible to be of the opinion that Carrick/Scholes as a partnership isn't remotely close to being our best option as a CM-pairing, while at the same time wonder why we haven't used the summer's opportunity to strengthen this part of our side.
 
Not sure I see that as irony. It depends why you think they arent getting games. I assume Fletch isnt ready yet. And I assume, though this one may be even more spurious, that SAF is being particularly sparing with Anderson to avoid an injury. I believe, based on nothing much, that if he had no concerns about fitness he would be playing Clev and Anderson much more regularly. I dont think it is about giving everyone first team opportunities, therefore it doesnt seem that ironic to me.

In summary: straight out of the Alanis Morissette Book of Irony. i.e. not really ironic.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Anyone else notice the irony of people starting to worry about Anderson and Fletch not getting enough football after the almost unanimous consensus during the summer that we needed at least one more central midfielder? Not to mention the widespread frustration that Cleverley isn't being used as much as many of us would like. Maybe there's method in Fergie's madness after all?
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Very much so. He's clearly always had faith in those two, even if he doesn't necessarily play them as much as we'd like him to just yet.
 
marjen said:
I think it's possible to be of the opinion that Carrick/Scholes as a partnership isn't remotely close to being our best option as a CM-pairing, while at the same time wonder why we haven't used the summer's opportunity to strengthen this part of our side.
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Indeed. We have lot of options in central midfield but most of the possible combinations are underwhelming. That doesn't mean we shouldn't strive to find the best one out of the lot.
 
Gettin more and more excited about him everytime i see him. You can just tell that he knows he's awesome. Not afraid to try and dribble in tight areas or shoot from distance. Its a quality that i think will help him succeed at United, within reason of course, you don't want someone too cocky.

Technically he looks class, and physically he's very impressive and will fill out even more.

Gonna be a beast of player i think.
 
RyanGoggs said:
That run was class. I've only really seen him briefly but does he often make those kind of runs? What player is he comparable to in style?
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Over the last month or so he looks more settled and confident in himself. Suddenly he's really standing out in the u21's and showing that there is more to his game than just passing and shooting. He's doing runs like this quite often recently, even scoring a cracker for the u21's after skinning 3 players. He's so good at carrying the ball, in fact, that during his spells out on the wing he looks decent in that position too.

I'm not sure who I'd compare him to. His dribbling reminds me of Ravel Morrison at times. He's not blessed with unbelievable speed, but he uses feints, shimmys and quick changes of directions to beat a man. Similar to Morrison in that respect. I can't think of a player I'd compare him to overall though.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Anyone else notice the irony of people starting to worry about Anderson and Fletch not getting enough football after the almost unanimous consensus during the summer that we needed at least one more central midfielder? Not to mention the widespread frustration that Cleverley isn't being used as much as many of us would like. Maybe there's method in Fergie's madness after all?
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The point only stands because United are overcoming poor starting lineups and tactics - a situation which will not last indefintely.

Fergie is playing Scholes more often than many suspected - the results are for all to see.

As long as fergie persists with 4-4-2 even when our wingers are out of from and continues to play Scholes then its no surprise Cleverley and Anderson will have limited game time.
 
I see your break from the caf worked then Pogue..

Agree with many posters saying that the first choice players have worked hard to put the team in the good position they're in regarding the CL, now it's time to give them a break and really blood youngsters in. I'd like to see Anderson getting more game time, Powell to get a cameo or two, Buttner the chance to redeem himself/show himself up again and give Hernandez the starting spot that he deserves.

Also, Michael Keane has been brought back from his month long loan at Leicester as a precaution to a hamstring injury, but if it's not a problem I'd like to see him start over Wooton as I feel he could have a future here, whereas I think Wooton will leave the club relatively soon.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Yeah, what does Fergie know about tactics and how to pick a team. We're positively hamstrung with him in charge instead of the managerial nous of someone like yourself.

FFS...
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Stop going into Pogue Crazy mode - everyone backs Fergie but blind loyalty - no. So you are not saying that the team selections and tactics are contributing to our poor starts and general malaise at times?
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Anyone else notice the irony of people starting to worry about Anderson and Fletch not getting enough football after the almost unanimous consensus during the summer that we needed at least one more central midfielder? Not to mention the widespread frustration that Cleverley isn't being used as much as many of us would like. Maybe there's method in Fergie's madness after all?
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Well you were in agreement with that too, have you changed your mind?
 
Cina said:
Well you were in agreement with that too, have you changed your mind?
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I'm still inclined to think we should have got another body in but I'm a hell of a lot less convinced about this now than I was a couple of months ago. Te fact that Fletcher's back playing again - combined with the early season form of Cleverley and Anderson makes me a lot less certain than I was about the how limited a contribution these three players would be able to make.

Basically, I should have had a bit more faith in the opinion of the greatest manager in the game when it came to predicting how badly we needed back-up for the positions they play. What with hem watching all of them train on a daily basis, while I'm sat here in front of a computer. Call me crazy but there you go...
 
My desperate want of a new midfielder was heavily influenced by the fact that I never thought Fletcher could play 90 minutes for us again (I know people with his condition), so it is certainly food for thought, but I still think we need a midfielder, next Summer more than ever when Giggs and Scholes (hopefully/presumably) go bye bye.

I never thought for a second that our defense would cause us more problems than our bloody midfield this season though.
 
Welcome back Pogue, I was only just asking after you last week. Heard the calls then?

On topic, I like Powell as a player. High hopes. Ground breaking I know.
 
Cina said:
I never thought for a second that our defense would cause us more problems than our bloody midfield this season though.
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Tbf defending is more than just about defenders.

Players waltzing through our non existent midfield doesn't help.
 
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