Phil Neville, waste not want not . . .

yaps

(287 Games - 15 Goals) Toxic Frogger
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Am I the only one who can remember a certain Phil Nevilles efforts as of late?

To be honest I'd hate to be him right now, he must be absolutly gutted inside, his efforts against Arsenal alone were fantastic and earned him a well deserved place in the team and to be dropped just because Keane and Beckham become fit again?

I feel dead sorry for the lad, and ever since Keane and Beckham have been back in the side (the past two games) United have noticably lost . . .

I think my point has been made, rant over . . .
 
I know what you mean. On performance alone he shouldn't have been dropped. But then again by the same token you wouldn't have dropped any of the midfield, certainly not Veron.
So the question is who do you sacrifice for Keane and I guess Phil would have to be considered the weakest element (compared to Veron)?
 
Beckham was a substitute in both games, and Ole started both, and against Boro Ole got the assist for Giggzy's goal. I thought you we looked more of a threat when Beckham came on than before though, but by then Boro had shut up shop. Despite Ole doing his best on the wing, I think Ruud could do with him alongside him which is what's Beckham's return can allow us to do. Becks is a fantastic player, and would walk into any side in the world imo. Ideally though it would be best if he had one reserve game too, in fact, I think he should have already had one.

Keane has had a reserve game, lasting the whole 90, but taking it very easy, not tackling, and just playing like a short passing Veron who could blast the ball (over the bar, bit like Ince in that respect). I didn't really expect to see the old Keano so soon, after everything he's been through, but I had hoped to see old Keano, and not the new tame Keano that he's said he'll be. Keane's main asset is his ability to press and tackle, which he was the best in the world at, and then followed by his leadership, surging runs, reading of the game and accurate passing. If Keano is going to take time to gain form, and adjust his game, then I'm not sure we can afford to do so right now, when we had a side that worked, with Phil and Veron or Scholes in the centre. If we were at the top of the table, 7 points clear, I might throw Keane into the side and let him get his form in the first team, but since we're not, he should use the reserves to earn his way back in, once he's got his match fitness and sharpness back.
 
Why does keane have to walk straight back into the team!!!!!! He should have had to wait like everyone else IMHO. We weren't on a losing streak, and our team performance vs. Blackburn wasn't not so bad as to warant loads of changes to the midfield.

Also he wasnt match fit and Phil had been playing well with Seba....
 
Originally posted by yaps:
<strong>Am I the only one who can remember a certain Phil Nevilles efforts as of late?

To be honest I'd hate to be him right now, he must be absolutly gutted inside, his efforts against Arsenal alone were fantastic and earned him a well deserved place in the team and to be dropped just because Keane and Beckham become fit again?

I feel dead sorry for the lad, and ever since Keane and Beckham have been back in the side (the past two games) United have noticably lost . . .

I think my point has been made, rant over . . .</strong><hr></blockquote>

Agree, if I was Phil I think I'd be leaving, there are plenty of teams who'll take him and it seems obvious he hasn't a future at OT.
 
Originally posted by ElmParkRed:
<strong>
So the question is who do you sacrifice for Keane</strong><hr></blockquote>

Um.... Nobody. No one deserves to just walk in, not even Keano.
 
Originally posted by yaps:
<strong>Am I the only one who can remember a certain Phil Nevilles efforts as of late?

To be honest I'd hate to be him right now, he must be absolutly gutted inside, his efforts against Arsenal alone were fantastic and earned him a well deserved place in the team and to be dropped just because Keane and Beckham become fit again?

I feel dead sorry for the lad, and ever since Keane and Beckham have been back in the side (the past two games) United have noticably lost . . .

I think my point has been made, rant over . . .</strong><hr></blockquote>

I feel sorry for him too but it`s life and most of the times it`s kin unfair..
 
Originally posted by epgino159:
<strong>

Um.... Nobody. No one deserves to just walk in, not even Keano.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Agreed. The guy is great when he is playing well, but at the moment he is just not back to full fitness.
 
Originally posted by OldRed1:
<strong>

Agree, if I was Phil I think I'd be leaving, there are plenty of teams who'll take him and it seems obvious he hasn't a future at OT.</strong><hr></blockquote>

If I was Phil I'd also THINK of leaving but would probably stay. The choice is:-
At United. Being a squad player, playing when first teamers are out and, possibly, fluking a cup final (Worthless, FA or Euro). Probably a few premiership medals. Staying with the club he loves and his mates.
Elsewhere. Regular first team football, possibly fluking a cup final (Worthless, FA or UEFA but not Champions League). Might also fluke a premiership medal. The chance of regaining an England place and proving the critics wrong would be tempting.
 
"I feel dead sorry for the lad, and ever since Keane and Beckham have been back in the side (the past two games) United have noticably lost . . ."

Well, imo it was wrong to drop an in form Phil for a clearly not fit Keano. You`re right here. But what the feck has Becks got to do with it? :confused: :rolleyes:
He plays on a different position and more important he didn`t start in the last two games, but was brought on as sub, as we were already behind. By the way, he was also sub in our great wins against LaCoruna and West Ham.
 
I too feel for him because when he was really needed for the BIG games he done as well as Keano could have done really.My opinion though is the sooner we get Keano to full match fitness the better and the stronger we will get.Good to see Rio get a full game aswell.
 
What a load of cobblers! Stop your 'kin crying about a player (Phil Neville) who has had a ton of critisism, (especially on this site) much of it well deserved!

He's a red, that's true, but he's mediocre at best and his greatest (perhaps only) real strength IMO is his ability to mark a man (like Viera or pehaps even Zidane?)out of a game. A useful player to have at your disposal but not a player to "cry" over if he left.

Personally I'd much rather have Keano to add "bite" in the tackle AND talent going forward. Failing that, give me Nicky Butt over Phizza anyday!
And to answer your question regarding "walking back into the team", yes, give Keane the chance to blend back into the team as soon as possible . . . even if it does cost us a few points. His performance to day was much improved and likely to get much, much better!

Counter point made, reply rant over. ;)