Press Conferences 2012/13

[devilish]

You're just stating the obvious though. You say that we have to bring in a cover for Evra, though you fail to mention anyone who we can bring in without risking the progress of our talents. If Ferguson and his coaching team say that Bradys natural position is at left back, why should we classify him as a winger? We all know that players are being played in more advanced positions early in their career so they can learn the game without having too much defensive responsibilty (i.e Powell at Crewe). If you say that Brady is a winger on the same day that Fergie has stated that they'll look at Brady as a left back, then I know whos opinion I'll listen to (no offense).

Blackett is young for sure, but he'll spend alot more time with the reserves this season and I'm sure he'll learn alot playing against tougher and older players. We've had plenty of players who've played for the first team without going out on loan, so I have no doubts that he'll get a chance if he's able to prove himself in the reserves. Brady has already been playing at the lower levels and thus should be prepared to take another step in terms of development, and why not let him get a shot with us before we write him off? He's a great talent and I'm sure that he'll be able to perform his duties at left back for 20 minutes in the PL, or in a league cup match if needed.

A) SAF had never said that Brady's natural position is that of fullback. He said that "He's actually an outside-left but we believe there's the possibility he'll develop into a left-back"

B) I dont think that a stop gap (Zambrotta?) would ruin the kids future. Even if we do get Baines, that doesn't necessary mean that Fabio's career with us is fecked (Evra may end up being sold in the near future)

C) As I said before Id rather see us opt on Blackett then a makeshift winger. Ok he's younger then Brady, but the education given to him was that of fullback and not winger.

D) We're all entitled to our opinion and I am the first to admit that we dont know whats going on behind the scenes. However unless SAF is not given the money to invest on a fullback then not bringing one is in my opinion a mistake.

Oh well, maybe putting a winger as fullback may work. After all, this strategy (putting defenders, wingers, strikers etc) had worked magnificently last season in solving our CM problems

 

[Striker10]

I don't think it's an issue personally. If he does well, he'll be an option, if he doesn't he won't. I don't think his long term future is at fullback but we've had tunnicliffe in that role for the reserves too now and then. Let's just wait and see what happens. People were worried about Rafael too, but the team is experienced enough to help kids through games. If Evra gets injured, we'll probably just put Evens there or something like that.

 

[devilish]

I don't think it's an issue personally. If he does well, he'll be an option, if he doesn't he won't. I don't think his long term future is at fullback but we've had tunnicliffe in that role for the reserves too now and then. Let's just wait and see what happens. People were worried about Rafael too, but the team is experienced enough to help kids through games. If Evra gets injured, we'll probably just put Evens there or something like that.

Evans is a CB unfortunately. The only times he played there with United he hardly impressed.

Lets hope that Evra doesn't pick an injury.

 

[Burrow]

A) SAF had never said that Brady's natural position is that of fullback. He said that "He's actually an outside-left but we believe there's the possibility he'll develop into a left-back"

B) I dont think that a stop gap (Zambrotta?) would ruin the kids future. Even if we do get Baines, that doesn't necessary mean that (since Evra may end up being sold in the near future)

C) As I said before Id rather see us opt on Blackett then a makeshift winger. Ok he's younger then Brady, but the education given to him was that of fullback and not winger.

D) We're all entitled to our opinion and we don't know everything. However unless SAF is not given the money to invest on a fullback then not bringing one is in my opinion a mistake.

Right. So why are Fergie thinking that it's possible to develop Brady as a left back whilst you say that he cant be a cover for Evra? Or why would you want to pay a 35 year old player who didnt get a new contract at Milan a ton of money to do a job that one of our players can do? Would you rather give some much needed experience to own of our own, talented players in some cup-matches and a few outings in PL where we've already secured a win, or to throw on a 35 year old player who was out of contract with his old club?

I take things to the extreme in that comparasion though. Zambrotta is an extremely experienced player who was great at his best, but in terms of development it would really hurt to see someone like that get a chance ahead of you in the team. Not to mention that a 35 year old is a hell of a lot more prone to injuries then someone like Brady. We need someone we can rely on to cover for Evra. Sure, everybody could get an injury, but the chances are that a 35 year old will be more injuried or burn out quicker then a younger player. It would also mean that the player needed to adapt to the English style in his few chances. I really dont see how Zambrotta would be a better option then someone like Brady, I really dont.

 

[Raoul]

Modmins, any chance to stick this thread?

Done.

 

[devilish]

Right. So why are Fergie thinking that it's possible to develop Brady as a left back whilst you say that he cant be a cover for Evra? Or why would you want to pay a 35 year old player who didnt get a new contract at Milan a ton of money to do a job that one of our players can do? Would you rather give some much needed experience to own of our own, talented players in some cup-matches and a few outings in PL where we've already secured a win, or to throw on a 35 year old player who was out of contract with his old club?

That post was meant to show you what SAF's actually said. Brady is a winger, and what SAF said that there's a probability (no certainity) then maybe he can develop as a fullback. My concern is whether a young winger who had rarely played in the EPL can suddenly turn into a fullback (we need Evra's cover now) by merely playing a couple of matches in the reserves. Actually I've never seen that happening.

I take things to the extreme in that comparasion though. Zambrotta is an extremely experienced player who was great at his best, but in terms of development it would really hurt to see someone like that get a chance ahead of you in the team. Not to mention that a 35 year old is a hell of a lot more prone to injuries then someone like Brady. We need someone we can rely on to cover for Evra. Sure, everybody could get an injury, but the chances are that a 35 year old will be more injuried or burn out quicker then a younger player. It would also mean that the player needed to adapt to the English style in his few chances. I really dont see how Zambrotta would be a better option then someone like Brady, I really dont.

I only thrown his name because you asked me to (or someone else). Considering that we need Evra's cover now (not in 2-3 yrs time) then Id rather have an experienced fullback then a makeshift winger with no experience whatsoever in that particular role.

 

[Burrow]

That post was meant to show you what SAF's actually said. Brady is a winger, and what SAF said that there's a probability (no certainity) then maybe he can develop as a fullback. My concern is whether a young winger who had rarely played in the EPL can suddenly turn into a fullback (we need Evra's cover now) by merely playing a couple of matches in the reserves. Actually I've never seen that happening.

I only thrown his name because you asked me to (or someone else). Considering that we need Evra's cover now (not in 2-3 yrs time) then Id rather have an experienced fullback then a makeshift winger with no experience whatsoever in that particular role.

Brady has been playing as a winger and a fullback in the reserves, and been playing games for the first team in the lower divisions. He's already adapted to the English game, he speaks the language and has been given a proper Manchester United-education in terms of development. I'm not saying that he's going to be a revelation, or that he's a long term prospect at fullback, but as you said: We need a cover for Evra now, but in my opinion we only need him for one season as Fabio will return and challenge for a first team spot next season (if he develops as we hope he will at QPR). I guess you dont recall a certain Darren Fletcher who was playing wide in the reserves and even in the first team, who was also used as a fullback.

The fact of the matter is that a lot of our players are being played in different positions while they are in the reserves, just to give them a general football education. Players are being played out wide despite them being central midfielders, partly to give them less defensive responsibilty, partly to give them a more general understanding on how to play in other positions. We played the likes of Fletcher, Gibson and Pogba at the wings and yet they all have turned out to be central midfielders. It doesnt matter which position a player is played in their youth, as it's all a part of their development. Just because Brady has been playing mostly at the wings so far in his career does not mean that he'll never be capable of playing as a left back. We have no way of knowing if this will turn out to be a great move or not, but if Fergie thinks that Brady is capable of covering for Evra this season then I really dont see the need to spend money of someone who'll most likely spend months trying to adapt to both the English style of play, or our own style of play.

You say you only threw in his name because I asked you, but why not explain why you would want some old guy to warm the bench whilst cashing in, when we can have one of our very own to do the same, though the difference will be that our guy will develope and learn from the experience whilst the old guy will have one last payday.

 

[Striker10]

Evans is a CB unfortunately. The only times he played there with United he hardly impressed.

Lets hope that Evra doesn't pick an injury.

Ofcourse but he's played full back. It's just an option, Patrice will hopefully be his usual self

 

[devilish]

Brady has been playing as a winger and a fullback in the reserves, and been playing games for the first team in the lower divisions. He's already adapted to the English game, he speaks the language and has been given a proper Manchester United-education in terms of development. I'm not saying that he's going to be a revelation, or that he's a long term prospect at fullback, but as you said: We need a cover for Evra now, but in my opinion we only need him for one season as Fabio will return and challenge for a first team spot next season (if he develops as we hope he will at QPR). I guess you dont recall a certain Darren Fletcher who was playing wide in the reserves and even in the first team, who was also used as a fullback.

The fact of the matter is that a lot of our players are being played in different positions while they are in the reserves, just to give them a general football education. Players are being played out wide despite them being central midfielders, partly to give them less defensive responsibilty, partly to give them a more general understanding on how to play in other positions. We played the likes of Fletcher, Gibson and Pogba at the wings and yet they all have turned out to be central midfielders. It doesnt matter which position a player is played in their youth, as it's all a part of their development. Just because Brady has been playing mostly at the wings so far in his career does not mean that he'll never be capable of playing as a left back. We have no way of knowing if this will turn out to be a great move or not, but if Fergie thinks that Brady is capable of covering for Evra this season then I really dont see the need to spend money of someone who'll most likely spend months trying to adapt to both the English style of play, or our own style of play.

You say you only threw in his name because I asked you, but why not explain why you would want some old guy to warm the bench whilst cashing in, when we can have one of our very own to do the same, though the difference will be that our guy will develope and learn from the experience whilst the old guy will have one last payday.

The fact that we need a cover NOW rather then in 2-3 years time is the main reason why I'd rather see us opt for a stop gap rather then a makeshift winger who may have the potential to develop in a fullback. Theres a difference between playing a player out of position in a bid to give a kid more playing time and actually relying on that player to act as cover for an important position.

As I said before we dont know what is going behind the scenes. For all we know SAF may be bluffing in a bid to force Everton's hand in selling him at decent prices or else the transfer money had run out/is going to be invested somewhere else. However I dont feel comfortable in starting next season's campaign knowing that Evra's cover consist of a CB and a makeshift winger. We're Manchester United not Torquay.

 

[pocco]

I don't know what to make of that. I was really looking forward to seeing Brady play on the wing for us, but its nit quite as exciting if he'll be stuck at fullback. I can understand why they'd try it, but I think he's naturally a winger and that should be kept that way. The fact that he works hard and gets stuck in would have been an added bonus of having him on the wing.

 

[devilish]

I don't know what to make of that. I was really looking forward to seeing Brady play on the wing for us, but its nit quite as exciting if he'll be stuck at fullback. I can understand why they'd try it, but I think he's naturally a winger and that should be kept that way. The fact that he works hard and gets stuck in would have been an added bonus of having him on the wing.

I share your view. I would have preferred if SAF decided that Brady would be Park's successor (as our 4th choice winger).

 

[Burrow]

The fact that we need a cover NOW rather then in 2-3 years time is the main reason why I'd rather see us opt for a stop gap rather then a makeshift winger who may have the potential to develop in a fullback. Theres a difference between playing a player out of position in a bid to give a kid more playing time and actually relying on that player to act as cover for an important position.

As I said before we dont know what is going behind the scenes. For all we know SAF may be bluffing in a bid to force Everton's hand in selling him at decent prices or else the transfer money had run out/is going to be invested somewhere else. However I dont feel comfortable in starting next season's campaign knowing that Evra's cover consist of a CB and a makeshift winger. We're Manchester United not Torquay.

Yes, you've repeated this in your last 3 posts or so. I'll ask you again; What long term benefits do you see in bringing in someone like Zambrotta compared to having one of our own talents being a cover for Evra? I cant see us bringing in someone like Baines as I've stated earlier, as it would severely hinder the progress of the likes of Fabio.

 

[devilish]

Yes, you've repeated this in your last 3 posts or so. I'll ask you again; What long term benefits do you see in bringing in someone like Zambrotta compared to having one of our own talents being a cover for Evra? I cant see us bringing in someone like Baines as I've stated earlier, as it would severely hinder the progress of the likes of Fabio.

I guess it would be give us the same benefits of when we insisted in keeping Blanc (second year) and signing Larsson.

 

[Wan]

They are brought by the same people and on the same standard. I can list you various mistakes done from our youth coaches. A classic is to consider Ronnie Wallwork as the next Steve Bruce. Not to forget when we released a kid (for not being good enough) which went on to become England's captain and an important player at Sampdoria (then a top club) and Arsenal.

Mistakes do happen and no one is perfect.

Drama Queen like always. Juventus is the only perfect club right making no mistakes whatsoever in the transfer market?

 

[SkeppyRed]

I guess it would be give us the same benefits of when we insisted in keeping Blanc (second year) and signing Larsson.

Blanc was used for his experience as much as his quality. We already have plenty of experience so bringing in someone else for that role isn't necessary.

 

[devilish]

Drama Queen like always. Juventus is the only perfect club right making no mistakes whatsoever in the transfer market?

 

[Burrow]

Blanc was used for his experience as much as his quality. We already have plenty of experience so bringing in someone else for that role isn't necessary.

Agreed.

 

[Wan]

Can you blame him though? We're moving an inexperienced winger to a new position and expect him to cover Evra if shit hits fan. If we cant afford a fullback then it would have been better not to loan Fabio in the first place (and give him more matches).

Evans is no left back and considering our yearly defensive injury crisis, he will be needed somewhere else. Honestly Im sick of seeing United moving players in awkward positions! Occasionally it works (ex Scholes who was moved from forward to CM), but most of the time it hinder players (Ando, Jones and Smith are classic examples). If you need a left back, then you play a left back.

I would mind if SAF decides to rely on Blackett. If he's good enough then he's old enough. But Brady is a winger, he's been groomed as a winger and giving him some random games on the rear flank wont make him a fullback. There are other options, many of whom are not as expensive as 12m rated Baines.

Stop being a drama queen. He didn't say Brady will be the only backup for Evra, but he might feature there next season for us. We loan Fabio out because long term, we think it's better than being a backup to Evra the whole season. He needs games at this stage of his career, and he won't get that with us.

O'Shea was a CB for the reserve/youth. Didn't stop him from being a good option at fullbacks for us. Same goes for Wes Brown. If Evans can do a job there, I see why not.

When properly fit, Ando have done very well for us in the middle. But like Fletcher before he was 24/25, he has shit games here and there.

Evra himself wasn't a LB originally. Saying that I hope we buy a backup option. But if Brady does well, who knows.

 

[devilish]

Stop being a drama queen. He didn't say Brady will be the only backup for Evra, but he might feature there next season for us. We loan Fabio out because long term, we think it's better than being a backup to Evra the whole season. He needs games at this stage of his career, and he won't get that with us.

O'Shea was a CB for the reserve/youth. Didn't stop him from being a good option at fullbacks for us. Same goes for Wes Brown. If Evans can do a job there, I see why not.

When properly fit, Ando have done very well for us in the middle. But like Fletcher before he was 24/25, he has shit games here and there.

Evra himself wasn't a LB originally. Saying that I hope we buy a backup option. But if Brady does well, who knows.

Can you please explain the previous post first?

 

[devilish]

Blanc was used for his experience as much as his quality. We already have plenty of experience so bringing in someone else for that role isn't necessary.

Do you think that Brady and Blackett provide experience cover for Evra?

 

[Burrow]

Do you think that Brady and Blackett provide experience cover for Evra?

That was exactly what he was talking about though. We brought in Blanc to add some much needed experience in our team at the time. Now we got plenty of experience, so it's a good time to let some youngsters try to prove themselves as a cover in the team, as we dont need anyone with tons of experience as a cover. I would think that any cover for Evra would play alongside the likes of Rio and Vidic in defense, aswell as any of Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney on the pitch to add the experience we need.

 

[devilish]

That was exactly what he was talking about though. We brought in Blanc to add some much needed experience in our team at the time. Now we got plenty of experience, so it's a good time to let some youngsters try to prove themselves as a cover in the team, as we dont need anyone with tons of experience as a cover. I would think that any cover for Evra would play alongside the likes of Rio and Vidic in defense, aswell as any of Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney on the pitch to add the experience we need.

So if, lets say, Evra picks a long term injury (2-3 months) you would still be comfortable with him being replaced by a makeshift winger with little experience in the EPL and an 18 yr old fullback?

Please do take in consideration our yearly defensive injury crisis.

 

[SkeppyRed]

Do you think that Brady and Blackett provide experience cover for Evra?

Evra provides the experience thats pretty obvious, whilst Brady/Blackett may well provide the option as talented back-up with potential but still learning.

I think fergie will use this pre-season right up until the opening game to get a good look at Brady and Blackett at left back before he makes a defining decision as to who Evra's back up will be or whether he needs to bring someone else in. Great opportunity for these two to show him he doesn't need anyone as they are capable.

 

[SkeppyRed]

So if, lets say, Evra picks a long term injury (2-3 months) you would still be comfortable with him being replaced by a makeshift winger with little experience in the EPL and an 18 yr old fullback?

Please do take in consideration our yearly defensive injury crisis.

Evra's injury record is fantastic and I think that saf may well take a gamble and use one of these two as back up if they impress in pre-season.

 

[devilish]

Evra provides the experience thats pretty obvious, whilst Brady/Blackett may well provide the option as talented back-up with potential but still learning.

I think fergie will use this pre-season right up until the opening game to get a good look at Brady and Blackett at left back before he makes a defining decision as to who Evra's back up will be or whether he needs to bring someone else in. Great opportunity for these two to show him he doesn't need anyone as they are capable.

If Evra picks an injury (lets say he'll be out for 1-2 months) then the experience he provides will be pretty worthless. Now would you feel comfortable knowing that our only cover for him is a young makeshift winger and a younger fullback with no first team experience whatsoever?

And honestly I cant see how some preseason games against third rated clubs can affect SAF's decision either positively or negatively. If you want my opinion, that interview means two things

a) we're acting tough with Everton in a bid to lower their expectations on Baines

b) we ran out of money. Moratti had just said that Moura's auction had turned crazy.Could it be the case that United had decided to invest everything on Lucas?

 

[devilish]

Evra's injury record is fantastic and I think that saf may well take a gamble and use one of these two as back up if they impress in pre-season.

That's true. However you'll be relying on your opposition's fair play and we're hardly loved by ABUs. For example what would stop some cnut (Barton) from injuring Evra knowing that this will probably help QPR's (winning the game) and his former employer's cause?

I wouldn't mind this situation if we can recall Fabio back if needed. However I doubt that you can do that anymore.

 

[Burrow]

So if, lets say, Evra picks a long term injury (2-3 months) you would still be comfortable with him being replaced by a makeshift winger with little experience in the EPL and an 18 yr old fullback?

Please do take in consideration our yearly defensive injury crisis.

If I have to take into consideration our year defensive injury crisis, then we really should concider Evras insane record in terms of appearances and injuries these last few seasons. Obviously, now that we all rely on Evra staying fit for the season, I bet that he'll pick up some sort of long term injury. I have no worries to play anyone Fergie seems to pick at left back if Evra is out injuried to be honest. If he's out in a major match, then I'm sure we'll use Rafael on the left and then Young, Welbeck or Rooney ahead of him to provide cover.

 

[devilish]

If I have to take into consideration our year defensive injury crisis, then we really should concider Evras insane record in terms of appearances and injuries these last few seasons. Obviously, now that we all rely on Evra staying fit for the season, I bet that he'll pick up some sort of long term injury. I have no worries to play anyone Fergie seems to pick at left back if Evra is out injuried to be honest. If he's out in a major match, then I'm sure we'll use Rafael on the left and then Young, Welbeck or Rooney ahead of him to provide cover.

Has Rafael ever played as left back?

 

[Burrow]

Has Rafael ever played as left back?

A few times as I recall. I think your problem in this matter is that you look at everything in the worst way possible. You look at Brady as an inexperienced winger rather then a talent, you suggest that Evra might pick up a long time injury despite his fitness being proven to be amazing over the last years, you think we're skint because we dont bring in a left back. You say that we need a cover for Evra NOW, though you dont think how such a player will impact the team in the upcoming years.

 

[SkeppyRed]

And honestly I cant see how some preseason games against third rated clubs can affect SAF's decision either positively or negatively.

I think SAF can see potential in a player beyond just who the opposition are. He sees them in training everyday against our own players. The pre-season games can be used as a test to see if they have a chance, firstly by seeing how they do against the (supposedly weaker) opposition in SA and China. If they past that test then see how they do against stronger opposition back in the European leg in Hannover and against Barca.

All these are opportunities for Brady and Blackett to impress and stake a claim, if they look out of their depth then saf may well dip back into the market before the end of August.

 

[devilish]

A few times as I recall. I think your problem in this matter is that you look at everything in the worst way possible. You look at Brady as an inexperienced winger rather then a talent, you suggest that Evra might pick up a long time injury despite his fitness being proven to be amazing over the last years, you think we're skint because we dont bring in a left back. You say that we need a cover for Evra NOW, though you dont think how such a player will impact the team in the upcoming years.

No I am thinking about the rather realistic chance of Evra picking an injury. He's human after all, fresh from a rather difficult season (including the Euro) and at age 31 you can't expect him to play week in week out.

And honestly Im trying to understand why on earth, a big club would rely on a makeshift winger and an 18 yr old with no first team experience to act as cover for such an important role. Being 'skint' is just one of the reasons I could think off (after all official sources had already said that the current debt situation may hinder our ability to attract/retain players). There were are others reasons I came with which included United investing all the money on a wonderkid (Moura) or simply SAF's bluffing his way out to make Baines fee reasonable.

Regarding Brady, I see an inexperienced winger with ample potential but who has little/no knowledge on how to play as fullback. Would I see him as a serious candidate as Park's successor? Absolutely. Can I see him as Evra's cover? Well no.

 

[JakeC]

If I have to take into consideration our year defensive injury crisis, then we really should concider Evras insane record in terms of appearances and injuries these last few seasons. Obviously, now that we all rely on Evra staying fit for the season, I bet that he'll pick up some sort of long term injury. I have no worries to play anyone Fergie seems to pick at left back if Evra is out injuried to be honest. If he's out in a major match, then I'm sure we'll use Rafael on the left and then Young, Welbeck or Rooney ahead of him to provide cover.

Evans can play leftback too.

 

[devilish]

I think SAF can see potential in a player beyond just who the opposition are. He sees them in training everyday against our own players. The pre-season games can be used as a test to see if they have a chance, firstly by seeing how they do against the (supposedly weaker) opposition in SA and China. If they past that test then see how they do against stronger opposition back in the European leg in Hannover and against Barca.

All these are opportunities for Brady and Blackett to impress and stake a claim, if they look out of their depth then saf may well dip back into the market before the end of August.

I hope that he's not mistaken. Overestimating our talent in CM had cost us alot last season.

 

[Hans Moleman]

Remember when this thread was about press conferences? Halcyon days

 

[Burrow]

No I am thinking about the rather realistic chance of Evra picking an injury. He's human after all, fresh from a rather difficult season (including the Euro) and at age 31 you can't expect him to play week in week out.

And honestly Im trying to understand why on earth, a big club would rely on a makeshift winger and an 18 yr old with no first team experience to act as cover for such an important role. Being 'skint' is just one of the reasons I could think off (after all official sources had already said that the current debt situation may hinder our ability to attract/retain players). There were are others reasons I came with which included United investing all the money on a wonderkid (Moura) or simply SAF's bluffing his way out to make Baines fee reasonable.

Regarding Brady, I see an inexperienced winger with ample potential but who has little/no knowledge on how to play as fullback. Would I see him as a serious candidate as Park's successor? Absolutely. Can I see him as Evra's cover? Well no.

There is a reason why we are such a big club though, and that is not by going by thinking one season at the time. If we bring in a young talent to cover for Evra, we will end up setting either the new talent back or Fabio will suffer when he gets back next season. By bringing in an older, experienced back, we will get nothing in return when the season is over (in terms of development) and our younger players might get disillusioned over the fact that we brought in some 35 year old (to use Zambrotta as an example) rather then trusting in our youth (which is what this club is all about).

You mention us being a big club, and we've become this big because we got a long term strategy by giving youngsters a chance to prove themselves and do whatever it takes to get into the squad. You can keep calling Brady a makeshift winger, but when Fergie himself think that he can become a leftback then why keep questioning it? We need him to cover for Evra for one season, and for all we know he might do well. If he's a disaster, then we got plenty of others (i.e Evans, Rafael, Blackett, Jones/Smalling? and even Giggs) to play those few matches where Evra might need a rest. Atleast this way they will get a chance to prove themselves worthy of a first squad place rather then just go for the safe option and dont let the youngsters even get a chance to prove themselves.

It's obvious that we're not going to agree on this matter, so I say that we either take it to the Brady-thread or atleast stop taking this thread offtopic as I reckon most posters will come into this thread hoping to see news of the presser rather then the two of us repeating the same points all over again.

 

[JakeC]

There is a reason why we are such a big club though, and that is not by going by thinking one season at the time. If we bring in a young talent to cover for Evra, we will end up setting either the new talent back or Fabio will suffer when he gets back next season. By bringing in an older, experienced back, we will get nothing in return when the season is over (in terms of development) and our younger players might get disillusioned over the fact that we brought in some 35 year old (to use Zambrotta as an example) rather then trusting in our youth (which is what this club is all about).

You mention us being a big club, and we've become this big because we got a long term strategy by giving youngsters a chance to prove themselves and do whatever it takes to get into the squad. You can keep calling Brady a makeshift winger, but when Fergie himself think that he can become a leftback then why keep questioning it? We need him to cover for Evra for one season, and for all we know he might do well. If he's a disaster, then we got plenty of others (i.e Evans, Rafael, Blackett, Jones/Smalling? and even Giggs) to play those few matches where Evra might need a rest. Atleast this way they will get a chance to prove themselves worthy of a first squad place rather then just go for the safe option and dont let the youngsters even get a chance to prove themselves.

It's obvious that we're not going to agree on this matter, so I say that we either take it to the Brady-thread or atleast stop taking this thread offtopic as I reckon most posters will come into this thread hoping to see news of the presser rather then the two of us repeating the same points all over again.

Exactly the point I tried to make about Pogba, when people were calling for us to sign every midfielder that has ever played in the history of the game, we might have the next Ryan Giggs in our ranks, and we won't find out if we don't play them.

 

[CnutOfAllCnuts]

I don't think it's an issue personally. If he does well, he'll be an option, if he doesn't he won't. I don't think his long term future is at fullback but we've had tunnicliffe in that role for the reserves too now and then. Let's just wait and see what happens. People were worried about Rafael too, but the team is experienced enough to help kids through games. If Evra gets injured, we'll probably just put Evens there or something like that.

Quality fullbacks have played in the position all the way from they started kicking a ball, just like players like Evra, Ashley Cole, Gary and Phil Neville etc.

 

[Irwinwastheking]

The full back position requires decent technique, discipline, stamina, defensive skills and great positioning. He needs to know when to defend and when to attack. Brady had never played there but will be expected to step in in that role despite his experience in the EPL AND/OR in that position is close to nil. That's a tough call for the kid.

Brady is getting an opportunity in the first team on a pretty meaningless pre-season friendly in a position not a million miles away from his own. I'll bet he's delighted to be being spoke about like this and to be getting this opportunity. Better for us to try it over the coming weeks than to be forced into trying it in the Carling Cup or even worse the League. If it works out OK and he looks decent in that position then great it gives us options and extra cover. If it really works out great and he turns out to have potential to be a top player at full back then we may discover a gem. Either way we will learn more about our squad and the lad will gain first team experience which is never a bad thing.

 

[CnutOfAllCnuts]

Devilish getting his knickers in a twist about United's gross mis-management. Never thought I'd see that.

 

[golden_blunder]

its only a friendly match so no harm done

Brady has a wicked left foot, i'd love to see him involved more around the 1st team