[lem8sh]

You're going to say he's not been good enough in the three games you've seen him in? Smalling has made more mistakes. Evans has made more mistakes. Jones maybe less.

Saw him in at least 4 occasions for Birmingham last season and was amazed he didn't leave this summer to be honest. Hope he proves me wrong but I'd be amazed if he's a long time future at Manchester United from what I've seen. For what it's worth I thought he looked out of his depth against burnley.

 

[FromTheBench]

Those who hadn't seen him before and followed his career so far rate him higher than those that did.

I thought he had no chance frankly before this summer and that was the general consensus as well but now i am split on this tbh. Need to see him over more games and in a back 4 especially. He's taken to this new system better than most of our other defenders.

 

[Loublaze]

You've said yourself you've not really seen him in reserves or on loan at Blackpool or Birmingham, so how can you say he has a future? Comparing him to other players on the basis of a few games in a completely new system? He's doing better at the moment, and might suit a 3 at the back system more, but Van Gaal has said he wants a 4-3-3 if possible, and once we go back to 4 at the back I don't think he has the ability to make it here.

I haven't seen him much in reserves, but like I said, those performances don't matter now. What matters is the last and the next game, playing in the first team. Keane might be your choice between the two for example, but if he doesn't show what he's made of in an actual first team game then his excellent reserve performances don't count for much. Blackett is remaining in the team and not going out on loan because LVG clearly has a place for him. He's currently more important to the first team than all other youth defenders. i.e Keane, Thorpe, James

 

[limerickcitykid]

You've said yourself you've not really seen him in reserves or on loan at Blackpool or Birmingham, so how can you say he has a future? Comparing him to other players on the basis of a few games in a completely new system? He's doing better at the moment, and might suit a 3 at the back system more, but Van Gaal has said he wants a 4-3-3 if possible, and once we go back to 4 at the back I don't think he has the ability to make it here.

Yep I think once we go back to a back four he'll be out the door soon after. As a Manc who has been here since a young'un I hope I'm wrong but I don't see it. Keane will have a better career imo. As for now Tyler is doing good and I'll be right behind him to keep it up.

 

[FromTheBench]

I haven't seen him much in reserves, but like I said, those performances don't matter now. What matters is the last and the next game, playing in the first team. Keane might be your choice between the two for example, but if he doesn't show what he's made of in an actual first team game then his excellent reserve performances don't count for much. Blackett is remaining in the team and not going out on loan because LVG clearly has a place for him. He's currently more important to the first team than all other youth defenders. i.e Keane, Thorpe, James

He'll go to the bench along with James once Rojo, Evans and other defenders are back.

Him being a left footer has worked pretty well for him and no disputing he has taken his chance in this new system mostly but defenders are judged especially over a longer period of time against varied opponents and in varied systems. So his previous performances do indeed matter. Even Titus Bramble has looked great for a period of games.

He's shown enough to not be dismissed outright though. So has Keane through last 2 years. Thorpe has been best of the bunch for the reserves and all underage groups basically and did well in his short injury curtailed loan too but has to show more yet in professional football at some level. It's kind of odd he hasn't gotten chances yet here. Needs a loan.

 

[jesperjaap]

Blackett has shown very good passing ability. Its a shame that people only notice the negative things but passing has been one of Blackett's strengths since preseason. His long passing has been more impressive than not, except for the second league game against Sunderland. LVG is probably asking him to do it because he's shown that he's the only CB besides Evans who can find a player at distance.

Are you serious? Against Burnley he gave the ball away virtually everytime he recieved it hoofing it up long not sure what to do with it, if he has very good passing ability I must be Mr Maggoo

 

[Loublaze]

Are you serious? Against Burnley he gave the ball away virtually everytime he recieved it hoofing it up long not sure what to do with it, if he has very good passing ability I must be Mr Maggoo

You're obviously only paying attention to the missplaced crosses. Are you telling me you didn't see him execute several good long balls in preseason? It was a feeature of his game against Inter, Liverpool and Valencia. It was his ball that led to Fellaini's winner late against Valencia. People will only see what they want though, and if its all negative you see then im not surprised that you've missed the good things.

 

[jesperjaap]

You're obviously only paying attention to the missplaced crosses. Are you telling me you didn't see him execute several good long balls in preseason? It was a feeature of his game against Inter, Liverpool and Valencia. It was his ball that led to Fellaini's winner late against Valencia. People will only see what they want though, and if its all negative you see then im not surprised that you've missed the good things.

Oh so you basing this all on pre-season. Lots of players can look fantastic in pre-season, Cleverly has in the past for example. Im basing it on competitive premiership games in which he has recieved the ball and hoofed it forwards in hope giving away possession. And I read people saying he has made less mistakes than Evans for example so far. I refer to my last statement, so would Mr Magoo have made less mistakes than Evans has so far. I hope you are wrong and Blackett proves a success but I dont see it. I often read people saying we under rate our youth and write them off to young when they are young and can make mistakes....I hold the opposite view. Everybody would love to see our own young players come through and be sucessful, but I think many look at them with rose tinted glasses, so many examples of this the last few years. I would lvoe to see a youth player come through with ral genuine quality, I think Welbeck had some admirable qualities but he was severely lackign in quality in some important aspects for me. Here is hoping Wilson can make an impact over the next 2-3 years

 

[Loublaze]

Oh so you basing this all on pre-season. Lots of players can look fantastic in pre-season, Cleverly has in the past for example. Im basing it on competitive premiership games in which he has recieved the ball and hoofed it forwards in hope giving away possession. And I read people saying he has made less mistakes than Evans for example so far. I refer to my last statement, so would Mr Magoo have made less mistakes than Evans has so far. I hope you are wrong and Blackett proves a success but I dont see it. I often read people saying we under rate our youth and write them off to young when they are young and can make mistakes....I hold the opposite view. Everybody would love to see our own young players come through and be sucessful, but I think many look at them with rose tinted glasses, so many examples of this the last few years. I would lvoe to see a youth player come through with ral genuine quality, I think Welbeck had some admirable qualities but he was severely lackign in quality in some important aspects for me. Here is hoping Wilson can make an impact over the next 2-3 years

I don't particularly remember Cleverley looking impressive in preseason save for one impressive half volley goal he scored in the states some years back. What impresses me about Blackett is how he didn't seem overawed by the occassion. He replaced Evans and brought stability to our panicking backline against Liverpool, played well against Inter, Roma and Valencia. Granted, our performances in the league have paled in comparison to the confident team that played well in preseason. The signs with Blackett are good so far with me, and it says something that he's part of the 25 man squad when most people thought he'd be shipped out and others like Keane would make the team this season. We'll just wait and see how Blackett and company (the youth) do when they get their chances this season.

 

[m1y2]

Wasnt Evans a really hyped player, much more so than Keane coming through the ranks? Personally I have never seen Evans as anything more than a 4th choice centre back. I really dont get how people have rated him so highly and how people say he is our best centre back. He does a lot of things decently no more but has so many weaknesses in his game for me and he is hardly young now. I certainly dont see Keane forging a career here at all and from what I have seen of Blackett I think he has been overly placed being a young youth player and as you say beign a surprise, hasnt done badly but I dont think he has done well either. The last two decent defenders we bought through are now both at Sunderland. I remembe rbeing very very imrpessed with both in there devut seasons, O'Shea was superb at left back and Wes Brown really looked like a star, still wonder if it wasnt for his early injuries and apparent lack of confidence after a couple of big mistakes when he came back what might have been with him and for me no tone centre back we have that has come through the ranks since is comparable to the "pretty good" defender he ended up becoming. Mu only major worry about the first eleven now is our defence as forgetting Rojo who hasnt played yet, none of them seem to be intelligent defenders or have the ability to play the ball from the back which I think you need with 3 at the back...Jones is the only one who Im confident about this season

I don't think that reaching EVANS level is tha bad. He was the best center back in premiership 2 years ago and the year before he had very strong as well. I agree with you that he is not absolutely top notch but perfectly playable at our level, he was starter ahead of vidic and ferdinand even at the end of their careers/after injuries... I don't think Sheasy was much better talent than Keane, but he was given chance and took it he was also one of fergies favourite players to bring through. Brown was great talent but as you said he struggled with injuries. That is not true that our centrebacks cant play ball. Smalling is not the best even he is quite underrated in it and got better over summer. Evans is the best ball playing centreback in premiership still, no matter two stupid mistakes early in the campaign. I 'm quite worried for him he did well to overcome his lapses of concentration and hopefully he will get his confidence back. He is still our best centreback but he is constantly injured which is his major problem and may end his career here. Blackett show how composed is on the ball he can bring it forward as play some great passes. The reason why he was hoofing the ball forward was simply because the midfield was absolutely dreadfull and noone wanted to take the ball, and I think its got something to do with tactics, when youve got two strikers in a good run up front you can quicken your play sometimes and create chances the other way than passing around and looking for the penetration pass which seems to be pointless at times and we only make stupid mistakes. Keane went on loan, and Rojo is good on the ball as well, apart smalling all our centrebacks seem to have this skill unlike you IMO wrongly stated.. I understand we are all worried about our defense but it is just the defensive play of all our team which struggles, we need legs in midfield good dynamic midfield which cover the spaces and show themselves availible for the pass from the defense. I am absolutely sure that "assist" doesn't mean much at all to van Gaal, he may be disappointed a little because it just did a senior player but it is his tactics and he may be pleased in some way. Once we have our midfield back. Herrera-Blind-Dimaria we will start to have clean sheets trust me, also would like to see shaw and rafael on the sides we will be defensively solid. On tour we were quite fantastic conceded one goal from open paly but the men on the pitch were quite different, the key players. And we need to get confidence back and play as a team once more when we can do it we won't struggle in defense neither in attack which was probably our much bigger problem, creating one goal chance in two matches is just as bad as concede 5 in match IMO.

 

[jesperjaap]

I don't think that reaching EVANS level is tha bad. He was the best center back in premiership 2 years ago and the year before he had very strong as well. I agree with you that he is not absolutely top notch but perfectly playable at our level, he was starter ahead of vidic and ferdinand even at the end of their careers/after injuries... I don't think Sheasy was much better talent than Keane, but he was given chance and took it he was also one of fergies favourite players to bring through. Brown was great talent but as you said he struggled with injuries. That is not true that our centrebacks cant play ball. Smalling is not the best even he is quite underrated in it and got better over summer. Evans is the best ball playing centreback in premiership still, no matter two stupid mistakes early in the campaign. I 'm quite worried for him he did well to overcome his lapses of concentration and hopefully he will get his confidence back. He is still our best centreback but he is constantly injured which is his major problem and may end his career here. Blackett show how composed is on the ball he can bring it forward as play some great passes. The reason why he was hoofing the ball forward was simply because the midfield was absolutely dreadfull and noone wanted to take the ball, and I think its got something to do with tactics, when youve got two strikers in a good run up front you can quicken your play sometimes and create chances the other way than passing around and looking for the penetration pass which seems to be pointless at times and we only make stupid mistakes. Keane went on loan, and Rojo is good on the ball as well, apart smalling all our centrebacks seem to have this skill unlike you IMO wrongly stated.. I understand we are all worried about our defense but it is just the defensive play of all our team which struggles, we need legs in midfield good dynamic midfield which cover the spaces and show themselves availible for the pass from the defense. I am absolutely sure that "assist" doesn't mean much at all to van Gaal, he may be disappointed a little because it just did a senior player but it is his tactics and he may be pleased in some way. Once we have our midfield back. Herrera-Blind-Dimaria we will start to have clean sheets trust me, also would like to see shaw and rafael on the sides we will be defensively solid. On tour we were quite fantastic conceded one goal from open paly but the men on the pitch were quite different, the key players. And we need to get confidence back and play as a team once more when we can do it we won't struggle in defense neither in attack which was probably our much bigger problem, creating one goal chance in two matches is just as bad as concede 5 in match IMO.

If you think at any point in his career Evans was either the best ball playing centre back or centre back in the premiership then Im sorry you are utterly deluded, this is exactly what I mean about rose tinted glasses regarding our home grown players.

 

[jesperjaap]

I don't particularly remember Cleverley looking impressive in preseason save for one impressive half volley goal he scored in the states some years back. What impresses me about Blackett is how he didn't seem overawed by the occassion. He replaced Evans and brought stability to our panicking backline against Liverpool, played well against Inter, Roma and Valencia. Granted, our performances in the league have paled in comparison to the confident team that played well in preseason. The signs with Blackett are good so far with me, and it says something that he's part of the 25 man squad when most people thought he'd be shipped out and others like Keane would make the team this season. We'll just wait and see how Blackett and company (the youth) do when they get their chances this season.

I totally agree with you here that he has impressed in not looking overawed playing in the first team all be it pre-season or in the premiership, he has looked calm, very valid points..... but he certainly has been hoofing the ball long far too much when he gets it. Whether that is down to him or the lack of movement and support from the midfielders or simply that teams are pressuring high up the pitch as a tactic feeling our defenders cant pass the ball is another debate all together of course.

 

[DJ Jeff]

If you think at any point in his career Evans was either the best ball playing centre back or centre back in the premiership then Im sorry you are utterly deluded, this is exactly what I mean about rose tinted glasses regarding our home grown players.

He was very good at best that season we won the league in 2012/13. He was never anywhere near the discussion of league's best CB, never ever ever.

 

[mufcwarm92]

He was very good at best that season we won the league in 2012/13. He was never anywhere near the discussion of league's best CB, never ever ever.

It's a definite exaggeration, but Evans has had some brilliant spells for us, and at 26 is yet to reach his peak. Our best centre half for me, and obviously the most experienced.

We keep talking of our failure to recruit a top class centre half but they're few and far between nowadays. The likes of Kompany, Chiellini, Ramos, Hummels, Boateng, Godin were clearly unattainable so there was only really one that could fall under that bracket - Benatia. Once Bayern came calling we didn't have a chance in our current state. Instead the focus had to be about signing someone a decent age with promise and I think we did that.

Evans, Jones, Rojo, Smalling is a decent set of defenders and Blackett, though very raw, looks to have potential.

 

[sincher]

Yes I can go along with that. While it would have been good to bring in an established top class defender, the opportunity does not seem to be there. We already have young defenders of high promise in Smalling and Jones and have added another in Rojo.

Very unusual for a club like United not to have a defender over 26 and only one over 24, but if they grasp the opportunity and we have the patience it should stand us in good stead. Jones has actually made an encouraging start this season I would say.

 

[Damien]

Imagine, for a moment, the pressure Tyler Blackett found himself under. To one side, his new manager Louis van Gaal was watching intently. Around him, meanwhile, were seasoned trophy-winning professionals headed by Wayne Rooney, who wondered if he would deliver.

This, for the 20-year-old, was a completely new situation. But it was not on the pitch in front of 75,000 expectant fans at Old Trafford, Blackett’s first big Manchester United examination came 38,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

‘All the young players did one tour,’ says Blackett, taking up the story about how he was initiated into United’s squad this summer. ‘We had to get up, one by one and sing it over the speaker of the plane. I did a song by Drake [an American rapper], called Hold On, We’re Going Home.

‘It was quite fitting really, as we were on our way back [from Miami after beating Liverpool in the International Champions Cup]. Luke Shaw went first and he did a speech, answering questions from all the senior players. Darren Fletcher and Wayne were behind it. It was all in good spirits.’

If the defender passed that light-hearted examination, an altogether more serious one was presented to him on the opening day of the new Premier League campaign, when Van Gaal handed him his senior debut against Swansea.

Blackett responded in the 2-1 defeat with a display of some promise and he has now played in each of United’s three Premier League games.

Another first is around the corner as he is expected to win his first England Under-21 cap when Gareth Southgate’s side play their final Euro 2015 qualifier in Moldova on Tuesday.

For some, the new-found scrutiny and profile would be difficult to handle but Blackett, a lifelong United fan who has been with the club since he was seven, is studious and grounded. He epitomises the type of character that Southgate wants.

‘You have to be disciplined with it and be able to criticise yourself,’ he says during his first interview with a national newspaper. ‘It’s not an easy thing to do and can be quite difficult, especially if you are going to watch a game where you know you have not played your best. But I feel it is something you have to do if you want to improve. It is especially helpful when you are trying to learn how to play a new system [playing three at the back] like we are at United now.

‘We all watch and analyse performances together after matches. You have to study performances on your own too. I’ve not only done that at United. I did it when I was on loan at Blackpool and Birmingham [last season] as well. I get the broadcasts of my games from the media guys at the club. I take them home and watch them on my laptop.

‘Watching the games lets me know where I need to improve. I was watching one game at Carrington recently when Gary Neville walked past. He stopped, shook my hand, said “well done” and left me to it.’

Neville is not the only former United great charting his progress. Rio Ferdinand, now with Queens Park Rangers, would take Blackett to one side to offer pointers, while the confidence Van Gaal has given him is clear to see.

‘I still speak with Rio now and he texts me after games,’ says Blackett. ‘He would take me for training sessions on my own where he would give me tips.

‘As for the manager, he said from day one that he was always going to help our cause and give young players a chance. It gave all the young players at the club a lift.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...tml?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

 

[Amar__]

Rio is such a great guy, I really can't understand how some United fans don't like him.

 

[Mersault]

@Damien

Promising stuff. Impressed with Rio, class from him.

 

[ThaReaper01]

I love Rio, and I really hope Blackett makes it. He looks a rare athlete at center back.

 

[Annahnomoss]

That is amazing from Rio and I didn't know he was like that.

 

[Gannicus]

Blackett > Evans

 

[Eric'sCollar]

Rio is such a great guy, I really can't understand how some United fans don't like him.

I have to admit, I have never seen a United fan who doesn't like Rio.

 

[shamans]

What do people really think of this guy so far? (Blackett)

 

[Nights]

What do people really think of this guy so far? (Blackett)

I think he's done very well considering his age and inexperience and the fact that our whole defence is learning a new system. If he continues to develop, there's no reason why he won't be a first team defender for us for many years to come. Another good one from the academy, and he's in good hands with LVG.

Great to hear Rio keeping in touch as well, United will be crazy not to get him back as a club ambassador once he retires.

 

[gooDevil]

I don't particularly remember Cleverley looking impressive in preseason save for one impressive half volley goal he scored in the states some years back. What impresses me about Blackett is how he didn't seem overawed by the occassion. He replaced Evans and brought stability to our panicking backline against Liverpool, played well against Inter, Roma and Valencia. Granted, our performances in the league have paled in comparison to the confident team that played well in preseason. The signs with Blackett are good so far with me, and it says something that he's part of the 25 man squad when most people thought he'd be shipped out and others like Keane would make the team this season. We'll just wait and see how Blackett and company (the youth) do when they get their chances this season.

I think you could have made an absolute killing at the bookies if you'd bet, at the beginning of summer, that Blackett would make the team and Michael Keane wouldn't.

 

[Devil may care]

Sounds like Blackett has a good head on his shoulders to go with that great athletic ability.

 

[Amar__]

I have to admit, I have never seen a United fan who doesn't like Rio.

Seriously? There are dozens of people here who think he is a cnut.

 

[Loublaze]

Seriously? There are dozens of people here who think he is a cnut.

But even still, they still rated him highly as a player.

 

[Loublaze]

I think you could have made an absolute killing at the bookies if you'd bet, at the beginning of summer, that Blackett would make the team and Michael Keane wouldn't.

So at this moment who do you rate higher? Who do you honestly think will have a longer career at OT?

 

[Loublaze]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...tiation-song-tannoy-airplane-38-000-feet.html

Imagine, for a moment, the pressure Tyler Blackett found himself under. To one side, his new manager Louis van Gaal was watching intently. Around him, meanwhile, were seasoned trophy-winning professionals headed by Wayne Rooney, who wondered if he would deliver.

This, for the 20-year-old, was a completely new situation. But it was not on the pitch in front of 75,000 expectant fans at Old Trafford, Blackett’s first big Manchester United examination came 38,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

More in article

 

[Amar__]

But even still, they still rated him highly as a player.

My point was that people don't like him as a person.

 

[Donut]

So that's where all this hoofing comes from, he learned from the best.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

Seriously? There are dozens of people here who think he is a cnut.

I guess a little but I think most of that probably just comes from all the 5 stuff. He always comes across as a really good bloke though when you see him on TV.

Been lucky enough to meet him a few times and he always seems very genuine.

 

[LR7]

Rio is such a great guy, I really can't understand how some United fans don't like him.

I echo this sentiment.

So that's where all this hoofing comes from, he learned from the best.

Or perhaps that's where his calmness and composure on the ball comes from...

 

[gooDevil]

So at this moment who do you rate higher? Who do you honestly think will have a longer career at OT?

I've never rated Keane that highly, I've never thought he'd make it here, though he's a quality player and deserved to get a chance and a summer tour.

I don't really know what to make of Blackett at this point, he only played 5 games at CB in the previous two seasons. This is his first run in a back 3, he's only had 3 games.

His physical development is crucial in all this, his height and physique give him a big advantage to other prospects.

Can he play as well in a back 4? If Keane was left footed would he be preferred?

Blackett used to struggle in the air as a LB, how will he do against a big bully getting fed headers all day?

I'm eager to see more, but I don't feel like we can really know that much yet about his quality. I'm extremely pleasantly surprised so far, I love how vocal he is.

 

[Sheikhy]

Manchester United's Tyler Blackett will challenge Marcus Rojo for starting role

Tyler Blackett has welcomed the arrival of Marcus Rojo at Manchester United and declared he is ready to fight the Argentina international for a place in the team.

The 20-year-old defender has started all three Premier League games for United this season after impressing new manager Louis van Gaal.

Rojo has finally been cleared to play against QPR this weekend after having difficulties obtaining a work permit following his move from Sporting Lisbon and Blackett has welcomed the increased competition.

"He looks good," said Blackett.

"Obviously, he is someone who plays in my position as well so he is somebody I can look up to and learn off, but hopefully challenge for a place in the team too.

“He’ll get stuck in when the time is right and get a foot in there, but he’s got a good left foot on him so he’ll be good for the team and adds that balance that we need."

Blackett enjoyed his first involvement with England Under-21s on Tuesday against Moldova and helped set up the third goal for Harry Kane in the 3-0 win.

The versatile youngster is hoping to use this season to cement his place in United’s first-team squad, but is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

"I know I’m not going to play in every match but I’d like to think I will get more games and opportunities to do well and be around the first team,” he said.

“I’d like to be able to say next summer the team has performed well and I have played maybe 10-15 games. I want to establish myself at this level and prove to myself that I can play here."

Has every right to fight for his place. I do think he is capable of playing at least 10 games this season. 15...well its something that we can discuss. Got his head screwed on and knows the score that he is an understudy.

 

[FromTheBench]

Already made 3 appearances. 15 seems quite probable if we stick to 3 at the back.

 

[432JuanMata]

Has every right to fight for his place. I do think he is capable of playing at least 10 games this season. 15...well its something that we can discuss. Got his head screwed on and knows the score that he is an understudy.

Great to see he is down to earth and wants to improve. Has looked good for us and the more experience he gains the better. Rojo will be the main left footed CB but can see Blackett getting 10-15 games if he keeps on improving.

 

[Renegade81]

Actually really impressed with this lad, alot of promise and at a very good age. Hope to see alot more of him.

 

[ivaldo]

Don't rate him at all as a left back, which is probably why he was such a welcoming surprise when he's played centre back, really impressed with him, quick, can defend and has excellent distribution. As long as we stick with 3 at the back he will get plenty of games.