Unpopular Opinions Thread

[Speak]

Anyone who doesn't think the signing of RvP is a genius act should feel ashamed. Yeah, you should. I can say for sure if Fergie has not retired, RvP would still be a United player and contributing for a couple more year. Yes, its all speculating but this is my speculation. When SAF signed RvP, he had not the intention he was retiring.

You still haven't explained what makes it genius.
Was van Persie unknown/unproven? Was he not performing well at the time? Was he at a ridiculous price? Did Sir Alex sell a 'better' player in order to accommodate him?

Where's the genius in this move?

 

[Revan]

you are right if that squad has only 16 players.....that first eleven and this backup players are easily top half of the table. Seven or eight of this players will be in our first 11 ffs....and while that attacking line lacks firepower and that top class quality i reckon they would look better then that shit we had to watch with Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao

That team would not score goals. The entire front line has less than 5000 minutes in a top league (probbaly Adnan has 4/5th of that), less than 10 goals, less than 10 assists. When will the goals come from?

And when a team isn't good at scoring, the other teams start attacking more (we saw that under Moyes). With our weak defense, we would ship quite many goals then we did last season, while seriously struggling to score. That first 11 wouldn't manage to score even 40 league goals.

 

[SkeppyRed]

you are right if that squad has only 16 players.....that first eleven and this backup players are easily top half of the table. Seven or eight of this players will be in our first 11 ffs....and while that attacking line lacks firepower and that top class quality i reckon they would look better then that shit we had to watch with Rooney, Van Persie and Falcao

With playing time and faith in them there is potential for as much firepower and quality as anyone in England in that attack. Ok maybe another goalscorer might have to be considered, but creatively anyway there is so much ability.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

And when a team isn't good at scoring, the other teams start attacking more (we saw that under Moyes). With our weak defense, we would ship quite many goals then we did last season, while seriously struggling to score. That first 11 wouldn't manage to score even 40 league goals.

that front line is better then most teams have in the league, while i agree that we would struggle with goals probably we would still finish in top half of the table and our defence wont be licking goals as they would finally have a proper midfield to protect them.

 

[SkeppyRed]

That team would not score goals. The entire front line has less than 5000 minutes in a top league (probbaly Adnan has 4/5th of that), less than 10 goals, less than 10 assists. When will the goals come from?

And when a team isn't good at scoring, the other teams start attacking more (we saw that under Moyes). With our weak defense, we would ship quite many goals then we did last season, while seriously struggling to score. That first 11 wouldn't manage to score even 40 league goals.

That's our current defence! After a couple of seasons of continuity it could grow into something very strong.

 

[Revan]

that front line is better then most teams have in the league, while i agree that we would struggle with goals probably we would still finish in top half of the table and our defence wont be licking goals as they would finally have a proper midfield to protect them.

No, it isn't. Both Lingard and Pereira have yet to play in EPL, Depay is great but we don't know how well he'll start for us while Januzaj scored 4 goals in the last 2 seasons combined. There isn't a worse front four in the league.

Yes, in a few years it might be great but right now it would be awful.

That's our current defence! After a couple of seasons of continuity it could grow into something very strong.

As I said, when a team doesn't score, the other teams will attack more. Our defense is already fragile, now imaging how it would be if the other teams would say 'feck it, lets go all in attack', knowing that we won't be a big threat for them in the other part of the field. With Rooney, Mata, Di Maria etc doing that would be suicide, with that front four there doing that would be wise.

We saw how much teams attacked us in Moyes season when it was clear that we aren't that strong in attack. Teams from being intimidated in OT, cwent there to attack and to win the three points.

 

[Cheesy]

This highlighted part says it all.
Yours (and most) argument is, he needs to test himself elsewhere to gain experience. I stress one more time: how would those experience elsewhere be beneficial to him to manage United's A team? For example if he's able to take West Ham to top 6 does it mean he would is more trusted to take United to title? Or if he was able to improve Everton to a few places up, does it mean he's capable and ready for a United job automatically?

Well, for one, it would give the club some insight into his basic managerial ability. Taking West Ham to 6th would hardly be proof that he'd take us to the title, but it would allow us to see that he's got some decent managerial credentials. By the same token, however, Giggs relegating West Ham would show that he's probably not cut out to be a top manager, and would ensure that we don't hire him.

Again, there's no surefire way to guarantee if Giggs will be good enough, but I don't see why him gaining managerial experience would be a bad thing, as such.

 

[SkeppyRed]

No, it isn't. Both Lingard and Pereira have yet to play in EPL, Depay is great but we don't know how well he'll start for us while Januzaj scored 4 goals in the last 2 seasons combined. There isn't a worse front four in the league.

Yes, in a few years it might be great but right now it would be awful.

As I said, when a team doesn't score, the other teams will attack more. Our defense is already fragile, now imaging how it would be if the other teams would say 'feck it, lets go all in attack', knowing that we won't be a big threat for them in the other part of the field. With Rooney, Mata, Di Maria etc doing that would be suicide, with that front four there doing that would be wise.

We saw how much teams attacked us in Moyes season when it was clear that we aren't that strong in attack. Teams from being intimidated in OT, cwent there to attack and to win the three points.

It wouldn't be as awful as you think but wouldn't be great straight away no. In order to achieve greatness we might have to sacrifice a few things. My unpopular opinion is that it would be worth it.

 

[Cheesy]

It wouldn't be as awful as you think but wouldn't be great straight away no. In order to achieve greatness we might have to sacrifice a few things. My unpopular opinion is that it would be worth it.

I can see why you'd want to give youngsters more chances (it's something the club should do), but there's got to be a balance. You've still got to hold onto more experienced, proven players as well. Relying on Januzaj up front - a fairly unproven but talented winger - would be disastrous, partly because he's still unproven, and partly because he's, you know, not a striker.

Players like Lingard could be excellent, but they're utterly unproven thus far. Relying on them as starters could prove disastrous. Even the likes of Scholes and Giggs were largely phased into the squad, instead of just being thrown into the deep end. And for every Scholes and Giggs we produce, we've also seen players like Cleverley, Anderson and Gibson.

It's ambitious, and I like the idea of us trying to focus on youth, but there's really no need for us to go all gung-ho like you suggest.

 

[Full Member]

No, it isn't. Both Lingard and Pereira have yet to play in EPL, Depay is great but we don't know how well he'll start for us while Januzaj scored 4 goals in the last 2 seasons combined. There isn't a worse front four in the league.

Yes, in a few years it might be great but right now it would be awful.

As I said, when a team doesn't score, the other teams will attack more. Our defense is already fragile, now imaging how it would be if the other teams would say 'feck it, lets go all in attack', knowing that we won't be a big threat for them in the other part of the field. With Rooney, Mata, Di Maria etc doing that would be suicide, with that front four there doing that would be wise.

We saw how much teams attacked us in Moyes season when it was clear that we aren't that strong in attack. Teams from being intimidated in OT, cwent there to attack and to win the three points.

Excellent point. I don't think many realise that a squad with goalscoring threat right across the pitch actually restrict the attacks of the opponent. If they know that by attacking us in a high line there's always a danger we can break back and score at any option, it prevents them committing so many players to attacking positions. They will also be less likely to play a high defensive line (and thus high midfield and attacking lines so as not to leave vast amounts of space between each).

A prime example of this was the famous CL goal vs Arsenal where we hit them on the break. Teams were scared of our speed on the counter. Without a threatening forward line (which we dont have - or at least its not tried and tested yet) or speed for breaking, we dont pose a threat. Where we do pose a threat is via Carrick as he's so good at picking passes and dictating play. Look at us last season where Carrick didnt play. We had zero threat to the opposition.

 

[redevil2]

Well, for one, it would give the club some insight into his basic managerial ability. Taking West Ham to 6th would hardly be proof that he'd take us to the title, but it would allow us to see that he's got some decent managerial credentials. By the same token, however, Giggs relegating West Ham would show that he's probably not cut out to be a top manager, and would ensure that we don't hire him.

Again, there's no surefire way to guarantee if Giggs will be good enough, but I don't see why him gaining managerial experience would be a bad thing, as such.

I don't think Giggsy will stand a chance with you lot after he has managed other clubs whatever he has achieved (unless he has won it!). He would never be good enough whatever he would achieves. You would still want Jose or Ancelotti or Pep... whoever and whenever they are available after LvG. To you, Giggsy is never going to be better than those proven managers.

 

[Revan]

It wouldn't be as awful as you think but wouldn't be great straight away no. In order to achieve greatness we might have to sacrifice a few things. My unpopular opinion is that it would be worth it.

Tell us, you like to play FM with all players being U25.

 

[sullydnl]

For the sake of argument though, why would experiences at a different club (probably a much lower level, mid table or lowly ones) help a job at United necessarily? Moyes is a vivid example that's not the case.

Moyes was never good enough so he's a slightly awkward example. Still though, I'd imagine he'd have been even worse if he had never even managed Everton before.

As for Giggs, lets imagine he takes over Everton and does a genuinely impressive job there (wins the Europa league or gets them into the CL regularly, or whatever). His time as United manager would then begin on much surer footing than if he had no experience at all. Fans would have more confidence in him, the club would have more confidence in him, the media would be less quick to start criticising him. In a job as pressurised as this that initial sense of momentum and confidence definitely helps.

Beyond that, I'm sure there are certain mistakes new managers make that apply at all levels, mistakes that are better made away from a club as big as United.

Put it this way, do you not think SAF was a better manager when he arrived here than he was when he took over at St Mirren? He was at a few lower clubs before he came here but I'd imagine he'd say he learned an awful lot at those clubs.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

That's our current defence! After a couple of seasons of continuity it could grow into something very strong.

Aye - it could. Maybe even sooner than some think too.

A bit of a tangent, but in the spirit of the thread:

In my opinion too many people on here simply dismiss even the possibility that our current options are good enough. The injuries are an obvious problem, but truth be told my main reason for wanting an extra body in defense is precisely that - to have one more body in the squad in the event of injuries. Quality wise I don't think we're in the sort of trouble many seem to presuppose.

If DDG stays for one more season, we'll have strengthened immensely in terms of how exposed the central defenders (and they're the problem, according to people on here) will likely be.

* Players more drilled, more adjusted to what LVG wants from them. Not just the defenders themselves, but the team as such.

* Midfield bolstered greatly.

* New RB who's better defensively than any of our options last season.

Unless people think Smalling, Jones, Rojo and McNair (I won't mention Evans for fear of getting death threats) are pathologically incapable of improving one little bit and/or consider them borderline pub standard to begin with, it seems pretty much undeniable that we should fare better than we did last season (in which our defense roughly reflected our final position in the league in terms of goals conceded).

As with the rest of the LVG project (or is it process), the main thing is getting the players on board with the game plan. The focus on individual players on here is ludicrous. There isn't a single central defender on the market who would instantly improve our defence greatly just like that. The most important factor by far when it comes to improving our defensive capabilities is to get the team, not just the defenders, to function properly. If LVG can pull that off, we'll look like a brand new team compared to the shambolic performances of last season.

 

[SkeppyRed]

I can see why you'd want to give youngsters more chances (it's something the club should do), but there's got to be a balance. You've still got to hold onto more experienced, proven players as well. Relying on Januzaj up front - a fairly unproven but talented winger - would be disastrous, partly because he's still unproven, and partly because he's, you know, not a striker.

Players like Lingard could be excellent, but they're utterly unproven thus far. Relying on them as starters could prove disastrous. Even the likes of Scholes and Giggs were largely phased into the squad, instead of just being thrown into the deep end. And for every Scholes and Giggs we produce, we've also seen players like Cleverley, Anderson and Gibson.

It's ambitious, and I like the idea of us trying to focus on youth, but there's really no need for us to go all gung-ho like you suggest.

Your probably right but 'unproven' is no excuse to me. If they have the potential they should be given the faith to prove themselves.

As for experience I'd keep Scwheini and Carrick.

Janujaz has never been a winger for me. He was a CM when I first saw him play for the 18s. His future will be through the middle imo.

Tell us, you like to play FM with all players being U25.

Ander's time is up next month. His agent should be on the case already.

 

[Cheesy]

I don't think Giggsy will stand a chance with you lot after he has managed other clubs whatever he has achieved (unless he has won it!). He would never be good enough whatever he would achieves. You would still want Jose or Ancelotti or Pep... whoever and whenever they are available after LvG. To you, Giggsy is never going to be better than those proven managers.

I haven't said that at all. You're just asserting it because you personally feel that Giggs is suited to manage United, and you're presumably annoyed that we don't think the same. Maybe not - I won't claim to speak for you, as you're doing with me.

And what's wrong with people preferring Mourinho, Ancelotti, or Guardiola? All three are proven, top class managers who have won multiple major tournaments with major clubs. Giggs, on the other hand, has never been a manager. Of course, he could be a great manager, but that's largely based on hope right now. The other three would be vastly better options for the club.

 

[Cheesy]

Your probably right but 'unproven' is no excuse to me. If they have the potential they should be given the faith to prove themselves.

As for experience I'd keep Scwheini and Carrick.

Janujaz has never been a winger for me. He was a CM when I first saw him play for the 18s. His future will be through the middle imo.

This is a nice notion and all, but you can't just throw players into the first 11 and hope they'll do well because of their potential. Well, you can, but you've got to be incredibly careful, and doing it with multiple players at the same time could be disastrous. Anderson and Cleverley were once seen to have potential - could you imagine what would've happened if we'd sold Carrick to in, say, 2011 to ensure that the two of them were accommodated for the long-term? It'd have been disastrous.

 

[redevil2]

Moyes was never good enough so he's a slightly awkward example. Still though, I'd imagine he'd have been even worse if he had never even managed Everton before.

As for Giggs, lets imagine he takes over Everton and does a genuinely impressive job there (wins the Europa league or gets them into the CL regularly, or whatever). His time as United manager would then begin on much surer footing than if he had no experience at all. Fans would have more confidence in him, the club would have more confidence in him, the media would be less quick to start criticising him. In a job as pressurised as this that initial sense of momentum and confidence definitely helps.

Beyond that, I'm sure there are certain mistakes new managers make that apply at all levels, mistakes that are better made away from a club as big as United.

Put it this way, do you not think SAF was a better manager when he arrived here than he was when he took over at St Mirren? He was at a few lower clubs before he came here but I'd imagine he'd say he learned an awful lot at those clubs.

These are all preconceived scenario anyway. Any new manager coming to united would be tightly scrutinised anyway.

As to the last part... Man United when SAF first came in was not the same as today. Fergie (now we all know) has become the greatest manager of all time. Who knows how he would have taken us to if he had no those experiences. You can't say for sure he wouldn't have gone on to do great things with us still.

But its not fair to compare them because SAF before he joined United, had not had 26-27 years under his belt playing for United and all his senior years at the highest level at one club that is United. Your question is neither here nor there.

 

[SkeppyRed]

This is a nice notion and all, but you can't just throw players into the first 11 and hope they'll do well because of their potential. Well, you can, but you've got to be incredibly careful, and doing it with multiple players at the same time could be disastrous. Anderson and Cleverley were once seen to have potential - could you imagine what would've happened if we'd sold Carrick to in, say, 2011 to ensure that the two of them were accommodated for the long-term? It'd have been disastrous.

I have to say I can't argue with that. I really rate Memphis, Januzaj and in particular Pereira but potential is not guaranteed.

I'm just worried that their development will be harmed by lack of opportunities.

 

[redevil2]

I haven't said that at all. You're just asserting it because you personally feel that Giggs is suited to manage United, and you're presumably annoyed that we don't think the same. Maybe not - I won't claim to speak for you, as you're doing with me.

And what's wrong with people preferring Mourinho, Ancelotti, or Guardiola? All three are proven, top class managers who have won multiple major tournaments with major clubs. Giggs, on the other hand, has never been a manager. Of course, he could be a great manager, but that's largely based on hope right now. The other three would be vastly better options for the club.

See how you contradict yourself there! First you said you have not said at all and then go on to say these three options are vastly better options for the club. Better as in how? United has gradually become a club like Chelsea or City (to buy title) and still not it is not guaranteed we will have title with all those spending. One of the reasons I want to give Giggsy a chance is, he would not be spending for the sake of spending (and selling in mass!) and yet he can be given a chance to have a crack at title chasing. Why not.

What you said have proven me right, Giggsy would never never be good enough because once those proven managers are available, they are preferred. You said it there--- Vastly better options in your words.

 

[red_devil83]

Tyler Blackett > Paddy McNair

That's not a dig at McNair, just think Blackett has more of a chance at making it.

Based on what? I thought Blackett looked good early on but then became a headless chicken whereas McNair grew into the season and improved.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

I don't think Giggsy will stand a chance with you lot after he has managed other clubs whatever he has achieved (unless he has won it!). He would never be good enough whatever he would achieves. You would still want Jose or Ancelotti or Pep... whoever and whenever they are available after LvG. To you, Giggsy is never going to be better than those proven managers.

I Think that people are too scarred by the Moyes era to dare embrace the idea of Giggs as our next manager. I can agree with you that if he were to go and succeed or fail managing another club, that wouldn't necessarily be relevant to how he'd perform managing United. A recent example is of course Luis Enrique who was seen as somewhat of a joke of a manager for Roma but achieved greatness with Barcelona (still early days for him of course). Giggs, like Enrique and Pep for Barcelona, has a unique knowledge of this club and has been endorsed by alot of people within the club including Van Gaal as a future United manager. I can see that it would make sense for him to handle that transition post LvG as he's been with us as a player at all levels but also in management throughout the ups and downs of the last few years. He'll have already had an influence in the direction the club is currently on and has learned from two of the best and most experienced managers the game has ever seen while also learning from the mistakes made by the Moyes administration, a lesson that'll do him much good in a scenario where he succeeds Van Gaal or Another manager further down the line.

I think that the decisionmakers at the club will be sure to have learned from the Moyes era aswell in making sure that if Giggs were selected as the next manager of Manchester United they'd make preperations to make sure that he'd get all the prerequisites and means to be successful whilst also being prepared for the possibility that he won't be up for it. Its all about daring to make that leap again, I think that the potential reward should the move succeed could outweigh the potential damage in case it should not. All that said though I can very much understand that fans and the board would be opposed to the idea. It very much depends of course on where we're at in two years time or whenever Van Gaal decides to call it quits.

 

[redevil2]

...or whenever Van Gaal decides to call it quits.

He has said that he will leave United in 2017 because he has promised his wife he will finish by then. All in all, its not ideal to set a date to leave but his heart is with the wifey which you can't fault him much.

 

[redevil2]

I have to say I can't argue with that. I really rate Memphis, Januzaj and in particular Pereira but potential is not guaranteed.

I'm just worried that their development will be harmed by lack of opportunities.

I rate them too and really hope they will be given opportunities. One thing that really bugged me last year was substitution was not really made when players could make an impact and it appeared the manager's MO is sticking to what he had already written on his note pad and he did not change according to circumstances. I maybe too harsh but sometimes it's very frustrating. I really hope these youngsters can excel coming season, even coming out of the bench.

 

[JohnnyLaw]

He has said that he will leave United in 2017 because he has promised his wife he will finish by then. All in all, its not ideal to set a date to leave but his heart is with the wifey which you can't fault him much.

Yeah, I read that. Hopefully he'll depart on a positive note.

 

[santeria13]

LvG has not proven yet he's the man for the United job to be honest. Many said that it will take time for a new manager in transition. And then he's announcing he's leaving in 2017 (a few days ago he was quoted as saying he would leave United for his wife). So many are already expecting the next manager would need another few years in transition when taking over. If LvG has not (god forbid) brought us anything meaningful before 2017 is upon us, then we are talking about 5 or 6 or 7 years or 8 years since Fergie's retirement being not title chaser.

Before you know it, United is gradually becoming complacent in such kind of position and every year will be "aiming at top 4". Why would it be better than appointing Giggsy and giving him a few years instead? If he has a good second hand man and a good team of coaches and advisers, I don't see it is such a massive risk. Many managers with experience do not make them good manager for United.

I think Van Gaal has proven he is the best man for the job at this point in many ways. Ok except for Klopp who only recently became available, there is no one else better fit to run the club IMO. Personally have doubts about Klopp as well for reasons which are not relevant here. Firstly, I'm very impressed with how LVG got rid of a lot of deadwood whilst also bringing in some proper talent. This sends a clear message throughout the squad. He's also massively improved players like Smalling, Fellaini and Young who one and a half years back we all thought were doomed to be failures at the club. Lastly, and most importantly he has made us a real force to be reckoned with again in big game matches. In fact, if we keep performing at said rate against our top four rivals, the fear factor will be somewhat back to normal along with our enjoyment of the football we play.

Looking back, it was the hardest games under Moyes that I didn't even bother watching(well at least past half time) because we went in knowing we would lose, and suffered as a result. This year, I get the same kind of feeling watching us face the best teams in the league as I did under Fergie and I feel that is very underrated on this forum and is one of the strongest indicators as to a good leader and his tactics. Think back to Mourinho's first season at Chelsea. They always played well against the best but struggled against the lower league sides and other teams who parked the bus. Our situation this season was almost indentical and I'm sure LVG has a gameplan to fix that problem and break those ten men defences down. If we carry on our big game form and fix that problem as did Chelsea this season, I am confident we will mount a title challenge, and playing much more attractive football than Mourinho whilst at it. In the end, he's personally made me enjoy watching and following United again through a combination of the above and thats all I could ask from our manager as of now. Fingers crossed, the trophies begin coming in soon and then we'd have the full package.

I also tend to get quite irritated and dont agree with some things he does/says (benching Herrera starting Rooney regardless of form) but think on the whole we are on the way to something big with this man in charge. I mean come on, the air around this club is a trillion time more optimistic than how it was under Moyes, where it literally felt we were moving backwards as his tenure continued. Also, I read the whole transcript two times to full grasp certain points and whilst many are for some reason reporting that hes leaving in 2017 for his wife, he did not say that at all. Infact he hinted more toward extending his contract if he's successful(ie trophies) and joked at how he would be fired anyway if he failed to do that.

I went on a bit of a rant but I felt it was about time to post something like this highlighting the good things he's done for us because this forum has a nasty habit of focusing only on the negative things. I mean some days coming on here, you'd think LVG is in danger of being sacked with the amount of abuse he gets. It's ridiculous.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

Based on what? I thought Blackett looked good early on but then became a headless chicken whereas McNair grew into the season and improved.

Just personal preference and where I see them ending up. No doubt McNair had a great season, especially compared to Blackett but I see Blackett having far more in his locker. Big, strong, fast, good on the ball. His awareness and decision making needs improving but the same thing goes for many young defenders.

With McNair, I can't see what he can develop into, maybe because he doesn't strike me as a CB.

 

[iBoss]

Tyler Blackett > Paddy McNair

That's not a dig at McNair, just think Blackett has more of a chance at making it.

Blackett has no chance of making it here.

 

[red_devil83]

Just personal preference and where I see them ending up. No doubt McNair had a great season, especially compared to Blackett but I see Blackett having far more in his locker. Big, strong, fast, good on the ball. His awareness and decision making needs improving but the same thing goes for many young defenders.

With McNair, I can't see what he can develop into, maybe because he doesn't strike me as a CB.

McNair is big and fast and pretty good with the ball too! Maybe he can be our Ivanovic or end up a DMC. Either way I hope they both can make it.

Now to say something unpopular ...

We should sell Mata while he still has high value because he's got no real place in our team. Too slow to be a wide forward, too weak to play CM. Frankly if Mourinho thinks he's not good enough then we should think the same.

 

[santeria13]

McNair is big and fast and pretty good with the ball too! Maybe he can be our Ivanovic or end up a DMC. Either way I hope they both can make it.

Now to say something unpopular ...

We should sell Mata while he still has high value because he's got no real place in our team. Too slow to be a wide forward, too weak to play CM. Frankly if Mourinho thinks he's not good enough then we should think the same.

Kind of agree here. Have a feeling this season is make or break for him. Either he recaptures his chelsea form and becomes a key player for us or he'll be relegated to the bench and eventually leave, as much as I like the guy. He's so genuine

 

[shivab]

Where Mata would play in your 4-4-2 ?, do you mean a diamond formation or 2 CM ?

Don't think that Mata would last long in a 4-4-2 set-up.

@carvajal by 4-4-2 i mean more the personnel rather than any formation i.e. 2 cms, 2 attack minded mids and 2 forwards. They could play a diamond or a 4-2-2 or a 4-2-3-1 or x number of different formations that are possible. The most important aspect being that all the players should be different from each other. mata could play anywhere except as the CM or as the lone striker in that set up.

@JohnnyLaw If Robben can work hard as a RM why cant Mata. He might not last the 90 but a good 60-70 would help the team. with depay on the left mata on the right and rooney playing alongside lets say someone like bale is what i had in mind. with those players its possible to play in many different ways. and yes i do think mata can defend. i remember last season he tracked his attacker right till the goal line and cleared the ball. it was totally unexpected but i think he can make it a regular feature of his game.

 

[Eric'sCollar]

McNair is big and fast and pretty good with the ball too! Maybe he can be our Ivanovic or end up a DMC. Either way I hope they both can make it.

Now to say something unpopular ...

We should sell Mata while he still has high value because he's got no real place in our team. Too slow to be a wide forward, too weak to play CM. Frankly if Mourinho thinks he's not good enough then we should think the same.

Yeh my point in rating Blackett has absolutely nothing to do with not rating McNair, it's just a feeling I get.

As for your point regarding Mata. Get out!

 

[Getsme]

Disagreed on every level. Giggsy can be the prefect manager for United. His players would respect him and he would turn United into a big family again and bring us back trophies.

Ulterior motives

 

[JohnnyLaw]

@JohnnyLaw If Robben can work hard as a RM why cant Mata. He might not last the 90 but a good 60-70 would help the team. with depay on the left mata on the right and rooney playing alongside lets say someone like bale is what i had in mind. with those players its possible to play in many different ways. and yes i do think mata can defend. i remember last season he tracked his attacker right till the goal line and cleared the ball. it was totally unexpected but i think he can make it a regular feature of his game.

I'm not talking about his stamina. I don't think he'd be selected in a 4-4-2 as he doesn't have the pace or the power to play in such a system.

 

[redevil2]

@santeria13 it's fine to be positive and optimistic and singing praise of the manager. We all want him to do well and fully support him. After all, it will be a sad state of affairs if we can't trust our own manager (like Moyes when every time I saw his face on the telly, I wanted to turn it off or just not reading about him. It was such a write off even before 2nd half of the season began. He has let many of us and Fergie down).

But we can be critical of our current manager as well when we find something that he should have done better or more. But of course no one is perfect. There are two things he need to improve though, 1. Stop taking the bait from the media and do learn to be more tactful (and even evasive since no one will complain if he's not answering questions which is 100% true. Or giving away too much how he sees things. He needs some media training (and language training too for that matter)
2. He might be better off if he can empower his players to play more creatively at the same time implementing his system and philosophy. It is not easy and you only have 24 hours a day. If it is easy, everyone will be doing that I know. But in time I hope he can achieve that.

This will be the real challenge he should be able to take on. When players are enjoying their football, and playing to their potential, he will have happy players who will do everything to attain the holy grails. It's not just talk. It has to become a way of life (winning mentality, being second is failure etc etc) within United like old days.

 

[redevil2]

Ulterior motives

You have never forgiven him have you?

 

[Xaviesta]

Disagreed on every level. Giggsy can be the prefect manager for United. His players would respect him and he would turn United into a big family again and bring us back trophies.

What managerial credentials will Ryan Giggs have in 2017 to directly replace van Gaal? Ferguson had won things in Europe and domestically too by breaking the old firm dominance. Somebody like Pep has won everything there is to win in club football. Van Gaal himself when he was appointed United's manager, had won everything there is to win the club football as well. Pep didn't become the arguably the best manager in the world by playing under van Gaal and Cruyff, the two great living Dutch managers, he went impressed everybody with his work managing Barça B.

In short, Giggs has no managerial credentials or experience worthy of one of the top jobs in world football.

 

[Getsme]

You have never forgiven him have you?

Nothing but a wee bitch.

 

[Full Member]

Our defense is shocking.

 

[Sky1981]

For a start giggs wont be ruthless enough to clear the deadwoods, he'll probably played the old guards till they're 35, he won't have the pedigree to tinker with the formation.

He hasnt show much during his 4 games reign, i know it's interim, but you should take all yhe chances with both hands and shows promises or glimpses of something. He showed none.

And off course going out somewhere to prove himseld won't be useless, manages arent foolproof, they learn along thw way, saf learnt all the time how he manages united changes and evolves as he gain more and more experiences.