What CDM?

[Norris]

Blind was dreadful when he played there. I don't think he can play that role, unless he's got someone sitting next to him in a flat 2. No positional discipline, he's better off as the box to box option.

When Blind played there, it was in a 4-4-2 Diamond if I recall correctly. There is no way someone with his attributes can play at the base all by himself with limited support from the others.

On the other hand, If you put him in a 3 with even someone like Rooney/Mata, he would do very well. He would get all the protection he needs defensively and is less likely to be closed down when in possession.

I think he would be ok in a midfield 2 as well, but I rate Carrick's forward passing to be better than Blind's and unless the other midfielder is a an excellent Box to Box midfielder, his offensive contribution might be more stifled in this system.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

TFM 4 CDM FTW GGMU.

 

[Spock]

I like what Blind brings to the squad, but he's not a ball-winning midfielder. What the squad lacks, apart from a proper manager, are players with fight in their belly. We need a destroyer who has pace and can pass the ball.

Blind is an excellent passer but he's hardly a destroyer and his pace is not exceptional. Schneiderlin is much the same player as Blind but right-footed.

I can see Fosu-Mensah becoming a first choice defensive midfielder, but he's still only 18 and I can't see him becoming a regular starting midfielder for United next season. In 2-3 years, sure, but not next season.

 

[Raoul]

I defended Blind when we signed him and I like how he's done in defence, but he really shouldn't be the answer to our midfield problems. For every position he can play there are better players available or already at the club.



Do you really think that we shouldn't upgrade on Fellaini, Herrera, Schweinsteiger, Carrick and Schneiderlin? IMO Carrick should retire and Fellaini should be sold. Schweinsteiger will continue to be injured and neither Herrera nor Schneiderlin have been as good as they've been for their previous clubs.

It has nothing to do with those players. I just think the concept of a dedicated CDM is a bit antiquated. We should be looking at complete midfielders who demonstrate both strong CDM and Box to Box skills.

 

[bucky]

It has nothing to do with those players. I just think the concept of a dedicated CDM is a bit antiquated. We should be looking at complete midfielders who demonstrate both strong CDM and Box to Box skills.

That's a good point and I agree.

 

[Ibi Dreams]

Blind wasn't dreadful when he played in midfield - he had some good games and some bad. Hardly enough to write him off in that position, especially given that he won Dutch Footballer of the Year playing in midfield.

 

[Skills]

When Blind played there, it was in a 4-4-2 Diamond if I recall correctly. There is no way someone with his attributes can play at the base all by himself with limited support from the others.

On the other hand, If you put him in a 3 with even someone like Rooney/Mata and he would do very well. He would get all the protection he needs defensively and is less likely to be closed down when in possession.

I think he would be ok in a midfield 2 as well, but I rate Carrick's forward passing to be better than Blind's and unless the other midfielder is a an excellent Box to Box midfielder, his offensive contribution might be more stifled in that system.

Carrick also played in the 4-4-2 diamond earlier that season, and there was a clear gulf in class the way he played the role vs Blind. If your DM is the one who needs protection, then hes clearly poor at the job. Great DMs hold teams together, by acting as counter balances to what might usually be a lopsided team.

Plus the DM role in a diamond, 4-3-3 and in most positions is the same. The key job is to sit and screen the defense. And he failed at that one particular job, leaving us exposed repeatedly chasing after the ball. One of the main reasons we were actually getting run over so much was his own lack of discipline, which I thought was a bigger issue than the unbalanced personnel.

 

[Sir A1ex]

I swear there's a new position abbreviation almost every month.

It's not very new, but I've never understood why it's CDM and not DCM.

It's a central midfielder who is defensive, not a defensive midfielder who is central.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

I think we should go for N'Golo Kante.

 

[NoLogo]

I think we should go for N'Golo Kante.

He always looked more like a box to box midfielder to me, although he is top class defensively he would probably not play the role Carrick is currently playing. On the other hand having him and Schneiderlin in the center might actually work, the one on the ball is allowed to drive the game forward and the other has to stay back.

I wouldn't be comfortable parining him up with someone like Gündogan or Kroos though, if he pushes forward we would be sorely exposed at the back. Give him a deep lying paly-maker like Weigl as a partner and it would probably work brilliantly.

 

[Norris]

Carrick also played in the 4-4-2 diamond earlier that season, and there was a clear gulf in class the way he played the role vs Blind. If your DM is the one who needs protection, then hes clearly poor at the job. Great DMs hold teams together, by acting as counter balances to what might usually be a lopsided team.

Plus the DM role in a diamond, 4-3-3 and in most positions is the same. The key job is to sit and screen the defense. And he failed at that one particular job, leaving us exposed repeatedly chasing after the ball. One of the main reasons we were actually getting run over so much was his own lack of discipline, which I thought was a bigger issue than the unbalanced personnel.

There is no doubt that Carrick is miles better in that position, that's why I said Blind is the heir in waiting. Only way he can improve is if he plays more games there. I don't think he's actually gone a long stint of games playing that role, at United, Ajax or for the National Team.

The thing with the DM role for me is that you can probably play it in a different number of ways depending on the personnel. For example, you could be someone who sits deep, spots danger and makes important Tackles/Interceptions etc. Alternatively, you could use your stamina,physique to run around and make a nuisance of yourself and win the ball back through sheer determination and grit. Carrick is clearly the former. Initially, when Blind joined, I thought the same of Blind too. But you are right, in those games where he played at the base of the 4-4-2, he was pushing up and was not very disciplined. But I believe that was more of a LvG thing than anything else. Because Schweinsteiger was doing it a lot too at the start of this season and it wasn't really working for him either.

But I don't see why he couldn't do the job that Carrick did. He's an excellent reader of the game. All he needs if what you said is true, is some positional discipline and he's good to go in 4-3-3. He might also want to improve his forward passing a bit. Imagine Herrera and Schneiderlin playing ahead of him and you have a very very complete midfield.

 

[BennyBlanco]

Not being funny, but as others have said, didn't we get one last season? and are now out of pocket to the tune of £25mill? could we not get a manager who actually knows how to use the player we have instead of p*ssng another £25mill+ up the wall.

 

[JB08]

Weigl if at all possible, though it won't be.

 

[NoLogo]

Weigl if at all possible, though it won't be.

I feel he would be a great option to replace Carrick one for one but like you said I think he might either see it too early in his career or switching from Dortmund to Manchester United atm isn't the most attractive proposition, let alone that Dortmund would make us bleed (financially) if we really wanted him.

 

[Amadaeus]

I agree with everyone that says we do not need one.

At the moment, I rather see Blind, Fosu Mensah or Schneilderlin make that position their own. Midfield is last of our concern.

 

[Macern]

Mata, Rooney and Blind for a midfield 3 ? :|
Do you really hate United so much ?

Lol, I actually think it could work. Mata playing in a very advanced role, Rooney as the box to box and Blind as CDM.

Mata is wasted on the wing, and I think we're better off playing 4-3-3. I think Mata could do really well in that role/position.

Rooney is going to play whether we like it or not (I hate it). Truth is, LVG and Mou both live him and unless he is sold then I'd want him in midfield. Definitely not in attack. He performed well in midfield last game and we'd utilize his ability to spread the ball out on the wings.

Blind is our best CDM and his anticipation is world class, which is why he has actually performed decently as a centre back. He'd benefit from this ability even more in midfield. Not to mention his passing range and vision which is excellent.


Obviously I wouldn't say no to Pjanic or Nainggolan or someone like that, but the mentioned trio could work well for the remainder of the season.

 

[Skills]

I agree with everyone that says we do not need one.

At the moment, I rather see Blind, Fosu Mensah or Schneilderlin make that position their own. Midfield is last of our concern.

I think most people expect/hope Fellaini and Carrick on their way out this summer. So we'll need one more in there, with the other position being covered by Mensah, Perreira and Blind (who is also backing up LB).

 

[Andy_Cole]

Would rather an LDM or RDM.

3-5-2

 

[Organic Potatoes]

Would rather an LDM or RDM.

3-5-2

Yeah, I'm far more concerned about our wide defensive midfield positions.

 

[Spock]

I agree with everyone that says we do not need one.

At the moment, I rather see Blind, Fosu Mensah or Schneilderlin make that position their own. Midfield is last of our concern.

Midfield isn't our primary concern, but it's still a concern.

The case that Carrick is at the end of his rope is strong. There is grave doubt as to how much Schweinsteiger has left in his tank. I like Blind, Schneiderlin and Herrera but none of them are strong in the tackle and I'm not having the argument that a ball-winning midfielder is an archaic role. As for TFM, it's way too early in his career to put a heavy burden on his shoulders.

 

[prath92]

Carrick also played in the 4-4-2 diamond earlier that season, and there was a clear gulf in class the way he played the role vs Blind. If your DM is the one who needs protection, then hes clearly poor at the job. Great DMs hold teams together, by acting as counter balances to what might usually be a lopsided team.

Plus the DM role in a diamond, 4-3-3 and in most positions is the same. The key job is to sit and screen the defense. And he failed at that one particular job, leaving us exposed repeatedly chasing after the ball. One of the main reasons we were actually getting run over so much was his own lack of discipline, which I thought was a bigger issue than the unbalanced personnel.

He didn't. He always played in a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3

 

[Norris]

Lol, I actually think it could work. Mata playing in a very advanced role, Rooney as the box to box and Blind as CDM.

Mata is wasted on the wing, and I think we're better off playing 4-3-3. I think Mata could do really well in that role/position.

Rooney is going to play whether we like it or not (I hate it). Truth is, LVG and Mou both live him and unless he is sold then I'd want him in midfield. Definitely not in attack. He performed well in midfield last game and we'd utilize his ability to spread the ball out on the wings.

Blind is our best CDM and his anticipation is world class, which is why he has actually performed decently as a centre back. He'd benefit from this ability even more in midfield. Not to mention his passing range and vision which is excellent.


Obviously I wouldn't say no to Pjanic or Nainggolan or someone like that, but the mentioned trio could work well for the remainder of the season.

The thing is with the current set-up we have, van Gaal expects all his players to close down pretty quickly. That trait is probably not Rooney's and Mata's best strength from what I observed so far this season. If Blind is to play as CDM/DM, then I think it has to be one of Mata/Rooney and not the both of them. I agree about Mata and how good he can be in a 4-3-3 though. Alternatively, if both Mata and Rooney are to play, then the set-up we used for the palace game would be good with Schneiderlin behind and in the more disciplined role.

I am not averse to another midfielder being brought in either, but I think a RW and CB has to be the priority.

Also, I don't understand why everyone is certain Carrick will leave. It's clear the club wants him to stay, but since the manager for next season is not yet decided, they have not offered him a new contract. If van Gaal stays, then Carrick will get a contract. If it's Mourinho, he probably won't but will come back to bite him in the ass.

 

[GlastonSpur]

I swear there's a new position abbreviation almost every month.

To save you typing out the whole thing in future, your exact post is commonly known as ISTANPAAEM.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

With Carrick coming to the latter stages of his career, we definately need a defensive midfielder. Who, depends on what type of system we're looking to play, in my opinion.

There's two main styles in a defensive midfielder for me. An enforcer or deep lying playmaker.

If we were to play a 433, then preferably I'd like us to get a deep lying playmaker, who can control the game from deep - similar to Carrick, Busquets, Alonso, etc. Not a lot out there, but there's rumours that we're interested in Kroos. Not a natural defensive midfielder, but has played there before. With energy around him, he could flourish, in my opinion. Top passer, controls games, vision, passing range, etc.

Kroos
Herrera Rooney​

If we go with a 4231, then, in my opinion, we've already got someone in Schneiderlin, who can slot into that system. All he would need is a midfielder next to him who can be the link between midifeld and attack. I personally want to see more of the Herrera/Schneiderlin partnership, but if that wasn't to materialise, we'd need to bring someone who has energy and the ability to get on the ball and control the game. Gundogan, Verratti, Modric, etc. Think they'd compliment Schneiderlin.

Schneiderlin - Gundogan
Rooney​

 

[Norris]

Kroos
Herrera Rooney​

Schneiderlin - Gundogan
Rooney​

I doubt those bolded players will come to OT. One is an unrealistic target and the other is more likely to be City bound.

 

[Devil may care]

If Rooney is going to be waddling about as part of a midfield 3 next season then I can see Schneiderlin being used as a pure water carrier sat in front of the defense to make up for it.

 

[finneh]

If Rooney is going to be waddling about as part of a midfield 3 next season then I can see Schneiderlin being used as a pure water carrier sat in front of the defense to make up for it.

Tbh I'm not entirely convinced that he's talented enough to fulfil any other role.

 

[Minimalist]

Really can't understand why Blind couldn't do a good job there. Tackles well, intelligent both in defence and support play, good simple passing and general distribution - really struggle to see the downsides.

Apparently he was shit when he played in midfield last season though (don't remember that being the case at all to be honest).

 

[settembrini]

Apparently he was shit when he played in midfield last season though (don't remember that being the case at all to be honest).

It wasn't. He did really well.

 

[Brightonian]

Schneiderlin, surely? The consensus on here seems to be that he's impressed this season, particularly in recent months. And it's his defensive work, shielding the back four and throwing his weight around in midfield, that has stood out.

Blind will be replaced at CB and thus offers a more cultured, Carrick-like alternative when necessary. It strikes me that the position in between DM and all our ambiguous #10/winger/forwards is the one that needs reinforcement. If Herrera continues to be contraband for whatever reason, we'll need someone else box-to-box and creative.

The above is all academic anyway, since the answer to the OP's question is Timmy Fosu Mensah.

 

[Silverman]

Schneiderlin, surely? The consensus on here seems to be that he's impressed this season, particularly in recent months. And it's his defensive work, shielding the back four and throwing his weight around in midfield, that has stood out.

Blind will be replaced at CB and thus offers a more cultured, Carrick-like alternative when necessary. It strikes me that the position in between DM and all our ambiguous #10/winger/forwards is the one that needs reinforcement. If Herrera continues to be contraband for whatever reason, we'll need someone else box-to-box and creative.

The above is all academic anyway, since the answer to the OP's question is Timmy Fosu Mensah.

I was off the opinion that a lot of posters have said Schneiderlin is not a defense midfielder but a #8. TFM may yet be better as a #8 as well, its far too early to say he will be a defense midfielder.

 

[Devil81]

Wanayama on the cheap?

Does anyone think he could be a good signing?

 

[Keeps It tidy]

Wanayama on the cheap?

Does anyone think he could be a good signing?

No

 

[Fer]

Krychowiak could be a good option or someone younger like Weigl or Neves... What happened with Carvalho and Kondogbia, are they in bad form?

 

[podurban2]

Schneiderlin is a CDM

This. It's either upgrade or trust that he will prove himself good enough.

 

[Norris]

Krychowiak could be a good option or someone younger like Weigl or Neves... What happened with Carvalho and Kondogbia, are they in bad form?

Don't think so. Kodogbia just transferred last season, so doubt he would be linked to anyone. Carvalho is always linked to Arsenal.

 

[bucky]

I'd go for Krychowiak I guess. Pretty underrated, would provide much needed strength in the middle, keeps things simple.

Krychowiak could be a good option or someone younger like Weigl or Neves... What happened with Carvalho and Kondogbia, are they in bad form?

I'd argue that people would be quickly moaning about him or not appreciate him. Schneiderlin hasn't been as good as he was for Southampton, but there are loads of posters who don't enjoy watching him play for what he offers. Krychowiak is mostly a destroyer, who helps dominating teams with his physicality and his ball-winning ability. His passing is limited from what I've seen and in general he isn't a creative midfielder. He could and currently he would be an upgrade on Schneiderlin, but I don't think he offers what we lack the most in midfield. He'd be perfect for the EPL though.

 

[Kostur]

I'd argue that people would be quickly moaning about him or not appreciate him. Schneiderlin hasn't been as good as he was for Southampton, but there are loads of posters who don't enjoy watching him play for what he offers. Krychowiak is mostly a destroyer, who helps dominating teams with his physicality and his ball-winning ability. His passing is limited from what I've seen and in general he isn't a creative midfielder. He could and currently he would be an upgrade on Schneiderlin, but I don't think he offers what we lack the most in midfield. He'd be perfect for the EPL though.

Thing is Krycha would add the so much needed steel in the middle, he's also great aerially and Schneiderlin possesses neither of those two assets. He'd play the CDM, Schneiderlin could easily move to box-to-box role because he's got unlimited running potential and we could buy a neat passer, somebody who could simply be exempt of any defensive duties and would take the playmaking on himself.

 

[bucky]

Thing is Krycha would add the so much needed steel in the middle, he's also great aerially and Schneiderlin possesses neither of those two assets. He'd play the CDM, Schneiderlin could easily move to box-to-box role because he's got unlimited running potential and we could buy a neat passer, somebody who could simply be exempt of any defensive duties and would take the playmaking on himself.

Well, teams sure as hell wouldn't score against us anymore with that midfield.

 

[Ole90+3]

I'm very happy to have Schneiderlin as the main man for the CDM position next season. Although, if we don't bring in a CB, assuming Carrick is moved on (which he should be), then I wouldn't feel comfortable just having Schneiderlin and Blind as the only CDM options - considering Blind may very well start at CB next season.

Having watched Scheiderlin at Southampton for 2 years and being seriously impressed with pretty much every performance of his, I am confident he has what it takes to make the CDM position his own here. He has the ability but does he have the mentality to get over this below par season and shine next season.

He needs to step up and perform at a consistently high level every week, like he was for Southampton, but I fear that the necessity to do this at United may be messing with his confidence.

I would also like to seem him being given a bit more freedom in home games and away games that we are dominating. He wasn't a pure CDM at Southampton, but seemed to play a similar position as Wanyama but given more freedom to go forward. This is the role I feel Carrick has played for us down the years, and the one we need Scheiderlin to take on.

Sorry for making this totally about Schneiderlin, but I guess the point is if he can over come his confidence issues then we may not need to sign a starting CDM.

I'd like for Fosu Mensah given more of an opportunity in this position, but may potentially be wasted here, as he seems to be an all rounder and pretty pacey (more suited as #8).