Blanc was severely tested on Sat for pace. Any chance RF will be paired with O'Shea on Fri? If nit, would those two (RJ+JOS) be the preferred pairing b4 the end of the season ?
I think Sir Alex will stick with Blanc, but give Jon a few games now and then
I think John is going to make the grade alright. Maybe Fergie should gamble with him now.
I'd prefer O'Shea to be honest
I'd rather O'Shea too, he's been fantastic so far. He did make one mistake on saturday, but the way he chased back and won the ball to make up for it, and the loud applause he got for doing so, was great.
Originally posted by blythy:
<strong>I'd prefer O'Shea to be honest</strong><hr></blockquote>
What - like Roy Keane you mean?
Honesty is the best policy like.
Blanc was skinned a few times on saturday and he just doesn't look that interested. I'd much rather JOS as he's hungry and looking to get a 1st team spot, Larry is just counting down his time but he's handy to have as a back up and as a coach on the training pitch.
I would absolutly love to see JOS and RIO paired together BLANC has been good and when the circumstances suit him ie The balls in the air or at HIS feet he is fantastic but he really is TOO slow and is a bit of a liability.
hes going to be a star player
It's clear to most that O'Shea should be given a run in the side partnering Rio when he comes back. But does Fergie see it this way ? Almost certainly not unfortunately
I'd expect Blanc-Rio will be given a fair try. Blancs' experience is really valuable when it comes to CL, he's played all over the continent and did well in the CL last season.
This will be a decisive year for O'Shea, because Blanc will retire next summer almost definately(meaning we will bring in a replacement), and we will need a player to partner Rio, one ready for the bigtime.
O'Shea needs a good run in the team this season to show that he could be Rios' main partner next year, meanwhile other 'potential' CBs are already playing full time for their clubs in CL etc. which makes them proven.
And then there's Brown, though his future is also unclear- he may play a combination of RB and CB. He had a great chance to oust Gaz, but now he's injured.
This will be a decisive year for O'Shea, because Blanc will retire next summer almost definately(meaning we will bring in a replacement), and we will need a player to partner Rio, one ready for the bigtime.
O'Shea needs a good run in the team this season to show that he could be Rios' main partner next year, meanwhile other 'potential' CBs are already playing full time for their clubs in CL etc. which makes them proven.
And then there's Brown, though his future is also unclear- he may play a combination of RB and CB. He had a great chance to oust Gaz, but now he's injured.
I think he will challenge Larry as Rio's partner. hopefully he can establish himself this season. If so, our cenral defensive problems solved for a long time, barring injuries.
Wes and Gaz will fight it out for the right back spot. The loser is also CB cover. If we sign Escude and Mickey continues improving we will have a very good back four.
The current players and promising youngsters mean midfield is also covered.
Can we advance some of next summers transfer funds to buy the fourth striker now?
Wes and Gaz will fight it out for the right back spot. The loser is also CB cover. If we sign Escude and Mickey continues improving we will have a very good back four.
The current players and promising youngsters mean midfield is also covered.
Can we advance some of next summers transfer funds to buy the fourth striker now?
O shea was good enough for a first team place last season.Now is the time to let a partnership with Rio develop.It will be sensational
every time O'shea puts in a decent performance he should be rewarded by being in the team for the next game, its as simple as that. The more games he gets under his belt now the more united will benefit in the future.
Well, posted this one in the "lineup vs Chelsea" thread, but I find it quite suitable in here as well... (lazy double post by me, heh?)
IMO Blanc's too old and slow. Let O'Shea and Rio play together because they're our future and good enough to play together right now. Blanc is great to have as a backup with his routine and vision for the game... LET THE YOUNGSTERS COME!!! Or was it something like this - "you never win the league with kids"?......
Cheers!
IMO Blanc's too old and slow. Let O'Shea and Rio play together because they're our future and good enough to play together right now. Blanc is great to have as a backup with his routine and vision for the game... LET THE YOUNGSTERS COME!!! Or was it something like this - "you never win the league with kids"?......
Cheers!
O'Shea has gotta play, he's been excellent so far. Blanc was supposed to be a short term fix for last season. He's done that, so now is the best time to bed a new CB partnership. Hopefully barring injuries a partnership that can take united up another level
IMO, O'Shea is good and mature enough to partner Rio. Sadly, he will only come in when either Rio or Blanc is unable to play. The good sign is, he is ahead of Brown in the pecking order now. Let's hope he will get more games.
Looks a good solid CB.. the no fuss type..
still along way to go before we can say he's made the grade.. he's got good potetial, altho i was more impressed with Wes Brown at the same stage,
still along way to go before we can say he's made the grade.. he's got good potetial, altho i was more impressed with Wes Brown at the same stage,
I was impressed with Brown too before he became OG Brown.
O'Shea is developing into a fine central defender but maybe he's a tad inexperienced at the moment.
To help him develop to his fullest potential yet ensure he's not over-exposed in what will be his first full season, maybe it's best that Fergie initiate him slowly into the English League by alternating with Blanc to play with Rio whilst Blanc will still partner Rio in the majority of the European games.
To help him develop to his fullest potential yet ensure he's not over-exposed in what will be his first full season, maybe it's best that Fergie initiate him slowly into the English League by alternating with Blanc to play with Rio whilst Blanc will still partner Rio in the majority of the European games.
He looks good to me, may need some time but I'd give him a go with Rio...!
Premature to shove O'Shea in next to Rio full-time just yet, but I'd hope O'Shea is ambitious enough to think he can push a 37 year old crock onto the bench before the end of the season. If not, he probably isn't the player we hope he is!
I personally think he'll be getting a lot of Premiership and Cup games this season.
I personally think he'll be getting a lot of Premiership and Cup games this season.
he will play with blanc if both are fit, mostly this season, if he gets a chance.
the reason being fergie wants both Rio and O'Shea to gain as much experience from Blanc as they can.
the reason being fergie wants both Rio and O'Shea to gain as much experience from Blanc as they can.