When Rio is fit again...

Red15

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What would you do? I had assumed that over time, there would be an obvious point to slot him back in. Now, I'm not so sure anymore.

Mickey looks better at centre-back with every match that he plays. Would never have believed I'd say this 2 months ago because I'd always prefered him at left-back because I thought he'd have a better chance of recovering if he made a mistake. But I think he's actually playing better defensively in the middle than he did on the left.

When you think about it, Mickey/Wes have played against Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Deportivo La Coruna and let in 1 goal. That's a fantastic achievement.

But now we're in the position of having too many centre-backs. It's a nice dilemma to have. But I just can't see Rio warming the bench indefinitely. On the other hand, I don't want to see Mickey/Wes' partnership broken up either.

What would you do?
 
Put Rio in and move Micke out to the left. Hell still get plenty of games there. Rio or Wes are both prone to the odd injury so hel be back in no time.
 
Judging by what Fergie is saying he doesn't intend to disrupt that partnership and why should he ? Obviously injuries will occur from time to time plus the need to rest one or two. I think Rio will start on the subs bench once he is fit and get on from there but I can't see Fergie breaking up what is a hugely successful partnership - so far at least. Reputations and transfer fees will count for nothing in this situation. Its a very healthy dliemma isn't it ?
 
Originally posted by Julian Denny:
<strong>Judging by what Fergie is saying he doesn't intend to disrupt that partnership and why should he ? Obviously injuries will occur from time to time plus the need to rest one or two. I think Rio will start on the subs bench once he is fit and get on from there but I can't see Fergie breaking up what is a hugely successful partnership - so far at least. Reputations and transfer fees will count for nothing in this situation. Its a very healthy dliemma isn't it ?</strong><hr></blockquote>

I agree about him starting from the bench, but it won't be too long before he replaces either Silvestre or Brown. I have a feeling Fergie will test Rio with Brown and Silvestre 20 minutes each coming on as a sub in 2 games - then will replace one of them.

He did the same with Becks. Substituting him on for Ole in one game, the next thing you know Becks is already back in the side full time.

First team players will always be first team players IMO.
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Originally posted by Murt:
<strong>Put Rio in and move Micke out to the left. Hell still get plenty of games there. Rio or Wes are both prone to the odd injury so hel be back in no time.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Not until such time as Wes and Mickey stop gelling. You can't break up a defence that has achieved something no United side has for four years - well it was four years for four games without conceding. When was the last time we went five without?
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Originally posted by Livvie20:
<strong>

Not until such time as Wes and Mickey stop gelling. You can't break up a defence that has achieved something no United side has for four years - well it was four years for four games without conceding. When was the last time we went five without?</strong><hr></blockquote>

It's a dilenma for us. On one hand the current defence is so good that it's too risky to break it. But on the other hand Rio is too expensive to keep on the bench, and we also miss Silverstre's input as a LWB. It will be interesting to see what is Fergie going to do.
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Originally posted by uranushk1:
<strong>

It's a dilenma for us. On one hand the current defence is so good that it's too risky to break it. But on the other hand Rio is too expensive to keep on the bench, and we also miss Silverstre's input as a LWB. It will be interesting to see what is Fergie going to do.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Actually O'Shea's been contributing a lot offensively down the left. I hope players' reputation and transfer fee won't be considered when it comes to player selection. After all, form is very important. As of now, Wes and Mickey are playing so well together.
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You dont fix what aint broken <img src="graemlins/snowman.gif" border="0" alt="[Snowman]" />
 
I agree about the back four of:
OShea, Mickey, Brown, Gaz

doing extremely well, but Rio will improve it further. Unfortunately Brown will be the one to dip out IMO. Like Phil for Keane and Ole for Becks.

They all knew it was coming, and they've taken their chances VERY VERY well. They'll get plenty more games, SAF will make sure of that.
 
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