24 Jan 2015 20:20:47
Hi all,
I try not to post too soon after a game as emotions cloud your judgement. After letting a day pass and watching the game again on MUTV I want to repeat what I've said before, but add an opinion that I have only now started to believe. Firstly my regular point about our slow, pedestrian football. Our play is so slow and getting slower. Players receive the ball stood still, then pass to another (usually square or backwards) who is also stood still. Why I don't jump on the manager as some do is because this lack of pace and movement has been evident for around four years now. What has happened to receiving the ball on the burst or playing into space for a runner to get onto? Anyway onto my opinion for what its worth. Apart from our awful defenders who can't pass a ball, (Phil Jones last night was ridiculously bad) I now think the problem might be Michael Carrick. He is a player I have always liked, and he helps make us more solid, but I think he is a major effect on the speed of play through the middle. I would much prefer Herrera in midfield to increase the tempo, and maybe have Carrick in defence. Anyway sorry for going on a bit, would like to know what others think.
Wash your mouth out. Carrick is massively underrated, I agree he would be good in a back 3 but to blame him for our slow play is criminal. You do know he ha been here for 8 years don't you
Honestly you deserve some type of medal for watching that game again. I fell asleep during the first half, and I didn't even know the plot.
AJH, I don't like to think I'm blaming Carrick so much, but suggesting the style of play with him in that midfield position is adding to the problem. As I said I have always liked him, but feel Herrera would be quicker around the pitch and play quicker passes.
24 Jan 2015 22:46:35
You're a masochist, inhope, I hope you know that.
24 Jan 2015 23:03:41
I agree inhope about Carrick, his passing is still good but he makes a lot of sideways and backwards passes. When he doesn't play its fletcher and he plays the same way but not as effective.
We need forward thinking players like Herrera like you said but also a good solid partner for him to do the dirty work.
Ajh Carrick has had one good season never world class and never would be first choice in any of the top sides around the world.sick of hearing it. He's came in this season made an impact because we are terribly poor in the middle of the park and at the back. Ince keane scholes Robson whiteside moses we have been spoilt in recent times but Carrick isn't one of them.
Sparky behave yourself. Carrick has most definitely been world class over the years however his performances have been overshadowed by the media spot light on players like Ronaldo, Scholes, Rooney, Tevez, RVP etc. The reason you don't notice half the nasty work he has done over the years in our midfield is because he does his job and stays out of the papers. For me he is one of SAF best ever signings, class player.
If LVG wants to persist with 3 at the back Carrick should move into the central role of the 3.
He can step forward with ball. his reading of the game is superb and he could manage the other 2. Allows for more dynamic players in the 3 midfield roles.
Jmb - if Carrick was world class why hasn't he ever been 1st choice for England ? Good premier league player but not world class. Whenever we've played against world class opposition Carrick goes missing.
25 Jan 2015 17:34:54
Because England managers are usually persons? How did Barry get into an England side when he's far from world class?
How did Scholes, the finest England player of his generation get forced to the left to accommodate the most over rated English player in the premier league era?
How did glen Johnson ever get capped?
There have been many bizarre England selections over the last decade.