11 Jul 2016 19:16:08
Where are people coming from when they mention Pogba to be signed to fill the defensive midfield role? Pogba isn't a defensive midfielder. I'm also seeing lot that Schneiderlin is there for the DM role, again not a DM. Wanyama played alongside Morgan at soton allowing him to play box to box. We don't have a good defensive midfielder. If we don't sign one I want to see Fosu Mensah given his chance. Personably I'd love to sign Kante, full of energy, premier league proven, no risk for me. If we could somehow persuade him and Madrid to sell us Kroos i'd be very very happy with that modified pairing.
11 Jul 2016 19:24:22
I am not sure but Matuidi is a DM right?
I have a feeling if Pogba signs, we wouod also get Matuidi and keep Carrick as backup for the DM role. And maybe TFM or Morgan can play there.
11 Jul 2016 19:42:23
Think TFM will be used as back up right back and Valencia to leave to be honest.
11 Jul 2016 20:12:50
A number of times I have posted that TFM could be a high potential CM player. He is at an age whether he could burst through or fizzle, yet I believe he could be a seriously good player, a beast. He is, from what I have seen, far far better than a back up right back. He has to prove it now.
11 Jul 2016 20:23:32
I think Jose likes Valencia, I do as well.
He isn't on massive wages, good attitude, versatile, experienced and is dependable without being incredible. He is certainly one of the squad players I would keep, no real re-sale value either. He doesn't strike me as somebody that would be bitching and moaning about not starting every week, nor will he lose value by not starting. Valencia is one of the good guys for me.
I hope we see a lot of TFM next season, either as RB or CM. We need energy in midfield badly.
(Benny, a nice positive one from me, haha)
11 Jul 2016 20:33:43
Valencia should not be sold.
He loves the club, gives in decent performances, plays anywhere you want him to play and makes no fuss whatsoever.
He should be kept especially if we are going to play a RW who cuts in so that tony v can provide width.
11 Jul 2016 20:52:07
Mourinho has stated that he wants players playing in their proper positions. Valencia has been caught out positionally on numerous occasions when playing at RB. It's hard to adapt to a new position later in your career, from an attacking winger to full back. No more than Ashley Young, I'd be very surprised to see Jose playing wingers at full back.
11 Jul 2016 21:07:35
Stringer - That's a good point, but I think he means for his starting 11 and ideally. It's important to have some utility players that can cover several positions if needed. TFM, Valencia, Young are three of those at the minute imo. Ultimately the bench can only hold so many players and having an expert on the bench for the 7 positions allowed, means if you get crocked in the other 4 you need utility men. Also it allows for a change of formation if the opposition manager has you on the hook. Blind/ Rojo would be another, but they just aren't good enough for an elite team and have some sale value.
Ivanovich, Azpiliqueta both were used regularly in their so called second position I believe.
I hated how LVG started games with 3+ players not in their proper positions, we all know what that led to, so JM is giving me some hope.
11 Jul 2016 21:12:09
Do we need a defensive midfielder to play in every game? Fair enough in a big away game against city, arsenal, chelsea etc we can be cautious and sit in.
But most peoples gripes against lvg was how negative he was no matter who the opposition was.
A midfield two of Schneiderlin and pogba/ matuidi would be fine for us in most games in the premier league. Carrick/ herrera/ bastian and fosu mensah as alternatives.
11 Jul 2016 21:39:27
Totally agree red man. Personally I think he is a no6 in the making. I really hope he gets a chance and takes it. He might need a season in the defence to ease his way in but I fully expect him to be a top top player. He needs to grab every opportunity he is given to impress.
{Ed004's Note - I would go into the new season with Mensah as first choice right back tbh. He was excellent when played there this season}
11 Jul 2016 23:44:01
TFM looked great but tried too hard sometimes and was then caught out of position. If he can learn to be calm he could be great.
12 Jul 2016 09:07:47
A midfield three of TFM or Carrick as the deepest midfielder. Schneiderlin or Herrera on the right with Pogba or Rooney on the left. Would give us great balance. It would also allow our full backs plenty of license to bomb forward.
Micki on the right, Martial on the left with Zlatan up front.
Depay, Rashford, Lingard ect on the bench to mix things up if needed.
12 Jul 2016 09:24:05
Shappy Rooney we have been told will nit play in midfield.
12 Jul 2016 08:16:08
Only hope TFM gets a role early and sticks to it no matter how long it takes to bed in - worst thing can happen is he becomes our Oshea / Jones/ Blind . will play anywhere because 'he can do a job there"
Jose has recent history with this with Kurt Zouma - actually played at centre half, dm and right back, and not always due to injury but for tactical reasons. not sure that's a good thing for a young kid.
12 Jul 2016 10:42:27
I know Ken, but it would be loosely if he played. More of a 433 with Rooney not in the team and a 4231 with Rooney in the No.10 role if he does play.
If we sign Pogba then I really do wonder where exactly Rooney fits into this team?