06 Aug 2020 15:08:53
Interesting opinion piece in the MEN. Suggesting that Fred could be tried at LB as he is now seemingly 4th choice in midfield. While injuries to Shaw and Dalot saw Chong play at LB for a spell last night.

It's an interesting idea, only yesterday I suggested that we could do with a new LB at some point with Shaw's injury record (he has started 29 of our currently 59 games this season) . While Williams has been excellent he has struggled at times (to be expected), while being right footed along with Rashford playing ahead of him being right footed has meant we can be a little narrow down the left when he plays. I left footed option would be ideal to help cover for Shaw's injuries, while Williams could offer cover at RB or a more offensive option to AWB.

Chong did okay against fairly poor opposition but maybe a move to full back might be best for him in the future. He has a good frame, tall, quick and offensive minded. He would need to improve his defending. But from his first team appearances he does seem to lack the explosiveness or the guile needed to play as a wide forward at the top end of the game. Valencia made a similar move while many modern full backs played as wingers at youth level, AWB for example.

Fred also seems to have some aspects that might make him more suited to LB than CM. Hard working, quick, likes to play dangerous balls forward. He is defensively sound enough for a full back, while his energy would allow him to get up and down the wing all day. His occasional poor first touch and risky passing would also be less of a hazard on the flank than centrally. While having a little more time on the ball in the less congested wide areas might mean he loses the ball less and has a second more to pick the right pass.

Maybe the options for LB cover already exists in our squad, could either of Chong or Fred do a job there?


1.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 15:23:02
I’ve said a number of times to my mates that Fred should be a left back. I hope we try him there because he’s my least favourite midfield option atm.


2.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 15:38:18
we have Williams.


3.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 16:26:44
Interesting concept - had not considered it. Could be a good option although his distribution is not good enough surly for this position, let alone crossing ability?


4.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 16:48:15
He is one of the fastest player in our squad.


5.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 17:49:02
How can any professional footballer, maybe centre backs and goalkeeper aside, not be able to put in an accurate cross more often than not? Boggles my mind!


6.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 18:08:51
Eric, I think he has a tendency to try and force it too much with his distribution which often leads to him trying to play passes that aren't on. He also seems to need a second to get his head up. It's like the game is moving faster than he can follow in the heart of midfield. I think moving him wide will give him that time to look up and assess his options before he makes the pass.


7.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 18:37:36
Williams is better at RB than LB. He should be looking to be second choice RB and get a new LB in to compete with Shaw.


8.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 18:53:42
DanJames, I think Williams can play on both sides. However, I think naturally the game is easier for him at RB.

I think with a change to inside forward playing up front then ideally you do need a full back playing on the side of their stronger foot.
A left footed LB behind right footed LW and a right footed RB behind a left footed RW.

That way the full back on the overlap can stay wide without having to check back in.

Having someone like Irwin at LB is fine when you have a left footed Ryan Giggs in front of him who can and is comfortable staying wide. But when you have a right footed Rashford who will always look to move in field onto his stronger foot then you can become too narrow down that flank.

Considering that TFM doesn't look like a RB and Dalot doesn't look like he can stay fit, I think there is definitely a chance for Williams to play games on the right to rest AWB, and on the left to rest Shaw.

My concern going forward, is whether Shaw can stay fit enough to play 80% of the games a year. If not then we will need another left footed option at LB.


9.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 19:04:24
I agree he can play both Shappy. As a attacking threat he is better on the right. We shall see.

He is a good option to have.


10.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 19:47:36
Feel like fred needs a run of games to get to the desired form which I think he just won't get in any position at utd. The odd sub appearance and cup appearance gets you nothing from fred. This may be an unpopular opinion because I do think he does have ability but I would let him go if we can't get anything worthwhile out of him.


11.) 06 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 22:04:34
Really interesting point Shappy on his style. I’d love to see him make it here as his attitude and obvious skill is apparent. Just hasn’t quite nailed it yet for us - key point is if he can’t cross, the position can’t be his.


12.) 07 Aug 2020
06 Aug 2020 23:51:08
Irwin had a great left foot although primarily right footed he could cross very well with his left.