Quote:
Originally Posted by t3hbandit
Few observations from the United tour.
Blind is not a CB, we regularly play with a highish line and he's just too easily exposed to quick counters. Vs PSG it was literally just one long ball over the top on a number of occassions. LVG needs to stop being so anal about playing with a left footed CB.
Rooney is still fairly ****, the majority of his forward play is getting it into feet, passing it out wide then making a run into the box along with an occassional long range effort. Would like to see Chicha/Wilson get plenty of time this season.
Carrick/Schweinsteiger can't play together, both are neat and tidy but it's the same problems over again with not having players capable of breaking the lines/offering penetration. Herrera is an absolute must for whatever midfield he decides to use but he's played 25mins in the last 2 games. Ideally I'd like to see us set up in a 4-3-3 with Schneiderlin holding and Herrera/Schweinsteiger ahead of him but LVdonk is going to **** around with a bunch of combinations that won't work and finally get it right once injuries force him into playing what everyone has been saying to do for months.
Depay isn't a 10, we look likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 with him behind Rooney and he does a decent job but he's not skilled at finding space in those areas.
Darmian is quality. Limited viewing but I'd say there's a good enough chance he's the fastest player at United. Great acceleration over short distances and recovery speed. I'm a big fan of Valencia but he's got his work cut out to hold onto that position, although late in the PSG game Shaw went off for Valencia and Darmian went to LB.
Shaw has had a very good pre season, 2nd only to Darmian. Please stay fit.
Pereira has looked really good all summer including the U20 world cup. He should be starting way more games than young at this point.
Only watched the Barca game so can't really comment on anything specific to preseason, but I agree completely with your points on Blind and Herrera.
Also don't get playing Depay as SS when he's always played LW for PSV. LvG has always said he prefers 433, and I think most of us expected us to play that formation when he signed Depay and 2 CM's this summer. I've said it on here before, but LvG just seems to overcomplicate things for the sake of it. Can hardly remember a starting XI of his were there wasn't at least 1-2 round pegs in square holes.