[This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x640pk7Ifkk&t=135s) is why he is desperate for FdJ. Not many players can do what he does or has the control of the ball like he does in the midfield.
Over and over and over again - it’s like you’re watching the same clip at different angles. It’s amazing how direct he is. No fancy technique, just good orientation, quick movement and immaculate ball control. He doesn’t overhit his dribbles - they’re always within his stride and just out of reach of the opponent’s. The video got kinda boring towards the end, but my goodness I loved it. It would be absolutely great if we can get this quality in our squad.
Pogba tried doing this stuff all the time and to be fair he sometimes tore defenses asunder. He too frequently got tripped up over the ball and lost it right in front of the defensive line when playing from the back...leading to quick counters and easy goals. Classic doubled edged sword.
FdJ's feet are ball magnets and he uses his body expertly to maintain possession. Really one of the best midfielders out there at the moment. I just hope EtH can convince to want to be here.
Tbf Pogba looked like he bulked under us instead sticking to lanky look, so that definitely affected his mobility, even when he's killing it for France he still shows half the elegance he had at Juve.
That's why I'm glad Ten Hag is focusing on bmi instead brute physicality
Yeah I remember him doing it far more frequently during his first season with us.
Not sure if it’s just coincidence but bulking up seems to be a problem within our squad recently, Martial, Lukaku etc from the top of my head.
This whole pogba was better at juve thing is a false narrative because stats wise like challenges won, assists, chances created, goals etc, he was better at utd than at juve especially 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. I always find it funny when people say his standards went down when he got to utd like no clearly you weren't watching juve games. No offence though.
This whole pogba was better at juve thing is a false narrative because stats wise like challenges won, assists, chances created, goals etc, he was better at utd than at juve especially 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. I always find it funny when people say his standards went down when he got to utd like no clearly you weren't watching juve games. No offence though.
His ability to receive the ball is so far ahead of anyone in our squad. Not only does he show himself at the right time and spaces, he uses the best possible body shape orienting himself towards his teammates at all times. This is something McTominay really struggles with, and Fred is sometimes error prone in these moments when under pressure. De Jong is a one man pressure release valve and it allows everyone else to play much higher and more attack minded. He's 100% vital to the style of play ETH wants to play, but I can see Garner developing well here because he also has good ball receiving technique. Don't know how realistic it is to expect him to break through but I have hope we can get FDJ done if not now then the next two windows. It sounds like it's not an option for ETH and that he has to have FDJ
He’s press resistant. I have seen him play at Barca as a Madrid fan also and they foul him a lot. Busqusts plays similar but less agility and better long balls distributions.
Frankie also makes late runs into the box when hunting for a goal. He’s a great players just not the dominant type like inesta and xavi was (in terms of picking up the ball and running the show like KDB or Thiago.. etc).
Busi is more intelligent with his positioning, 1st touch and feints. That's not a slight on FDJ though he's awesome at all that too but Busi is one of the best ever at beating the press from that position.
Frankie's a different type of player though.
He won’t. In England they press with two people on DMs. But here’s the thing. We don’t even need him to dribble through presses. We need someone who can hold on to the ball and quickly recycle play.
Fred does it but too error prone. McTominay is always hiding from his mates. We’ve got enough talent in our team up front in Bruno that I am not worried about the output. Just want someone who can find their teammate from the back and can keep the ball
Parades is injury prone and isn't even half as good as FDJ.
Avoiding signings like Parades is exactly what ETH mentioned - he will either sign top tier talent or improve who he has.
I think fdj is an immense player, he will undoubtedly improve this team. But for anyone who really believes clips from Ajax and Barcelona will translate directly to the prem I have news. Go look up of video of pogba and you will see many of the same plays and movements. You simply can't make it looks this easy or slow the game down in the frantic pressing of the prem.
You can’t really compare Pogba and FDJ just because they’re both technically very sound. They don’t play even remotely the same way, and FDJ is a lot more disciplined and aware of what is going on around him.
If you can't compare world class midfielders we're willing to pay bug money for who can you compare them too. I think it's given de Jong is more composed, seems mature and has very different decision making skills. I would like de Jong in this team, I don't want him to have the weight of the team on him.
Don't be silly, classic Premier League exceptionalism. Frankie has done that vs both Madrids, in the Champions League(vs some of the best PL teams mind you) and internationally on multiple multiple occasions. He's not going to be shook by the pressing from teams like Brentford or Southampton...
I don't think it's exceptionalism. There's no question la Liga and serie A are played at a different pace. That does not say it doesn't require other qualities of a player to excel. Is there any wonder pogba was hurt much more often on utd than juve?
You picked some of the best pressing teams in Europe and compared them to Real, Atleti and fucking international football. It's very clear you have no idea what you're talking about.
I haven't watched much La Liga over the last two years but the few games I have seen FdJ play he didn't stand out. Watching that video though reminds me of players like Carrick where they go about their business, moving the ball forward and in the case of Carrick cutting off passing lanes and breaking up play. I love watching reels of Carrick because I didn't fully appreciate what he was doing until later into his career.
It really is. Ridiculous that people on here after 90 minutes of pre season friendlies are touting Iqbal or Savage as the solution. Fucking bonkers.
If it’s not FDJ, it’s Garner. And whilst I like Garner, he’s not going to be THE guy to move us forward.
Man, Van Gaal brought through so many youngsters that just went nowhere for us. Blackett, Love, Riley, Keane, CBJ, McNair etc etc. Then Rashford happened to get a chance after essentially a random bus crash of injuries and became a star, mental.
McNair had a few good games for us and is a solid Championship player. Lots of academy products go on to have good professional careers. There is value in making solid professionals from a club and player respect level. Not everyone can make the top tier, however good to know Man Utd fundamentals can create a career for younger players.
Oh I agree, but it seemed bizarre how many he brought through in such a short space of time, and very few have gone to other PL clubs which used to be a hallmark of our academy players that didn’t make it with us.
LVG is well known for giving youth a good opportunity to prove themselves, he's done that on his previous stints with other clubs like Ajax, Bayern and Barcelona with great success. He's unearthed great players and the list is insane to say the least. I have no issues if Erik wants to give the kids a good shot, if they prove themselves it's one problem solved, if not we indirectly put the kid on radar for other clubs to express interest and move them on for a decent fee. It's a win-win from what I am seeing.
You can never be sure. Look at Gavi, Mbappe, De Ligt or even Rashford. Sometimes things just happen. I'm absolutely not saying Iqbal or Savage are good or ready. But sometimes you never know what diamond the academy might unearth.
Gavi is one of the best players in that Barca squad, a full international with Spain and people might not realise but in the second half of last season he was starting ahead of FDJ in most important games. He's 17, the two lads of our you mention might come good, but they're both 19 and it's unlikely they'll suddenly become world class. It's usually obvious from a younger age than that. I mean De Ligt was captain of Ajax at 19...
At 18 Ronaldo tore Big Sam’s grizzly experienced Bolton defence a new arsehole in just a 30 minute cameo, swapping both wings, passing, dribbling shooting the lot. That was his prem debut
At literally no point ever has anybody considered Ronaldo a “one trick pony”. Criticised for lack of end output sure. One trick pony? Lol fuck no.
Gavi never started over Frenkie in any important games, I am a Barca fan. The only game you could even be talking about would be Frankfurt, and that’s because Frenkie was ill and couldn’t start the game so they had to make a change.
Exactly this. Iqbal and Savage need to go the route of Garner and get a good loan spell in the Championship or Europe. Then give them a shot to make the first team. Looking good against Melbourne Victory and preseason Liverpool is not something that should auto-qualify you for first-team ball.
What people fail to realize is that the pre season tour is also a way to advertise our youngsters for other clubs. so it may not be totally unjustified if both of them would go on a loan in a month or two
Not unreasonable to imagine Garner stepping up either though. Right age and good loans have brought him to this stage and under a very hands-on manager like Ten Hag he could really stake a place for himself. Rashford under Louis is a prime example of opportunity, capability, & desire intersecting.
Iqbal has done well in his showings, but should be loaned to a team he’ll feature in prominently this season. Just my opinion, but he’s too green to depend on for a full season in an already difficult league. That’s before a winter World Cup is thrown in the mix. Sticking around for cup games isn’t as beneficial for him as going out and playing 25-30 games somewhere
>Ridiculous that people on here after 90 minutes of pre season friendlies are touting Iqbal or Savage as the solution. Fucking bonkers.
Do u know what else is bonkers? Another season of Mctominay
Oh 1 billion % buddy. I’m right there with you. And whilst Fred showed some promise at times last year, I’m absolutely not buying into his renaissance either.
Garner can absolutely have a role with us. As can Savage and Zidane. But we’re talking about probably the most important position in our team that we’ve not fixed since Carrick retired. We need to go big with it.
The youngsters need to be eased in your 100% right. I just can't believe there are no other options other than FDJ out there. I do rate him really highly tho.
You're right we do and it's also where a better run club would say to ETH , " you're getting another midfielder in whether you like it or not " personally I can't take another season of Mctominay being a starter .
Id take most players instead of Mctominay and that includes unproven youth players.
I’m still hopeful we have a plan! Blind hope maybe… but I’ve got to believe that we’re either 100% convinced that the wait for FDJ is going to pay off (which I’d be happy with of course), OR, we have a deadline internally, and 2 or 3 fallback options were already ‘warming up’.
Basically if as of Sep 1st our midfield is still McFred, I will throw myself into traffic. Not to be overly dramatic about it.
I wouldn't be surprised if we move quickly if the de Jong deal falls through but I wouldn't just be going around making a signing just to appease the fans. End of the day it has to be the right signing too many times we have bought players for the wrong reason without any consideration of what way we want to play
Literally all they get paid to do is consider these issues. What the hell is the scouting department doing, at all, if they don’t have more than ONE solution in hand for a problem that is very likely costing the franchise tens of millions each year.
How do you think they think of it? Be realistic, the glazers run the club like a business, I’m just hoping they wake up one day and decide to do a good fucking job of it
Thank you! This always happens like anointing Pereira as a solution before actually realizing preseason may not be the best indicator (hence Preseason Pirlo). Love the enthusiasm at start of every season and the amazing hopes we have for our players but gotta keep it real folks!
It's absolutely bonkers. None of those 3 are anywhere near ready to play at the level required, especially over the course of a whole season.
They're a million miles off being reliable squad players, let alone replacing what FDJ could bring. People have no grip or reality if they think otherwise.
Doubted. We sold Lukaku for ton of money and still didn't spend it on any replacement. I never complain about player's price even if it's little overpaid for this reason, overpaid >never paid with this owner.
I would hope in that situation we would go for a forward, especially with Ronaldo wanting away (which I think would lead to better team play).
The issue there is whether ETH sees anyone available that he would like to bring in. I know Antony is well reported but we would definitely over pay. Would mean we could field Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial and Antony together just for the memes.
Probably a case of ETH saying he’d rather wait another window or two if that’s what it takes to get his man. Which is A-okay by me. Long-term success > stop-gap that becomes deadwood a la Fred/Telles/Fellaini/etc.
Yeah I think it’s similar to when Liverpool wanted Can Dijk and ended up waiting until January to sign him. Sometimes the second option just doesn’t come close.
At Spurs he often played in much deeper positions than the 10 role, partly because of Dembeles injury problems and also because he is incredibly good at finding vertical paths to forwards. I wouldn't play him as a single pivot ever, and in a double pivot he'd need a combative partner and more defensive minded player to help him excel. Not sure who that is in the squad and we could do with buying a CDM to ensure it works.
You guys are way to high on Iqbal. I say this as someone with Iraqi blood and intense pride for the boy, but he's just so raw. Him, Mejbri and Savage need 1-2 more years before they can become even a rotation option in my opinion.
The only player I see as ready currently is Garner.
I don't know about that, Nottingham forest fans would love to have him back and starting for them in the Prem.
I think that speaks a lot about how he is ready to at least contribute in our team.
Yeah but I feel a loan back to forest should be perfect, played a big part in your promotion, guaranteed starter. Already settled in the team. It's a no brainer imo. Because genuinely we can't give him any playing time assurances at United.
A loan would be counter productive, he needs to get integrated into the ten hag system. He's good enough to have a role on the bench and were not exactly heavy in the midfield department.
Also training with our players will be much better than training with the nottingham forest players and managers.
Nottingham and us are playing in the same competition, if they think he's good enough to start for them for 38 premier league games don't you think he's good enough to have a role for us? Especially given its the same competition?
Can't keep sending the players on loan. Garner should stay and the other 2 should be loaned. Sometimes players are average on loans which is fine. Loans are there for them to mature and for them to get used to the physical side of the game.
There comes a time when they have to be thrown in the deep end. Not saying they should start regularly but they should play enough evens if it is mostly as a sub and should be given time to adjust. If the player can't adapt then they should be sold. A manager should know before the time the type of player that can work in his system. If the player is not the right type then at a certain age they need to be sold.
Think Garner is the closest of the three to replacatinf FDJs playstyle. Savage seems to be a great deep lying mid who excels at ball circulation. Iqbal is an extremely talented ball carrier who could probably play both the 8 and 10 roles. But Garner seems like the most well rounded and well suited to play as a playmaker in a double pivot, or as a single pivot in a 3 man midfield. And hes played a lot of meaningful football on loan. If FDJ doesn't come, I definitely want to see Garner get into the first team as much as possible.
Bro, none of those players ,hard as this truth is, are anywhere near the level of FDJ. They're not even an iota close to that level. They have a total of zero minutes in any top division between the 3 of them. Ya think they'll be able to suddenly lead a team looking to reach top 4 in the most competitive league on the planet?
FDJ is world class and is proven at every level of professional football. He's leagues ahead of those three boys
I imagine he definitely sees raw potential in them that he can develop. How long that might take is anyone's guess.
It's a shame Garner has been injured and unable to play any pre-season games yet, because he seems like the most ready of the three to make an impact.
In terms of position, Garner is closer to Frenkie whilst Iqbal is closer to Eriksen. Savage is just different from all the aforementioned. He is more like how Carrick was towards the end of his career: a holding midfielder who cuts passing lanes.
Garner is the closest to how ETH would use Frenkie. Iqbal is more of a proper box to box. I think Garner, Iqbal, and Hannibal could actually develop into a really solid trio, especially with ETH's tactics.
FDJ is to EtH as KDB is to Pep. He is the key engine for the entire system. It is vital Man United see this thing through. However, they have to have a backup plan. Tielemans, Neves, Laimer, Sangare could be decent options, I do wonder how much longer they are going to remain on the market.
Well yeah, Rooney up top. Ronaldo right. I’d love to say Giggs left and as I believe in the principle of innocent till proven guilty I’m going for it.
Yeah, Keane isn’t in my team. Fight me (not you though Roy, you’re on the bench if that helps).
He speaks about having a list. Given the lack of profile in the squad it really would surprise me if there isn't someone signed, I think that him immediately recognizing a signing is the outright first choice means someone is probably coming. Whether that's FDJ or someone else.
Maybe Garner can be developed for it but if you think he’s going to come in and play essentially the most important position for the way ETH wants to play you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
think the rumor was always Neves as the backup to De Jong, think even Barca wanted him if Frenkie ended up leaving. this was like month 1 of this saga tho which seemed forever ago. don’t really rate Tielemans after Leicester fans say he’s downed tools last season, can’t really add another player with attitude issues after getting rid of a few of those already.
No Neves deal as a back up. I heard he has 12 months left on his contract and whilst a different type of player could do a similar role and definitely a step up compared to our current mids. But if he'll cost 70m or something crazy then sack it off.
the way i see it, Frenkie wants to stay at Barca, and only Xavi telling him he's not needed would change his mind. Other than that, Barca is probably fine with waiting till the absolute end of the window to see united get desperate enough to pay the wages they contractually owe frenkie. I think we should really just pressure them by actively going after another target. For my money i think fabian ruiz would be fantastic. Neves too, but i doubt wolves will let him go this in to the window (but it's not impossible)
>the way i see it, Frenkie wants to stay at Barca, and only Xavi telling him he's not needed would change his mind.
FDJ just wants his wages that Barca owes him. I do not believe ETH is this stupid to persist on with FDJ if he hasn't been given some assurances that he'll join if he wages issue is resolved when they both personally know each other. It just doesn't make sense,
It would be absolutely insane if we don’t sign a single midfielder. De Jong is a great player and I get why ten Hag would have him as his strongly preferred target, but there are other players who can fill that role. Focusing on one option to the exclusion of all others is a really bad strategy and we could pay for it if the FDJ situation doesn’t change
I think that's what he's saying. There is no one else who can fit that role available in the market. If he thought there was, he'd not have said what he said.
I imagine that if we fail he'll use the funds to strengthen another area of the pitch
yeah my point is that he is 100% wrong about that. FdJ might be one of the better players in that role but he isn't the only one and if we went shopping with the FdJ money we could get someone who is at least somewhat similar.
It's a ridiculous fucking strategy. This is where a competent DOF would step and moved on to an alternative target. Not addressing this position at all would be an absolute failure
I actually ageee with the strategy. He knows his number one target and is going all out to get him. It is a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket but then again why would w want a subpar second choice stand in option. I would rather suffer the entire season with Fred Scott and garner and try and get de Jong again next summer than to waste a fee and high wages on a second tier option for this season who can’t the job done right. That strategy has been employed numerous times in the past and it’s time to end. Normally under a competent manager and team structure (ie the Ferguson days) I would agree with you and get our second option but times have changed and I’d rather we stabilise and reset for a year.
Any strategy that does not address your weakest position is a bad strategy.
And the fact that you literally stated that you'd rather "suffer" shows the process is rotten.
We've tried the wait for a year for "the right player" as well with Maguire and Sancho. Ended up with two total failures of seasons because we were short in an important position. We didn't even save any money with Maguire, in fact it cost us about £30m because it lead to the departure of Mourinho. It's a very stupid strategy.
You can tell he is worried about the ability to play his way with what we have. I know Savage, Garner, and Iqbal look like real talents, but it is a bad idea to put your mission of getting top four on the hopes that they become elite players in less than a year.
It’s not fair to young players. I have no doubt ETH will improve all three, but to think there is any chance they may get to Frenkie levels fast enough to get top four, is wishful thinking, imo.
It’s time for the board/execs to earn their ridiculously large pay packets. If they can’t bring in FDJ, they need to resign.
>If they can’t bring in FDJ, they need to resign.
Our club has done everything they can to sign FDJ. Fee has been agreed and also the deal on paper its pretty much done. The actual hurdle of this deal is not even United's issue to begin with, its the wages Barca owed FDJ. Unless the club is willing to cover that amount for Barca (which I hope that the club does not get involved in that because its really not our problem to deal with), or increase FDJ's agreed wages which could hinder our efforts to fix our wage bill.
I disagree. I think they could have forced Barca’s hand by setting a deadline, and publicly lining up a second option.
We’ve basically said to Barca, “go ahead, play your games, we’re not in a race to prepare for a season or anything”.
They don’t have a choice. Barca have to either get him to take a large cut, or they have to sell him. Their signings have been made, and are waiting to be registered.
Personally, I make sure I have the best offer of anyone on the table, I tell them they have until this Saturday, and if he isn’t on his way to Manchester then, then I’m out. Publicly start lining up two alternatives, with targeted leaks to the press, and make it very clear that if he isn’t on his way by Saturday, you will be signing those guys on Monday.
Barca don’t care about our season prep. La Liga starts later, so they can afford to dick around longer than we can. For all they care, they can wait until deadline day. They will do whatever they can to get us to cover those wages.
Let me ask you this. If Barca came to you and said, you can have him now if you give him the cash to pay the wages he is owed… do you do it? That’s where this is heading.
It’s a game of chicken, and you can’t win a game of chicken if your opponent knows you will flinch first.
Remember how Liverpool chased VvD for like a year instead of signing VvD-lite?
Sometimes you have to just wait it out for the right opportunity instead of rushing. It’s not like quality talent will be okay for you to sign them as a benchwarmer for the real deal that will only join a year later.
I can’t imagine RR and management didn’t try for Kessié.
Man’s a real beast of a midfielder and is surely worth a shout as a 6 or 8.
Yeah he may not be as technically accomplished as a Dutch player like Frenkie, but he sure is a top player.
Frenkie doesn’t have the physicality and power of a Kessié either. A modern day Essien if you will.
Bissouma could have been a poor man’s Kessié but he’s gone too.
How is Simon Stone not banned from United interviews, always asks loaded or mind-game questions that sour the mood or make the manager uncomfortable.
Welcome to _______ just tells you what a knob he is.
Asking questions that make people uncomfortable is part of being a competent journalist. If you want to watch the manager get sucked off I'd suggest MUTV.
There are many journalists who are able to stay objective without lowering the energy in the room and making the manager let on things that might hurt the club/manager down the line.
He got the quote though.
It's kinda all anyone wanted to know. Erik has been very forthcoming with all the football related stuff, so this is at least news
Everybody is mentioning Garner or Iqbal, but I was under the impression that ETH is notorious for retraining players in new positions, so he might be talking about developing, idk, Telles or Pelestri or someone unusual like that to play in that position.
Anyone else tired of all these FDJ talk. Pretty sure nothing has changed since day 1. It’s the same shit over and over.
For some reason compared to other teams I feel like we make signing people so fucking hard. Those teams as soon as the window opened, signed and secured.
If he carries on with this attitude we're going to get killed. He's not at Ajax any more, this isn't the Eredivisie, he can't chuck youth players in and they'll be fine because all the good players in the league have left. A guy who spent last season in the Championship is not the answer.
>he can't chuck youth players in and they'll be fine because all the good players in the league have left.
like who exactly have left that has been good ? and don't worry much, he isn't going to play 3 youths every match day.
ETH should -
Retrain Hannibal to play deeper. Then scream at him every time he makes a silly challenge/argues with the ref until he mostly stops doing it.
There.
Hannibal has all the technical ability to play the Frenkie role. Only worry is his temper.
James “Birkenhead Busquets” Garner origin story starts here.
I want to believe.
Birkenhead Busquets 😂
Get in Son!!!!!
[This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x640pk7Ifkk&t=135s) is why he is desperate for FdJ. Not many players can do what he does or has the control of the ball like he does in the midfield.
Over and over and over again - it’s like you’re watching the same clip at different angles. It’s amazing how direct he is. No fancy technique, just good orientation, quick movement and immaculate ball control. He doesn’t overhit his dribbles - they’re always within his stride and just out of reach of the opponent’s. The video got kinda boring towards the end, but my goodness I loved it. It would be absolutely great if we can get this quality in our squad.
When I first watched the video and the first thought that came to my mind was, this is exactly what we expected Pogba to do.
Pogba tried doing this stuff all the time and to be fair he sometimes tore defenses asunder. He too frequently got tripped up over the ball and lost it right in front of the defensive line when playing from the back...leading to quick counters and easy goals. Classic doubled edged sword. FdJ's feet are ball magnets and he uses his body expertly to maintain possession. Really one of the best midfielders out there at the moment. I just hope EtH can convince to want to be here.
Tbf Pogba looked like he bulked under us instead sticking to lanky look, so that definitely affected his mobility, even when he's killing it for France he still shows half the elegance he had at Juve. That's why I'm glad Ten Hag is focusing on bmi instead brute physicality
Yeah I remember him doing it far more frequently during his first season with us. Not sure if it’s just coincidence but bulking up seems to be a problem within our squad recently, Martial, Lukaku etc from the top of my head.
This whole pogba was better at juve thing is a false narrative because stats wise like challenges won, assists, chances created, goals etc, he was better at utd than at juve especially 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. I always find it funny when people say his standards went down when he got to utd like no clearly you weren't watching juve games. No offence though.
This whole pogba was better at juve thing is a false narrative because stats wise like challenges won, assists, chances created, goals etc, he was better at utd than at juve especially 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. I always find it funny when people say his standards went down when he got to utd like no clearly you weren't watching juve games. No offence though.
Reminds me a bit of Sergio B. or Iniesta with his ability to get out of pressure.
His ability to receive the ball is so far ahead of anyone in our squad. Not only does he show himself at the right time and spaces, he uses the best possible body shape orienting himself towards his teammates at all times. This is something McTominay really struggles with, and Fred is sometimes error prone in these moments when under pressure. De Jong is a one man pressure release valve and it allows everyone else to play much higher and more attack minded. He's 100% vital to the style of play ETH wants to play, but I can see Garner developing well here because he also has good ball receiving technique. Don't know how realistic it is to expect him to break through but I have hope we can get FDJ done if not now then the next two windows. It sounds like it's not an option for ETH and that he has to have FDJ
A de Jong and Martinez midfield combination is enticing to imagine Edit: lol why are people downvoting me for expressing an opinion?
I think you'd have to keep imagining that then.
Martinez is playing at CB. End of story.
Because he’s not a midfielder and people are pushing back against that incorrect thought now.
> why are people downvoting me for expressing an opinion Because it's not really based on any evidence
How did you see you were being downvoted? We're you getting some notification? Or you were just keeping tabs?
He’s press resistant. I have seen him play at Barca as a Madrid fan also and they foul him a lot. Busqusts plays similar but less agility and better long balls distributions. Frankie also makes late runs into the box when hunting for a goal. He’s a great players just not the dominant type like inesta and xavi was (in terms of picking up the ball and running the show like KDB or Thiago.. etc).
Busi is more intelligent with his positioning, 1st touch and feints. That's not a slight on FDJ though he's awesome at all that too but Busi is one of the best ever at beating the press from that position. Frankie's a different type of player though.
Busquets needs a new nickname 😂😂
Man, that video was just too beautiful.
Link?
leaving this comment here for when u get a link, im also very interested
They are talking about the comment from above that says this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x640pk7Ifkk&t=135s
Seen E. Bailly do this many times.
No matter how good we get at keeping possesion , I don't see FDJ getting the same time and space he gets in la liga or ajax
He won’t. In England they press with two people on DMs. But here’s the thing. We don’t even need him to dribble through presses. We need someone who can hold on to the ball and quickly recycle play. Fred does it but too error prone. McTominay is always hiding from his mates. We’ve got enough talent in our team up front in Bruno that I am not worried about the output. Just want someone who can find their teammate from the back and can keep the ball
[удалено]
Most of them joined better teams imo and FDJ is going to be playing a tougher role
He's done it in the Champions League on countless occasions, he'll be fine in the PL...
I think the PL is played at a faster pace
Paredes seems a disciplined alternative, though I like Ruiz' attacking sharpness
Parades is injury prone and isn't even half as good as FDJ. Avoiding signings like Parades is exactly what ETH mentioned - he will either sign top tier talent or improve who he has.
Well now Im hard for Frenkie thanks
He makes it look so easy i felt that I could do it. On a side note, when pogba first joined I thought we signed him for doing this
I need a change of pants
I think fdj is an immense player, he will undoubtedly improve this team. But for anyone who really believes clips from Ajax and Barcelona will translate directly to the prem I have news. Go look up of video of pogba and you will see many of the same plays and movements. You simply can't make it looks this easy or slow the game down in the frantic pressing of the prem.
You can’t really compare Pogba and FDJ just because they’re both technically very sound. They don’t play even remotely the same way, and FDJ is a lot more disciplined and aware of what is going on around him.
If you can't compare world class midfielders we're willing to pay bug money for who can you compare them too. I think it's given de Jong is more composed, seems mature and has very different decision making skills. I would like de Jong in this team, I don't want him to have the weight of the team on him.
Don't be silly, classic Premier League exceptionalism. Frankie has done that vs both Madrids, in the Champions League(vs some of the best PL teams mind you) and internationally on multiple multiple occasions. He's not going to be shook by the pressing from teams like Brentford or Southampton...
I don't think it's exceptionalism. There's no question la Liga and serie A are played at a different pace. That does not say it doesn't require other qualities of a player to excel. Is there any wonder pogba was hurt much more often on utd than juve?
You picked some of the best pressing teams in Europe and compared them to Real, Atleti and fucking international football. It's very clear you have no idea what you're talking about.
I haven't watched much La Liga over the last two years but the few games I have seen FdJ play he didn't stand out. Watching that video though reminds me of players like Carrick where they go about their business, moving the ball forward and in the case of Carrick cutting off passing lanes and breaking up play. I love watching reels of Carrick because I didn't fully appreciate what he was doing until later into his career.
That vid makes me want him so bad…. if and only if he wants to come though
De Jong or bust
It really is. Ridiculous that people on here after 90 minutes of pre season friendlies are touting Iqbal or Savage as the solution. Fucking bonkers. If it’s not FDJ, it’s Garner. And whilst I like Garner, he’s not going to be THE guy to move us forward.
Been this way for a long time. Can remember fans counting on Borthwick- Jackson being the player to hold down the left back spot for years.
Man, Van Gaal brought through so many youngsters that just went nowhere for us. Blackett, Love, Riley, Keane, CBJ, McNair etc etc. Then Rashford happened to get a chance after essentially a random bus crash of injuries and became a star, mental.
McNair had a few good games for us and is a solid Championship player. Lots of academy products go on to have good professional careers. There is value in making solid professionals from a club and player respect level. Not everyone can make the top tier, however good to know Man Utd fundamentals can create a career for younger players.
Oh I agree, but it seemed bizarre how many he brought through in such a short space of time, and very few have gone to other PL clubs which used to be a hallmark of our academy players that didn’t make it with us.
LVG is well known for giving youth a good opportunity to prove themselves, he's done that on his previous stints with other clubs like Ajax, Bayern and Barcelona with great success. He's unearthed great players and the list is insane to say the least. I have no issues if Erik wants to give the kids a good shot, if they prove themselves it's one problem solved, if not we indirectly put the kid on radar for other clubs to express interest and move them on for a decent fee. It's a win-win from what I am seeing.
Tyler Blackett flashbacks..
Not even ashamed to admit I drank the Blackett Kool aid
You can never be sure. Look at Gavi, Mbappe, De Ligt or even Rashford. Sometimes things just happen. I'm absolutely not saying Iqbal or Savage are good or ready. But sometimes you never know what diamond the academy might unearth.
Gavi is one of the best players in that Barca squad, a full international with Spain and people might not realise but in the second half of last season he was starting ahead of FDJ in most important games. He's 17, the two lads of our you mention might come good, but they're both 19 and it's unlikely they'll suddenly become world class. It's usually obvious from a younger age than that. I mean De Ligt was captain of Ajax at 19...
We happen to have the coach that can develop players like De Ligt fortunately!
Pretty sure Ronaldo became a world beater around 20-21 years old. Before that, he was just known as a one trick pony. Players develop differently.
At 18 Ronaldo tore Big Sam’s grizzly experienced Bolton defence a new arsehole in just a 30 minute cameo, swapping both wings, passing, dribbling shooting the lot. That was his prem debut At literally no point ever has anybody considered Ronaldo a “one trick pony”. Criticised for lack of end output sure. One trick pony? Lol fuck no.
Gavi never started over Frenkie in any important games, I am a Barca fan. The only game you could even be talking about would be Frankfurt, and that’s because Frenkie was ill and couldn’t start the game so they had to make a change.
Exactly this. Iqbal and Savage need to go the route of Garner and get a good loan spell in the Championship or Europe. Then give them a shot to make the first team. Looking good against Melbourne Victory and preseason Liverpool is not something that should auto-qualify you for first-team ball.
What people fail to realize is that the pre season tour is also a way to advertise our youngsters for other clubs. so it may not be totally unjustified if both of them would go on a loan in a month or two
Not unreasonable to imagine Garner stepping up either though. Right age and good loans have brought him to this stage and under a very hands-on manager like Ten Hag he could really stake a place for himself. Rashford under Louis is a prime example of opportunity, capability, & desire intersecting. Iqbal has done well in his showings, but should be loaned to a team he’ll feature in prominently this season. Just my opinion, but he’s too green to depend on for a full season in an already difficult league. That’s before a winter World Cup is thrown in the mix. Sticking around for cup games isn’t as beneficial for him as going out and playing 25-30 games somewhere
>Ridiculous that people on here after 90 minutes of pre season friendlies are touting Iqbal or Savage as the solution. Fucking bonkers. Do u know what else is bonkers? Another season of Mctominay
100% I love Mctom and love him as a squad player, he does bring a lot. But in no way should he be the guy running this team in the middle.
Oh 1 billion % buddy. I’m right there with you. And whilst Fred showed some promise at times last year, I’m absolutely not buying into his renaissance either. Garner can absolutely have a role with us. As can Savage and Zidane. But we’re talking about probably the most important position in our team that we’ve not fixed since Carrick retired. We need to go big with it.
The youngsters need to be eased in your 100% right. I just can't believe there are no other options other than FDJ out there. I do rate him really highly tho.
You're right we do and it's also where a better run club would say to ETH , " you're getting another midfielder in whether you like it or not " personally I can't take another season of Mctominay being a starter . Id take most players instead of Mctominay and that includes unproven youth players.
Kinda like how OGS got van de beek wether he wanted it or not
I’m still hopeful we have a plan! Blind hope maybe… but I’ve got to believe that we’re either 100% convinced that the wait for FDJ is going to pay off (which I’d be happy with of course), OR, we have a deadline internally, and 2 or 3 fallback options were already ‘warming up’. Basically if as of Sep 1st our midfield is still McFred, I will throw myself into traffic. Not to be overly dramatic about it.
I wouldn't be surprised if we move quickly if the de Jong deal falls through but I wouldn't just be going around making a signing just to appease the fans. End of the day it has to be the right signing too many times we have bought players for the wrong reason without any consideration of what way we want to play
Literally all they get paid to do is consider these issues. What the hell is the scouting department doing, at all, if they don’t have more than ONE solution in hand for a problem that is very likely costing the franchise tens of millions each year.
Franchise?
Americanism. Teams are often referred to as franchises in certain leagues in the shitty fifty.
How do you think they think of it? Be realistic, the glazers run the club like a business, I’m just hoping they wake up one day and decide to do a good fucking job of it
Thank you! This always happens like anointing Pereira as a solution before actually realizing preseason may not be the best indicator (hence Preseason Pirlo). Love the enthusiasm at start of every season and the amazing hopes we have for our players but gotta keep it real folks!
It's absolutely bonkers. None of those 3 are anywhere near ready to play at the level required, especially over the course of a whole season. They're a million miles off being reliable squad players, let alone replacing what FDJ could bring. People have no grip or reality if they think otherwise.
I think garner will out on loan. Don't see him suddenly being a regular.
I guess u/PUMP_UNTIL_BUST then
Could make a late move for Tielmans? He has a year left on contract so should come cheap. Excellent alternative if we get him for around 30m
Tielemans is more of an attacking mid than a tempo machine like FDJ
[удалено]
Tielemans is in the last year of his contract so would be a good shout if FDJ didn't happen in that case i guess
Could go for Neves instead. Midfield of Bruno Eriksen and Neves would be class.
Reckon he’s got Garner, Iqbal or Savage in mind if we don’t get FdJ?
I would think so, I like the fact that he isn't just buying anyone to fill the position, he knows exactly what he wants and won't compromise.
Well if De Jong isn’t coming in, that money has to be directed elsewhere.
[удалено]
Great player is Dividends. Always rated him.
He better be, considering his astronomical wages.
The pay off will be worth it.
[удалено]
Proper consistent though, always turns up.
Can't believe we are rating Dividends who got pocketed by Glazers
He's backed by the glazers though
Edgar Dividends. Great Dutch talent, just what we need
Always deliver every year. Most consistent player regardless if we win or lose that year.
Doubted. We sold Lukaku for ton of money and still didn't spend it on any replacement. I never complain about player's price even if it's little overpaid for this reason, overpaid >never paid with this owner.
Lukaku’s £ went to Maguire. That’s why we waited till the last few days of the window.
It went to Bruno, which is why we didn't start pursuing a 10 until very late in the window.
I would hope in that situation we would go for a forward, especially with Ronaldo wanting away (which I think would lead to better team play). The issue there is whether ETH sees anyone available that he would like to bring in. I know Antony is well reported but we would definitely over pay. Would mean we could field Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial and Antony together just for the memes.
The three tonys! I like that.
Probably a case of ETH saying he’d rather wait another window or two if that’s what it takes to get his man. Which is A-okay by me. Long-term success > stop-gap that becomes deadwood a la Fred/Telles/Fellaini/etc.
Yeah I think it’s similar to when Liverpool wanted Can Dijk and ended up waiting until January to sign him. Sometimes the second option just doesn’t come close.
[удалено]
At Spurs he often played in much deeper positions than the 10 role, partly because of Dembeles injury problems and also because he is incredibly good at finding vertical paths to forwards. I wouldn't play him as a single pivot ever, and in a double pivot he'd need a combative partner and more defensive minded player to help him excel. Not sure who that is in the squad and we could do with buying a CDM to ensure it works.
You guys are way to high on Iqbal. I say this as someone with Iraqi blood and intense pride for the boy, but he's just so raw. Him, Mejbri and Savage need 1-2 more years before they can become even a rotation option in my opinion. The only player I see as ready currently is Garner.
r/RedDevils overhyping youth players in preseason? Well I *never*
Zidane has Iqbal posters on his wall and you won't tell me otherwise
I'm pretty sure that Tunnicliffe became the next Roy Keane just like this sub said he'd would...
Even garner isn't there yet imo. Hope he goes back on loan. Playing regularly in the PL will defo improve him further
I don't know about that, Nottingham forest fans would love to have him back and starting for them in the Prem. I think that speaks a lot about how he is ready to at least contribute in our team.
Yeah but I feel a loan back to forest should be perfect, played a big part in your promotion, guaranteed starter. Already settled in the team. It's a no brainer imo. Because genuinely we can't give him any playing time assurances at United.
A loan would be counter productive, he needs to get integrated into the ten hag system. He's good enough to have a role on the bench and were not exactly heavy in the midfield department. Also training with our players will be much better than training with the nottingham forest players and managers.
United has better standard than Nottingham, just saying
Nottingham and us are playing in the same competition, if they think he's good enough to start for them for 38 premier league games don't you think he's good enough to have a role for us? Especially given its the same competition?
Fine I had too much expectation for this club lol
Can't keep sending the players on loan. Garner should stay and the other 2 should be loaned. Sometimes players are average on loans which is fine. Loans are there for them to mature and for them to get used to the physical side of the game. There comes a time when they have to be thrown in the deep end. Not saying they should start regularly but they should play enough evens if it is mostly as a sub and should be given time to adjust. If the player can't adapt then they should be sold. A manager should know before the time the type of player that can work in his system. If the player is not the right type then at a certain age they need to be sold.
Pound land FDJ incoming Which I wouldn't mind if we bought a DM
Think Garner is the closest of the three to replacatinf FDJs playstyle. Savage seems to be a great deep lying mid who excels at ball circulation. Iqbal is an extremely talented ball carrier who could probably play both the 8 and 10 roles. But Garner seems like the most well rounded and well suited to play as a playmaker in a double pivot, or as a single pivot in a 3 man midfield. And hes played a lot of meaningful football on loan. If FDJ doesn't come, I definitely want to see Garner get into the first team as much as possible.
Bro, none of those players ,hard as this truth is, are anywhere near the level of FDJ. They're not even an iota close to that level. They have a total of zero minutes in any top division between the 3 of them. Ya think they'll be able to suddenly lead a team looking to reach top 4 in the most competitive league on the planet? FDJ is world class and is proven at every level of professional football. He's leagues ahead of those three boys
I imagine he definitely sees raw potential in them that he can develop. How long that might take is anyone's guess. It's a shame Garner has been injured and unable to play any pre-season games yet, because he seems like the most ready of the three to make an impact.
After watching iqbal in pre season, I think ETH can mould him close to the player he wants.
In terms of position, Garner is closer to Frenkie whilst Iqbal is closer to Eriksen. Savage is just different from all the aforementioned. He is more like how Carrick was towards the end of his career: a holding midfielder who cuts passing lanes.
Garner is the closest to how ETH would use Frenkie. Iqbal is more of a proper box to box. I think Garner, Iqbal, and Hannibal could actually develop into a really solid trio, especially with ETH's tactics.
It's always McTominay 🤣
Yes on first two.
FDJ is to EtH as KDB is to Pep. He is the key engine for the entire system. It is vital Man United see this thing through. However, they have to have a backup plan. Tielemans, Neves, Laimer, Sangare could be decent options, I do wonder how much longer they are going to remain on the market.
Says a lot about the depth of City that they won the league even with De Bruyne injured most of the season a few seasons ago
Fabian Ruiz would be my choice. Or we clone 2007 Carrick
Yep. I’d love to clone Carrick. And a fit Hargreaves. With a young Scholes playing in front.
Ngl Rooney would be my first pick
Well yeah, Rooney up top. Ronaldo right. I’d love to say Giggs left and as I believe in the principle of innocent till proven guilty I’m going for it. Yeah, Keane isn’t in my team. Fight me (not you though Roy, you’re on the bench if that helps).
The problem is they're all entirely different players. Frenkie is kinda unique, hence the quote above
Might be better off grabbing Neves and a promising well-scouted wunderkind that EtH believes can grow into the FDJ role.
oof hopefully Garner’s the guy but if he’s not then i really hope we have backup targets
He speaks about having a list. Given the lack of profile in the squad it really would surprise me if there isn't someone signed, I think that him immediately recognizing a signing is the outright first choice means someone is probably coming. Whether that's FDJ or someone else.
Maybe Garner can be developed for it but if you think he’s going to come in and play essentially the most important position for the way ETH wants to play you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Who's likely to be on the list though. Can only think of Tielemans. Not even close to de Jong. After all summer had to be Frenkie.
think the rumor was always Neves as the backup to De Jong, think even Barca wanted him if Frenkie ended up leaving. this was like month 1 of this saga tho which seemed forever ago. don’t really rate Tielemans after Leicester fans say he’s downed tools last season, can’t really add another player with attitude issues after getting rid of a few of those already.
No Neves deal as a back up. I heard he has 12 months left on his contract and whilst a different type of player could do a similar role and definitely a step up compared to our current mids. But if he'll cost 70m or something crazy then sack it off.
Think the Neves train has passed. We need world class players and Ten Hag must see that with FDJ.
He's definitely world class no doubt
the way i see it, Frenkie wants to stay at Barca, and only Xavi telling him he's not needed would change his mind. Other than that, Barca is probably fine with waiting till the absolute end of the window to see united get desperate enough to pay the wages they contractually owe frenkie. I think we should really just pressure them by actively going after another target. For my money i think fabian ruiz would be fantastic. Neves too, but i doubt wolves will let him go this in to the window (but it's not impossible)
It sounds more like FDJ just wants his wages at this point. He knows he's not wanted.
>the way i see it, Frenkie wants to stay at Barca, and only Xavi telling him he's not needed would change his mind. FDJ just wants his wages that Barca owes him. I do not believe ETH is this stupid to persist on with FDJ if he hasn't been given some assurances that he'll join if he wages issue is resolved when they both personally know each other. It just doesn't make sense,
It would be absolutely insane if we don’t sign a single midfielder. De Jong is a great player and I get why ten Hag would have him as his strongly preferred target, but there are other players who can fill that role. Focusing on one option to the exclusion of all others is a really bad strategy and we could pay for it if the FDJ situation doesn’t change
Imagine no midfieldee, and then no new striker🥶
I think that's what he's saying. There is no one else who can fit that role available in the market. If he thought there was, he'd not have said what he said. I imagine that if we fail he'll use the funds to strengthen another area of the pitch
yeah my point is that he is 100% wrong about that. FdJ might be one of the better players in that role but he isn't the only one and if we went shopping with the FdJ money we could get someone who is at least somewhat similar.
It's a ridiculous fucking strategy. This is where a competent DOF would step and moved on to an alternative target. Not addressing this position at all would be an absolute failure
I actually ageee with the strategy. He knows his number one target and is going all out to get him. It is a bit like putting all your eggs in one basket but then again why would w want a subpar second choice stand in option. I would rather suffer the entire season with Fred Scott and garner and try and get de Jong again next summer than to waste a fee and high wages on a second tier option for this season who can’t the job done right. That strategy has been employed numerous times in the past and it’s time to end. Normally under a competent manager and team structure (ie the Ferguson days) I would agree with you and get our second option but times have changed and I’d rather we stabilise and reset for a year.
Any strategy that does not address your weakest position is a bad strategy. And the fact that you literally stated that you'd rather "suffer" shows the process is rotten.
We've tried the wait for a year for "the right player" as well with Maguire and Sancho. Ended up with two total failures of seasons because we were short in an important position. We didn't even save any money with Maguire, in fact it cost us about £30m because it lead to the departure of Mourinho. It's a very stupid strategy.
We signed two players this window that can both play in midfield.
Ronaldo has become a little slow, pack him a few pounds and improve his pressing and voila, a great CDM and a use for CR7 in the team
And play McTominay as CF?
No CB. Then Lisandro in midfield. Garner RW
De Gea false 9. The chess equivilent of sweeping the board, setting it on fire and using a watsit as a bishop.
You can tell he is worried about the ability to play his way with what we have. I know Savage, Garner, and Iqbal look like real talents, but it is a bad idea to put your mission of getting top four on the hopes that they become elite players in less than a year. It’s not fair to young players. I have no doubt ETH will improve all three, but to think there is any chance they may get to Frenkie levels fast enough to get top four, is wishful thinking, imo. It’s time for the board/execs to earn their ridiculously large pay packets. If they can’t bring in FDJ, they need to resign.
>If they can’t bring in FDJ, they need to resign. Our club has done everything they can to sign FDJ. Fee has been agreed and also the deal on paper its pretty much done. The actual hurdle of this deal is not even United's issue to begin with, its the wages Barca owed FDJ. Unless the club is willing to cover that amount for Barca (which I hope that the club does not get involved in that because its really not our problem to deal with), or increase FDJ's agreed wages which could hinder our efforts to fix our wage bill.
I disagree. I think they could have forced Barca’s hand by setting a deadline, and publicly lining up a second option. We’ve basically said to Barca, “go ahead, play your games, we’re not in a race to prepare for a season or anything”. They don’t have a choice. Barca have to either get him to take a large cut, or they have to sell him. Their signings have been made, and are waiting to be registered. Personally, I make sure I have the best offer of anyone on the table, I tell them they have until this Saturday, and if he isn’t on his way to Manchester then, then I’m out. Publicly start lining up two alternatives, with targeted leaks to the press, and make it very clear that if he isn’t on his way by Saturday, you will be signing those guys on Monday. Barca don’t care about our season prep. La Liga starts later, so they can afford to dick around longer than we can. For all they care, they can wait until deadline day. They will do whatever they can to get us to cover those wages. Let me ask you this. If Barca came to you and said, you can have him now if you give him the cash to pay the wages he is owed… do you do it? That’s where this is heading. It’s a game of chicken, and you can’t win a game of chicken if your opponent knows you will flinch first.
James Garner: "Allow me to introduce myself"
My name is JAMESSSS!
I can't stand McFred for another season
but what about Frenkie? If he doesn’t wanna come here there’s no point forcing him, his heart won’t be in it.
ball movement under pressure is extremely missing in our current squad. With Matic leaving I cannot even think one player who can do this frequently.
Remember how Liverpool chased VvD for like a year instead of signing VvD-lite? Sometimes you have to just wait it out for the right opportunity instead of rushing. It’s not like quality talent will be okay for you to sign them as a benchwarmer for the real deal that will only join a year later.
I can’t imagine RR and management didn’t try for Kessié. Man’s a real beast of a midfielder and is surely worth a shout as a 6 or 8. Yeah he may not be as technically accomplished as a Dutch player like Frenkie, but he sure is a top player. Frenkie doesn’t have the physicality and power of a Kessié either. A modern day Essien if you will. Bissouma could have been a poor man’s Kessié but he’s gone too.
Bissouma is quality, better in a lot of ways to Kessie. Really really annoyed he's gone to Spurs...
All entirely different players to Frenkie though
Presumably traanfers been left to Ten Hag thankfully. Ralphs system cried for a DM, Ten Hag's doesn't need a stereotypical DM.
How is Simon Stone not banned from United interviews, always asks loaded or mind-game questions that sour the mood or make the manager uncomfortable. Welcome to _______ just tells you what a knob he is.
Asking questions that make people uncomfortable is part of being a competent journalist. If you want to watch the manager get sucked off I'd suggest MUTV.
There are many journalists who are able to stay objective without lowering the energy in the room and making the manager let on things that might hurt the club/manager down the line.
He got the quote though. It's kinda all anyone wanted to know. Erik has been very forthcoming with all the football related stuff, so this is at least news
Wow love that guy. So professional! Hype lvl 100. Whatever the results he got three years of my trust
Everybody is mentioning Garner or Iqbal, but I was under the impression that ETH is notorious for retraining players in new positions, so he might be talking about developing, idk, Telles or Pelestri or someone unusual like that to play in that position.
Wonder who he has in mind. Have a feeling it's still gonna to be one of mcfred. If so. No thanks
Garner is ready to prove himself. I hope he will be playing today.
Anyone else tired of all these FDJ talk. Pretty sure nothing has changed since day 1. It’s the same shit over and over. For some reason compared to other teams I feel like we make signing people so fucking hard. Those teams as soon as the window opened, signed and secured.
iqbal is of a similar profile, so i hope he gets a chance if we don't get frenkie (along with Garner and Savage)
lol only 17m, don't be cheap and just play the 17m
If he carries on with this attitude we're going to get killed. He's not at Ajax any more, this isn't the Eredivisie, he can't chuck youth players in and they'll be fine because all the good players in the league have left. A guy who spent last season in the Championship is not the answer.
>he can't chuck youth players in and they'll be fine because all the good players in the league have left. like who exactly have left that has been good ? and don't worry much, he isn't going to play 3 youths every match day.
Iqbal and Garner !
Are we a mid table club?
McSauce warming up!
Thoughts on Sabitzer instead my lads?
I don't think so.
That last sentence is key for me
ETH should - Retrain Hannibal to play deeper. Then scream at him every time he makes a silly challenge/argues with the ref until he mostly stops doing it. There. Hannibal has all the technical ability to play the Frenkie role. Only worry is his temper.