Carrick is United's Number One Midfielder

Mozza · 26th March 2008, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Nah, I think you're being a bit hasty. Don't forget the operation on his knee. It's only natural he would take a few games to get back in the run of things. He was great against Liverpool. If he kicks on from there then we know he's back to his best. If not then maybe you have a point.

The thing about keane is that he was carrying an injury (to his hip) for the last couple of seasons and his game was always based on power and aggression, which was a problem when he started to struggle physically. Scholesy is a more subtle player and doesn't have any chronic injuries. I reckon he's got another season in him at the highest level. But yeah, Carrick is running him close this season.

But he's slow and always has been, age makes him slower still.

Sam#1 · 26th March 2008, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesBrownIsAGod

Don't mention that fucking name

I meant Hargo, Harry, Owen, OH, Hargs

Pogue Mahone · 26th March 2008, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozza

But he's slow and always has been, age makes him slower still.

Age would be far more of a problem if he relied on being quick in the first place. You don't miss what you never had.

That's why Teddy Sheringham was still playing professional football in his late 60s (near enough anyway)

Pogue Mahone · 26th March 2008, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam#1

I meant Hargo, Harry, Owen, OH, Hargs

Hold it right there, young Sam.

Sam#1 · 26th March 2008, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Hold it right there, young Sam.

CARRICK!

Mozza · 26th March 2008, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Age would be far more of a problem if he relied on being quick in the first place. You don't miss what you never had.

That's why Teddy Sheringham was still playing professional football in his late 60s (near enough anyway)

Teddy was also 6 foot tall and played upfront

Scholes is becoming slower and weaker in an era where midfields are getting quicker and stronger, his lack of pace and defensive ability has always effected us, Keano could cope in a two man midfield and so can Carrick in a different way against some teams but not in Europe, we have to play a 3 man midfield if we play Scholes

Pogue Mahone · 26th March 2008, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozza

Teddy was also 6 foot tall and played upfront

Scholes is becoming slower and weaker in an era where midfields are getting quicker and stronger, his lack of pace and defensive ability has always effected us, Keano could cope in a two man midfield and so can Carrick in a different way against some teams but not in Europe, we have to play a 3 man midfield if we play Scholes

Not last season we didn't. And I seriously doubt his pace has reduced so dramatically, in the space of a year, that this is suddenly no longer an option.

As for Teddy playing up front, I always thought that, if anything, pace was more important up front than it is in midfield.

ralphie88 · 26th March 2008, 20:01

Carrick is, however, not the new Roy Keane.

Feedingseagulls · 26th March 2008, 20:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam#1

Scholes is our best, Carrick is our second best.

Carrick makes mistakes, and has poor performances, just like every other player.

I hope this helps.

Agree with 'bolded' part - underlined part depends on what extra you want from the midfield - or whether they are trying to be a Scholes-replacement in his absence, etc. etc. 'Horses for courses etc.'

Feedingseagulls · 26th March 2008, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozza

He was right to let him go, he moved to support his fullback which any other midfielder would

Surely this would then apply to ANY midfielder in a similar situation?

Feedingseagulls · 26th March 2008, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesBrownIsAGod

Don't mention that fucking name

I got the (vague) impression that I was the only one specifically not allowed to do so...

... despite the more general nature of the edict. (Use Google?)

Feedingseagulls · 26th March 2008, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphie88

Carrick is, however, not the new Roy Keane.

Seconded.

Mozza · 26th March 2008, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Not last season we didn't. And I seriously doubt his pace has reduced so dramatically, in the space of a year, that this is suddenly no longer an option.

As for Teddy playing up front, I always thought that, if anything, pace was more important up front than it is in midfield.

Certainly in the champions league, he'd be overwhelmed by Roma if we played a 2 man midfield in a weeks time, he found it tough enough last season.

Mozza · 26th March 2008, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feedingseagulls

Surely this would then apply to ANY midfielder in a similar situation?

Hargreaves wasn't in the same situation, if thats what you're trying to hint at

Pogue Mahone · 26th March 2008, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozza

Certainly in the champions league, he'd be overwhelmed by Roma if we played a 2 man midfield in a weeks time, he found it tough enough last season.

Yes. A 3-man midfield is the best tactic in Europe, against teams like Roma. Something Fergie is very aware of. This is exactly the formation we will use in a couple of weeks time.

Mozza · 26th March 2008, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pogue Mahone

Yes. A 3-man midfield is the best tactic in Europe, against teams like Roma. Something Fergie is very aware of. This is exactly the formation we will use in a couple of weeks time.

A 3 man midfield is not necessarily the best plan in the champions league, the 7-1 was a two man midfield, we've also had a number of shite performances turn good after switching from a 451 to a 2 man midfield in europe, Scholes leaves us no choice but to play 3 in midfield

MadDogg · 27th March 2008, 19:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam#1

Everyone know hows big a fan of Carrick I am, but I can simply not agree with that. For me, Scholes is still the master, while Carrick, the very talented apprentice.

Scholes regularly controls games in a way Carrick has only done a few times, and Scholes does it against the best. Yes, Carrick is better defensively, but Scholes is more important to the team then Carrick IMO.

The problem is that there are definite signs that Scholes is heavily reliant on Carrick, much more than Carrick is on Scholesy.

Scholes had a fairly poor few seasons leading up to the 06/07 season. We signed Carrick, and Scholes proceeded to have arguably his best ever season (perhaps 2nd best after 02/03). Then at the beginning of this season Carrick was dreadfully out of form, and Scholes struggled. As Carrick's form slowly improved, Scholes also was able to influence the game more. Then of course they both got injured, with Carrick coming back first. When Scholes did come back, he was partnered with Carrick in his first match and was sublime. Then he had five or so matches with other midfielders and struggled a bit. Against Liverpool he was once again partnered with Carrick and once again he was fantastic.

Co-incidence? Obviously Carrick does help Scholes play better, we all know that. But I think it's to a much bigger degree than what most realise.

Carrick is the glue that holds it together. Without him, Scholes, although more talented, finds it difficult to exercise that talent.

MadDogg · 27th March 2008, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozza

A 3 man midfield is not necessarily the best plan in the champions league, the 7-1 was a two man midfield

Yes and no. It was a crystal clear 4231, with Giggs basically playing the same role as what Anderson did against Liverpool and Arsenal. Anderson was dropping back a little deeper, but it wasn't that much different. And hopefully as he feels more comfortable he can move forward a little more into exactly the same spot that Giggs played that game at.

Of course, it could be said that Anderson had to drop a little deeper since it was Scholes and Carrick in the midfield rather than Fletcher and Carrick. But I think it was more just him dropping back on his own accord.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 27th March 2008, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mozza

He was right to let him go, he moved to support his fullback which any other midfielder would

But when the player you hate does it is wrong eh?

KingEric7 · 27th March 2008, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphie88

Carrick is, however, not the new Roy Keane.

Keane is a different order of being altogether, in fairness. It's an unfair comparison. I think Essien's probably the closest thing you're gonna get to the new Roy Keane.
Carrick is a fantastic player, though.

26th March 2008, 20:01	#168 (permalink)
ralphie88 Bitterer than a bitter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Stretford Posts: 7,185	Carrick is, however, not the new Roy Keane.