Hargreaves - one signing too many?

kf

The problem I have with Hargreaves is that there aren't that many games in which Manchester United need to worry about nullifying an opposition central midfielder. Most games we play, the opposition's midfield have enough to worry about and keep them occupied with stopping our players. The games where Hargreaves is likely to be effective are big games though. In an ideal world he would only play in the games he's needed for. That's not practical though - he has to play in other games simply to remain match ready - and because of his limitations he's actually a liability in the other games he plays. He slows our game down because he isn't able to play the quick passing football that is the essence of our attacking threat.

People compare Hargreaves' performance to Carrick on Saturday and complain that Carrick was losing the ball. But the fact is that Carrick was attempting more ambitious passes than Hargreaves in a bid to feed the attack. Hargreaves is as likely to pass a ball he's just won in midfield back to Rio - he'll tend to choose a safe less ambitious option which keeps possession but doesn't carry any attacking threat.

So for me, Hargreaves has to develop a more ambitious approach to the game which is in line with what we'd expect of a United midfield player. Not saying he can't do it but until he does he's going to be of limited value to us.

Psmith

Chief, who were you supporting in 1999?

pathfinder

what are you all fucking moaning about ? Hargreaves plays for Manchester United ,if you like it or not. get over it for fucks sake. Carrick v Hargreaves shit is really getting up my arse. They are both quality players. And both worthy of playing for United. Now as far as I am concerned, Anderson is the sensation... and should be playing alongside Scholes week in week out. But eh.. Sir Alex knows what types of players he needs in certain games. Thats why he bought those two !! And he knows a lot more than you twats do. The majority of Sir Ferguson's flops didn't flop because of talent. They just couldnt hack it in the premier league.. or England. take your pick. And all those who say he is better.. or that other guy is better, maybe your right, but maybe those players could not come... or did not want to come to United. So hey .. live with it. And get behind them both. Mongs

choiboyx012

good point. as much as it seems that he's had a mixed season so far, he's done pretty well considering he had to jump right in partnering some young brazilian kid in midfield, which is much harder to adapt to than a winger or striker who can usually come right into a team and impress

REd FUn DevIl

Cant believe this thread doesnt end.

ffs

Wes

Michael Carrick.


That is all.

choiboyx012

paul scholes

that is all

Sultan

I blame this thread on Makelele and Gattuso

redender

Blame it on Stevie Wonder.... campaigning for blind equality.

sonymobby

The fact that they can actually read the game and pass the ball to the other players without affecting the fluidity of the team? Or the fact that with them the defense is actually more solid? At least 6 of the goals scored against us, were conceded with Hargreaves in the team. Bolton, West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham. Our team doesn't function as well when he plays. I don't know why but this is clearly seen.

peterstorey

But I'll blame it on the sun,
The sun that didn't shine,
I'll blame it on the wind and the trees.
I'll blame it on the time that never was enough,
I'll blame it on the tide and the sea,
But, my heart blames it on Hargreaves

acnumber9

How were Bayern not favourites? They'd come away from the away leg with two away goals. There's no way AC Milan were favourites after that.

REd FUn DevIl

So the goals were all Hargreaves fault. You are wise, you should replace Fergie now.

You are the Gandalf of football.

acnumber9

I think the problem is that despite playing okay against those teams he struggled with average midfielders such as Mark Noble and Hayden Mullins. He has good and bad games as any player and has displayed no level of consistency whatsoever. Hargreaves is destined to be a player who splits opinion, much like Carrick has for the past year and a half.

Lizard King

If he starts against City I will be pissed off, I want 90 minutes of attacking football so we smash the cunts.

sonymobby

Actually, you're a moron because you're changing my words to make a funny line. I said that because of Hargreaves our defense is less stable. Read better next time.

Sultan

Without Makelele and Guttoso being so influential in their roles (defensive midfielders), I doubt United would have plundered 18 Million on a limited player. Fergie should have kept faith with our traditional style of playing.

REd FUn DevIl

Whatever you say man, you know more than everyone.

Lizard King

He invites pressure onto our defense in a 2-man midfield.

People are failing to look at the bigger picture - against Spurs he did his duties ok (except he can't read the game) but look what he did to the rest of the team. It was effectively Scholes vs Jenas & Huddlestone as Hargreaves was so far away from play.

If he wasn't so quick he'd be completely useless.

Sultan

If that's the attitude, there's no need for a forum.

sonymobby

But that's what I'm saying. Makelele and Gattuso are very influential, Hargreaves is not.

Wtf man? What's happened now? I made statement and you answered sarcastically. Where did I say that I know more than everyone? Jason-wannabes...

sonymobby

Spot on.

crappycraperson

What you say may be write but Spurs example is bollocks I am afraid.

Even with Carrick, Scholes looked shit. He wasn't ready for this match.
Hargreaves did job well in the first half, for the first time he actually didn't slow us down. He most gave the ball to Giggs or Scholes who did nothing with it.

Lizard King

I do agree with that but I think we looked much more dominant in midfield when Carrick came into the team.

sincher

Hm.

I can't help thinking Hargreaves will prove a few people on this thread wrong... or at least make them realise that he's a very useful player, especially after Scholes retires. He was too expensive, but putting that aside, I reckon he's done pretty well so far, and that there's a lot more to come. The trouble is that this season, he probably isn't worth a regular place - still finding his feet and we have lots of other options.

crappycraperson

Balls, it only changed with Anderson. Carrick was worse than Hargreaves on Saturday.

Sam#1

In the first half (with Hargreaves), Spurs dominated us, in the second (with Carrick and then Anderson), we, in Fergie's own words, battered them. Coincidence ?

sonymobby

I would love it if that happens!

Lizard King

Aye, I hope he does prove us wrong to be honest.