If Rio's back problems persist, should SAF replace him?

ciderman9000000

Rio's fitness problems have not improved at all from last season - it seems that his back-injury could be a permanent one, the consequence of which is that he'll all too often wake up in the morning with a 'twinge' and any progress towards full fitnes that he's made will be reset.

Firstly, is this correct? I've heard nothing to the contrary.

And secondly, should SAF persist with a first-choice centre-back who struggles to get a decent run of games?

I'm undecided. Though i do believe that, of all positions, CB is where it becomes most telling when players are suffering from lack of match fitness. Rio on his day is one of the best defenders in the world; but will we suffer if we cling-on to this truth in spite of his general fitness?

Would you trade an injury-prone Rio for a less experienced but fully fit centre-back for the benefit of defensive stability?

datura

I think SAF is a little ahead of you and bought Smalling.

kietotheworld

Evans is already replacing him.

Pogue Mahone

Not sure about that.

I'd say it's one of the positions in which players find it easiest to cope without match fitness, as they don't cover all that much ground. Paul McGrath and Ledley King regularly put in superb performances without even kicking a ball between matches.

comlag

I don't think that Fergie will sign any big name type players at all again, he's into signing em young and giving them the Man Utd education so they don't just fuck off when he retires. As for replacing Rio, I'm not sure that this injury is incurable with a lot of treatment and rehab done in the proper way. I suppose time will tell but if he is still suffering from similar problems this time next year then I guess you could say he is crocked and will need replacing.

Smalling? Lets hope he gets a chance.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

I believe Smalling was bought with that in mind.

BAMSOLA

Yep. Close thread.

ciderman9000000

It's the timing and quick decision-making that suffers though; we've seen it already this season with Rio and Vidic when they've come back from injury and made mistakes that have lead to conceding goals - off the top of my head, Rio vs City in the league and Vidic against Agbonlahor in the CC final: there have been others. In neither of these matches did we pay the price, but it could easily have gone the other way.

I'm not suggesting that it's unworkable, rather, i'm asking whether it's a situation that could not be improved upon by bringing a more reliable defender in as a replacement.

If the injury was temporary, or curable, there would be no question - but when it's permanent, and frequent side-lining is an inevitability, what would be best for the team?

Anderson Searl

Called this at the start of the season and I was dubbed a spastic over it... I'd like to see where those people are now

It's a shame, i'd never wish this upon a player and I don't think any of us WISH Rio would have back issues, but the fact of the matter is when these persistant injuries started, it was only going to accelerate the end of his career.

The timing is gutting for him, especially considering Fabio finally got it right and Rio will be leading England to South Africa this summer, you can bet your botton dollar Rio is chomping at the bit to play there, and he must be gutted that he may not even be the most fit for the event.

I for one hope Smalling adds to our backline to the point he could be a direct and effective replacement... If not, Evans-Vidic should suffice in the short term at least.

devilish

I agreed with you at that time and I agree with you now.

ciderman9000000

But at what point does Smalling become first-choice ahead of Rio? As long as Rio's at the club he'll be higher in the pecking-order than any other defender, which is where the dilemma lies; Rio plays when he's fit because he's one of the best in the world in his position. Would SAF ever demote Rio to stand-in? I don't think so. So the problem of consistency remains despite the presence of another reliable defender.

As cruel as it sounds, and i hope that it is not the case, if Rio cannot get over his fitness problems then he'll eventually need to either be demoted (would he stick-around?) or sold. Or, does he bring so much to the club that it's worth persisting with him as first-choice despite the injury?

Pogue Mahone

Don't forget, John terry had an even more serious back complaint a few years back and he's having a fairly injury-free run. The fact that Rio hasn't needed surgery is an encouraging sign, so we shouldn't write him off just yet.

Shimo

The answer to the title of the thread is ... well duh, obviously he has to. If the injury is persistent then you can't not replace him. But, we've already got what I believe is his direct replacement in Evans. Smalling also could be a like for like replacement in a big ball playing CB that is quick.

For me we need a good ball winning CB option for when Vida is not available. No one else, backups or Rio are as dominating in that role.

Anderson Searl

Never a write off, but Terry's fitness issues came in his mid-20's, Rio's are coming in his 30's, there is a significant difference.

Pogue Mahone

There's a difference but not a massive one and, like I said, Rio hasn't even needed surgery.

johnmufc

Even if he only manages to play 15-20 games a season, he's still a massive asset to the team. When fit, he's one of if not the best defender in the world. No need to replace him. If and when he's out, Evans can step in and replace him; he's already proven himself at the highest level.

davisjw

Some back problems like Nesta's can't be fixed with surgery and are far worse because there's nothing you can do but wait it out. I fear Rio is taking a turn for the worse with his back and at such a crucial time with him now England's captain.

If he pulls up dead in the water and unable to play but a handful of games, like King does for Spurs, he's still a starter when fit. He's far too solid a CB and offer far too much in controlling things not to have him there.

Youth don't have the ability to manage and you need someone to usher the defense. One of Rio's best traits in my opinion.

Anderson Searl

Ay Ay but nobody actually knows what is wrong, maybe it's not reversable/fixed with surgery? I believe Nesta had an injury like that.

Devil_forever

Last season was where the problem seemed an issue, maybe SAF thought it was manageable and didn't warrant surgery and with our defensive crisis this year, he may have felt that we couldn't afford to operate. Rio also wouldn't have wanted surgery just in case he wasn't fully fit for the world cup.

If circumstances are what kept us from operating, I wouldn't be surprised if they operate next season. I sincerely hope that you're right and it eventually clears up.

Pogue Mahone

Nobody on redcafe knows, that's for sure. So why assume the worst?

I imagine Rio, his doctor and SAF have a good idea about the prognosis. If the situation is as bleak as you seem to think it is, we'll end up signing a world class central defender next summer.

Devil_forever

Finding one that's available is a hard job and if we're as skint as reported, I can't see us affording such a signing in the first place. Unless we make another Vidic type of signing, I can't see it happening.

devilish

I can't think of any world class defenders who are available. Anyway we don't need that. What we need is a young defender with Rio's characteristics who would accept the bench and learn from the best. We've got that with Smalling. If SAF is interested in a midfielder then getting Rodwell (who can also play in defense) would be a good idea.

Red Dreams

Evans, Smalling and.....Rodwell in the pipeline?

iSparky

its why SAF bought smalling

Crerand Legend

Agreed , SAF is ahead of the game, well we hope

comlag

Rio was already an international class defender and had shone at the 2002 World Cup. In fact he was our best player at that tournament.

Smalling is a complete unknown apart from one decent, adrenaline fulled display against Chelsea for Fulham.

Ace

I think that if Vidic stays, we are fine with Evans, Brown, and Smalling filling in for Ferdinand if/when he's unfit (for however long).

If Vidic leaves, however, then I think we should move for an established center back.

Stretch

I won't jump the gun as yet. Hopefully he can overcome this injury but I think SAF bought Smalling with this in mind. I can see Smalling being mentored by Rio to fill his boots in future. I don't see us off loading Rio, too much class and experience there.

MadDogg

Why are people saying Smalling is Rio's replacement?

Evans is just about ready to step up and become first choice. Obviously he's not at the level Rio and Vidic are/were at their best, but considering they were both the best central defender in the world at different stages that's not exactly a fair comparison. If Rio continues to struggle then Evans and Vidic will become our first choice, with Rio and Wes covering them depending on their form and fitness. And considering how much we payed for Smalling, I'm sure the idea is that he will do an 'Evans' and overtake them and start pushing for a first team place. But I certainly wouldn't consider him a Rio replacement.

Alek M

I am looking forward the Evanses playing alongside each other