Few posters mentioned it, positioning and Smalling covering for him but I don't see that at all.
17
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 56
- Clean sheets
- 22
- Goals
- 2
- Assists
- 4
- Yellow cards
- 3
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) was joined by comedian Ali Woods to look back at the best and worst moments of a rollercoaster season with the annual United Hour Awards.
Has Ten Hag been sacked yet? We're not sure and we hope not, but it's looking more likely as the days pass.
Who should replace him and why is it taking so long to make a decision?
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Nope. Out of the two Smalling is the one more visible though because he's the one to charge up to the striker 90% of the time due to his quick recovery ability thanks to his speed and physical presence which Blind does not possess.
agree it happened several times an Smalling recovered for him well. He plays it maybe too risky, anyway so far we didn't concede many goals and I'd suggest let them play together, they are well balanced pair and against lesser opponents when we need to attack it works..
Fair play lads. Haha.
That's why you have a defensive partnership, to cover each other. Our defense has looked more solid than any other in the league so far, they're working as a unit which is what we've missed in the past.
Not more solid than City's who have faced better opponents so far.
Yep, definitely. I think that was one thing that was really missing from our defence last year. A solid and interlocking partnership. They both seem to play well with each other.
I would argue they've been as least as solid, teams are getting very little change against us, still as you say City have faced tougher opponents so it's a little harder to compare.
It's much easier to look a good defender when you are well protected and opponents offer little going forward, the big tests are still to come and I still believe he will get exposed regularly, especially in any game which becomes stretched.
He definitely plays some great passes from that position but whether or not it will be worth it once the defence is put under more pressure I am still not convinced, the three opponents we have had so far have been very poor going forward.
He definitely plays some great passes from that position but whether or not it will be worth it once the defence is put under more pressure I am still not convinced, the three opponents we have had so far have been very poor going forward.
They've been fairly solid so far, but I don't particularly think they've received a stern test at all yet. We largely controlled the Spurs and Villa games, even if we only one goal, and were also the more dominant team against Newcastle despite our failure to score. They've not had a game yet where they've regularly been up against it. City have also comfortably won all of their games, but have definitely come up against more tricky opposition than us.
Our tougher games will definitely be a massive indicator as to Blind's ability at centre back, though. He's looked comfortable there so far, but it's going to be a lot more difficult for him if he comes up against a tricky striker who's constantly pressing him and has a lot of physicality to his game.
A really good/risky passer with his distribution from the back and the few times he's had one-on-ones and/or been been isolated, he's done really well to stay on his feet and use every ounce of his strength to shepherd it out/minimalise the situation.
He's playing well because of his intelligence and the system. I think he'll be able to continue his form/performances against most of the sides outside the top 4-5. When we face those ones though..it'll be interesting to see, if we can contain them defensively and if Blind can step up.
He's playing well because of his intelligence and the system. I think he'll be able to continue his form/performances against most of the sides outside the top 4-5. When we face those ones though..it'll be interesting to see, if we can contain them defensively and if Blind can step up.
I'll say that I am glad we have played relatively weaker opponents than City as that probably gave our CB partnership time and space to gel with each other and build that understanding.
The more stern test will be the coming weekend and then against Liverpool followed up by Southampton. However, if we does get bullied and has an off day, the media will be on our backs complaining why we did not buy a proven CB.
I am satisfied with our options at the back. Given time and luck (with injuries), Smalling and Blind could be a good partnership
The more stern test will be the coming weekend and then against Liverpool followed up by Southampton. However, if we does get bullied and has an off day, the media will be on our backs complaining why we did not buy a proven CB.
I am satisfied with our options at the back. Given time and luck (with injuries), Smalling and Blind could be a good partnership
Like Harry Kane?
Anyone else think Blind has been a huge part of Smalling's towering performances so far? Alongside Blind he has the responsibility to attack every ball and he thrives on that. He can push 20 yards out of position because he knows Blind will diligently sweep up behind and close off any gaps that appear in the most economical fashion. The roles and responsibilities are very clearly defined.
Alongside Rojo or Jones that responsibility to attack every ball is cut in half and the roles become much more blurred. None of the three excel at sweeping in behind and they all spend less time attacking the ball than they'd like.
Smalling-Blind is an unconventional partnership but for me it makes complete sense when Smalling's in the mood that he is. Blind is almost the perfect partner for him.
Alongside Rojo or Jones that responsibility to attack every ball is cut in half and the roles become much more blurred. None of the three excel at sweeping in behind and they all spend less time attacking the ball than they'd like.
Smalling-Blind is an unconventional partnership but for me it makes complete sense when Smalling's in the mood that he is. Blind is almost the perfect partner for him.
Of course, have been saying from the very beginning. Blind is a very intelligent player and probably our best player tactically wise. While Smalling is our leader in the defense, Blind is helping him a lot and is one of the main reasons why our defense is looking so strong.
The problem though will be when Smalling gets injured. All combinations of our CB would look weak IMO, although Rojo-Jones will scare the shit out of opponents.
Lets see how they cope with Benteke, Aguero and some of the more challenging forward lines. So far so good but I have a niggling feeling this is just a honeymoon pairing that could come down with a bang and not recover. Also just an injury to Smalling to having a very average looking CB pairing. Still need a top CB in the door for me.
Blind is underated. He's everything that Jones isn't. He could play in a Barcelona team and not look out of place in my humble opinion.
Morgan Schneiderlin for both
Isn't that the point? How many teams really do come to Old Trafford and offer a lot going forward, I watched a lot of games last season where playing with two proper CB's was just a complete waste of time for me, especially since Smalling or Jones are unable to do anything particulary useful with regard to bringing the ball out of defence.
Yes, for the reasons you mention and the far simpler one that Blind seems to be the only central defender we have who is willing to try and organise everyone around him. Post Rio/Vidic we've been crying out for someone to be a talker, reminding everyone else of their jobs and organising our defensive line.
Smalling and Jones are both great instinctive defenders but don't seem willing or able to pay attention to anyone else around them. With Blind taking charge of our defensive line we're getting teams offside far more often and more effectively than we did in the past (my impression anyway, would be interesting to see a stat) plus we seem to be defending set-pieces much better, for similar reasons.
I agree, but theres no reason why a little organization from LVG (or buying someone else instead of Rojo who isnt another meathead like Jones) cant stop both players from attacking the ball. If LVG told Rojo and Jones to let Smalling attack everything and they couldn't follow that instruction, then we have big problems.
Have a look at these stats.
Schneiderlin's played a big part in our clean sheet in the league so far but, make no mistake, our central defenders have still had plenty of work to do.
That's because the manager can't control players from the sidelines, like he's playing Pro Evo.
It's well and good giving them detailed instructions but they won't be followed without the players on the pitch constantly talking to and covering for each other. Which is where the Blind/Smalling partnership is working well.
Indeed. Blinds intelligence as a player can not be underrated in this partnership. I'm keen to see how they do vs Gomis and then Benteke before I give it my full seal of approval. However so far so good.
He has really exceeded my expectations this season so far. I liked him in midfield last year but didn't think he would be good in defence, so far so good though and he deserves to start ahead of Rojo and Jones. His passing is sublime too, he is our only center half truly capable of taking the ball forward and he is probably one of the best ball playing defenders in the league. We might not even need a new center half for a while if he carries on this level of performances. Such intelligent footballer too, it's main reason why he is able to adapt in so many roles.
Its also very interesting that we've ended up here with Smalling and Blind as the partnership, our two best readers and more intelligent CBs.
Last season LVG wanted Jones and Rojo at CB instead, all athleticism and aggression while the best at covering others and seeing out danger, Smalling was left on the bench
Last season LVG wanted Jones and Rojo at CB instead, all athleticism and aggression while the best at covering others and seeing out danger, Smalling was left on the bench
just think if they can be viable as it is without the presence of Schneiderlin. I don't think LvG will fancy this duo with only Carrick as the shield in front.
actually can't gather info about this opinion for now until Jones and Rojo are back
Are you sure about that, I think we shuffled a lot of CB partnerships due to injuries and LVG's preferred partnership and most used was Jones-Smalling, then after that Smalling-Rojo.
I may be wrong though.
This is correct. He persisted with Jones-Smalling when they were fit, with Rojo on the bench. Which was going against his left-footed/right-footed combo and probably reflects a severe lack of confidence in Rojo in the centre.
What's really curious is why Blind never once got a came in central defence last season, other than that awful 352 (I think?)
Obviously injuries and a weak central midfield forced his hand but surely there were at least a few games where Blind could have played as part of a two man CB pairing?
Maybe it was an idea he have come up with in preseason before this season and up until now it has been working. Don't remember if he played even one game at CB last season.
Edited the post cause I realized I said the same thing about Blind not playing in CB.
Smalling was fit and available, he was just not the preference and was left out. Jones was the man for the right side and LVG was insisting on having a left footer at CB (hence Blackett got chances)
It was injuries that led to Smalling and Jones playing together. They did it very well and then Rojo couldnt get back into the team
I'm fine with our defence. I think it is on par with most of the big teams. Smalling and Blind with Jones and Rojo competing seems pretty good, and our full backs are sorted, with adequate cover. Blackett should go on loan to get some games. McNair might be worth keeping around but he needs games too ideally.
Not certain about the keeper situation. I guess ideally in a week's time De Gea is still here and gets welcomed back into the fold, but Romero's form has been decent.
Not certain about the keeper situation. I guess ideally in a week's time De Gea is still here and gets welcomed back into the fold, but Romero's form has been decent.
Kane's a very good striker of course, but he didn't pose that much of a threat against us, largely because we were controlling more of the game.
Easily could slot in instead of Mascherano
There may have been 1 or 2 games when we started in 352 and Blind dropped into the CB position later on to make a 4. Carrick definitely did that a couple of times, Blind may have.Maybe it was an idea he have come up with in preseason before this season and up until now it has been working. Don't remember if he played even one game at CB last season.
Edited the post cause I realized I said the same thing about Blind not playing in CB.
Nope. Got a game next to McMair in a back four against Crystal Palace and did well.
He's been quite impressive so far tbf to him. I didn't think it would work at all, but the signs have been promising.
I'm still concerned that when we come up against a proper threat (Newcastle & Villa are terrible) then he'll still struggle. I don't see him coping well with the pace/power of the likes of Aguero/Benteke/Bony/Costa/Giroud etc etc
Hopefully he proves me wrong.
I'm still concerned that when we come up against a proper threat (Newcastle & Villa are terrible) then he'll still struggle. I don't see him coping well with the pace/power of the likes of Aguero/Benteke/Bony/Costa/Giroud etc etc
Hopefully he proves me wrong.
Blind played centreback in a 4 too, but that was forced by injury and I cannot remember against who. The most likely reason van Gaal didn't use him there more often is because we only had Blind and Carrick as CDM and Blind was also needed at LB alot with Shaw being injured. He didn't have the luxury of trying him there alot because he was needed elsewhere.
Brugge 0:4 Man Utd
For 4 and a half games so far it needs to be said that this guy has been fecking exceptional.
He's got a left wing of Shaw and Memphis to cover for and he's done so superbly. Movement, reading of the game and dirty work has been almost perfect.
Harry Kane is still searching for a way out of his pocket over 2 league games after meeting the Dutch god of defence. That's how good he is.
EDIT - He nearly scored an own goal. Typical
He's got a left wing of Shaw and Memphis to cover for and he's done so superbly. Movement, reading of the game and dirty work has been almost perfect.
Harry Kane is still searching for a way out of his pocket over 2 league games after meeting the Dutch god of defence. That's how good he is.
EDIT - He nearly scored an own goal. Typical
Positioning is seriously off tonight
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