[amolbhatia50k]

He did ok, got a few good shots outside the box, and was near and tidy. But he is no Pogba, he can’t pull the magic alone. We need Pogba back ASAP and we will have some good creative duel from midfield.

True. It's a reminder of how gifted Pogba is as an individual. Not all that many midfielders have the natural talent to turn on the style/skill on their own as he does.

At the same time our tactics and coaching really suck the creativity out of everywhere.

We feel like a football enactment of a chore. (Quite liked that one myself)

 

[Canagel]

He did ok, got a few good shots outside the box, and was near and tidy. But he is no Pogba, he can’t pull the magic alone. We need Pogba back ASAP and we will have some good creative duel from midfield.

Yes it's the same story again. His stats will be massively compromised the longer he plays in that position because simply nobody can do it by themselves from such a deep area while surrounded by crap in front. Its a testament to how good Pogba has done in the position for the last 3.5 years, his stats have been amongst the best in the league while doing the same sacrifice

 

[VeevaVee]

Some of the posters in here man.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

It doesn't help our midfield and attack that we get feck all from our fullbacks. Was watching the Madrid Atletico game. The winning goal came from a simple pass to the fullback who got in behind and put in a lovely but straightforward cross into the fullback. Now, leave aside Martial and his criticisms. How often do Shaw and AWB make get in behind teams or overlap effectively. Or feck it - actually put in a good cross. Having fullbacks who have zero threat makes it easier for teams to mark the likes of Fernandes (AM) and Martial (CF). They know that can 'light' mark the fullbacks.

 

[el3mel]

Man I sure hope this isnt another Pogba situation where we just cant get his position right and week in week out we debate whether he is a number 8 or a number 10, should he play deeper, closer to the goal etc.

The way I see it, in 4-3-3 play Pogba on the left, Bruno on the right. Fred or McTominay in the middle. Voila.
But if we play 4-2-3-1 then yeah he is probably a number 10.

With a proper offensive coach next season, we can apply Guardiola's formation at City last 2 seasons with Fernandinho-KDB-Silva here again, with Scott, Pogba and Bruno as a 3 men midfield and both Pogba and Bruno with a license to attack, Rashford as left forward and buy a proper striker and a good right forward and we are set and ready to go. This will look great. Need an offensive coach first though.

Bruno is a great signing and will be great for us long term, I have no doubt for that, even if the current manager fails to get the best out of him I have no doubt the next manager will as long as he's good enough.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

With a proper offensive coach next season, we can apply Guardiola's formation at City last 2 seasons with Fernandinho-KDB-Silva here again, with Scott, Pogba and Bruno as a 3 men midfield and both Pogba and Bruno with a license to attack, Rashford as left forward and buy a proper striker and a good right forward and we are set and ready to go. This will look great. Need an offensive coach first though.

Bruno is a great signing and will be great for us long term, I have no doubt for that, even if the current manager fails to get the best out of him I have no doubt the next manager will as long as he's good enough.

Hope you are right. And more importantly, hope we get that coach in. As the current one is the pants.

 

[gr3yham3]

I cant wait for our other midfielders to come back to join Fred and Bruno on the pitch, even Matic will allow Bruno so much more freedom to do what he does best. Pogba returning will be the biggest plus in allowing us to break deep-lying defences. Together with Bruno, the opposing team will have difficulty in deciding who to prioritise as both can assist or score on their own if left to to their own devices. Ighalo joining will also allow them to look for someone who wants to stay in the box or make runs off the shoulder of the last defender, rather than Martial who is always looking for the ball to feet.

 

[zenith]

What on earth was ole playing at by pushing him deeper. Had he continued to grow into the game as a no. 10 we might even have been able to pull off a win

 

[Bondi77]

I thought the reason why we brought this guy in was because of his goal and assist tally so Ole would be clueless if he plays him in a deeper role. There is a poster on here who follows Sporting and he posted that his best position was an AM so I am happy to run with that. Ole stated before the game that the club have watched him for years so if that is the case then surely they know what his best position is.
It amazes me when I hear coaches/managers talk about players playing in multiple positions and yet when it comes to playing for the top clubs they really are only effective in one unless they are exceptional players.
Rashford, Martial and Sanchez are prime examples as their best position is as a left sided attacking forward and all three are relatively ineffective when played anywhere else in the forward line.

 

[Nevilles.Wear.Prada]

Baffling the way we used him today. A lot of times, he was our deepest midfielder, when his strengths as a player lie in the final third...

Baffled as well. Will be even more weird when mctom matic and pogba returned. Who is he going to replace or compliment? Is ole the right manager to unlock the combination? Will our attack coaches work out a system that works best with this guys? Interesting times ahead.

 

[Bobcat]

What on earth was ole playing at by pushing him deeper. Had he continued to grow into the game as a no. 10 we might even have been able to pull off a win

Pereira was a disaster at CM so he needed to be moved. Pretty sure he (Pereira) would not have played at all had Matic been available.

 

[Gordon S]

What on earth was ole playing at by pushing him deeper. Had he continued to grow into the game as a no. 10 we might even have been able to pull off a win

Because he is a much better cm than Andreas. That change was needed. Hopefully Matic is back next game and we can push Bruno higher again

 

[Yagami]

That was a shite debut, in all honesty.

It was.

I lost count of the times he lost the ball.

I wasn't surprised by the performance, though. As I've been saying since we were first linked to him, he's the definition of a highlights player. His general play is very weak, and, when he doesn't score or hit the odd pinpoint pass, said general play just becomes all the more apparant. Same as all our other previous attacking midfield signings.

 

[NoPace]

I don't expect to see the best of him until we have McTominay and Pogba back from injury and match sharp again, I am certainly not going to write off a player when he is quite clearly playing out of position for the good of the team at the moment.

I'm not writing him off, I think he'll score goals from midfield and certainly be good enough to be one our first choice midfielders the next few years along with Fred, Rashford out wide and we need 2 more quality players there along with a 9 (if Pogba indeed leaves, though maybe we can retain him with the right managerial hire who can sell him on a project along with a couple big transfers).

 

[Alemar]

Not the best of games, but much better than Pereira, and it’s visible that he has a good long shot in him.

 

[littleman]

It was.

I lost count of the times he lost the ball.

I wasn't surprised by the performance, though. As I've been saying since we were first linked to him, he's the definition of a highlights player. His general play is very weak, and, when he doesn't score or hit the odd pinpoint pass, said general play just becomes all the more apparant. Same as all our other previous attacking midfield signings.

same person who said this

Yes, he was poor, but there's been times in big games where we - as a team - have collectively been poor, but Martial's tried to step up and make things happen. Like against Arsenal, and, bar a poor miss, against Liverpool the other week.

He's obviously not consistent, but who was the last outfield player we had that was? The Blind/Smalling combo in 15/16 maybe? Some would say Zlatan I guess, but, for me, he wasn't that consistent. It's hard for any player to be consistent when we as a team are all over the place in terms of tactics, and knowing how to get the best out of our squad.

Lots of but’s and ifs for a player you like.

just all out criticism of a player you don’t like as a “highlights” player

have some shame lad

AM9 does not pay you enough to spout shit

 

[flappyjay]

First game after signing a few days ago, game against wolves and he didn't look out of place in the epl. If you compare him to Andreas and Lingard you would think he was the one who came thru in England and the other 2 had just gotten signed from Portugal . I look forward to seeing him when Matic and the rest of the midfield return.

 

[Yagami]

same person who said this



Lots of but’s and ifs for a player you like.

just all out criticism of a player you don’t like as a “highlights” player

have some shame lad

AM9 does not pay you enough to spout shit

There's a difference between strikers and midfielders.

Strikers rely on service. Martial, like Rashford, Greenwood and, eventually, Ighalo, have all (or will) looked ineffective up front because we hardly get the ball to them. If he was getting service and stinking the place up, I'd be all for dropping him. It's why I wasn't too harsh on Rashford during his poor spell up top, too.

Midfielders see so much of the ball, so their general play is incredibly important. For me, Bruno's general play just isn't my cup of tea. It's why I prefer midfielders in the mould of a D.Silva, Isco, Grealish (when played centrally). Bruno may score more than them, and may hit the odd spectacular pass that those three probably wouldn't, but the aforementioned three's general play really help their teams in, well, general, and with them being so consistent in general, their "bottom level" if they have a poor game isn't as big as an issue as it would be for a player like Bruno.

It's why I preferred Scholes over Lampard and Gerrard even though, when the latter two were really up there as two of the best, Scholes, stats wise, wasn't up there with them.

 

[charlenefan]

I thought he was going to make his debut yesterday?

 

[Dan_F]

With a proper offensive coach next season, we can apply Guardiola's formation at City last 2 seasons with Fernandinho-KDB-Silva here again, with Scott, Pogba and Bruno as a 3 men midfield and both Pogba and Bruno with a license to attack, Rashford as left forward and buy a proper striker and a good right forward and we are set and ready to go. This will look great. Need an offensive coach first though.

Bruno is a great signing and will be great for us long term, I have no doubt for that, even if the current manager fails to get the best out of him I have no doubt the next manager will as long as he's good enough.

I’m not convinced that’s McTominay’s best position if I’m being honest. I don’t think he has the passing range to be there. I see him more as a box to box, Darren Fletcher type. Same with Fred, although they have both played that role in a 4231, which is different to what’s needed in the deeper role.

It will be interesting to see a midfield of Pogba and Bruno, just to see if we have any extra creativity. If not, then fingers have to be pointed at Ole.

 

[Feed Me]

He’s not going to be able to do a great deal coming into this poor side.

 

[sourdough satellite]

It was.

I lost count of the times he lost the ball.

I wasn't surprised by the performance, though. As I've been saying since we were first linked to him, he's the definition of a highlights player. His general play is very weak, and, when he doesn't score or hit the odd pinpoint pass, said general play just becomes all the more apparant. Same as all our other previous attacking midfield signings.

So you made up your mind already and aren't even gonna afford him the time to adapt to the PL?

 

[Berbasbullet]

I’m not convinced that’s McTominay’s best position if I’m being honest. I don’t think he has the passing range to be there. I see him more as a box to box, Darren Fletcher type. Same with Fred, although they have both played that role in a 4231, which is different to what’s needed in the deeper role.

It will be interesting to see a midfield of Pogba and Bruno, just to see if we have any extra creativity. If not, then fingers have to be pointed at Ole.

Completely agree, out of all our current players Matić is the best one for this role.

 

[Ander herrera the warrior]

Completely agree, out of all our current players Matić is the best one for this role.

I think Fred and Mctominay in a midfield 2 with Bruno Fernandes at number 10 will be the way forward for us, since Pogba wants to leave.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Read the first few pages and you’re all clearly plastered.

he looked a level above our usual attackers from the first minute.

i would like to see him closer to goal but we need a proper midfield for that, pereira is a passenger so Ole had to make him give a workman performance.

For his debut against a very tough wolves it was extremely encouraging imo, he didn’t struggle for the pace at all like some people expected, he’s as fit as a fiddle.

get mctominay/Fred behind him and some speed out wide and he will thrive.

I can’t wait to see him and pogba together. He looked like our captain on the field already.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Read the first few pages and you’re all clearly plastered.

he looked a level above our usual attackers from the first minute.

Think he looks like a better version of Pereira. Better touch overall and a good worker but poor passing and doesn't really have the craft of your typical Iberian technomidget. He kind of looked how he has been when I've seen him for Portugal in that he is largely ineffective but takes a lot of shots from range. I think he needs better runners in the forward position and more open opposition. My worry is that the PL has a lot of low block teams and he doesn't really help with that.

 

[Mailo]

Our manager comparing him to Scholes... Tells one everything.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Our manager comparing him to Scholes... Tells one everything.

Seems a really lazy comparison really because Scholes had a great long shot on home. Scholes was levels above him as a passer and player.

 

[Litch]

Some of our fan base.....literally the plane had landed and he walked onto the pitch to play with a depleted team with others who have been over played, low in confidence or just shite. Let's not forget against a very good Wolves team. Even if I thought he wasn't great, I wouldn't post it cause fundamental it's unfair.....

 

[Litch]

Our manager comparing him to Scholes... Tells one everything.

Comparing a player doesn't mean he's of the same standard, just maybe similar mindset or approach to the game. Everyone gets compared to someone in football....

 

[JPRouve]

Seems a really lazy comparison really because Scholes had a great long shot on home. Scholes was levels above him as a passer and player.

Maybe he is thinking about a young scholes and not the +27 years old version?

 

[Litch]

Read the first few pages and you’re all clearly plastered.

he looked a level above our usual attackers from the first minute.

i would like to see him closer to goal but we need a proper midfield for that, pereira is a passenger so Ole had to make him give a workman performance.

For his debut against a very tough wolves it was extremely encouraging imo, he didn’t struggle for the pace at all like some people expected, he’s as fit as a fiddle.

get mctominay/Fred behind him and some speed out wide and he will thrive.

I can’t wait to see him and pogba together. He looked like our captain on the field already.

Absolutely. The guy just landed in the country and probably didn't even get the chance to empty his suitcase yet.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

Maybe he is thinking about a young scholes and not the +27 years old version?

Possibly. Position wise and making lots of passes I guess. I think Scholes was a different level technically and wasn't really an all out long shot merchant, from what I can remember of that era anyway.

 

[Balljy]

Think he looks like a better version of Pereira. Better touch overall and a good worker but poor passing and doesn't really have the craft of your typical Iberian technomidget. He kind of looked how he has been when I've seen him for Portugal in that he is largely ineffective but takes a lot of shots from range. I think he needs better runners in the forward position and more open opposition. My worry is that the PL has a lot of low block teams and he doesn't really help with that.

His long range shooting could help with low block teams even if it's not due to his craft. They can't give him space from 35 yards so it may draw defenders out a bit if he is lurking in that area.

 

[Vaibhav Raj]

It was difficult to enjoy y'day match and not only because the United team was struggling and look bereft of ideas. It was also because, I found myself constantly looking for the number 18 and see what he's doing. By his standards, he had an okay game and his legs looks a bit frozen at times. That's obviously going to happen when you are playing for a new team in a matter of just 48 hours without really having gotten accustomed to fellow players and the surroundings.

Fernandes displayed good shooting skills and some good medium range passes which, I think, is why he was moved to CDM. When it is Matic and Fred in the midfield, both are capable of somewhat carrying the ball and mixing up passes. With Pereira and Mata giving company to Fred in the middle, it would have been all short, give and go passes which was going to expose our defence every time we got caught. Pereira, I feel, I'd very prone to giving the ball away and so was Fred some time back. Mata can be muscled out easily.

One thing, I did not like about his display was his positional awareness and commitment when we didn't have the ball. Many a times he was casually strolling, not really marking or being aware of anyone. There was a counter attack that wolves managed in second half where I saw his just strolling around in the penalty area, watching AWB and the ball. I was hesitant to point this out in his very first game because I know fellow posters will get worked up if I criticise any aspect of his game right in the first game and rightly so. Also, I do understand he has a long way to go in United shirt. If Fred could come in, look like a poor play for many months, look like a midfielder incapable of holding onto the ball or carrying it forward and then, suddenly after having enough game under his belts, begin to look very accomplished both offensively and defensively, I am sure Bruno will do that too. Fingers crossed.

 

[Bestietom]

I have seen old donkey's move quicker than our forwards. Can't expect Bruno to do it all himself.

 

[2mufc0]

Some of our fan base.....literally the plane had landed and he walked onto the pitch to play with a depleted team with others who have been over played, low in confidence or just shite. Let's not forget against a very good Wolves team. Even if I thought he wasn't great, I wouldn't post it cause fundamental it's unfair.....

It's not really surprising around here.

 

[ElDiabloRojo]

I thought he was our best midfielder yesterday against a decent Wolves team. He showed some aggression and tried to pass forward most of the time.

He will improve as he gets used to the environment. Pereira was terrible again yesterday and James was anonymous so it's difficult for anyone to have a great game with so many either out of form or just not up to it at all.

 

[The Urban Goose]

Occasionally threads show exactly why there are so many ABUs out there. The arrogance and entitlement that we are often accused of are clearly on display.

The guy has just got off the plane, into a new country, moving his family etc. and after one training session, ONE!, is thrown into a game against a team we have played a lot this season and consistently struggled to break down, and was immediately on the pace to the extent he is clearly a step above our current midfielders, and he is already being written off as not good enough?!

Good grief people, some of you lot deserve a period supporting a team in the doldrums, it might give you some perspective.

We won't know his true quality until next season, and when he has better players around him.

"He likes a shot from range". Did any of you see the game yesterday? What else was he supposed to do? There was little to no movement in front of him, and it was usually Martial v 5 defenders.

"He lost possession a lot". Yes, because he was trying to be creative, and having to take high-risk passes to do so due to the lack of movement. Otherwise you'd all be criticising him for being Ray Wilkins reincarnated.

"Why was he playing next to Fred?". Did you see Pereira in the first half? We would have lost had that continued.

This place, Jesus wept. It's like listening to Liverpool fans in the 1990s.

 

[Augustus Gloop]

Thought he was a 5/10 or 6/10. Played a couple of really neat balls in between the lines but also tried some long balls that clearly weren’t on that were short or wayward.

I also felt he should have done better with one or two of the shots he had (at least from where I was sitting in the stand).

in a sense his real debut will be against Chelsea after he has had 2 weeks to gel with the team.