I think Ole is expecting McTominay to kick on and improve next season and the long term plan is McTominay and Garner in that role whilst phasing Matic out slowly and using him sparingly.
Potential Matic Replacements
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
OGS is hoping that McT or Fred can mature into a Matic replacement in next 12 months. So I dont think this is an issue that will be prioritised this summer.
Managing Matic’s game time and recovery will be a specific job season, so there will plenty of games for others.
We can review the situation next summer, when there will also likely be more funds for a better replacement. I doubt we can afford Sancho and eg Neves this summer.
Managing Matic’s game time and recovery will be a specific job season, so there will plenty of games for others.
We can review the situation next summer, when there will also likely be more funds for a better replacement. I doubt we can afford Sancho and eg Neves this summer.
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That’s certainly the plan and also a good one. Might not work, but doesn’t need resolving right now.
New Carreras kid we signed from Real Madrid is a Matic clone.
Give him 3 years and he'll replace Matic at the end of his new contract.
#successionplanning
Give him 3 years and he'll replace Matic at the end of his new contract.
#successionplanning
Matic has a very good positioning sense and is very good at passing the ball too.
Fred and McTomminay are very mobile but don't have the qualities Matic has on the ball and to read the game as well.
Even if he can play for 3 years still hopefully we need someone in competition and rotation with him. It is as important as a right sided forward for me. Who that can be ? I have no idea .
A lot of people would like a pure CDM to protect the defense but Matic is not that kind of player.
We are more in need of a deeplying playmaker. Someone who can pass the ball, organise the play in possession and be at the right place and the right time when we lose it.
I would like to find a Carrick type. A destroyer is not the way forward. We need quality on the ball most of all.
I know a lot of people want a center back but I think we can do with what we have for one more year and a quality midfielder will be our second priority after a RW.
Fred and McTomminay are very mobile but don't have the qualities Matic has on the ball and to read the game as well.
Even if he can play for 3 years still hopefully we need someone in competition and rotation with him. It is as important as a right sided forward for me. Who that can be ? I have no idea .
A lot of people would like a pure CDM to protect the defense but Matic is not that kind of player.
We are more in need of a deeplying playmaker. Someone who can pass the ball, organise the play in possession and be at the right place and the right time when we lose it.
I would like to find a Carrick type. A destroyer is not the way forward. We need quality on the ball most of all.
I know a lot of people want a center back but I think we can do with what we have for one more year and a quality midfielder will be our second priority after a RW.
Good question. Matic is A very rare type of player. Big, strong, excellent defensive skills and is good at passing. His composure and ability to shrug off any pressing makes him a key player for this team. Matic glues us together.
I think not only replacing, but upgrading on Matic is an absolute priority, second to only RW. We had no control in the Palace game whatsoever until Matic came on, McTominay just doesn't have that experience and awareness to play as a CDM just yet. He gets attracted to the ball too often and was leaving gaps.
Matic is good, but is in his twilight years and will never be the player we saw in his second spell at Chelsea. We need a top quality, defensive minded midfielder who is also quality on the ball in order to get the best out of both Pogba and Bruno.
Sancho, CDM and a top CB to partner Maguire are the missing pieces to a team capable of challenging.
Matic is good, but is in his twilight years and will never be the player we saw in his second spell at Chelsea. We need a top quality, defensive minded midfielder who is also quality on the ball in order to get the best out of both Pogba and Bruno.
Sancho, CDM and a top CB to partner Maguire are the missing pieces to a team capable of challenging.
Exactly. It is the kind of unremarkable player who will do nothing fancy but elevate our play.
Carrick was the last one.
We need to find this kind of player.
I don't mind a Hargreaves like player too. We have two creative midfield players.
I have a theory that Matic plays the best football of his life because Carrick taught him to become Carrick
What's your opinion on Lucas Tousart @JPRouve @Sayros @BalanceUnAutreJoint ??
I know he's recently joined Hertha Berlin from OL for next season but he looked a interesting prospect for the DM role IMO.
I know he's recently joined Hertha Berlin from OL for next season but he looked a interesting prospect for the DM role IMO.
Ok, but we need control in midfield and Pogba and Bruno are not providing that. That is why a calme and composed player as Matic is vital I think.
This, to me, is an even more important question to answer than RW. Yes, bring in Sancho first, whatever it takes. But it's clear as crystal that we need to prioritize this role if we're to have any hope of bringing in a PL or CL trophy.
Rely on Fred and McSauce for this job, despite how fantastic each has been, and we will not lift major trophies.
Rely on Fred and McSauce for this job, despite how fantastic each has been, and we will not lift major trophies.
Just how good is Matic when he's younger at around 23 years old?
Not much is it.
Let McT learn more about the role, and Fred to also have a go, with Matic to be around to teach and show the examples.
I think we should still get one more young central midfielder, preferably one that have better ball-playing skills than McT's more physicality traits.
That way, we have two midfielders at good age of around 23-25 to learn more about the trade of playing solo CDM.
What's the progress with the Ajax midfielder?
Not much is it.
Let McT learn more about the role, and Fred to also have a go, with Matic to be around to teach and show the examples.
I think we should still get one more young central midfielder, preferably one that have better ball-playing skills than McT's more physicality traits.
That way, we have two midfielders at good age of around 23-25 to learn more about the trade of playing solo CDM.
What's the progress with the Ajax midfielder?
It’s probably one of the hardest positions to replace for any team. Good passers of the ball usually become and 8 or 10 and good defenders usually become CBs. Players that can do both is very rare.
Playing DM you have to be very positionally astute, have to be able to read the game and sniff out dangers before it happens and be extremely disciplined. All of which comes with age and experience, so it’s very hard to bring through a youngster. It’s probably a position best suited to buying someone experienced or that’s ready to take a step up. Who that is, I’m not sure but I think we’ll be OK for another season.
Playing DM you have to be very positionally astute, have to be able to read the game and sniff out dangers before it happens and be extremely disciplined. All of which comes with age and experience, so it’s very hard to bring through a youngster. It’s probably a position best suited to buying someone experienced or that’s ready to take a step up. Who that is, I’m not sure but I think we’ll be OK for another season.
We REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need a midfield monster. A guy who'd just run around and press in that empty space we very often leave open in front of the 2 CBs. It's crazy how open we are. Need a dog. Doesn't matter if he can dribble or not, he must run others ragged so that Pogba and Fernandes can do their thing. Who else is there of that ilk aside from a healthy Kante?
I say just buy Kante. Even if he's good for 2 seasons, he could be the difference between multiple trophies and multiple runner-up finishes.
Probably not as good as he is right now or at his peak.
But just how good were Cleverley, Cork and Rodwell when they were younger around 23 years? Not too good too I reckon.
McTominay is more likely to go their route than Matic's as far as I'm concerned.
And don't forget he is from serbia, he'll murder you
Lampard won't sell, let alone sell to United. Kante is 29 and he'll cost atleast 60 to 70m. I'm a huge fan but not a great deal. We are building a young team. We've already signed Matic on a 3 year deal. We need someone perhaps 25 and below to fill in the Matic role.
I reckon Lampard would sell.
Kante is class but he’s not the sort of player we need.
Declan Rice is a shout
Totally agree. It wasnt only McTominay left gaps it also meant Pogba had to drop deeper to cover which in turn led to Fernandes moving all over the place trying to get the ball. Im not sure we have the luxury of waiting 2,3 plus years waiting for McTominay to learn the CDM role. Plus McTominay and Fred seem to need games before they can perform. Matic can come on with 20 mins left and affect the the game. McTominay and Fred cant.
Id buy Declan Rice or whoever else who has the ability to walk into the team and perform as a pure CDM even if it meant selling Fred. Love the guy but he is no bench player. McTominay and Fred should be replacing Pogba in the team not Matic. Yeah they will be nowhere near his ability but we can still function by having a stable midfield and allowing the attackers to get on with it like we did a lot of the season with Matic + Fred.
YouTube comment in the video
"i watches him about 5 times with vittise - he is the best passer in the team - good passes in deep , he is not fast but he can play under pressure and pass correctly .
he also good attcking player not just hold midfield"
At 22 Matic had the technique to play as he is doing now. So if you think Mctominay at 22 doesn't have the technique to play that role then he likely never will. However don't forget we have arguably two of the best DMs that have played in different PL eras in the team - Carrick and Matic and I'm sure nobody here knows the DM position better than them. And if we are developing Mctominay in the DM role then its because those two have approved that he has the technique and ability to do so
https://www.manutd.com/en/amp/news/...help-scott-mctominay-take-his-place-at-united
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/foo...Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-Scott-McTominay-news/amp
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I think the club sees Mctominay as Matic's successor for now and I'm pretty certain we are not in for a DM this window whether fans think we need one or not. Personally I don't think we have the luxury of waiting on Mctominay to develop into a DM when our first choice is an ageing and easily fatigued Matic
McTominay will improve. We are comparing an experienced veteran with a young lad still learning the game.
I'm not saying he is necessarily the answer, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility either.
Surprising hard to find a direct replacement, because I'm only looking at younger players. Matic's experience gives him the advantage of good anticipation (he's rarely dribbled past). Out of these 4 young alternatives I prefer Koopmeiners or F Luis. I prefer a player who wins back by intercepting rather than tackling; because I think a tackle is more likely to get you injured. Ndidi also plays for Liecester so he'll cost another fortune.
Teun Koopmeiners - goal threat, likes to play long balls, most passes on the pitch
Florentino Luis -- good: interceptions, touch, pass completion
Wilfred Ndidi ---- top tackler
Bruno Guimarães -- too few games to say, only recently arrived from Brazil.
Teun Koopmeiners - goal threat, likes to play long balls, most passes on the pitch
Florentino Luis -- good: interceptions, touch, pass completion
Wilfred Ndidi ---- top tackler
Bruno Guimarães -- too few games to say, only recently arrived from Brazil.
Too many eggs in one basket. I'm worried about the practicality of turning a box-to-box into a CDM. Who's to say it will work for sure? Especially as we already have players with CDM instincts such as Garner & TFM. Why not develop them instead?
Exactly what we need to do. Pretty sure they wouldn't reject a big offer.
Yesterday was quite comfortably his worse game for us, I think he's been falling off a cliff since mid last season. His legs look completely gone and he's very slow and cumbersome on the ball. I think we need to look at replacing him in the summer, any thoughts on who we should go for?
Nearly 2 years ago that post... right now he is one of our most important players. ive always rated him highly though his form did slip. Hes slowly won over his detractors this year and is now finally recocnised as out best and most influential holding midfielder.....
but yes we need someone younger of similar ability to Matic as I’m unconvinced by McT and Fred. They are decent players but not The top drawer we need to compete with city and Liverpool. I’m sure ole will source some quality.
Had a promising first season at Lyon but he hasn't improved beyond that, in fact you could even say he's regressed, the physical side of his game is very strong, he's also shown the ability to go forward when he doesn't have the balls and to score goals off crosses/rebounds in the box, but he's just too poor on the ball overall and doesn't offer nearly enough in possession, he'd often kill a counterattack by misplacing a pass or from having a poor first touch, he doesn't read the game particularly well either like you'd expect from a high quality DM and Lyon was leaking loads of goals as a result of it (although Aouar/Ndombele both being lazy defensively played its part)
He'd be a good player for a mid table PL club but at United I can't see him doing well even as a backup DM honestly
In terms of a DM of the Matić ilk, I’ve always put Leander Dendoncker forward as a potential. He’s like a young Matić to me, triffic’ player.
What about Ruben Neves ?
Still haven’t seen a better fit than Koopmeiners IMO.
There should be a large asterisks Next to “our best and most influential holding midfielder” he is the only holding midfielder we have.
His understanding of the role is brilliant and it’s been showing since the restart. However just recently the cracks in his armour are appearing. If we can squeeze another season out of him then perfect but for me he can’t do a run of games or keep up a high level playing as much as we need him to.
For that alone I feel like we need someone that can genuinely fill the role now. How isn‘t going to look a bag of nerves facing their own goal waiting on a pass.
who that person is who knows but we need someone to come in soon.
Cheers..
Great shout. I really wanted us to get him when he was at Anderlecht. Wolves got themselves a bargain and I can't see them letting him go easily.
I like him too. And unlike Matic, the Belgian is mobile too. I'd take him over Neves all day.
I am certain over next season we are going to scout many players in this position, just feels like we are going to take our time to find the right player.
I believe that patience has paid off with Sancho so think we need to take the same approach here.
I believe that patience has paid off with Sancho so think we need to take the same approach here.
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Good point.
I have a lot of respect for Matic. When he plays well, United play well.
He is physically and mentally strong.
Most importantly, he allows our creative players to be free to perform.
He is a classic 8/10 player.
He will take some replacing that is for sure.
Early this season we struggled to break teams that sat deep because of our lack of creativity, post lock down we have won teams that sat deep.
However we have struggled against Southampton and to some extent CP that pressed high.I suspect that lesser teams will adopt this approach against us.
Magic replacement should be press resistant, good passer of the ball, positionally disciplined and have the ability to retain possession.
Scot and Fred don't have these abilities, they're more box box and should be rotating Pogba or play in a match that we are expected to sit back and give up possession.
I really feel that we may need a CDM, more than we need a RW ,though we should get both.
However we have struggled against Southampton and to some extent CP that pressed high.I suspect that lesser teams will adopt this approach against us.
Magic replacement should be press resistant, good passer of the ball, positionally disciplined and have the ability to retain possession.
Scot and Fred don't have these abilities, they're more box box and should be rotating Pogba or play in a match that we are expected to sit back and give up possession.
I really feel that we may need a CDM, more than we need a RW ,though we should get both.