[Lentwood]

I thought he was awful today. Frustrates the life out of me at times. It's like he goes "how can I make this next pass/cross as difficult and risky as possible"

I get the high risk, high reward style when in the opponents half or when we have a great chance to counter but the amount of times he takes unnecessary risks is way over the top

 

[Foxbatt]

It's a British expectation that everyone plays brilliantly for 90 mins. I don't care how they play for 85 mins if they can produce brilliant goals like that and we win matches.

 

[Ralph1386]

“He came from Sporting like Cristiano!”

 

[RDCR07]

He is just a penalty scorer right? He has 4 goals in 4 games now without a set piece goal.

 

[Mr PG]

Next we will have United fans moaning all he does is collect goals and assists. Bruno is a world class but chaotic player. Get used to it… been the same for a few years now

 

[Mr PG]

It's strange that he plays like a midfielder for Portugal but like a second striker for us. If it's a tactical instruction then it's a bad one because he needs to drop deeper and help out the other midfielders a lot more.

How does he drop deeper when Newcastle were literally in their own box for 90minutes?

He played quite deep today but makes so many energetic runs into the box when space is available

 

[The United]

It's strange that he plays like a midfielder for Portugal but like a second striker for us. If it's a tactical instruction then it's a bad one because he needs to drop deeper and help out the other midfielders a lot more.

As someone said it already, he will be playing more like a 10 against those teams. No point staying back while 9 men waiting in the box.

Because of the role he plays in those games, his moments will fluctuate often. Easier to play in more space behind.

 

[Brightonian]

Next we will have United fans moaning all he does is collect goals and assists. Bruno is a world class but chaotic player. Get used to it… been the same for a few years now

Yep, and the chaos is partly how he collects those assists. The very first chance he created a couple of minutes in when he instinctively first-touch chipped a moving ball over the back line towards the forward (might have been Ronaldo, might have been Greenwood, can't remember) was textbook Bruno. A low-percentage pass that will cost you a few stray ones to get right but which most players simply can't execute and so are worth trying because no-one can defend them.

 

[He'sRaldo]

Scored a cracker of a goal, mixed bag otherwise.

My main issue is that there's often this noticeable gap between the midfield 2 and the attackers, which traditionally the #10 is supposed to fill and link the team. But because of Bruno's high positioning and frequent runs in behind, the space is often left empty.

The thing is, Bruno's movement right now is superb, and with 4 goals in 4 games you don't want to be restricting him too much or pulling him too deep. The solution to me is for Sancho to drop in there instead of hugging the touchline like he did today (leave that to Shaw), and be the link between the midfield and attack. Similar to the dynamic between Eriksen and Alli when they were both on top form.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Yep, and the chaos is partly how he collects those assists. The very first chance he created a couple of minutes in when he instinctively first-touch chipped a moving ball over the back line towards the forward (might have been Ronaldo, might have been Greenwood, can't remember) was textbook Bruno. A low-percentage pass that will cost you a few stray ones to get right but which most players simply can't execute and so are worth trying because no-one can defend them.

Ronaldo. Sublime little dink.

 

[The United]

Scored a cracker of a goal today, mixed bag otherwise.

My main issue is that there's often this noticeable gap between the midfield 2 and the attackers, which traditionally the #10 is supposed to fill and link the team. But because of Bruno's high positioning and frequent runs in behind, the space is often left empty.

But Bruno's movement right now is good, and with 4 superb goals in 4 games you don't want to be restricting him too much. The solution to me is for Sancho to drop in there instead of hugging the touchline like he did today (leave that for Shaw), and be the link between the midfield and attack.

Again, he will be playing as a striker against those games while Pogba is perfectly doing the creative job. There is no sense dropping against the team with 9 men inside the box. The link does not come from a 10 only. We hardly played with a 10 to link anything in SAF teams.

And, the gap left by him, the likes of Pogba can run in.

 

[NZT-One]

Again, he will be playing as a striker against those games while Pogba is perfectly doing the creative job. There is no sense dropping against the team with 9 men inside the box. The link does not come from a 10 only. We hardly played with a 10 to link anything in SAF teams.

And, the gap left by him, the likes of Pogba can run in.

We had Rooney there who was covering at least as much room as Bruno does. Also with SAF, we played actual wingers, players who did pull their weight defensively. Nowadays, we have makeshift strikers there (plus Sancho) who are mostly concerned with the offensive side of things.

Don't think, it is a good idea to compare these periods of time.

Todays match indicated, that his high positioning might not be on Bruno being Bruno but something, Ole asks him to do. When he was subbed for DVB, he occupied positions just as high as Bruno did. Might very well be DVB trying to "do a Bruno" but it might also be a tactical decision. Bruno plays like that for a long time, not only against some opposition.

 

[laughtersassassin]

His general play is really in a slump if I'm honest. His passing for assists just isn't there right now

But what's good is even with him playing poorer he is still making a difference

 

[The United]

We had Rooney there who was covering at least as much room as Bruno does. Also with SAF, we played actual wingers, players who did pull their weight defensively. Nowadays, we have makeshift strikers there (plus Sancho) who are mostly concerned with the offensive side of things.

Don't think, it is a good idea to compare these periods of time.

Todays match indicated, that his high positioning might not be on Bruno being Bruno but something, Ole asks him to do. When he was subbed for DVB, he occupied positions just as high as Bruno did. Might very well be DVB trying to "do a Bruno" but it might also be a tactical decision. Bruno plays like that for a long time, not only against some opposition.

In SAF teams, Carrick and Scholes delivered the passes. My point is that you don't need a 10 to link up (where is there to link when you have 9 men against you in the box), when you have the likes of Pogba pinging the balls to everywhere from everywhere.

Another idea is that we want to put up numbers quickly up front before they settle down with their own number when we start attacking. Of course, if we are better at that, we would be champions. We are not. Maybe a work in progress.

I am talking about against weaker teams of course.

 

[NZT-One]

In SAF teams, Carrick and Scholes delivered the passes. My point is that you don't need a 10 to link up (where is there to link when you have 9 men against you in the box), when you have the likes of Pogba pinging the balls to everywhere from everywhere.

Another idea is that we want to put up numbers quickly up front before they settle down with their own number when we start attacking. Of course, if we are better at that, we would be champions. We are not. Maybe a work in progress.

I agree, you don't need a 10 to link up per se. But having somebody centrally in front of the penalty area as a passing option or with great passing skills obviously has its merits. Only the last of our four goals today resulted from us "conquering" the 9-man-block. The first was a keeper blunder, the second well finished fast turnover, the third a not so well executed turnover finished with a wonderstrike.

We are struggling controlling teams and moving the ball at pace because the players don't have great passing options often due to being too far apart and due to some spaces not being occupied. Especially Brunos 10-room is often empty because he is in the penalty area. As long as he contributes with goals and assists, noone will criticize all too loudly. But this comes for a price and the least we have to do is being aware what this price is.

About 2nd paragraph: yeah I am sure this is the thinking behind. And it works in some instances, even though I guess it wouldn't hurt that cause too much, if Bruno wouldn't be next to striker but ten meters behind. He hasn't a PL strikers physique but a great strike, may be he would even benefit from staying away from the central defenders.

 

[Red Stone]

Improved in the second half and scored a banger, but he was properly rancid in the first half. Arguably the worst player on the pitch, along with AWB. Tried the Hollywood option every time, even though he had easier options. Of course, if that shot from halfway had gone we'd all be calling him a genius.

 

[The United]

I agree, you don't need a 10 to link up per se. But having somebody centrally in front of the penalty area as a passing option or with great passing skills obviously has its merits. Only the last of our four goals today resulted from us "conquering" the 9-man-block. The first was a keeper blunder, the second well finished fast turnover, the third a not so well executed turnover finished with a wonderstrike.

We are struggling controlling teams and moving the ball at pace because the players don't have great passing options often due to being to far apart and by some spaces not being occupied. Especially Brunos 10-room because he is in the penalty area. As long as he contributes with goals and assists, noone will criticize all too loudly. But this comes for a price and the least we can do is being aware what this price is.

About 2nd paragraph: yeah I am sure this is the thinking behind. And it works in some instances, even though I guess it wouldn't hurt that cause too much, if Bruno wouldn't be next to striker but at least ten meters behind. He hasn't a PL strikers physique but a great strike, may be he would even benefit from staying away from the central defenders.

People forget that he does it all the time after his initial runs fail. Watch those games again. People will criticize even Ronaldo, Messi etc. Nothing really new but I am pointing out the facts that they seem to forget when they post them.

Also, about controlling teams, I think it is time people should realize that United does not play that style especially with Ole who grew up with SAF's style. Wide men including FBs are supposed to make options to pass and carry the ball quickly and attack directly. A # 9 or # 10 being option to pass would be difficult because they are usually heavily man marked by best CBs/DMs. If they come down too deep, no point being a passing option at that point anyway.

 

[criticalanalysis]

I wasn't so much comparing the quality of the squads. Just that Zidane and Enrique did not win the Champions League by having defined structures to their sides.

Enrique moved decisively away from the structure that made Barcelona great, by minimising orchestrated play through midfield. Zidane, on many occasions, just set Madrid up to let Ronaldo do Ronaldo things. I am sure we all remember the last minute saves and so on. Not that I have any issues about that. Just using it as an example of great individuals being trusted to find solutions, rather than drilled into specific patterns.

As you say, with Ronaldo who knows? Nothing he ain't done before.



Ah, missed that. Glad someone else saw it.

For me, there are few #10s or second strikers who compliment today's Cristiano like Bruno does.

I get what you're saying but I think their lack of 'definited structures' and how well it worked was more due to 1) having absolutely, world class indviduals, 2) who also had a shit ton of previous winning experience. They could play opposition off the park and also hang in there when required.

Bar 2-3 players, we have neither. We have incredibly talented players, who are young in career, experience and winning mentality.

Looks it's going to be a fun journey I'm sure but I want more tactical expertise from the manager to guide this group because they are going to need it. Individual expression and ability is only going to take you so far. I don't expect we should be beating Southampton/Wolves and Newcastles 5-0s but there are consistent issues that just haven't been addressed. Against these teams it's fine but that's not the point. We can't ignore these problems and think 'it'll work when we'll prepare in one-off games'. Maybe it will but it doesn't hurt to be more focused on the micro managing/coaching side too.

 

[PaulScholes99]

Great goal. Everything else was absolutely terrible.

People only see what they want. Once the mind is made up you only pick out what fits the narrative. Was it his best performance? No. Was it "terrible"? No. I think it is very annoying that so many people try to make it look like Bruno is terrible beside his scorers. That is not true. He has some terrible moments and even very bad games sometimes. But for example today was far from "absolutely terrible", also without the goal.

Let's go through a few of his action a bit more detailed:

3:57: Brilliant chip to Ronaldo, incredibly hard to play that ball and the defender gets a slight touch with his head so Ronaldo can't controll, otherwise he would be through. Ball was very good.
6:55: Bruno makes a perfect run behind the line, Pogba finds him but a bit too high so he can only try to flick it on with his head, but Bruno was the only one who made a run so there was nobody. The ball from Pogba was quite good and the run was perfectly timed, fine margins and he is through on goal (and i think we all know that he can finish them)
29:18: Bruno shoots, doesn't hit the ball too good but Sancho was very close to get a touch on it and then it would still be an assist. Of course, not intended by Bruno, but his "bad" shot still nearly created a big chance/goal.
31:05: Bruno squares it to Sancho who gets a good shot away. Unfortunately shot gets blocked by the hand, to me it looked like it would have gone in otherwise. Definitely a penalty, i don't know how VAR could overlook this. TBH the ball was not perfect, could have been a bit more into the running direction of Sancho, but still created a good chance.
33:59: Bruno finds Ronaldo, room was very tight, Ronaldo unfortunately tries to go for goal instead of flicking it back with his heel into the open space beside him. Bruno has recognized this space and actually made a clever run. Of course no "good action" as Ronaldo didn't have the same idea and so you don't really realize that Bruno actually made a very good run.
38:20: Bruno with a perfect cross. Greenwood didn't get to it but the ball was played absolutely perfect so that the GK couldn't catch it, on another day Greenwood can get in front of the defender and scored an easy goal. Today he didn't manage but it doesn't change the perfect cross from Bruno that attacked exactly the right space (same for Wan-Bissaka who played a beautiful low ball at 46:40, similar to McTominay against Southampton at the end)

There were also bad moments. Some shots were really shit but it happens. And him and Shaw were absolutely stupid at 27:15 with the throw in, could have conceded. 50/50 at Shaw and Bruno, Shaw should never have thrown it there first and Bruno should deal with the throw in way better.

All these moments just for the first half. I can't really remember too much (good/spectacular/risky) actions of him in the second half but obviously, as you said, he scored an absolute worldie. But also aside of the goal he had a lot of good moments in this game as i just have shown for the first half. Not every good moment results in a goal/assist/big chance, sometimes a pass/cross might not even find anybody and was still good. And Bruno didn't even waste posession too often, he had a pass success of 83% (48/58) which is perfectly fine for the position he plays in. I would agree that it was not a very good game without the goal as some of his shots were terrible, he had this one dangerous moment that could have cost us a goal and in the end all his good moments were only "nearly" moments. But it was far away from terrible.

 

[AjaxCunian]

As some suggested, his poor general play last season wasn't just because he was tired. That is just who he is as a player and it has been poor for quite a long time.

Saying that, his qualities are not up for debate and for everyone to see. He will never be Iniesta/Modric bracket, good for the whole match every match, but his creativity, risk-taking, finishing and urgency is greatly to be praised. He is not one of the issues for now at all.

 

[mav_9me]

I get what you're saying but I think their lack of 'definited structures' and how well it worked was more due to 1) having absolutely, world class indviduals, 2) who also had a shit ton of previous winning experience. They could play opposition off the park and also hang in there when required.

Bar 2-3 players, we have neither. We have incredibly talented players, who are young in career, experience and winning mentality.

Looks it's going to be a fun journey I'm sure but I want more tactical expertise from the manager to guide this group because they are going to need it. Individual expression and ability is only going to take you so far. I don't expect we should be beating Southampton/Wolves and Newcastles 5-0s but there are consistent issues that just haven't been addressed. Against these teams it's fine but that's not the point. We can't ignore these problems and think 'it'll work when we'll prepare in one-off games'. Maybe it will but it doesn't hurt to be more focused on the micro managing/coaching side too.

At this point I have given up on that changing. Ole is who he is. Hopefully Sancho gels with the rest of the guys and the attacking depth will see us win something. However with our complete lack of midifled depth, I don't see it. I am just going to enjoy a few good games and take what comes.

 

[mav_9me]

People only see what they want. Once the mind is made up you only pick out what fits the narrative. Was it his best performance? No. Was it "terrible"? No. I think it is very annoying that so many people try to make it look like Bruno is terrible beside his scorers. That is not true. He has some terrible moments and even very bad games sometimes. But for example today was far from "absolutely terrible", also without the goal.

Let's go through a few of his action a bit more detailed:

3:57: Brilliant chip to Ronaldo, incredibly hard to play that ball and the defender gets a slight touch with his head so Ronaldo can't controll, otherwise he would be through. Ball was very good.
6:55: Bruno makes a perfect run behind the line, Pogba finds him but a bit too high so he can only try to flick it on with his head, but Bruno was the only one who made a run so there was nobody. The ball from Pogba was quite good and the run was perfectly timed, fine margins and he is through on goal (and i think we all know that he can finish them)
29:18: Bruno shoots, doesn't hit the ball too good but Sancho was very close to get a touch on it and then it would still be an assist. Of course, not intended by Bruno, but his "bad" shot still nearly created a big chance/goal.
31:05: Bruno squares it to Sancho who gets a good shot away. Unfortunately shot gets blocked by the hand, to me it looked like it would have gone otherwise. Definitely a penalty, i don't know how VAR could overlook this. TBH the ball was not perfect, could have been a bit more into the running direction of Sancho, but still created a good chance.
33:59: Bruno finds Ronaldo, room was very tight, Ronaldo unfortunately tries to go for goal instead of flicking it back with his heel into the open space beside him. Bruno has recognized this space and actually made a clever run. Of course no "good action" as Ronaldo didn't have the same idea and so you don't really realize that Bruno actually made a very good run.
38:20: Bruno with a perfect cross. Greenwood didn't get to it but the ball was played absolutely perfect so that the GK couldn't catch it, on another day Greenwood can get in front of the defender and scored an easy goal. Today he didn't manage but it doesn't change the perfect cross from Bruno that attacked exactly the right space (same for Wan-Bissaka who played a beautiful low ball at 46:40, similar to McTominay against Southampton at the end)

There were also bad moments. Some shots were really shit but it happens. And him and Shaw were absolutely stupid at 27:15 with the throw in, could have conceded. 50/50 at Shaw and Bruno, Shaw should never have thrown it there first and Bruno should deal with the throw in way better.

All these moments just for the first half. I can't really remember too much (good/spectacular/risky) actions of him in the second half but obviously, as you said, he scored an absolute worldie. But also aside of the goal he had a lot of good moments in this game as i just have shown for the first half. Not every good moment results in a goal/assist/big chance, sometimes a pass/cross might not even find anybody and was still good. And Bruno didn't even waste posession too often, he had a pass success of 83% (48/58) which is perfectly fine for the position he plays in. I would agree that it was not a very good game without the goal as some of his shots were terrible, he had this one dangerous moment that could have cost us a goal and in the end all his good moments were only "nearly" moments. But it was far away from terrible.

Excellent post.

 

[NZT-One]

People forget that he does it all the time after his initial runs fail. Watch those games again. People will criticize even Ronaldo, Messi etc. Nothing really new but I am pointing out the facts that they seem to forget when they post them.

Also, about controlling teams, I think it is time people should realize that United does not play that style especially with Ole who grew up with SAF's style. Wide men including FBs are supposed to make options to pass and carry the ball quickly and attack directly. A # 9 or # 10 being option to pass would be difficult because they are usually heavily man marked by best CBs/DMs. If they come down too deep, no point being a passing option at that point anyway.

SAF teams (at least after from 07/08 onwards) were very well in recycling possession. And I have no issues with realizing that Ole doesn't want us to play like that because we aren't great at it. What should ring the alarm bell is that opposition teams just handover the ball to us as they know, we want really hurt them with it. Most teams can counter at pace, but the top teams have to find ways to deal with situations where the oppositions cedes the ball and focuses on defending in numbers.

And Bruno being in a ten room after the initial run fails is good, but then he might be missed there earlier. I have no issues, seeing Bruno as a second striker, then one of the fullbacks has to tuck in to allow one of the midfielders to advance or one of the strikers/wingers has to drop, but just leaving that space empty isn't making the most of the space. If the opposition doesn't need to defend there, the whole "stretching the defense by using wing play" falls apart.

 

[The United]

SAF teams (at least after from 07/08 onwards) were very well in recycling possession. And I have no issues with realizing that Ole doesn't want us to play like that because we aren't great at it. What should ring the alarm bell is that opposition teams just handover the ball to us as they know, we want really hurt them with it. Most teams can counter at pace, but the top teams have to find ways to deal with situations where the oppositions cedes the ball and focuses on defending in numbers.

And Bruno being in a ten room after the initial run fails is good, but then he might be missed there earlier. I have no issues, seeing Bruno as a second striker, then one of the fullbacks has to tuck in to allow one of the midfielders to advance or one of the strikers/wingers has to drop, but just leaving that space empty isn't making the most of the space. If the opposition doesn't need to defend there, the whole "stretching the defense by using wing play" falls apart.

I think the CM needs new signing especially a strong ball winner. Bruno staying behind would not help much. Until then we will see our midfield being soft.

Right now, as you said, FB seems to tuck in to reinforce the middle area and create ( Shaw is good enough with his passing and AWB is usually good enough with defending) just like how City plays with theirs which I think will be the best system for us to play with what we have.

 

[Ole'sattheWheel]

I think it's telling that he has 4 goals in 4 games, whereas Pogba has 7 assists in 4 games. Bruno's role this season isn't to provide assists or chances in this system, it's to score goals.


He will obviously get assists but he led our team in G&A last season so we know he can do both.

I agree we need a CDM but I think his role will suit us and him this season

 

[NZT-One]

I think the CM needs new signing especially a strong ball winner. Bruno staying behind would not help much. Until then we will see our midfield being soft.

Right now, as you said, FB seems to tuck in to reinforce the middle area and create ( Shaw is good enough with his passing and AWB is usually good enough with defending) just like how City plays with theirs which I think will be the best system for us to play with what we have.

I agree with us needing a good ball winner for the midfield but my reservation about Bruno isn't about him contributing defensively (which would be a different debate) but solely about him not being available as a passing option centrally due to him being very high up the pitch and close to the CBs. It hurts us switch sides and it hurts our built up in many matches. He certainly isn't the decisive factor in these issues but he plays a part.

 

[The United]

I agree with us needing a good ball winner for the midfield but my reservation about Bruno isn't about him contributing defensively (which would be a different debate) but solely about him not being available as a passing option centrally due to him being very high up the pitch and close to the CBs. It hurts us switch sides and it hurts our built up in many matches. He certainly isn't the decisive factor in these issues but he plays a part.

I don't disagree that he will have to come back which imo he did. I am just trying to see the tactical point of view as why he plays so far ahead and why Ole might think it has more advantage than other options. Against certain teams anyway.

 

[Ole'sattheWheel]

Excellent post.

there was also a part (early in the second half) where someone from deep on the left wing pinged it wide across to the right and Bruno took it out of the air on his heel but lost it on his 2nd touch. Berba esque.

Edit: Whoops this was meant to be in reply to the post you replied to

 

[luffy7]

How did he had a bad game? its like saying those who didnt try something had a better game than him....I even see someone said sancho play the best in first half. jokes.

 

[Mr Smith]

It's strange that he plays like a midfielder for Portugal but like a second striker for us. If it's a tactical instruction then it's a bad one because he needs to drop deeper and help out the other midfielders a lot more.

I agree with you in general on this (it was driving me insane against Wolves), but it's less of a problem against a team like Newcastle, when we actually need players in the box. The larger problem today was that his general play wasn't great; a lot of bad touches and poor decision making. Fortunately he scores a screamer to make up for it

 

[Wanderlust_09]

It's strange that he plays like a midfielder for Portugal but like a second striker for us. If it's a tactical instruction then it's a bad one because he needs to drop deeper and help out the other midfielders a lot more.

That has always been the case for us. If you look at his average position or average team formation maps from the past 1.5 seasons, you can see him as a shadow striker (or even the most advanced player in some games) in most games. That probably is most effective position (and partly why he isn't as effective for Portugal?) I agree he needs to be instructed to drop deep in some games where we don't control the midfield to try and help out but why move him away from his best position? And it is not like he doesn't contribute to pressing or winning the ball back even when he is high up the pitch.

 

[mariachi-19]

He’s the younger version of Giggs circa 2006-2013

 

[The United]

That has always been the case for us. If you look at his average position or average team formation maps from the past 1.5 seasons, you can see him as a shadow striker (or even the most advanced player in some games) in most games. That probably is most effective position (and partly why he isn't as effective for Portugal?) I agree he needs to be instructed to drop deep in some games where we don't control the midfield to try and help out but why move him away from his best position? And it is not like he doesn't contribute to pressing or winning the ball back even when he is high up the pitch.

That probably is not true at all.

EVERYONE complained he played as 2nd striker. Anyone ever actually looked at his heat maps for this game? You will be surprised.

It shows again people just have selected memory depending on what agenda they want to put out. It is like it is his own fault to run up and down for people to see it that way.

 

[Wanderlust_09]

That probably is not true at all.

EVERYONE complained he played as 2nd striker. Anyone ever actually looked at his heat maps for this game? You will be surprised.

It shows again people just have selected memory depending on what agenda they want to put out. It is like it is his own fault to run up and down for people to see it that way.

Check his average position wrt the team:
His avg position is very close to Ronaldo's.. This has pretty much been the case for most of his time here (and I'm not saying it in a negative way).
Nobody has any agenda against him.
And I am not complaining that he is not dropping deep (check my original comment) - all I said is he should be tactically instructed to drop deep in some games where we don't have control of the midfield.

 

[NinjaZombie]

I hope Bruno keeps the high risk, high reward style to be honest. I remember the Van Gaal days. Safe football is torturous.

 

[The United]

Check his average position wrt the team:
His avg position is very close to Ronaldo's.. This has pretty much been the case for most of his time here (and I'm not saying it in a negative way).
Nobody has any agenda against him.
And I am not complaining that he is not dropping deep (check my original comment) - all I said is he should be tactically instructed to drop deep in some games where we don't have control of the midfield.

You sure no body has agenda against it?

The heat map showed where he operated PHYSICALLY. He was just not staying as high as possible and as long as he could like some of you were saying. Pass map probably tells you where he received the ball mostly? There is nothing wrong with it. A # 10 should receive the ball in those areas.


People are too obsessed with "controlling the midfield/game". What does that even mean? Keep the ball at all cost in the midfield without trying to attack with it? We dominated the game as much as we could against Newcastle in the first half. A few feck ups or messed up moments amongst the defenders didn't mean we lost the control in the middle. It is for defenders to sort out. There is no team that I watch ever 'control the midfield' as much as how CAF seems to want us to.

 

[Wanderlust_09]

You sure no body has agenda against it?

The heat map showed where he operated PHYSICALLY. He was just not staying as high as possible and as long as he could like some of you were saying. Pass map probably tells you where he received the ball mostly? There is nothing wrong with it. A # 10 should receive the ball in those areas.


People are too obsessed with "controlling the midfield/game". What does that even mean? Keep the ball at all cost in the midfield without trying to attack with it? We dominated the game as much as we could against Newcastle in the first half. A few feck ups or messed up moments amongst the defenders didn't mean we lost the control in the middle. It is for defenders to sort out. There is no team that I watch ever 'control the midfield' as much as how CAF seems to want us to.

Whether you take the heat map or pass map, it is clear he operates very close to the most advanced player - he is a natural #10 (and not an #8).
Your original comment refuting my point is now invalidated.

"Controlling the midfield" = Controlling the tempo of the game depending on the situation, keeping possession when required, slowing down or quickly releasing the ball depending on the score-line/the phase of the game.
It is not Bruno's fault that we at times lose control of the midfield because the type of midfielders we usually deploy (McFred) are not great at doing this. All I stated is, there may be times he has to operate deeper than his usual position and he needs to be given proper tactical instructions for that.
And it is not my fault if others have an agenda against him or not (how can our fans have any agenda against our most in-form player over the past 2 seasons), you don't have to accuse me of stuff that I never said.
I think I have made my points clear, don't want to waste my time on this any more.

 

[The United]

Whether you take the heat map or pass map, it is clear he operates very close to the most advanced player - he is a natural #10 (and not an #8).
Your original comment refuting my point is now invalidated.

"Controlling the midfield" = Controlling the tempo of the game depending on the situation, keeping possession when required, slowing down or quickly releasing the ball depending on the score-line/the phase of the game.
It is not Bruno's fault that we at times lose control of the midfield because the type of midfielders we usually deploy (McFred) are not great at doing this. All I stated is, there may be times he has to operate deeper than his usual position and he needs to be given proper tactical instructions for that.
And it is not my fault if others have an agenda against him or not (how can our fans have any agenda against our most in-form player over the past 2 seasons), you don't have to accuse me of stuff that I never said.
I think I have made my points clear, don't want to waste my time on this any more.

So, basically, Bruno positioning is no problem. Losing 'control of midfield ' is not his problem but he should fix it anyway?

OK, got it.

You said nobody. I asked if you were sure.

 

[roonster09]

People only see what they want. Once the mind is made up you only pick out what fits the narrative. Was it his best performance? No. Was it "terrible"? No. I think it is very annoying that so many people try to make it look like Bruno is terrible beside his scorers. That is not true. He has some terrible moments and even very bad games sometimes. But for example today was far from "absolutely terrible", also without the goal.

Let's go through a few of his action a bit more detailed:

3:57: Brilliant chip to Ronaldo, incredibly hard to play that ball and the defender gets a slight touch with his head so Ronaldo can't controll, otherwise he would be through. Ball was very good.
6:55: Bruno makes a perfect run behind the line, Pogba finds him but a bit too high so he can only try to flick it on with his head, but Bruno was the only one who made a run so there was nobody. The ball from Pogba was quite good and the run was perfectly timed, fine margins and he is through on goal (and i think we all know that he can finish them)
29:18: Bruno shoots, doesn't hit the ball too good but Sancho was very close to get a touch on it and then it would still be an assist. Of course, not intended by Bruno, but his "bad" shot still nearly created a big chance/goal.
31:05: Bruno squares it to Sancho who gets a good shot away. Unfortunately shot gets blocked by the hand, to me it looked like it would have gone in otherwise. Definitely a penalty, i don't know how VAR could overlook this. TBH the ball was not perfect, could have been a bit more into the running direction of Sancho, but still created a good chance.
33:59: Bruno finds Ronaldo, room was very tight, Ronaldo unfortunately tries to go for goal instead of flicking it back with his heel into the open space beside him. Bruno has recognized this space and actually made a clever run. Of course no "good action" as Ronaldo didn't have the same idea and so you don't really realize that Bruno actually made a very good run.
38:20: Bruno with a perfect cross. Greenwood didn't get to it but the ball was played absolutely perfect so that the GK couldn't catch it, on another day Greenwood can get in front of the defender and scored an easy goal. Today he didn't manage but it doesn't change the perfect cross from Bruno that attacked exactly the right space (same for Wan-Bissaka who played a beautiful low ball at 46:40, similar to McTominay against Southampton at the end)

There were also bad moments. Some shots were really shit but it happens. And him and Shaw were absolutely stupid at 27:15 with the throw in, could have conceded. 50/50 at Shaw and Bruno, Shaw should never have thrown it there first and Bruno should deal with the throw in way better.

All these moments just for the first half. I can't really remember too much (good/spectacular/risky) actions of him in the second half but obviously, as you said, he scored an absolute worldie. But also aside of the goal he had a lot of good moments in this game as i just have shown for the first half. Not every good moment results in a goal/assist/big chance, sometimes a pass/cross might not even find anybody and was still good. And Bruno didn't even waste posession too often, he had a pass success of 83% (48/58) which is perfectly fine for the position he plays in. I would agree that it was not a very good game without the goal as some of his shots were terrible, he had this one dangerous moment that could have cost us a goal and in the end all his good moments were only "nearly" moments. But it was far away from terrible.

Very good post.

 

[Freak]

I love him. He might lose the ball often but that's his game - to take risks. I don't care as he offers so much of productivity and leadership to the team.