We can send Maguire back to be honest. £80m refund would be welcome in this current financial environment. They missed him so much they didn’t even bother to replace him.
The [non] use of Van de Beek - Ole's player?
- Thread starter Fortitude
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When discussing VDB in the transfer forum most posters concluded he was signed to make the squad stronger. This has happened and now we're impatient he's not getting into the team. Going by his past playing positions at Ajax he either replaces Bruno, Pogba or Mata. It's only the start of the season and injuries and fatigue is not yet an issue. It's a long and congested season and he'll get plenty of game time once he adjusts to the Premiership and others are not available and need rest.
GledTheRed
Full Member
I was talking about PP and BF.Pogba is talented when he can be bothered. Bruno will likely be used until his performances drop when it matters. McTominay more talented. Give me a break. He plays for United because he came through the ranks. He has nowhere near the technique of VDB neither does Fred. Matic who is better than both of them is not even being picked.
RkkMan
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Mejbri is still just 17 though not every youngster is Greenwood who will thrive when you throw them in the deep end and factor in if Bruno/Pogba got injured we`d be looking at game time for Lingard/Pereira plus in a year`s time Pogba is unlikely to still be at Utd. If he does leave we already have Bruno/VDB as his replacements and we can use the money for an out out DM. VDB is by no means a "luxury" signing and nobody in this environment pays 108m up front for one player and I mean nobodyAlways suspected that this deal is unnecessary luxury for rotation. Ed bought VdB because he was easy to buy, that's all there is to it.
For 10 minute cameos and starting appearances in Carabao Cup, we could have used someone younger with much higher ceiling - Hannibal Mejbri.
Should have used those VdB funds to get the Sancho deal done instead.
Tango80
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This.When discussing VDB in the transfer most posters concluded he was signed to make the squad stronger. This has happened and now we're inpatient he's not getting into the team. Going by his past playing positions at Ajax he either replaces Bruno, Pogba or Mata. It's only the start of the season and injuries and fatigue is not yet an issue. It's a long and congested season and he'll get plenty of game time once he adjusts to the Premiership and others are not available and need rest.
It's a complete non story, he'll be used more as the season goes on and we find balance.
At the minute we need stability, and Fred/McT offer that, so he's not displacing either of those any time soon.
He's not going to replace Bruno atm either, and Pogba needs match fitness so Ole's always going to attempt to build that up.
I don't think Ole sees him as a replacement for James as he's seen as Rashfords backup, I think Ole just prefers to have at least 2 pacey options up top.
Long term, we'll probably end up playing 2 of Pogba, Bruno and VDB behind Martial/Rash, one will stay central while the other drifts wide into space. But for now, it's about getting things shored up defensively. We bought him to basically stop the over-reliance on Bruno, so we'll see more of him as players get rested.
DomesticTadpole
Doom-monger obsessed with Herrera & the M.E.N.
They are both talented, but as I said Paul has to be motivated. If things are going well he is, if not he just goes through the motions. We have to make sure we get back to winning quick.I was talking about PP and BF.
sun_tzu
The Art of Bore
I tend to think the same for this season - and if Pogba does not sign a new deal in the next few months then probably VDB gets the majority of the gamesThis.
It's a complete non story, he'll be used more as the season goes on and we find balance.
At the minute we need stability, and Fred/McT offer that, so he's not displacing either of those any time soon.
He's not going to replace Bruno atm either, and Pogba needs match fitness so Ole's always going to attempt to build that up.
I don't think Ole sees him as a replacement for James as he's seen as Rashfords backup, I think Ole just prefers to have at least 2 pacey options up top.
Long term, we'll probably end up playing 2 of Pogba, Bruno and VDB behind Martial/Rash, one will stay central while the other drifts wide into space. But for now, it's about getting things shored up defensively. We bought him to basically stop the over-reliance on Bruno, so we'll see more of him as players get rested.
Ekeke
Full Member
Neither is Grealish. Thats why Villa play him on the wing and are 3rd.Ole wanted Grealish, and then we landed with him. He is not better than Bruno/Pogba, and that is the position we want to use him in.
Yorkeontop
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He'll get his chance.
Lee565
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This makes no sense though, what's the point of strengthening your back up options when we still need to strengthen certain positions in our first 11, when you buy a player for the first 11 your subsequently strengthening your squad because a former first team player is now instead the back up option.When discussing VDB in the transfer most posters concluded he was signed to make the squad stronger. This has happened and now we're inpatient he's not getting into the team. Going by his past playing positions at Ajax he either replaces Bruno, Pogba or Mata. It's only the start of the season and injuries and fatigue is not yet an issue. It's a long and congested season and he'll get plenty of game time once he adjusts to the Premiership and others are not available and need rest.
We already have pogba and Fernandes, plus mata can also play as an attacking midfielder so then why buy yet another similar player to these 2/3 players, this is no different than a few years back when we were underwhelming in many positions but because of poor rebuilding we had like 5 number 10's on our books.
When the deal for VDB was concluded I would think the club had high hopes that a deal could still be done for the right-wing position. I very much doubt it was one or the other.This makes no sense though, what's the point of strengthening your back up options when we still need to strengthen certain positions in our first 11, when you buy a player for the first 11 your subsequently strengthening your squad because a former first team player is now instead the back up option.
We already have pogba and Fernandes, plus mata can also play as an attacking midfielder so then why buy yet another similar player to these 2/3 players, this is no different than a few years back when we were underwhelming in many positions but because of poor rebuilding we had like 5 number 10's on our books.
Tango80
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Because prior to Bruno arriving we were creating chuff all. It says a lot that Pereira played in 40 games last season.This makes no sense though, what's the point of strengthening your back up options when we still need to strengthen certain positions in our first 11, when you buy a player for the first 11 your subsequently strengthening your squad because a former first team player is now instead the back up option.
We already have pogba and Fernandes, plus mata can also play as an attacking midfielder so then why buy yet another similar player to these 2/3 players, this is no different than a few years back when we were underwhelming in many positions but because of poor rebuilding we had like 5 number 10's on our books.
Nonsense, other clubs don't have Dembele, Griezmann, Gundogan, and other star players on the bench. Never. It only happens at United.Klopp took 6 months to regularly feature Fabinho, pep didn't play bernardo silva regularly in his first season, chelsea are not starting ziyech. It has only been 5 games, he will get more chances as the season progresses.
ForeverRed1
Full Member
the beauty of him as a player is he is versatile. He isn’t a out and out number 10, he is actually a box to box midfielder (number 8) who is also handy on either wing or as a number 10 of needs be. Exactly what we have needed for so long.He is backup for Bruno. Simple as that.
he has played 59 minutes all season, something isn’t right there.
Jonno
Full Member
So many premature posts. Lets revisit in a year when he’s playing every week and Pogba has left.
Jonno
Full Member
This. It’s normal for a new player coming to a higher-level league to train for a few months and be a bench player, working his way into the 11.Klopp took 6 months to regularly feature Fabinho, pep didn't play bernardo silva regularly in his first season, chelsea are not starting ziyech. It has only been 5 games, he will get more chances as the season progresses.
JoeyJoJoJrShabadoo
Full Member
Hoping he gets the nod soon before Bruno dies of fatigue
Like I said he will get his chances. It's only been 5 games. If the situation is the same in another 2 months then yes let us worry, till then posts like these are prematurish.Nonsense, other clubs don't have Dembele, Griezmann, Gundogan, and other star players on the bench. Never. It only happens at United.
Exactly. People here are just too impatient.This. It’s normal for a new player coming to a higher-level league to train for a few months and be a bench player, working his way into the 11.
Mate you misunderstood me. I was agreeing with you. Dembele, Griezmann, Gundogan and many others are on the bench, not in the starting XI, and nobody complains.Like I said he will get his chances. It's only been 5 games. If the situation is the same in another 2 months then yes let us worry, till then posts like these are prematurish.
My bad. I don't think we even need to go to Barcelona to prove our point. Let us look at our yesterday's opponents chelsea. Ziyech has not started once. Like you said these things are the norm but our fans fall into media's trap very easily.Mate you misunderstood me. I was agreeing with you. Dembele, Griezmann, Gundogan and many others are on the bench, not in the starting XI, and nobody complains.
Walters_19_MuFc
Full Member
As I said in another thread, in hindsight, I feel Ole has made a mistake signing Van de Beek.
In Ole's head, along with mine and many others, Pogba was going to continue his great form he showed at the back end of last season in the deeper role. However, that hasn't quite happened and Ole has reverted to two hardworking midfielders in Fred and McTominay who, since being put back into the team, have made us look much more solid as a defensive unit.
This has meant that Ole in the last few games has reverted to playing Pogba further forward. Ultimately, Van de Beek has suffered the most.
Maybe instead of signing an attacking midfielder (I was a big fan of this to provide cover for Bruno) we should have signed a defensive midfielder to go with Fred, McTominay and Matic, whilst rotating Pogba and Bruno (possibly playing Bruno as a roaming winger, at times)
Having said all of that, I do think that next season could see Ole selling Pogba, which will mean VdB can naturally replace him, whilst spending big on a top class defensive midfielder to replace Matic (wish we signed Partey now). That would potentially mean we could have:
CAM: Bruno, Van de Beek
CDM: Fred, McTominay, New Defensive Midfielder (Rice, Phillips, Zakaria, etc)
In Ole's head, along with mine and many others, Pogba was going to continue his great form he showed at the back end of last season in the deeper role. However, that hasn't quite happened and Ole has reverted to two hardworking midfielders in Fred and McTominay who, since being put back into the team, have made us look much more solid as a defensive unit.
This has meant that Ole in the last few games has reverted to playing Pogba further forward. Ultimately, Van de Beek has suffered the most.
Maybe instead of signing an attacking midfielder (I was a big fan of this to provide cover for Bruno) we should have signed a defensive midfielder to go with Fred, McTominay and Matic, whilst rotating Pogba and Bruno (possibly playing Bruno as a roaming winger, at times)
Having said all of that, I do think that next season could see Ole selling Pogba, which will mean VdB can naturally replace him, whilst spending big on a top class defensive midfielder to replace Matic (wish we signed Partey now). That would potentially mean we could have:
CAM: Bruno, Van de Beek
CDM: Fred, McTominay, New Defensive Midfielder (Rice, Phillips, Zakaria, etc)
Cloud7
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A midfield pairing of Fred and McT is way too agricultural for United. We’re trying to play football not till the land. It should only ever be one of them in the team, unless it’s a match that we’re expecting to be the completely underdog in. If Pogba can’t work in a midfield 2, what do we have to lose by giving VDB a try there?
Lee565
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Yeah but we also had pogba out for all that time, had he not been so unfortunate with such a lengthy injury our creativity would have been far greaterBecause prior to Bruno arriving we were creating chuff all. It says a lot that Pereira played in 40 games last season.
Crashoutcassius
Full Member
Ole says we need squad options
Fans think he means a player at 10 because Andreas and lingard played 50 games between them the prior season.
Sign dvdb who appears the perfect lingard / Andreas replacement and squad option
Fast forward a month and fans are confused why he is a squad option and not starting games
Fans think he means a player at 10 because Andreas and lingard played 50 games between them the prior season.
Sign dvdb who appears the perfect lingard / Andreas replacement and squad option
Fast forward a month and fans are confused why he is a squad option and not starting games
Crashoutcassius
Full Member
Well we just beat the cl finalists in their patch so what do we lose, potentially that game and other games ?A midfield pairing of Fred and McT is way too agricultural for United. We’re trying to play football not till the land. It should only ever be one of them in the team, unless it’s a match that we’re expecting to be the completely underdog in. If Pogba can’t work in a midfield 2, what do we have to lose by giving VDB a try there?
Lee565
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I'm pretty sure Barca fans are complaining that dembele and griezmann are back up players because they were brought to be starting 11 players but have ultimately been flops or not fitted right in the side and shown up how poorly thought out Barca's transfer business has been over the past 3 or 4 years.Mate you misunderstood me. I was agreeing with you. Dembele, Griezmann, Gundogan and many others are on the bench, not in the starting XI, and nobody complains.
simplyared
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Having van de Beek on the bench so many minutes/hours is nothing short of criminal. How the feck do you justify that?
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Ole usually sets-up with 6 defensive and 4 offensive outfield players, hence little creativity and dreadful to watch like yesterday.. Offensive players comprise 3 forwards and 1 attacking midfielder (Fernandes). Can't leave Fernandes out so never any room for VdB, Pogba or Mata. Ole's defensive mindset is worrying and a mystery considering he played in SAF's attack-minded treble-winning side. To those who say we need McTominay and Fred to protect the defence I say: the best form of defence is attack, i.e. 4 defensive, 6 offensive outfield players. With the players we have, we'd be a joy to watch, score loads of goals - and win loads of games!
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Cloud7
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They have their uses in certain games, as I said. PSG, Bayern Munich etc, sure. Against a Chelsea team far from world beaters? I don’t think so.Well we just beat the cl finalists in their patch so what do we lose, potentially that game and other games ?
Mainoldo
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Making the squad stronger and getting 10 minute cameos because Fred and McTominay have to play really isn’t the same thing.When discussing VDB in the transfer forum most posters concluded he was signed to make the squad stronger. This has happened and now we're impatient he's not getting into the team. Going by his past playing positions at Ajax he either replaces Bruno, Pogba or Mata. It's only the start of the season and injuries and fatigue is not yet an issue. It's a long and congested season and he'll get plenty of game time once he adjusts to the Premiership and others are not available and need rest.
croadyman
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Yeah he should be adjusting the lineup to suit the opposition so right to play them midweek but not yesterdayThey have their uses in certain games, as I said. PSG, Bayern Munich etc, sure. Against a Chelsea team far from world beaters? I don’t think so.
croadyman
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Just feels like he is making it clear to the board how much he wanted Grealish instead which is a shame for DonnyHaving van de Beek on the bench so many minutes/hours is nothing short of criminal. How the feck do you justify that?
simplyared
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Started a thread a few weeks questioning why we bought van de Beek. The thread was locked. Now Evra is asking the same question. Obviously the thread was relevant and shouldn't have been locked.
croadyman
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Deep down Ole knows that Pat is talking a lot of sense but he wouldn't dare admit it in front of the camerasStarted a thread a few weeks questioning why we bought van de Beek. The thread was locked. Now Evra is asking the same question. Obviously the thread was relevant and shouldn't have been locked.
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Most likely: Paul Pogba has agreed a transfer to Madrid for next summer, and de Beek is his replacement. It is usually like this with block buster transfers. They take a while to complete, and the selling club want to hold on for as long as possible to make a smooth transition.
Van Piorsing
Lost his light sabre
Take it easy. Flood of injuries will come as usual and Donny will be forced to play two games a week and this time we won't have to rely on Pereira or Lingard.
Fergie's headache of choice is a good thing, even world cup winner Pogba can now start to worry about the place in the squad.
Fergie's headache of choice is a good thing, even world cup winner Pogba can now start to worry about the place in the squad.
Gary_Walsh_Nou_Camp_Hell
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I might be wrong but didn't Ole say that he agree with Van de Beek he wouldn't play much early on and then play a lot more once settled?
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He'd stand more chance of playing if we switched to 3-5-2. Unlikely to need to base of Fred and McT in that system and could try him alongside PP and BF in that formation.
With 50 odd games this season, he'll get plenty of game time. I think Bruno would benefit from missing the game midweek and I see it as a perfect opportunity to play VdB. I doubt Ole will though.
With 50 odd games this season, he'll get plenty of game time. I think Bruno would benefit from missing the game midweek and I see it as a perfect opportunity to play VdB. I doubt Ole will though.