I like that we are at the point where we can't judge a 72m player in his first season, because apparently he needs more time.
Nicolas Pépé
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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.
But surely we learned from Fred that some players take a while to adjust? He’s improved recently anyway so giving him until next season before coming to a conclusion doesn’t seem that far fetched.
Fred, Son, Keita, Fabinho all in recent memory took at least 6 months to adapt. Coming from a different league, players need time to adapt.
He could be a completely different player next season.
It's also not an experienced player, age means very little what matters is the amount of games played at high level. Pépé wasn't a 72m player simply because at that fee you want someone that has a solid resume, not someone that is still searching his game and has never played in Europe. In a way he is comparable to Drogba at the same age, Drogba went to Marseille and grew a lot in a single season though.
Exactly, I find it a bit weird the way people want to write off a player so quickly, we’ve seen this happen so many times, only for the player to come good in his second season.
Can’t wait for Bruno to adapt
You can see he is adapting quicker, this is probably because we had Lingard and Perreira before him. Anyone looks like an upgrade to them.Can’t wait for Bruno to adapt
Once he forms a partnership with Martial, I can't help to think the damage they can cause.
He almost got in 3/4 times playing one-twos with Ighalo.
That’s an interesting comparison actually. You can tell Pepe lacks experience at the highest level, that in itself warrants some patience, he clearly has the raw tools to be a very good winger, whether he can bring them all together to become consistent remains to be seen but the recent signs are positive.
Crikey,how many times did he want to beat his marker ?
Like watching the worst of Nani.
Colossal waste of money. 72 mill for intermittent Fifa street football.
I think he's utter sh*te.
Write-off the guy is. Should have cost half.
It is not like he doesnt have any talent... 72m is a lot but i wouldnt write it all off just yet.
He has obvious talent. If he could string it all together he could be amazing. Pace, Power, ability to take on players and brilliant left foot.
I am quite shocked how shit he has been. I think he’ll make it though.
What amazes me is that he turns 25 in May. I thought he was 21, 22 at the oldest when in fact he's 6 months older than Martial.
He's very raw for a 25 year old. I'm not sure how much better he'll become, but you'd think maybe he can get a bit better consistency wise? Who knows, just glad it's not our problem.
It's totally fine that he needs time to adapt and to improve. You still expect a certain level of competence if you buy any player for that much money. Arsenal wanted to compete for top4 and planned with him as nailed on starter. They don't have any good alternatives, their squad needs improvement in almost all areas and he has been terrible. Bang-for-buck this has been one of the worst transfers of the season for an English club (Cancelo might be even worse).
Its okay to point that out without writing him off.
At least on a very superficial level there are some similarities to Auba. He joined Dortmund as mediocre winger/wide forward and managed to become a very good central forward. Maybe thats an option for Pépé.
Agreed. There were plenty of Caf experts annoyed we didn't get him though...
Watched highlights of the game, don't understand why some are being critical here. I thought he was decent and probably their best attacker. He may never be able to justify his price tag but that is not his doing. I feel give him one more season and see how he does.
You think Keita has adapted ?
He’s and okay player but awful for 72 million and in his mid-20s. I think Arsenal will be the highest level he ever plays at.
Nope, I hope he doesnt given the flack they gave us for Fred.
Skillful but technically not good enough to be part of a top team.
It's almost like Arsenal have to carry him in the off chance of a couple of skillful moments.
A bit like 70% of their squad actually.
It's almost like Arsenal have to carry him in the off chance of a couple of skillful moments.
A bit like 70% of their squad actually.
22 goals+11 assists for Lille last season and 13 goals+4 assists the season before he obviously wasn’t going to come cheap. I think he’s had a decent season so far he’s shown that he has a very high ceiling he obviously knows how to dribble and he can cross and score. If it comes together for him he’s going to be one of the best players in the league.
The 72m fee is also paid over 5 years. It’s not a one off hit overall I think given the market prices and the player potential it’s a gamble worth taking.
The 72m fee is also paid over 5 years. It’s not a one off hit overall I think given the market prices and the player potential it’s a gamble worth taking.
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He seems okay, but very raw. His decision making seems poor, tends to make a lot of bad decisions and overly complicate simple things. No wonder people think he is young, as he plays like a player who has just been picked from the academy with some of his awful decision making.
70m is the new 30m. Give him some time i would say.
I don't think he can be classified as a flop. Maybe somewhere in between, an 'ok' signing. He's shown signs of brilliance but wasn't helped being managed by Emery and getting caught up in that fiasco. He does look a bit more effective under Arteta.
I'm pretty sure Emery stopped playing him for a while.
I'm pretty sure Emery stopped playing him for a while.
That has an impact on our perception for sure, but it's beyond that. It's clear Bruno has not taken any time to adjust to the PL, and looks like a player who has played here for years. It's great for him but sure other players need more time, which isn't necessarily a reflection on their level.
Exactly, not saying every player needs time, some will hit the ground running and others maybe not.
The winter break clearly helped Bruno settle in and he seems to have gotten on well with Fred, mata, Dalot and Perreira
I think some of it is confidence...he seems to eager to want to prove his skills rather than concentrating on how his skills can benefit the team when they are in the attacking transition. If he can let go of that side concentrate on using his skills efficiently then I think there is a dangerous player in there, but until he actually starts doing that then he'll go down as an overpriced Yanick Bolasie
So about this guy...
With the game next week in mind, it's fair to say I rate him very highly, one of the best in the world, and I'm very very worried about him.
Mental they spent 70odd million on him.
And to think they paid £80m for a guy who's as good as Bebe...
Too gangly and uncoordinated to succeed in the PL.
Let’s not do this thread now please?
he bloody scored against us last time and never turned up since
he bloody scored against us last time and never turned up since
I agree with every word you wrote. Best post of the year.
Close this thread until next Monday.
Can't believe we didn't go for him!!! Wtf was Ole thinking
Omg are you serious??!
He is without doubt one of the biggest flops in the prem considering how much he cost. One of the most expensive premier league players and he is bang average. They blown a shit load of money on him and are most probably regretting it now.
But of course, I know you’re wumming.