Real Madrid. ( Alaba, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho) Bayern ( Davies, Mazaroui, Gurerro) Manchester City. ( Walker, Ake, Ajanji, Gvardiol) Arsenal ( White, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Kwior)You don't want a LB specialist? What other top teams play with utility players as starters?
Everything but the bolded looks about right. I don't see us triggering the extension, however. As you say, there won't be clubs queuing up to offer him £200k p/w, and we'll more than likely try to get him to accept a reduced salary, as we tried with DDG and are trying with Varane.Why wouldn’t Maguire desire another season fighting for place? He rejected last summer offer to stay when Varane is still in the club. Now Varane is going to leave and Maguire has been getting lot of minutes this season in comparison to last season. You added up all of those, it’s enough to convince himself that he will be happy to collect his 200k pw wages and he will think that this time will be more chance to play now that Varane is leaving. I think Lindelof will need to be sold because he will be out of contract, Varane will leave because he doesn’t want to lower his wages, while Maguire will stay because no one can afford his wages and the club will trigger the one year extension in January.
They still have first choice players. Walker is a dedicated RB that can fill in, quite well at CB. Alaba used to be a LB, but has reverted to and prefers to play CB. City lacks a proper LB, and that has actually been somewhat detrimental to their play - still good the basterds. The same goes with Arsenal and White - he does an OK job there, but there is little doubt that he can be improved upon.Real Madrid. ( Alaba, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho) Bayern ( Davies, Mazaroui, Gurerro) Manchester City. ( Walker, Ake, Ajanji, Gvardiol) Arsenal ( White, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Kwior)
Utilityy players get a bad rep for zero reason. A team is always far stronger the more multirole players it has. For in an invent of the kinda injury crisis we are having, we'd be getting through it with next to no sweat like Real Madrid has.
It was…I agree. But none of us know the circumstances of both players. Can they both get back to good fitness? if the club trusts that Shaw and Malacia injuries aren’t long term, I just don’t see us buying a 3rd lb.
Shaw seems to be lots of niggles - not helped by being played constantly. And the niggles could be helped if Malacia can play a supporting role.
You don’t buy a back up lb in Malacia expecting him to be out for the full season.
Does seem odd that we haven’t heard much about him…but it just about sums up our season with injuries. We keep getting them in key areas that hurt us.
The fact that our starting LB can't be relied on is reason enough to prioritise that position. I also agree that RB is weak on paper but at least we have two players of which at least one stays fit, according to this season. Whereas Malacia would need a lot of time to recover from whatever he has (I actually doubt he'd reach United level at this point) and Luke Shaw is just too fragile to be built on. His versatility will be useful as he can play LB, LCB and arguably also DM (I think he's intelligent enough to adapt), which makes him a perfect squad player with ambitions to start games. But imo we really need a consistent LB who can play 50 games on top level and that is not what Shaw can offer. Whether we sign a star player, a huge talent or a LCB who can play as FB, I don't mind but we gotta do spmething there. Regarding Amass, I'd send him on loan to develop for 1-2 seasons before slowly getting integrated.Shaw has injury problems sure, Malacia was very competent replacement when we got him last season, many were praising him. Nobody knows how's he gonna recover from the injury though, so that makes the Fernandez transfer even more weirder.
But Shaw is much much better than Dalot/AWB, and if Shaw is fit, our LB is locked down, while both Dalot/AWB are just average players. We have far bigger problems than a backup to a injury prone good LB.
I don’t think it would make sense or improve the team to not play our best/most important player in his best position.The LB market isn’t ideal, but there are good CB in the market out there right now. I think we should sign brand new CBs who can play high line and convert Martinez to be inverted left back to join midfield.
Maguire is one of the best players for Utd this season, if not the best. Is he not? I can imagine he is the first name on the starter list.Everything but the bolded looks about right. I don't see us triggering the extension, however. As you say, there won't be clubs queuing up to offer him £200k p/w, and we'll more than likely try to get him to accept a reduced salary, as we tried with DDG and are trying with Varane.
He's performed above his usual level when he's had to play but he wouldn't see the pitch if Martinez was fit.Maguire is one of the best players for Utd this season, if not the best. Is he not? I can imagine he is the first name on the starter list.
I'm happy for Maguire because I think he's got a positive attitude and has got his act together this season after a couple of horror seasons. However, I also think his athletic profile is part of the reason why we can't play a high defensive line so while he's been one of our better performers, I don' t think this should prevent us from seeking to upgrade.Maguire is one of the best players for Utd this season, if not the best. Is he not? I can imagine he is the first name on the starter list.
By playing as inverted left back, this allows Martinez to play more central but in the no 6 area rather than wide. He’s still playing in the identical position as CB when on the ball. It’s similar to John Stones moving to midfield next to Rodri.I don’t think it would make sense or improve the team to not play our best/most important player in his best position.
Everyone can see Maguire can't play high line and he can only play in a low block counter attacking system. I will also say the same for Rashford as well as he is more a counter attacking left forward, and Bruno as a #10 the way he takes risk to create chance.I'm happy for Maguire because I think he's got a positive attitude and has got his act together this season after a couple of horror seasons. However, I also think his athletic profile is part of the reason why we can't play a high defensive line so while he's been one of our better performers, I don' t think this should prevent us from seeking to upgrade.
Ten Hag's tactics are a complete mishmash of two different styles as Jamie Carragher highlighted in his piece on Sky. Ironically neither of those styles are really what we brought him here for either. It's been the same since the first game of this season and it's been hugely frustrating to watch.Everyone can see Maguire can't play high line and he can only play in a low block counter attacking system. I will also say the same for Rashford as well as he is more a counter attacking left forward, and Bruno as a #10 the way he takes risk to create chance.
So why insist on playing the Pep/LVG way with the players you have in the squad this season?
I do understand the need to turn over players to play the way the fans desire.
No, not really. He was dropped for the 5 minutes Martinez was fit. He's performed well individually in a defence thats about 10 yards too deep every time he plays.Maguire is one of the best players for Utd this season, if not the best. Is he not? I can imagine he is the first name on the starter list.
Because we dont have the other 8+ players needed to play a counter attacking set up well. And a team built around Maguire and Rashford wouldn't be very good ultimately.Everyone can see Maguire can't play high line and he can only play in a low block counter attacking system. I will also say the same for Rashford as well as he is more a counter attacking left forward, and Bruno as a #10 the way he takes risk to create chance.
So why insist on playing the Pep/LVG way with the players you have in the squad this season?
I do understand the need to turn over players to play the way the fans desire.
Yeah the obvious move for us - if we can afford it - is to sign an LCB and a RCB with some actual pace so they help us play a higher line so we can actually press without having a massive gap that would kill Arrigo Sacchi between the lines and also cover fullback when we have an injury crisis like right now at fullback.Real Madrid. ( Alaba, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho) Bayern ( Davies, Mazaroui, Gurerro) Manchester City. ( Walker, Ake, Ajanji, Gvardiol) Arsenal ( White, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Kwior)
Utilityy players get a bad rep for zero reason. A team is always far stronger the more multirole players it has. For in an invent of the kinda injury crisis we are having, we'd be getting through it with next to no sweat like Real Madrid has.
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You're right and I'd rather see Martínez take up that Zinchenko role with us signing someone like Branthwaite for that LCB position and use this setup that you described. I believe this is how Pep or Arteta would use him in their teams. It would also help us manage Shaw way better as we would have a competent setup even without him in the defence. Shaw/Malacia/Martínez would be good and enough options IMO unless a really good option appears on the market.On the ball in attacking transition, this is how City set up last season:
Ederson
Akanji Dias Ake
Rodri Stones
Silva KDB Gundogan Grealish
Haaland
In defensive transition, this is how City set up last season:
Ederson
Akanji Dias Stones Ake
Silva Rodri Gundogan Grealish
KDB Haaland
We can do similar set up without signing a Left Back but instead utilising the current market to sign CBs:
Onana
Dalot/Kambwala - Todibo - Branthwaite
DM - Martinez
Garnacho Bruno Mainoo LW
Hojlund
Onana
Dalot/Kambwala - Todibo - Martinez - Branthwaite
Garnacho - DM - Mainoo - LW
Bruno - Hojlund
This is a myth and somehow still the general consensus among football fans. Maguire is fine in a high line, especially if you surround him with the right players.Everyone can see Maguire can't play high line and he can only play in a low block counter attacking system. I will also say the same for Rashford as well as he is more a counter attacking left forward, and Bruno as a #10 the way he takes risk to create chance.
So why insist on playing the Pep/LVG way with the players you have in the squad this season?
I do understand the need to turn over players to play the way the fans desire.
It’s not a myth. Maguire can’t play high line. Varane doesn’t have recovery pace anymore, he has lost it, he also cannot play high line anymore at his current age.This is a myth and somehow still the general consensus among football fans. Maguire is fine in a high line, especially if you surround him with the right players.
Funny how it's actually Varane that struggles in a high line but it's never noticed because he has good recovery pace and people believe that's all that matters.
Under Ole we had one of the highest defensive lines in the league. And that's when Maguire was surrounded by players like De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, Shaw, McTominay and Fred. Now, he would be surrounded by Onana, Mainoo, Dalot, Martínez and Shaw. He can't receive the ball as well as them, especially in tight situations under pressure, and he isn't exactly fast, but I do think he could play well in a correctly set up high line. He's a good passer, decent on the ball, and a huge physical presence at the back. I think the tactical setup isn't ideal for him either, and it's generally also very flawed at the moment.It’s not a myth. Maguire can’t play high line. Varane doesn’t have recovery pace anymore, he has lost it, he also cannot play high line anymore at his current age.
Both are proven not be able to play high line. The recent proof is the Fulham game. They both were terrified with high line that they either refused or forgot to push high when the midfield and forwards pushed high to apply high press.
I get your ideas but simply don’t agree at all. John Stones played nothing identical to CB position last season in possession. Out of possession yes, and that’s what Pep did with Stones last year, rather than a natural full back as previous, he used a natural centre back inverting from a right back position.By playing as inverted left back, this allows Martinez to play more central but in the no 6 area rather than wide. He’s still playing in the identical position as CB when on the ball. It’s similar to John Stones moving to midfield next to Rodri.
Alternatively, we can do exactly what Pep did last season, which playing Martinez as Libero by letting him move into midfield when on the ball but playing Branthwaite who has pace as left back but becomes CB to cover both wide and central space to anticipate counter attack when Martinez the libero moves to midfield position
You are conflating "filling in" with being quality there. The type of versatility I'm talking is Militao or Alaba at fullback and CB. Martinez at CB and Fullback. Gvardiol or Ake at Fullback and CB. Same as White, Kwior or Timber at FB and CB. Not Smalling at RB or Tuanzebe at type things. I'm talking Wes Brown at FB and CB. Top quality in both roles.They still have first choice players. Walker is a dedicated RB that can fill in, quite well at CB. Alaba used to be a LB, but has reverted to and prefers to play CB. City lacks a proper LB, and that has actually been somewhat detrimental to their play - still good the basterds. The same goes with Arsenal and White - he does an OK job there, but there is little doubt that he can be improved upon.
We used to have Smalling and Jones who could fill in at RB, and that worked fine, but we all preferred Rafael to play there for the attacking output. Having players that are able to fill multiple roles is brilliant, but you want players that are among the best in their position, which is not a utility player in my mind.
.......
Stones moved to midfielder next to Rodri during attacking transition or on possession. That’s why the idea or turning Martinez into libero or inverted left back will be similar concept because he will move to midfielder next to our DM or no 6 during attacking transition but back to back four during defensive transition or if it’s required when he needs to cover the space.I get your ideas but simply don’t agree at all. John Stones played nothing identical to CB position last season in possession. Out of possession yes, and that’s what Pep did with Stones last year, rather than a natural full back as previous, he used a natural centre back inverting from a right back position.
That gave City a physically stronger base to push forward and press high with aim to keep play in the opponent's half and it also gave them flexibility when one of the centre back responsible for covering the wide area in transition leave the gap in central zone - that’s when we can see someone starting as inverting right back in possession dropping from pivot and taking position as CB. It also makes them less vulnerable in wide areas than previous seasons.
As for our team, in the case that we drop the double pivot formations, due to their abilities and traits I think it would be much more sensible to go with Dalot as inverted right back rather than moving Martinez from his wide centre back role. Licha is one of the world's finest at this role and his lovely left foot combined with his passion and aggression to win duels is not something you can easily find in the market and I wouldn't move him away from his current position/role. Just hope he will stay fit in the future, in my eyes he is our most important player.
As for Varane and Maguire I agree they can’t play those kinds of setup and high line systems as they both aren’t comfortable defending wide areas - they are both more controlling types who rather drop in central zone and anticipate attack rather than stepping up to win 1v1 duels in wide areas.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Madrid buy Davies and then sell Mendy for €50m and then go buy Gutierrez as rotation for €35m."Gutierrez has a contract with Girona until 2027, with a release clause of €35m. However, any team that would like to buy the player will have to compete with Madrid, who have a right of first refusal. Real Madrid sold the player to Girona for €5m, but retain 50% rights of his rights meaning the club could buy him back for €8m this summer"
- Real Madrid who has Mendy as the first choice for the LB spot and good backups in both Alaba and Camavinga + one more LB that is a good squad player as well are despite all these players and the opportunity to bring back Gutierrez for coffee money more interested in buying Davies from Bayern (and he wants the move).
So both Mendy (28, born 1995) and Gutierrez (22, born 2001) could be available this summer and Theo Hernandez(26, born 1997) would be great signing also (but he seems to be very happy with Milan and told the press a couple of weeks ago that they are talking about a new longer contract while still having 2 years left on his current one).
No, that is what will happen probably or loan out Gutierrez back to Girona who will be paying his salary. So he will be playing CL football and in the league on regular basis and his value will keep raising. Smart move of Real Madrid.Wouldn’t be surprised if Madrid buy Davies and then sell Mendy for €50m and then go buy Gutierrez as rotation for €35m.
I get you, we are almost on the same boat, it’s just about personal preferences and I would prefer these two setups rather than inverting Martinez too much into the middle.Stones moved to midfielder next to Rodri during attacking transition or on possession. That’s why the idea or turning Martinez into libero or inverted left back will be similar concept because he will move to midfielder next to our DM or no 6 during attacking transition but back to back four during defensive transition or if it’s required when he needs to cover the space.
Football is not static, it’s fluid and players can swap positions during the game. Dalot can play inverted right back to join midfield while Martinez stays at the back. It doesn’t have to be a right back must play inverted or the left back or the CB plays the libero role. In addition, Dalot ability to play inverted will give the squad more flexibility when there is injury or if we need to rest player. If we need to rest Martinez or if he’s injured, Dalot can step in to the role. We often see this with man city squad when Pep wants to rest Stones.
Hence, why it’s better we utilise the current market by signing right footed CB and left footed CB and make Martinez as our libero or inverted left back rather than forcing ourselves signing left back when the market of left back is currently not ideal.
Martinez is the obvious Libero for me. He's just so good on the ball and you see the difference when Akanji fills in for Stones. And I like Dalot wider right where he can overlap, whether it's a new left-footer on the right or Garnacho looking to score goals rather than hug the touchline. I don't think Dalot is special as a link player, just his vertical running.Stones moved to midfielder next to Rodri during attacking transition or on possession. That’s why the idea or turning Martinez into libero or inverted left back will be similar concept because he will move to midfielder next to our DM or no 6 during attacking transition but back to back four during defensive transition or if it’s required when he needs to cover the space.
Football is not static, it’s fluid and players can swap positions during the game. Dalot can play inverted right back to join midfield while Martinez stays at the back. It doesn’t have to be a right back must play inverted or the left back or the CB plays the libero role. In addition, Dalot ability to play inverted will give the squad more flexibility when there is injury or if we need to rest player. If we need to rest Martinez or if he’s injured, Dalot can step in to the role. We often see this with man city squad when Pep wants to rest Stones.
Hence, why it’s better we utilise the current market by signing right footed CB and left footed CB and make Martinez as our libero or inverted left back rather than forcing ourselves signing left back when the market of left back is currently not ideal.
Atm, Davies is still at Bayern and they would need to negotiate as Real don't want to overpay. So there is a good chance that if United go for Theo as soon as the transfer window starts, we might have a decent chance.If Davies indeed moves to Madrid, Theo Hernandez will be top of the list to replace him. Fees for both players should be pretty similar, so the money won't be an issue.
https://www.transfermarkt.com/seg-sports-entertainment-group/beraterfirma/berater/586Who are the left backs currently signed with SEG?
Doughty makes a lot of sense if we feel we need a more reliable back up to Shaw than Malacia.Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen is maybe the best left wing back out there. He is scoring a lot and have many assist too.
Or i am considering Luton's wingback in Doughty. Will cost lesser than Grimaldo. To save money for others positions
United have 2 defensive left back in Shaw and Malacia. To play proactive dominate football.
United simply need more attacking and offensive left wing back like Grimaldo or low budget Doughty.
But again. I am still watching and considering Doughty. 8-9 assist for bottom team in Luton. You really deserve come credit for that.
Don't rate Theo. Think he's very suspect defensively.If Davies indeed moves to Madrid, Theo Hernandez will be top of the list to replace him. Fees for both players should be pretty similar, so the money won't be an issue.
Very short, said Paul and John.could see Leif Davis being picked up by a PL club soon.
