[Zed is not dead]

Meh... I like watching hard-working, passionate, creative and productive players, but that's just me.

Hell, if the rest of our players only had half of those superlatives we'd be a great team!

I think your last part is why this Bruno performance is singled out, because rest of the team fought with him. In that case we don’t really care if he missed some passes or lost the ball a few times.

He had this kind of games way more often than we’d like to think. But when the rest of team doesn’t do anything, his flaws become the only thing people see.

In a team that fights with him, well people see the Bruno they love. The one who presses and tackles like a madman, creates more chances than almost any other players in the PL and in Europe, runs from one box to the other until the very last minute.

Let’s hope the rest of the team can follow his lead now

 

[united for life]

I do love Bruno. He loves the club, seems like a top bloke and gives his all for the club 99% of the time. Treated poorly by our fanbase far too often. Yes he whinges too much and yes he has one of those faces but thats not his fault (well, the whinging is )

I sometimes question his effect on the way we play and whether he is capable of being part of a title winning side for us if that ever happens again while hes here but hes a top lad. One of very few players over the past decade that I truly appreciate in every way.

He gets lots of criticism for whining. For some fans, this overshadows what he does for the team from a leadership perspective. I posted this because it shows what he does behind closed doors. He supports others and seems like someone who encourages youngsters and celebrate their success. Might not be the best captain, but he is the best we have

 

[always_hoping]

His suspension made him fresher and much more focused for that game yesterday.

 

[Alemar]

Played well, very good assist to Martinez

 

[Parma Dewol]

His suspension made him fresher and much more focused for that game yesterday.

Maybe he’s figured out that being suspended is the only way he’ll get a much needed rest. Would explain all the red cards.

 

[Waynne]

I loved how on several occasions he evaded the Liverpool press in the middle of the pitch with his dribbles then calmly laying off to a team mate in acres of space. Was hilarious to see him to reverting to the braindead Bruno late in the game with an aimless hoof up the pitch but we can forgive him for that small lapse in concentration considering the performance he put in overall.

Amazing performance and long may it continue.

 

[#07]

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

When the opposition manager singles a player out for praise, it means he’s done alright.

He also said something along the lines of how often he does it for United, it’s just more proof of how insane our fanbase has gotten these past years that our World Class captain who absolutely works his arse off week in week out is so unappreciated. Opposition players and managers (and often their fans) appreciate his quality though.

I reckon Robbo would’ve gotten dogs abuse by today’s fanbase when we were a bit shite, not least for his availability, but today’s fans would’ve questioned him too for on the pitch stuff when his teammates were letting him down far too often.

Bruno aint perfect, no player is, but he is far and away our best World Class signing post SAF.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

I think your last part is why this Bruno performance is singled out, because rest of the team fought with him. In that case we don’t really care if he missed some passes or lost the ball a few times.

He had this kind of games way more often than we’d like to think. But when the rest of team doesn’t do anything, his flaws become the only thing people see.

In a team that fights with him, well people see the Bruno they love. The one who presses and tackles like a madman, creates more chances than almost any other players in the PL and in Europe, runs from one box to the other until the very last minute.

Let’s hope the rest of the team can follow his lead now

100% this.

We’ve argued again and again here how similar his stats mirror KDB, with both often in the 70’s for pass completion. No-one gives a shite about KDB though, cause that’s his job, and his other teammates ensure control by being less expansive passers.
Bruno gets dogs abuse because his teammates too often pass like shit, and when he then “tries” something it riles up some fans something rotten because they are desperate for control.

Once United start to control matches, Bruno will be appreciated much more I believe.

 

[Eplel]

Once United start to control matches, Bruno will be appreciated much more I believe.

I doubt it , because those who perform these mental gymnastics trying to convince everyone that Bruno is our biggest problem are simply pathological.

There are many examples of games where he plays well or he does great things and they still try to twist these.

 

[SilentWitness]

Ultimately I think Amorim wants to control football games and I don't think Bruno is the type of player who will enable you to do that because of his playing style. Yes, he will top individual metrics on certain aspects like chances created and shots etc., but that's because he's the biggest spammer in the league. There will be times that it succeeds such as the weekend in terms of getting you back into games or picking up points and then other times when that spamming is blocked time and time again and all those other metrics like pass completion etc., start to matter because he can give away the ball in some horror moments or positions that are a detriment. That's why I don't think he's viable for a long term consistent future over the course of a season for you and he's best served as a bit part player or to be sold for someone who is less spammy and more measured in their creativity.

 

[Lyng]

Ultimately I think Amorim wants to control football games and I don't think Bruno is the type of player who will enable you to do that because of his playing style. Yes, he will top individual metrics on certain aspects like chances created and shots etc., but that's because he's the biggest spammer in the league. There will be times that it succeeds such as the weekend in terms of getting you back into games or picking up points and then other times when that spamming is blocked time and time again and all those other metrics like pass completion etc., start to matter because he can give away the ball in some horror moments or positions that are a detriment. That's why I don't think he's viable for a long term consistent future over the course of a season for you and he's best served as a bit part player or to be sold for someone who is less spammy and more measured in their creativity.

Did you see the Liverpool match?

 

[Pickle85]

Ultimately I think Amorim wants to control football games and I don't think Bruno is the type of player who will enable you to do that because of his playing style. Yes, he will top individual metrics on certain aspects like chances created and shots etc., but that's because he's the biggest spammer in the league. There will be times that it succeeds such as the weekend in terms of getting you back into games or picking up points and then other times when that spamming is blocked time and time again and all those other metrics like pass completion etc., start to matter because he can give away the ball in some horror moments or positions that are a detriment. That's why I don't think he's viable for a long term consistent future over the course of a season for you and he's best served as a bit part player or to be sold for someone who is less spammy and more measured in their creativity.

Pep does it with de bruyne and his pass completion stats are very similar to Bruno's. There's absolutely no reason that he can't be part of a more considered, cohesive unit imo. He already looks to be playing in a more measured, considered way under amorim

 

[SilentWitness]

Did you see the Liverpool match?

Yup.

Pep does it with de bruyne and his pass completion stats are very similar to Bruno's. There's absolutely no reason that he can't be part of a more considered, cohesive unit imo. He already looks to be playing in a more measured, considered way under amorim

I don't see it long term. He had a great second half against Liverpool but the first half he was giving the ball away and doing silly rabonas. He might be able to cut it down a tad but I would be surprised if he will be able to do it to the level required to maximise the potential of an Amorim squad.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Ultimately I think Amorim wants to control football games and I don't think Bruno is the type of player who will enable you to do that because of his playing style.

City don’t have a problem with KdB, in fact I’d argue his riskier style of play is essential to them.
United maintained incredible control at the weekend for an away side at Anfield, with Bruno a large part of that control. Take Bruno away though and we create very little and almost certainly lose that game.

It’s a fallacy that you need only risk adverse players that have 90% possession stats to control a football match.

 

[Lyng]

Yup.



I don't see it long term. He had a great second half against Liverpool but the first half he was giving the ball away and doing silly rabonas. He might be able to cut it down a tad but I would be surprised if he will be able to do it to the level required to maximise the potential of an Amorim squad.

The reason I asked is, because the second half of that match was pretty much exactly how he would be ideal in the system. And shows that he can tone it down. But of course whether he can do that every match or no is the question.

 

[romufc]

City don’t have a problem with KdB, in fact I’d argue his riskier style of play is essential to them.
United maintained incredible control at the weekend for an away side at Anfield, with Bruno a large part of that control. Take Bruno away though and we create very little and almost certainly lose that game.

It’s a fallacy that you need only risk adverse players that have 90% possession stats to control a football match.

Whatever people want to say about Bruno, if he is the future of the team or not, fans need to look at here and now, we always look at 12 months down the line, it doesn't work.

Bruno is crucial to this team, although we lose so many games, without Bruno in the team, we look even worse, we have 0 creativity without him. So for the moment, we have to accept we need Bruno to improve.

What happens in 12 months time will happen, we have much bigger issues to sort out, getting a LWB, ST and even midfielders.

 

[SilentWitness]

City don’t have a problem with KdB, in fact I’d argue his riskier style of play is essential to them.
United maintained incredible control at the weekend for an away side at Anfield, with Bruno a large part of that control. Take Bruno away though and we create very little and almost certainly lose that game.

It’s a fallacy that you need only risk adverse players that have 90% possession stats to control a football match.

United aren't City though and Bruno isn't De Bruyne. De Bruyne is a better player. I wouldn't say sell Bruno and then don't replace him either.

I'm not arguing that he has to be 90% completion rate. What i'm saying is that the pass completion is then seen as a negative when those creator spam balls don't work. Heck, we see that on here most weeks with people moaning at him for being careless.

The reason I asked is, because the second half of that match was pretty much exactly how he would be ideal in the system. And shows that he can tone it down. But of course whether he can do that every match or no is the question.

I don't think he will be able to tone it down though over the course of a whole season. His spammy nature is completely ingrained in him.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Heck, we see that on here most weeks with people moaning at him for being careless.

They moan about it because SOOO many of our players are careless, they wouldn’t moan if we had at least 6-7 players always ensuring we maintain control. Many fans are at times desperate for us as a team to just put our foot on the ball and settle down, which leads to then even lashing out at our creative players.

One player will never decide whether or not a team can control games, the idea in itself is absurd.

We have seen so many occasions like the weekend, in which Bruno hits his usual 70ish % and creates plenty, and when his teammates are on, it works great, when they are off, well that’s a different story. Fans bizarrely then start convincing themselves that he and not the wasteful none creative lot is the problem.

 

[Scandi Red]

One player will never decide whether or not a team can control games, the idea in itself is absurd.

It's actually utter insanity.

Not to mention: Bruno will obviously also benefit from better players and structure around him! His critics have got it all wrong. He doesn't look good because the rest of our players are so bad. He looks good because he is a good footballer and he would be even more useful in a functional setup. He's also far more versatile than he's given credit for.

 

[tenpoless]

Need to give him a wee break from time to time when we're in the position to do so. Other players playing the same amount of game as him would be properly fecked, I assume they'd be reaching 4/10 performances. Him conserving more energy and going into games fresher would do him and the club a world of good. Sometimes you get a bit jaded after doing the same thing for so long consecutively. Now the question is... when can we start doing that? perhaps not this season.

I have this theory: him rushing play and lack of patience might have been caused by him playing so many matches. Try to play a game over and over without a break everyday, eventually you will try go get to the end of it faster than before. You just want to get to the objectives as fast as possible, at that point it's not about how good your gameplay is. Hopefully by next season he'll have a competition and spend more time on the bench.

 

[SilentWitness]

They moan about it because SOOO many of our players are careless, they wouldn’t moan if we had at least 6-7 players always ensuring we maintain control. Many fans are at times desperate for us as a team to just put our foot on the ball and settle down, which leads to then even lashing out at our creative players.

One player will never decide whether or not a team can control games, the idea in itself is absurd.

We have seen so many occasions like the weekend, in which Bruno hits his usual 70ish % and creates plenty, and when his teammates are on, it works great, when they are off, well that’s a different story. Fans bizarrely then start convincing themselves that he and not the wasteful none creative lot is the problem.

Both can be a problem.

One player doesn't decide whether a team controls a game but they can be a difference when you do or don't have control of a game both positively and negatively due to their play style. I don't think Bruno has a consistency with control which is sustainable over a whole season. His whole playstyle is about spamming, whether that's passing or shooting. I personally don't think he is able to tone it down enough over the course of a whole season, perhaps in a one off game (or half) like Liverpool but not a season.

 

[Scandi Red]

His whole playstyle is about spamming, whether that's passing or shooting.

This is just straight up false, but whatever..

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

His whole playstyle is about spamming, whether that's passing or shooting.

Holy feck.

 

[SilentWitness]

This is just straight up false, but whatever..

I should caveat that with the spam is those 'risky' passes or pot shots. He has a lot of shots with little to show for it. First half rabona or the trivela passes over and over. He can't help himself.

Maybe I'm wrong but looking through the thread there are plenty of United fans that think the same in terms of questioning his ability to be part of a consistent team during a season which controls games and that he is a spammer/volume creator type.

 

[top1whoisman]

 

[Zed is not dead]

I should caveat that with the spam is those 'risky' passes or pot shots. He has a lot of shots with little to show for it. First half rabona or the trivela passes over and over. He can't help himself.

Maybe I'm wrong but looking through the thread there are plenty of United fans that think the same in terms of questioning his ability to be part of a consistent team during a season which controls games and that he is a spammer/volume creator type.

We see it with Portugal NT and he has no real issues there.

We can’t also overlook his defensive contribution and reduce his game to being a pass spammer when he’s actually all over the pitch trying to make up for the team shortcomings.

If anything I see a player that tries to do too much.

I personnally don’t buy into the narrative that he couldn’t work in a team that wants to keep control.
Put him in Liverpool or City and Im not sure their possession would drop by 10%

 

[youngrell]

I should caveat that with the spam is those 'risky' passes or pot shots. He has a lot of shots with little to show for it. First half rabona or the trivela passes over and over. He can't help himself.

Maybe I'm wrong but looking through the thread there are plenty of United fans that think the same in terms of questioning his ability to be part of a consistent team during a season which controls games and that he is a spammer/volume creator type.

The rabona and trivelas are to avoid using his weaker foot, not because he thinks it looks good. He could have avoided the rabona on Sunday and shifted the ball back to his right, but most of the time these passes are made to surprise the opponent when there's only a split second to do so. We had years of slow moving football where we got frustrated at having to break down a settled defence, Bruno's introduction improved those things instantly, and while I am not saying some of his decisions do not drive me up the wall, I much prefer to have someone willing and able to take on those first time or through the eye of the needle passes. I remember quite clearly how frustrating it was before we signed him.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I should caveat that with the spam is those 'risky' passes or pot shots. He has a lot of shots with little to show for it. First half rabona or the trivela passes over and over. He can't help himself.

Maybe I'm wrong but looking through the thread there are plenty of United fans that think the same in terms of questioning his ability to be part of a consistent team during a season which controls games and that he is a spammer/volume creator type.

I think he’s attempted, maybe, two rabonas in his United career? And there’s nothing wrong with trivela passes. They’re a great asset to a right footed player who’s on the left side of the attack.

 

[SilentWitness]

The rabona and trivelas are to avoid using his weaker foot, not because he thinks it looks good. He could have avoided the rabona on Sunday and shifted the ball back to his right, but most of the time these passes are made to surprise the opponent when there's only a split second to do so. We had years of slow moving football where we got frustrated at having to break down a settled defence, Bruno's introduction improved those things instantly, and while I am not saying some of his decisions do not drive me up the wall, I much prefer to have someone willing and able to take on those first time or through the eye of the needle passes. I remember quite clearly how frustrating it was before we signed him.

I think he’s attempted, maybe, two rabonas in his United career? And there’s nothing wrong with trivela passes. They’re a great asset to a right footed player who’s on the left side of the attack.

Not saying he does them to think it looks good but playing into my point that it is ingrained into him to attempt those moves over and over again despite it being possible to play safer or to have a more measured response in some scenarios. That''s fine as that's just who he is as a player but when they don't work it looks naff, has led to other teams getting chances and goals and ultimately frustrates the fans. Hence Bruno being heralded as a legend one week and then the worst player in the side and not a captain and should be sold immediately the next. I think there is an inbetween with Bruno where he has a place for a top club and in an Amorim squad but I don't think it should be as a consistent starter. That's just my opinion and it's not like it's a completely left field view as I don't really remember a player who is as key as Bruno is having such a love hate relationship or split within the fanbase as to whether they're actually great or not. It's quite strange.

 

[Scandi Red]

The mindless spammer that is Bruno...

Tackles + interceptions per 90:
Bruno: 2.9
Ødegaard: 1.2
Palmer: 1.1
De Bruyne: 0.8

Dispossessed + unsuccessful touches per 90 (the lower the better, obviously):
De Bruyne: 2.4
Bruno: 2.5
Palmer: 2.8
Ødegaard: 3.1

And for the sake of balance I've included the two stats Bruno is "poor" at:

Dribbles per 90 (Bruno gets fouled more than De Bruyne and Ødegaard by the way...):
Palmer: 1.3
Ødegaard: 1.1
Bruno: 0.8
De Bruyne: 0.6

Average pass accuracy (Bruno loses several percent from all the set pieces by the way):
Ødegaard: 87.6%
De Bruyne: 83:9%
Palmer: 80.8%
Bruno: 80.3%

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Not saying he does them to think it looks good but playing into my point that it is ingrained into him to attempt those moves over and over again despite it being possible to play safer or to have a more measured response in some scenarios. That''s fine as that's just who he is as a player but when they don't work it looks naff, has led to other teams getting chances and goals and ultimately frustrates the fans. Hence Bruno being heralded as a legend one week and then the worst player in the side and not a captain and should be sold immediately the next. I think there is an inbetween with Bruno where he has a place for a top club and in an Amorim squad but I don't think it should be as a consistent starter. That's just my opinion and it's not like it's a completely left field view as I don't really remember a player who is as key as Bruno is having such a love hate relationship or split within the fanbase as to whether they're actually great or not. It's quite strange.

It’s not strange at all, in context. We’re a massive club who’s gone through a grim few years while Bruno’s been in the team. The fact he’s been by far our best player is why he’s been getting acclaim but the fact he’s an eye catching part of a team that so consistently pisses the fans off means he’s also getting a load of abuse. Amplified by the fact he’s the captain and an emotional guys whose body language and theatrics can be annoying at the best of times. Plus you have to remember that the more extreme abuse gets is coming, with all due respect, from the more clueless elements of our fanbase.

 

[SilentWitness]

It’s not strange at all, in context. We’re a massive club who’s gone through a grim few years while Bruno’s been in the team. The fact he’s been by far our best player is why he’s been getting acclaim but the fact he’s an eye catching part of a team that so consistently pisses the fans off means he’s also getting a load of abuse. Amplified by the fact he’s the captain and an emotional guys whose body language and theatrics can be annoying at the best of times. Plus you have to remember that the more extreme abuse gets is coming, with all due respect, from the more clueless elements of our fanbase.

We will have to agree to disagree. There are people on both sides of the debate who are objectively good FF posters.

 

[SSSSnake]

The mindless spammer that is Bruno...

Tackles + interceptions per 90:
Bruno: 2.9
Ødegaard: 1.2
Palmer: 1.1
De Bruyne: 0.8

Dispossessed + unsuccessful touches per 90 (the lower the better, obviously):
De Bruyne: 2.4
Bruno: 2.5
Palmer: 2.8
Ødegaard: 3.1

And for the sake of balance I've included the two stats Bruno is "poor" at:

Dribbles per 90 (Bruno gets fouled more than De Bruyne and Ødegaard by the way...):
Palmer: 1.3
Ødegaard: 1.1
Bruno: 0.8
De Bruyne: 0.6

Average pass accuracy (Bruno loses several percent from all the set pieces by the way):
Ødegaard: 87.6%
De Bruyne: 83:9%
Palmer: 80.8%
Bruno: 80.3%

He really is all action. Good stats btw i just wish we had two of him to rotate in and out of the squad.

 

[Pickle85]

It’s not strange at all, in context. We’re a massive club who’s gone through a grim few years while Bruno’s been in the team. The fact he’s been by far our best player is why he’s been getting acclaim but the fact he’s an eye catching part of a team that so consistently pisses the fans off means he’s also getting a load of abuse. Amplified by the fact he’s the captain and an emotional guys whose body language and theatrics can be annoying at the best of times. Plus you have to remember that the more extreme abuse gets is coming, with all due respect, from the more clueless elements of our fanbase.

I think this is spot on. Bruno is a lightning rod for criticism as he's the most high-profile and important player in one of the worst united teams in the last twenty years. There are things he could be better at (as with all players) but there are also signs that these are areas that he's improving with a) better coaching b) better coached players around him and a more clearly defined system and c) less pressure seemingly being placed on him to force something as a difference maker.

 

[Slevs]

Why does this image look like an optical illusion

He hit the ball with his right leg. Donno what you call that move but its when you plant your weaker leg next to the ball and swing your stronger leg around the weaker leg and hit the ball.
Ronaldo had a cross like that to RvN one time, was excellent.

 

[Jacob]

There's no question about his talent, it's the mental side, consistency and application you can question.

 

[Eplel]

The mindless spammer that is Bruno...

Tackles + interceptions per 90:
Bruno: 2.9
Ødegaard: 1.2
Palmer: 1.1
De Bruyne: 0.8

Dispossessed + unsuccessful touches per 90 (the lower the better, obviously):
De Bruyne: 2.4
Bruno: 2.5
Palmer: 2.8
Ødegaard: 3.1

And for the sake of balance I've included the two stats Bruno is "poor" at:

Dribbles per 90 (Bruno gets fouled more than De Bruyne and Ødegaard by the way...):
Palmer: 1.3
Ødegaard: 1.1
Bruno: 0.8
De Bruyne: 0.6

Average pass accuracy (Bruno loses several percent from all the set pieces by the way):
Ødegaard: 87.6%
De Bruyne: 83:9%
Palmer: 80.8%
Bruno: 80.3%

What are you doing mate, coming in this argument with facts and data? You're gonna force these poor wums to come up with new false arguments now?

 

[NinjaZombie]

He hit the ball with his right leg. Donno what you call that move but its when you plant your weaker leg next to the ball and swing your stronger leg around the weaker leg and hit the ball.
Ronaldo had a cross like that to RvN one time, was excellent.

The Rabona.

 

[Vidyoyo]

He hit the ball with his right leg. Donno what you call that move but its when you plant your weaker leg next to the ball and swing your stronger leg around the weaker leg and hit the ball.
Ronaldo had a cross like that to RvN one time, was excellent.

Oh right, yeah that's what it looks like but I didn't see it in real time so thanks for clearing it up