[SteveW]

I’d give him a game tonight against Burnley and rest one of Matic or Herrera.

We need to see if we can get something out of him. It’ll be madness to go into the Feb busy period with only 2 functional holding midfielders.

We need to rest them a bit. Theres no way they will be able to maintain current energy levels with so many difficult games coming up.

Fred is perhaps the best option but I honestly trust none of the back ups. Ole needs to squeeze some performances out of at least one of them. Fingers crossd

 

[BrianMcClair'sBarnet]

I would've given him and Andreas a game tonight if it wasn't for the fact they were getting dominated by Reading's bog standard Championship players like Swift,Kelly and Harriott.

 

[Bwuk]

We need to rest them a bit. Theres no way they will be able to maintain current energy levels with so many difficult games coming up.

Fred is perhaps the best option but I honestly trust none of the back ups. Ole needs to squeeze some performances out of at least one of them. Fingers crossd

Agree that’s why I think it’s an ideal game for Fred.

I agree. I think there’s a player in Andreas, but not keen on Fred or Fellaini.

 

[Bwuk]

I would've given him and Andreas a game tonight if it wasn't for the fact they were getting dominated by Reading's bog standard Championship players like Swift,Kelly and Harriott.

Cup football weird things like that always happen. I’d give one of them a game and look to bring the other on later if we are winning.

 

[SSSSnake]

If he's going to get any minutes surely it's tonight? Matic could do with a rest.
Hopefully he can show a bit more maturity and be less rash on the ball.

 

[Oldham]

Hope we'll see him tonight. He seems to have some real good attributes, but at the same time he looks a bit of a headless chicken and probably hasn't figured his role in this team yet...
I think and hope we have a good box to box midfielder in him.

 

[NotoriousISSY]

Should definitely start tonight. Would be illogical to keep Matic in the team when he is susceptible to looking very tired after a few games.

Would start with Herrera and Pogba and bring Andreas on if we establish a 2 goal lead.

 

[Grande]

Should definitely start tonight. Would be illogical to keep Matic in the team when he is susceptible to looking very tired after a few games.

Would start with Herrera and Pogba and bring Andreas on if we establish a 2 goal lead.

I think both Mourinho and Solskjær recognized that Matic is possibly the most difficult player to replace in a starting eleven at United. We have many midfielders capable of running around, pressing, tackling or winning duels, but noen of them can more than half of these at a time, and none of them have Matic’s eye for defensive space necessary for filling in the blanks continually appearing when you have so many attack-minded players in the team.

 

[JJ12]

I would've given him and Andreas a game tonight if it wasn't for the fact they were getting dominated by Reading's bog standard Championship players like Swift,Kelly and Harriott.

The whole team was changed that day and there was no chemistry - hardly surprising.

One of them should start today.

 

[sherrinford]

I think both Mourinho and Solskjær recognized that Matic is possibly the most difficult player to replace in a starting eleven at United. We have many midfielders capable of running around, pressing, tackling or winning duels, but noen of them can more than half of these at a time, and none of them have Matic’s eye for defensive space necessary for filling in the blanks continually appearing when you have so many attack-minded players in the team.

Nonsense. Herrera is just as capable of performing in the holding role as Matic. Out of the three midfield roles being played at the club just now, that is actually the position for which we have the best cover/ depth.

 

[meninred]

That is my question too. Who is really the backup for Matic in our current squad ? or we don't have one ?

 

[SteveW]

We need to rest them a bit. Theres no way they will be able to maintain current energy levels with so many difficult games coming up.

Fred is perhaps the best option but I honestly trust none of the back ups. Ole needs to squeeze some performances out of at least one of them. Fingers crossd

So much for that then

 

[edcunited1878]

That is my question too. Who is really the backup for Matic in our current squad ? or we don't have one ?

Herrera could be a replacement, but he's at his best position. Just shows how important Matic is and the flak he gets on here really doesn't make sense for the most part. He has his faults as do all the players, but he's far, far from the main weaknesses of this current squad (Matic)

 

[pascell]

I'm not sure Ole and co rate him, how's Pereira getting in ahead of him? Not only a £50m signing but he's played much more first team football than Pereira.

 

[RussellWilson]

Can't have been any worse than Pereria surely?

 

[JoaquinJoaquin]

If he isn't going to get a game tonight, then you really fear for his future at the club. I honestly think Ole doesn't fancy him as a player at all.

 

[Tibs]

Utterly pointless signing.

 

[Razvan]

I'm really wondering what the hell he is doing wrong in training. I can't understand how a 50m signing with plenty of UCL experience can't start a match ahead of Andreas Pereira.

 

[MAME DIOUF 32]

How shit must he be in training if he can't get a game at home to Burnley with Herrera not playing? He's a problem.

 

[iluvoursolskjær]

Thanks Mou.

 

[MadDogg]

How shit must he be in training if he can't get a game at home to Burnley with Herrera not playing? He's a problem.

Fred and Pereira seem to be alternating to be the backup who plays when one of the first choice is rested. This game was Pereira, I expect Fred to get the next chance most likely against Fulham.

 

[Kostov]

I've just came across his transfermarket profile, it reminded me we paid 59 million euros for this guy. Holy fecking Budha, who though that was a good idea? I mean how can you pay 59 million euros for a guy who plays in Ukraine isn't a regular for his national team and that at 25. Who ever made that decision is an absolute moron.

 

[Litch]

I've just came across his transfermarket profile, it reminded me we paid 59 million euros for this guy. Holy fecking Budha, who though that was a good idea? I mean how can you pay 59 million euros for a guy who plays in Ukraine isn't a regular for his national team and that at 25. Who ever made that decision is an absolute moron.

The season realistically started 9 games ago for me. Before that most on here would have even have sold Pogba. No idea if he's good enough but Lindelof is currently proof we are too quick to write players off before they have had time to settle. If we trust Ole's judgement, he was very positive about Fred's potential. Maybe I'm a bit different but I love players starting slowing and growing into the club, than those who start really well but it's soon clear it was only cause they were new and the league knew feck all about them....

Think people take it for granted how hard it is to settle in a new country, league, club, manager, players, style of play, regular game time and to play well to get regular game time, whilst managing all the rest. All of this while expecting your first child....

 

[Kostov]

The season realistically started 9 games ago for me. Before that most on here would have even have sold Pogba. No idea if he's good enough but Lindelof is currently proof we are too quick to write players off before there have had time to settle. No saying he'll be good enough but if we trust Ole's judgement, he was very positive about Fred's potential. Maybe I'm a bit different but I love players starting slowing and growing in the club, than those who start really well but it's soon clear it was only cause they were new and the league knew feck all about them....

Fair point and I hope it turns out to be the case, he proves a valuable player. But 59 million? I don't think he will ever prove worthy of that price tag.

 

[roonster09]

I've just came across his transfermarket profile, it reminded me we paid 59 million euros for this guy. Holy fecking Budha, who though that was a good idea? I mean how can you pay 59 million euros for a guy who plays in Ukraine isn't a regular for his national team and that at 25. Who ever made that decision is an absolute moron.

His fee keeps on getting higher.

Di Marzio reported fee was 50 million Euros
https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/man...khtar-red-devils-also-interested-in-mandzukic

BBC reported 47 million pounds
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44380621

Overall yeah, it's very underwhelming signing considering the fee paid and how less he has played.

 

[Josh 76]

In a weird way, Fred actually fits the profile of a CM player we are craving for. Energeric, box to box, holding and attacking. Im still hoping he turns into a Vidic signing.

 

[JJ12]

Should've been given the nod ahead of Pereira midweek - hindsight is 20/20 though.

Hope he gets playing time soon.

 

[Litch]

Fair point and I hope it turns out to be the case, he proves a valuable player. But 59 million? I don't think he will ever prove worthy of that price tag.

No crystal ball but we know price tags mean feck all anymore. Market forces, CL experience, Brazil international, City allegedly wanted him....City are selling 'boys' for 11 million that aren't in the first team. Price of players mean nothing anymore to me tbh....

 

[Kostov]

His fee keeps on getting higher.
Di Marzio reported fee was 50 million Euros
https://gianlucadimarzio.com/en/man...khtar-red-devils-also-interested-in-mandzukic
BBC reported 47 million pounds
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44380621
Overall yeah, it's very underwhelming signing considering the fee paid and how less he has played.

Transfermarket do have a habit of putting up the highest reported price, but 50m whether is pounds or euros does seem an awful lot for what we've seen so far, or not seen at all.

No crystal ball but we know price tags mean feck all anymore. Market forces, CL experience, Brazil international, City allegedly wanted him....City are selling 'boys' for 11 million that aren't in the first team. Price of players mean nothing anymore to me tbh....

Not my money but it does concern me when we overpay for player not worth it. It puts a precedent of overpaying for similar level players and it affects our transfer dealings. And let's not speak about the transfer funds at disposal, as much as Ed want to gloat about our power on the transfer market, we aren't City or PSG and need to be more astute.

Someone is going to take Rabiot for free this summer for example, while we paid 59 millions for Fred, who has hardly even played this season, is older and in my opinion inferior player to the Frenchman. Yes hindsight is a wonderful thing but our planning is pathetically bad.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Just like we saw with Lindelof, I have faith he will settle in and become the player we expect.

He's already shown his high ceiling at points, just need that regularly.

 

[Trizy]

Just like we saw with Lindelof, I have faith he will settle in and become the player we expect.

He's already shown his high ceiling at points, just need that regularly.

But Lindelof was still getting games. As mentioned above, he must be complete shite in training.

Having said that, from what I've seen of him I would still start him at home vs bottom teams and give Herrera a break. He hasn't looked completely useless but also hasn't looked any where near a £50m player.

 

[Adam-Utd]

But Lindelof was still getting games. As mentioned above, he must be complete shite in training.

Having said that, from what I've seen of him I would still start him at home vs bottom teams and give Herrera a break. He hasn't looked completely useless but also hasn't looked any where near a £50m player.

I think all the baby stuff recently didn’t help, but pereira got his chance and didn’t look ready. I’m sure Fred will get his chance. It might have to be from the bench though unless we get an injury. Pogba/Matic/Herrera is our strongest and most balanced right now

 

[Kostov]

Just like we saw with Lindelof, I have faith he will settle in and become the player we expect.

He's already shown his high ceiling at points, just need that regularly.

I really struggle to think of this high ceilings.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I really struggle to think of this high ceilings.

Scored and had a good game against wolves, played the first few games quite well.

What I mean is he’s had good moments in all the matches, but then some bad moments too. the talent is clearly there.

 

[cathari]

Can't help seeing the parallels of Fred, Lindelöf, Vidic, Evra, or every other newcomer here. My bet is that Fred will need time.

 

[Ali Dia]

Why are we so quick to totally write off players before we can see what they do? Pages and pages of it, chill, it’s not our money and he looked talented before he came here. He doesn’t currently look like a £50million player because he isn’t playing but we’ve been good in midfield since ole came in. Obviously it’s either a decision the club are making to ease him in or he’s slowly learning a new role in training. He’s a good footballer but he’s not settled and the new manager has found an XI that wins more often than not so why change it. I do wonder why he didn’t play the last match though as Pereira was very poor. If Periera is training better than him and putting in performances like that then it’s a sure sign he’s not settled yet at all which is frustrating but not the end of the world and not that unusual either.

 

[tomaldinho1]

Still believe he has what is takes to be a good player for us - just needs to settle a bit on the ball and get used to how we are playing. Under Mou he never suited the role (which makes it weird we bought him) but with our new more offensive brand of football, I think he'll be excellent if given some game time.

If Pogba needs a rest, he's a good alternative in my mind. High energy, attack minded and offers a bit more of a dribbling threat than most CMs.

 

[Litch]

Transfermarket do have a habit of putting up the highest reported price, but 50m whether is pounds or euros does seem an awful lot for what we've seen so far, or not seen at all.


Not my money but it does concern me when we overpay for player not worth it. It puts a precedent of overpaying for similar level players and it affects our transfer dealings. And let's not speak about the transfer funds at disposal, as much as Ed want to gloat about our power on the transfer market, we aren't City or PSG and need to be more astute.

Someone is going to take Rabiot for free this summer for example, while we paid 59 millions for Fred, who has hardly even played this season, is older and in my opinion inferior player to the Frenchman. Yes hindsight is a wonderful thing but our planning is pathetically bad.

I guess but we all have amnesia when we call it wrong, but tap ourselves on the back when we don't. Lindelof thread is full of 'I told you so' but only a few months ago, you needed a fire suit to post anything positive. Freds or any other players value will be judged at the end of their career and not the start of it I guess. Even then it will depend on whether they are part of a successful team or not.

This fee sets no precedent as the 'utd' tax is always applicable to us more than any other club in the world imo.....

 

[Devil may care]

He's gonna get a chance now Fellaini is gone and Andreas didn't impress with his chance the other night. The Fulham game might be an opportunity, personally I think tomaldinho1 makes a fair point in saying we could try him in place of Pogba if we wanted to rest Paul, as I think he lacks the positional discipline and awareness to play Ander or Matic's role.

 

[scoi]

There have been plenty of slow starters at United over the last decade or so. Look at DDG, who would have thought he qoukd the best in the world after his first 10 games.

Fred needs game time to improve his consistency and become the 4th CM and allow for some much needed rotation.

If he doesn't show his worth by season end he may well do well on a loan to a mid table club to get prem experience.

I fear he's the next DiMaria or Depay though.