Get rid of Pogba who is a complete liability in a midfield 2, and replace him with a DM, and our midfield options improve ten-fold.
How bad are our midfield options really?
- Thread starter He'sRaldo
- Start date
i’m not saying it’s bad but aid workers frequently use the story of our midfield blight to bring some perspective to chechnyan orphans.
Yeah I’ve been thinking along those lines. People gushing over Calvin Phillips are seriously over estimating his quality compared to Fred. I said before that if Fred was playing in that England team in place of Phillips, he would look very good. The problem at Utd is that the system is not set up in his favour; he does what he’s good at very well but our system means he is also expected to do what Rice does for England and that is not his game.
We need a specialist DM. If we get that, then McT, Fred and sometimes Pogba, will be very decent options to play with the new DM.
In my opinion we have some good midfielders but midfield is the area that causes us most problems in conceding control, chances and goals. The problem is balance and the lack of defensive nous, composure, tactical awareness and leadership in that part of the pitch. Fred can’t provide any of that. But he’s still a very good player.
Replace Pogba with Grealish, leave the rest of the team untouched and we win the PL.
(Yes, add Sancho to the team, we did sign him)
(Yes, add Sancho to the team, we did sign him)
They are a passable midfield two. Problem is we are expected to compete with the best side ever in English football, so we need to upgrade
The United midfield is actually on paper not a bad one, I’d say a good coach would actually make that midfield a worldie.
The problem is, some coaches like Mourinho, do not know how to inspire players to improve, or make players improve on their game play.
I expected, that by now Fred would have improved to be a solid engine room for the midfield. Why hasn’t that happened. A trio of Pogba, Fred & Bruno should scare any team right now, sometimes the coach should take some blame. You can’t buy every player you need, or like they’re lacking.
The problem is, some coaches like Mourinho, do not know how to inspire players to improve, or make players improve on their game play.
I expected, that by now Fred would have improved to be a solid engine room for the midfield. Why hasn’t that happened. A trio of Pogba, Fred & Bruno should scare any team right now, sometimes the coach should take some blame. You can’t buy every player you need, or like they’re lacking.
This is exactly right. We could evolve to 4-1-4-1, 4-1-3-2 with the right DM. Someone who can shield the defence and a decent passer. Have 5 attacking players on which would help break down stubborn low block defences more.
Pogba can't play consistently in a midfield two. He never has and it's unlikely he ever will. People always try to point to him playing next to Kante for France, completely ignoring the fact that in almost every single game they also play a third central midfielder. Sometimes they actually play in a three, sometimes they nominally play on the wing, but obviously they are still helping the midfield out a hell of a lot more than two defensively lazy out-and-out attackers on the wings like what we do.
Pogba has started 29 games for France since the start of 2018. In that time they've only played two midfielders four times, against the heavyweights of Iceland, Andora, Kazakhstan and Bosnia. And against Iceland (the highest ranked of those four teams at 52nd in the world) France was losing 2-0 with that formation until they bought on a third midfielder and later took Pogba off, after which they got it back to 2-2. Every other single time he's started for France he's had two of Kante, Matuidi, Tolisso, Rabiot, N'zonzi, Ndombele or Sissoko in there with him.
Interestingly, France are much more likely to only play two midfielders when Pogba isn't playing. In the 16 games that he didn't start in during that time there were 9 times that they only used two midfielders. That says a lot IMO. So if even the amazing Kante can't be trusted to cover Pogba by himself in the international arena (where almost all opposition is comfortably weaker than most of the teams we face in the league), why do we put the blame on our current options and think somebody like Rice or Ndidi could handle it?
---
Matic is past it. He played for us for 4 seasons now, and in that time he's been good for about 1 season in total. He had a good first half a season, a couple of good months in his second season, a month or two in his third season, and (if I'm being generous) a good month last season. Each season is getting worse.
As each season has gone on Matic seems to drop into the defence more and more. Every midfielder will do this at times, and so they should when a defender pushes up the field or just to give a different option. Fred, McTominay, Pogba all do it, Scholes and Carrick used to do it. However Matic now does it an incredible amount, more than any other midfielder I can think of. Whether that's because he's trying to cover for him 'losing his legs' or if he's doing it for a more tactical reason, it ends up with us completely abandoning the midfield as the one person we have in there is utterly surrounded by opposition players. I remember two photos from 19/20 that show Pogba in midfield by himself with literally seven opposition players closer to him than the nearest Utd player.
---
McTominay - what does he bring to the table that would allow him to be an important player in a midfield two? I could perhaps see it in a midfield three if he continued to increase his goal threat and he could try to almost become a Lampard style of player, but obviously we have Bruno already doing that job far better than Scott ever could. But in a midfield two? He's not defensively good enough to be the main defensive midfielder. He's not good enough on the ball to be the playmaker style of midfielder. He doesn't press and get around the field well enough to be the harrier and destroyer type of midfielder. He doesn't really have enough strengths to be one half of two box-to-box midfielders.
Two or three times a season he seems to pull out a great match where he really steps up, like he did in the second half of the EL final. If he did that more often then then it could work. But while it's only a couple of times a season he simply doesn't provide enough. It's up to him to show he can do it more consistently.
---
Fred - like Scott, he's not good enough defensively (in terms of positioning and being the last man) to be the main defensive midfielder, and he's not good enough on the ball to be the playmaker. Which is part of our issue, as he ends up playing as our deep-lying playmaker most of the time. Scott definitely isn't good enough so Fred does it with our main McFred combo. Matic doesn't even play in midfield half the time so Fred ends up doing it. Pogba...I don't remember it being the case in the past, but recently when they play together it still ends up being Fred doing the build-up role while Pogba pushes into more attacking areas. Fred is better at that role than some people make out which is why it kind of works, but he obviously shouldn't be the main playmaker for a top team. It ends up highlighting his inconsistent touch when he's receiving the ball from the defence deep in our own half, something that cost us a few times towards the end of the season.
What Fred is certainly good enough at doing is the harrier and destroyer type of role. Other than Kante himself, there aren't many players out there that you could point to as being clearly better than Fred. Especially as he is currently having to combine that role with also being our main playmaker, the question has to be asked as to how much could he potentially improve if we partnered him with somebody to take that latter role and let Fred focus on the aggressive pressing and destroying. Using Kante as an example again, it's no coincidence that his best form for Chelsea has come next to Matic (when he was good) and Jorginho; two players who can be relied on to do their part defensively so Kante can press to his hearts content, while also being better playmakers so can take on that main role for the team (especially Jorginho). In theory at least, we should be looking to use Fred in the same was as Chelsea do Kante, which requires partnering him with the right player. We don't have that type of player at the moment (unless Garner can step up perhaps).
---
VDB - He has it all to prove. A very disappointing first season, it's unlikely that he'll end up being good enough but not impossible.
---
So in conclusion, I don't see how we can plan ahead with Pogba, Matic, McTominay or VDB in a midfield two. There's a chance McTominay or VDB might develop enough in that role, but for now they can't be relied on. Fred is the only one that might be able to do it now, but to get the proper balance for the team we require his partner to take over the main playmaking duties while also being defensively solid.
Pogba has started 29 games for France since the start of 2018. In that time they've only played two midfielders four times, against the heavyweights of Iceland, Andora, Kazakhstan and Bosnia. And against Iceland (the highest ranked of those four teams at 52nd in the world) France was losing 2-0 with that formation until they bought on a third midfielder and later took Pogba off, after which they got it back to 2-2. Every other single time he's started for France he's had two of Kante, Matuidi, Tolisso, Rabiot, N'zonzi, Ndombele or Sissoko in there with him.
Interestingly, France are much more likely to only play two midfielders when Pogba isn't playing. In the 16 games that he didn't start in during that time there were 9 times that they only used two midfielders. That says a lot IMO. So if even the amazing Kante can't be trusted to cover Pogba by himself in the international arena (where almost all opposition is comfortably weaker than most of the teams we face in the league), why do we put the blame on our current options and think somebody like Rice or Ndidi could handle it?
---
Matic is past it. He played for us for 4 seasons now, and in that time he's been good for about 1 season in total. He had a good first half a season, a couple of good months in his second season, a month or two in his third season, and (if I'm being generous) a good month last season. Each season is getting worse.
As each season has gone on Matic seems to drop into the defence more and more. Every midfielder will do this at times, and so they should when a defender pushes up the field or just to give a different option. Fred, McTominay, Pogba all do it, Scholes and Carrick used to do it. However Matic now does it an incredible amount, more than any other midfielder I can think of. Whether that's because he's trying to cover for him 'losing his legs' or if he's doing it for a more tactical reason, it ends up with us completely abandoning the midfield as the one person we have in there is utterly surrounded by opposition players. I remember two photos from 19/20 that show Pogba in midfield by himself with literally seven opposition players closer to him than the nearest Utd player.
---
McTominay - what does he bring to the table that would allow him to be an important player in a midfield two? I could perhaps see it in a midfield three if he continued to increase his goal threat and he could try to almost become a Lampard style of player, but obviously we have Bruno already doing that job far better than Scott ever could. But in a midfield two? He's not defensively good enough to be the main defensive midfielder. He's not good enough on the ball to be the playmaker style of midfielder. He doesn't press and get around the field well enough to be the harrier and destroyer type of midfielder. He doesn't really have enough strengths to be one half of two box-to-box midfielders.
Two or three times a season he seems to pull out a great match where he really steps up, like he did in the second half of the EL final. If he did that more often then then it could work. But while it's only a couple of times a season he simply doesn't provide enough. It's up to him to show he can do it more consistently.
---
Fred - like Scott, he's not good enough defensively (in terms of positioning and being the last man) to be the main defensive midfielder, and he's not good enough on the ball to be the playmaker. Which is part of our issue, as he ends up playing as our deep-lying playmaker most of the time. Scott definitely isn't good enough so Fred does it with our main McFred combo. Matic doesn't even play in midfield half the time so Fred ends up doing it. Pogba...I don't remember it being the case in the past, but recently when they play together it still ends up being Fred doing the build-up role while Pogba pushes into more attacking areas. Fred is better at that role than some people make out which is why it kind of works, but he obviously shouldn't be the main playmaker for a top team. It ends up highlighting his inconsistent touch when he's receiving the ball from the defence deep in our own half, something that cost us a few times towards the end of the season.
What Fred is certainly good enough at doing is the harrier and destroyer type of role. Other than Kante himself, there aren't many players out there that you could point to as being clearly better than Fred. Especially as he is currently having to combine that role with also being our main playmaker, the question has to be asked as to how much could he potentially improve if we partnered him with somebody to take that latter role and let Fred focus on the aggressive pressing and destroying. Using Kante as an example again, it's no coincidence that his best form for Chelsea has come next to Matic (when he was good) and Jorginho; two players who can be relied on to do their part defensively so Kante can press to his hearts content, while also being better playmakers so can take on that main role for the team (especially Jorginho). In theory at least, we should be looking to use Fred in the same was as Chelsea do Kante, which requires partnering him with the right player. We don't have that type of player at the moment (unless Garner can step up perhaps).
---
VDB - He has it all to prove. A very disappointing first season, it's unlikely that he'll end up being good enough but not impossible.
---
So in conclusion, I don't see how we can plan ahead with Pogba, Matic, McTominay or VDB in a midfield two. There's a chance McTominay or VDB might develop enough in that role, but for now they can't be relied on. Fred is the only one that might be able to do it now, but to get the proper balance for the team we require his partner to take over the main playmaking duties while also being defensively solid.
We don't have a midfielder who can run a game for us. This is a clear and big problem.
It is dreadful. The weakest part of the squad and the one area where we are miles behind our closest rivals (City, Chelsea, Liverpool, even Leicester).
There's not a single player in the entire squad who I think is up to the task of playing as one of the two CMs in Ole's favoured 4-2-3-1.
There's not a single player in the entire squad who I think is up to the task of playing as one of the two CMs in Ole's favoured 4-2-3-1.
Those are all physical attributes. I’m talking about how good he is at football. He’s a midfielder who can’t pass.
You’re talking about him like he’s Kante. Why don’t we just play him with Pogba?
McTominay > Fred for me.
* He is younger and can improve
* He is an academy product which - sentimentality aside - also means he counts towards the homegrown quote
* He has a fantastic attitude and puts a bit of fight in the team
* He is more versatile and can cover at CB
* He contributes more going forwards and in the final third
For me, Fred is just a fairly bog standard "workhorse". He works hard, but when I watch him he is incredibly sloppy in possession. Statistics dont tell the full picture. You can underhit a pass and put the receiver under massive pressure, or completely kill the momentum of a move, and it will still count as a completed pass. Fred is regularly guilty of this, along with his more glaring defensive errors.
I will admit I havent been following the Copa America, so no idea how he is looking for Brazil, but as far as im concerned the above observations are true for his club appearances.
If we could find a midfielder in the mould of Carrick to put alongside McTominay, then that would be a really solid and balanced midfield pairing.
* He is younger and can improve
* He is an academy product which - sentimentality aside - also means he counts towards the homegrown quote
* He has a fantastic attitude and puts a bit of fight in the team
* He is more versatile and can cover at CB
* He contributes more going forwards and in the final third
For me, Fred is just a fairly bog standard "workhorse". He works hard, but when I watch him he is incredibly sloppy in possession. Statistics dont tell the full picture. You can underhit a pass and put the receiver under massive pressure, or completely kill the momentum of a move, and it will still count as a completed pass. Fred is regularly guilty of this, along with his more glaring defensive errors.
I will admit I havent been following the Copa America, so no idea how he is looking for Brazil, but as far as im concerned the above observations are true for his club appearances.
If we could find a midfielder in the mould of Carrick to put alongside McTominay, then that would be a really solid and balanced midfield pairing.
Good post, I'd say we're missing a formation adjustment as well.
If we keep playing a 4-2-4 with wide forwards who aren't good at tracking back, then the midfield 2 will have to be defensive and highly mobile first and foremost, which basically renders Matic, Pogba, and even Donny invalid.
And if that's the case we're back to where we started, with us having to change a significant part of the squad to suit the manager's preference, the same mistake we've made with all the managers post SAF. With options like Bruno, Pogba, Fred, Donny, and Matic, the midfield really should be one of our strengths but the manager's formation dictates that it's a weakness currently, and thus we need to compensate in the market again.
Would love to know who this mystery "DMC" is that everyone says is this magical player that somehow ties up our lack of pace centre backs, wingers who don't fancy too much defensive work, and Bruno and Pogba. That needs to be both a defensive beast, but have the ability to play it and set the tempo
Maybe some sort of incredible mix of peak Vieira/Keane/Makelele
Maybe some sort of incredible mix of peak Vieira/Keane/Makelele
If you believe the transfer forum, it’s Rice.
If passing sidewards to a mate 5 yards away and occasional interceptions makes you the best in the world, he definitely has a chance.
Our primary problem hasn't been in transition defensively or offensively. In almost equal measures, our problem defensively has been horrific set piece defending -- which no DM can help us much with -- and offensively in poor chance creation.
Scoffers at the notion that we needed improvement on the front line more than in midfield will correctly note that we scored 73 goals in the PL last season, but of course 9 of which were scored against Southampton, a grim side who were reduced to 10 men that day. Those 9 goals count just as much as the other 64 goals, but we struggled to create chances against top clubs and if we're going to from second place to a serious challenge for the title we can't settle for draws with Liverpool and City and get beaten by woeful clubs like Sheffield and Arsenal. I don't know where I can find the statbook on goals conceded on set pieces, but there's no doubt that of the 44 goals we conceded in the PL that too many (I'd say at least 10, probably closer to 16-18) were conceded on set pieces.
Of course we can improve on McFred, but sorting out Sancho was the highest priority and sorting out the CB is the second highest priority. If funds are left to upgrade on Fred or McTominay, let's go for it...but I'd first like to see if Garner in pre-season is ready to make the leap this season. If he's close to being there, give him a chance before spending 60m or whatever West Ham will demand for Rice.
Scoffers at the notion that we needed improvement on the front line more than in midfield will correctly note that we scored 73 goals in the PL last season, but of course 9 of which were scored against Southampton, a grim side who were reduced to 10 men that day. Those 9 goals count just as much as the other 64 goals, but we struggled to create chances against top clubs and if we're going to from second place to a serious challenge for the title we can't settle for draws with Liverpool and City and get beaten by woeful clubs like Sheffield and Arsenal. I don't know where I can find the statbook on goals conceded on set pieces, but there's no doubt that of the 44 goals we conceded in the PL that too many (I'd say at least 10, probably closer to 16-18) were conceded on set pieces.
Of course we can improve on McFred, but sorting out Sancho was the highest priority and sorting out the CB is the second highest priority. If funds are left to upgrade on Fred or McTominay, let's go for it...but I'd first like to see if Garner in pre-season is ready to make the leap this season. If he's close to being there, give him a chance before spending 60m or whatever West Ham will demand for Rice.
We've actually done very well considering our midfield options.
Fred - I rate him somewhere between a starter when in good form / very good squad player. Needs proper defensive support, as he's very weak and definitely not a DM. Good supporting midfielder.
McTominay - well I don't think he's a midfielder, looks like a defender playing in midfield. His attributes are quite good, but he only feels confident at the right side of the pitch.
I reckon those two will stay here for a long time, Fred as a squad player and McTominay in O'Shea role.
Matic - best player on the ball we have, we should've played him more IMO. Good positioning, confident in tight spaces. I understand he isn't the one to build a team around, but his fitness issues are overblown. I'd keep him for now.
Pogba - enough has been said in other threads, I'd sell him for any decent price and get another defensive minded all-round midfielder who would fit our team.
Van de Beek - I can see a good midfielder in him. Would fit 2 man midfield with a defensive cover, by could also work in midfield 3. His instincts, control, and awareness is very good. Considering he didn't get a proper chance, I can totally see him doing a Fred transformation. He isn't an attacking midfielder though, or at least not for United. My only worry is he looks like he can't play 90' game in the EPL.
I believe midfield is the easiest area to improve upon, as we're not looking for some kind of top class defensive midfielder / playmaker combined. We just need a competent defensive minded midfielder.
Fred - I rate him somewhere between a starter when in good form / very good squad player. Needs proper defensive support, as he's very weak and definitely not a DM. Good supporting midfielder.
McTominay - well I don't think he's a midfielder, looks like a defender playing in midfield. His attributes are quite good, but he only feels confident at the right side of the pitch.
I reckon those two will stay here for a long time, Fred as a squad player and McTominay in O'Shea role.
Matic - best player on the ball we have, we should've played him more IMO. Good positioning, confident in tight spaces. I understand he isn't the one to build a team around, but his fitness issues are overblown. I'd keep him for now.
Pogba - enough has been said in other threads, I'd sell him for any decent price and get another defensive minded all-round midfielder who would fit our team.
Van de Beek - I can see a good midfielder in him. Would fit 2 man midfield with a defensive cover, by could also work in midfield 3. His instincts, control, and awareness is very good. Considering he didn't get a proper chance, I can totally see him doing a Fred transformation. He isn't an attacking midfielder though, or at least not for United. My only worry is he looks like he can't play 90' game in the EPL.
I believe midfield is the easiest area to improve upon, as we're not looking for some kind of top class defensive midfielder / playmaker combined. We just need a competent defensive minded midfielder.
Kante can't just play with Pogba either. France always use a third midfielder when Pogba plays, whereas whenever he doesn't play they are more likely to only use two midfielders. In fact in Pogba's entire career he's never had a partner who was able to consistently work beside him in a midfield two. How long do we blame the partners instead of Pogba himself?
Also while Fred obviously isn't a great passer, he's nowhere near as bad as some make out (you saying he can't pass is an example).
Bad. We really really need a good DM. One that can partner Pogba and give Pogba a role were he can wander freely without the need to worry to much about defensive duties. For me Pogba needs a role were he can play more freely and be offensive, since he is so good at it, like he plays in the France national team.
In a 25 man squad I think midfield places should take up 6 or 7 places. Assuming Camavinga arrives Ole needs to pick 7 from 11. I think 5 are certain picks. Don't know whether Pogba and, even, Donny stay. Real may want Donny as P/E for Varane, and Real are a club I think Donny would love to go to. It's genuinely possible Pogba may run down his contract; or even sign a new one if United get Varane and Camavinga in addition to Sancho.
Of the 11, I think only Matic and Garner are genuine CDMs who "sit" there.
Of the 11, I think only Matic and Garner are genuine CDMs who "sit" there.
Keep ? | | |
Y | Fred | |
| Nemanja Matic | 2 more years on his contract. |
Y | Eduardo Camavinga | I think he’s displace Fred in many games |
Y | Scott McTominay | |
| James Garner | Ready to play in PL, but not at top-4 level. May play cup games? Need not take up a squad place as he is "home grown" and under-21. Only 1 year left on his contract; so I don't see him getting loaned out unless the renews that contract. |
Y | Paul Pogba | I don't see him leaving, because no one will buy him when they can wait a year for his contract to run down. Only 1 year left on his contract. |
| Donny van de Beek | May leave for Real as P/E for Varane; as rumours have it. |
| Hannibal | I don’t see him leaving on loan; but he'd use up a squad place if we kept him to play in cup games. |
Y | Bruno Fernandes | Nailed on |
Y | Juan Mata | |
Sell | Andreas Pereira | Should be sold |
If Pogba leaves, our double pivot is one injury away from playing Matic. We need a quality upgrade massively.
-Matic, Perrera should leave.
If we sing someone like Marcelo Brozovic our midfiled will vastly improve
------------------------Pogba -----------------Bruno ------------------
-----------------------------------Brozovic---------------------------------
OR
-------------------------Bruno or Pogba -----------------------------------
-------------------Saul ---------------------Carmavinga -----------------
If we sing someone like Marcelo Brozovic our midfiled will vastly improve
------------------------Pogba -----------------Bruno ------------------
-----------------------------------Brozovic---------------------------------
OR
-------------------------Bruno or Pogba -----------------------------------
-------------------Saul ---------------------Carmavinga -----------------
From the outside looking in, this is how I see it too. I feel like if you transform your midfield you can mount a serious title challenge.
Great post which i largely agree with. We need to maybe play a more traditional 433 with a playmaker.
everyone tells me Fred been world class at Copa America
That very well maybe the case but the some posters would also tell you that he has been keeping Fabinho out of the team when Fabinho has hardly been regular starter for Brazil in the midfield mostly used as sub so I don't know what to believe.
Someone who referred to the midfield pairing of McTominay and Fred as McFred sounds about right, as harsh as it sounds.
Like cheap fast food they are dependable but they are not gourmet, they are not the skilled quality that should be in United's starting 11. Southampton sure, but not United.
As everyone knows, the big hole is in the defensive midfield. Fred would make a good bench player in this role but is inadequate as a starter, (his first touch on the ball is not good, thus you seem him chasing the ball around trying to recover it.) Matic is to old.
The second problem is there is no decent attacking midfielder to bring off the bench to give Fernandez a rest.... I'm worried we will burn him out. Juan Mata is too old to reliably play a full game and Andreas Pereira does not seem up to the task.
Number 8 is the strongest midfield position for United. You have an absolute world class talent in Pogba, but he is a defensive liability so you either need to build a defensive fortress around him, or play a midfield three.
You have Van de Beek who has not yet been given the opportunity to regularly showcase his talents, and McTominay who is a great box to box player to come off the bench and score a goal.
My concern is who do we have in the youth team in these positions that United can call up?
Like cheap fast food they are dependable but they are not gourmet, they are not the skilled quality that should be in United's starting 11. Southampton sure, but not United.
As everyone knows, the big hole is in the defensive midfield. Fred would make a good bench player in this role but is inadequate as a starter, (his first touch on the ball is not good, thus you seem him chasing the ball around trying to recover it.) Matic is to old.
The second problem is there is no decent attacking midfielder to bring off the bench to give Fernandez a rest.... I'm worried we will burn him out. Juan Mata is too old to reliably play a full game and Andreas Pereira does not seem up to the task.
Number 8 is the strongest midfield position for United. You have an absolute world class talent in Pogba, but he is a defensive liability so you either need to build a defensive fortress around him, or play a midfield three.
You have Van de Beek who has not yet been given the opportunity to regularly showcase his talents, and McTominay who is a great box to box player to come off the bench and score a goal.
My concern is who do we have in the youth team in these positions that United can call up?
It only lacks a midfielder who can do both defend and pass the ball. Like these:
May be this guy is the realistic answer:
May be this guy is the realistic answer:
Tweet
— Twitter API (@user) date
My biggest concern for next season. As things stand it could go either way but if Pogba goes a reckon we end up with a worse Midfield than what we have now which is a sobering thought.
Thats not even true though. Well it's maybe true if you play them with Pogba.It only lacks a midfielder who can do both defend and pass the ball. Like these:
May be this guy is the realistic answer:
Tweet
— Twitter API (@user) date
But if our plan is to play a DM with Fred then that's not going to be a good enough Midfield either.
Even with Donny I'd have my doubts as I'm not convinced there at all.
They are shite. I can’t wait for the ones who are desperate to get Pogba gone to embrace McFred for the season.
I reckon by week three they will be blaming Ole.
I reckon by week three they will be blaming Ole.
Most who want Pogba to be sold (I'm probably in that camp as I don't think he suits a midfield two) want him replaced with somebody else in the midfield, not to just settle with McTominay-Fred.
Problem is we really need two to replace him
I don't fancy a midfield of a new DM + Fred either tbh
As long as it's the right type of midfielder I don't see why it wouldn't work well. Or at least it should be a big improvement over McTominay-Fred, and then if necessary we can sign another next season to upgrade/compete with Fred.
I’m not very worried for the midfielders we have, but I would prefer at least one more midfield alternative: a creative player who is able to control the tempo and also have certain defensive skills.
McT and Fred are also great alternatives, and I feel comfortable with them rotating in our startup.
McT and Fred are also great alternatives, and I feel comfortable with them rotating in our startup.
If you want Pogba then you play him in free role of advanced midfielder alongside no 6 and box to box. Or play him with Matuidi/Rabiot & Kante.
Ole seems to like all rounder midfielder in his double pivot.