His two footedness looks brilliant. Technique exactly what you want as well. Anyone know how big he is? Hard to say from the few pre season games we saw and highlights from the youth teams, but he is a newly turned 17 year old so will still be growing. No idea how he is in the air but I'd imagine once he really develops physically (like we've seen with Rashford) he'll be more equipped to handle that in the league.
Mason Greenwood
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Until Ole', the U18s have been the most eye pleasing and fun team to watch the past few seasons by a country mile.
The United spirit lives on in the U18S.
u18s are worth a watch for individual and team quality, u23s are worth watching for the individual quality, not the style of our football.
Plus there is very little backlift in both legs whenever he shoots.
They are both brilliant - but Laird is a beast, O'Connor is still small so he needs to grow a bit of muscle.
I haven't seen him take a pen, so that really surprises me. I've seen him hit some absolute beauties on his left foot. He seems like an absolute diamond.
If he gets his debut, he will surely find space in the Bournemouth defence.
He missed with his right. If I remembered correctly, twice.
I think Laird is outstanding and I can't get over how much he's grown in 12 months. You can see from his body shape he's going to be a strong lad and if he continues to grow, we are going to have one of the best CB to come out the academy....
Can see the lad having a similar career(his God willing) to Diego Forlan, similarly two-footed, but he'll probably score 65+% of his goals with his slightly stronger right-foot, but the more memorable will be scored with his left.
I don't think physique is what Laird lacks for first team level though...
I agree, with the first bit at least. He does need to keep progressing in terms of the level he is playing, but a loan may not necessarily be the path to do it.
Taking a 17 year old away from a well established support network, (club, coaches, friends and family) a place he feels able to express himself and putting him in a new environment could backfire.
The concept of loans is a good one, but they obviously don't always work out as we might expect or want. The focus is not going to be nurturing and developing a player, it's going to be on what that player can deliver in the next 3 or 6 months at the top level of that club. If the player develops its a by product. Of he doesn't immediately aid the cause (promotion or survival etc), very quickly it's a stint on the bench.
I don't think it's as simple as 'if he's good enough, he will make it'. The wrong loan could have a real negative impact.
Obviously loans have worked well for us in the past. Welbeck, Beckham, Lingard. Henderson is getting plenty of minutes and development at Sheff Utd...and id say Demi Mitchell the same.
All of those are, and were, older than Greenwood currently is (I think).
As for the second parts of the post, I'd certainly hope so. It'd be great if that was his path. He has to be considered for Reading, as do Chong, Gomes and Garner.
After that, who knows? Certainly would like to see those 4 in and around the squad, if not the bench for the rest of the season.
A good loan may well suit any of those 4 in the coming years. Not necessarily now.
Anyone have any idea if he’ll feature against Reading?
Maybe if Ole will rotate more.
Think I remember reading somewhere he had been told by Ole to prepare himself for the Reading game, so I would guess he's gonna feature to some extent.
Yeah he will play the 1st teamers initially until it's won,then Greenwood/Gomes may come on.
With 5 choice forwards,it's unlikely he'll start but we can pray
I'd love to see him get a call up to the 1st team squad soon. He's been consistently performing in the youth setup this season and now is the perfect time for him to take the step up to senior level. Though we are still in the race for top 4 I feel like the next 6 months will be the biggest opportunity for him to get minutes under his belt.
Next season we will most likely have a new manager that will want to play the established/proven players in our squad to make a sustained challenge for the league. I also feel like Ole would be the perfect person to help him make the transition.
Next season we will most likely have a new manager that will want to play the established/proven players in our squad to make a sustained challenge for the league. I also feel like Ole would be the perfect person to help him make the transition.
I dunno, I suspect we might see Lukaku, Sanchez and Greenwood with Chong and Gomes coming off the bench but we'll have to see I suppose.
Gomes will start imo since he's the one most involved with the first team in the last few weeks. Chong might. Greenwood probably will come off the bench, as with Garner.
Think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself if I'm honest. Granted they're in the relegation spot in the Championship but I don't see Ole giving 3 reserve players their debut in one match against men who will be up for a scalp and up for a battle - not putting aside we'll most likely rest Pogba / Rashford / De Gea etc. Sanchez needs game time as does Lukaku before we go off on a break, we've got Pereira who is needing game time too. I wouldn't be surprised to see 1 or 2 make an appearance but 4, no chance
Fred will play I think. Probably Fellaini too.
In attack Martial, Sanchez and Lukaku will start I think.
Hope we go,
Romero
Back four
Fred
Pereira
Gomes
Chong
Lukaku
Sanchez
Greenwood and Garner among the subs
Romero
Back four
Fred
Pereira
Gomes
Chong
Lukaku
Sanchez
Greenwood and Garner among the subs
We want to win the FA Cup due to the fact its the only likely trophy we could win this season. I can't see him risking a midfield like that given the importance of the competition.
If Ole tries to play that midfield he should be sacked on the spot.
I'd love to see that.
Not like we have great depth in that area.
I'd be amazed if any of them start. Fellaini, Fred and Pereira in midfield. Jesse, Lukaku, Sanchez in attack. They all need games.
I'd expect Gomes and Greenwood to get 20-25 minutes off the bench.
I'd expect Gomes and Greenwood to get 20-25 minutes off the bench.
Yup
This.
Sounds about right
Jesse doesn't need game time. He's played a lot under Ole. Lukaku and Sanchez yes. Neither of them have gotten a start.
I understand Fellaini too, but he's clearly not going to fit what Ole wants and he's clearly not the future.
Jesse played about 5 minutes at Newcastle. He's likely to start at Spurs so he'll need a run out before then.
If not Fellaini, there is no back up for Matic. I'd love to think James Garner is ready to play but it would be a big risk.
Jesse? He was rested against Newcastle as he had played the previous three games. He certainly doesn’t need games.
I’d say one of these is realistic, regardless of who is manager.
They'd cut through that midfield like a hot knife to butter.
Reading couldn’t cut a piece of paper with scissors in their hands.
Reading are shite but they're physical, that midfield would struggle. No physical presence whatsoever.
Will score in the 79th minute vs Reading.
If we move the ball fast enough it won't matter if they're 6'5 giants.
Barca's midgets and City with Silva x2 seem to manage fine.
Yep. I think Pogba is the perfect example of how physical strength helps you. Pogba uses his body to shield the ball to give himself more time on the ball, and allows him to ride tackles while dribbling, but that is only possible with his level of technique as well. Also helps on set pieces. If you're just strong with mediocre technique you won't be able to do that.
As long as the side has superior technique, is able to 1 touch pass, has composure, have quick feet, and has passing ability, our midfield should win that battle.
Who is the Busquets or Fernandinho in our midfield 3 though? I'm happy to see Pereira and Fred there, but Gomes as well? You're asking for trouble.
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