Midfield Depth

[Nickelodeon]

The recent run has brought great excitement as we finally feel that we have a first XI which is worthy of competing with the best. At the heart of this have been our midfield trio, not just led by exquisite individual performances but also a fantastic balance where the qualities of each of the three are complimenting each other.

We have been able to play a 4-2-3-1 with Matic and Pogba playing has the two deeper CMs while also playing a variation of a 4-3-3 sometimes where both Pogba and Bruno have been further ahead and Matic providing the cover. Now it is obvious why there's an obvious drop in quality when Bruno and Pogba are off the pitch but it seems that even the role played by Matic is difficult for either McTominay or Fred to perform.

My understanding of the most important quality needed for Matic's role is that he provides an assured option when the short goal kicks are played and he seems comfortable in exchanging quick short passes with the CBs in our own half. His ability to dribble past a couple of players when needed is also quite impressive. Also, he has taken away a lot of the ball from Maguire who's ball hogging, particularly in the first half of the season, was quite a nuisance to the tempo of our build up play.

Even in yesterday's game vs. Villa, Fred didn't inject the level of calmness that is the foremost requirement in that role and did end up losing the ball a couple of times and generally looked vulnerable. While Fred does possess the dynamism and ability to bring the ball out through dribbling, I would never trust him to be our deepest lying midfielder. In case of McTominay, I consider his most impressive qualities to be pressing in the opposition half and ability to win the ball back. He also has a goal threat which is missing from both Matic and Fred. But there is a distinct lack of quality in his passing, at least as of now, which again makes him unsuitable to be the go-to guy to hold up the ball straight up from the GKs.

Maybe it is unfair to be critical of McTominay and Fred as they've been quite impressive across the season. However, like Ole said, this is a new United team which has a different playing style and I'm quite uncertain whether both of them fit the updated roles as much as they did before. Also, I feel that Ole recognizes this issue and is therefore keen to save Matic's legs by taking him off around 60-65 mins in both our previous games.

Thoughts?

TL;DR: McT and Fred have done well but may not be able to replace the qualities of our midfield 3 particularly Matic.

 

[Bilbo]

There seems to be a growing opinion that because Fred & McTominay are not either specialist DM's or AM's that they do not fit the system that way we want to play. I think we need to remember that the team were also playing very well before the break and both of those players featured heavily in that period. I wouldn't have any concerns should we need to use both of these players behind Fernandes in upcoming fixtures.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

We simply can't control games with both Fred and Mctominay in a double pivot. I'd say if Matic or Pogba gets injured Fred is a good enough backup for either of them. Let's not forget our undefeated run started while Pogba was still injured with a midfield mostly of Bruno Matic and Fred and the midfield did well. Fred also replaced Matic against Bournemouth and played very well with Pogba and Bruno in midfield. So if we are taking off one of Matic or Pogba, Fred is good enough to replace either of them. Though I'd still like to see more of Fred with Pogba and Bruno to come to be 100% sure. The problem does start when both are replaced.

As for Bruno I think it's clear we need a back up for him or cover. So I'd say we already have good cover for Matic and Pogba in Fred. What we need is cover for Bruno

 

[Nickelodeon]

There seems to be a growing opinion that because Fred & McTominay are not either specialist DM's or AM's that they do not fit the system that way we want to play. I think we need to remember that the team were also playing very well before the break and both of those players featured heavily in that period. I wouldn't have any concerns should we need to use both of these players behind Fernandes in upcoming fixtures.

If both of them are put as Pogba replacement, I'll be fine with that. Even though there will be a significant drop from Pogba, but they would bring their own qualities to the role which can be an asset. It is them being used for Matic's role is what worries me.

 

[MikeUpNorth]

As for Bruno I think it's clear we need a back up for him or cover. So I'd say we already have good cover for Matic and Pogba in Fred. What we need is cover for Bruno

It's a hard position to have backup for, as any quality creative attacking midfielder won't accept being a backup. And it's not a position you really want to be playing an also-ran for too many games.

I think the best idea might be that if Fernandes is unavailable, Pogba plays further forward. Much like what happened when Fernandes was substituted.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

Ours is strong enough.

Except CAM.

Squad: *minimum good levels*

• CAM - Bruno
• CM - Pogba, Bruno, McT, Fred
• CDM - Matic, McT, Fred

5 players with known good fitness usually is enough for 3 slots every game.

Add 1 more, a good CAM, the only thing missing and we're good to go if we're persisting with this #10 system.
Would solve the problem if Pogba convinced Ole and us enough he can play there. First try - not convincing.

 

[sun_tzu]

Pogba, Bruno, Matic currently seems to be the main three
Mctominy and Fred as cover
Periera has played 39 games this season for us
Mata and Lingaard can cover the attacking midfield role
Garner and Levitt coming through plus mejbri

Plenty of depth - perhaps we need to be looking at matic as hes 32 in a few weeks and finding his successor - and perhaps we can afford to let a couple go (lingaard for example) and use some of the younger players in cup games etc

not too woried about midfield beyond replacing matic (provided pogba wants to stay which I would say looks more likley now given our iprovement recently )

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

It's a hard position to have backup for, as any quality creative attacking midfielder won't accept being a backup. And it's not a position you really want to be playing an also-ran for too many games.

I think the best idea might be that if Fernandes is unavailable, Pogba plays further forward. Much like what happened when Fernandes was substituted.

It's hardly something the Caf considers is it? Given their desire for Grealish

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Whilst I feel we need more quality, I think its a bit harsh to judge McTominay and Fred post lockdown, simply becauae we've not seen them in a midfield with Pogba and Fernandes. Who's to say that they wont fulfil the role like Matic has done?

Ive said this so many times, but I think getting back up to Pogba/Bruno is more important than back up for Matic.

Fred and McTominay, especially pre lockdown have shown they can defend well and make us pretty solid in the midfield. However, they dont quite have the quality on the ball to open teams up like Pogba has, hence why I feel its important that if we add another midfielder, its more of a playmaker than a ball winner.

 

[Rozay]

Ole’s at the wheel, he’ll sort it.

 

[baskinginthesun]

Whilst I feel we need more quality, I think its a bit harsh to judge McTominay and Fred post lockdown, simply becauae we've not seen them in a midfield with Pogba and Fernandes. Who's to say that they wont fulfil the role like Matic has done?

Ive said this so many times, but I think getting back up to Pogba/Bruno is more important than back up for Matic.

Fred and McTominay, especially pre lockdown have shown they can defend well and make us pretty solid in the midfield. However, they dont quite have the quality on the ball to open teams up like Pogba has, hence why I feel its important that if we add another midfielder, its more of a playmaker than a ball winner.

Exactly. Plus, they have on come during a match when the game is sealed and were in conservation mode just trying to see it through. The quality and energy naturally drops off when this happens.

 

[Annihilate Now!]

The only time we looked vulnerable yesterday was in the first 20 minutes of the game... McT and Fred were perfectly fine when they came on.

Think people need to remeber that you're squad players by nature won't be as good as your first teamers... And both Fred and McT have shown plenty of times this season they can perform in the first team when called upon.

 

[Bastian]

I'm delighted with the depth McTominay and Fred provide. I think it would be pretty difficult to buy another DM and rotate all those sufficiently. Matic is not just calm under pressure, physically able to hold off a challenge and good with his feet, he's left footed, so he gives that balance to the backline when he drops deep.

This would be addressed better by acquiring a top class left footed centre half. Having a naturally talented left back would also greatly help.

McTominay has a lot of time to develop his game. Matic will definitely be first choice going into next season. My guess is we'll look at this next summer - unless McTominay has proven he can step into that role, though he's clearly more of a box to box right now.

 

[Class of 63]

Strongest part of the squad now and who would have thunk that with just one addition. It's almost like the Manager knows what he's doing!

 

[Class of 63]

I'm delighted with the depth McTominay and Fred provide. I think it would be pretty difficult to buy another DM and rotate all those sufficiently. Matic is not just calm under pressure, physically able to hold off a challenge and good with his feet, he's left footed, so he gives that balance to the backline when he drops deep.

This would be addressed better by acquiring a top class left footed centre half. Having a naturally talented left back would also greatly help.

McTominay has a lot of time to develop his game. Matic will definitely be first choice going into next season. My guess is we'll look at this next summer - unless McTominay has proven he can step into that role, though he's clearly more of a box to box right now.

Still think Fred is best suited for that role, but he's gotta be allowed to make mistakes, as he surely will, till he gets up to speed.

 

[SadlerMUFC]

There seems to be a growing opinion that because Fred & McTominay are not either specialist DM's or AM's that they do not fit the system that way we want to play. I think we need to remember that the team were also playing very well before the break and both of those players featured heavily in that period. I wouldn't have any concerns should we need to use both of these players behind Fernandes in upcoming fixtures.

Completely agree. Fred and McTominay are on the bench right now and they didn't do anything wrong to be there. they just arent as good as Pogba and Matic. But they will still play a very important role in the team this year and moving forward...

 

[TrustInOle]

If we can bring in Sancho then I think he covers for Bruno if he is every injured or needs a rest, also Pogba done well when pushed forward last night.

2xCM- Matic, Pogba, Fred, Scott
Am - Bruno, Pogba, Sancho
Rw- Sancho, Mason, James
Lw- Rashford, Sancho, James
St- Tony, Mason, Rashford

Feel like this would be fine going into next season, especially if you consider talents like Garner, Levitt and Mejbri that are coming through.

 

[Bastian]

Still think Fred is best suited for that role, but he's gotta be allowed to make mistakes, as he surely will, till he gets up to speed.

He's got an engine and he's quick to release the ball, but he's not someone young and still learning his trade. And you can't really afford to make mistakes in that role, not least when you are in front of two slow centre backs. Hope you are right though, but I don't see it.

 

[tjb]

Maybe we consider a formation change when Bruno is not around to a 433. McTominay does need to improve on his game in the DM role. As a ball winner, he is very good. But the modern game requires a more complete midfielder to allow for the type of fluidity that we play with. It is why players like Kimmich and Lahm started to get into midfield positions, or why Kante struggles at Chelsea in the DM role at times. I'm sure that with help from Carrick and Matic he can get to that level and eventually take over from Matic, but if he doesn't, hopefully we have the foresight to sign his replacement without wasting time.

 

[Class of 63]

He's got an engine and he's quick to release the ball, but he's not someone young and still learning his trade. And you can't really afford to make mistakes in that role, not least when you are in front of two slow centre backs. Hope you are right though, but I don't see it.

He might take to the position like a duck to water, or he may be a roaring failure but we should at least give him a chance there, more so because he's out of the starting XI through no fault of his own. And it's always preferable in you can fill a problem position in-house. He's only tiny but if we do look outside the club Ismaël Bennacer at AC Milan would be perfect for the role, but he won't come cheap.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

We got bloody 3 Defensive mid and people still think another DM is priority in this summer. We have Pogba & Bruno who can cover the no 10, and people still think another AM is priority in this summer.

It's about having balance not how many players you need to have for cover.

When we played Fred & Scott together, we didn't have creativity because we rely on non creative full back & Lingard/Pereira to create something in final third. We wouldn't have problem to create quality chances if our full backs offensively as good as Robertson & Trent. Signing Sancho will not only cover & boost the goals threat but also the creativity if Pogba or Bruno injured.

We have other priority that we need to worry first.

 

[Thepinhead]

Fred and Mctominay are good for counterattacking. I could see them get a role against top teams playing away where we won't have the ball as much. You could see that against Villa that the midfield struggled a bit in the first half where Villa came with high pressing and lots of energy. But once we got the first goal it took the spark out of Villa and Pogba could better control the game. We need more legs against high pressing teams.

 

[Bastian]

He might take to the position like a duck to water, or he may be a roaring failure but we should at least give him a chance there, more so because he's out of the starting XI through no fault of his own. And it's always preferable in you can fill a problem position in-house. He's only tiny but if we do look outside the club Ismaël Bennacer at AC Milan would be perfect for the role, but he won't come cheap.

I think Matic will play virtually every important game he's fresh enough for next season. And when he can't, Ole will tactically line up differently rather than slot Fred or McTominay into that cauldron. As I mentioned before, I think if we improve our backline in the summer this will be less of an issue. That's the the more logical fix in my view.

 

[Class of 63]

I think Matic will play virtually every important game he's fresh enough for next season. And when he can't, Ole will tactically line up differently rather than slot Fred or McTominay into that cauldron. As I mentioned before, I think if we improve our backline in the summer this will be less of an issue. That's the the more logical fix in my view.

Why would you change how you set-up just because one albeit important player wasn't available? If Matic was out injured for any length of time maybe, but not if he was rested/suspended.

 

[Bastian]

Why would you change how you set-up just because one albeit important player wasn't available? If Matic was out injured for any length of time maybe, but not if he was rested/suspended.

Because I see a team that has two slow centre backs, neither of which plays with great intensity, and we have a left back who is very positionally complacent. In bigger games without Matic I'd either expect Ole to revert to 5 at the back with Shaw at LCB, or adopt a more flat midfield 3 in a 4312 setup. Like I said, I think McTominay has a chance to develop into that kind of a holding player, but he's not that yet. Fred, for me, is definitely not that player. Again, if we have a centre back who is very fast and plays with great intensity, the tactical alteration is less vital. And I expect us to try to recruit a centre back to improve the first XI.

 

[AR87]

I think the primary issue is that Fred, McTominay, and Pogba as a trio isn't good enough as Pogba likes, and is arguably best, when he operates as a DLP but neither of those 2 can play further forward so it ends up being a mess in our build up with all 3 occupying similar spaces without anybody between the lines further forward. This means the striker and wide attackers drop deeper to help but it just congrats things.

However, I think Ole is comfortable with Fred being an all action type who can partner with any of McT, Pogba, Matic in the double pivot so long as Bruno is the 10. He also seems to plan on McT developing into the Matic role long-term. I buy that were not interested in a midfield upgrade this summer based on his recent comments, for better or worse.

 

[Icemav]

The recent run has brought great excitement as we finally feel that we have a first XI which is worthy of competing with the best. At the heart of this have been our midfield trio, not just led by exquisite individual performances but also a fantastic balance where the qualities of each of the three are complimenting each other.

We have been able to play a 4-2-3-1 with Matic and Pogba playing has the two deeper CMs while also playing a variation of a 4-3-3 sometimes where both Pogba and Bruno have been further ahead and Matic providing the cover. Now it is obvious why there's an obvious drop in quality when Bruno and Pogba are off the pitch but it seems that even the role played by Matic is difficult for either McTominay or Fred to perform.

My understanding of the most important quality needed for Matic's role is that he provides an assured option when the short goal kicks are played and he seems comfortable in exchanging quick short passes with the CBs in our own half. His ability to dribble past a couple of players when needed is also quite impressive. Also, he has taken away a lot of the ball from Maguire who's ball hogging, particularly in the first half of the season, was quite a nuisance to the tempo of our build up play.

Even in yesterday's game vs. Villa, Fred didn't inject the level of calmness that is the foremost requirement in that role and did end up losing the ball a couple of times and generally looked vulnerable. While Fred does possess the dynamism and ability to bring the ball out through dribbling, I would never trust him to be our deepest lying midfielder. In case of McTominay, I consider his most impressive qualities to be pressing in the opposition half and ability to win the ball back. He also has a goal threat which is missing from both Matic and Fred. But there is a distinct lack of quality in his passing, at least as of now, which again makes him unsuitable to be the go-to guy to hold up the ball straight up from the GKs.

Maybe it is unfair to be critical of McTominay and Fred as they've been quite impressive across the season. However, like Ole said, this is a new United team which has a different playing style and I'm quite uncertain whether both of them fit the updated roles as much as they did before. Also, I feel that Ole recognizes this issue and is therefore keen to save Matic's legs by taking him off around 60-65 mins in both our previous games.

Thoughts?

TL;DR: McT and Fred have done well but may not be able to replace the qualities of our midfield 3 particularly Matic.

One of our biggest weaknesses was an inability to play possession football. Now opponents can't get it off us and we are smothering them. Mcguire - Matic - Pogba - Shaw are a big part of this. Fred is ok at this. Mctominay is not. So yes I agree we need someone with Matic's characteristics if we want to keep up this type of strategy when he is subbed, rested, injured or retires.

 

[Icemav]

We got bloody 3 Defensive mid and people still think another DM is priority in this summer. We have Pogba & Bruno who can cover the no 10, and people still think another AM is priority in this summer.

It's about having balance not how many players you need to have for cover.

When we played Fred & Scott together, we didn't have creativity because we rely on non creative full back & Lingard/Pereira to create something in final third. We wouldn't have problem to create quality chances if our full backs offensively as good as Robertson & Trent. Signing Sancho will not only cover & boost the goals threat but also the creativity if Pogba or Bruno injured.

We have other priority that we need to worry first.

Whether it should be a priority this Summer is up for debate. But we definitely need another DM/CM/DLP who can play creative possession football whilst being able to defend competently. So there is that. AM is not because Pogba - Bruno can cover each other, however great cover for AM would be Havertz however it presents a big problem if everyone is fit (they are all too good) and you don't want shoehorning like England use to try. RW is touted as a priority hence Sancho. And maybe a CB such as Upamecano or Konate.

 

[Class of 63]

Because I see a team that has two slow centre backs, neither of which plays with great intensity, and we have a left back who is very positionally complacent. In bigger games without Matic I'd either expect Ole to revert to 5 at the back with Shaw at LCB, or adopt a more flat midfield 3 in a 4312 setup. Like I said, I think McTominay has a chance to develop into that kind of a holding player, but he's not that yet. Fred, for me, is definitely not that player. Again, if we have a centre back who is very fast and plays with great intensity, the tactical alteration is less vital. And I expect us to try to recruit a centre back to improve the first XI.

If only we could get Tuanzebe fit and keep him fit he'd give the extra pace needed at the back, stick Fred at left-back which is where he started his career, and put Fosu-Mensah who has all the tools for the job as a shield, and World domination awaits us.

Or as you say we could just buy a very fast CB who plays with great intensity, and take it from there.

 

[georgipep]

We got bloody 3 Defensive mid and people still think another DM is priority in this summer. We have Pogba & Bruno who can cover the no 10, and people still think another AM is priority in this summer.

It's about having balance not how many players you need to have for cover.

When we played Fred & Scott together, we didn't have creativity because we rely on non creative full back & Lingard/Pereira to create something in final third. We wouldn't have problem to create quality chances if our full backs offensively as good as Robertson & Trent. Signing Sancho will not only cover & boost the goals threat but also the creativity if Pogba or Bruno injured.

We have other priority that we need to worry first.

There aren't any fullbacks like Trent and Robertson. Liverpool's tactics is not something we can recreate. If Pogba or Bruno gets injured we are back to square one. That's why we need cover. It's called depth. We do need more quality in many positions, you are right, but that includes DM and AM.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

There aren't any fullbacks like Trent and Robertson. Liverpool's tactics is not something we can recreate. If Pogba or Bruno gets injured we are back to square one. That's why we need cover. It's called depth. We do need more quality in many positions, you are right, but that includes DM and AM.

You aren't reading and clearly missing the point mate. The point is that creating balance in the XI. A team needs to have creative resources in their starting XI to create chances. It can come from full backs, wingers, AM or any position. It doesn't need to come from AM only or full backs only.

If we sign Sancho, he's basically covering two roles of players, goal scorer & creativity. He's not AM like Bruno and he's not fullbacks like Trent & Robertson but he offers creativity just like them. If Bruno got injured then we will still have Sancho & Pogba as our creative resources, not necessary need to waste the budget on AM cover. We already have 3 DM, not necessary need to waste the budget on DM cover, I'm more worried Bailly as our cover centre back than Fred, Scott & Matic as our DM option.

Take a look at Liverpool for example. They don't have much depth for their key players but they managed to make it work because they put in the correct elements into their team. They have players who can cover multiple positions and at the same time makes sure they still have creativity & goal scorer resources when they decide to rotate their players.

Depth for cover is very necessary when the aim is to win double or treble. Liverpool succeed in the league this season because of their quality in XI. Their failure in the CL this season because of the lack quality of depth. We are not in the stage where we can dream about winning double or treble next season. One at a time.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

We got bloody 3 Defensive mid and people still think another DM is priority in this summer. We have Pogba & Bruno who can cover the no 10, and people still think another AM is priority in this summer.

It's about having balance not how many players you need to have for cover.

When we played Fred & Scott together, we didn't have creativity because we rely on non creative full back & Lingard/Pereira to create something in final third. We wouldn't have problem to create quality chances if our full backs offensively as good as Robertson & Trent. Signing Sancho will not only cover & boost the goals threat but also the creativity if Pogba or Bruno injured.

We have other priority that we need to worry first.

I don't think we need a DM or even after one. We'd have way too many midfielders that are defensive minded. Matic Rice(for example) Mctominay Fred Bruno Pogba. Only two midfielders in there that are good creators. Priority for me is Sancho and back up AM

 

[georgipep]

You aren't reading and clearly missing the point mate. The point is that creating balance in the XI. A team needs to have creative resources in their starting XI to create chances. It can come from full backs, wingers, AM or any position. It doesn't need to come from AM only or full backs only.

If we sign Sancho, he's basically covering two roles of players, goal scorer & creativity. He's not AM like Bruno and he's not fullbacks like Trent & Robertson but he offers creativity just like them. If Bruno got injured then we will still have Sancho & Pogba as our creative resources, not necessary need to waste the budget on AM cover. We already have 3 DM, not necessary need to waste the budget on DM cover, I'm more worried Bailly as our cover centre back than Fred, Scott & Matic as our DM option.

Take a look at Liverpool for example. They don't have much depth for their key players but they managed to make it work because they put in the correct elements into their team. They have players who can cover multiple positions and at the same time makes sure they still have creativity & goal scorer resources when they decide to rotate their players.

Depth for cover is very necessary when the aim is to win double or treble. Liverpool succeed in the league this season because of their quality in XI. Their failure in the CL this season because of the lack quality of depth. We are not in the stage where we can dream about winning double or treble next season. One at a time.

I don't disagree that creativity can come from different positions. We've seen that recently with Rashford too (he is playing deeper and more towards the middle, passing and creating more than before).

As for Liverpool, they're successful to a huge extent because they didn't have serious injuries to their front three, who along with their fullbacks, provide the creative spark. Unfortunately, we haven't been blessed with such clean bill of health for the majority of our key players. Thus, my point about quality in depth (like City).

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

I don't disagree that creativity can come from different positions. We've seen that recently with Rashford too (he is playing deeper and more towards the middle, passing and creating more than before).

As for Liverpool, they're successful to a huge extent because they didn't have serious injuries to their front three, who along with their fullbacks, provide the creative spark. Unfortunately, we haven't been blessed with such clean bill of health for the majority of our key players. Thus, my point about quality in depth (like City).

Once again. You're missing the point now it's on Liverpool. My point about Liverpool is to show you that in order to win the league or challenging the league, quality depth squad isn't necessary. Key players got long term injury don't come very often. City already established a team that can win the league for years and their next target is to win double or treble, we aren't at that stage. That's why I said if we want to improve the quality in depth then it has to be in the right time when we are in the stage of aiming for double or treble.

We don't need an exact 11 players to cover 11 positions.
AM: Bruno, Pogba
CM: Pogba, Fred, Scott
DM: Matic, Scott, Fred

 

[Ekeke]

McTom is a young player who can learn from Matic and hopefully be ready to takeover in a few years as a similar type of player. He would need to continue to improve his passing range as thats still something Matic has over him, with McTominay's best play on the ball being that he likes to run the ball past a player and win a foul often.

Fred is a mix and doesn't really excel at anything apart from lots of running. He's a good passer but if you compare him to other passers he doesnt stand out other than he's two footed.

I think Fred should have a side gig as an attacking leftback for when we dominate teams like we did Villa. He should have a bit more quality in the final third than Shaw and do just as good a job with the passing moves.

 

[wolvored]

You have to look at the best teams to see whether our players are to the same standards. Take City, would Pogba and Bruno get into their team. I would think so. Would Fred or McTom I cant see it. Matic im 50/50. Saying that they both suited us when Pogba wasnt around. If we buy one player though for next season, Sancho, he can adequately cover for Bruno, and Fred/McTom can cover for Matic or Pogba, but not both at the same time. We do need a Matic replacement because of age and whether we have a kid who is defensively minded or we buy, Partey over here maybe, then I think we do need to think about this. Neither Fred ot McTom are at the level of Matic, or have the positional discipline.

 

[CM]

I think the DM position is fairly well covered atm. Matic is the best in that role by a distance, but with the way we're dominating games atm I'm sure you could just as easily throw Fred or McTominay in there without too much disruption.

It is a position we'll need to address soon, but as long as Matic continues to play well we're fine. We also have Garner waiting in the wings who is supposed to be highly regarded by the club.

 

[RedNed77]

There seems to be a growing opinion that because Fred & McTominay are not either specialist DM's or AM's that they do not fit the system that way we want to play. I think we need to remember that the team were also playing very well before the break and both of those players featured heavily in that period. I wouldn't have any concerns should we need to use both of these players behind Fernandes in upcoming fixtures.

This. I think these two with the addition of Pogba or Bruno is a perfectly fine midfield. The problem was when these two were combined with one of Matic/Lingard/Andreas there was little creativity. Added into to no Rashford, Greenwood not being there yet and James on the wing, it’s not surprising we were winning games by small margins or drawing.

Re the other point the OP makes about Fred not being a calming force, he’s not a sit in front of the back 4 kind of player, he’s more of a terrier and goes looking for the ball rather than waiting and shielding, something which is useful when we’re playing teams who actually like to keep the ball rather than just hit us on the counter.

Personally I’m happy with our midfield options and think a lot of McTominay and Fred rustiness since the restart is just that, neither have played that much, give them a run and they should find the form they had pre-lockdown.

 

[POF]

Looking at the squad now with £50m Fred and a real prospect in McTominay on the bench, it's pretty impressive depth. With Garner coming through and Matic signing a new contract, I'd be surprised if United spend big on central midfield in the near future unless Pogba leaves.

Cover for Bruno is a problem though. Pogba isn't good in that role and Lingard, Mata and Pereira are on the way out. It's a huge downgrade when Bruno isn't on the pitch.

I don't think Sancho is defensively strong enough to play the Bruno role. I like the Grealish option as he covers all 3 roles off the striker. If Sancho does come in and Greenwood continues his current rate of development, I'd expect Igalho to leave.

 

[KW2006]

Almost impossible to find a suitable candidate to be the backup of Bruno. Any players possess similar abilities won't accept a backup role.

If Bruno is absent, play Pogba in his role. Or maybe Greenwood worth a try, he shares many of Bruno's qualities(passing, shooting) and is so intelligent.