The Manchester United Thread

A little debate, a friend of mine asked me, and I thought it was a pretty interesting one;

Does anyone think Rashford/Martial playing out of their best position (#9's) will stunt or even worst case scenario, almost mess up their progression? I mean, of course a lot of the things you learn on the wings are hand in hand with being a striker (beating men, getting involved, getting the final pass right, finding space for a shot) - but would everyone agree nothing beats getting experience as that main man leading the line if that's what you're likely to go on to be? Learning game by game how to time your runs better, anticipating play and getting yourself in those little clever 'goal hanging' positions, etc etc.

Also, am I the only one that thought Van Gaal moved Martial out wide too prematurely?
 
Mike. said:
I know it might blow the mind of some, but it's possible to play youth AND buy big players, it's kinda what we have done and have been doing.....
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Naturally. Nothing wrong with building a team like that.

I was just playing with the bunkum he returned to football with IMO (I know we're miles apart there so no need to get into that discussion again) about being a big promoter of youth and the contradictory things some Utd fans say in here on wanting that against wanting the next big shinny thing. (Present company excepted.).
 
RhQQ said:
A little debate, a friend of mine asked me, and I thought it was a pretty interesting one;

Does anyone think Rashford/Martial playing out of their best position (#9's) will stunt or even worst case scenario, almost mess up their progression? I mean, of course a lot of the things you learn on the wings are hand in hand with being a striker (beating men, getting involved, getting the final pass right, finding space for a shot) - but would everyone agree nothing beats getting experience as that main man leading the line if that's what you're likely to go on to be? Learning game by game how to time your runs better, anticipating play and getting yourself in those little clever 'goal hanging' positions, etc etc.

Also, am I the only one that thought Van Gaal moved Martial out wide too prematurely?
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Personaly I would much rather them be starting games, albeit out of position slightly but still in an attacking position, than sat on the bench and being thrown on for the last 15-20 minutes. The way we are playing at the moment they would probably be thrown on in search of a goal, but would end up out wide anyway because if he need a goal he wouldn't take Zlatan off.

Everything you mention there they should still be learning playing off the wing so I dont see it too much as a hinderance. Its a catch 22 really. Its great that Martial and Rashford (especially Rashford) are starting games and playing plenty of football. But is it at detrement to the team? Would we play any better with Young and Lingard on the wings? Or Young and Valencia? More traditional wingers with experience, especially Young and Valencia.
 
Martial started and has played most of his career as an inside forward. Rashford will end up at 9. it's not going to harm either

As for signings, would love Julian Weigl to replace Carrick next season
 
Mike. said:
..... As for signings, would love Julian Weigl to replace Carrick next season
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Good shout. I've watched a lot of Dortmund this year as I currently can't get enough of Pulisic (I may of mentioned haha), and Weigl has been mighty impressive. Naturally didn't know much about him last year having no cause to really catch BVB. But I sure know of him now.

Ways to go but he's developing terrifically.
 
Meh, pretty normal nowadays for young strikers to enter first team squad out of position. Ever since 1 striker formations became dominant - and that's like over a decade ago - you can't really afford experiments upfront. If you can only play one guy, you're going to play your best guy, it's just how it is.
 
My Man Utd transfer wish list
1. Joshua Kimmich
2. Dan Rugani
3. Attacking RB
4. Arsenal
 
Really hope we don't sign any young CBs. Especially with the likes of Tuanzebe, Williams, Poole, Warren, Ercolani, Oconner all at the club. Two of the first 3 are defo ready Poole should look to go out on loan next season.
 
Theatre of dreams said:
Really hope we don't sign any young CBs. Especially with the likes of Tuanzebe, Williams, Poole, Warren, Ercolani, Oconner all at the club. Two of the first 3 are defo ready Poole should look to go out on loan next season.
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Granted this is off one game, but defiantly concur with the talent of Tuanzebe in particular. The U-23's game against L'pool he looked a terrific prospect and head and shoulders the best United player on the pitch.
 
Scouseinthehouse said:
Granted this is off one game, but defiantly concur with the talent of Tuanzebe in particular. The U-23's game against L'pool he looked a terrific prospect and head and shoulders the best United player on the pitch.
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He's been like that for 2 seasons now. And has defo outgrown the u23 league!
 
Theatre of dreams said:
.....
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Actually rather gutted I'll be travelling down Southampton and won't get to see any of the return U-18 game a week Sat'day morning. Getting well into the youth this year.

With Utd at Newcastle this Sat'day and L'pool at Wolves next Tuesday, they could both be going in 1 and 2 respectively battling for clear first.

Adds even more spice haha.

*Edit* Sorry. City host Wolves this Friday so if they win, they'd stay top regardless of the Newcastle and Wolves games. My mistake. So probably 2 verses 3 with a chance to go top the 19th haha.
 
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Scouseinthehouse said:
Actually rather gutted I'll be travelling down Southampton and won't get to see any of the return U-18 game a week Sat'day morning. Getting well into the youth this year.

With Utd at Newcastle this Sat'day and L'pool at Wolves next Tuesday, they could both be going in 1 and 2 respectively battling for clear first.

Adds even more spice haha.

*Edit* Sorry. City host Wolves this Friday so if they win, they'd stay top regardless of the Newcastle and Wolves games. My mistake. So probably 2 verses 3 with a chance to go top the 19th haha.
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Gonna be very tight this season. Can't wait for the Fa youth cup to start! Been really following the youth proper for the last 3 years now, and try to get down as much as I can.
 
Too much talk about underage lads on here, it's a Barney suit you boys want :D
 
Theatre of dreams said:
Gonna be very tight this season. Can't wait for the Fa youth cup to start! .....
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Defo. That's the biggie that you always want to win. Don't get me wrong, winning is always nice for the kids in other competitions and naturally aids development. But it's not that important the grand scheme of things. But the FA Youth Cup is special and still the Champions League/ World Cup of youth football.

Real excited about that too from a L'pool perspective as Beale (the U-23's manager) has already said anyone the U-18's coach Critchley wants for the Youth Cup he won't stand in his way. And with the likes of Brannigan, Ejaria (who scored again the England U-20's today as an aside. They could do with finding a way to get him a full cap somehow before Nigeria try sway him back to them) and Alexander-Arnold still eligible, along with the Wilsons and Woodburn's, it'll be an exceptionally strong Youth Cup side.

They're desperate to win it this year after disappointingly going out to Arsenal the quarters last time in a game they dominated.

The third round December is one to really look forward to.
 
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