13 Aug 2014 10:17:52
Throughout pre season I have been impressed the most, by 3 players:

Young:- His work ethic seems to have completely changed, whereas he used to only seem to care when he was in possession, he now chase the ball up & down the field for as long as he is on the pitch for. I used to believe that a slight breeze could push Young over, but I have been pleasantly surprised with the bit of strength he has added to his game, few more sessions in the gym and he could become the new Vida ;-) I actually found myself cheering and gleaming when he managed to floor a Valencia player! Also lastly, 2 goals vs Real Madrid from LWB. PHOAW!

Blackett: I spent the whole of last season and the season before believing that Blackett was a LB. He has been one of the best defenders on the tour and I feel he was our best player on the pitch vs Valencia. He is tall, powerful and has the eye for a tackle. LCB is the perfect position for him. I saw him and Reese James linking up down that left hand side last night and I saw a connection. There was a point vs Valencia where Blackett picked up the ball and ran forward with it, there was a split second where I thought I saw Yaya Toure. He was been outstanding and in my eyes deserves to start vs Swansea.

Rooney: The man has been electric, its great to watch and great to read about. His goals, movement, passing and general behavior has taken me back to the 2009 Rooney. I can see him having a stonking season.

As always, let me know

HarryUTD

1.) 13 Aug 2014
Couldn't agree more on this one. I can see Rooney getting 30 odd goals and giving him the captaincy is great man management as it will ensure that he keeps working hard and leads by example. We will have two highly motivated center forwards on our books this season - something to be excited about. I'm amazed with the transformation of Young, he has even started to put in some good crosses and has got up and down brilliantly. Unless we get Cuadrado for the right wing back slot he is a guaranteed starter for me now. Blackett too has been great, out of him and Keane I would take Blackett as the young center back in the first team squad and I can see him either getting himself onto the bench or having a few minutes against Swansea on Saturday.

2.) 13 Aug 2014
Agree on the first two but think Rooney has blown hot and cold. Fletcher's had a better pre-season IMO.

3.) 13 Aug 2014
I agree with those 3, espically Blackett I'm hoping he gets a serious chance this season and believe he has a bright future with the club

I think fletcher and Herrera deserve a mention they've also had a very good pre season

4.) 13 Aug 2014
Herrera has been player of pre-season for me. Slotted right in.

5.) 13 Aug 2014
I thought blackett had gone backwards after his loans, but he has really impressed in every pre season game I've seen him play.

6.) 13 Aug 2014
Rooney has been hot and cold during pre-season, but I like what I am seeing. He hasn't been in games much because our midfield still isn't opening up teams and our wing backs haven't been doing it enough. Hernandez didn't do him any favours either, a steward could have marked him out of the game last night.

Herrera hasn't impressed as much as people are making out, I think people are seeing some parts of games and not others. Obviously he needs time to settle and has looked technically sound, just gives the ball away a lot at the minute but to be expected as it takes time to get used to wave lengths etc. So he isn't anything to rave about yet, but there is definite quality there.

Young, Blackett and Jones for me. With Fletcher doing ok for Fletcher but still nowhere near enough to be near the starting 11.

Mata has been a bit AWOL, a bit like Sneijder was during the world cup!

Shame Welbeck got injured as he was looking very tasty and Janujaz was a breath of fresh air with his cameo last night - I hope he gets enough games.

7.) 13 Aug 2014
Fresh
A month ago you where sure rooney would be on the bench as back up to rvp.

{Ed007's Note - As I remember it, J, we were in the small minority over Rooney. I remember certain people wanted him sold and were adamant that he would be? ;)

8.) 13 Aug 2014
Blackett looks to have a better future at United than Michael Keane will have but the two of them looks like the could be very good cb in the future

9.) 13 Aug 2014
Jred, do you also get that strong urge to quote a few of our esteemed regulars who assumed a fair few things? I personally do.

Deeps.

10.) 13 Aug 2014
Deeps
If i'm honest, yes

11.) 13 Aug 2014
Ed 007
Was that this summer or last summer.
New contract and club captain, enough said

{Ed007's Note - I'm delighted for him.}

12.) 13 Aug 2014
13 Aug 2014 21:23:15
I'll hold my hand up. I was never adamant he would be sold, but I hoped he would be.