09 Oct 2020 13:12:00
Is it time to take Maguire out of the firing line for his own benefit as much as the teams. For a multitude of reasons his form at the end of last season and the start of this has not been good (better partner, summer police incident, public criticism) .
Whatever the reason I think we are at the point where he needs a break from the team to get a break and work on himself (crazy he was called up to the England squad) .

With this in mind, what should we do at the back ahead of Newcastle and a hectic October.

Stick with the back 4 and give Lindelof and Bailly a chance? Try Tuanzebe in there (if fit) or even switch Shaw in as left sided CB!
Switch to back 3 and again who do you swap in, Bailly, Lindelof and Shaw or go for 2 FB in the back 3 with Shaw, Lindelof and AWB.

One thing I am sure is that we need to do something at the back, unless there is a big change between now and Newcastle and with our players on international duty I don't see it. then a switch is needed.

1.) 09 Oct 2020
09 Oct 2020 14:04:45
I think we should definitely be looking to get Tuanzebe in now. Ole has the perfect excuse with the previous performance. I don’t think he will let us down.

2.) 09 Oct 2020
09 Oct 2020 14:14:39
Totally agree with this. His head's clearly not in it atm. The problem is, the choices to replace him aren't great.

3.) 09 Oct 2020
09 Oct 2020 14:23:18
Our main problem is that there is no real competition for Maguire and Lindelof.
Bailly and Tuanzebe are mostly injured.
Rojo is training separately from the main group.

We really should have gone in for Upamecano since we didn't spend big on Sancho.

4.) 09 Oct 2020
09 Oct 2020 14:31:12
Great post Brad. I do agree with you. But, there is a risk that after such a poor start, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

He is having a tough time mentally, thing is, I don't see it getting any easier until the new court case next year. Without knowing the lad it is difficult to say what is best.

That said, its a football team, so taking out the best of a bad bunch still leaves you vulnerable whilst ut also sends the wrong signals to keep someone playing badly in the team.

The popular view is always that a team should pick iteelf through form. That wohld be the best approach in my view too. Doesn't need to be seen as punishment, its a team sport and you play through proof you're ready not because of your fee or your status.

5.) 09 Oct 2020
09 Oct 2020 15:19:39
Cheshire Red, you are spot on that we don't know what Mentally everything has done to him, certainly some thrive no matter what but everything with my eyes tells me this is not the case with Maguire.
I think we need to look at what is best overall for the team, which may mean picking lesser players but can work as a group to be better. I could almost make an argument for dropping McTominy in (crazy i know) .
For me we have played successfully with a back 3 previously and it might be our best situation for the moment.

6.) 10 Oct 2020
10 Oct 2020 01:55:37
I fully agree qoth ypu Brad that if Ole wanted the best of both worlds, support Harry yet protect the team, we should go 3 at the back, with shaw and wan bissaka, and I would put Willians and Telles as wing backs. Give Harry a really solid structure around him give the team a solid spine with matic ot the bottom of the diamond, with donny and either fred or mctom in the width with bruno at the point. i'd also have martial and greenwood aa the top two, rotaring with Cavani.

In my view Marcus needs some time out to find form, remrmsbrr his focus before his back injury and also to fpcus back on his football rather than beibg the Bono of Manchester. You've done well lad and brouggt some excellent results for the downtroddent during C.V., but Prodigal7 did a brilliant insight post that also kakes sesne on why his heads not there riggt now and needs to give it a wobble.

Think you're totally eiggt about harry though I am aure plenty disagree on what I think our best team is.

Oh and I realise I left Pogba out, that tit has had huge support from me, despite abuse I got on here, but you get plenty of rope from me, always. I genuinely hope you use the rope yo haul yourself up, but if you insist on wrapping it round your neck I will happily choke the life out of you.

Last chsnce saloon for me. He shouldbhave realised no one else wants him because he can be a lazy tit, fickle and takes stupid risks, he's a tusnel and glitter player, not one to create solidity or confidence.

The cherry on the icihg on the cake so to speak, whereas Utd right now haven't even started icing as the marzipan isn't dry.

He either gets his rubbish together kn thw sidelines (in my view for 5 games so he gets the message) OR, move him on.

I am pretty certain this was the plan anyway as I am aware of an intended January bid in Pogbas position, but I also think the club would've been happy to have 2 decent players for the same position, something Ole thinks will take him 3 more windows to get a squad he is happy with.

Pogbas problem is in his head he's a worldie, and has huge confidence, however he lacks the ability to be self critical and is genuinely unaware of the levels people see him fail to reach. He justbsint tough enough on himself, and is very resistant to criticism.

After plenty of chances, I woukd be writing him off if I were the board. Put it down to experience and be more vigilatn in future. To be fair I think they already are. His agent is a toxic prick qho is bad for football.

Even John Paul Getty, a famousky ruthless and despised businessman favoursed the saying, always makensure there is profit and benefit for all in any deal. Raiola is overly driven and aggressive and in fairly short time especially in a depressed market, qill soon find his style massively affects the enthusiasm clubs will have to deal with him.