30 Sep 2012 20:18:15
I've watched the U18's a few times this season. Our U18 side is a class act, but there is one name I would like to start a discussion about in particular. Mats Daehli, the Norwegian wonder kid.
He is absolutely sensational in almost every aspect of the game. He's fast, fairly strong for his size and can change direction quickly (in a similar manner to Messi). Those are just his athletic assets, what sets him apart from others his age like Raheem Sterling and such is his phenomenal work ethic, decision making and desire to win.
In our youth set up (U18), I see it this way. Daehli, Wilson and Blackett (not sure is he still playing for them) are the most likely to succeed. The reason I'm posting about Daehli is because he is just far, far, far too good for the U18's now. Anyone who doesn't watch the U18's should start if not just to see him in action! Anyway, I'd like to hear some opinions on this from others who watch the U18's.
Percy
I agree for once, although I would include Januzaj in your list.
G.A.G.U.S
I have 1 word to describe him sensational!
Caolán.
Give the lad a chance in the first team.......isn't that what we're supposed to be all about!
Januzaj is a massive talent, probably the biggest talent we have and Barmby could be a top player too. There are so many who could be something special, but they are all still young and have plenty to do. Pearson, Rothwell, Harrop.
Sydney!
Where can you watch them play?
I have been hoping to see his name on the starting 11 at least once this season, such a great player we have there! Such a shame Fergie hasn't gave any of our youth a chance lately.
-JakeW
God u love comparing our youth to messi,last week it was januzaj,andrea perrera is another i would add,dont agree that barmby is gonna make it,at mufc anyway,no pace,but they are a good few years away yet,i believe petrucci deserves his chance first.
Mick the red fireman.
I'm not a huge fan of Barmby, I think he looks fairly slack compared to Daehli and Perreira. I'm also yet to see Januzaj pay, it's really annoying, he always seems to be injured!
Percy
It is all really exciting to see the players we have in the youth team and honestly I would throw Daehli into a cameo first team appearance. Look how well Sterling has done and Daehli is even more talented than he is!
Dan
Daehli has massive potential but you wont see him playing for the 1st team for 18months-2 years at least .he needs to grow and bulk up as at the moment he is very lightweight and only 17 yrs old.
johndenton
Giggs played at 17. I don't see any reason why Daehli couldn't but the way things are now I bet he won't.
Dan
I hate the english thing to say he is too lightweight, bulk up. Messi, Xavi and iniesta are about 5'10, not massively bulky but are the best players in the world. Daehli is pretty much the same size as they are now and should be given a chance. He would be a multitude better than Nani and probably better than Young as well if you stuck him wide left.
Dan
I think Fergie having the reputation of being a young fan/risk taker is a complete myth. We only did it in the 90's as we had no other option and the players coming through were exceptional. I can't remember when he last gave youth a chance, he waits until they are in their early to mid 20's, after having loaned them out. Half of our players shouldnt be in the team after their performance against Liverpool, where is the incentive for our youth players? I don't know the details but I bet that's what Pogba, Morrison and Fryers were saying. Next it will be the players mentioned in the above posts.
I don't see the point in us having a youth team if we are never going to play the young guns at our team. Cleverley is the latest one and he is now approaching mid 20's. Welbeck will hardly play now and the rest of them we mention wont get near the team whilst we persist with Giggs, Scholes (although quality), Carrick. What is Nani doing playing when we have some superstars in our youth set-up they would make more of an impact and want to play? Look at Sterling getting his chance at Liverpool, taking it by the scruff of the neck.
If I was in Utd's youth set-up I would be very concerned about how long it takes to get a chance. Probably why all the rising stars have been dismissing our advances for the past decade.
Sween
Dan, I have to say that I hate it when people think that because one player made it at 17, that they all should. Different players progress at different ages and it has nothing to do with their exact age. There is so much criteria and boxes to tick before a player is deemed ready. It's not just physically, it's mentally too. I suspect we will see bits of Januzaj & Daehli in the first team next season like we have see Tunnicliffe this season, but will see much more of them the season after. Daehli is a talented youngster, but he isn't ready to be chucked into the first team yet, not even close.
Sydney!
Sween, really well said. I also think its is bs. Fergie loves buying established players and being Manchester United the selling clubs extort us on the fees.
In the old days we still got who we wanted after agreeing to pay up but now with PSG, Chelsea, City, Russian Clubs financially we will always struggle to compete and the two Spanish Clubs are always going to be a preferred destination and have the upper hand for most of the elite players.
You would think someone at the club will realize this and for the sake of long term gain get the youth into the team.
It is infuriating how the young guys don't get a chance given how old and poor the team is currently. Our midfield and back four has no pace and the only way we can compete is to defend so deep that the striker upfront are stranded and get poor service.
It is even more infuriating when we can sign players at a decent price 12 to 18 months earlier but don't go in for them and watch their values skyrocket.
All in all SAF is 70 years old and has no patients to allow a young team to gel and young players to make mistakes. He wants to win one more title before retiring.
Shahram
Damn I'm sick of the Fergie Haters..How can you question the most successful manager in history...Fact is these players will play if and when they're good enough.
Dundalk Red
Sydney, you are right that players develop at different times, look at M Keane and Giverin. However, SAF use to chuck in Giggs, Beckham and Scholes into the mix at a much younger age than he is doing with these kids now. And there must be at least one of them (even not fully ready) that could be given a taste to show what they can do. I can assure you even if he is not fully ready he would do a lot better than Nani. Sorry Sydney but I also hate it when people dismiss players easily saying they are not ready/not big enough etc. Daehli is one of the best (and complete) players in the world for his age and whilst not ready to be a regular he is head and shoulders above academy football (and Nani of late). If Sterling can do that well then so could Daehli and he would learn a lot from it. I think most of the reason for not playing the youngsters more is because of how much pressure there is on the league performance now.
Dan
Why Petrucci hasn't been given a chance is really beyond me.
Dundalk, who said I hate SAF. If the youth team players are not good enough why did he not buy the most needed missing link. We spent over 90 million in the last 2 summers and have gone backwards. He likes to collect wingers and forwards and play an overage midfield who can not cope with pace or size.
Finally, one point everyone misses, if you look at Chelsea and City the midfield is the area they have spend most of their funds and reason for being title contenders.
What about Josh King then?
Top post , informative and really getting behind the united ethos . Shandy !