Manchester United Teamtalk/Transfer/Gossip 23/24 - [New Thread Available]

I really hope we see Fred back in midfield tonight - the guy is capable of disasterclasses, but Sabitzer and McT just isn't working, it needs changing.

Also hope we do not see Wout up front - he offers no threat and also doesn't hold up well. Get Martial into the team or play Rashford through the centre with two of Antony/Sancho/Pellestri/Bruno.

We need to change the dynamics in midfield and up front, can't keep picking the same guys and thinking the dynamics are suddenly going to change.

I think you probably see Sabi, Fred and Bruno midfield. Rashford left, Antony right and Martial up front if he is able to make it.

I'd be worried about the game tonight. We are not playing well and Brentford have the tools to cause us trouble. Set piece time could be a major issue.

If we can get over the line tonight then I think it goes a long way to securing top 4. If we don't then we are in a dog fight. Desperately need Casemiro and Erikson back.

We need to be taking 6 points out of 6 against Brentford and Everton this week. Really hope Martial is fit enough to start tonight. This is the team I'd like to see. I'll be amazed if McTominay starts over Fred after the performance he put in against Newcastle

DDG

AWB Varane Martinez Shaw

Sabitzer Fred

Antony Bruno Rashford

Martial

I 100% agree on Fred, really.... but we don't have Casemiro or Eriksen available. The choice would appear to be 1. Sabitzer and McT. 2. Sabitzer and Fred. 3. Fred and McT. 4. all three of them.

It wasn't just an issue in first phase building, the issue was an inability to make or win tackles when we didn't have it.

I just can't see an argument for not starting Fred. Yes, the team set up needs to change, just as it needed to change when Fred came in for Eriksen. So be it. Better than what we have been doing. You seem to be suggesting that either we stick with Mct and Sabtizer in midfield, or bring in a completely untried Iqbal? I wouldn't be against Iqbal if there was any evidence at all that he would be up to it, but there isn't. Maybe that is another issue to pick with EtH, that we haven't played players on the fringe like him at all, so there is no idea as to whether he could do it. in the absence of evidence I would suggest he can't do it, or EtH would have played him as a sub at least at times. Though, in fairness, the fleeting cameos of Pellestri would indicate not playing does not equal a lack of ability.

Personally I've also argued for Martinez in DM, as he has shown himself very good on the ball. But there doesn't seem to be any appetite for that.

I just can't get my head around Fred coming in for Eriksen, and doing very well, and then coming out of the team when we lose Casemiro. I don't see how Sabitzer and McT is the go to, when the Fred/Case partnership is broken up.

I'd go with either Sabitzer and Fred with Bruno, with Sabitzer the guy you want to get on the ball I guess from the defence, with Sabtizer as that guy still but with McT and Fred as 8s with him, and Bruno in the attacking 3.

I'm more thinking that if you play 1.Sabitzer & McT or 2.Sabitzer & Fred or 3.Mct & Fred then the midfield will be the same setup as it was at the weekend i.e no player playing the role that Eriksen covers because none of those midfielders can do that job. I think it is done by design by ETH because he knows those players (especially McT & Fred if he plays) just don't have the skillset to be receiving passes in those areas and not lose it so ETH is trying to work without it. I was saying we have to setup differently when Casemiro / Eriksen are out, not that the setup needs to change for Fred.

Sabitzer, McT and Fred are all better slightly higher up - so I don't see a change if Fred comes into this setup is all. You would get some legs out of Fred alright but I wouldn't expect a big improvement in the overall midfield or team as I think the lack of control in midfield is killing us currently.

Now I know this isn't new stuff - I know that you and everyone here knows the limitations of the midfielders currently available and knows our midfield has changed setup since the Eriksen injury. We got away with it a few times but it was always going to catch up. If Casemiro was still available we would be able to mask it a bit better. Casemiro and Fred actually wasn't the worst - it was a step down but it was a better balance.

I think there's a fair chance Fred plays due to rotation but it will be the same issues with or without him from the weekend imo

Not asking for Zidane Iqbal to start just wondering when there is such a glaring issue with our midfielder's ability to play that deeper role that he didn't get more of a look in throughout the season - but I did also say there must be a reason like not showing that ability in training because you would presume ETH would want another midfielder to backup Eriksen who doesn't change the team setup as much as when Fred or McT replace him.

You have Fred who has played well this season, or McTominey who has been awful this season. I don't know why its even a discussion about which should start.

Ten Hag has improved and gotten performances from multiple players since he arrived, that McTominey has gotten worse is a really bad look for him. Can't blame the manager this time, its all on him.

Agree. A win is vital to restore confidence after the weekend and keep us in the mix for top 4. With Everton fighting for survival they will be hard to beat.

The team

Ah here how is McTominay starting over Fred again. He must be carrying an injury or illness

Mctominay and sabitzer underwhelming combo but more concerned about the lack of workrate from sancho, antony Bruno and rashford especially if things not going their way .

Has 0-0 written all over it

I'll be surprised if we don't concede tonight. Brentford are a good side and are actually a pretty bad match up stylistically. Set piece is a worry.