It seems that we are now at the stage where we will neither win the league nor have a realistic chance of top four (it went long ago but only now can I face the truth . With this in mind I wonder how motivated the players will be especially with it being World Cup year.
Some of us are still hoping that we will go on a nice little run the last part of the season but I cannot see it unless we play players who have something to play for (i.e World Cup places and futures) in the remaining months.
I just feel that there may well be quite a few players who will perhaps subconsciously switch off slightly the nearer the summer comes because there is no realistic chance of anything in the league this year.
I believe that we could well see easing off from some of the players such as
RVP (injuries in the past may make him feel this is a last chance of World Cup), Rooney (has not really shone at major championships since 2004. He won't want to get injured this close with seemingly nothing to play for), Vidic (leaving), Rio (probably leaving), Giggs (preparing for next season).
This is not an article to slate these players though and it is more of a test of Moyes to see if he can get players playing for him.
With this in mind I would try and play players who have something to prove/show (such as Jones, Smalling, Mata, Nani, Hernandez, Kagawa) before we can forget about this sorry season and enjoy a summer of football.
It may not particularly be the best XI but it could be the most effective XI that Moyes can put out as these players are playing for places for Brazil and their United futures.
Whilst Moyes' tenure so far has been more than disappointing and no amount of excuses can be made for it I will be interested to see if he can generate a level of performance from more of the fringe players who really have something to play for even if it is for personal reasons.
Motivation for the rest of the season
posted on 13/2/14
Vidic looks like he's going half hearted and I don't even think he's going to wc, but since the announcement he's been poor. But probably doesn't wanna risk injury before agreeing a contract.
Rvp it has already played a part, he's picking when he plays but that's sensible but you have to wonder if at point this season he's been overly cautious and let's face it effort on the pitch hasn't been up there with last season.
If I was kags and had been used in the way moyes used me, and knowing I have a guaranteed wc I wouldn't be giving a 110% either.
On the flip side, players like young, cleverly, Carrick(is he retired or not. Can't remember), Smalling, jones, rafa are all far from guaranteed a place at the wc.
They literally have to play out of their skins to be on that plane.
posted on 13/2/14
That's true, Stretty. Although I'd say Rafael has no chance of going.
Mata is another. Other than these players there aren't many in the squad that will be that motivated to play well with the world cup coming up as they are either guaranteed a place, in the case of RVP, Rooney and Kagawa, or they won't be going anyway, in the case of Vidic, Rio and Giggs.
One would hope the players that are going would be motivated to try and play themselves into some good form as it helps put them in a good frame of mind before the tournament starts.
posted on 13/2/14
I hope that some will use the playing time between now and then to cement places in their squads for Brazil.
It would be nice to think that they wouldn't need this extra motivation but just a small percentage drop in performance can make such a crucial difference.
posted on 13/2/14
You have the liverpool cup final to look forward to
posted on 13/2/14
"To try and win all 12 games and close the gap on the top 6"
Well is something Moyes would say
posted on 13/2/14
comment by RedMen7 (U8888)
posted 10 minutes ago
You have the liverpool cup final to look forward to
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Shut it!!
posted on 14/2/14
comment by RedMen7 (U8888)
posted 14 hours, 46 minutes ago
You have the liverpool cup final to look forward to
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Who does? It's your cup final, not ours
posted on 14/2/14
What about losing all the rest of the games so you get a new manager.
That would motivate them too
posted on 14/2/14
Vidic looks like he's going half hearted and I don't even think he's going to wc, but since the announcement he's been poor. But probably doesn't wanna risk injury before agreeing a contract.
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What a load of drivel, Vidic has been poor all season, not just after his announcement.
posted on 14/2/14
comment by PhilJones4 - Future captain of Manchester Unit... (U5029)
posted 5 minutes ago
Vidic looks like he's going half hearted and I don't even think he's going to wc, but since the announcement he's been poor. But probably doesn't wanna risk injury before agreeing a contract.
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What a load of drivel, Vidic has been poor all season, not just after his announcement.
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no he hasnt