I do like a wee stat every now and then and Sportscene last night showed a terrific stat (which was an absolutely terrible show by the way - they seem to have cut the highlights by even more than normal to the extent that it's blink and you miss it).
United played Motherwell in August last year and again in August this year. We had a completely different starting XI this year from the one 12 months ago.
That's kind of mental to be honest. To have that level of turnover is mind boggling and no wonder we're all concerned.
And we've went with youth now, even more so than before. Apparently our average age on Saturday was just over 22 years old. The three subs we brought on had an average age of just over 20. I can't imagine there is a younger team in the league.
I'm yet to see any progress on Rodney Sneijder yet after his alleged viral infection/panic attack (depending on who you listen to, Jackie or the forums). He'll hopefully be back but I suspect he won't be. Time will tell.
If I'm honest I won't be that upset if he terminates his contract simply because I feel we're over stocked in that department and I'd like Fraser to break through.
Our other "big" signing was Bodul and I believe he wasn't great on Saturday after an underwhelming debut against Aberdeen. While I hope he will come good, and expect him to, I think it's a big decision for Jackie to start him on Tuesday against the Dees with Murray and Muirhead chapping on the door.
Chatting about United is fun.
United Stuff
posted on 10/8/15
I was going to post something on the age topic in a seperate article but seeing as how the topic has been risen.
I was finding it strange that last season I heard other fans slating the fact that coote and other youngsters where not getting a game for United and when the transfer window opened the same people where crucifying McNamara for not signing up to 5 experienced players. Now how can they expect youngsters to break into a team when there will be higher paid experienced players ahead of them. So now youth gets it's chance and he's still wrong. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be a manager!!!
Unless your McNamara and Celtic are buying your players. ( just incase anyone else was going to comment on that )
posted on 10/8/15
That's impressive by Monaco having such a young team despite the lack of lack of resources.
posted on 10/8/15
Just to highlight how ridiculous it is, Simon Murray is older than the median age of our team. Out of 27 players, he's the 13th oldest.
When he came on against Motherwell he was the third oldest player on the park for United. At 23.
posted on 10/8/15
I'll probably regret saying this but I admire the fact that Dundee Utd are looking to bring through young Scottish talent into their first team, even if at one point this weekend they could have found themselves 5 pts behind the Dee.
posted on 10/8/15
I'll probably regret saying this but I admire the fact that Dundee Utd are looking to bring through young Scottish talent into their first team, even if at one point this weekend they could have found themselves 5 pts behind the Dee.
Ooooft ! Wonder what name Ivan will change yourS to UCT ?
posted on 10/8/15
foddy
I've already got a couple of bets on the go as it is so not taking any more on.
Cambuslang
We could sign Messi and Ronaldo and some Arabs would bump their gums about it these days. A good squad needs balance and I'm still concerned that we don't have enough experience outwith the full back positions. I'd have liked an experienced keeper although I do hope Zwick shows we don't need one, while an experienced CB would have been a priority for me. Maybe somebody to help the young lads up front would have been nice too, although I'm not sure who that would be. I guess in fairness to Jackie he had to get in what he could and he maybe wanted those types of players too and they weren't available to him.
posted on 10/8/15
Tomorrow will be a tough test but what a difference the weekends results will make.
Score draw feels the most likely, but its gonna be a nervous affair for sure, for Utd especially.
I did hear that Utd have the 2nd youngest team in Scotland, after Cowdenbeath
posted on 11/8/15
I am new to this forum but am an avid reader, as I am working in Iraq, and the comments keep me up to speed on DUFC who I have supported since the mid 60's. I have decided to register to join in the discussions.
I enjoy the updates from Ivan and the other Arabs on the board. It's a pity there's not more. I am critical of the recent transfers and was not looking forward to this season. I am however, slightly more confident after watching the Aberdeen game and getting the result against Motherwell at the weekend.
The back 4 look better than we've had to endure for some time. The keeper looks the part. I like the look of the youngsters but Jackie has to settle on a regular team sheet and stop tinkering.
All the talk of DFC overtaking the Arabs based on one good result against Killie is a bit premature. I have a feeling that we will come out on top which would give us 6 points from 9. That's not a bad start to the season. MUST go with 2 up though. I get the match live on Satellite tonight so a few cold one in the fridge. Mon The Arabs.
posted on 11/8/15
but Jackie has to settle on a regular team sheet and stop tinkering.
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Couldn't agree more to be honest.
I'd like to see a fairly settled spine to the side but at this stage I guess there are still places up for grabs, particularly up front.
Very interested to see how he selects to lead the line this evening.
posted on 11/8/15
We should basically just rename this board to "Ivan and the Others".
Good name for a band too.