Martial

comment by rosso is facking happy (U17054)
posted 8 hours, 19 minutes ago
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin - Ole's joy Manticore (U2958)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
Our win rate with him in the team, under Ole, is really good. He just brings out the best in those around him, even when he’s not scoring.

Shame he got injured when he did, but onwards and upwards.

Some great performances all round today
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Should be some decent waves in Praia da Rocha this week Ji.

I will be well and truly out of the water on the west coast
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16ft.... that’s good for learning in!

comment by Mason The King Greenwood (U10026)
posted 11 hours, 19 minutes ago

He’s been playing a lot better through the middle than expected.
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Ehem...

I've been banging that 'Martial's best position long term is through the middle' drum for a while and he's really kicking on in that position now. Especially given how poor the supply line has been. I really hope Pogba gets given license to cause damage from the most advanced midfield position rather than in the 'two' because our forwards will get better service than from Pereira (who's effort I can't fault, but the killer quality in attack just isn't there).

I still think he’s better out wide, but he’s done better through the middle than I expected. Mainly with his hold up play. Still lacks the dynamism, movement and physicality of a top striker, but there’s been progress at least.

How could you possibly think he's better out wide?

His hold up of the ball, linking with runners around him, his calmness in the box and his goal/ assist return have been fantastic so far this season.

5 goals and 2 assists in 7 games so far this season

He isn't only improving those around us, the stats speak for themselves

Because his best performances in a United shirt and skill set are better suited to playing out wide.

comment by Mason The King Greenwood (U10026)
posted 12 hours, 15 minutes ago
He’s been playing a lot better through the middle than expected. Still needs to improve, but it’s good to have him back and contributing. Both him and Rashford play a lot better when they are starting together, so hopefully they can continue to improve their chemistry abd gain more consistency. Having Pogba back would be a massive bonus as well. A lot of our problems have been of Ole’s making, but it can’t be underestimated how much we miss Martial and Pogba.
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I hold my hands up too: he has a lot of work to do yet, but Martial has improved up top.

A large part of that has been in his dropping deep and showing for the ball through the transition and coming off and across the line into space. Very simply, he’s still better on the turn and facing goal, and the change in our approach the last few weeks (Pereira central and dropping into midfield, wide forwards coming deeper, more - and more intelligent - movement up top) has helped him greatly.

Credit to him for taking up the challenge and making improvements in his game.

Pogba I’m not so sure about. If we are sticking with 4-2-3-1, even with Pereira playing as more as an attacking midfielder than a ten, I don’t see how Pogba comes back into the side and makes us a better unit.

Whom does he replace?

We drop Periera and change the midfield shape to one that suits the team best, like any sensible coach would.

comment by Mason The King Greenwood (U10026)
posted 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
We drop Periera and change the midfield shape to one that suits the team best, like any sensible coach would.
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Don’t, please

comment by rosso is facking happy (U17054)
posted 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
comment by Mason The King Greenwood (U10026)
posted 12 hours, 15 minutes ago
He’s been playing a lot better through the middle than expected. Still needs to improve, but it’s good to have him back and contributing. Both him and Rashford play a lot better when they are starting together, so hopefully they can continue to improve their chemistry abd gain more consistency. Having Pogba back would be a massive bonus as well. A lot of our problems have been of Ole’s making, but it can’t be underestimated how much we miss Martial and Pogba.
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I hold my hands up too
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Oh don't worry, I hadn't forgotten about you either, Rosso...