So obviously it would be nice to finish as high up the table as possible (and we are in a very, very strong position for a 3rd place finish anyway), but with virtually nothing to play for i wouldnt mind experimenting a little over the next few games. Nothing overly-drastic, but would like to see the following:
1) A Yoro-Heaven partnership: I think this is an unlikely one with Maguire/Martinez both available now. But we're going to play 50-odd games next season and the two younger CBs are probably going to be partnering each other at some point, given how unreliable the other 3 are in terms of availability. I think its worth giving that partnership a test run now. Heaven has looked mostly excellent when he's played this season. Yoro a little shaky unfortunately. But I think both have attributes which could make this an elite pairing in the future.
2) Shea Lacey: Hasn't featured since his red card in the FA cup, which came after a couple of really lively cameos when Amad/Mbeumo were away during AFCON. I dont watch the u21s myself but by all accounts he's looking a little too good for that level right now. Not necessarily calling for him to start every game, but with Amad and Mbeumo out of form I think there's an opportunity to give him at least some game time in all 3 remaining matches.
3) Zirkzee: OK, this one is probably more sentimental than anything. But with Sesko having picked up a knock id like to see him get some game time over Mbeumo/Cunha at 9 if Sesko isnt starting. This league doesnt look like its for him and I'd be surprised if he's still here next season regardless of how he does. But i think he's such a fun player to watch on his day...1 or 2 starts before he goes wouldnt hurt, would it?
Next 3 games
posted on 5/5/26
I’d like to see a bit of Jim Thwaites in the first team if possible. Looks a lovely little player to watch.
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It's a shame that Jayce Fitzgerald missed about a season's worth of football due to injury. Van Nistelrooy named him in a couple of his squads and given his performances it felt like he was on the cusp of a debut or certainly next in line for one at the time.
We've seen quite a few more technically polished deep-lying playmakers come through of late. It would be grate if one could manage the step up and become a 4th/5th choice midfielder and in time maybe more.
posted on 5/5/26
RR, yeah definitely seems to be the case. Though I can understand his hesitation in moving for other targets if he was on a promise from Fabregas.
TRS, I’d heard good things about Fitzgerald, shame injuries have hampered his development.
I think with us being in Europe again, and hopefully not flopping in the cups like this season, there will be opportunities for an academy player to fill that role, more likely as a 5th choice I’d suspect.
Would be good if Thwaites happens to be that player as I like his style.
posted on 5/5/26
Speaking of deep lying midfielders from the academy who have been hampered by injury, I'm still very curious about Kone.
posted on 5/5/26
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 7 minutes ago
Speaking of deep lying midfielders from the academy who have been hampered by injury, I'm still very curious about Kone.
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He hasn’t really played in his loan spell at Lausanne at all. Not sure if it’s been down to injury or just not being picked but it would suggest he’s quite a bit away from being 1st team ready at United.
posted on 5/5/26
Would be good if Thwaites happens to be that player as I like his style.
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We need to recruit a similar profile in the summer.
A few it appears are keen on Tchouameni but I don't think he's as good on the ball as some seem to suggest. I think his passing style is a bit basic and safe and if he is a genuine target then the other midfielder needs to be of a higher calibre in possession.
We need to get the balance right in terms of on and off the ball abilities however I fear we're going to lean too far one way yet again, especially if we can't land our top target which seems to be Anderson.
posted on 5/5/26
Yeah I agree with that. I think part of the issue we’ll have is the faith we’re placing in Mainoo to be that player in the midfield and he’s just not at the level required right now. It’s why I think we should go big for Bruno G, then we could afford to have a lesser player in possession plahing in that modified to help stop teams playing through us.
posted on 5/5/26
comment by The Process (U20671)
posted 1 hour, 42 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 7 minutes ago
Speaking of deep lying midfielders from the academy who have been hampered by injury, I'm still very curious about Kone.
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He hasn’t really played in his loan spell at Lausanne at all. Not sure if it’s been down to injury or just not being picked but it would suggest he’s quite a bit away from being 1st team ready at United.
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I'll go out on a limb and suggest you (like me) haven't been watching him at Lausanne, but have heard he's not played much. He's young, still not long in Europe, recovered from a nasty head injury. Sometimes players mature in a burst and/or later than others. Amad's spell at Rangers seemed to indicate he wasn't going to be good enough for the PL.
posted on 5/5/26
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by The Process (U20671)
posted 1 hour, 42 minutes ago
comment by Red Russian (U4715)
posted 7 minutes ago
Speaking of deep lying midfielders from the academy who have been hampered by injury, I'm still very curious about Kone.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He hasn’t really played in his loan spell at Lausanne at all. Not sure if it’s been down to injury or just not being picked but it would suggest he’s quite a bit away from being 1st team ready at United.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll go out on a limb and suggest you (like me) haven't been watching him at Lausanne, but have heard he's not played much. He's young, still not long in Europe, recovered from a nasty head injury. Sometimes players mature in a burst and/or later than others. Amad's spell at Rangers seemed to indicate he wasn't going to be good enough for the PL.
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True. I’ve literally only looked up his stats to see if he was playing. No idea what the reason is for it. But as you said players mature at different rates.
posted on 5/5/26
Yeah I agree with that. I think part of the issue we’ll have is the faith we’re placing in Mainoo to be that player in the midfield and he’s just not at the level required right now. It’s why I think we should go big for Bruno G, then we could afford to have a lesser player in possession plahing in that modified to help stop teams playing through us.
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posted on 5/5/26
comment by Ji Sung Park's Cousin (U2958)
posted 11 hours, 54 minutes ago
Terrific is a pretty loose word too, which is why i used it... I am not calling him world class or a great...
I just think he has certain qualities that excite me as a fan.. A bit like Berbatov back in the day (though not as terrific as him!). In the right situation, he can (and will ) really shine.
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This. I've accepted he won't succeed in this system. But there are things you don't see anywhere else.