I know Jose was interested in the Monaco rb Fabinho this summer, who can also play dm if I recall correctly, but I'm kind of surprised he doesn't seem to rate Darmian, as his initial form under LvG last season had me thinking he was the typical Mourinho player.
Yeah, Jose needs to manage Ibra's game time if we're to get the best out of him on a consistent basis. I really hope Micky Ryan gets some game time soon too, was really pleased when we signed him this summer, but it hasn't worked out for him so far.
If Herrera keeps going the way he has been recently, then I'd make him captain next summer, as Smalling is not really what I would call a leader.
Fabinho seemed to be on the agenda and Darmian was solid tonight, but I think Jose wants a fast, attacking RB as both our right sided attackers play as inside forwards rather than as wingers, so that overlap attack is important to give the team width, the latest name we are being linked with is Joao Cancelo from Valencia.
I was disappointed that Mkhitaryan didn't play tonight, this seemed the ideal game to give him 90 minutes as Chelsea and the derby next week are not a good fit for a player just coming back from an injury.
Agreed, Smalling is too passive and when you have a passive Captain they have to be inspirational with their perfomances, and while he's a good player he's not that guy. Herrera has the performance and the attitude to be the next Captain.
Jose absolutely needs time but if I compare him to Pep, there was an expectation that the latter would struggle with taking over an aging squad but he's made the transition rather seamlessly.
He has managed to translate his methods easier than expected, but I think after getting outworked and outplayed by Spurs, ceonceding 3 at Celtic and then outsmarting himself in dropping Aguero against Barca and playing without a striker, it's early to judge anyything.
At United morale was rock bottom after LvG, we didn't have a world class in his prime striker who is bedded into the PL as well as 2 world class playmakers that are also bedded into the PL, like City do, Plus Jose had the huge Rooney problem to deal with, so I expected a stuttering start.
Jose has a good squad there but I don't think he's utilising them to full effect. Zlatan may be 35 but on a better day he would have dismantled Stoke on his own. He still has plenty to offer. But if Zlatan is a problem why doesn't he start Rashford for a couple of games?
I think Jose is trying to see who has the mentality required, several we have bought to replace our core lack what it takes to play under the scrutiny that comes with United. Players like Herrera are showing they are up for it and Mata has thrived under Jose who has played him in his natural role, but the wide players have been in and out with injuries and Pogba is still easing his way into the PL and still developing his role in this United team that plays a different system to Juventus, he's having the same adaption period with France.
I rate Rashford mate and I would have given him a couple more starts at #9, but I think Ibra is Jose's on field general and uintil the team is more settled and confident he doesn't want a teenager leading the line as he struggled in the role against Feyenord.
And you don't have to remind me of Fergie's counter attacking.
The old sod took plenty of 1-0s away from Anfield, but there was always a bit of devastating slickness to his counter. I never once associated Fergie with parking the bus.
Lol!
no doubt and I think Fergie cultivated that over years and years, we were less cavalier away from home in the big games post Ronaldo and used the counter well, but I think Jose can develop that counter attack as he did at Real, once he has had at least a season with this squad.
