Reds on Reddit: Opinion on Opinions #9
Jul 22, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Manchester United defender Luke Shaw during team practice before the game on July 23 against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The fans on Reddit have been having their say on Manchester United’s season so far, having seen Wayne Rooney score a stunner against Aston Villa in a 3-1 win. As usual, we take a look at some of the comments and give a little opinion of our own alongside it.
“Mata and Herrera are the Yorke and Cole of United’s midfield” (from punerisaiyan)
Some may find this an odd analogy, but the thinking behind it is simple. The amazing partnership between Juan Mata and Ander Herrera is the midfield equivalent to another of Manchester United’s famous partnership. Perhaps even more charismatic, the two Spaniards have demonstrated there near-telegraphic abilities as they have fast become the driving force behind United’s success therefore leading to such comparisons.
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The two provide a deadly attacking threat, with their intricate passes and quick movements combining well with each other and the rest of the team. There is now an effective midfield triangle, and they also link up well with the overlapping full-backs. This great play coincides with United’s recent run of good form, as both are starting in the team after a long while out of it, and it is no coincidence that performances have improved as a result of that change.
Yorke and Cole were instrumental for a number of years, playing a vital part in the Treble success. It seems that Mata and Hererra could well be the next duo to write their names into Manchester United legend.
“How is Shaw gonna get games when Blind is this good? Good problems!” (from rdzzlPowell)
Daley Blind has arguably been Louis van Gaal’s best bit of business, aside from finally getting rid of the much maligned Anderson of course. The Dutch utility man has impressed many since making the move to Old Trafford having impressed at the World Cup, with many Reddit threads featuring fans commenting on his performances an indication of his success this season.
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Blind is extremely versatile and can play in a number of roles, which has left the possibility of Luke Shaw being left on the bench because there is simply no room for him in the team. Factor in Shaw’s fitness issues and relative inexperience as he is still young, and Blind could easily make that spot his own. More likely, he could simply rotate the two or start Blind in midfield and take Shaw off if needed, upon which Blind would drop back.
It remains to be seen what the final outcome of this positional conundrum will be, but the team are not short of options whatever Louis van Gaal decides to do.
It is no secret that Hernandez has struggled this season, the forward himself commenting on his frustration in a recent interview. But, he is not the only player to have stalled and this is why it is entirely possible to kick-start his career again if given the opportunity, because Louis van Gaal has shown he has an extraordinary ability to do this to players such as turning Ashley Young from a joke to a dangerous winger who can also play as a defender.
Since moving Wayne Rooney back into a strikers position, the England man has been on top form and there is also arguably the most notable change from poor form to great form – Marouane Fellaini. The man who was the scapegoat from the short-lived Moyes era has been transformed into a makeshift striker who can also be a midfield enforcer in an attacking and defensive role. Simply put, he can do anything.
Surely Hernandez is not past saving, despite having struggled at Madrid. After all, Falcao does not appear to be staying and there is the possibility that Robin van Persie could be on his way out too. Having an improved Hernandez is something that needs to be considered as a real possibility. The extra service from midfield will not hurt his improvement either.
Therefore if Hernandez stays, and does not leave despite the rumours, then perhaps Louis van Gaal can work his magic to make the little Mexican great again.