Originally posted by Rooney Once a BlueNani has an awful lot to prove.
I agree that Carrick has had a very good run of creative play in recent games.
What about Anderson though, he for me is the one midfield player we can't drop.
Then we've got Hargreaves.
I think because its an away game against Lyon I'd play Anderson and Hargreaves in the middle.
Also, wo do you play on the left?
Sir Alex will probably pla ...[text shortened]... fantastic against Arsenal.
I really hope that Fergie does drop Scholes, match fit or not.
It's easy to do it against a Division 3 standard back 4 like last night, but a different matter altogether when playing a quality side.
I don't think Nani is ready to be a match winner for us yet.
Anderson has had a little blip as late (last night aside) after a superb start, in my opinion, and I think it would be good for his development to take him out of the firing line for a bit now. He seems to do well from the bench, so I think I'd take that option for a few games.
Hargreaves pace could be put to good use against the pacey attack of Lyon alright. He also has the experience.
If Scholes was fit, I think he's undroppable. Problem is, he isn't and hasn't found his range of passing yet.
Remember we'll probably play 5 in midfield. If Tevez was more successful on his own up front, I would have thought that Rooney would have dropped back to the left, but I've a feeling Tevez may start on the bench, Rooney up top, midfield: Giggs, Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Ronaldo.
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Originally posted by RagnorakI agree with a lot of what you say, however.
Nani has an awful lot to prove.
It's easy to do it against a Division 3 standard back 4 like last night, but a different matter altogether when playing a quality side.
I don't think Nani is ready to be a match winner for us yet.
Anderson has had a little blip as late (last night aside) after a superb start, in my opinion, and I think it would be ...[text shortened]... the bench, Rooney up top, midfield: Giggs, Anderson, Hargreaves, Carrick, Ronaldo.
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Scholes can't start, he's not ready yet but he would be great to have on the bench for the game.
The only change I think Sir Alex will make to your line up is swap Tevez for Carrick.
Tevez was rested so I'm sure he'll play and he's also been a consistent match winner for us this season.
I think it will be 4-1-1 with Rooney just behind Tevez.
We need an away goal.
Originally posted by Rooney Once a BlueCarrick has been our best player in the past 5-6 games, both creatively and defensively.
I agree with a lot of what you say, however.
Scholes can't start, he's not ready yet but he would be great to have on the bench for the game.
The only change I think Sir Alex will make to your line up is swap Tevez for Carrick.
Tevez was rested so I'm sure he'll play and he's also been a consistent match winner for us this season.
I think it will be 4-1-1 with Rooney just behind Tevez.
We need an away goal.
Tevez can't play up front on his own. 4-5-1 turns to a 4-3-3 when we have the ball. I think we've a btter chance of getting a positive result with that formation than with Tevez up front.
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Originally posted by RagnorakI usually agree with your posts but I don't see how we can drop Tevez.
Carrick has been our best player in the past 5-6 games, both creatively and defensively.
Tevez can't play up front on his own. 4-5-1 turns to a 4-3-3 when we have the ball. I think we've a btter chance of getting a positive result with that formation than with Tevez up front.
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Rooney and Tevez have the quality to destroy the top teams in europe.
They don't really play as a striking pair, they swap the responsibility of playing forward so it's still like playing with 5 in midfield.
Tevez also has the quality to steal a result like he did against Spurs in the 90th minute.
We also need an away goal.
How many times since 1999 have we been knocked out of Europe becuase we can't get away goals.
I wouldn't feel that confident if the result was 0-0 in France.
As for the central midfield, you have to play Hargreaves because of his pace, defensive qualities and european experiance.
This season United have played their best with Anderson alongside Hargreaves and he must have lots of confidence after his great display against Arsenal.
I agree that Carrick has been playing well recently, I just think Anderson is a safer bet for this game. Great both creatively and defensively.
He also dominated the midfield in this seasons league games against Gerrard and Fabregas.
Originally posted by Rooney Once a BlueWe'll have to wait and see. I'd be very surprised if United's starting formation is anything other than 4-5-1.
I usually agree with your posts but I don't see how we can drop Tevez.
Rooney and Tevez have the quality to destroy the top teams in europe.
They don't really play as a striking pair, they swap the responsibility of playing forward so it's still like playing with 5 in midfield.
Tevez also has the quality to steal a result like he did against ...[text shortened]...
He also dominated the midfield in this seasons league games against Gerrard and Fabregas.
I just donj't want to place too much responsibility on Anderson. Sure he's had an excellent first season, but he's only a kid.
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I never thought Id read suggestions that Paul S shouldnt start!
I know he lacks fitness, but I think he must start at the expense of Anderson, his experience wil be crucial. Furthermore, at the highest level the margin can be so tight and maybe one piece of Paul Scholes vision could prove pivotal.
However, its fantastic to have these decisions to make, the team no longer simply picks itself.
Originally posted by Doyle78well you may say that but as Rooney was once a Blue, pointed out, all the games that United have lost this season have been when Rooney was out injured.
I never thought Id read suggestions that Paul S shouldnt start!
I know he lacks fitness, but I think he must start at the expense of Anderson, his experience wil be crucial. Furthermore, at the highest level the margin can be so tight and maybe one piece of Paul Scholes vision could prove pivotal.
However, its fantastic to have these decisions to make, the team no longer simply picks itself.
Originally posted by spurs73We were only discussing the midfield and forwards. It is obvious that United will start with 4 at the back, so there was no need to state it. Kind of like there is no need to state that there will be a goalkeeper.
i was replying to Roony once a Blue who said "...4-1-1 with Rooney playing behind trevez..." if you go back and read the post i was replying to😏
1-4-5-1 😏
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Originally posted by Ragnorak1-4-5-1 lol.
We were only discussing the midfield and forwards. It is obvious that United will start with 4 at the back, so there was no need to state it. Kind of like there is no need to state that there will be a goalkeeper.
1-4-5-1 😏
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As for the Scholes debate.
Remember the Capello philosophy, he only picks players who play regulally and are in form.
Scholes has not found consistent form yet.
If he was 100% fit then I would play him but he isn't.
Personally I think Anderson is more than ready.
He has consistently proved it this season and for Porto, when Arsenal played them in the CL, Wenger said he thought Anderson was the star of the game and would be one on the best players in the world in the future.
I'll admit Carrick has a good case for playing, its just that United have played the best and most consistent form with Anderson in the middle this season.
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Originally posted by Rooney Once a BlueI was at the Portsmouth game and Carrick was shocking and he was shocking for a long time before that. OK if you pick him that's grand for keeping Lyon out but if you play anderson he's a lot better going foward.
1-4-5-1 lol.
I'll admit Carrick has a good case for playing, its just that United have played the best and most consistent form with Anderson in the middle this season.
The best way for United to play Lyon would be same ol' back four with Nani Ronaldo Anderson and Hargreaves/Fletcher with rooney playing the link between Tevez and the midfield. Rooney is great at coming back to get the ball and then bringing it forward which is why he's a good link player. They should bring on Scholes for the last half hour cause thats all hes fit for. Giggs should get a run late on aswell.
My only worry would be experience as if you look at the average age of the team i've said there's not much there. However if they can play well it shouldn't really matter. They need experience more for the second leg when the pressure's on and hopefully Scholesy will be back to full match fitness by then!!
Lyon are good up front but they're pretty weak at the back so if United can grab an away goal or two then we'll be pretty confident we can hold them out at old trafford. United's defence is by far the best in the premiership so we should be able to hold Lyon out.
