The Inevitable Patrice vs. Gabby Discussion

[prymetyme]

Well, frankly I am suprised that this hasn't become a thread (and if it has I appolgize) But especially after todays match, I think that it is important that a decision is made soon. I loved Evra's attacking ability and creativity today, and after the match my first inclination was to choose Evra as my choice for the MOTM. It was great to watch, like an extra midfielder down the flanks, a younger gary neville with the pase he was showing.
Then thinking about the two goals, each coming from or around the area of where he was playing, I cant say I was as impressed as I thought I was. Sure, Evra has pace, attacking mentality, and even a bit of flare, but his poor marking and maybe even unablity to get back makes me not like him as much.
Then we have Gabby, personaly he is my choice here, I like his physicality, his desire, his overall form. He is a defender, he might not run up and try to attack at every chance he gets, but he can defend. He never gets beat for lack of hustle or desire. He has that keane-esque scence, and he will defend his team and never back off.

Thoughts?

[SirManchester]

At the moment, there is no doubt, Evra deserves to be in the first team no matter what. Heinze even came on and looked crippled. With the transfer rumours it's a possibility that he will leave. It's a shame because I certainly don't agree with it - he does provide something different and he can still put in two more good years at the club.

Strategically, I would like to see both play at the same time. Especially with Giggs' rather fatigued form as of late I wouldn't mind seeing Heinze in the LB position and push Evra up on the left flank in midfield. I think that would suit the latter extremely well, he's been attacking like a madman and having Heinze behind him would certainly alleviate him of any serious defensive duties.

Down the road, I think it's inevitable that Heinze will be gone.

[Sapphire]

I think Heinze just got unlucky. Imo, Evra was purchased as sort of a left side squaddie, and he shone brighter than anyone thought he would during Heinze's injury. He's earned his spot, and there just doesn't seem to be a place for both of them.

Now to my preferences, while I do love Patty, Heinze has been a madman in his time playing for United. I would take in-form Heinze circa one year ago to in-form Patty right now. But Heinze hasn't been the same since his injury -- it's probably a combination of needing games and losing confidence, but could be a dreaded post-injury long term loss of form. Barring an imminent injury to Patty, I doubt we'll see Heinze get the chance he needs (and deserves, frankly) to earn a spot in the team before he's transferred this summer. :(

[Mac_Howard]

Evra's defensive positioning is still a little suspect but he certainly gives you more than Gabby going forward.

[sdotsom]

Agree with Sapphire. An in-form Heinze is still the best option we have at left back. Unfortunately he was last "in-form" during the 04-05 season. Since then his form has been dipping. That's why Evra is looking so good right now. If Heinze was playing to his full potential, SAF would have more decisions ot make when filling out the squad sheet.

[dannytoone]

Evra had a good game today. I would choose Evra 95% of the time but against dirty teams, bring on Heinze, cause I know he wont put up with it.

[bear1001]

I like Evra's speed and how he gets up the line like Neville. Heinze is too dirty sometimes.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

Heinze is too dirty sometimes.

Not possible.

[JC7rox]

Evra's seemed to locked down the LB spot. His ability to attack is probably the reason why. He has looked great this season even though I think that defensively he is sometimes too crazy. He fits our squad today so much better than Gabby.

But, regardless of all that, against the tough teams, like Chelsea, I would always pick Gabby. Gabby is not going to get bullied out of a game the way that Evra can, and when on song he can cover both Vidic and Rio, which is something that Evra does not do. So, really, I don't know. I'd just rotate them, I guess, which is what I would have liked to have seen between Rooney and Rossi, but I guess Sir Alex rather have O'Shea coming off the bench at any position than another world class player. But in there lies another problem. Oh well, too complicated.

[Drae]

Evra's speed and flexibility makes him an easy choice IMHO

[Teso Dos Bichos]

If Heinze was fully fit this would not be up for discussion.

[johno]

By the by, Heinze was at fault for the 2nd goal. Not Evra.

[skippy]

Maybe, but you can't argue with the instinct to substitute there. Evra was gassed and you'd assume that Heize would come on and play professionally. In his short time on the pitch, he managed to look pretty disinterested.

[Dark Savante]

There's a big problem with this 'vs.' Gabby hasn't been Man Utd fans' player of the season Gabby for a long time now.

Fans still talk of him and reference him in the now with the form he had then... it doesn't work. Gabby never recovered from his injuries and has done a few things that have jeopardized him and probably cost him this season. I wouldn't blame him for playing in the WC, but it's clear he wasn't ready for it. His successive injuries have not given us a chance to see this incarnation 'fully fit' for quite some time.

I made the cynicism thread some time ago and it was with Vidic and Gabby in mind, but since then he's been crocked, again and Avra has really shown himself to offer something different.

I see it like this. If Gabby plays and is the #1 FB then you are sacrificing Giggs and you are weakening the left flank considerably in attack. You are however, going to have a very, very solid one in terms of defence. What you also get is a FB who is a CB and will always run in and protect and cover for his man on the inside. This means Vidic could become a lot more aggressive and know that he has a man sweeping up behind him. With Gabby's cycnbical ways and his die hard style, in theory, we become solid on crosses from right flank into the box.

So Hienze = empowered Vidic, reduced Giggs.

I'd advocate playing Ronaldo on Heinze's flank if he were to take it from Evra. Heinze allows Ronny to roam free and easy. He effectively closes the door for Giggs who is very much reliant on Evra and his energy and overlapping to take the faster runners off Giggs' back. Giggs can also sneak when Evra is flanking as Evra's pace must be dealt with on the overlap by the oppo'

To be honest, right now, I think it's a non-contest. Heinze is not 'Heinze' anymore, whether he can get back to that level remains to be seen as I really think those injuries have taken a lot out of him and I have to admit to doubts he'll ever get back to the best he is associated with.

Evra allows us to play the free-flowing attacking way we are famed for. He has his weaknesses, but his upswing allows our LOTW to attack, and attack well. That's enough to sell him to me.

[Stud83]

I think we should use Evra as a LW on certain occasions. Why not? He's a good attacking threat, has good speed, decent delivery, and arguably the fittest player on the team, capable of making 40 yard bursts in the second half seemingly with ease.
Since I believe we have to go 4-4-2 in every game, we need to make sure we have enough wingers to cover for possible suspensions/injuries/rest. So I'd have no problems with allowing Giggs/Ronaldo recharge here and there down the stretch, while playing Heinze at LB and Evra as a LW at leastat the start.

[johno]

Oh yeah... "that" run by Evra was phenomenal. Absoultely lung bursting. Park aint got nothing on Patrice.