PBP: International Champions Cup: Club América vs Manchester United - July 17/18, 2015 [R]

Just got back. Not too much new, and it was pre season and all that, but a few observations.

1. Blackett isn't long for this team. Not an elite level player at all, even as a squad die

2. Don't think Lingard makes it unfortunately. I like him as a player, but this we are a bridge too far for us. He's limited athletically and the rest of his game isn't up to scratch

4. MS is a boss. So calm and assured when needed and aggressive at the same time. All the makings of a future general there. Pleasantly surprised by his long passing today as well

5. For the first time ever, I think Carrick is really going to need to earn his game time this year. Interesting.

6. We lined up as a 4231 tonight, making me wonder about this campaign. What is the plan for Herrera. He is sheer quality out there, but, is it possible he plays the 10 in that 4231?? Or, do we go 433 again.

6. We really need to work out what we're going to do with Mata. Because I'm not sure this false winger role is a viable long term strategy. I fear someone will be in for a very disappointed year in terms of playing time.

7. And finally, we badly need a new #2 keeper. Badly.

 

Just got back from the game tonight as well. First time at Centurylink field; nice experience.
First half was ok. Schneiderlin was great. Rooney looked slow as molasses up front. Felt Depay should have played left wing...
Blind in CB pairing with Jones didn't inspire much confidence either even with Carrick as cover.

Second half, MF felt secure with Scheinsteiger in the middle. Kids looked dangerous with speed, but final touches/finish were just not there.

No DDG..

 

DDG was missing due to a bruised ego.

 

He's certainly missed!

It was weird watching the game with all the new/different players. More new guys than old guys, or maybe it's just that the new guys were better.

 

I find it interesting that after the squad was given a full bill of health in the morning, there were a couple of "minor" injuries to contend with and DDG, of course, being one of them.
It's preseason so it makes sense not taking any unnecessary risks or then again, it could be about something else...
What is beyond doubt though is that the issue with Valdes is a problem for United as a backup is absolutely needed. Romero would not be a bad option in the least.

 

He's 21 and hasn't shown a glimpse of the promise necessary to believe he'll actually make it. Whatever development time is available in the first team needs to go to McNair.

 

This. Totally.

 

Not that it matters after the game is over, but mun2 is now called NBC Universo and according to https://www.nbcumv.com/schedule-network?network=33139 NBC Universo did not show the game. NBC Universo and ESPN Deportes are both in Spanish so the game only needed to be on one of them.

http://us.soccerway.com/matches/201...-futbol-america/manchester-united-fc/2032584/ has statistics:

Corner kicks: Manchester United 4, Club America 1
Shots on target: Manchested United 3, Club America 2
Shots wide: Club America 6, Manchester United 4
Fouls: Manchester United 16, Club America 10
Offisides: Club America 6, Manchester United 2
Possession: Club America 55%, Manchester United 45%

 

Perhaps the best for Blackett at this juncture is not to stay at the club this season. It might be worth it for him to be sent out on loan to a club where he has a reasonable chance to play. The attributes lacking in his game, he can learn if he applies himself and really wants to improve. But his natural pace, strentgh and athleticism are probably the reasons why he's still around. Especially if the team signs a new CB, there is little upside in keeping him at the club and he probably would benefit on going somewhere else.

 

I don't think we learned anything last night we didn't already know about this squad. We've got terrific depth and we may still need some quality at striker and CB, but do the boys have the mental strength to see through banana peel opponents? Can we keep key players in reasonably good health? Pre-season matches won't tell us that, but they will give us some idea how close our fringe players are to staying on the first team.

As for Blackett, we're three deep at LB already. He'll have a decent career somewhere, but not at United. Sadly for Lingard, who's hot decent tools, he'll eventually have to be let go as well.

 

Van Gaal's thoughts on yesteday's game.

http://www.manutd.com/en/Tour-2015/...acts-to-United-victory-over-Club-America.aspx

 

The folks who were surprised by MS' passing range. Where have you been? He's the complete package. That's why so many were high on him. He's not a Carrick-level passer over long distances or as good with the ball bouncing or at an awkward height, but his touch is very good. MS routinely plays the type of long, low passes up the pitch that really get attacks going.

If I was pleasantly surprised by anything from MS was how he coped with having a CM partner he could trust (Carrick wasn't at his best). MS immediately adjusted and would take risks to make certain off the ball runs that many CMs don't have the foresight or the balls to make. He's an excellent complementary CM.

 

I couldn't agree more. Morgan IS the complete package and he'll perform fantastically however Louis decides to use him. It's still the earliest of early days, but it's not hard at all to envision Schneiderlin being a regular starter for us fairly soon.