More than just a pretty face…
While the mention of either is probably enough to make you roll your eyes right now such has been the broadband devoted to them both, let’s just ask ourselves one question about the latter- I’ll leave you to read the other 500 articles on the merits of signing Baines- is Fellaini really needed?
The idea seems to be that Marouane Fellaini would be just what the Reds need in midfield, either sitting alongside Michael Carrick allowing the player of the season to focus more on the creating aspect of his game or being the box-to-box type we all want Anderson to be.
All this sounds lovely except it ignores several key things: first of all we have a player who can develop next season into something just as effective as Fellaini if given the chance in that position in Phil Jones. Yes, I realise Blackburn’s finest may have a future in the heart of our defence, but with Rio set to sign a new deal, Nemanja Vidic going nowhere and a certain Jonny Evans – not to mention Chris Smalling available, next season won’t be the one for Jones to be a constant in our back four. The second reason we don’t need Fellaini is quite simply he isn’t good enough. That may sound harsh, after all he’s just scored eleven league goals in 31 games for the Toffees but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’d elevate the United side. Kevin Nolan scored ten league goals this season, would he make the starting line up for United? Of course not. I understand Fellaini offers more than just goals, but is he a player who’d really take us to another level, or simply prevent someone more needed from starting in the side? There’s a big difference to being an effective player for Everton and United- just ask Darron Gibson, and while I’ve no doubt Fellaini could ‘do a job’ in a Red shirt, so can Jones and arguably a much better one. As if that wasn’t enough, Fellaini isn’t going to be cheap- he cost Everton £15 million so they’d at least want more than that back, this is money that could be better spent elsewhere- maybe towards a big money signing that could really elevate the side.
Given a more prominent role in midfield next season Jones would allow the likes Shinji Kagawa to focus on his attacking qualities ‘in the hole’ whereas Fellaini may not be a perfect fit for a midfield that features the diminutive Japanese star. Jones has shown signs of what he can do in the centre of the park and if he’s given more of a chance there next season he could prove to be the difference between a good season and a great one.
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We have been hearing for the past 5 years how Manchester United need a central midfielder, especially from the london press but also from many reds fans.
Though in the early days i did subscribe to this mantra, arguing on many occasions that we needed wesley sneijder… i was wrong.
We have come through the most successful period in our history with apparently a bad central midfield. This season alone, i dont think anyone could argue that our wings have stunk… most of our effective play has been through the middle… do we really need another player in there? if it isnt broke why should we fix it?
I am very comfortable with the notion of playing a midfield 3 or two from any of the combinations of jones, carrick, cleverley, anderson, kagaway (pushed further forward of course), and even fletcher if he returns to full strength. wouldnt the 20-25 million spent on fellaini be better going towards a world class winger???
i completely agree with the article that fellaini wont improve the centre of midfield enough to warrant bringing him in, but a world class winger would have a profound impact on the team
Man u truely needs a combatant mid fielder.Most at times,they are being bullied from there.So,I disagree completely from u.The strength of a team/club lies in the middle
it is a myth we need a central midfield… NO MIDFIELD except barcelona 3 years ago bullied our midfield… NONE
man city last season home and away yaya toure and barry dominated our midfield and this season at OT,
Fellaini is not the answer. Kevin Strootman is! 🙂
Strootman is all action and can do everything. He strikes me as a player Fergie and Moyes would like. But we do need another CM even if Jones developes there. Scholes is retired, Giggs is 40, Ando unreliable, Cleverley an energetic and tidy but limited player, Fletcher is still recovering. Look, I’d sell Ando and buy Strootman. That way you have Carrick, Strootman, Cleverley and Jones to rotate as CMs with Giggs covering. Heaven forbid, Carrick should pick up an injury and we did not have a new CM.
Just a point on Nolan. His ten goals included a hat trick and a brace so he’s actually scored 5 in 36. Stats can be deceptive.
Great article. Totally makes sense.
we just need left wing,in form Valencia and Kagawa as AMF .
Terrible article. Makes no sense whatsoever.
jones could do a job in midfield but he should be deployed in central defence.i agree the midfield is not strong but a guy like wanyama and the good kids from the academy would change everything.also great comment by vinaldo7,constructive analysis always great.but piece of shites like the one who replied to you offer nothing concrete except being bias towards mainstream ideas…cheers
There’s too much hype on jones being a midfielder. The lad is simply not that good especially as a midfielder.He’s got no ball retention skill whatsoever isn’t a gud passer of the ball.
i agree with you stefan
he might be combative but he is not that good technically on the ball
Fellani and Baines at united,they will be unstoppable two qaulity players will be sad to see them go