Player of the Decade!

[Pinchy]

A 'defensive' midfielder has to be able to play a bit as well just as a creative midfielder must get his hands dirty. It's called teamwork.

Was it just co-incidence that our best display (though it was still well below that to which we should aspire) of recent times against Palace featured two footballers and no Monty in central midfield?

 

[Sensiblade]

A 'defensive' midfielder has to be able to play a bit as well just as a creative midfielder must get his hands dirty. It's called teamwork.

Was it just co-incidence that our best display (though it was still well below that to which we should aspire) of recent times against Palace featured two footballers and no Monty in central midfield?

I honestly can't answer that, as I didn't attend the match.

My point more is, why not blame all the other players for not performing in other matches 'AS WELL' as Monty. Rather than just going, 'oh it's Monty's fault we played rubbish'

as you said, it's called Teamwork.

 

[Foxy]

The passes, the crosses for a start. Remind me of the panic the maestro created on the Preston defence as a result of these mysterious crosses. I've asked a few others who were there - none can remember them. Did these passes go beyond 10 yards or so? Did they threaten the opposition as opposed to low-flying aircraft?

You and whoever you have asked cannot remember any crosses from Monty? and you claim to have watched him carefully?

Theres one of them on video for you to pick to pieces on the start of the BBC highlights reel.

I don't understand this 'job' you have created for your hero. His job is to play football. The job description for a midfielder includes reasonable ball control, being comfortable in possession, linking defence and attack in an organised rather than chaotic fashion, winning the ball from the opposition by anticipation or power rather than repeatedly conceding fouls or throw-ins as a result of rustic untidy challenges.

The job of defensive midfielder. I haven't created it, all of our managers since Monty arrived at the club seem to have. Like I said before, he's a long way from being my hero.

I was going to move on to creating chances and scoring the odd goal but the sheer absurdity of the very idea in Ploddy's case has induced writer's block coupled with hysterical uncontrollable laughter.

Absurd that a player who broke onto the scene as a winger, having more than impressed in the reserves, could ever create or score a goal. He is of course less likely to, being employed to look after the defence.

I take it Ploddy is over his injury now? Nothing to stop his legion of admirers in the Premiership making offers, then. They'll have to look sharp. Demand will be high.

He's long over the injury I mentioned now yes. He kind of recovered a bit late, as one of the managers interested in him moved on to a bigger club with a LOT more money. Sarcasm does absolutely nothing to change the fact that he had multiple interest from the Premiership. Choose to believe it or not, I'm quite happy to believe the rock solid source it came from.

Foxy, I am a Blade of nearly 50 years standing. I want my club to achieve something for once in my life, even if it be no more than playing done decent passing football that provides a little aesthetic pleasure. Your ready acceptance of sterile, unimaginative dross does nothing to help the cause.

You are right, me stating that Nick Montgomery can pass, can cross and can tackle is holding the Blades back. I'm not a blade and I don't want us to achieve .

For the record, I'd drop him (certainly at home) for an in-form pairing of Harper and Willo.

 

[Silent Blade]

Foxy, would you care to expand. Not that I'm questioning his attraction to premier sides as I think there are a number who would sign him. If I remember rightly he came back much quicker than the 'original timeframe' so how come the injury was worse?

QUOTE]

I was told that two seasons ago that, allegedly, he was going to sign for Bolton but their medical team discovered that he was carrying an injury that our club doctors failed to discover and they were furious with us for "wasting their time"

 

[Bladegirl]

Michael Brown and Paddy Kenny for me.

 

[boo radley]

Poor old Fiery and Pinchy.
This thread asked a simple question and they cannot stand other peoples opinions.
Fiery - the institution you are in is the one you skipped hand in hand to the other day with Andy Giddins - The staff are there to help you.
Pinchy - aren't you the language policeman? Hope iv'e not smelt anything wong or punctuated incorrectly. Should I be worried about order of sentance?

My votes based on loyalty which is hard to find in the modern game.
Paddy, Morgan and MONTY.

 

[Pinchy]

Poor old Fiery and Pinchy.
This thread asked a simple question and they cannot stand other peoples opinions.
Fiery - the institution you are in is the one you skipped hand in hand to the other day with Andy Giddins - The staff are there to help you.
Pinchy - aren't you the language policeman? Hope iv'e not smelt anything wong or punctuated incorrectly. Should I be worried about order of sentance?

My votes based on loyalty which is hard to find in the modern game.
Paddy, Morgan and MONTY.

Wake up Boo!

Happy New Year!

 

[boo radley]

Wake up Boo!

Happy New Year!

Remember never kill a Mokingbird

And to you Happy New Year

 

[Pinchy]

A magnificent example of English literature [yes I know it's American!]. Tom Robinson lives on in his music!

 

[covblade]

For my 2 pence worth its Paddy or Morgan

 

[Sharpy]

Brown
Jagielka
Tonge
Beattie

 

[TONYBLADE]

morgan without a shadow of doubt....!!!!

 

[bricktop]

Paddy, Jags, Kozluk, Tonge and Monty.

All played important parts in the two magical seasons of the decade.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Poor old Fiery and Pinchy.
This thread asked a simple question and they cannot stand other peoples opinions.
Fiery - the institution you are in is the one you skipped hand in hand to the other day with Andy Giddins - The staff are there to help you.
Pinchy - aren't you the language policeman? Hope iv'e not smelt anything wong or punctuated incorrectly. Should I be worried about order of sentance?

My votes based on loyalty which is hard to find in the modern game.
Paddy, Morgan and MONTY.

Happy New Year Boo!!:thumbup:
Just back from 'down south' where I saw in the New Year
Nice to see things don't change
By the way it was player of the decade, not loyal player of the decade or tryer of the decade!
If Andy Giddings is within a mile of me get me out :thumbup:

 

[holmfirthblade]

Its got to be Monty, we are just not the same team without him. Every team needs someone to do the ugly things and he is usually in the right place at the right time.

 

[Ollessendro]

The insomnia has set in so I thought I would start a thread. In the last decade (since 2000) who do you think United's best player has been. Just thought it would be interesting. I of course will add my vote.....Michael Brown - hands down!

Interesting post Lou and what has made a fascinating thread.

I guess it depends exactly what you mean by best player. If it is the most consistent player then it would be different to the best player we have seen wear a United shirt. I presume that you mean the best in terms of consistency and/or contribution in the naughties. Hence for me it would be Morgan, Monty, Kenny or Jags.

Morgan has played more than 200 fixtures since 2003 and has been an absolute rock ever since our promotion season. Not only that but he has been a fantastic captain. He really matured as a player since 2005 and has lead by example. A real unsung hero.

Monty has almost 300 apperences for the Blades and although he lacks ability in terms of creativity his effort is fantastic. For 10 years 9since he came through the youth system and into the first team in 2000) week in week out he has been putting in 100%. Whereas Morgan really improved as a player in his very late 20's, Monty has been consistent since day one.

Kenny signed in 2002 and has played over 250 games. He has been unsdisputed no 1 since then and has made a fantastic contribution. Other than a few high profile clangers (e.g. Everton in prem) he has been very consistent. He is a great shot stopper and despite being unothadox he has saved us a lot of points over the years. Widely recognised as the best keeper outside of the premsiership and unlucky not to get more caps for Ireland (because Given is a very good keeper) he has to be considered.

Jags was another to come through the youth system and has played over 250 games for United. He contributed to our promotion season and really shone in the Premiership (almost keeping us up).

Brown played over 150 games for United and has to be considered also. He stands out as possibly the best player in this period, but we didn't actually achieve anything significant (i.e. promotion) with him in the team.

I see the Shipperley argument as I think (as do many) that we wouldn't have got promoted without him in 2005/2006. Ok, this could be said about a few players, but Shipp stood out.

Other players that looked brilliant (even if only at times) in the last 10 years are Tonge, Hulse, Beattie and Bent.

My choice would be between Morgs, Paddy and Monty. If I had to pick one, I'd plunge for Kenny.

 

[Revolution]

Taking players' United careers as a whole, I'd plump for Jags as the player of the decade. He was, in my opinion, United's best player 3 seasons running (05-06-07) and one of the best in his other 2 full seasons. Add the fact that he was so versatile, playing very well in 2 positions (full back and midfield) and excellently in another (centre half) and being always available - his consecutive game streak was the 3rd longest in team history from memory - and for me he's the clear winner on career value.

On the other hand, Michael Brown had the best season by a United player in the last decade, in 2003 of course.

FWIW, my picks for United's best players by season:

2000 Bent
2001 Murphy
2002 Brown
2003 Brown
2004 tough one - Tonge or Ndlovu maybe
2005 Jags
2006 Jags
2007 Jags
2008 Beattie
2009 Naughton

Monty isn't within a country mile of being United's player of the decade if that accolade involves the player of the decade having to have been a good player - of the big appearance makers (ie 200+ games) only Kozluk has less of an argument for the title - but he is perhaps the poster boy for the last decade, as both he and United have expended a lot of energy but not actually got very far.

 

[Darren]

Taking players' United careers as a whole, I'd plump for Jags as the player of the decade. He was, in my opinion, United's best player 3 seasons running (05-06-07) and one of the best in his other 2 full seasons. Add the fact that he was so versatile, playing very well in 2 positions (full back and midfield) and excellently in another (centre half) and being always available - his consecutive game streak was the 3rd longest in team history from memory - and for me he's the clear winner on career value.

On the other hand, Michael Brown had the best season by a United player in the last decade, in 2003 of course.

FWIW, my picks for United's best players by season:

2000 Bent
2001 Murphy
2002 Brown
2003 Brown
2004 tough one - Tonge or Ndlovu maybe
2005 Jags
2006 Jags
2007 Jags
2008 Beattie
2009 Naughton

Monty isn't within a country mile of being United's player of the decade if that accolade involves the player of the decade having to have been a good player - of the big appearance makers (ie 200+ games) only Kozluk has less of an argument for the title - but he is perhaps the poster boy for the last decade, as both he and United have expended a lot of energy but not actually got very far.

Comparing your list to the Supporters club players of the year, they are the same except for;

2000: Devlin
2003: Kenny
2004: Morgan
2009: Kilgallon

(though how Brown didn't win it on 03 is a bit of a mystery).

I agree about Jagielka by the way. Over the entite decade, I don't think there can be any argument that he was our best player by a long way.

 

[Grecian2000]

If Jags had spent his entire United career playing his best position he would be a shoe in. He didn't and so that lets in Brownie as the best player for me.

Good servant as Morgs has been there is no way on gods earth he could be described as the best player. As for Monty . . . . hells bells!

 

[ReeceofBDTBL]

I can't believe there's even been any debate about this.
Its Jagielka, end of.

Maybe if Brown had played for us in the premiership and been the heart of a team that made a decent fist of staying up, then maybe it would have been closer.

But he didn't, so Jagielka was the best player of the noughties by a mile.

 

[Darren]

I can't believe there's even been any debate about this.
Its Jagielka, end of.

Maybe if Brown had played for us in the premiership and been the heart of a team that made a decent fist of staying up, then maybe it would have been closer.

But he didn't, so Jagielka was the best player of the noughties by a mile.

Also, Jagielka has had easily the best career of any player after leaving United - a star of one of the PL's top ten clubs and capped for England. Who comes close to that level of achievement?

Jags is quite simply the best footballer to play for SUFC in 2000-09.

 

[Grecian2000]

Also, Jagielka has had easily the best career of any player after leaving United - a star of one of the PL's top ten clubs and capped for England. Who comes close to that level of achievement?

Jags is quite simply the best footballer to play for SUFC in 2000-09.

But surely what he's subsequently done at Everton has no bearing at all on his performances with us.

Like I said earlier, take out his less than alluring displays when forced to be the midfield playmaker whilst accompanying Monty in the middle and I would have him as number one. My memory of these displays is too stark though and I would go for Brownie.

 

[Darren]

But surely what he's subsequently done at Everton has no bearing at all on his performances with us.

Like I said earlier, take out his less than alluring displays when forced to be the midfield playmaker whilst accompanying Monty in the middle and I would have him as number one. My memory of these displays is too stark though and I would go for Brownie.

I know his Everton performances are not relevant to the criteria this thread started off with, I was just trying to establish that he is, all round, the best player to play for United in the decade.

I don't recall those less than alluring displays you mention. He played primarily in midfield in our promotion season (he wasn't "forced" there, Warnock chose to play him there) and was voted Championship player of the year that season.

As Revolution said, he was easily our best player in the 3 seasons 2004-07 (being voted player of the year each season) and was ever present (never even being subbed) for those three seasons. He was also one of our better players in 2002-04 and could perform well at right back, centre back and midfield (as well as adequately in goal). He showed himself to be premiership class in 2006-07 - something we could say about few other United players this last decade.

Brown, on the contrary, had one brilliant season (2002-03), one good season (01-02), one and half ok seasons (1999-01) and half a poor season (03-04), He never played in the PL for United.

Thats not to denigrate Brown - I would put him as our 2nd best player of the decade - but on any criteria, Jagielka must be way out in front.

 

[JohnDenver]

Jagielka must be way out in front.

Totally unquestionable in my eyes.

He was playing out of position for most of our promotion season, but still got in the Championship team of the year. Yes, some of his midfield performances was poor but you try putting Brown at CB. Or Morgs in midfield.

What's more he plays fair. Brownie was naughty at times, and Morgan still has his red mist moments.

Jagielka all the way.

 

[Darren]

Totally unquestionable in my eyes.

He was playing out of position for most of our promotion season, but still got in the Championship team of the year. Yes, some of his midfield performances was poor but you try putting Brown at CB. Or Morgs in midfield.

What's more he plays fair. Brownie was naughty at times, and Morgan still has his red mist moments.

Jagielka all the way.

Jags was sent off twice as I recall - both by Chris Foy for alleged professional fouls (v Watford 28/9/02 and v Preston 20/8/04). Both were highly dubious and I think that the second red card was rescinded (it must have been as he was ever present in 04-05 so can't have been suspended).

Despite this, the fact that he was not suspended at all in the 3 seasons 04-07 tells its own story of his discipline and fair play - how often does a player playing mainly in defence not get suspended for 3 seasons?

 

[JohnDenver]

how often does a player playing mainly in defence not get suspended for 3 seasons?

...and a player playing under Neil "break his legs" Warnock who'd not tolerate a nesh.

The only answer to the question is that he was/is obscenely good.