McBurnie and Robinson - physicality

[Ricky]

Both need to get stronger.

It's the main obstacle for them and the obvious thing for both to work on at this time in their careers. And the demands (and rewards) of the PL should dictate that they do.

Defenders in this league are generally strong and athletic and will be straight on you.

McBurnie can be knocked off the ball and bossed in the air by strong defenders. He battles well but lacks the weight and power to impose himself as you want a number 9 to. I don't think he has anything to lose by bulking up a bit.

Robinson can also be too easy to knock off the ball and if he's not going to tear away from defenders with pace he could do with extra strength to help him keep hold of the ball, and give him the platform to show his technical quality.

Their physical development could make or break their PL careers. Hopefully the fitness staff are working closely with them.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Great OP. I think in certain games Robinson looks as if he is unwilling to sprint due to a lack of confidence in his body (hamstring(s).I'm thinking in particular yesterday and the Leicester game, where there had been rumours circulating he had been carrying a minor hamstring injury (he was out with a serious hamstring injury last season).
I've watched all our games back and it's clear to me that Mcburnie's base fitness level is not good enough: he's blowing after less than an hour.
It will be interesting to see his physical development and basic fitness when he's been Prestridged.

 

[Addison]

Both need to get stronger.

It's the main obstacle for them and the obvious thing for both to work on at this time in their careers. And the demands (and rewards) of the PL should dictate that they do.

Defenders in this league are generally strong and athletic and will be straight on you.

McBurnie can be knocked off the ball and bossed in the air by strong defenders. He battles well but lacks the weight and power to impose himself as you want a number 9 to. I don't think he has anything to lose by bulking up a bit.

Robinson can also be too easy to knock off the ball and if he's not going to tear away from defenders with pace he could do with extra strength to help him keep hold of the ball, and give him the platform to show his technical quality.

Their physical development could make or break their PL careers. Hopefully the fitness staff are working closely with them.

Good point, physicality is also key in the middle where so many second balls are won. Just watched West Ham giants steamroller Man U midgets, Harry excepted.

 

[Ricky]

Great OP. I think in certain games Robinson looks as if he is unwilling to sprint due to a lack of confidence in his body (hamstring(s).I'm thinking in particular yesterday and the Leicester game, where there had been rumours circulating he had been carrying a minor hamstring injury (he was out with a serious hamstring injury last season).
I've watched all our games back and it's clear to me that Mcburnie's base fitness level is not good enough: he's blowing after less than an hour.
It will be interesting to see his physical development and basic fitness when he's been Prestridged.

I do wonder if Robinson's injury last season affected his pace. Serious hamstring injuries aren't good news for quick players in particular. Whether he's protecting himself or just doesn't want to look slow I don't know, but he has appeared to be holding back. If it's a problem for him it's all the more reason for him to work on his strength. McGoldrick's evolved his game and Robinson might have to do the same. Gaining strength and improving with his back to goal would help him massively.

McBurnie has a lot of potential but it's the physical side holding him back. He has the technical ability, flexibility, instinct and finishing ability to be a good PL striker. He's an example of a player where physical improvement could make a major overall difference, IMO.

Lundstram's transformed himself under the current regime. O'Connell and Sharp as well. Hopefully these two are next. They should be the main focus along with Mousset. Big assets and big potential.

 

[BladeInIreland]

I actually thought McBurnie looked strong in the games so far. Didn’t see the Everton game though. However like you say, bulking up a bit would do no harm.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

I actually thought McBurnie looked strong in the games so far. Didn’t see the Everton game though. However like you say, bulking up a bit would do no harm.

He wasn't fully fit yesterday apparently so bit hard to judge him but mousset just looked liked he knew exactly how to handle each situation
Using his body strength to shield the ball in a way mcburnie couldn't

 

[Ricky]

The difference when Mousset comes on is dramatic. I'd rather it be slightly less dramatic!

 

[BladeInIreland]

He wasn't fully fit yesterday apparently so bit hard to judge him but mousset just looked liked he knew exactly how to handle each situation
Using his body strength to shield the ball in a way mcburnie couldn't

Fair enough, I commented on a previous post match how he always seemed to win his battles or at least get something on it. Like you say, maybe down to fitness. I personally think McBurnie and Mousset will be our front two.

 

[snootyfenooty]

Both need to get stronger.

It's the main obstacle for them and the obvious thing for both to work on at this time in their careers. And the demands (and rewards) of the PL should dictate that they do.

Defenders in this league are generally strong and athletic and will be straight on you.

McBurnie can be knocked off the ball and bossed in the air by strong defenders. He battles well but lacks the weight and power to impose himself as you want a number 9 to. I don't think he has anything to lose by bulking up a bit.

Robinson can also be too easy to knock off the ball and if he's not going to tear away from defenders with pace he could do with extra strength to help him keep hold of the ball, and give him the platform to show his technical quality.

Their physical development could make or break their PL careers. Hopefully the fitness staff are working closely with them.

Can't agree. Bulking up isn't necessarily the answer. We saw Che Adams go through that phase and he became slow and cumbersome. He then lost the weight he'd put on and became a £15m striker. Your bit about Lundstram further down contradicts yourself as he had to lose a load of timber to transform himself. I think you're confusing strength with fitness, and yeah, I think both of them aren't up to speed yet to satisfy the demands of Wilder's style of play.

 

[Niceguyeddie]

I think mcburnies strength is fine he just needs to learn how to use his body ,firminho at Liverpool is a great example of this .up to now oli has only dealt with lower league defenders who just try to outmuscle you where as in the prem the best defenders are looking to not give away free kicks or fouls but use there strength to hold you up

 

[Ricky]

Can't agree. Bulking up isn't necessarily the answer. We saw Che Adams go through that phase and he became slow and cumbersome. He then lost the weight he'd put on and became a £15m striker. Your bit about Lundstram further down contradicts yourself as he had to lose a load of timber to transform himself. I think you're confusing strength with fitness, and yeah, I think both of them aren't up to speed yet to satisfy the demands of Wilder's style of play.

I'm not confusing anything. Different player types have different fitness requirements.

Adams was always about pace and I don't think he bulked up, he simply got fat, and sloppy. What he then did was optimise his physical condition to fulfil his potential and become the player he is now.

Lundstram needed more mobility, so he's trimmed down a bit but retained and probably gained strength. Impressive from him.

McBurnie and Robinson, at this level, aren't 'pace based' players so their area to focus on should be strength.

 

[FinchleyBlade]

I'm yet to be convinced that the combined 26 million we've spent on Robinson or mCburnie is money well spent, still plenty of time left for me to proved wrong though. I would honestly prefer Sharp was starting over either of them when he is back from suspension.

 

[Ricky]

My current preference would be McGoldrick and Mousset. I think that could be electric.

Good balance. Both can link well and keep the ball. Strength and pace.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

Billy proved that condition is the answer, not bulk or strength, I admit that I might be splitting hairs, but he was in magnificent condition last season.

 

[Akinbiyi]

I don’t think McBurnie isn’t strong, Robinson I’d agree

 

[Ricky]

I think McBurnie is strong pound for pound. He just doesn't have the mass to ever dominate your typical PL centre back.

 

[1889]

I think McBurnie is strong pound for pound. He just doesn't have the mass to ever dominate your typical PL centre back.

Or the enthusiasm............

 

[snootyfenooty]

I'm not confusing anything. Different player types have different fitness requirements.

Adams was always about pace and I don't think he bulked up, he simply got fat, and sloppy. What he then did was optimise his physical condition to fulfil his potential and become the player he is now.

Lundstram needed more mobility, so he's trimmed down a bit but retained and probably gained strength. Impressive from him.

McBurnie and Robinson, at this level, aren't 'pace based' players so their area to focus on should be strength.

We might as well have signed Madine then?

 

[Brookblade]

We have paid 30 million quid for 2 strikers. Start them every game regardless they need to develop a partnership a la Deane and Agana

 

[DronnieBlade]

We have paid 30 million quid for 2 strikers. Start them every game regardless they need to develop a partnership a la Deane and Agana

S6 mentality horseshit.

Let’s not go there !!

UTB

 

[Brookblade]

S6 mentality horseshit.

Let’s not go there !!

UTB

I aint no pig Dronnie

 

[Scooter_mcgavin]

I aint no pig Dronnie

He didn't say you were.

 

[DronnieBlade]

I aint no pig Dronnie

Then quit with the backward mentality.

Merit / form / ability / right man for the job beats a price tag all day long and twice on Satdies .

UTB

 

[CaptainMorgans]

An argument I offered up in the Shoutbox yesterday. £25m on (1) McBurnie & Robinson, or (2) Maupay & Madine.

Think I'd go for the latter. Maupay has really impressed me & Madine would still give us the physical plan B option.

Agree with Ricky, for me McGoldrick & Mousset look our best options. With Sharp the first off the bench. McBurnie next for when we need to start going a little more direct... Robinson? I think he's got a lot of work to do.

 

[SUFCinks]

Been underwhelmed by both so far. Hasnt helped that the service they have recieved has been awful. When Mcburnie is on we tend to pump it long more which is frustrating because he has a good touch and links better when playing to feet. I have noticed he throws himself on the floor way too often looking for free kicks which really pisses me off because he hasnt won many. Robbo shows the rare glipse of quality but hasnt really done anything yet.

From what ive seen so far Mooose and Goldie should start.

 

[dc_blade]

I’ve defended McBurnie up until now and I think he will come good. He’s had a fairly thankless task for us so far and, besides the spell against Leicester, he seems to have been on the pitch at times when the team as a whole isn’t playing great.

But. I thought he was really quite poor yesterday. Can’t say I noticed his strength being an issue but I did think his touch let him down a number of times—he either miscontrolled it with his first touch or managed to bring it under control and then passed straight to an Everton player.

Reality is we will not be playing through teams this season like we did in the Championship—not as often anyway. We will need an out ball at times and need a striker who can win the ball, hold it up, and help us build. Even in flashes Mousset looks more like that player to me.

FWIW I think Ricky is right that Mousset and McGoldrick might be our best front pairing.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Billy proved that condition is the answer, not bulk or strength, I admit that I might be splitting hairs, but he was in magnificent condition last season.

He was - and he still is btw.

Even though he's not playing regularly he still looks in fine condition to me. I was fortunate to see him at close quarters in the local co-op the other day. His coat is shiny and he has a wet nose. That's a very good sign to me.

 

[GrayBlade]

Been underwhelmed by both so far. Hasnt helped that the service they have recieved has been awful. When Mcburnie is on we tend to pump it long more which is frustrating because he has a good touch and links better when playing to feet. I have noticed he throws himself on the floor way too often looking for free kicks which really pisses me off because he hasnt won many. Robbo shows the rare glipse of quality but hasnt really done anything yet.

From what ive seen so far Mooose and Goldie should start.

Apart from score the first goal at Chelsea and set up the second

 

[Cerberus Blade]

I’ve defended McBurnie up until now and I think he will come good. He’s had a fairly thankless task for us so far and, besides the spell against Leicester, he seems to have been on the pitch at times when the team as a whole isn’t playing great.

But. I thought he was really quite poor yesterday. Can’t say I noticed his strength being an issue but I did think his touch let him down a number of times—he either miscontrolled it with his first touch or managed to bring it under control and then passed straight to an Everton player.

Reality is we will not be playing through teams this season like we did in the Championship—not as often anyway. We will need an out ball at times and need a striker who can win the ball, hold it up, and help us build. Even in flashes Mousset looks more like that player to me.

FWIW I think Ricky is right that Mousset and McGoldrick might be our best front pairing.

I like what McBurnie offers in the air. He's not been so impressive on the ground though so far. And in some games he's looked completely out of his depth tbh. I'm not really interested in this..."he will come good" perspective on players. No one knows that. We only know what we have seen so far, and to be perfectly blunt, what we've seen so far from McBurnie doesn't justify the price tag. Mousset, on the other hand, looks an absolute bargain for half the money we paid for McBurnie. He's a class act and I said this several weeks ago actually, not just since his fine goal yesterday. I'll cut McBurnie some slack, because to be quite honest, we've not been playing the kind of football in most of the games that will allow a player like McBurnie to stand out. I think he's had poor service and support. The same is true of the other forwards of course, but some can make things happen by themselves - and Mousset is one of those. A very special talent imo.

I'd never play McGoldrick up front again if I was Wilder - not unless I didn't have any other options. He's a fine player but he's not a striker. He's a midfielder and is best in that supporting role.

Isn't the truth that we still haven't found 2 strikers that can play together really well? Going back down the years, the most successful United teams I've seen have always had a front two pairing that have worked well - players who could almost read each others minds. Take Deane and Agana for example. We've not quite found that kind of magic formula up front yet - if we could find that then I think we'd be picking up a lot more points. Hopefully it will come, but I suspect we'll need to add more quality to the squad first.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Apart from score the first goal at Chelsea and set up the second

You're not wrong there old pal! (What did the Roman's ever do for us anyway?)

I know what the lad means though - he does get through a lot of work but doesn't produce as much on goal as we might expect. However, I've been impressed with his overall game and he's only a young kid, finding his feet in the Premiership - a lot more to come from him hopefully.