Next Season's Starting XI

[Latters]

I'd like to see the following, although I think a few more of our current players will make it in.

GK: Moore
RCB: New signing
CB: New signing - preferably an established, experienced higher level CB who can read the game and control the defence
LCB: O'Connell
RWB: Freeman
LWB: Stevens I suppose, if he's good enough to step up two divisions - I've never seen him play so it remains to be seen
LCM: Fleck
RCM: Coutts
CAM: New signing or Carruthers if he's good enough at this level; Duffy's had chances at Championship level before and not really been up to it
ST: Billy, but we can't expect him to score as many as this season against quicker, better defenders. His hold-up play will be useful, though.
ST: New signing - preferably a proven Championship goal scorer

There's a lot of work to be done if we are going to be competitive at this level.

 

[sufcboy95]

I don't. Especially that back three. Of those, only JOC will be in the first starting XI. Brayford isn't big enough and Wright will be phased out.

So who of our current players is getting into that defence?
Give over brayford has been one of the best defenders in the championship this season and if not for injuries would've probably won burtons POS

 

[Pinchy]

So who of our current players is getting into that defence?
Give over brayford has been one of the best defenders in the championship this season and if not for injuries would've probably won burtons POS

There will be recruitment. Neither Brayford nor Wright will start on the opening day.

 

[SwissBlade]

Sorry to say, but I think Freeman might get found a few too many times next season to make the position his own.
Hope I'm wrong though.

In what respect? He's one hell of an attacking player.

 

[Ricky]

Funny how many people think Brayford's going to play for us next season.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

In what respect? He's one hell of an attacking player.

I think defending will de his problem next season mate.
I can't against remember who, but he had a torrid time last season and against better teams might struggle.
As I said Swiss, I hope I'm wrong because he had such a good season all in all and would love to see him have a similar season in the Champ.

 

[SwissBlade]

I think defending will de his problem next season mate.
I can't against remember who, but he had a torrid time last season and against better teams might struggle.
As I said Swiss, I hope I'm wrong because he had such a good season all in all and would love to see him have a similar season in the Champ.

Ok thought thats what you were getting at, but lets not just get bogged down with one third of his job. I think it was Bradford away wasn't it?

Over the season, i think the side matured so much, that back 3 seemed to be able to handle changes within it and became much more mobile, the back three, plus Coutts and Fleck knew their roles perfectly towards the end of the season, hence performances like we saw v Bradford at home, albeit with the pressure off. Look also at Bolton and Scunny at home too, pressure games, but came through both.

Freeman, himself has matured. He's done some good work defensively as well.

Lets see how the summer works out, the fitness and athleticism of the side in the last 5-10 games was exceptional, i really think that getting fit and organised will go a long way.

Freeman will come up against players better than him though, doesn't mean he's being found out, just means that sides can exploit his weaknesses, but i think he knows to expect that.

 

[Norderner]

If we're going for it next season, and no way on earth do I see CW settling for mid table mediocrity after the last 2 seasons he's had, then we need a better keeper than Moore. A dominant CH. A CM to challenge fleck and Coutts. A CF with height power and pace. I suspect these will be premier league loans.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Ok thought thats what you were getting at, but lets not just get bogged down with one third of his job. I think it was Bradford away wasn't it?

Over the season, i think the side matured so much, that back 3 seemed to be able to handle changes within it and became much more mobile, the back three, plus Coutts and Fleck knew their roles perfectly towards the end of the season, hence performances like we saw v Bradford at home, albeit with the pressure off. Look also at Bolton and Scunny at home too, pressure games, but came through both.

Freeman, himself has matured. He's done some good work defensively as well.

Lets see how the summer works out, the fitness and athleticism of the side in the last 5-10 games was exceptional, i really think that getting fit and organised will go a long way.

Freeman will come up against players better than him though, doesn't mean he's being found out, just means that sides can exploit his weaknesses, but i think he knows to expect that.

Mostly agree with your comments Swiss, but maybe, just maybe, when it comes to Freeman we'll see a player who rises to the challenge. He's got exceptional energy levels, and I wonder if the type of questions he'll be asked to respond to will only see him find solutions that many seem to doubt he has in his locker. Truth is we won't know until the season starts, but given Wilder's recruitment, given the level of expectation that Wilder and the players should have, I'd be surprised if Freeman, as well as most other players retained or added to the squad, would adopt anything other than a determined approach to confirming his importance to Wilder's first eleven.

That's not an absolute, no one can say how players will respond to supposedly better levels of football, but I hope that personal dedication to their own performance will give each player an edge that will help them push their own expectations further than they thought possible.

 

[SwissBlade]

Mostly agree with your comments Swiss, but maybe, just maybe, when it comes to Freeman we'll see a player who rises to the challenge. He's got exceptional energy levels, and I wonder if the type of questions he'll be asked to respond to will only see him find solutions that many seem to doubt he has in his locker. Truth is we won't know until the season starts, but given Wilder's recruitment, given the level of expectation that Wilder and the players should have, I'd be surprised if Freeman, as well as most other players retained or added to the squad, would adopt anything other than a determined approach to confirming his importance to Wilder's first eleven.

That's not an absolute, no one can say how players will respond to supposedly better levels of football, but I hope that personal dedication to their own performance will give each player an edge that will help them push their own expectations further than they thought possible.

Agree, we don't have a crystal ball, but assuming that a player will be found out is disrespectful.

One year ago, Freeman was on the transfer list. Now he's got a Champions medal and 11 goals to his name from a fantastic season.

 

[sufcboy95]

There will be recruitment. Neither Brayford nor Wright will start on the opening day.

Don't disagree with that. That's why in my first post I stated its our best team with our CURRENT players

 

[itsinyerblood]

Agree, we don't have a crystal ball, but assuming that a player will be found out is disrespectful.

One year ago, Freeman was on the transfer list. Now he's got a Champions medal and 11 goals to his name from a fantastic season.

Again, I agree that dismissing a player based on little more than a hunch or assumption adds little other than to draw a line in the sand and state he'll not be good enough. It's not scientific, how could it be? But I'm a believer that a player deserves the chance to show whether he'll respond or whether he doesn't possess that bit extra to make his place in the team secure. The only people able to assess just how good a player can become are Wilder and Knill. They see them every day, and will know if the talent and desire is enough to give them the edge they require.

 

[Pinchy]

Again, I agree that dismissing a player based on little more than a hunch or assumption adds little other than to draw a line in the sand and state he'll not be good enough. It's not scientific, how could it be? But I'm a believer that a player deserves the chance to show whether he'll respond or whether he doesn't possess that bit extra to make his place in the team secure. The only people able to assess just how good a player can become are Wilder and Knill. They see them every day, and will know if the talent and desire is enough to give them the edge they require.

As one who never doubted the majestic master of a football that is Couttsy, I must say that Freeman was far and away the most pleasant surprise of last season. I think he has the quality to make the step up. A step up which, having seen some of the titans of the Championship recently, is nothing like as daunting as we are led to believe.

 

[SwissBlade]

Again, I agree that dismissing a player based on little more than a hunch or assumption adds little other than to draw a line in the sand and state he'll not be good enough. It's not scientific, how could it be? But I'm a believer that a player deserves the chance to show whether he'll respond or whether he doesn't possess that bit extra to make his place in the team secure. The only people able to assess just how good a player can become are Wilder and Knill. They see them every day, and will know if the talent and desire is enough to give them the edge they require.

We're also able to assess and perhaps one or two bad games defensively stick in peoples minds. So I guess its a naturally cautious approach.

But seeing Freeman this season, i'd look at his entire game, he's a valuable asset to the Blades

 

[itsinyerblood]

As one who never doubted the majestic master of a football that is Couttsy, I must say that Freeman was far and away the most pleasant surprise of last season. I think he has the quality to make the step up. A step up which, having seen some of the titans of the Championship recently, is nothing like as daunting as we are led to believe.

I recall that you were often a lone flag waver for Coutts, and clearly Wilder saw exactly the same quality in the player that you recognised. Whether it was a word in the ear, a reminder of what a footballer is expected to do, or whatever, Wilder knew that in Coutts we have a player capable of unlocking the most stubborn of problems. I hope Freeman is capable of recognising what Wilder and Knill have done for his career and responds accordingly.

 

[wizadry]

Funny how many people think Brayford's going to play for us next season.

The same people must also think Clough is coming back then?

 

[Chief_Froley]

For all speculation and formation suggestions (myself included in this one) one thing I can be 100% certain of is that we aren't going to want a preferred starting 11 next season (or at least not one that's going to be considered full strength for all games).

I can't remember who said it on this forum but one of the best analogies I read for us in the championship is that Bolton were considered one of our tougher fixtures last season, next season they'll be considered one of our easier ones. As positive as we're feeling on the back of an incredible season there are going to still be games where we will be the underdog and have to change our approach to maximise our chances. Wilder is clearly gearing us up to have as many options in each position as possible and I think it's because next season we're going to have to play a lot more teams where we'll be on the back foot and look to exploit any weakness in their game.

Take our fullbacks as just one example among the many; Freeman and Stevens are more enterprising full backs and their attacking rate will serve us better in a 352 where we want to attack a weaker team and go on the front foot. Lafferty and Brayford (assuming he stays) are more conservative in their approach and will do well for us when we need more solidity at the back (kind of like your classic full backs who never venture past the half way line).

The key to our success will lie in our options and competition for places. Judging by the players brought in and those we're linked with Wilder knows this very well and will be looking to keep people guessing before and even throughout games.

 

[ucandomagic]

A squad is like a set of clothes - you wear different ones when it's hot or cold, wet or dry, work or party, holiday or home.

Tufty has shown that he is happy to change formations, line-ups several times, even during a game. If you're playing a Pulis team you need a very different set up from against a Guardiola team for example.

As a result there will not be a first choice starting line-up. You need cover for all positions for injury, and options for all formations and playing styles.

Also, as you move up the football ladder the squad system becomes more and more important. Players will have runs of good form but if replaced for an injury and the replacement shows a great relationship with those around he will keep the shirt. Momentum is all important.

Some players are happier with squads than others. Tufty always emphasises the importance of those who are getting less playing time and I'm sure his recruitment includes that aspect of their character.

So his recruitment aim is to get all bases covered and the general quality level up in the squad. The starters then become increasingly changeable as the team chemistry evolves.

Magic - Alchemy in Tufty's case

UTB

 

[Bartleby]

It's a tough one but I think a few of us are going to have to accept that 3 or 4 of the team who finished last season are not going to be starting next season. In my opinion Brayford gives us more options by playing attacking full-back, wing-back a la Freeman or centre back should the need arise. He's just a class above, that's all.

this is what I don't get - he really really didn't look a class above at the start of the season in L1, and yet now we are in the Championship he is suddenly what we need. We did better when Freeman came in and keeping him in the side above Brayford is not a tough decision it's the right one IMO.

I know Brayford did well at Burton (in a more central role?) but I doubt it can be replicated under any other manager than Nigel Clough, and I doubt he would have got 11 goals for us this season.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

Agree, we don't have a crystal ball, but assuming that a player will be found out is disrespectful.

One year ago, Freeman was on the transfer list. Now he's got a Champions medal and 11 goals to his name from a fantastic season.

Again, I agree that dismissing a player based on little more than a hunch or assumption adds little other than to draw a line in the sand and state he'll not be good enough. It's not scientific, how could it be? But I'm a believer that a player deserves the chance to show whether he'll respond or whether he doesn't possess that bit extra to make his place in the team secure. The only people able to assess just how good a player can become are Wilder and Knill. They see them every day, and will know if the talent and desire is enough to give them the edge they require.

Hey, no disrespecting or writing off from me fellas.
Apologies if it came across that way.
I was just wondering how he might make the step up, no doubt just as CW and the rest of the coaching staff have.
I genuinely want KF to have another cracking season, but for me there is a niggling suspicion that he might be exploited as Swiss says, but more than CW will allow.
If we start shipping goals from that side, he'll have to score a lot more than last season to off set them!!
I'm all for seeing him continue in the role though, and hoping he makes a huge success of it.

 

[itsinyerblood]

Hey, no disrespecting or writing off from me fellas.
Apologies if it came across that way.
I was just wondering how he might make the step up, no doubt just as CW and the rest of the coaching staff have.
I genuinely want KF to have another cracking season, but for me there is a niggling suspicion that he might be exploited as Swiss says, but more than CW will allow.
If we start shipping goals from that side, he'll have to score a lot more than last season to off set them!!
I'm all for seeing him continue in the role though, and hoping he makes a huge success of it.

Wasn't taking a pop GCB........stating the obvious, it's a risk business at all levels, whether a player who's played well for a few seasons can repeat the same level of performance, or whether a young arrival can make a place in the first team his own. Enough has been written about Wilder's capabilities, I've no doubt he can assess a player's strength and weaknesses to the nth degree, but even then there's a risk of getting something wrong, so he'll attempt to limit that risk and ensure the Blades are protected..........the case of Hussey should send a clear message to one and all, Wilder won't dither, he'll do his very best to make sure we're well covered.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

A step up which, having seen some of the titans of the Championship recently, is nothing like as daunting as we are led to believe.

Fully agree with this - we should not be arrogant about next season, nor woory our little cotton socks over it.

We need to make sure the glass half empties don't infiltrate the forum

UTB

 

[Lord Bos of Eckington.]

Fully agree with this - we should not be arrogant about next season, nor woory our little cotton socks over it.

We need to make sure the glass half empties don't infiltrate the forum

UTB

Or lose the first 4 matches .

Recruitment , investment , tactics formation , togetherness is all in our favour and positive . Directly opposite to our S6 neighbours , who set the benchmark and does show we have nothing to fear or worry about .

The number of Yorkshire derbies could be the only adverse affect we have , but as we know , Wilder loves a challenge .

 

[Fulwood Blade]

The number of Yorkshire derbies could be the only adverse affect we have , but as we know , Wilder loves a challenge .

There were a few games I was concerned about after Xmas at home, in thinking "will the old United turn up today"...........Bolton, Charlton, Millwall to name 3. In the end, none were a concern as Wilder and Knill had us well prepared in all aspects. The thought of facing any opposition now doesn't hold any fear. We were out thought (at managerial level) a few times last year - Walsall & Fleetwood to name 2, but hopefully even CW learned from last season despite accumulating 100 points.

We should start the season fearing absolutely no one - if CW gets the recruitment right.............who knows

UTB

 

[BushBlade]

Fully agree with this - we should not be arrogant about next season, nor woory our little cotton socks over it.

We need to make sure the glass half empties don't infiltrate the forum

UTB

Not one person on this forum thinks we'll go down though.

 

[Fulwood Blade]

Not one person on this forum thinks we'll go down though.

Considering last season, I would be disapointed if they did - although some have posted finishing 4th bottom would be ok as though the Championship is something to be worried about. The old United would have struggled last season when teams such as Bolton/Millwall/Charlton/Bradford came to the Lane. We dispatched them quality, all round, team performances. Maintain that level of performance and confidence, even a division higher and we should be easily ok. Some won't see it that way though.

UTB

 

[Wooden House]

Got fed up of the cagey 0-0 at half time, try to win 1-0 performances under Nigel Clough.

That should read cagey 0-0 at half time and bored stupid 0-0 at full time under Negative Nige

 

[Ajmblade]

A squad is like a set of clothes - you wear different ones when it's hot or cold, wet or dry, work or party, holiday or home.

Tufty has shown that he is happy to change formations, line-ups several times, even during a game. If you're playing a Pulis team you need a very different set up from against a Guardiola team for example.

As a result there will not be a first choice starting line-up. You need cover for all positions for injury, and options for all formations and playing styles.

Also, as you move up the football ladder the squad system becomes more and more important. Players will have runs of good form but if replaced for an injury and the replacement shows a great relationship with those around he will keep the shirt. Momentum is all important.

Some players are happier with squads than others. Tufty always emphasises the importance of those who are getting less playing time and I'm sure his recruitment includes that aspect of their character.

So his recruitment aim is to get all bases covered and the general quality level up in the squad. The starters then become increasingly changeable as the team chemistry evolves.

Magic - Alchemy in Tufty's case

UTB

Tell you what, bang on that is

 

[BushBlade]

Considering last season, I would be disapointed if they did - although some have posted finishing 4th bottom would be ok as though the Championship is something to be worried about. The old United would have struggled last season when teams such as Bolton/Millwall/Charlton/Bradford came to the Lane. We dispatched them quality, all round, team performances. Maintain that level of performance and confidence, even a division higher and we should be easily ok. Some won't see it that way though.

UTB

I think the question was 'what would be acceptable?' My interpretation of 'unacceptable' can be equated with 'sackable'. I suspect others have a similar interpretation. Or, to put it another way, if we don't finish in the top half, should Wilder be sacked? (For the hard of thinking, this is a rhetorical question).