Ollie Watkins

[8lade]

United cant afford to squander possession for the sake of hopeful long range pings

but we can afford to play with the ball around the oppositions box until we lose it.
Nobody is saying 'shoot on sight' just mix it up, United have become a one trick pony and our peers seemed to have worked it out and combated it, who expected 0 pts from the last 3 games? We did Chelsea and Spurs (imo) because of their disrespectful approach in that they expected to beat us and were careless.
Small margins in the Prem between top 10 and relegation.

 

[Keen Blade]

We've got to the PL by passing teams to death in slow & careful build-up down the wings.
Now we're here , that tactic alone isn't gonna work in terms of goals.
So the main reason for our success in the PL has been our own defence conceding so few.
Apart from not shooting , we also don't run at defences with the ball + cause panic.
We need to vary our approach play otherwise it's too easy for opposition defences.

 

[Cheesebored]

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[S64 Blade]

but we can afford to play with the ball around the oppositions box until we lose it.
Nobody is saying 'shoot on sight' just mix it up, United have become a one trick pony and our peers seemed to have worked it out and combated it, who expected 0 pts from the last 3 games? We did Chelsea and Spurs (imo) because of their disrespectful approach in that they expected to beat us and were careless.
Small margins in the Prem between top 10 and relegation.

I agree. I always think we look most dangerous when we break quick. The patient build up can work, but we do need to speed it up a bit more sometimes; especially when it is evidently not working.

 

[Weneverscorefromcorners]

but we can afford to play with the ball around the oppositions box until we lose it.
Nobody is saying 'shoot on sight' just mix it up, United have become a one trick pony and our peers seemed to have worked it out and combated it, who expected 0 pts from the last 3 games? We did Chelsea and Spurs (imo) because of their disrespectful approach in that they expected to beat us and were careless.
Small margins in the Prem between top 10 and relegation.

I do agree that a plan B is needed, and probably a plan C and D as well. I'd like to see us have a formation change in our back pocket. Every time someone suggest we sign a winger someone points out we dont play with them, but it would certainly change things up if we suddenly went from 352 to 433 for example. I think (and hope) that's something CWAK see

 

[LoughboroBlade]

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Our entire style is built around creating high-quality chances – it’s been a consistent thread through the last 4 years that’s been clear to see. That doesn’t mean a player will never hit a ball from distance at goal, it will entirely depend on the situation in front of them. But when faced with the prospect of a tricky low-xG chance outside the box when there are plenty of other options to keep the ball and create a higher quality chance, we do that nearly every time. And while it’s clearly infuriating to the “shoooooooooot” brigade, it’s one of the things I love about how we play.

 

[CoatesyBlade]

Villa 6/4 and we’ve drifted to 5/2 to sign him according to Skybet.

 

[Weasel]

There have been plenty of occasions (usually most games tbh) where we have been guilty of over playing it.

Nothing wrong with patient build up play, I fact there are times when we need to get hold of the ball more to get more possession as we are getting pinned back. However, the number of times we get into good positions to have a dangerous shot, then the players decides against it and we rebuild again is ridiculous.

Take a look at the Burnley away game. We were much the better side, but could easily have lost (and probably should have) because Burnley didn't need to be asked twice to get a shot off when in dangerous areas. We need to improve on this aspect and be quicker to gets shots on the oppositions goal. Basham is a prize example, the lad (unbelievable that he has been this season) just wont shoot. He was constantly in the oppositions box this season and yet didn't score a single goal. If you don't shoot, you don't score.

 

[Booker4]

Brentford value Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins at more than £25m each

Brentford want in excess of £50m to sell the two best parts of their BMW - Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins.

www.skysports.com

Seems this release clause may not be in place. Apologies if posted earlier, did have a look but couldn't anything on here on it. I can't see us stretching to £25m, but our budget seems very difficult to fathom at the minute after the initial pessimism on likely spending we now seem to be bidding over £10m for players, but maybe its just a case of landing one of them and then smaller fees needed for others, who knows!

 

[Westran]

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And as @loughas pointed out, our entire system has been built over several years around creating high quality chances. If you've not seen that then you've not been watching.

Thats not to say we wouldn't change our system or bring someone in that can improve shot accuracy when we do take a punt, but if you look at the shots map that isn't how we play at the minute

 

[S40BLADE]

As people are saying in this thread we have a attacking style that focuses on POMOs (Positions of maximum opportunity). But when this approach within the prem has led to us creating the least amount of chances and having the least amount of shots on and off target within the division. It is something that needs major tinkering if we are to progress.

 

[Danetheblade]

Brentford value Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins at more than £25m each

Brentford want in excess of £50m to sell the two best parts of their BMW - Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins.

www.skysports.com

Seems this release clause may not be in place. Apologies if posted earlier, did have a look but couldn't anything on here on it. I can't see us stretching to £25m, but our budget seems very difficult to fathom at the minute after the initial pessimism on likely spending we now seem to be bidding over £10m for players, but maybe its just a case of landing one of them and then smaller fees needed for others, who knows!

If it's 25m for Watkins or 25-30 for Edouard.. I know which one I'd prefer..

 

[Swannyblade]

Lee Evans and Lunny used to like to have a crack when they were in midfield together...that worked out well

 

[Cheesebored]

And as @loughas pointed out, our entire system has been built over several years around creating high quality chances. If you've not seen that then you've not been watching.

Thats not to say we wouldn't change our system or bring someone in that can improve shot accuracy when we do take a punt, but if you look at the shots map that isn't how we play at the minute

I don't disagree but why aren't the two compatible? I love our style of football but even those that only see through rose tinted specs must be able to see we often over play it in wide areas leading to a crossing chance breaking down. Just mix it up a bit and shoot from outside the box occasionally. Think back to some of the goals that have excited you the most watching United. Brown against Wednesday, Evan's against Boro, Jags against Leeds? Leave percentages behind for a moment and let's just enjoy and play the game for what it is.

 

[BanderSerge]

I don't disagree but why aren't the two compatible? I love our style of football but even those that only see through rose tinted specs must be able to see we often over play it in wide areas leading to a crossing chance breaking down. Just mix it up a bit and shoot from outside the box occasionally. Think back to some of the goals that have excited you the most watching United. Brown against Wednesday, Evan's against Boro, Jags against Leeds? Leave percentages behind for a moment and let's just enjoy and play the game for what it is.

Baring in mind that Brown and Woodwaed retired yonks ago, who's gonna bang these long rangers in? Fleck quite possibly, every now and again, but who else?

 

[nopigfansintown]

The way to increase the number of high quality chances is not to take an increased number of shots from twenty+ yards from goal. On the contrary, it is to increase the speed of the transition from defence to attack, which is why we are seeing the interest in the likes of Cash, Watkins etc. The quicker you get from a to b with the ball the fewer defensive players are set, and the increased chance you have of creating a high xg chance. In a nutshell, that is why we create better opportunities when Moose is on the field. Even one quick player makes a big difference.
There is an argument for playing a ten but it isn't a necessity; a move like like that would also have to be offset by increasing the athletic capacity of the defensive midfielders. If not premier League midfielders and strikers will mercilessly expose the relative lack of speed in defensive transition exhibited by players like Norwood and Lundstram.
Speed is the answer.

 

[Mouth of the South]

Baring in mind that Brown and Woodwaed retired yonks ago, who's gonna bang these long rangers in? Fleck quite possibly, every now and again, but who else?

Berge has quite a strike on him and I've seen footage of a few efforts from long distance when he was playing in Belguim.

I'm hoping he'll take the responsibility of direct free kicks from Norwood next season.

 

[Bladesthorpe]

Berge has quite a strike on him and I've seen footage of a few efforts from long distance when he was playing in Belguim.

I'm hoping he'll take the responsibility of direct free kicks from Norwood next season.

That can't be the same Berge we've seen .

 

[Mouth of the South]

That can't be the same Berge we've seen .

Haha admittedly examples of it in a Utd shirt have been few & far between. However, his confidence to shoot seemed to rocket after his first goal and he's let fly a few times since, albeit most efforts were charged down.

I thought it interesting however, that the late free kick against Burnley was set-up for him - he caught it well but hit the wall I think.

I reckon he'll get 6-8 goals next season.

 

[247Blade]

We don't sign big names .... we don't seem glamorous enough ... just got to accept getting has beens or lower league players

 

[ucandomagic]

XG is based on averages - many long range shots come from centre backs who have got forward and don’t know what to do next.

If you have Neves or Xabi Alonso in your side then their XG from 20 yards in is worth it. In that situation you can deliberately build it in - drag the play wide to create space on the edge of the box for them to run into and shoot.

Long range shooting gets a bad press because it usually just happens as a rush of blood by the wrong players, rather than a deliberate tactic.

 

[Jan Age]

That can't be the same Berge we've seen .

I’m hoping he will take the responsibility of every set piece from Norwood

 

[Cheesebored]

Baring in mind that Brown and Woodwaed retired yonks ago, who's gonna bang these long rangers in? Fleck quite possibly, every now and again, but who else?

How would we know it rarely happens. Seriously though, I'd be surprised if most of our players have got to the level of football they have without being able to shoot effectively.

 

[GrayBlade]

We don't sign big names .... we don't seem glamorous enough ... just got to accept getting has beens or lower league players

Don’t forget you said ‘Bash is our weakest link’ and he ended up as player of the year so maybe we don‘t really need more big names, just good players? You’re right about the glamour though, if the Pork was where we are players would be fighting over a chance to be took up the rusty kop.

 

[Booker4]

If it's 25m for Watkins or 25-30 for Edouard.. I know which one I'd prefer..

I don't know much about Edouard to be honest. I can't see us going for either!

 

[Houston_Blade]

If it's 25m for Watkins or 25-30 for Edouard.. I know which one I'd prefer..

We aren't going to get Edouard though, he'll go to a top payer.

 

[Broomhall Blade]

I think we can safely say we can stick to arguing if we should shoot more from outside the box.
Due too the lack of those Brentford fans on here Its safe to say we won't be signing any Brentford players. If we was linked with any of them down there I'm sure old No Bids would have been on here like a shot.


For what it's worth I think we should shoot from outside the box a bit more.

 

[Guesty]

I think we can safely say we can stick to arguing if we should shoot more from outside the box.
Due too the lack of those Brentford fans on here Its safe to say we won't be signing any Brentford players. If we was linked with any of them down there I'm sure old No Bids would have been on here like a shot.

I can’t imagine we'll be in for Watkins beyond a cursory look, given that the alleged 'release clause activation' is clearly made-up nonsense.

I genuinely don't think we'll spend big on a forward given the more pressing concerns elsewhere.

 

[Keen Blade]

The way to increase the number of high quality chances is not to take an increased number of shots from twenty+ yards from goal. On the contrary, it is to increase the speed of the transition from defence to attack, which is why we are seeing the interest in the likes of Cash, Watkins etc. The quicker you get from a to b with the ball the fewer defensive players are set, and the increased chance you have of creating a high xg chance. In a nutshell, that is why we create better opportunities when Moose is on the field. Even one quick player makes a big difference.
There is an argument for playing a ten but it isn't a necessity; a move like like that would also have to be offset by increasing the athletic capacity of the defensive midfielders. If not premier League midfielders and strikers will mercilessly expose the relative lack of speed in defensive transition exhibited by players like Norwood and Lundstram.
Speed is the answer.

Totally agree.
And it's speed of thought as well as speed of action.
When the oppos have pushed some men forward and then lose possession with their defenders "un-set" , we rarely take advantage with a quick break.
We seem to say to ourselves "OK , we've got the ball , now let's do what we've been coached to do - nice slow controlled buildup down the flanks".
Allowing all the oppos to get back in position and so we've got 11 men to get past.
We need players who will recognise that such situations are ripe for quick exploitation , by running with the ball at exposed defences.

 

[Broomhall Blade]

I can’t imagine we'll be in for Watkins beyond a cursory look, given that the alleged 'release clause activation' is clearly made-up nonsense.

I genuinely don't think we'll spend big on a forward given the more pressing concerns elsewhere.

I think your right about Watkins, but I hope you are wrong about not spending big on another Striker.
Going with
McBurnie
Sharp
Moose
Zivkovic
Would really worry me, Sharp is only going to play a bit part, Moose who knows what he is going to come back like, Zivkovic from what i have seen not good enough i think I would sooner go with Robinson.