The Red Report: Rio, emerging talent’s development & the Champions League

677224

Welcome to the ninth issue of The Red Report, the round table discussion of all things Manchester United by your favourite United blogs: The Busby Way, Stretford-End, Bangalore To Old Trafford, ManUtd24, United Youth, and Red Force Rising.

This week we discuss Twitter’s favourite English footballer, Rio Ferdinand; consider how Gabriel Obertan is progressing and we reflect on Champions League qualification.

Rio Ferdinand’s successful return from a bad knee injury has surprised a few outside of Old Trafford but not those within. Just how important is he still to any future success and the upcoming game against Arsenal?

Chudi | The Busby Way: The importance of Rio Ferdinand ahead of the Arsenal game and in general cannot be understated. He provides a calmness that we sometimes lack at the back and it inevitably has to be mentioned that we have looked a lot better at the back since he returned from injury earlier this season.

Last term we really missed him (as well as Vidic) and the fact we can have him and Vidic playing together so often is a massive plus.

It goes without saying Arsenal are a lot better attacking than defensively so it is imperative that we have a strong back line against them and Rio Ferdinand makes up a huge part of this.

Doron | Stretford-End: I’ve really enjoyed Rio’s comeback. Yes, he has to be managed closely now and rested in the games that aren’t deemed to be important but I think he’s proved quite a few critics wrong.

Whilst he may lack a bit of pace now, his classy style, his leadership and his ability to read a game are attributes that have not diminished. His understanding with Vida makes their partnership still the best in the league. It’ll be important that Chris Smalling watches Rio very closely over the next 18 months so he’s ready to take over when that time comes.

Rio’s importance in big games such as Monday’s against Arsenal cannot be underestimated. There is no doubting that opposition teams would rather see a United team sheet without Rio’s name on it than with it and for me that says it all!

Nick | United Youth: It’s been impossible not to notice how much stronger we’ve looked at the back since Rio’s return to regular action. The Ferdinand/Vidic partnership is as good as anything around when they’re both fit and on form and there’s always going to be a drop-off when one of them’s out, and that’s exacerbated this season with Jonny Evans’ struggles. The Northern Irishman has filled in admirably over the past couple of seasons but his form and confidence are at such a low ebb that it’s unlikely he’ll even be considered for action in these next two big games should Rio miss out. Chris Smalling has looked very good so far but is almost entirely untested in games of this magnitude, while Wes Brown has very little football under his belt… it all adds up to Rio’s fitness being absolutely paramount over the next week or so. Fingers crossed he can be ready and come through it, giving a midfield and attack that look to be starting to click the platform on which to make a real statement in the title race.

Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: It’s no coincidence that our defensive problems this season were solved with Rio’s return to the first team. It just shows how important Rio is to the team, and he’s still among the best in the world. His cool and calm demeanor just passes on to the rest of the team.

He had a torrid time last season with Injuries, and he might not be as fit as he was before, but we need him fit for the next two games, hopefully the Injury scare against Valencia wasn’t too serious and we shall see him start against the Gunners.

TG | ManUtd24: It’s key that Rio makes this one. Since his return, United have looked a better, improved unit conceding less as a result. But, I still hold belief that United can manage without him; but Chris Smalling is the most likely replacement and, although it might seem unfair to throw him into this one, it would be a great experience for him. Anyway, having said that, I still expect Rio to play. United and Fergie have a knack for playing players with only one leg. But if he doesn’t, it’s a concern long term – he’s had a torrid time with everything of sort. Fingers crossed, it’s a false alarm.

Alan | RedForceRising: The importance of the Rio/Vidic partnership is incredibly important. When the two of these colossal defenders are on song, they form one of the best defensive partnerships in world football. Rio’s ability to read the game is maybe only second to Nesta and will be important in tracking the momvement of players like Nasri, as well Arshavin and herding those players away from the danger areas. Rio brings a confidence, as well as calmness to the back four and he often appears to be in the right place, at the right time. Having said that, if Rio is not completely fit, he should be honest about it, as he has played while being injured before and opponents have been able to take advantage of this. I would prefer a fit Chris Smalling to an unfit Rio Ferdinand at this stage in Rio’s career.

Rio is still an important part of our solid back four but we have to prepare for the day that he no longer becomes first choice.

This week, our second player discussion is Gabriel Obertan – how is he progressing and what does is future hold?

Nick | United Youth: There’s a real opportunity for Gabby to really push on and establish himself this season and I’m dying for him to really seize that chance, but it seems to be a case of one step forward, one step back with him at the minute – occasional promising displays followed by ineffective or disappointing performances. Obviously it can’t help to be in and out of the side, and there’s always going to be that inconsistency with young wingers (United fans should know that better than anyone), but he needs to be making more of an impact when he does get games. He’s got all the physical attributes and the technique’s there (despite his occasional knack of running the ball straight out of play), it’s all about the mental side of the game with him – decision-making, composure, self-belief. There’s definitely a player in there, but with Valencia and perhaps Cleverley back in the mix come the New Year, he really needs to stake his claim sooner rather than later.

Alan | RedForceRising: Ooh Gabby….. I have to admit I have a slight man crush on Gabriel Obertan.

I was one of the more excited United supporters when Fergie signed the mercurial French youngster. He had impressed me while I was following the amazing Karim Benzema, whose talents are being wasted and Real Madrid. Although Obertan’s exceptional talent and skill were obvious, it was equally apparent that the youngster was selfish, as well as petulant.

So far this season, it seems that “the penny is starting to drop” for Obertan, but it hasn’t dropped completely yet. When things aren’t going his way, the disappointment is written all over his face, as well as his body language, but unlike Berbatov, the disappointment seems to be with himself and not his team mates. Once Obertan can turn this dejection into a positive, driving force, Manchester United will have a very good player on their hands. One positive development is that when Obertan got injured in preseason, he was determined to make the most of his time on the sidelines and really bulked up in the gym.

My one concern is that Fergie has started playing Obertan more centrally on a few occasions this season and that’s not very fair to the youngster. He plays best on the wings and should be allowed to excel in his best position, before being played elsewhere on the pitch. I highlighted Obertan’s importance to the team this season when Valencia injured himself against Rangers and have listed that blog post as my blog of the week.

TG | ManUtd24: Massive head, massive talent. Needs to use that head the right way, though, and try to nail in some consistency into his game. Has he got the right temperament? Well…he does to a certain degree. Is he a forward or a winger? I’d say the latter, he’s an excellent dribbler, has an abundance of pace and skill. The issue of consistency, really, the only way things will change if he gets more games. Simples.

Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: Obertan has taken quite a while to settle in the team, but he has improved a lot since he first came, mostly notably, his physical attributes seems to be vastly better now, essential if he wants to succeed in the Premier League. With his blistering pace and skill, he can be a handful, but his biggest let down is his inconsistency, he needs to perform well every game. Also he really needs to settle into a position, Sir Alex has been playing him as a deep striker off late, but I’m not really sure if it is his best position. There’s a long way to go this season, and this might his best chance to make his mark on the first team.

Doron | Stretford-End: Obertan is one of my favourite players to watch but also one of the most frustrating. He has the ability to surprise and excite using his pace and trickery however what he has in technical ability, he lacks in confidence and maturity.

He’s one of the more refreshing footballers to actually listen to. His English is superb and his honesty genuine. He knows more than anyone that he has to take the chances that come his way. There is a place for him, no doubt about that but he needs to have more self belief, stop rushing decisions, enjoy himself and compose himself the right way. Maybe more than anything he needs to be consistent.

His physique is actually very good, all the gym work he’s been doing is paying off. I’ve no doubt the goal at Bursaspor was a real boost to him, a sign he can actually do it and mix it with the first team. The frustrating thing is this constant use in the number 10 role. I think everyone can see he’s a winger so to not see him used there is annoying. Playing upfront certainly isn’t doing Gabby any favours. With Valencia out I’d hope he continues to get more opportunities. Come January and with Cleverley’s return likely, he’ll have to up his game another level. There is something there though…

Chudi | The Busby Way: Gabriel Obertan has come along massively this term. His growth physically has aided his game and we can see him putting himself about properly when coming up against opposing players. Where as initially we saw him as a winger we have seen him used as a second striker, a role he has played in the reserves, and it is role in which he has looked competent.

Despite looking better as well as more versatile he has a lot more to learn and is far from the complete article, he has been ineffective in games and against West Ham, I was surprised he stayed on and Bebe went off. But he is playing games and getting experience, which is the best thing for a young developing player.

Still as raw as when we signed him but Obertan has talent…why he’s playing centrally beats us though!

Click here for the rest of the red report

As per usual we decided to look at a non-United topic. This week we discuss how the Champions League is panning out and who we might like United to draw in the last 16…

Chudi | The Busby Way: They say to be the best you have to beat the best but at the moment I am content with getting an easier team and wouldn’t cry if we face Copenhagen. The obvious team that catches the eye is Inter and whilst it would be fun to face Rafa again and I’m pretty certain we would beat them it would be foolish not to want as easy a draw as possible.

In terms of the competition as a whole I’ve found it decent, Spurs have been entertaining, Barca are being Barca etc Nothing has really stood out for me, must mention that over head kick by the Hapoel Tel-Aviv player (Eran Zahavi) in the last round of game, was a quality goal.

Doron | Stretford-End: I’ve enjoyed the Champions League so far. Spurs have been a refreshing inclusion from an English point of view – they’ve done well in what looked like a very tough group at the beginning. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t enjoyed watching Arsenal make an easy group look quite tough! Barcelona are the stand out side again and will take some beating – Real Madrid in the knockout format will also be tough, it’s those kind of games that Mourinho relishes.

As for United, Copenhagen are clearly the team we’d like to draw but winning the group was important and it means that at present we probably wouldn’t mind who we face.

Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: This year’s favorites have to be Barcelona again, but under Jose, Real also look like a force to be reckoned with. None of the Italian or German teams have really made an impression so far, and Tottenham have been brilliant, topping Inter in their group, giving Rafa a whooping in the process. Our performance has been pretty good too, shame we conceded against Valencia, we’ve done really well to qualify without too many problems and an excellent defensive record.

I really hope we get a home fixture for the second leg, can be really useful if we mess up in the first leg! hopefully we get a relatively easy opponent, maybe a team like Copenhagen?

The team to avoid would be Inter, under Rafa they do seem crap but it would be foolish to count them out!

TG | ManUtd24: I personally don’t mind who we get. Having seen the possible outcomes of the draw, you would say that Copenhagen sounds the most easiest, but it is also by the far the more dullest. Marseille sounds good; they’ve a really good team and have the potential to go further in this competition. Either Inter or AC Milan will provide the most nerves, but United have prevailed over both in the last few years. Actually, I’d taker the former; it would be great seeing Rafa choke with his red cheeks again witnessing a thumping at Old Trafford…

Alan | RedForceRising: This has been a strange season so far and I’m not too bothered about our next opponent. If anything, the entire Manchester United team will have hopefully raised their game in order to beat Arsenal and Chelsea, so a tough opponent in the Champions League could help the team keep their concentration levels high, while an easier opponent would hopefully give some of the fringe players some game time.

Nick | United Youth: That group-winning Anderson goal looks very valuable now. There’s always a school of thought that you shouldn’t overly concern yourself with opponents – ‘if you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best’ etc – but avoiding the likes of Barca and Madrid for the next round has to be a good thing. There’s no-one on the list of possible opponents that I’d really be desperate for us to not be drawn with, for footballing reasons anyway – at our best we’re too good for any of the six teams. I can’t imagine any travelling Reds would be too keen on another trip to Rome however, and Milan/Lyon have been regular destinations in recent years so might not be the most enticing of trips (although the chance to take on Benitez – if he’s still in the Inter job – certainly appeals). Copenhagen – with all due respect – obviously have to be the dream draw for any of the group winners, but knowing Chelsea’s luck with draws they’ve probably got that one sewn up, so my sneaky hunch/hope is a nice trip to the south of France to face Marseille.

A nice draw against Copenhagen would be ideal (no offence!)

————

Best of the blogs:

The Busby Way | A Brazilian Midfield Debate: Anderson or Lucas?
Stretford-End | Exclusive Interview, Anderson: “United Will Win The Title”
ManUtd24 | The Hype Is Justified – Samir Nasri Will Take Some Stopping
RedForceRising | Obertan And Rafael To Help Fill Valencia’s Boots
Bangalore To Old Trafford | Stick With Jonny

————

That concludes another Red Report for the week. Hopefully this edition keeps you entertained until next Monday. We’re always open to hear from you so you can catch us on Twitter:

Follow The Busby Way
Follow Stretford-End
Follow Doron
Follow Bangalore To Old Trafford
Follow ManUtd24
Follow RedForceRising
Follow United Youth

————

But don’t forget to check out our individual sites if you think we have missed something, as it is likely at least one of us will have covered it there:

The Busby Way
Stretford-End
Bangalore To Old Trafford
ManUtd24
RedForceRising
United Youth

Exit mobile version