Tuesday 19 May 2020

Manchester United players have new "roles" for Premier League restart





Even if the Premier League is successful in its plans to push through 'Project Restart' at some stage in June, it won't quite be football as we know it.
The differences will be stark and they'll extend way beyond the lack of supporters in the stands, the facemasks for all non-players and substitutes practising social distancing measures.
Some actual laws of the game have been changed since the spread of coronavirus around the world, with FIFA approving a proposal from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) that said teams should be allowed use five subs as a temporary measure. And while it remains to be seen if the Premier League copies the Bundesliga in implementing the rule when restarting their fixtures, it seems a necessary move given the strain that is going to be placed on players.
But the truth is United have a number of unsung players whose skills may be suited to the new-look football we see over the summer - presuming it goes ahead, as is the Premier League's intention.
The pace of a player like Daniel James, for example, may be key.
Defenders are likely to be a little rusty and could take time to readjust to the high tempo of the Premier League. Although James has been criticised by the United fanbase at times this season, with the perception that he can be a little wasteful in the final third, he has the same number of assists as Jack Grealish, Raul Jimenez, Mo Salah and Nicolas Pepe (six).
Only 10 players have more this season. James has been an unsung but vital cog in the United attack.
Crucial too, to United's renaissance in the second half of the campaign, was Nemanja Matic. And although the return of Pogba, plus the presence of the reliable Fred and Scott McTominay, could mean a less prominent role for the Serbian international, he has already proved a few people wrong this season. United arguably don't have a defensive midfielder as solid as Matic. They will need cover in the middle of the park, in any case.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Receive all updates via Facebook. Just Click the Like Button Below

Powered By | Blog Gadgets Via Blogger Widgets