‘Pace’ and ‘flair’ seem to be the most prominent words for Manchester United right now, considering their lack of creativity and ability to take the required risk. And these qualities are those which play a massive part in helping a team create or score a goal, especially in the modern day. But, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are deficient in them, big time.
Recruitments in January are in dire needs, without any shadow of doubt and United continue to get linked with players, young or the experienced. But, the latest one to have drawn links with the Red Devils is Benfica’s 19-year-old winger Goncalo Guedes. But, is the Portuguese starlet what United need?
The 19-year-old predominantly plays on the right of the park, and occasionally on the left. He has scored four times this season, racking up six assists in a total of 21 games for Rui Vitoria’s side. A product of the Benfica youth setup, Guedes, before being promoted to the senior side last season. And despite of being just 19, the starlet has already represented the Portugal National side twice. Guedes is viewed as Portugal’s heir to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Guedes’ off the ball movement and his ability to find the back of the net with the help of it stands out. He’s someone who is very direct in sneaking in behind opposition defenders, making him a threat to watch when defending. Guedes has scored many goals by making runs in behind, unseen to find the back of the net.
Another thing that he excels in is- determination. Despite of being slightly wiry and lanky in stature, Guedes knows how to shrug them. It’s all down to getting stuck in and committing himself completely to winning balls back and taking it away from the opposition.
He’s got a very good first touch, which he can use to take the ball away from a defender and although, he isn’t too pacy or doesn’t have blistering pace, but his balance and ball control is impressive. In the video compilation, you can well see how he quite often makes use of a deft touch to go past a player and then take the defense on.
He can also create chances for his teammates. Guedes has created 10 goal scoring chances this term in the champions league. To put this into context, only Juan Mata (14) has created more for the Red Devils in the Champions League.
Another quality that he possesses to a commendable extent is finishing- which is very good. He can find the net from the toughest of positions, showing how efficient the lad is in front of goal and why he possesses an eye for a goal. In the early part of the video package, you will witness him pull off some impressive finishes.
United need someone who can create spaces for his team-mates, much like how Thierry Henry highlighted in his analysis and comparison of Louis van Gaal and Pep Guardiola’s system at Barcelona. He also reflects on verticality and directness, the ability t run off the ball to make sure that the other players in the team are left with space to work with. Guedes is someone who will do this well. As mentioned earlier, the teenager is adept in running in behind and making runs off the ball, he can come in handy when the opposition tend to adhere to an all out defense style.
Not an upgrade to either Martial or Lingard, Guedes isn’t a finished product as of now, but even Martial wasn’t one when he came bouncing onto the scene. He needs to bulk up a lot and add some pace to his armory. Being a winger, one can have everything but it’s pace that is very important and Guedes needs to work on that too.
Manchester United
I’m Ready Says Manchester United WFC Star as She Bids to Show Club Form for England With Lionesses Facing Ukraine in World Cup Qualifier
Jess Park says she is ready to translate her excellent Manchester United form to the international stage with England. The 24 year old has lit up the Women’s Super League this season following her move from Manchester City to rivals United in September.
Park has become a star performer for manager Marc Skinner, scoring stunning goals and creating chances at big moments. However, she is yet to cement her place in the England starting XI under Sarina Wiegman. The Lionesses travel to Turkey for Tuesday’s game against Ukraine without injured United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal winger Beth Mead, meaning Park’s chances of starting have increased significantly.
The Change is What I Needed
“I’ve enjoyed my football since going to United. I think you can see that on the pitch, I’m expressing myself and I’m feeling confident. The change is what I needed to develop my football, and that’s what has happened,” Park explained. “For me, it’s just focusing on what’s next. I’m here with England, I’m ready to train, and I’m ready to play wherever I’m asked.”
Park has scored six goals and assisted four in 16 WSL matches this season. She has added two goals in five Women’s Champions League starts, with her stunning strike against Atletico Madrid sealing United’s place in the quarter finals.
Freedom to Express Herself at United
One of the biggest changes for Park this season has been her position, as she has largely been given a free role at United, coming in off the left hand side. She has more goal involvements in the WSL than any other English player this season.
Marc Skinner believes his use of Park could be a good audition for what Wiegman can do with her at England. “If you keep moving her and allowing her that freedom, she’ll create anything for anyone. The audition is great and hopefully Sarina can see that as well.”
Atletico Madrid
Phallon Tullis-Joyce Sends Bullish Message to Rest of Europe as Manchester United Women Goalkeeper Insists Nobody Should Underestimate Red Devils
Manchester United Women goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has sent a bullish message to the rest of Europe ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid. The American shot stopper insists teams underestimate United at their peril after the Red Devils secured an impressive 3-0 victory in Spain last week.
Marc Skinner’s side are riding high on a seven game winning streak and looks absolutely unstoppable at the moment. Tullis-Joyce kept another clean sheet in the first leg in Madrid and has been one of United’s standout performers throughout this Champions League campaign.
Might Ruffle a Few Feathers
Speaking in the pre match press conference, Tullis-Joyce revealed the mentality within the squad when asked about how the European campaign has progressed. “Yeah, it’s going great for us so far. I smiled a little bit when you mentioned people underestimating us, that might ruffle a few feathers in the locker room.”
The 29 year old paid further compliments to the team Skinner has built by stating, “We have a complete wealth of diversity and variety in our squad. Different players can step up in any game against any opponent. We’re taking nothing for granted in this next match.”
Special to Represent This Club
Tullis-Joyce was then asked whether keeping a clean sheet in the first leg gives her confidence heading into Thursday evening. She retorted, “I approach each game separately. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, this is the next game.”
Finally, she revealed her pride in representing Manchester United and stated, “It’s really special to be a player for the Manchester United women’s team. Being part of the continued history of this club is something I hold very precious. I love giving everything I can for the squad.”
United hosts Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday evening with kick off at 20:00 GMT.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
Atletico Madrid
Manchester United Women Dealt Blow as Full-Back Ruled Out for at Least Four Weeks With Meniscus Issue
Manchester United Women will be without full back Anna Sandberg for at least another month after Marc Skinner confirmed the Swedish defender requires surgery on a meniscus problem. The Red Devils boss revealed the injury timeline ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village.
Sandberg last played for United in the first leg against Atletico but was hauled off after just 49 minutes and replaced by Gabrielle George. The 22 year old has been a regular fixture in Skinner’s side this season, and her absence represents a significant blow to United’s defensive options during a crucial period.
Best Case Scenario is Four Weeks
Skinner revealed there needs to be a tidy up around Sandberg’s meniscus and provided a timeline for her potential return. “From the time frame we’ve been given, the best is four, the middle is six and obviously the worst case is eight. If it was eight, she would probably be back three or four games before the end of the season. We’re hopeful we can get it to six but won’t take any risk.”
The United boss emphasized they will not rush Sandberg back given her age and importance to the squad’s long term plans. This is smart management from Skinner, who cannot afford to jeopardize the defender’s career by rushing her rehabilitation.
Numbers Thinning at Left Back
With Sandberg ruled out and Fridolina Rolfo missing the first leg plus the London City Lionesses match, Skinner has a genuine headache at left back. Gabrielle George appears to be the only natural option available for Thursday’s clash, leaving United desperately thin in that position.
Ella Toone also remains out but could return for the crucial Manchester derby against City in March. United sits eight points behind the runaway leaders and needs to be perfect in their remaining fixtures while hoping City stumbles.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
- Liverpool13 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”