Arteta has been stinking the place out for the past few weeks.

[Kay20]

If Fellaini comes back a winner, then Mikel needs to be sent to Thailand too. Whatever. FIX IT. And until it's fixed, his butt, on pine. Unless we have no choice. But right now, we have choice.

EDIT: This doesn't mean I want him off the team. But dude's got issues. For several games now. Coaching staff must address.

 

[angelinsydney]

Kay, agree. Totally.

Also, maybe players should be paid based on productivity - not signed on contract. At work I am, why shouldn't they? on out-put, not contract. Fat chance, though! Hell would freeze over before this happens.

I think this is why Peinaar is playing with all his guts. A player is only as good as his last season. He can't afford to be slack. Meanwhile those on contract has job security. Therefore, there is nothing that compels them to perform day in, day out.

Although, ya, what do I know?

 

[robbo1957]

I don't think he's been on top form recently but I think its who is playing along side. There doesn't seem to have been a set mid-field all season. Now with him not there lets see what happens. For me and I expect to get negative responses bit its a pity Osman isn't fit I would like to see him given the chance in central mid.

 

[BigBlueConk]

Heitinger should not be anywhere our midfield, he is a defender. We do not need defenders in our midfield.
Arteta is a creative, attacking midfielder. I want to see him playing from the half way line up, not in front of the back four who like to hoof the ball forward.
Despite wanting to leave, I still think Pienaar is giving 100% with his energy and attempts at retribution! He would also sit very comfortably in centre mid and wont be hanging around our penalty box.
Mikel has awarded himself the opportunity to fight for his place back, so I hope the replacements make him work extremely hard for it.

 

[BigBlueConk]

I don't think he's been on top form recently but I think its who is playing along side. There doesn't seem to have been a set mid-field all season. Now with him not there lets see what happens. For me and I expect to get negative responses bit its a pity Osman isn't fit I would like to see him given the chance in central mid.

I too have no idea who DM would pick if everybody was fit at the same time!

 

[Sharpys top lip]

After watching the big fella get sent off Vs bolton for the same thing. You would except out Captin to keep his head about him. Silly spanish ****. Let every one down yesterday. Just an expensive crab,,,

 

[stinger]

I too have no idea who DM would pick if everybody was fit at the same time!

Heitinga - when opposite team is playing somebody like van der Vaart as attacking midfielder, very close to the striker(s)
Fellaini - when we are playing against a team, where central midfielders play more deep (like Sunderland), as he's more suited to higher pressing game

You can always put Neville and Rodwell into the mix as well.

 

[Namdrater]

Its a shame he's been so poor this season. When he was coming back from injury this is the sort of form I expected from him, but he was absolutely outstanding when he came back, poking forward passes through the centre, receiving the ball constantly, beating players, scoring, EVERYTHING. This season he seems to never want the ball, he'll take it if there's no other choice and probably pass it out wide. Nothing of real quality. Sad.

 

[BigBlueConk]

Heitinga - when opposite team is playing somebody like van der Vaart as attacking midfielder, very close to the striker(s)
Fellaini - when we are playing against a team, where central midfielders play more deep (like Sunderland), as he's more suited to higher pressing game

You can always put Neville and Rodwell into the mix as well.

Actually your post just reminded me. Two seasons ago, Moyes decided to pair up Neville and Rodwell as the two centre mids. That was special!
I actually do not think DM has a best line up, more horses for courses as your post suggests.

 

[Mutzo Nutzo]

Its a shame he's been so poor this season. When he was coming back from injury this is the sort of form I expected from him, but he was absolutely outstanding when he came back, poking forward passes through the centre, receiving the ball constantly, beating players, scoring, EVERYTHING. This season he seems to never want the ball, he'll take it if there's no other choice and probably pass it out wide. Nothing of real quality. Sad.

The reason is simple - and can be summed up in one word ......fatherhood, he's just had a sprog, and thats it, he's not getting any...sleep or sex!......

Lids change your life, and it takes a while to adapt, he needs a good 8 hours of kip and a fumble under the sheets with his missus....and bingo we will have our little spanish magician back!

 

[Blue 1]

The way Jags has been playing recently I'd be half tempted to drop him, stick Heitinga in CM and Rodwell or Fellaini at DM. Might be a bit unfair though, it's not like he's been any worse than Heitinga.

 

[Mutzo Nutzo]

The way Jags has been playing recently I'd be half tempted to drop him, stick Heitinga in CM and Rodwell or Fellaini at DM. Might be a bit unfair though, it's not like he's been any worse than Heitinga.

Heitinga, shouldn't be alllowed near the dressing room let alone the pitch....if he wants to go back to Amsterdam so badly, then I'll drive him there myself

 

[billycopper]

With Fellaini and Arteta both out, we're running short of options in central midfield. We could really do with Heitinga and Rodwell playing like dogs of war together for a few weeks, closing down and harrying the opposition. Even when Cahill has been dropping deep, our midfield has been ambling about and letting people stroll straight past them recently. It needs sorting.

 

[TheBlueGibbon]

With Fellaini and Arteta both out, we're running short of options in central midfield. We could really do with Heitinga and Rodwell playing like dogs of war together for a few weeks, closing down and harrying the opposition. Even when Cahill has been dropping deep, our midfield has been ambling about and letting people stroll straight past them recently. It needs sorting.

That was the 3rd game of Fellaini's ban, so he should be back for the Chelsea game.

 

[Phil Neville Superstar]

The only positive to have came out of his red card yesterday is a suspension, that's the only way he will be dropped.