Cahill to United?

lordyefc · July 1, 2009

ToxtethBlue said:
This.

The best he'd be looking at is a role similar to Park. He's a quality player but he's not Manchester Utd quality nor would he fit into there style of play or formation.

I do agree it's unlikely that United would want him (for a start, didn't they introduce a "no player bought over 26" rule like TWO WEEKS AGO??).

But I disagree that he wouldn't fit in at United, simply because there is no such thing as a United "style". They played one system in the 90s, with the energy of Beckham/Scholes/Giggs/Butt in midfield. Beckham and Butt left, the rest aged, and they moved to a slower more patient build up, using a big strong target man/men. Then Van Horse Face left, and they changed their style again, to 3 quick interchanging fowards.

Two of them have now left - whose to say what style United will move to? History says that Ferguson won't swap like for like, but rather identify quality players and then work out a system to fit them. If Cahill did go to United, he'd be a reasonable success, because he's very good at what he does and Ferguson would find a way to use that.

Still won't happen though, because of his age if nothing else, but mainly because United will aim higher. However, United is a far better shout that the frankly crazy Arsenal rumours of last year - as if Wenger would spend big money on a older midfielder who can't pass.

Neiler · July 1, 2009

Utd have implemented a policy (a few years after we did) of only bringing in young players.

Silly season at its best. I defo think he could play for Utd, are people saying Fletcher is a better player then Cahill. Its not always about being technicaly gifted its about being effective. Anyway some of Cahills movement in the box, is like Ronaldo bomming down the wing for me.

Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian · July 1, 2009

he's going nowhere

apart from my gaff to present me with my season ticket.

TX Bill · July 1, 2009

I agree that Cahill would never play for another Premier team.

He'll spend the next 5 years here and then retire to an A-League team at home.

ToxtethBlue · July 1, 2009

lordyefc said:
I do agree it's unlikely that United would want him (for a start, didn't they introduce a "no player bought over 26" rule like TWO WEEKS AGO??).

But I disagree that he wouldn't fit in at United, simply because there is no such thing as a United "style". They played one system in the 90s, with the energy of Beckham/Scholes/Giggs/Butt in midfield. Beckham and Butt left, the rest aged, and they moved to a slower more patient build up, using a big strong target man/men. Then Van Horse Face left, and they changed their style again, to 3 quick interchanging fowards.

Two of them have now left - whose to say what style United will move to? History says that Ferguson won't swap like for like, but rather identify quality players and then work out a system to fit them. If Cahill did go to United, he'd be a reasonable success, because he's very good at what he does and Ferguson would find a way to use that.

Still won't happen though, because of his age if nothing else, but mainly because United will aim higher. However, United is a far better shout that the frankly crazy Arsenal rumours of last year - as if Wenger would spend big money on a older midfielder who can't pass.

I think he'd be a good squad player, certainly a useful player to have for any side. I don't think he'd be a starter for them, not a chance. Not as a centre midfielder or a second striker.

Maybe it doesn't come down to style, just his quality. Basically, they have better players in the positions he can occupy.

lordyefc · July 1, 2009

ToxtethBlue said:
I think he'd be a good squad player, certainly a useful player to have for any side. I don't think he'd be a starter for them, not a chance. Not as a centre midfielder or a second striker.

Maybe it doesn't come down to style, just his quality. Basically, they have better players in the positions he can occupy.

Well United use a squad rotation system, so lots of players start lots of games. So unless you think that Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs (36 this year) and Scholes (35 this year) are much better players, then he'd play and lot of games and be a success, no?

I agree he probably wouldn't be in the first choice XI - that is, the one picked against the best teams - but then, an average player like Park gets in the first choice XI because he suits the system. If the new United system suited Cahill, then Cahill would play.

They won't sign Cahill not because they already have far better players in that position, but because they can buy far better players than him - who would probably be younger and cheaper to boot.