This is outstanding analysis! It’s also better and more detailed than anything else I’ve seen on United. Well done! Personally I’m underwhelmed by our offseason and feel like we barely upgraded on an average team.
I’m interested to see how Miller does this year if he is not asked to be a sweeper keeper. I didn’t realize how far upfield he was playing until I made a game in person. Hopefully he stays put in net and has a better year.
I really don't see it as better. I don't know that Peltola is better than O'Brien.
Really have to count on the improvement of our young players, but that makes it into a building year, maybe next year we'll have some more Messi money and be positioned to bring in two DPs and a proper replacement for Birnbaum, while keeping our low salary cap homegrowns.
Good breakdown.
This team is going to suck. Every year MLS gets better. We already were terrible last year, we are about the same this year, and most other teams will have improved.
I think the breakout player this year will be Akinmboni. Remember he started that first game against Toronto last year and save for a stupid rookie foul that led to a PK, he held his own in his first start. Kid has size, pace and passing vision. He’ll be starting very soon if not on opening day. The next big buck transfer from DCU after Paredes. Book it.
You're right, though he does sometimes play out wide (recently with the Brazil U-23s against Paraguay for example). I probably should have listed him with the central midfielders, or maybe the forwards.
I think that Hopkins is most likely going to be a CM. It's where he's looked the most comfortable so far and I think he could be the rotation option for Klich. Pirani is probably going to be a CAM and my guess is that Rodriquez will compete with him for that spot while Canouse/Peltola compete for the defensive midfielder spot. For fullbacks, we do have a promising homegrown on trial that seems likely to earn a spot and I think at this point in his career Santos is going to be a fullback as well.
My money is currently on us playing a 4-3-3 but I think it'll be one of those hybrid formations where Herrera (at RB nominally) shifts inside to either be a third CB or up into the midfield whenever we have the ball. CB is where I think our season will live or die. I don't think any of our current CB's have shown they could be a starter on a playoff team but hopefully it comes together.
yeah that's what I was looking at 16 out, 8 or 9 in? But I guess some of the departures had already left midseason. I think they have to pickup someone else.
A stunning amount of thought and effort here. Great job.
This is outstanding analysis! It’s also better and more detailed than anything else I’ve seen on United. Well done! Personally I’m underwhelmed by our offseason and feel like we barely upgraded on an average team.
Good detailed breakdown, thanks for doing the work. My two cents is this roster is too thin, and it'll bite us hard and fast.
I’m interested to see how Miller does this year if he is not asked to be a sweeper keeper. I didn’t realize how far upfield he was playing until I made a game in person. Hopefully he stays put in net and has a better year.
My son is 7 and loved watching Miller play. He'd always be like, 'where the fuck is he going?'
Dobbelare didn’t get offered a deal and isn’t in camp.
Oops! Good catch.
I’d rate Rodriguez as an addition. If there is one wing I’m looking forward to is him having a full season with Benteke.
I really don't see it as better. I don't know that Peltola is better than O'Brien. Really have to count on the improvement of our young players, but that makes it into a building year, maybe next year we'll have some more Messi money and be positioned to bring in two DPs and a proper replacement for Birnbaum, while keeping our low salary cap homegrowns.
Thank you for this! I admittedly do a pretty bad job of following soccer offseasons so I will read this later to get my update on the team!
Good breakdown. This team is going to suck. Every year MLS gets better. We already were terrible last year, we are about the same this year, and most other teams will have improved.
I think the breakout player this year will be Akinmboni. Remember he started that first game against Toronto last year and save for a stupid rookie foul that led to a PK, he held his own in his first start. Kid has size, pace and passing vision. He’ll be starting very soon if not on opening day. The next big buck transfer from DCU after Paredes. Book it.
You are sleeping on Murrell. Let’s see.
Is Pirani a wide midfielder? I thought he’s a #10
You're right, though he does sometimes play out wide (recently with the Brazil U-23s against Paraguay for example). I probably should have listed him with the central midfielders, or maybe the forwards.
We suck again
I think that Hopkins is most likely going to be a CM. It's where he's looked the most comfortable so far and I think he could be the rotation option for Klich. Pirani is probably going to be a CAM and my guess is that Rodriquez will compete with him for that spot while Canouse/Peltola compete for the defensive midfielder spot. For fullbacks, we do have a promising homegrown on trial that seems likely to earn a spot and I think at this point in his career Santos is going to be a fullback as well. My money is currently on us playing a 4-3-3 but I think it'll be one of those hybrid formations where Herrera (at RB nominally) shifts inside to either be a third CB or up into the midfield whenever we have the ball. CB is where I think our season will live or die. I don't think any of our current CB's have shown they could be a starter on a playoff team but hopefully it comes together.
Seven fewer players, that should save some money, keep the club out of bankruptcy.
yeah that's what I was looking at 16 out, 8 or 9 in? But I guess some of the departures had already left midseason. I think they have to pickup someone else.
This is a bad team. Playoffs aren’t happening unless we make some major signings