Our Holding Players

[Rashid]

Do we NEED two holding players? United play with 2 fannies in CM still manage to do well in the league. I understand us doing it in Europe with packed midfields but do we need to do so in the Premiership? E.g. Momo is a top player but how often do we need him at home?

[Shaggy]

How often do we need Momo at home? Most, if not all of the time...in my opinion.

We missed him desperately against Blackburn and his substitution against Gala left us horribly exposed.

[lfc4ever]

If we can get Finnan playing like Riise, or a Riise type player on the right, then 2 d/m are fine, the problem arises when we play a tight flat back 4 along with 2 d/m, then we are exposed in the middle of the pitch and give up ground to easily, so, in answer to your question, yes, but if the need arises, then rotation and the opposition will dictate the team selection.

[Rashid]

JUst want to know what United's secret is, they have never played with 2 holding players.

[Farside]

It depends on who and where we are playing. At home to Reading I would like to see us play with Alonso and Gerrard in the middle and Garcia and Pennant on the wings. Against the arse bring back Momo and put Gerrard out on the right again.

[Red_Al_77]

Seeing as our home record is the best in the league and that's with Momo and Alonso in the side it would seem the use of two holding midfielders seems to be working. In fact the only time they both didn't play was the Blackburn home when we managed only a draw.....

[Farside]

A midfield of Pennant, Garcia, Alonso & Gerrard should have the quality to take Reading apart on Saturday. Pennant should be able to step up to the mat at last and Garcia should be able to continue on his good run of form.

[Parm]

Seeing as our home record is the best in the league and that's with Momo and Alonso in the side it would seem the use of two holding midfielders seems to be working. In fact the only time they both didn't play was the Blackburn home when we managed only a draw.....

you do have a point.

[WILF]

The key for me is Alonso's form.
When on form(currently) he is so much more than a holding layer, he is the instigator of many, most of our attacking moves, so playing both him and Momo adds greatly to the team.
But if Xabi's form drops, as at the beginning of the season, we struggle with creativity in the middle of the pitch, 'cos Momo doesn't really create a lot, yet

Rafa obviously sees them as his ideal central midfield pairing

[thesilverfoxlfc]

We need A holding midfielder i would like a player like Kaka or Diego from Werder Bremen who can open a defence a pick a pass.