The Development of players at Manchester United over the past decade [THREAD]
![The Development of players at Manchester United over the past decade [THREAD] https://t.co/Jh3B3mOnL...](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvbkdUhXgAMjbCh.jpg)
Before we start, it’s important for me to mention that the integration and DEVELOPMENT of young players is a big part of Manchester United’s identity.
This last decade, Manchester United have been nowhere near the Premier League title despite spending the most in the league. Hmm. They’re clearly buying quality players but why aren’t the signings working out.
Players always flop at Manchester United but never flop at City? Hmm.
The main problem probably isn’t the quality of players Manchester United are buying believe it or not. The problem is that players have regularly seen a significant decrease in their physical levels once joining Manchester United.
The physical levels of a player affects performance so much. More than you believe. Players become much less mobile and explosive. The most obvious example i can give was Lukaku. Was in top shape at Everton. Fast forward a couple years and he’s built like a unit, not a footballer
Luke Shaw is another super obvious one, he’s someone who’s been overweight for a large part of his United career. Even when you look at Martial and Pogba (two of the biggest talents the club has seen), you’ll see they were much slimmer when they played their best football
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
Jadon Sancho looks to be following a similar path, but it’s early to say. Things really need to change, and they need to change fast.
Second, i would like to talk on the injuries. Manchester United’s medical team clearly isn’t great as we’ve seen over the past decade, players have regularly been sidelined. This will obviously cause a decrease in their physical levels and consequently decrease performance levels
The fact that Ole regularly started injured players during his tenure has held Manchester United very far back. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have publicly spoke about how they have played through injury under Solksjaer.
After the 2020/21 Europa League final Rashford said: “I could walk you into the dressing room now and I could show you five, six, seven players – me as well – who have been carrying injuries. From, September, the beginning of the season.”
The season after this was his worst in his career and it’s understandable. Forcing footballers to play through injury will have its consequences. Martial and Pogba have now become two of the most injury prone footballers in world football because of it.
Finally, i don’t believe the tactical education at Carrington is very high. We’ve seen two MASSIVE talents in Rashford and Greenwood who really lack when it comes to game IQ. I feel like the United youth players should learn more about the IQ and tactical side of the game.
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