Jan. 30th 2011
Irishman has failed to take chances
Right, this is a bit of a knee-jerk post, but it is also the culmination of witnessing too many poor, apathetic performances by Darron Gibson.
A couple of seasons ago, the young midfielder looked like he was a real prospect and had the ability to add goals from midfield – something we have lacked since Scholes started to play in a deeper role. Fast forward to this season and at the age of 23, Darron Gibson can no longer be considered a young player. He’s been at the club for 5 seasons and should be playing his heart in order to become a regular feature on the first-team setup, but instead every time he takes to the field, his displays are absolutely apathetic.
I understand that some players can really suffer when they lack confidence and Gibson appears to be one of those players who blossom when their confidence is high. But what I cannot except is that he plays as if could not be bothered. Going through a bad patch of form is something which all footballers go through and for which you can legislate, but not being bothered and trying to make up for you poor form through effort and getting stuck-in, is unforgivable.
For me this is the difference between Darren Fletcher and Darron Gibson. Up until 3 seasons ago, Fletcher was largely disliked by most United fans and indeed he only seemed to be able to put in two or three good performances a season, but he tried in every match. He might have misplaced passes, he might have been dispossessed easily, but at least he tried. He was always dynamic, never shirking responsibility and never shirking a challenge. The same cannot be said for Gibson.
The matches against Blackpool and Southampton both started poorly for Manchester United and there were several reasons for the poor showing in the first halves of both matches, but when Sir Alex needed to make a change it was Gibson to come off in both games.
In comparison, Blackpool’s Charlie Adam was very impressive. He was dynamic, got stuck in, made tackles, attempted 40 yard passes, whipped in fantastic corners, delivered good deliveries from dead-ball situations, helped out his defence and even nutmegged Darren Fletcher.
Adam might not have completed many of his passes, but anybody who saw the match will know that many of the passes stretched United’s defence and had United’s defenders scrambling to clear their lines. As you will see from the chalkboard comparisons, Gibson completed most of his passes, but they were mostly safe, uninspiring passes, while Adams cross-field diagonals stretched United’s defence and played team mated into space.
It was one of the better midfield performances I’ve seen this season and Adam seems to be the sort of midfield player whom Fergie would appreciate. He does everything well and isn’t afraid to graft. His performance waned a bit in the second half, but this is something that can be worked on. Adam might not be a regular starter at Manchester United, but he certainly would add quality and definitely be several times the player that Darron Gibson is. In light of Hargreave’s injuries, Gibson’s performances and Scholesy’s age, Charlie Adam would bolster the ranks with ability and determination.
At 25, Adam would fit into United’s transfer policy and so one has to ask why United shouldn’t put in a bid of cash + Darron Gibson for the talented Scottish International.
Passes
Interceptions
Tackles
Free-Kicks
