Rio’s Rating? 6.5/10 | Comparing Kobbie Mainoo to Gerard Pique + is De Ligt most underrated?

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0:36Yes, guys, welcome to another episode of Rare Presents brought to you by our partners crafted and now we're going to be taking a look at a proper clubs mid-season review. This is the season so far, guys. You know what? there's been highs there's been lows there's weaknesses there's strengths standout performers of 2026 let's have a little look man at what that looks like because I mean Steve's going to have his opinions I'm going to have mine and today guys we're looking at Man United you'll be pleased to see Joel yeah no I mean former big club really good to see what everyone thinks I'm going to start off with you first Steve out of 10 how do you rate United's season so far we're significantly higher than 15th, which is where we were last year.

1:24You know, we're hovering around top six, top four. I think six would feel a bit too low. Eight would feel too high. I think seven feels about right. We haven't got to see everybody that we've wanted. There's been metrics have improved massively, but some have still got a way to go. Like defensively, we're still giving away far too many goals, but we are scoring some goals. It's a big leap forward from last year. So I think seven feels about right. It's a big leap forward, but seven is way too high, man. Like, I don't know where Amarin gets this grace from because it's poor. Like, even players that you've brought in, for example, Cesco ain't really hit the ground running the way he was supposed to.

2:08You're looking at Cunha, who's good in moments. Sometimes I wonder if you really needed him, if I'm honest with you. Like, Mbwemo can't fool him. I think he's been tops. The fact that you've somehow got the midfield working, you know, Mount being back in action is pretty good. But overall, seven, bro, come on, man. That's way too strong. I'm going to go about a 6.5. And I think that'll change by the end of the season. It'll go up. And I think you've got to have context. I think the expectation at the beginning of the season was, you know what, my expectation was if we finish top eight, it's a big improvement on last season and we're doing that.

2:50Okay. And that was a realistic aim. Now we're sitting above that at the moment. So you have to say that you can't judge him really, really low like you're looking to do. He's improved. There's a big improvement. And I think, yeah, he's brought in a lot of players and we've all seen what when you bring in a lot of players in a window can do. Liverpool are on their knees right now compared to last season. One of the worst follow-ups to a championship winning season. And our manager's brought in three or four players and he's improving what we've done. different scenarios I understand but I'm saying you've still got to integrate players he's having he's apt to shuffle the pack a little bit Bruno's a different position everyone's questioning whether he can do it his stats have gone through the roof creatively in a deeper line position so the manager has to take some credit there you're saying he don't deserve it Bruno does this every year yeah but in a number 10 position number 8 10 position he's now playing number 6 Bruno's a brilliant player so wherever you put him you weren't saying that before you didn't say that before when he got put in holding midfielder position everyone's saying oh you've got to get him out of the team he can't play there he's just going to slap them all across people's chops and say shut up I'll play anywhere and produce big numbers no matter where I play you wish Odegaard could do what Bruno could do I used to I used to think Odegaard was clear of Bruno that's because you're an Arsenal fan you haven't got a clue what you're talking about I hear what you're saying Rio but I do think that even himself Amorim said it himself not too long ago I'm underperforming as a Man United manager I didn't doubt that I'm not saying he's overperforming 6.5 sounds like he's doing alright and that's you being nice he's saying 7 exactly what I'm saying he's doing alright he's doing ok not where anyone wants to be certainly not where he wants to be but you can't tell me from going from 15th and hovering around 6th or 4th you're doing really shit I think you're doing 5 to 6 max 6 if you're lucky I've said 6.5 nah if you're lucky if you're lucky Steve what should United fans judge progress moron performances results or identity all of it all of them yeah everything everything it's all in the cake mate you gotta look at it all as a whole you know um ollie finished second and third weren't good enough you had to get over the line in a trophy jose did some pretty good stuff but the identity wasn't quite right like everything matters you're ultimately going to be judged by all of it, including your signings.

5:20I think his signings are probably the one thing where you can say that he's been really good at at the moment. I think all of his signings have been good. And I disagree with you about Sesco. Guy's not played, didn't have a preseason. That's got to count for something. And when he's played, we look better as a team. Maybe he's not got incredible goals and assists, but he's doing okay. And he gives a real focal point that allows Kunia and Mbumo to operate in behind him. and you've seen when he's not been in the team, how blunted that even those two playing we've been. I couldn't agree with Steve more on that point.

5:54Sorry, Steve, to cut you. Sesco point is more than goals. I heard that from a player at the club recently that yes, the strikers will be judged on their goals, but internally sometimes there are things that they bring to the table that you go, you know what, that is huge. You know who was like that? Luis Saha. Luis Saha was never going to win the Golden Boot at Man United. but for terms of value to the team, he was a joke. Some of the stuff that he would do that would enable others to play better would get us up the pitch at times. He would hold the ball for three or four seconds at times to give us a breather.

6:31Forget goals with him. His all-round game was like, I was sitting there sometimes going, oh my God, well, I'm so happy he's on our team. He was strong, powerful. He had a lot to his game. And I think Cesco, listen, we still want to see the goals. is early part of his career at Man United. But I've seen a few parts of his game that I go, oh, the other players are liking that. I can see it. Even one of the goals, oh, they got someone sent off where he flicked it on. Man United haven't had a strike and they can go up to and just hold it up or flick it on for ages. Like just, it's a simple little thing, but effective.

7:03No, he's, look. No, I don't want to say he's better than Gilkoresh because we don't know yet. But I might have taken him over Gilkoresh if I'm to be very honest with you. Yeah, 100%. Like, so. Hope you're right. No, I think he's good. I just don't, I just haven't seen it click the way you guys are making it sound like it's clicked. That's it. I was going to ask Rio, are you worried that the club are forcing it with this manager? Like, are you, you think they're boxing themselves into a corner a little bit? So it has to work out. I think that's natural. You want to do well. Everything's pressure, especially at Manchester United, a club of this size.

7:40But I'm actually really genuinely kind of like relieved and happy with the club's hierarchy now that they're going to allow him time. When Sir Jim Rackliffe came out and spoke and said that he's going to get time, we're going to give him time to build a team, a squad, etc. I was really pleased with that because sometimes you need that from the voice at the top to re-instill some confidence and some belief, not only for the manager and his staff, but also for the players to go, you know what? He's not going anywhere. Got to work now. Got to knuckle down. And as I said, there's been too many times we've seen over the years that we're quick to fire managers or other teams are doing that and things don't really change when you keep continuously just changing.

8:25Steve, what are the reoccurring weaknesses opposition teams have figured out this year when it comes to Manchester United? It's evolved over the course of the season, I think. We were getting absolutely mullered on the transition early doors and conceding a hell of a lot of goals. And then Bayern Dier conceded way over half of our league goals and hasn't started half of our league goals. Le Mendes only kept the one clean sheet. I think clean sheets, if United started to keep clean sheets, we score and create enough to actually start really racking up some wins. That's been the biggest disappointment for me is the lack of clean sheets.

9:01In terms of the weaknesses that opposition exploit, our wing backs aren't good enough for the role that they're being asked to do at the moment uh dog who's still very raw i like a lot about i like how he gets involved in duels but he ends up in possession far too often for a player with his technical ability that's an area for improvement for him um he might get there i think like there's there's things that i like about what he does i I like how direct he is, but he's got to produce a little bit more from what he gets. If we play, like De Lofield's miles off it at the moment, left back or right back or wing back.

9:42He's just not there in the slightest. Maz Rawi doesn't look comfortable there. He'll do a job, but he doesn't look comfortable there. He's better as a right side, centre half. And Ahmad, there's still loads to learn on the defensive side of stuff. He's got the output going forward, but he's still a bit of a weak link when we're defending. So the wing backs is the big issue. It's not quite right. Depth in centre midfield, it's Bruno, it's Casemiro, or it's an absolute car crash. And that's a problem for us at the moment. And you've got to project into next season. Is Casemiro still going to be here?

10:12Is Bruno still going to be here? Like, you actually have to... They can't play every single minute of every single game if we do manage to get into Europe next season. So you've got to start fixing that in January. There's still loads of things that are touch and go with us. but it's it is a step in the right direction and you are starting to see it's only shoots of it and it's only like I mean even the Wolves game once we got our noses in front once we got to for 3-4-1 we actually started to play some really really high level football but I think the confidence just isn't there that every game's on a knife edge we're either chasing drawing or only one goal ahead like we need to start winning games 2-3-0 and having a bit of comfort and then you might start to see that identity really start to shine through?

11:00Because I think the confidence is fragile at the moment, if it's even there at all. That's my only real point in terms of weakness that I would go on. And I think it's the fragility in terms of the mental state of the players because of the scars that we've kind of gained over the years. We can't seem to close the game out with confidence. And I think if I'm an opposing manager, I would be saying to my team, it could be one or we could go two nil down. we are never out of this game against Man United because if we get one, they'll go under. That's how I'd be approached if I was an opposing manager.

11:36So I think that puts huge confidence in the opposing team dressing room at the moment. Do you know what I mean? That's where I think about it with our weaknesses. But what I would say, just go back to your point about Dorgou. Dorgou interests me because I see a lot of Patrice Ever about him. I think in between the boxes, he's very, very good. physically he's as capable as anybody he can play one twos and run he can dribble past people get outside situations can improve technically a little bit in those situations still but I think he's very very solid in that area between the boxes when he gets in his own box he can do better 1v1 I think he's positioning when the ball's on the other side from crosses he can do much better I think but I think most importantly in the opposing team's final third he's got to improve and I think that comes down to coaching him wanting to be coached but I think the coach I think you've got to spend time with someone like him and simplify it and go when you get into them 1v1 situations around the box around when you get to the byline you've got two things you can do smash it across the box clip it back post and when I smash it across the box you just drive it low and hard dangerous areas across the face of the goal or penalty spot or clip it back post so that's three options you got don't think about picking anyone out you ain't that's not you right now give it a year don't be working that in a training round so now all of a sudden Cesco knows where to run he's got he's got smaller smaller options to pick from because he's only got the three and you cover those bases as a team when you're in the box when it's on each side it makes it it simplifies everything for him and the team thanks guys that's it for part one and we'll be back right after this

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14:40Bringing it back to what Steve said, he mentioned Bruno Fernandes practically being a key pillar for Manchester United. Other than his numbers, what else does he bring value-wise to the club? Bruno brings the personality of a player that could play in any era for Man United. He's the guy that wants to be the guy that defines every match. He wants to be the match winner. He wants to be the creator of that goal. He also wants to be the guy that starts the attacks. And he's showing that. The manager's tweaked his position. In the build-up, he's playing as a six. But then when they get into the final third, he's a ten.

15:18So he's doing every facet of the game. But the biggest thing that he wants to be that guy, And I think that that's the strength of him. And I think opposing players must look at him and think, oh, how are we going to pin this guy down? If we're going to beat Man Utd, we have to stop him. And he's happy with that responsibility. And I think that's something to respect. Do you think he could have played in your era? Yeah. In your... Yeah. He could have... I'm not saying he's better than the players that are in our team, in my era. Yeah. But if he was put into our team and he was starting a game in our team...

15:46He's functioning. He's definitely functioning. He could play and he'd produce 100%. I think he'd actually be a better player in our team than what he is now. This one's for you, Steve. How important has the re-emergence of Casemiro been for Man United this season? Unfathomable. Because without him, we just crumble. We have got absolutely nothing in midfield. Steve, Steve, Steve, this is someone who was told he needs to leave football. Yeah, but not by a pun that anyone respects, so. What do you mean? Leave the football before the football leaves you. Leave the punditry before it leaves you. How about that?

16:29Oh, man. Casemiro's issue was just inability to play the tempo that the Premier League has got as well as Europe twice a week, which is no great shakes when you've had the miles that he's done as a player. You know, even, I mean, was you a similar age to him when you started playing like once a week at United? Yeah, probably, yeah. Also, I was doing that in an environment I understood. Yeah. Yeah, not the carnage that we've had in the last whatever years. So, no, I think Casemiro, a little bit like, there's a couple of players we've had in recent years. Cavani, Zlatan, Casemiro. I would have loved a 24, 25-year-old version of any of those players that have been absolutely legendary at the club, wouldn't they?

17:15All of them. Unbelievable. but we've got him at the age that he's at now and he's doing bits I just hope that people are in there learning off him and I hope you get someone in alongside him in January that's gonna take a bit of that mantle off him and prolong his career because like I don't know how realistic it is but he's making noises like he's putting roots down he likes it here I think hey I saw him not so long ago at the training ground he actually it startled me how good his English was really because I've met him when he first signed I went for a coffee with him and we had a coffee and whatnot.

17:49And then it was quite a long conversation because it was his English and stuff like that, which is understandable. But now when he came over and spoke to me and he went to Walker, I went, oh, oh, you're English. Yeah, yeah. It's improved. He went, yeah, yeah, I'm working, I'm working. So he's a worker. This guy, one of the things that I was told when I was there the other day as well about him, which I wasn't surprised about, but I tell him for young players to listen to, is that he was sub for a while in this team. And he said, just tell me what I need to do to get in the team. Considering what he's won, that is crazy.

18:27Tell me what I need to do to get in a team and I'll do it. And here we are now and he's one of the most integral players in the team again after being told he should leave football. It's just mind-boggling. It just shows you why you have to respect the likes of someone like him who's won four or five Champions Leagues and countless other trophies. And to be quick to write someone like that off is just like, it's mind-boggling because he's not got to that position and won that much through being easily rolled over. Yeah. Do you know what I mean? He's had trials and tribulations in his career up to that point anyway and through his career.

19:00So to think he's going to have another one hit Man United and just say, no, that's me, I'm done. It's crazy. And I think that's just, you look at young players, Kobi Mano, for instance. Kobi Mano's now sitting alongside him. if I'm Kobe Manu, I'm sitting there looking at Casemiro I'd have been watching him anyway because of what he'd done anyway but look at him since he's been at the club and what he's been through at the club to get back in now and be doing what he's doing he's been a consummate professional he's been someone who wants to learn again, relearned the way he's seeing the game in a new club, new way of playing alongside new players and he's had humility and he's gone in there and changed the way he's played just for the betterment of the team, which then reflects much more brightly and better on him.

19:51And Kobe's in a situation where he's not in that team and the manager's asking for things of Kobe, I'm sure, that are things he's never been asked to do before maybe. Can he adapt? And that's the big, that word there, adapt. Can you be adaptable? to a new situation, a new environment, a new ask from a manager. We won't know until he's given the opportunity. Yeah, but at the same point, well, there's reasons for that and I'll give you a couple. He's being asked, the manager said it countless times in press conferences, his direct competition in this team is Bruno Fernandes, the best player in the team and they're playing one game a week.

20:30So where's he going to get his minutes? If there's in Europe, Bruno comes out for a game rest, Kobe comes in. when you're up 4-1 against Wolves yeah but Man Utd aren't a team that can rest at 4-1 we can't Man Utd aren't a team we can rest we can't and then you're going to give them a 6.5 out of 10 all I'm saying all I'm saying that's crazy but you've got to be more realistic you're talking like a football manager on the game you're not talking realistic all I'm saying another thing as well is Kobe Maynard's being asked to do different things is he showing and I don't know the answer to this I'm just putting the question out there is he showing in training every day a willingness to put in those things that he's being asked that he's not used to being asked like we don't know we don't know but that's the questions that need to be answered within the training ground first and foremost then the scenarios outside then play their part but Man Utd being on one game a week is probably one of the biggest hindrances for Kobe Mainu how did Casemiro get back in the team?

21:31graft there you go that's all you got to do innit so Kobe has to put that Champions League theme tune music on in these headphones while they're all getting their boots on in training and then go out there and act like it's Champions League final time every single day because there's not a manager on the planet if you've got someone that's absolutely doing bits in training that's going to be like cool story nerd I'm playing Casemiro it's not going to happen I think if he's doing that in training and showing glimpses of that what you just said there in training I think at 4-1 he's more inclined to put him on do you think changes to Bruno's position is also a factor for Kobe it is it is but again if Kobe had been showing certain traits that the manager wants maybe he wouldn't have put Bruno back in that position but he wasn't the manager done it and he's been justified in doing that because Bruno's stats are through the roof he's the he's top in the league in all the creative areas chances created most through balls all those he's the top in the league You can't argue about that when it comes to him versus Bruno.

22:38It's night and day. I just think there have been maybe one or two opportunities to give the lad 10 minutes, you know? No, no, I agree in that sense. But again, we don't know the context behind the scenes and if what the manager's asking for is being delivered, in training or not. And only Kobe and the manager can answer that question and the coaching staff. But I really just hope and pray that Kobe is putting in the work and doing what I presume he is. I think he's the type of kid who's a hard-working kid who wants to get in and wants to do the right things. And I'm hoping he's doing that, and I think he would be.

23:10But again, he's fighting. It's like saying in my time, oh, you can do all the work you want to do, Darren Gibson. Graft, you're nuts off. But unfortunately, Carrick and Scholes are playing. Where are you going to go? Gerard Piquet, perfect example. Gerard Piquet goes on to be one of the most successful centre-halves in our generation in terms of trophies. he's at Man United he's trying to get in the team he's working he's got me and Nemanja Vinic in front of him peak peak it's difficult for him impossible Steve who's been your most underrated player so far this season I think Matty De Ligt has been brilliant all season been a warrior all season I think he's just started and hit a level of consistency that's been class I think Lamence probably isn't getting the headlines he should because he's not really keeping the clean sheets, but he's not really made any mistakes either.

24:11And I think that's big. And I think his distribution off both feet, that's good. I think he can go long, he can go short. I think once Cesc goes back in the team regularly, you're going to see the benefit of that properly because we haven't really had a focal point while Cesc has been out. I'd have to say mightily. I think he's probably not quite getting the plaudits in his nerves. I agree with them names, but I would say Lamens. I think the fact that he's not making mistakes has calmed everything down around him. And we're not seeing as many kind of like rash decisions being made by defenders in front of him.

24:45He's just been a really settling factor within the team since he's arrived. And I think that's only going to improve. I think when you meet him and when you speak to him, he's just a level-headed, calm guy. It's what you want from your keeper. Not as a player, but he just, the little time I saw him and I watched what he was like around a training ground. He reminded me a little bit of Edwin. Really? Big, massive presence. Goes quietly, methodically about his day. And he looks a real calm. I would say, how old is he at the moment? Is he 23? 22, 23. I don't think I've seen a calmer goalkeeper the way he moves since Courtois.

25:26You know, like when Courtois was at Flair Cone, Chelsea like really calm about everything Steve in January what do you think you need? The African nation players back Yeah Cameroon getting an early exit Morocco probably going to go the whole way aren't we so mentally preparing not to have Masraoui very often but I know if Onana wants to keep up his league form into the AFCON that'll be really handy I reckon get him home early

26:00I would say a defensive midfielder To take a little bit of strain off Casemiro A wing back And maybe a backup striker See, start of the season I said Calvert-Lewin As a backup on a free Because he was free And he wins duels He battles And he would just be a great person to have off the bench He's smashing it at Leeds at the moment Absolutely smashing it He would have been ideal Now, you're not going to get him from Leeds now, but someone of that kind of profile, someone that's maybe had a bit of a downturn in their career that wouldn't mind being a bit of a backup because Xerxes ain't cutting it.

26:35I can see him getting cut loose in January. I hope we bring somebody in because if we lose Sesco again, there is just no focal point in the team. I mean, Hoyland's doing bits in Italy at the moment. I mean, he's doing all right. Just lies. But did he not do well against Juventus? Right, yeah, cool. so he scored one weekend he's doing well I mean he's not he went like eight games before that without a goal yeah but he's causing the problems you need though you're talking about you're talking about Calvin Lewin if you look at if you look at what Highland's doing over there he's actually causing defenders the problems and that's what you need about that no he's not Joel what a lot of bollocks he's winning like one aerial duel a game whereas Calvert Lewin's winning like four and a half Calvert Lewin's having nearly three shots per game Highland's having one shot per game he's doing the exact same nonsense which is basically a non-entity hand fighting like he's doing jiu-jitsu with defenders and doing jack shit else.

27:28He's garbage. He's the worst strike United ever have. And Calvert-Lewin would be a five times level upgrade on him, even if he was free. Yeah, but Steve, hindsight's a great thing. Hindsight's a great thing, isn't it? Calvert-Lewin came onto the scene, was flying. Everyone was going, oh, he's going to be a world beater. Loads of injuries and whatnot happened. Lots of form and confidence. Weren't even getting any evidence. team and you're telling me that United should have gone and bought an injured player. Back up to Cesc, yes. No, come on, mate. When you've got Chido sitting there, a young kid you've took from Arsenal, you're going to have gone to East Grove.

28:05No, you wouldn't. You wouldn't. You'd do that at Paddock or United. All right, finally. I need a striker if you know anyone. I want to ask the both of you predictions. United's top scorer this season, please. Mbuma. Rio says Mbuma. I think Sesko I think we're going to miss Mbumo for a few weeks in this time I think Mbumo catches him and by the end of the season outpaces him alright I disagree final league position fifth above Liverpool

28:41fifth yeah player of the season Bruno Mbumo or De Ligt De Ligt you're stretching this De Ligt thing a little bit too far if you ask me I'm not, just watching him. He's good, mate. He's good, but he's not. Steve's going on as if he's you, your prime. He needs to stop. Will Bruno end the season with 20-plus goals and assists? What's he on now? Combined? Not like last season. What was it, 38 last season? From the holding midfielder's role. Or from the 6-8. Nah. He's on 12 at the moment, you know. I think he'll do it. I think he will. Yeah. He will. Okay. Quite easily. And that is it. Guys, thank you very much for watching.

29:29Please let us know what your ratings are of Manchester United currently so far. From an outsider looking in, I say five, six if you're lucky. Rio saying 6.5. Steve saying seven out of 10. Let us know what you think in the comments. Joel Baer, Stephen Alston, Rio Ferdinand. Hope you're enjoying your Christmas holidays. Signing out. Peace.

29:55Thank you.

30:28Thank you.

31:08We'll be right back.