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Episode 183 - Nothing Beats a Jet 2 Holiday
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Niall is joined by Kieran to discuss our players that are on international duty!
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Transcript
Introduction by Hosts Niall Hannigan and Ciaran McGinley
00:00:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the daily Manchester United podcast. I'm your host for this evening Niall Hannigan and I'm delighted to be joined by Ciaran McGinley. Ciaran, how are you?
00:00:25
Kieran McGinley
I'm very good. ah It's been a while since we've been on an episode together. Who let this happen?
Manchester United's Recent Victory and International Break
00:00:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're back, we're back and just as we're getting momentum, getting a fabulous victory over Burnley, it's international weekend. Lovely. So back to square one for you United but...
00:00:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Some of our players are off gallivanting with their countries um over the next couple of weeks. And thank you to Mikey Partington on the United website. He's given us content for the the podcast for today. He's gone through and he's told us where all the players are going, why if they're being picked for their squad.
00:01:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we thought we'd go through it and and see how they've been getting on over the the first couple of games of the season for United. And go from there. How that sound, Ciarán?
00:01:10
Kieran McGinley
That sounds like a plan to me. Let's do it.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sounds good.
World Cup Qualifiers and English Squad Discussion
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
So qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are on the agenda, as he says. And yeah, there's been plenty of of inclusions, not in the English squad, though.
00:01:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think yeah there was a podcast that went out last year where it was the first time since the 50s or 60s that we didn't have a player in now. It's just the regular. I mean, I'd nearly be surprised if we did have someone in the England squad.
00:01:36
Kieran McGinley
Yeah, I mean, the one that would come closest to this is Kobi Meina, and he's had one appearance off the bench, I think. So, in fact, no, he had a start lin the in the League Cup.
00:01:47
Kieran McGinley
So, no, the name eludes me.
00:01:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
who's that against who's it was the league
00:01:52
Kieran McGinley
You know, they fielded it in ah an ineligible player, but you know the name eludes me.
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i remember just uh it's a tough one yeah we yeah must have been must have been we must have got hammered as well there's no yeah i mean mcguire
00:01:58
Kieran McGinley
No, I don't know. Must have been a massive side. Yeah, yeah.
00:02:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
has been decent, I felt, over the over the last while. And it's not as if England are kind of screaming out with centre-back options as well, but he's struggling to get into the United side um when we have everyone at full strength. But I don't know, he might creep in with Tuchel over the the next few months leading up to the World Cup, but we'll see.
00:02:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll see.
De Ligt's Importance and Upcoming Matches
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
not too Not too interested by the squad either.
00:02:29
Kieran McGinley
i um I feel like he's more a Southgate call-up rather than a too-good call-up, do you know?
00:02:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
He is. is.
00:02:34
Kieran McGinley
um
00:02:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Dan Burns getting minutes under Tuchel and anything's possible. so
00:02:38
Kieran McGinley
i mean, yeah big Dan Burns, you know? Come on.
00:02:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah we can't say anything with our ah results at the moment anyway first name Matthias De Ligt he's been fantastic for us I mean he's been an absolute colossus to be fair it's it's the Matthias De Ligt that we were hoping we would see um as I mentioned previously one of my mates said that Jokere's made him look like prime Maldini against Arsenal in the first game of the season I wouldn't go that far but he's been good Ciarán
00:02:50
Kieran McGinley
yeah
00:03:08
Kieran McGinley
He has. i mean, he's played in all three matches at the start. He's played all minutes as well. So that's always really good. You need someone at the back there. We're missing out on Litscher. And to have someone like De Ligt in the side, who I was really excited when he signed for the club, what's it, year ago now? Wow, time time flies when you're having fun.
00:03:26
Kieran McGinley
um I was always hoping that he would be a stalwart at the back and he's proving time and time again, he's one of the first names on the team sheet and he should always be.
00:03:37
Kieran McGinley
So he had a couple of blips last season. I think everybody did in that squad, but he started quite strongly and long may it continue. I think he's a great player.
00:03:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i really like him in the center of that back three and him and yarrow are a great safe pair of hands when it comes to that back three as well and and hopefully we can kind of get more momentum with whoever's going to tuck in on that left hand side whether it is martinis when he comes back whether shaw can kind of get back up to speed it is a world cup here Luke Shaw will probably be fit. You know, all those things will will will come into place. So let's see how that back three forms over the next while.
00:04:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's taking on Poland and Lithuania.
00:04:16
Kieran McGinley
ah
00:04:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, you have a little comment you want to make?
00:04:20
Kieran McGinley
yeah and No, I just wanted to correct myself. It's all three Premier League games he started and played all minutes of.
00:04:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, no.
00:04:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:04:26
Kieran McGinley
But obviously he was subbed in at half time, wasn't he?
00:04:29
Kieran McGinley
And the League Cup. Yeah, that was good. Anyway, I just thought I'd correct myself on that.
00:04:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's poor if you're getting an impact sub from De Ligt in League Cup game. that you know Things have gone wrong, we'll share which they did.
Hoyland's Loan to Napoli and Striker Analysis
00:04:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
So he's taken on Poland and Lithuania, so might have a bit of ah a good battle against Lewandowski.
00:04:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I'm not going to pretend who plays up front for Lithuania. So let's see yeah and see how he gets on there. We then have the duo ah playing for Denmark.
00:05:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, Hoyland has now gone on loan to to Napoli. and Myself and Tolua were speaking about this yesterday. ah felt a bit strange how... how strongly United were pushing to really get him on loan. I mean, I really feel like they could have been fighting it out for that number number nine spot over the next year. And when you look back at those was really successful United teams, they've always had three or four strikers that ah can come in and make an impact because because we don't have that out-and-out star striker.
00:05:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are going to need a lot of of input from different players around around the squad. How do you think he'll get on over in Napoli?
00:05:36
Kieran McGinley
I think he'll do really well. ah You know, on the yeah sort of deadline day episode, it was quite bittersweet because, yes, he's getting his chance and the deal becomes permanent if Napoli qualify for the Champions League next season.
00:05:48
Kieran McGinley
So, I mean, it's it's pretty much a ah done deal.
00:05:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. Mm
00:05:52
Kieran McGinley
That's him pretty much out club. I can't see Napoli dropping out of the, I think it's top three, could be top four in Italy, um depending on how cup competitions go, etc., um But, yeah, I can't see Napoli dropping out of that European race. You know, they've got Ballon d'Or shortlist Scott McTominay in the side. No, I'm not letting go of it. It did happen. we We're all there to witness it.
00:06:13
Kieran McGinley
um And I think he'll do well there. i mean, he got nine goals for Atalanta in his time in Serie A. He'll look to build on that and hopefully get some confidence back because there's a good player in there.
00:06:24
Kieran McGinley
And I feel like it's going to be one of those stories once again where it comes to you know a player comes to United, has a tumultuous time, leaves United, and all of a sudden they become the great player we knew they could have been.
00:06:36
Kieran McGinley
So i you know I wish him all the best.
00:06:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:06:37
Kieran McGinley
It was it was a tough season. It was a tough watch at times as well. The amount of service he was getting was not good. But in those scenarios, even if you're not getting those chances... a really great striker turns those half chances into goals. You know, you're you're talking like your Jamie Vardy of 10 years ago.
00:06:55
Kieran McGinley
You know, he was kind of feeding up scraps in a Leicester side at some points in his time there. And he was still getting some you know great goals, some good numbers as well. So I feel like, you know, to be a great striker, you do have to have that killer instinct. And even if you're not getting perfect service, great players have found a way to score regardless of that.
00:07:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think it's fair. um i also, you know, when I was looking at the names yesterday and his age came up, like he's just still so young. um And it's not as if we brought in any proven strikers as well. So I just thought it was a strange one how kind of hastily we want to get rid of him.
00:07:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, hope he does
Dargu's Performance on the Left Wing
00:07:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
really well. And like you said, more than likely probably won't return to the club. On the other hand, Dargu, I mean, I've been really impressed with Dargu. And in terms of efficient signing and not paying over price and, to be honest, not knowing anything about him before he arrived and and coming into a side that has been poor, I thought he's done really, really well, Kieran.
00:07:58
Kieran McGinley
Yeah, I think he has. and i I've been really impressed. I think he signed for about £25-26 million, pounds there are thereabouts. And he's been great.
00:08:09
Kieran McGinley
i just you know yeah I felt for him when he hit the post against Arsenal. I've mentioned this about five times now on this season, but I'm just not over it. he's um He's such a breath of fresh air down that left-hand side.
00:08:21
Kieran McGinley
Exactly what...
00:08:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank
00:08:23
Kieran McGinley
Amrim is looking at a wing back to be really good going forward, to be able to track back as well. He's not half bad at defending, but going forward, you really notice how he he can overload that left-hand side. yeah The overlaps that he can get, whoever's on the left-hand side of that sort of triangle, if you like, up at the top.
00:08:41
Kieran McGinley
to really create that overlap, to create a crossing opportunity. feel like if he works on his crosses and he works that chemistry of actually having a striker that can run into the box rather than just sort of the triangle staying on the edge of the box, I think you've got a great, you know, you've got a great system there. I mean, this system has created more than 80 chances, I think I was reading somewhere. I don't have a source for that, so I can't verify that. But...
00:09:03
Kieran McGinley
The point is, yeah this system's making chances and Dorgu's been absolutely fantastic at ah getting the ball in the box. What we need now is someone in the box to finish those chances off.
Bayon Deer's Goalkeeping Debate
00:09:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. And and hopefully you can kind of get that rhythm when it comes to to really providing a bit of quality in the final third. But yeah, a really exciting kind of raw talent and providing a lot of energy in a team that really, really needs it. So has ah has had a great start to his United career.
00:09:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, there must be no goalkeepers in Turkey because Bayon Deer's been selected for that squad. um He's traveling to Georgia and Spain. Hopefully it's a one-way ticket, it but let's see, Ciarán, what with Bayon Deer's start to the season?
00:09:47
Kieran McGinley
Wow, that's...
00:09:52
Kieran McGinley
It's been interesting, hasn't it? I think it's sort of a case of he's shown how he can't be the number one at Man United.
00:10:03
Kieran McGinley
you know Was he pushed off the ball against Arsenal? Well, if he was, then so was David Raya and he managed to punch the ball away. you know In that game...
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
with every other keeper on every
00:10:17
Kieran McGinley
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. Like, I think you it was a case of he had to be a lot stronger there. And again, he had, you know, he had his, he had his chances and then Anana came back and and replaced him as as sir number 25 in the squad, isn't he? Not number one. Cause I think Altai has the number one, does he?
00:10:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:39
Kieran McGinley
So yeah, I, I've not been impressed and, for someone for For a club like Man United, who over the last 10 years have had such sensational backup keepers as Romero and Valdez, even though that one didn't really turn out so well.
00:10:55
Kieran McGinley
You had Lindegaard as the understudy for quite some time as well.
00:10:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:58
Kieran McGinley
um yeah um I think Thomas Kuszak as well. was ah a really good understudy for the for the club. you know You've had a history of understudies at Manchester United that may not be the the world name that you need, but are a really good backup option. if anyone happens If anything happens to the number one keeper, you know you can rely on them to be a good shot stopper.
00:11:20
Kieran McGinley
Maybe not play in the way that you think, or maybe not be that world-class goalkeeper, but you know you've got half a chance of winning a game, even if you've got your backup in goal. But it feels like with the two keepers we had before the window closed in Inanna and Altai, it just didn't feel like that at all. It just felt like any shot that was on target from another team was a goal.
00:11:41
Kieran McGinley
So, yeah, i've I've not been impressed. And now with the signing of Le Mans, I can only see him being moved on at some point unless you know he has a good run out in the under-21s and can build his confidence back. And that's what it's going to have to be at this point.
00:11:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, Le Mans, I don't know a lot about him.
Portuguese Players' Roles at Manchester United
00:12:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
listened to your episode on on all the kind of stats that have been put forward about him over the last couple of seasons and and how well he's done. But I just really hope he hits the ground run um and and it goes really, really well for him because we're crying out for a ah safe pair of hands, literally, when when it comes to this position.
00:12:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, I just hope but hope it goes well for him um because it can't get much worse, Ciarán.
00:12:28
Kieran McGinley
You can.
00:12:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's the... can i can can Anyway, we'll take a quick break there and plenty more players to discuss after this one.
00:13:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're off to Portugal next. We have our two regulars ah from the United squad in the Portugal squad once again. We have Diogo Dalo, Portugal crying out for right-backs, and we have Bruno Fernandes.
00:13:55
Kieran McGinley
Oh, there he is again. There he is again. i mean, Captain Fantastic. Where would we be without him?
00:14:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:02
Kieran McGinley
And once again, he is off on the ground and running again and and being a heartbeat of that midfield. He's creating chances along with Umbermo. I'm sure we'll touch on him later. But I mean, what do we need to say about Bruno Fernandes that we haven't already done? I mean, he's been a great start so far. Just needs a couple of goals and we know they'll will come at some point in the season.
00:14:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I mean, classic Fernandes. He's been headlines in nearly every game. I mean, the Fulham game comes to mind when you know he's he's walking into referees and i'm blaming them for missing the penalty.
00:14:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I was getting absolutely cooked online for... saying that Onana is to blame for Cunha missing the Bentley I think it's pretty obvious but yeah lot of the public not liking that one um but yeah I mean it is funny it's funny and that's that's what social media is about but yeah think
00:14:51
Kieran McGinley
Funny though.
00:14:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
um but yeah i think Bruno's playing in a different position this season. We saw him at times dropping in deeper, but it's very, very clear that we're going with m Bomo and Cunha in those two number 10s.
00:15:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ahmad's been in and there as well. um Obviously, we'll touch on them a bit later. But it's an interesting one, Bruno, in that deep-lying position. I like him there, but I'd also like...
00:15:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
two midfielders with them as well because I think sometimes the the discipline of playing in midfield and the organisation and the concentration that's needed to play there for 90 minutes in the Premier League when a lot of teams do play with three in midfield it's a lot and sometimes he does lack that so uh really impressive on the ball as always I think playing him deeper gives him more options to actually face the play rather than having his back to goal um he's got a lot more options to play with now this year than he did to have last year so um'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses and uh yeah it's been a it's been a decent start from him and and hopefully he can kind of keep keep driving that team on because uh
00:16:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to need it. We're going to need his and his talisman qualities. So speaking of talisman, Dallo, thoughts on this season? I mean, player the year two years ago, it's it's a far cry from that, Ciarán.
00:16:16
Kieran McGinley
i know That's, yeah, yeah. that's a yeah ah They were better times, weren't they? Were they? I don't know.
00:16:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really? I don't know.
00:16:25
Kieran McGinley
Were they? No, I've not really been impressed with him. he really struggled in Grimsby. um He was almost being bullied at that one and gave the ball away.
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Sounds like a movie title, Struggling in Grimsby or something.
00:16:37
Kieran McGinley
Yeah, yeah. I'm trying to
00:16:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was the main actor, like, so...
00:16:41
Kieran McGinley
Bleached that name out of my mind, honestly. But there you go. Yeah, I've not been impressed. um So, look, i I want him to do well because he's United player.
00:16:53
Kieran McGinley
So, you know, it's not like I'm going to say, oh, shouldn't be here whatnot. Well, he is here. And I know there is a decent player in there. Is he like a world-class player? No.
00:17:04
Kieran McGinley
But generally, fullbacks, you don't remember the fullbacks. They sort of do the hard graft. And Dallow's not a wingback to me. He doesn't have... He might be able to go forward, but then sometimes he'll just forget to go back, like in the Grimsby game, um where that left-hand side was completely occupied.
00:17:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:17:21
Kieran McGinley
There was no side of Dallow. So I just think a fullback would suit him more, allow him to sit deeper. But that's not the system this is. And we need Dallow to either sort of learn to be a wingback and learn that the right-hand side needs to be his, you know, whilst Masraoui isn't here, or, you know,
00:17:43
Kieran McGinley
we need to find a player that can do it more efficiently. But I've not been impressed so far. And we all know you know, as you said, two years ago, i had the absolute soft spot for Dalloe and he had a good season in what was a tumultuous time.
00:17:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I think, to be honest, looking back, like it was probably the right choice. I mean, he he was good and United were were pretty poor and and he and he played well in a poor team, so um credit where it's due. But i think I think he needs to go back to basics in a way where work really hard,
00:18:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
but because it's a shift on that right wing back, especially in that system. You know, you're expected to be tucked right back in, in the back five at stages, and then you're expected to be at the back post for Dargu's crosses. You know, it is a lot of running.
00:18:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And there's lots of good footballers now that we have brought into the team over the last transfer window. Just do it simple and work as hard as you can. i don't need anything special from Dallo. Just work as hard as you can and defend with with aggression.
00:18:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um... and don't you don't need to try anything special. And I think it just needs to go back to that for them because we we do have more footballers on the pitch this year. So i agree. Hopefully he does well for Portugal. He does seem to get a bit of game time for them as well. So um let's see how he gets on.
00:18:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
New player, new country to follow as well, Slovenia. Big Ben Seshko.
00:19:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
We haven't seen a lot of them. we haven't seen a lot of them um We're going to need to tune in to Slovenia
00:19:04
Kieran McGinley
Yes.
Ben Sesko's Potential and Youth Talent Call-Ups
00:19:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
matches. Now they're playing Sweden and Switzerland. It's going to be interesting see how he fares against the ah famous strikers in the Premier League at the minute, Jokeres and Izak for Sweden. and I'm sure there's going to be a bit of social media crack to see how the how the three of them get on in that game. But...
00:19:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sesko, what's your thoughts so far? um I'm not sure. I'm not sure yet.
00:19:34
Kieran McGinley
Yeah, I mean, he's only made one star and that's in the League Cup. Every other appearance he's made in the Premier League has been from the bench. He's had a combined as roughly 80 minutes in total over three games, which isn't a lot.
00:19:46
Kieran McGinley
So it's kind of a thing of, is he fit enough to play? You know, is is he Matt Sharp? you know have yeah I'm not sure what's happened because I'm sure Sesko had a pre-season at Leipzig, or at least some of a pre-season. So it's a bit confusing why he's not starting games yet, especially in the Premier League. But as you say, you know maybe a game with Sweden and Switzerland under his belt going into this international break might just be the sort of match fitness that he needs, a match sharpness that he needs to to come back at full force for the Manchester derby.
00:20:17
Kieran McGinley
and I'm not biting my nails, you are.
00:20:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Hopefully, Le Mans is in nets as well in the Manchester derby and get get a great start to his career. and Speaking of keepers, we're back on the topic of Onana and Mbomo. Night and day in terms of performances for United and ah and how they've been actually getting on on the pitch and their reaction for playing for United and their attitudes. It's night and day between the two of them, let's let's be honest.
00:20:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Onana in the sticks for Cameroon. I mean, we're going to be missing players and in January with this AFCON coming up. um We've got Ahmad in there as well.
00:21:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's going to be a rough month without Ahmad and
00:21:03
Kieran McGinley
yeah Yeah, and considering how much of an impact Mbamo's had at the start of this season, I mean, yeah, it got the goal in the League Cup, but he got the goal in the Premier League. So, you know, in all competitions now, he's the top goal scorer, I think. So that's nice. say That's a nice way to go about it.
00:21:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:21:20
Kieran McGinley
I think um I've been really impressed with him.
00:21:23
Kieran McGinley
I was worrying at the start of the season was it too much of a price tag but so far so good for Mbamo. um He's direct, he can really change that play. He was playing really nicely alongside the likes of Fernandes and Mount as well and really linking up with Cunha.
00:21:40
Kieran McGinley
He's been a real bright spark. And if you you know if he was a bit more clinical in the Arsenal game, he could have you know three or four so far this season. So I've been really impressed with him and long may it continue.
00:21:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
there's a few more senior players that that have been called up I just wanted to go to some of the young guns that we have and to see how they're getting on in their respective countries and if they're being called up so we have Aidan Heaven earned an England under 20 call up we have the big man himself Harry Amass obviously I'm surprised he wasn't chosen for the first team to be honest anyway
00:22:21
Kieran McGinley
you well you won't get away with that one Niall you will not get away with that one
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Onana's to blame for Harry and Maas not getting into the into the main England squad. But anyway, yeah, there you go.
00:22:29
Kieran McGinley
you heard it here first
00:22:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Meanwhile, at under-19 level in the article, Harry Maas have been chosen for England, who are set to face Ukraine, Spain, Netherlands. a fair It's a fair amount of games that they have. And Chido Obi has been selected for Denmark as well.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I saw a few clips for him in the 21s. He's been banished from the first team. Is this is this the case? Or what's the story with Chido Obi?
00:22:55
Kieran McGinley
I think i think that the the trial for Chido Obi was last season. You know, it was a case of absolutely, know, into the fire because we had no other options.
00:23:08
Kieran McGinley
So I kind of think it's it's no bad thing if he goes back to the under-21s because he's now going to get game time. And that's what he needs. At this stage of his career, he needs to be playing games. he needs to be playing football.
00:23:20
Kieran McGinley
So I'm not too concerned.
00:23:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:23:23
Kieran McGinley
I'm a bit concerned that maybe he's dropped off and now is sort of third, fourth choice striker. But in my mind, yeah if he's playing under-21s, he's... he's you know, keeping himself match fit. And if he keeps playing the way that he does, he'll always be a sort of backup striker to Sesco now that Hoyland is is moving away to Napoli. So I don't think it's a bad thing.
00:23:48
Kieran McGinley
I think it's a smart thing that, you know, Tito OB might not be used as much in the first team, so makes sense to get him back in the other 21s, get him back playing regular youth football and see if we give him another chance later on in the season, perhaps in one third round of the FA Cup, depending who we get.
00:24:04
Kieran McGinley
Oh, terrifying. Terrifying. I'm not looking forward to January.
00:24:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or the League if we appeal and we get Grimsby knocked out of the League Cup.
00:24:11
Kieran McGinley
we We won't. We won't.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
That
00:24:14
Kieran McGinley
Come on. How... yeah
00:24:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
would be a new low, wouldn't it?
00:24:17
Kieran McGinley
They would. imagine Imagine we replay that tie and win. like We'd just be mercilessly mocked. We've had that already. but you know We've had our bed. We've lied in it. Let let bygones be bygones.
00:24:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. No, I think it's a good idea. and He's very young as well. I mean, even him playing in the under-21s, he's still playing above his age. So, um yeah, it it'll be interesting to see how he gets on.
Jarre and Casemiro's Contributions
00:24:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Going back to some of our senior players. So we mentioned Jaro at the start. I mean, i think he's quality.
00:24:51
Kieran McGinley
hmm
00:24:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's a Rolls Royce of a defender. I'm absolutely delighted with that signing. And we we finally found someone at a...
00:24:57
Kieran McGinley
yes
00:25:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
At a good age, it was expensive, but and a good no one's talking about his price tag, which is always a good sign um when a defender's come in. No one's really talking about him either. They quietly know that he's good, which is which is great because normally we're just getting destroyed for our signings.
00:25:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think he's excellent and he can play in a back two and he can definitely play in a back three. um I've been really, really impressed, Kieran.
00:25:27
Kieran McGinley
Oh, yeah. yeah He's so showing such really good you know maturity at this point for a 19-year-old.
00:25:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:34
Kieran McGinley
He's playing really well. you know It was tough last season. He got that injury as well right at the start of last season, so he really couldn't hit the ground running after that. But he's had a pre-season.
00:25:45
Kieran McGinley
He started really well. And as you say, you know starting alongside the likes of Delict there and Luke Shaw as well, that sort of trio that's been starting to mesh together. You've got Maguire coming in there as well.
00:25:57
Kieran McGinley
I think you know I think Jorre, alongside De Ligt, is a very, very powerful partnership as ah as a two.
00:26:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:26:03
Kieran McGinley
yeah You had another defender in there. In theory, it gets even stronger. But yeah, thoroughly impressed with Jorre. He's called up to the under-21s, I think, for France this time around.
00:26:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:13
Kieran McGinley
I mean, he's only 19. It makes sense. But so yeah, i hopefully it is not too long before he breaks into the France international squad and makes himself a ah permanent stake. So I can see it i can see it happen.
00:26:26
Kieran McGinley
And i don't think he's too far away from showing France what he can do.
00:26:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly, and it's ah it's a tough squad to get into. Plenty of competition there, but i mean the trajectory is on. It's it's looking looking quite soon, and hopefully you can kind of push for that that World Cup spot as well.
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
To finish off the episode, we're going to go to South America, and I'm not going to speak about Igarate because I've had a great day today. I'm sorry. I'm just not not not going there. and Casemiro and Cunha, before you start speaking about Igarate.
00:26:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Cunha hobbled off, unfortunately. um Ancelotti going back to his his his main man Casemiro I mean talk about a partnership but
00:27:10
Kieran McGinley
so I'm still not over Ancelotti and Brazil manager in the same sentence. It's such a fever dream.
00:27:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
madness isn't it yeah yeah it's like it's like FIFA basically like it's how you'd nearly put the two of them together like but yeah it is yeah
00:27:16
Kieran McGinley
It really is. It really is. no
00:27:23
Kieran McGinley
You you said sim football manager 10 years in the future and suddenly you get all these mad sidings like, that wouldn't happen.
00:27:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
but like
00:27:29
Kieran McGinley
Come on. yeah That's where you close the game down and start new one. Like, no, come on. That wouldn't happen.
00:27:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:34
Kieran McGinley
No.
00:27:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
The same was sim was too much. Yeah, yeah, exactly. But, ah I mean, Casemiro, I mean, I think we had to put our our social media guys were looking for us to create our starting team who we'd start at the moment. I think everyone had Casemiro because, to be honest, look, we don't have loads of options. And second of all, he's been good.
00:27:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, if we can manage his minutes and make sure that he basically has a week off for every game and he gets ice pack on the knees, he gets a good massage, you know he's going to be able to perform well for us for the majority of the season I'm quite confident about it um but also we really do need to strengthen for the future because he's probably only got a year or two left in him but he's still battering away from Brazil I mean i can't complain at the moment he's been good
00:28:22
Kieran McGinley
ah He has. And look, he got a lot of stick from United fans and from us as well last season.
00:28:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:28:29
Kieran McGinley
Let's let's not beat around the bush. But yeah, this season he started off great. It's getting to a point where Aaron was only using him for 60 minutes and then he brings on your favourite player ever, Ugarte, to sort of fill in that role for the last 30.
00:28:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
you must not be named.
00:28:40
Kieran McGinley
Absolutely.
00:28:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:41
Kieran McGinley
I will not stop.
00:28:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:43
Kieran McGinley
But yeah, he he has been great and showing us the the sort of shades of...
00:28:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:48
Kieran McGinley
the player he, we know he always was an absolute destroyer, able to mop up and then facilitate play like he used to, you know, say five, 10 years ago.
00:28:59
Kieran McGinley
there There are shades of the Casemiro of the Real Madrid there. But as you say, father time is cruel and he's only 33. We say that he's only 33, but you're right. you're right He's declining physically, but he's still a very technically gifted player. And ah think any team in the Premier League would consider having him as part of their lineup on the bench or starting.
00:29:23
Kieran McGinley
i think any Premier League team would would be eyeing him up. So, yeah, I think so this start of the season, he's been he's been good, I would say, especially compared to last season.
00:29:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely. And he's, um he's got smarts as well. You know, I think when we were spoken about a Garte, one of the times just kind comparing them to how he's so far away from Fernandinho. Fernandinho would foul everyone and never get booked.
00:29:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, Casemiro's kind of got that gene as well, where just very, very smart with his fouls, not that obvious, and kind plays that kind of I suppose, who me, you know, when the referee comes up to him as if he's going to book him, you know, a guard. He's like, yeah, yeah, I did smash him. Yeah. So he's kind of like looking for the booking.
00:30:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so I do, I do appreciate having that in midfield and just would love, would love him about six years ago with a bit more legs, but ah we are where we are. And he's been decent. He's been decent.
00:30:18
Kieran McGinley
Yeah.
00:30:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on International Break
00:30:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, I mean, that sums it up, really. um That's the majority of the players that are heading off for their international duties. and Always exciting to see how they're going to get on.
00:30:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hopefully they can maintain their form if they're been playing well. They can get a bit of form. Hopefully Cesc can bang in a few goals over the next week or so um and come back with with a bit of a pep in his step. But Ciarán, any final thoughts? Are we happy to to enter into this international break?
00:30:50
Kieran McGinley
Yeah, ah look, i international breaks, i people would say it's a necessary evil, but I say it's necessary. yeah There's no evil about it. It's just a case of you send the players off and you just cross everything you have.
00:31:02
Kieran McGinley
Please don't get injured. Please don't injure my star player. Please don't injure Fernandes. You're just on tent hooks, please, pleading with the football gods that everyone stays fit as much as possible.
00:31:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:31:12
Kieran McGinley
um But at the end of the day, it is football. you know International tournaments are coming. you know World Cup is coming. So... It has to happen. And, you know, we've still got good players here who are being called up by at some top international teams. So to take nothing away from that.
00:31:29
Kieran McGinley
So, ah yeah, wish them all the best going into this international break. and All the English players can ah take what does it take? Two weeks. And is it two weeks in international break? It's certainly going to feel like that.
00:31:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is going to feel like that. Absolutely. But Ciarán, thank you very much for joining me. um And thank you to, must get the name in here again, Mikey Partington. Thank you very much for the article, ah for naming our players. Wouldn't have been able to do without you. um So yeah, it's been great. And yeah, we'll see how the guys get on in their respective countries over the next couple of weeks.
00:32:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you very much for joining us and we'll see you in the next one.