TBF if any of our central midfield players weren't able to deliver a performance that's at least the equal of an injured Kayal, then I'll be seriously worried for the future of our scouting departments jobs! :lolol:
That would be a summer transfer window that saw the club break it's record transfer fee paid and which also saw the club turn down big bids for Knockaert, Dunk and Stephens?
Primary reason why the Stephens transfer didn't happen is because Burnley kept dragging their feet with small bids, hoping that they'll unsettle the player so much that they would get him on the cheap - if they came in with a sensible offer at the start or even at the very start of the season...
Even before this long term injury it looked like there was a high chance that he'll leave Man Utd for a small upfront fee at end of this season. Mourinho has never been known as one to give youth players from academies a chance and when you factor in that they're being heavily linked with...
Hull, Sunderland and Stoke are all tussling for that 20th spot. None have shown anything yet to suggest that they all won't get stranded at the bottom.
Have to admit that there's a certain logic in having that continuity in both people and style of football in having a manager progress up the age groups with the players at international level. TBF Boothroyds results with the u20's hasn't exactly been bad either. Win ratio of 61.5% with 8 wins...