Darron Gibson

[The Fly]

Gibson on for Giggs in United's game against West Brom.

[tommy_c12000]

Cudn't ask for an easier game to come on in. United coasting at 2-0 at OT. If the game was tighter Scholes would have come on for Giggs IMO

[Stuttgart88]

Ooops. 2-2!

[TheBoss]

Ooops. 2-2!

You do have to ask questions of Ferguson, they keep on throwing away their leads this season, about the 4th time already.

[tetsujin1979]

I think he was resting players ahead of the tie against Bursaspor in the Champions League on Wednesday, but West Brom have shown themselves to be a decent side this season

[Colbert Report]

Gibson was hopeless when he came on. Van Der Saar will get the blame for the second goal but Gibson was constantly caught out of position. I doubt he'll ever make it with any team in the Premiership, never mind with Manchester United.

[The Fly]

That's very harsh CR.

Whether or not he makes it at United, he is still good enough to make it with many of the Premiership clubs.

[Colbert Report]

I don't know about that. I was very enthusiastic about him but I really haven't seen enough of him to judge; I don't think any of us could have. I watch all the Ireland matches and most of the Manchester United games too but he really hasn't shown me that he's capable of playing at such a high level. I mean, I realise that Trapattoni is looking for more defensive ball winners in the centre of the park and that's why he plays Paul Green instead of Gibson, but really, we're talking about two men who play the same position and yet Green is playing for a mid-table club......in the Championship.

He needs a move in January, along with half the current Irish squad. Of course, it won't happen, because like Keane and Given, he's more than happy to just sit back and collect his high wages instead of making half the money and actually playing for a smaller club. Can't say I blame him, but it is just such a waste.

[youngirish]

I don't know about that. I was very enthusiastic about him but I really haven't seen enough of him to judge; I don't think any of us could have. I watch all the Ireland matches and most of the Manchester United games too but he really hasn't shown me that he's capable of playing at such a high level. I mean, I realise that Trapattoni is looking for more defensive ball winners in the centre of the park and that's why he plays Paul Green instead of Gibson, but really, we're talking about two men who play the same position and yet Green is playing for a mid-table club......in the Championship.

He needs a move in January, along with half the current Irish squad. Of course, it won't happen, because like Keane and Given, he's more than happy to just sit back and collect his high wages instead of making half the money and actually playing for a smaller club. Can't say I blame him, but it is just such a waste.

I agree. I think he's useless. Everytime I've seen him for United or Ireland he's looked hopelessly out of his depth. An Irish Thomas Hitzlsperger as someone on here once referred to him is a very appropriate description although I wouldn't think he was even as good.

Hopefully he'll improve though I've yet to see any evidence of it and he's not a kid anymore.

[The Fly]

I don't know about that. I was very enthusiastic about him but I really haven't seen enough of him to judge; I don't think any of us could have.

.....which kinda contradicts your previous post. ;)

[SwanVsDalton]

He needs a move in January, along with half the current Irish squad. Of course, it won't happen, because like Keane and Given, he's more than happy to just sit back and collect his high wages instead of making half the money and actually playing for a smaller club. Can't say I blame him, but it is just such a waste.

The same Keane who jumped out of Liverpool when he wasn't getting a game? Who choose to fight for his place in the Spurs team but will likely leave in January having been completely frozen out by Redknapp? Or the same Given who was refused to be released by Mancini until the transfer window was closed but before that publicly made known his wish for a move? Yeah, I'm sure they're both very happy...

If Gibson fancies his chances at Man Utd he'd be a fool not to pursue it. Everyone would say 'he bottled it, going to a smaller club, could be playing Champs League etc'. I'm not convinced he'll make it at Utd either, but have no doubt he can make it in the Prem.


I agree. I think he's useless. Everytime I've seen him for United or Ireland he's looked hopelessly out of his depth.

'Hopelessly out of this depth' is a hopelessly OTT comment. Plenty of premiership and Champs League matches he's held his own.

[Sullivinho]

Everytime I've seen him for United or Ireland he's looked hopelessly out of his depth.

Why the exaggeration? Clearly not true.

[youngirish]

'Hopelessly out of this depth' is a hopelessly OTT comment. Plenty of premiership and Champs League matches he's held his own.
I can't seem to recall too many. Maybe you could enlighten me? Most of his performances at best he could be described as being anonymous and at worst he's looked lost on the pitch. He's been dire for Ireland.

I like my midfielders to contribute more to a game than a few wayward long shots off target.

[The Fly]

I can't seem to recall too many. Maybe you could enlighten me?

The second leg of Manchester United's Champions League tie against Bayern Munich last season.

[SwanVsDalton]

I can't seem to recall too many. Maybe you could enlighten me?

There's a 70-odd page long thread on him here, with plenty of positive (and negative notices), positive write-up's in different media outlets a Google away and the opinion of two quality managers who appear to see something in him. You can do your own enlightening, unless, of course, you're unwilling.


Most of his performances at best he could be described as being anonymous and at worst he's looked lost on the pitch. He's been dire for Ireland.

Your 'hopelessly out of his depth' was pretty melodramatic and inaccurate imo. It certainly doesn't equate to most of his performances as 'anonymous' which is, of course, arguable. Anyway, point is, your seem to be throwing out a lot of OTT hyperbole. Dire for Ireland? Really? Anonymous, ineffectual, lacking impact - maybe, just maybe. Dire, no.


I like my midfielders to contribute more to a game than a few wayward long shots off target.

Don't we all. I think Gibson offers more than this (especially since a lot of his shots actually fly into the top corner). Even if right now he's not quite making the impact we'd like, I think he could yet do given a run of games playing in his optimum position (which certainly isn't defensive midfielder). He still has time - despite being almost over the hill at the grand old age of 22.

[youngirish]

Your 'hopelessly out of his depth' was pretty melodramatic and inaccurate imo. It certainly doesn't equate to most of his performances as 'anonymous' which is, of course, arguable. Anyway, point is, your seem to be throwing out a lot of OTT hyperbole. Dire for Ireland? Really? Anonymous, ineffectual, lacking impact - maybe, just maybe. Dire, no.

If a central midfielder is consistently found lacking in games and doesn't contribute in any meaningful way to the team then what would you describe him as? I think dire and hopelessly out of his depth are accurate. What exactly in your opinion constitutes a dire midfielder? Someone who knocks in own goals for fun? How much worse can a professional footballer be than to be consistently found to be lacking or ineffective in games? This is particularly a damning indictment for a central midfielder whom all the play is meant to go through.

As for your comment that Trap sees something in him you do realise he has also seen something in Paul Green and Liam Miller at various points in the past?

He'll be 23 next week btw so he's not a kid anymore and I've yet to see any great progression in his ability since he first broke into the united team about 2 years ago now.

[SwanVsDalton]

If a central midfielder is consistently found lacking in games and doesn't contribute in any meaningful way to the team then what would you describe him as? I think dire and hopelessly out of his depth are accurate. What exactly in your opinion constitutes a dire midfielder? Someone who knocks in own goals for fun? How much worse can a professional footballer be than to be consistently found to be lacking or ineffective in games? This is particularly a damning indictment for a central midfielder whom all the play is meant to go through.

For United he's had a quite a few decent games, passing well, scoring goals and contributing to successful performances. Is that a 'damning indictment for a central midfielder'? Or are you just overplaying how 'dire' he's been?

As for Ireland, mostly people would agree he's yet to flourish, but it could be argued he isn't playing in a system or position suited to his strengths. Maybe he's not good enough to overcome these disadvantages - which simply means he isn't world class.


As for your comment that Trap sees something in him you do realise he has also seen something in Paul Green and Liam Miller at various points in the past?

So what? Every decent manager have made mistakes. Fergie has his Taibi, Mourinho had Shevchenko and Marcello Lippi picked loads of duffers at the World Cup last summer. But by your reckoning it negates all their success. Bizarre...

Trap's a successful manager, Fergie's a successful manager, they like Gibson. Guess you know more about it than they do.


He'll be 23 next week btw so he's not a kid anymore and I've yet to see any great progression in his ability since he first broke into the united team about 2 years ago now.

Again so what? Plenty of players came into their own in their late 20's - just because he's not a teenager anymore doesn't mean he should either transform into a world class midfielder or go home.

If he's not setting the world on fire, it certainly doesn't mean he's on the scrap heap, or 'dire' or 'hopelessly out of his depth' or whatever. There's no reason to think Gibson's not going to make it for Ireland, especially given his performances haven't been almost as bad as you suggest. Not to mention the fact he's played well for Utd, impressed his bosses and, despite seemingly being ancient, has time on his side.

[The Fly]

Marcello Lippi picked loads of duffers at the World Cup last summer.


...Damien's mother still hasn't got over that.

[carloz]

It seems he is the easy option for United fans to abuse. He did nothing wrong in the second half yet some idiots were saying he was useless. He was far from poor. he is three years younger than Fletcher, three years ago United fans were on Fletchers back. People need to realise he has played just 20 games for United. He is not going to come on and take the game by the scruff of the neck. He still needs time. He was very unlucky that United cocked up against Bayern at home in the Champions League last year. He was very good in that game behind Rooney and had United won he could have got a lot more game time towards the end of the season in that position

[ifk101]

What Gibson does well is linking play. To take his game to the next level he needs to learn how to impose himself on games and be a creative force. To do this he needs an extended period of first team football.

[MuckaTucka]

He needs a move in January, along with half the current Irish squad. Of course, it won't happen, because like ... Given, he's more than happy to just sit back and collect his high wages instead of making half the money and actually playing for a smaller club. .

Think that's incredibly unfair on Shay Given. It was only 18 months ago people were on his back saying he hadn't the bottle to move to a big club and test himself. No after 8 games on the bench, he should just ditch his ambition and go back down?


To be honest I'm sick of people sticking up for Gibson using the Darren Fletcher excuse.
Why is it only Gibson that gets away with the fact Fletcher did nothing for 3 years at Manchester United before he became such an integral player?
Surely that same excuse should be given to any of the other players in the whole of the Premier League who have made little to no impact in their first teams.
Gibson has a hell of a lot to prove.

Look at McCarthy, Meyler, and Coleman.
None of those three have needed to rely on some crap excuse that it has taken Antonio Valencia/Lee Cattermole/Phil Jagielka(delete as appropriate) 3 years to grab their chance and show how good they are.

As for Ferguson's positive comments on Gibson. Through the years he has bigged up all his players in order to get a good price when he sells them.

"United manager Sir Alex Ferguson agrees and he has big plans for Wallwork, saying: "Ronnie is definitely going to be a first-team regular"
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Wallwork+redeemed+in+Maracana-a060505951

[Charlie Darwin]

Not in the squad for tonight. No midfielders on the bench so he must be injured.

[geysir]

Or still being rested after his exertions for Ireland.

[Predator]

Or still being rested after his exertions for Ireland.Ah, the old "(international) hangover".

[ken foree]

didn't see the full game but he laid on a terrific ball for the hernandez winner in the c. cup against wolves last night...

[paul_oshea]

watched the game, United's midfield was terrible and that's why it was such a free flowing game they were never to be seen tracking back and leaving serious holes in the middle of the park, however Gibson was far better supporting/looking for the pass and better going forward. Carricks future at united is definitely uncertain going on last nights performance and his general bench action, Gibson has moved ahead of him in the pecking order. In general i was impressed with Gibsons performance last night and it was good to see he was designated to take the corners/free kicks etc. He even got booked because he put in a challenge...albeit a late one.

[Eminence Grise]

He even got booked because he put in a challenge...albeit a late one.

Never mind Carrick! Scholes will have to watch out if Gibson "develops" this side of his game...

[jbyrne]

was at fault for one of the goals as lost the ball poorly and reacted even worse.
still very much a work in progress and the jury is still out

[paul_oshea]

Remember it was only wolves and that fletcher is dire...hunty looked good looking at him last night he is actually a better technically gifted player than I thought, though he had a lot of time on the ball to make decisions.

[ken foree]

was at fault for one of the goals as lost the ball poorly and reacted even worse.
still very much a work in progress and the jury is still out

yes true though carrick's reaction was the poor one, gibson just ran around trying to get the thing back.

[carloz]

Gibson was excellent on the ball last night, but pretty poor off the ball. Much better in the second half. It is painfully obvious watching the guy that he is not a defensive midfielder. I really dont know why Fergie persists with him in that position. In the later stages of last nights game, and at home to Bayern last season, Gibson was in an attacking midfield role and was much more impressive.

[ken foree]

Gibson was excellent on the ball last night, but pretty poor off the ball. Much better in the second half. It is painfully obvious watching the guy that he is not a defensive midfielder. I really dont know why Fergie persists with him in that position. In the later stages of last nights game, and at home to Bayern last season, Gibson was in an attacking midfield role and was much more impressive.

is he trying to turn him into keane mk. II? i think keane started out as an attacking, forward-breaking midfielder in his forest/early man. united days? he was consistently good at getting into the box ahead of the defence and finishing. then he turned into an all-around ball-player/winner. with age, he became more of deep-lying shield for the back four... lots of hyphens in his reply = sh!te talk more likely ;)

[Charlie Darwin]

Gibson was excellent on the ball last night, but pretty poor off the ball. Much better in the second half. It is painfully obvious watching the guy that he is not a defensive midfielder. I really dont know why Fergie persists with him in that position. In the later stages of last nights game, and at home to Bayern last season, Gibson was in an attacking midfield role and was much more impressive.
Was he playing in a defensive role at all though? I thought Carrick was doing that (albeit fairly poorly, which is unusual given that it's his one strength).

[carloz]

Both Carrick and Gibson were sitting deep in the first half, with only Carrick pushing forward the odd time. Strange. Only in the last twenty minutes Gibson seems to have been allowed forget about his defensive duties. I actually thought it was one of his better games. He seemed to be making a bit more of an effort to impose himself on the game

[Wolfie]

is he trying to turn him into keane mk. II? i think keane started out as an attacking, forward-breaking midfielder in his forest/early man. united days? he was consistently good at getting into the box ahead of the defence and finishing. then he turned into an all-around ball-player/winner. with age, he became more of deep-lying shield for the back four... lots of hyphens in his reply = sh!te talk more likely ;)

I think Keane had a different temperment that facilitated his transition to an all-rounder. Its true that Keane started out as an attacking, forward breaking midfielder and he transformed as described above.

From an early age, Keane had an intensity about him and had a tremendous work rate. Thats not Gibson - certainly not right now.

[ken foree]

From an early age, Keane had an intensity about him and had a tremendous work rate. Thats not Gibson - certainly not right now.

totally agree. a pity in a way but gibson shouldn't be anyone but himself. has lots of tools but a bit more fire/athleticism wouldn't go amiss.

[ken foree]

Both Carrick and Gibson were sitting deep in the first half, with only Carrick pushing forward the odd time. Strange. Only in the last twenty minutes Gibson seems to have been allowed forget about his defensive duties.

aye it's a salient point carloz, i suppose if ferguson tells you to sit, you sit. or else you'll be sitting somwhere else...

[The Fly]

Darron doesn't make the squad for United's game against Spurs.

O'Shea is on the subs bench.

[Charlie Darwin]

Gibson is out with a virus, along with Anderson, Evans and Macheda. Not coincidentally, they all missed Saturday too.

[Charlie Darwin]

Could be back for Wolves at the weekend. With Anderson still out and Fletcher and Nani both added to the injury list, he might be pressed into action.

http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2010/11/03/Nani-and-Fletcher-out-of-Wolves-game/gnid-80358/

[Predator]

From The Irish Times:

“There are those in the selection who say: “I stay at home, my son is ill, I stay at home. I don’t need these players. Not Shay, not Duff; these have a fantastic mentality and if they have an injury it is okay. I see Shay in training, he works like a young 20-year-old.”

Trap talking about Gibson here? He denies it, but it seems obvious.

[Colbert Report]

Wow. Just wow.

[Predator]

You're taking it bad.

[paul_oshea]

And you're up late Predator.

He may have a point, and its a way of warning others, but if Gibsons daughter is in hospital i mean, what is trap raving about? Trap obviously thinks that Gibson should be using the friendlies as his main chance to stamp his authority on 1 of the 2 central midfield berths and that he isn't taking them may be getting to him, even if he has somewhat of a reasonable excuse.

[SwanVsDalton]

Ehhh I dunno about it - would want to know more jumping to any conclusions. If Gibson's daughter's in hospital, sounds serious enough.

[Predator]

I've always said that I thought Trapattoni's broken English could be easily misinterpreted, but one would think that he could have chosen any number of examples of players being unable to show up to friendlies. If Trapattoni was having a go at Gibson, it seems odd, considering Trap is a self-proclaimed family-man and you'd think he'd have a bit more understanding.

That said, maybe it's just another mistake on Trap's part.

[geysir]

If you give the benefit of doubt to Trap,
First he says in relation to how 'he appreciated the way in which his senior players did their best to travel for every international game.'
"It is important to have this pride because the manager needs these players,”
Then he says
“There are those in the selection who say: “I stay at home, my son is ill, I stay at home. I don’t need these players. Not Shay, not Duff; these have a fantastic mentality and if they have an injury it is okay."

He is including Gibson along with Shay and Duff, in that when they offer an excuse, it is genuine.
And the Examiner clarified
'It’s important to note here that Trapattoni’s mention of a son being ill was intended as a general example of an excuse for not showing up'

[LFCSixty/Eighty]

I'm sick and tired of all this constant confusion over what Trap means in his interviews. Its like deciphering morse code. His English hasn't improved which imo is a disgrace. If he's so concerned with the 'little details' surely learning how to communicate with the players should the most important thing he has to do.

Am I the only one who thinks Trap should do the part of his press conferences in italian and let Manuela translate it to English. At least this way we will know exactly what he means instead of all this reading between the lines rubbish we continually have to do.

[geysir]

You rather underestimate the resounding vote of confidence that most would give to a more pro-active Manuela, at Trap's conferences/interviews.

[SwanVsDalton]

the resounding vote of confidence that most would give to a more pro-active Manuela

Best euphemism ever?