Darron Gibson

**DannyInvincible** · 04/05/2011, 8:19 PM

Scratch that. Turning into an absolute rout now. A second goal for Anderson to make it 4-1 on the night.

**DannyInvincible** · 04/05/2011, 8:21 PM

And it looks like Gibson's going to get the full ninety minutes for once.

**DannyInvincible** · 04/05/2011, 8:35 PM

Some comments relating to Gibson from the BBC's live match update service:

2037: Fair to say Darron Gibson has been very impressive in Manchester United's midfield so far tonight, while Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer is having a bit of a shocker (a Schalker?). Both of which seemed very unlikely before kick-off.

NathanJBright on Twitter: "Gibson is the new Iniesta... Neuer the new Massimo Taibi."

2021: Almost another goal to tell you about, with Antonio Valencia's shot being cleared off the line by Benedikt Howdes. I'll have to settle for a yellow card though, which is awarded to Darron Gibson for a reckless lunge on Sergio Escudero.

Man Utd goal: Darron Gibson has been getting a lot of flak for his shooting from United fans, but it is Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer at fault here, letting Gibson's low strike slip through his hands after a neat build-up down the right by the home side.

niallmc82 on Twitter: "I have major doubts about Gibson but that pass was world class."
1_1andrew1_1 on Twitter: "And with a pass Iniesta would be proud of, Gibson has answered some of his critics."

Man Utd goal: Schalke give the ball away cheaply at the back and United punish them ruthlessly, with Darron Gibson picking out Antonio Valencia, who tucks away his shot past Manuel Neuer. Another step down the road to Wembley for Sir Alex's men - it is a long way back from here for Schalke.

2009: Darron Gibson bursts forward (serves me right for taking the mick) but United's attack breaks down on the edge of the Schalke area. The Germans clear for a corner, from which Chris Smalling heads over from Nani's delivery.

2008: The TV cameras have just shown Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola in the stands at Old Trafford... not sure he is going to pick up too many clues about United from watching this team in action. Maybe he is just sizing up a bid for Darron Gibson after reading all about him on Twitter?

1959: Gibson is OK to continue and, as he jogs back on to the pitch, United launch their best attack so far. Dimitar Berbatov perseveres down the left and rides a couple of challenges as he makes his way into the area before firing in a dangerous low cross, which Manuel Neuer does well to deal with.

1957: This looks like big trouble for Darron Gibson, who has picked up a rib injury after sliding in on Jefferson Farfan. He is up on his feet, so let's see if he can carry on.

1948: ...Chris Smalling cannot quite get on the end of it, and Schalke break, until Darron Gibson tracks back to clear the danger. The German fans are making a lot of noise at the moment.

Has been a very one-sided affair, and bar the booking, Gibson can only be commended for his performance tonight.

Humourously, just as I was writing, Gibson, in the 88th minute of play, collected the ball close to the left corner and was being willed on to "Shoot!" by a lone voice in the crowd caught on the microphone. He disappoints, however, and passes it back towards the edge of the box.

**tetsujin1979** · 04/05/2011, 9:30 PM

That performance, along with his game against Crawley, is proof of what Gibson is capable of. I'd imagine that's what Trapattoni and Ferguson see from him in training as well, it's just when he makes the step up to the competitive level of the Premier League, he can often be found wanting.

**DannyInvincible** · 04/05/2011, 9:36 PM

I suppose the cynical view was that his performance against Crawley had as much to do with the quality of the opposition more than anything, but the semi-final stage of the Champions League is nothing to be scoffed at, even if United were 2-0 up on aggregate going into the game.

**tetsujin1979** · 04/05/2011, 9:44 PM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I suppose the cynical view was that his performance against Crawley had as much to do with the quality of the opposition more than anything, but the semi-final stage of the Champions League is nothing to be scoffed at, even if United were 2-0 up on aggregate going into the game.

True, but if he couldn't perform against a team the quality of Crawley, then we could justifiably say there's nothing there to work with. With those two performances we can see why Trapattoni and Ferguson have persisted with him. He is talented, but isn't yet able to make the best use of that talent

**tommy_c12000** · 04/05/2011, 9:44 PM

Didnt seeing the game tonight owing to upcoming exams but delighted to see him having a great game. This game will hopefully give the lad a much needed confidence boost. Let's hope he can produce on a more consistent basis.

Very positive reaction to his performance on the United fan's forum:

http://www.redcafe.net/f6/darron-gib.../index128.html

**SwanVsDalton** · 04/05/2011, 9:52 PM

Good stuff from Gibson. If Utd wrap up the title at the weekend he could start another couple at the end of the season. Be a shame if his next game was against Macedonia in a month.

**gastric** · 04/05/2011, 10:13 PM

Still people are giving Gibson faint praise. Good on him for a wonderful goal and insightful pass for the first goal. If this had been Coleman or McCarthy people would be wetting themselves over their performance.

**DannyInvincible** · 04/05/2011, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by gastric

Still people are giving Gibson faint praise. Good on him for a wonderful goal and insightful pass for the first goal. If this had been Coleman or McCarthy people would be wetting themselves over their performance.

I gauge the response to be overwhelmingly positive. Virtually every post on that United fan site praises the performance. I haven't seen one report or comment saying he did anything wrong. When I said he disappointed for not shooting from near the left corner, it was strictly tongue-in-cheek.

**gastric** · 05/05/2011, 1:02 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

I gauge the response to be overwhelmingly positive. Virtually every post on that United fan site praises the performance. I haven't seen one report or comment saying he did anything wrong. When I said he disappointed for not shooting from near the left corner, it was strictly tongue-in-cheek.

My post is in relation to an exchange that occured on here last week about the fact that I think Gibson is often unfairly treated because of the club he plays for and the fact that every Utd. player lives in Keane's shadow. The response to his fantastic performance is far as I can see on here, guarded and reserved.

**SwanVsDalton** · 05/05/2011, 9:16 AM

Originally Posted by gastric

My post is in relation to an exchange that occured on here last week about the fact that I think Gibson is often unfairly treated because of the club he plays for and the fact that every Utd. player lives in Keane's shadow. The response to his fantastic performance is far as I can see on here, guarded and reserved.

I think being guarded and reserved is fair enough. We all know he's got ability, but it'll be for naught if he doesn't produce consistently. However everyone does appear to recognise he was excellent last night and well done to him - I hope he gets a look in for Utd at the end of the season and can keep up the momentum.

**gastric** · 05/05/2011, 10:56 AM

I will continue to bore the pants off people ( because I can!) but would many of us have been so reserved if this was Marc Wilson, Coleman or McCarthy who had played so well in the Champions League. I think not.

**SwanVsDalton** · 05/05/2011, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by gastric

I will continue to bore the pants off people ( because I can!) but would many of us have been so reserved if this was Marc Wilson, Coleman or McCarthy who had played so well in the Champions League. I think not.

That's my point - Wilson, McCarthy and Coleman have produced consistently (albeit they've been given the chance to do so in the Prem). They're lauded not simply for one-offs, but for regular good to excellent performances. The praise is warranted through momentum.

Nothing about Gibson's performance last night was particularly surprising - we've seen him play that well before - but he's failed to capitalise on occasional flashes of excellence. Consistency is probably still one of the biggest doubts about his game. However if he strings together three or four similar performances on the spin then we can start getting excited.

**dr_peepee** · 05/05/2011, 3:14 PM

Gibson needs a platform such as Stoke, Wigan or Everton to bring his game on, where every mis-placed pass, non show for a ball or row Z shot isn't torn to shreds observers. He needs games and experience to compliment the education he's gotten at United. He hasn't got the nerve to develop accordingly under the scrutiny of the glare that surrounds United players or international footballers in my opinion. What is required to get him to deliver on his potential can't be afforded at Old Trafford or for Ireland, which is simply a run of games for him to become settled and get accustomed to the pressure without a huge expectation or media glare.

Gibson would be a better player if he moved on but would likely have less to show for his career if he does..

Edit:: Maybe not Wigan, cos I don't think he has the bottle for a relegation battle either!!

**Razors left peg** · 05/05/2011, 4:11 PM

Originally Posted by dr_peepee

Gibson needs a platform such as Stoke, Wigan or Everton to bring his game on, where every mis-placed pass, non show for a ball or row Z shot isn't torn to shreds observers. He needs games and experience to compliment the education he's gotten at United. He hasn't got the nerve to develop accordingly under the scrutiny of the glare that surrounds United players or international footballers in my opinion. What is required to get him to deliver on his potential can't be afforded at Old Trafford or for Ireland, which is simply a run of games for him to become settled and get accustomed to the pressure without a huge expectation or media glare.

Gibson would be a better player if he moved on but would likely have less to show for his career if he does..

Edit:: Maybe not Wigan, cos I don't think he has the bottle for a relegation battle either!!

That was the same arguement that was thrown at O Shea for years. Not saying your wrong about Gibson but they guy definately has enough talent to play for United, just a question of if he has the right desire and temperament in my opinion.
But if I could be at a club where I had the chance of playing in occasions like the Champions league semi final or a career of mid table obscurity I know which one Id choose.

**Charlie Darwin** · 05/05/2011, 4:37 PM

Fergie might just keep him around for the mesmerising effect he seems to have on German goalkeepers. He rocked Jorg Butt into a similarly derisory attempt at a save for Bayern at Old Trafford last year. Then again, if he does sign Neuer...

**TrapAPony** · 08/05/2011, 3:02 PM

Failed to make the bench for the Chelsea match. O'Shea starts though.

**tetsujin1979** · 08/05/2011, 3:11 PM

Can't be too many players who score in the champions league semi final and then get dropped completely for the next game.

**SkStu** · 08/05/2011, 3:42 PM

O'Shea has been excellent so far by the way.

Despite his display against Schalke, Gibson being dropped is not a huge surprise nor unexpected. Ferguson was resting players specifically for todays game.