Kevin Pilkington joined us for a chat to review the Tottenham game and also his thoughts on how United have started the season, as well as the form of David De Gea.
Yolkie : It’s been a great start to the season – the first half against West Brom but in particular the second half last night against Tottenham have stood out as excellent footballing performances. How have you enjoyed the style of play in the first two games?
Kevin : I have really enjoyed watching United play so far, especially watching the youngsters performing! It’s pleasing to watch them play at such a high tempo and enjoy getting the ball back as much as having it. The passing and movement has been unbelievable at times and the second goal on Monday night summed that up.
Yolkie : One of the most pleasing and surprising things has been Ferguson’s willingness to heavily use Welbeck and Cleverley; what are your thoughts on how well they have done?
Kevin : Cleverley has been a revelation! His all round play has been excellent and like I said a couple of weeks ago I think he has saved Sir Alex a lot of money! Welbeck has come on so much in the past year and I think his loan spell at Sunderland has helped him massively. In the first half on Monday he looked ok but in the second half he was brilliant. Scoring, creating and working his socks of for the team. A great performance!
Yolkie : Monday saw the second youngest United side to ever start a game in the Premier League; who stood out for you?
Kevin : I love watching Phil Jones. His appetite for playing the game and defending is a joy to watch. The defensive side of him reminds me of Steve Bruce, enjoying defending. He was everywhere and getting important blocks in! Think he will be a future captain at United and England!
Yolkie : Few teams can play like that and still be able to call on Ryan Giggs and Ji-Sung Park, two of our best players towards the end of last season. But it’s Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov, coincidentally two players we signed from Spurs, whose immediate future looks under threat. They’ll play their part of course but do you think they might have to settle for being second or even third choice?
Kevin : They will certainly have their parts to play but at the moment they are being kept on the bench because players have come into the side and performed! But as has been shown in the Premiership – it’s not how good your 11 are but how good your squad is!
Yolkie : Of course we have to discuss the goalkeeper; you spoke to Manchester Evening News about David De Gea; enough has been said about what people think he has done wrong, but last night proved a few things that we can include as good attributes. He seems to be communicating better, was confident in the main at claiming crosses, did well from most shots too. The biggest thing for me was that he seems to have the self confidence to not let the negativity affect him – how important will that self belief be during this season?
Kevin : It will be huge for him. All the top keepers have that and I think he is no different. I was really impressed by the way he played on Monday and I think he will go on to prove all the doubters wrong. His distribution was 1st class and apart from 1 cross every thing else was spot on. As I said in the MEN he has got a great coach and person to work with in Eric and he will be a huge benefit to him.
Yolkie : Having seen the first couple of weeks, who do you think look like being our biggest rivals this season?
Kevin : Hate to say it but City will be up there as will the usual suspects in Chelsea and Liverpool. Not sure about arsenal think they need a few experienced heads in there. Think Stoke will surprise a few people!
