Training Monday 16/8

[Douglas Higginbottom]

A hot day at Carrington today and most players out at close to 11.30. Ireland off with the reserves again and Just Kolarov,Boateng,Robinho and Bridge missing as far as I could tell. The first sighting of Balotelli as they all gathered to start off with a gentle bleep test.The young guns included today were Boyata/Cunningham,Weiss and one other I am working on.

Not the full thing which is knackering but just enough to warm up and get the readings they want. I say warm up but 3 of them still kept their tops on over the shirts. Vieira, Kompany and Tevez whilst Ade had a scarf thingy on. Quite a good gathering of fans there today and Mancini, when he came out early, came over and signed a few autographs. He did say then that Robinho would be out training but he wasn't so I assume he meant he would be working inside today.

After the bleep test they just passed balls around in pairs before a fairly tight passing game in a 30 or 40 yard square.Quite competitive but it didn't last for long before they broke into 3 groups. At one end Joe Hart/Lorius Karius in goal facing shooting practice and at the end I was Shay/Stu Taylor doing the same facing Vlad/RSC/Ade/Mario/AJ. I have to say the power in some of Mario's shooting was awesome. His first 2 flew close to the keeper who just didn't have time to move. Serious power and at times I think the keeper was happy to leave it to fly past rather than risk injury.Plus I have to say Shay didn't quite seem as up for it as I have seen him in the past.

The 3rd group just sat and watched before eventually going back inside.That lot included SWP/Kolo/Yaya/Silva/Vinnie/Nigel. After the shooting practice at both ends most went inside leaving just enough for a 5 a side game which was probably another 20 minutes but it was mostly reserves with Ade and Balotelli the main guys left.

Hard to assess Mario on this , apart from his shooting , as they didn't do a great deal and especially not much "football". He seemed fairly quiet but that's more about being in new surroundings with new teammates I am sure.

[Beefymcfc]

The 3rd group just sat and watched before eventually going back inside.That lot included SWP/Kolo/Yaya/Silva/Vinnie/Nigel. After the shooting practice at both ends most went inside leaving just enough for a 5 a side game which was probably another 20 minutes but it was mostly reserves with Ade and Balotelli the main guys left.

Cheers Doug, much appreciated. Do you think those highlighted are resting for/from the weekend or being rested for the midweek game?

[Lee_R]

A hot day at Carrington today and most players out at close to 11.30. Ireland off with the reserves again and Just Kolarov,Boateng,Robinho and Bridge missing as far as I could tell. The first sighting of Balotelli as they all gathered to start off with a gentle bleep test.The young guns included today were Boyata/Cunningham,Weiss and one other I am working on.

Not the full thing which is knackering but just enough to warm up and get the readings they want. I say warm up but 3 of them still kept their tops on over the shirts. Vieira, Kompany and Tevez whilst Ade had a scarf thingy on. Quite a good gathering of fans there today and Mancini, when he came out early, came over and signed a few autographs. He did say then that Robinho would be out training but he wasn't so I assume he meant he would be working inside today.

After the bleep test they just passed balls around in pairs before a fairly tight passing game in a 30 or 40 yard square.Quite competitive but it didn't last for long before they broke into 3 groups. At one end Joe Hart/Lorius Karius in goal facing shooting practice and at the end I was Shay/Stu Taylor doing the same facing Vlad/RSC/Ade/Mario/AJ. I have to say the power in some of Mario's shooting was awesome. His first 2 flew close to the keeper who just didn't have time to move. Serious power and at times I think the keeper was happy to leave it to fly past rather than risk injury.Plus I have to say Shay didn't quite seem as up for it as I have seen him in the past.

The 3rd group just sat and watched before eventually going back inside.That lot included SWP/Kolo/Yaya/Silva/Vinnie/Nigel. After the shooting practice at both ends most went inside leaving just enough for a 5 a side game which was probably another 20 minutes but it was mostly reserves with Ade and Balotelli the main guys left.

Hard to assess Mario on this , apart from his shooting , as they didn't do a great deal and especially not much "football". He seemed fairly quiet but that's more about being in new surroundings with new teammates I am sure.

Cheers Doug, very excited about Mario. 6'3 Did he look a presence?

[Mike J]

ireland must have done something serious to piss mancini off that he is being ask to train with the reserves.

[Ted Hughes]

Thanks Doug. Do any of the young keepers look good enough to be 2nd or 3rd choice if Shay was to bugger off or will we need to bring one in?

[Kladze]

Balotelli look like he was made to feel welcome?

Thanks Doug by the way :-)

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The 3rd group just sat and watched before eventually going back inside.That lot included SWP/Kolo/Yaya/Silva/Vinnie/Nigel. After the shooting practice at both ends most went inside leaving just enough for a 5 a side game which was probably another 20 minutes but it was mostly reserves with Ade and Balotelli the main guys left.

Cheers Doug, much appreciated. Do you think those highlighted are resting for/from the weekend or being rested for the midweek game?

I would have thought rested after the weekend more than for Thursday.

When they were getting ready for the bleep test I am sure mario turned to Vieira to ask what was being said. But really he seemed to fit in easily and as for being a presence don't forget he is surrounded by the likes of Ade,Patrick,Vinnie,Yaya etc and compared to some he looked ordinary. I thought he looked quite thin but there is power in there.

[Beefymcfc]

ireland must have done something serious to piss mancini off that he is being ask to train with the reserves.

Does send a message to the rest of the squad!

[Kladze]

ireland must have done something serious to piss mancini off that he is being ask to train with the reserves.

Does send a message to the rest of the squad!

Eggsackly!

[johnno]

always thanks :)
Any news on Michael Johnson?
cheers!

[Thai]

Great insight Doug - cheers mate.

[Haz]

always thanks :)
Any news on Michael Johnson?
cheers!

It just wouldn't be a training thread without someone asking that! ;-)

Anyway, cheers Doug, great dedication to the cause and a pleasure to read as always!

[TonyM]

ireland must have done something serious to piss mancini off that he is being ask to train with the reserves.

Does send a message to the rest of the squad!

What message? When we want you to go - go? Harsh if that's all it is.

IMO this new law of 25 players is going to leave more casualties then it will help. It needs breakin. Some player, and maybe Ireland should be the one, needs to bring the FA to court. The impact on people's livelihood is being overlooked. It's ridiculous if you ask me. I hope someone has the balls to stand up for themselves.

Or do we have to wait until a United player is injured for 3 months just before the list goes in and Ferguson wants to name a number 26? It'll happen. I'd bet on it if I wasn't so damn miserly.

Ohh and back to Ireland. He should be in our 25. I still can't fathom Mancini. (I'd have a bit of faith if we didn't play like crap 95% of the time)

[Murph]

Any news on the injuries to Kolarov and Boateng Doug? Are they likely to be fit for Thurs or Liverpool?

[kennyboy]

ireland must have done something serious to piss mancini off that he is being ask to train with the reserves.

Does send a message to the rest of the squad!

What message? When we want you to go - go? Harsh if that's all it is.

IMO this new law of 25 players is going to leave more casualties then it will help. It needs breakin. Some player, and maybe Ireland should be the one, needs to bring the FA to court. The impact on people's livelihood is being overlooked. It's ridiculous if you ask me. I hope someone has the balls to stand up for themselves.

Or do we have to wait until a U***d player is injured for 3 months just before the list goes in and Ferguson wants to name a number 26? It'll happen. I'd bet on it if I wasn't so damn miserly.

Ohh and back to Ireland. He should be in our 25. I still can't fathom Mancini. (I'd have a bit of faith if we didn't play like crap 95% of the time)

This!

A shame we force Ireland and Bellers out of the club.
Bet Ireland has don nothing wrong, Bellers has been outstanding for us.. i don get it

[john@staustell]

Ireland is as good as gone isn't he? Sentiment aside (sorry) what is the point of the first team squad training for togetherness ready for Thurs and Mon when you include a guy who leaves for Villa today or tomorrow. Practicality.

Good to hear Nigel is still practising his shooting. If at first you dont succeed........................

[Geo123]

How is Ireland as good as gone.... the only thing he has done to deserve training reserves is act as a model professional, not spit the dummy and say he wants to fight for his place which is not what mancini wanted to hear.

Maybe they think this will force him over the edge, any interviews with players over the last 5 yrs most have said he is one of the best trainers, i doubt this has changed much, this is a cynical attempt by the club to force him out and does not send a good message to other players if they see him behaving professionally and this is how he is treated.

Robinho behaved in a far worse manner before he left and he wasnt treated like this but i suppose there will always be different rules for Superstars and academy products you can walk all over.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

always thanks :)
Any news on Michael Johnson?
cheers!

Nothing on MJ today but last Friday they said he was still on track for an October return. He did come out on Friday to do some work after I left

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Any news on the injuries to Kolarov and Boateng Doug? Are they likely to be fit for Thurs or Liverpool?

Didn't hear anything but I would be shocked if either were pressed into action for Thursday.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

ireland must have done something serious to piss mancini off that he is being ask to train with the reserves.

Does send a message to the rest of the squad!

What message? When we want you to go - go? Harsh if that's all it is.

IMO this new law of 25 players is going to leave more casualties then it will help. It needs breakin. Some player, and maybe Ireland should be the one, needs to bring the FA to court. The impact on people's livelihood is being overlooked. It's ridiculous if you ask me. I hope someone has the balls to stand up for themselves.

Or do we have to wait until a U***d player is injured for 3 months just before the list goes in and Ferguson wants to name a number 26? It'll happen. I'd bet on it if I wasn't so damn miserly.

Ohh and back to Ireland. He should be in our 25. I still can't fathom Mancini. (I'd have a bit of faith if we didn't play like crap 95% of the time)

This!

Not a lot to get.If Mancini doesnt want them in the 25 that's all there is to it. I just hope it has all been explained to him/them face to face rather than let them work it out by saying train with the reserves.

A shame we force Ireland and Bellers out of the club.
Bet Ireland has don nothing wrong, Bellers has been outstanding for us.. i don get it