Morgan Schneiderlin came to Manchester United for a cost of about 28 million pounds, after having a couple of excellent seasons at Southampton. He was bought to address the gaping hole in United’s midfield that was created ever since Paul Scholes retired. Her are 3 reasons why the 25-year-old Frenchman is absolutely vital to United’s ambitions, not only for this season but also in the future years:
1. He Reads The Game Well
Schneiderlin has made 11 appearances so far this season, with his standout performance being against Everton at Old Trafford, a game in which he also scored a goal. His tackles are rarely mistimed, and Squawka stats say he has won a total of 35% average duels, and has made 5 defensive actions without making a single error. Moreover,the former Saints’ player has received only 2 yellow cards this season, which is a further testimony to his skill and composure.
2. A Smart Passer
Van Gaal prefers playing Schneiderlin as a part of the double pivot in midfield, and the former Saints thrives. He is a smart player, rarely loses the ball, even when under pressure. Although he usually plays short passes to the available player, yet he can also spray those long diagonals to the wingers out wide. He is excellent at recycling wasted balls from the attacking third as well, as Squawka states that his average pass accuracy is 91% (He is a pass machine) and his average pass length is 18 m. The possession based attacking philosophy van Gaal preaches is perfect for Morgan, and the stats reflect exactly that.
3. Young and Dynamic
At only 25, one knows that Schneiderlin’s best years are yet to come. If he continues to progress and play with the same desire that he has shown so far, there is no doubt he will only grow in stature at the club. Van Gaal dropped him for one game away to Arsenal, and the Gunners ripped the United back line apart because there was no one to protect the Centre backs. He was immediately bought back in the next game, and we got a clean sheet in that one. Hope you continue to excel, Morgan!
