That's because he was used more as a defensive midfielder when Lucas was recovering from injury. He wasn't bought for his defensive quality but more for his ability on the ball and he hasn't really been given the chance to fulfill that role. I hope he gets his chance this season because imo, he's a natural central midfielder where as Hendo is more like a utility player.

People like Hendo is not appreciated much but in long term, it is vital for the club because he can fill in any part and still do a decent job. Role like this is of course very much underappreciated as compared to Allen's role of attacking and spreading passes to create chances. However, imo, if there is one to sacrifice between Allen, Lucas and Hendo, I would pick Allen and if Allen starts performing, I would then sacrifice Lucas. I would save Hendo last because very much like Kolo Toure who can fill RB, CB and DM, these are the players that who can give a lot more than the other. He reminds me a little of young gerrard who plays RB, RW, LW, CM , DM and moves to AM and then SS under rafa. They are important.

Lucas can be sacrificed mainly because if(and ONLY IF) Alonso is coming, he would have spend more time on bench since Gerrard and Alonso would be rotating the the deep lying role. We would also have Toure, Sakho and Agger all being capable of playing at DM.

But like I said, it all starts with IF and ended up with nothing usually. Doubt Alonso will be coming but if he did, it would be a great lift to the way now that we have a midfield general who can dictate play more effectively that anyone in the squad.

I'm glad someone leh sees what I see. Allen was largely used to fill the gap vacated by the injured Lucas and clearly he looked like a fish out of water. The bloke simply isn't a defensive Titan. Whenever he's played in an advanced role however, he's impressed if only briefly because by that time, he was used sparingly as a substitute. During preseason he played further up the park and he looked impressive. I reckon he needs more game time in the opposition half.

Anyone remember Gerard Houllier buying an attacking midfielder only to thrust him into the heart of defence? Igor Biscan was sought after by big clubs like Juventus, Barca and AC Milan but we beat all of them to him and for some bizarre reason, Houllier played him at center back where he struggled. Because of injuries however, he played in midfield against Bayer Leverkusen in 2005 and he was brilliant. Playing out of position can dramatically affect your game. Look at the difference in Henderson's game playing in the middle as opposed to in the right. Look how Carra turned into a world class centre back after struggling in midfield, right back and then left back. Not saying Allen is world class but let us only judge him after he's been given a few games in the position he favours.

This.

Same thing going on at United with Kagawa. That dude is talented. So is it his fault for not knowing how to play in an unfamiliar position or is it Moyes' for not knowing how to utilize his talents?

This.

Same thing going on at United with Kagawa. That dude is talented. So is it his fault for not knowing how to play in an unfamiliar position or is it Moyes' for not knowing how to utilize his talents?

Well it's kind of both simple yet complicated situation for them. For Kagawa to play as the no 10, Rooney would have to be pushed out wide so it's either one or the other for them. The fact that they rebuffed Chelsea's interest in Rooney meant Moyes valued Rooney very highly. Unfortunately, Kagawa is not very effective out wide so he's stuck in a limbo at the moment.

I do appreciate Hendo. Hendo is a great asset to have due to his versatility and being English, but it's not fair to compare one set of players in poor form to another with a decent form. When Lucas and Allen were both on good form, Hendo couldn't even get close to the first team. And even then i didn't think we should sell Hendo as i believed he was a handy player. But Lucas at the top of his game was a beast - crisp passing, impeccable positioning and tenacious tackling. He was the league's best midfield destroyer for a period of two seasons until he got injured. Hendo hasn't really set any benchmark which is why BR kept picking Lucas ahead of Hendo. The question is whether Lucas can regain his form, if he does then there's no way we should even contemplate of selling him. He's also a great character to have in the team - remember the turmoil season of Hogdson ? A lesser player or person would not have rose to the occasion like Lucas did - there is no bigger test of character than that.

When we sold Shelvey, I was of the opinion we should have let Henderson go instead but the latter has looked impressive this season after being eased into the squad. I reckon there was too much pressure on him in his first season with us as he was thrust immediately into the first team. The lad has proven to be hardworking, and persistent. Needs to be noted also that there is a physical element to his game. I was afraid that we'd be a little soft in midfield after Jonjo was sold. I do think that Henderson has the potential to play in Lucas' role which will be a big plus for us. Lucas struggled before adapting to that role but I think Henderson can acclimatise much quicker.

Agreed. Can't wait to see him back in the team this season.

When we sold Shelvey, I was of the opinion we should have let Henderson go instead but the latter has looked impressive this season after being eased into the squad. I reckon there was too much pressure on him in his first season with us as he was thrust immediately into the first team. The lad has proven to be hardworking, and persistent. Needs to be noted also that there is a physical element to his game. I was afraid that we'd be a little soft in midfield after Jonjo was sold. I do think that Henderson has the potential to play in Lucas' role which will be a big plus for us. Lucas struggled before adapting to that role but I think Henderson can acclimatise much quicker.

Well it's kind of both simple yet complicated situation for them. For Kagawa to play as the no 10, Rooney would have to be pushed out wide so it's either one or the other for them. The fact that they rebuffed Chelsea's interest in Rooney meant Moyes valued Rooney very highly. Unfortunately, Kagawa is not very effective out wide so he's stuck in a limbo at the moment.