Manchester United Banter Archive July 11 2012

11 Jul 2012 21:33:55
rite its very unlikely that were going to get luca,mutinhio and witsel we could get baines which will be for around 16 million pounds we still have some more money to spend seing that we were going to bid 30 million for lucas so i say we shudnt go for a mid but go for van persie berbatov cud be going and welbeck mite not even stay so a rooney van persie strike force wudnt be bad

11 Jul 2012 21:21:01
Have spend the last couple of weeks listening to a lot of rubbish being talked on this site, especially in the last few days. On one hand people are complaining about Man Utd getting outdone by other clubs when it comes to transfers and how we can't compete in terms of transfer fees, wages etc, citing Hazard, Modric, Ozil, Benzema, Villa etc. as examples.

First of all Hazard agreed terms with all three clubs who were all serious contenders for his signature, meaning we met his wage demands. He himself admitted he chose Chelsea because he felt he was guaranteed more first team football.

Ozil only cost 12 million so price wasn't a factor, he simply wanted to go to Madrid more. Remember Fergie or the Glazers can't do anything about the weather in Manchester or the quality of life in Madrid or the perception of becoming a Galactico. Alba was the same this season. He only wanted to move to Barca, end of story.

David Villa cost Barcelona 32 million at age 28. That my friends is ridiculous. Factor in that he has spent almost a full year on the sidelines injured. What value have Barca got for their money?

Then to top it all off the same people who give out about United not spending money give out when we are linked with Leighton Baines for 18 million.


Personally I don't want to see United sign Baines either. What I want to see is good vale for money signings. Remember Vidic, Evra (although he has gone downhill now), Hernandez were all signed for less than 10 million. The most players we have broken the bank to sign in recent times were Berba (30m) and I also remeber Carrick (18m). Both have been heavily criticised on here for not being good enough.

If you want to see a club throw around cash after every new thing that comes on the radar perhaps you belong on the blue side of Manchester.

I noticed someone today give out about Petrucci and Tunnicliffe being promoted to first team squad. If one of them turns out to be good enough to play first team that would give me more joy than any 50 million signing. It almost as if people resent players who cost us nothing.

Jomu

Agree with all of your post apart from the David Villa line. Berbatov was 27 when we signed him for a similar (if not higher) fee and we all know how that one turned out. Villa has been one of Barcelona's best players since he signed. Yes; he got injured - but it could happen to anyone. The fact that they've struggled this season without him shows just how important he is to their team!

T0MB0Z

Think along these lines,we werent good enough last year,city have another year to gel under their belts and are likely to add some class to an already world class squad,chelsea are building again now our best player is another year older (scholes),we looked workmanlike last year,i dont think anyones bothered how much a player costs just that we get some class in midfield and at left fullback,kagawa is not a central midfield player and to play him there would hurt his game,so one or two actual centre mids not defenders trying to be centre mids would i think make us competitive at home and abroad or we could just leave it and watch us get mullered by 2nd tier european teams like last year,now jump down of your high horse fella.
mick the red fireman

Its not about just spending mega bucks for the sake of it,our midfield has been poor for 2 seasons now and lack of quality in the squad cost us the title last year not just injuries.if we dont fix the midfield problem then expect another trophyless season.
johndenton

Unfortunately Jomu that's the way football is, when we were buying players like Evra, Vidic,Park,ect City weren't throwing money around, united get interested in aplayer the price shoots up and competion is tough, but if we dont spend eventually we will get left behind, chelsea realise this and are doing something about it this season. How far were they of the pace last season, ok they won 2 trophies but over a full season, way off. We did better than expected to be honest in EPL, but in Europe we were simply not good enough. United need reinforcement in CM also.
PSY

11 Jul 2012 21:00:47
There's a lot of u living in dreamland on here after Baines that's it for another season. All this were in for him and were in for them. I honestly hope I'm wrong and I'll b the 1st one to say it but I won't be

PBMUFC

11 Jul 2012 20:26:02
my my i believe GDS has shown his true colours in all its glory with his latest glazer loving post,how can signing lucas moura make any difference in our opinion of the glazers,it would be the clubs monwy they are spending,it wont happen anyway we all know that,like i told you since 2009 77% of all revenue has gone to servicing the glazer debt in one form or another,its ok for you to be optimistic or even blaise over how they run OUR club but you actively challenge people for having anti-glazer sentiments which is strange to say the lesst,NO true fan would have a problem with anyone having a bad opinion of the glazers running of the club as its blatantly obvious bad for the club to not be competitive in the transfer market,like i say its ok to put a positive spin on our situation to make yourself and others feel better but your different you have the glazers backs,just saying......
mick the red fireman.
manchester

Did you read all the comments? Surely it was obvious my post was to wind up the people like you who get no enjoyment from being a fan.

I have said on so many occasions that I don't like the glazers, but I love supporting Manchester united more than anything and I get a lot of enjoyment out of how great we are. We are still the great team and probably always will be. My post wasn't really anything to do with the glazers was it, I was saying I hope we spend big on moura. Don't take things so bloody serious, lighten up and enjoy football, it's a hobby after all matey.

GDS

I don't challenge anyone for having anti glazer sentiments, I challenge people who blame every little thing on the glazers but then if something good happens give them no credit whatsoever.

Some people just have such blinkers when it comes to hating the glazers they cannot see anything good happening at the club, of which there are quite a few things.

I want to look to the future, I replied to your post about the 77% thing by saying that if we paid the debt off we would have them funds to use on the club but you did not get back to that. Surely it is a positive if we had no debt repayments? Other than suggesting the glazers will just take all the money which you don't know to be the case, what other negatives are there?

I would appreciate if you stop sending such personal posts like this, and use paragraphs, getting a bit scared lol.

GDS

Thats what i like to read on here, a realist, someone who tells it like it is. Well said Mick....
HERBIE

Mick the red fireman

Yet another "fan" who believes that everything good about United is inspite of the Glazers and everything bad is because of the Glazers. Im sorry HERBIE but thats not realism. The Glazers havent been ideal so far, I give you that but if they are working to make us debt free whether it be by flotation or other means and this results in more money being made available for squad investment then that can only be a good thing.

TK-Red

Do you seriously believe the glazers are working to get utd debt free for the good of the club or for themselves.everything they have done since becoming owners is line there pockets and that will not change.gds you ask what other negatives there are how about we cant attract any top stars anymore and dont blame the weather it never stopped us pre glazers.you also say following utd is a hobby,i can assure you that for a lot of people myself included it is much more than a hobby.
johndenton

I think as a summary most anti Glazers are moaning about the debt and the various ways it is effecting our team.

Others argue that when the debt goes we are in far better a position than we would have been partly down to their influence.

Now I think they will only dissappear if there is a monsterous bid that only a nutter would turn down. So if say this happened tomorrow and they sold up we would be in a far better place financially than the club was before they turned up that is surely a good thing?

On the flip side it is us that has paid off all the debt so far created by them and this definitely ruffles some feathers with folk. Whereas you could argue that with the increase of sponsorship they have helped increase the cash coming in so we can pay that off while still having money for transfers. Of course the point is we are still paying off debt that we shouldn't be.

Add on the fact other teams have sugar daddy owners chucking cash here, there and everywhere the state of our ownership gets highlighted even further. Out with having a sugar daddy of our own we cannot compete financially with them and service the debt at the same time. So it makes sense to rid the debt and with the higher intake of cash we will have the ability to compete again.

Now that maybe happening with the float so we would be debt free and in a better state than before but with a weak (in comparisson to other elite teams) squad and no doubt that has been directly effected by 2 factors. 1) We have not been able to get our primary targets over the last few years due to whatever reason and 2) SAF stubbourness in not going with anything other than Plan A (which could be happening again with Modric). So the Glazers could part some blame if the targets were lost through finance reasons but Ozil, Villa, Varane, Hazard and the likes have chose to move to other teams for their own reasons so hardly down to the Glazers.

Although the ownership of the Glazers will always be a case for and a case against the one constant is that with or without the debt we are still pulling in far more as a business now than we were previously.

Whether some fans wish to see that as a positive or not is their choice!

Jono

11 Jul 2012 20:02:50
Hey ed, just wanted to know if you think this whole lucas moura stuff is worth it, 28 million for an unproved 18 year old could easily end up being another anderson. {Ed007's Note - I don't.}

Moura is reported as saying in an interview that his club would accept 25 million euros for him (£19.7m) That sounds like a bargain, but having said that I'm still not convinced that we're actually trying to sign him.

Red Spark

11 Jul 2012 19:43:11
Eds, Syd, do you like me get the horrible feeling that we are chasing both Modric (1st choice) and Moutinho (if modric fails) but are going to miss out on both to Real and Spurs!

Welsh Red {Ed007's Note - No.}

We have an interest in Moutinho, but then we have an interest in hundreds of players. Modric was and still is the primary target.

Sydney!

So ed07 do you think we will sign one of them or that moutinho is not a target??

oxred {Ed007's Note - I will be surprised if Modric signs mate, I will be totally astounded (and equally delighted) if Moutinho signs.}

Do you think we will land Modric syd? I think he would fit in perfectly at OT!

Welsh Red

Welsh, before RM got involved we were likely to sign him. The fact that our club is still negotiating with Spurs and never followed up our interest in Moutinho with a bid shows that the manager is still confident of signing him. RM have money issues so they could pull out at any time. Although they are still faves to sign him you never know. RM like to use their paper (Marca) to do their deals for them. They like to print stories saying the player only wants to join them and that it's a done deal and they hope other teams back off so they can get the player cheaper. Well United are not backing off so clearly our manager still believes he can sign him.

Sydney!

11 Jul 2012 19:28:37
Just gonna throw my two cents into it. I dont want Modric to join United, Especially for such a high fee! Id rather have someone who can finish, Or provide steel in Midfield!
Spurs want 30-35 Million for him. We already have Kagawa and Powell (Potentially) to create enough chances for Strikers to finish.
In my honest opinion I dont think Rooney Welbeck or Hernandez have enough finishing prowess to provide the goals that will win us back the title. If we keep Berba and give him more games next season i think he will come good (If he isnt sold) Otherwise i dont see us winning the league unless we Buy a top quality finisher.
Another thing i have mentioned is our lack of steel in Midfield, to be fair, tackling is not Scholes's strong point, Cleverly isnt strong enough and, Carrick is slow, Anderson when fit isnt naturally a ball winner, If Fletcher comes back fully fit i would be happy otherwise i am a bit worried that we are going to be short in the centre of the pitch.
I know not everybody will agree but its just my thoughts on what we need to do to be successful next season!
Let the slating Begin!
James

No slating, they're all valid points.

Modric's value comes in quick link play and swift transition from defense to attack... Not necessarily the killer pass from a no. 10 position - So he would play deeper than Rooney or Kagawa. Probably along side Carrick.

It is premium prices for a very good player... Only time can say if he is worth it where ever he goes.

DodgyBanter

Just a quick question, who is the defensive midfield battler in Barcelonas' team? or Reals or Arsenals? or even Chelseas? who won the CL by defending! There is no need for a Roy Keane or a Claude Makalele if the other team cant get the ball off you.

Flimbo

Modric is a different player to kagawa and Powell, he sets up the attacks he doesn't set up the goals. For me he would be the next best thing after Paul scholes, and especially now scholes is leaving we need someone to control possession.

GDS

Barcelona - Busquets
Arsenal - Song
Madrid - Khedira
Chelsea - Was Essien now they dont really have one
Man City - Barry, De Jong and Yaya

Busquets is anything but a tough tackling midfielder, hes a coward who spends more time rolling aroung the grass than battling for the ball! Song is a very creative midfielder who tackles but no more than Scholes which doesnt qualify him as a defensive midfielder and Khedira is only seen as the defensive midfielder at Real as hes nowhere near as good at attacking as the rest of the midfielders in the squad, I didnt mention City but i'll allow you De Jong but Barry was a left sided CM and winger for most of his career and Yaya toure is superb at attacking and decent at defending so in essence he is a CM not a DM, Essien is the exception but as you said he doesnt really play anymore and why? Cos Chelsea dont play with a DM anymore

The point is that the team doesnt need someone who will operate solely as a defensive midfielder and thats probably the reason SAF wont sign one

Flimbo

11 Jul 2012 18:34:40
If we have any chance of winning our title back ...and yes our title then fergie must think about buying 2 yes 2 quality midfield creative midfielders...
Joao Moutinho and Javi Martinez are signings who would really give us a boost . Moutinho would be ideal; his box-to-box abilities and well-rounded repertoire of skill makes him a rare breed in world football.

Javi Martinez, though is not as creativebut would still give United a big boost of quality in midfield.

anybody agree...

We won't sign either of those players.

Fergie's being as tight as wenger, and that's saying something!

Seriously worried for the new season

Philiphs93

We lost the league by one goal so to suggest the only chance we have is to buy 2 more players when we have already bought 2 and got rid of 2 squad players is a little over the top don't you think?

GDS

11 Jul 2012 18:14:05
I expect this to have happened after the closure of the window transfer ~ INS - Lucas Moura .....,Robin Van Persie .....,Leighton Baines ......,Shinji Kagawa .......,Nick Powell and Luka Modric/Jao Moutinho ...... ~ OUTS - Park Ji Sung,Anderson,Nani,Berbatov,Fabio,Amos,

Youre going to be so dissapointed.

RedDevil19

You must be expecting to win the Euromillions lottery as well this week then, cos the odds are just about the same!

Flimbo

I wish but isn't going to happen mate Learch

If you expect all that you're guna be very ~disappointed~ lol

Gav

11 Jul 2012 17:56:48
Anyone know if petrucci has signed his new deal yet? he's going to be a star! I believe SAF is planning to introduce youth to the midfield next year with tunicliffe who reminds me on Roy Keane and petrucci who is just sheer quality. When you look at some of these players we don't need another signing, tunicliffe is a box to box midfielder who breaks up play and he can run for 90 mins! What does everyone else think?

Caolan

Tunners is not a box2box player in my opinion he is a very defensive anchorman type player which may help us more as then it releases the front 4 or so to be more attacking.... Petrucci hasnt signed a new contract yet i dont think but i also think he is a outstanding prospect id love to see them both in the an around the premier league squad maybe on the bench and used in the odd game

I'll be glad if they get their chance in the first team squad but not if we rely on them, we need proven quality in CM imo. What happens if we get a couple injuries (likely) and we have to play these 2 in a CL knockout game? I'd rather we bring in a Modric/Moutinho and have Scholes/Cleverly for backup and rotation. The youngsters would still be given their chance in cameos and domestic cup games and be ready to start in 1-2 years if they're good enough

Gav

Tunnicliffe scored something like 4 goals last year a true anchorman is mackale (spelling) who got about 4 in his career. I doubt we will get Modric, moura and moutinho if you think about signing someone for 30 million you are stalling cleverly, Petrucci and tunnicliffe!

11 Jul 2012 17:20:48
Danny Welbeck is expected to sign a £42,000-a-week five-year deal within the next fortnight...the Reds board is confident rookie Welbeck, 21, who hit Sunday's winner at Arsenal, will put pen to paper now as both camps have found some middle ground' - The S*n, January 23.

'Danny Welbeck is still in dispute with Manchester United over a new contract. The England striker, 21, enters the final year of his current deal with his advisors and club bosses at loggerheads over a new four-year agreement' - The S*n, July 11.

Just to show that you can't really believe anything you read in the papers!

GDS {Ed007's Note - Especially that rag.}

And you know more Ed007 ?
Stanley {Ed007's Note - Yes.}

No offence but I have to disagree with you on this one... Opinions and desicions can change in a matter of months like we have seen with the likes of Fryers,Pogba etc.

He will have asked for more because he has officialy played at a major international tournament. It shows he has made the step up to the top level and I believe he should maybe be offered more than the 40,000 a week we have offered.

How much are some of our team on that don't even make a difference, to the team, Berbatov,Anderson etc that just sit there with their bumper pay checks, if it was based of yearly performances Welbeck would be up near our top wage bills

fearny

Fearny,

i agree with you on that but my point was they wrote he will sign his contract for 42k a week in the next fortnight etc, then just change their story.

I am basically suggesting they know nothing and make it up. I believe that is common knowledge amongst most people but some will still believe the tripe that is printed.

GDS

11 Jul 2012 16:47:18
Most likely Man Utd signings will be
Lucas Moura = 32 million
Leighton Baines = 18 million
Robin Van Persie = 20 million

So we're going to spend £70m on players who aren't going to strengthen our weakest position. No centre mids?

Out of them I can only see Baines coming in. Moura is the rumour of the week. They'll be another player we'll be close to signing next week... as for RVP he is not needed and is probably off to City.

RedDevil7

Be positive you sad bugger - we will get RVP and Mod AND we will rule the waves
Stanley

11 Jul 2012 15:44:55
I think it is fair to say we respect Luka's ambitions and his willingness to move on, and I think Luka respects as well that he is an important player for the club who can help us move forward.

"I think ongoing discussions with these various clubs will continue until we reach an agreement which is sensible for each party."

Asked to confirm that it looked like Modric would be leaving, Villas-Boas added: "Not really. The willingness is there from the player but a player of this importance is not easy to part company with.

"But I think the chairman is a person who respects the values of the football club and only with the right offer will we take that step."

jred

As aspurs fan i'm lead to believe there are around three clubs talking to spurs, madrid, man united and im not sure who the third is? dont believe it's chelsea?, modric has his heart set on madrid! although things may change? but at the moment he wants madrid, spurs also want madrid! the hold up is a player! spurs want a serious player whereas madrid want to offload one surplus to requirements! the money side is not an issue its just the player, i think modric and spurs will get their way? levy does not want to burn bridges in offloading a player, moutinho is/has been in london and wants to join spurs due to avb and as soon as modric goes? then moutinho will arrive!

"I think ongoing discussions with these various clubs"

Seems we are still hanging in there by the skin of our teeth.

Sydney!

Real Madrid were 10-1 on to sign Modric last night, United 14-1 against. Odds changed this afternoon to Real Madrid 4-1 on, United 5-1 against. Only a very faint glimmer of hope, but sounds as though the Madrid deal isn't done yet.

Red Spark

Can anyone else confirm if there has actualy been any interest in modric from madrid.

i read it was more a case of modric wanting madrid than madrid wanting him.

jred

From what I have heard from numerous journalists is Modric wants the RM move and Spurs want to sell to Madrid as opposed to another EPL club. The problem is RM do not have the funds to buy Modric outright or at least do not have the funds to buy Modric as well as their other summer targets. AVB has confirmed that "various clubs" are talking to Spurs, it seems we are one of those teams along with PSG. We have a chance of signing Mods as RM may not be able to afford him, but RM are the favourites as we stand because the player wants the move more than the United move. That is what the story is according to most. Not sure if it's 100% true. Apparently it will cost us more to get Modric than it would cost RM for example. Spurs really do not want him to move to OT. Spurs are also very close to signing Moutinho who has agreed personal terms with Spurs.

Sydney!

Are we serious about mouthino? because at this rate he will be at spurs and modric madrid and we are back to square 1........

we should be more serious about mouthino and force levy into then considering us an option to sell to.....

11 Jul 2012 14:57:53
Guys...lets say we do get Moura, but at the compromise of only getting a CM or a LB, not both. Which would you choose? Moura and a CM or Moura and a LB? Personally i'd go for a CM, Evra can step up to the makr for another season, he's got the experience to do so!

Andy

If it was like that it would have to be a LB... would leave only one recognised LB at the club

What happens if Evra breaks his leg just a day after the transfer window shuts... Nobody to replace him

fearny

Fabio is out on loan though and fryers has gone, there is no senior left back for cover. I am hoping petrucci gets a look in next season.

Ste-Utd

As a matter of interest - I know Toni has played right back (and i thought was ok)

My question has Ashley Young ever played left back?

Mike

Easily Moura and a CM (although hopefully a cdm). I know SAF has not been a fan of cdm's in the past - but with Moura, Kagawa, Nani, Valencia and Rooney on the field we'll need someone who can shield the defense and win the ball back. Anything less and our midfield would be torn apart on a weekly basis.

Something like this might work -

-------------DDG------------
Rafael--Smalling--Vidic--Evans
Valencia-----M'Villa-------Nani
--------Moura--Kagawa------
------------Rooney----------

- although tbh I'm still not convinced there's any real interest in signing Moura or that if there is we're anywhere near concluding a deal (my mind jumps back to a month or so ago when The Sun reported that Modric to United was a done deal for £26m).

T0MB0Z

Id go for a cm, evans can play lb

TRUMORS

I have never seen ashley young play at left back but assume the coaches he has worked with didnt feel he was suited to the position or more likely there has been no need to try him there. I think fergie might try evans at left back but more probably baines will come in once everton agree terms with a replacement. Bookedredmole

11 Jul 2012 14:48:10
United will make 2 more signings max. Lucas Moura is a no go, we have already signed 2 young attacking midfielders in Kagawa and Powell, yes Kagawa can play wide left but I doubt him being played in front of Nani and Young, and Powell can play up front, but again we have Welbeck in hot form, and we also have Macheda coming back who iin my opinion will have a great season providing he gets game time seen as though he's only 20 he has a lot of potential. The only signings I can see us making are a full back for cover for Evra, and a holding midfielder as unfortunately even if Fletcher comes back, he won't be able to play as much as he used too. the most likely 25m player is Moutinho if we sign a big name.

I disagree with several points. I do not believe either Kiko or Nani will be at OT next season. Baines will play AHEAD of Evra and I think Moutinho will sign for Spurs as we are concentrating too much on Modric.

Sydney!

Sydney you may want to look at the Man Utd website. Pretty sure Kiko is staying for at least another season.

Red Joe

Sydney, I agree with your first two points! But just a question on your last one about the CM situation, who do you think is a likely possibility for us? Assuming you're right in thinking Moutinho goes to Spurs and that I'm right in thinking Modric will go to Madrid...what does that leave us?

Andy

Macheda and Nani will be definaetly at OT

fearny

Red Joe, it's irrelevant what Kiko or his agent says on the United website or to other media sources. They do not decide who's in next season's squad. Come back on September 1st and we will see if he is still at the club.

Andy, we are still in for Modric despite what the papers are saying about him Madrid bound. Yes he is favourite to sign for RM, but they are yet to agree a fee so we are still in with a chance. I do think we could be left wanting with Moutinho joining Spurs and Modric joining Madrid. Just hope the manager has a plan C.

Sydney!

Macheda has an issue not just with his attitude but with his pace. He is no Teddy Sheringham so for me he isn't going to make it now. Shame because he had great promise when he scored the hattrick in the reserves and that goal against Villa.

Nani has been discussed at length but indications are that we either haven't offered him a contract extension are refusing to meet his expectationssuggesting we want to shift him on. He has 2 years left on his contract so this is his maximum value , next summer he would be our Nasri or RVP

The club appear to be looking at younger players that frankly would replace Nani. If we don't get one of them then Nani could stay but where would that leave his contract situation? I make no bones about it that we need a change in Nanis position and all indications are the club are looki g and they are trying so hard it seems likely their mind is made up but we will know soon enough.

A CM and a player like Rodriguez or Moura plus a left back would be a good summer

Red Man

Macheda might stay at Old Trafford this year but he is still useless!

Simmo

Red Man, any update on Petrucci's contract talks? Thanks.

Sydney!

Simmo, Kiko will be gone by September 1st. Probably a loan with view to a permanent deal. Could be Besiktas.

Sydney!

I'll be slightly miffed if Modric goes to RM and Moutinho goes to Spurs TBH. It almost feels a nit inevitible with Modric and RM being interested, whilst I feel Moutinho would be an excellent 2nd choice and we should be able to attract him over Spurs, even considering their new manager. So it would be silly to put all our eggs in one basket with Modric

Gav

Sydney

My understanding is that Petrucci is happy at OT but no news on the contract. Haven't had contact with anyone for a few weeks

Red Man

Thanks Red Man. I would feel a lot better about our midfield if he would hurry up and sign. Still need a top midfielder like Modric mind.

Sydney!

11 Jul 2012 14:32:59
No rumour but I'm interested in people's thoughts on the idea of bringing out of contract 33 year old Riquelme to OT.

I'm thinking along the lines of one of Fergies Blanc / Larsson type signings.

I know it's never going to happen, but then again who'd have thought that we'd bring either of those two players to the club when we did.

I could only see Riquelme working in a three man midfield and would probably be most effective in European games.

Also, perhaps a change of role ala Scholes/Pirlo would make him more effective now he's older.

Anyway, with not very much actually happening on the transfer front, I thought I'd throw this one out there to keep us amused.

Andrew B

Too slow. Maybe a few years ago but not now.
Was a fantastic player in his prime a bit like Gascoigne.

Supasub

Well he's a great player! Like you said, he'd play in a three man midfield. So after signing Kagawa I don't see much need attacking wise, and deeper, a la Scholes/Pirlo, I'm not sure he'd be able to handle British football. And we still have Scholes and Cleverley needs game time too. Generally I just don't think it's needed.
Plus you gotta remember that Larsson was only a short loan and Blanc was not entirely a success (debatable).

M.D.

No way. Watched him in the copa Libertadores final last week. Looked slow and bit overweight. Sadly as he was a fine player few years back.

For me Moutinho/Modric/Cabaye is the key signing and I would be hpy with just one of them as our only signing. I think Evra can still do a job at Lb and we have Evans/Blackett as cover. Moura n RVP would be great but a bonus.

Red Rebel

11 Jul 2012 14:11:08
I see a lot of people are dismissing the Moura rumours considering the current strength of our attacking quadrant. But, this is the way I see it; you cannot dismiss the rumours completely - as I believe the only reason SAF might be in for him this summer, is because Moura cast doubt upon his Santos future by refusing another contract. So SAF would probably need to move this summer as opposed to next when he wanted to. Just like Phil Jones.

Joe

I seriously doubt his Santos future, I think his current club Sao Paulo would be furious. Lol.

Shappy

Ha-ha my bad...

Joe

11 Jul 2012 14:17:11
Do use think moura would be good at utd cause what ive seen of him only been a few sao paolo games and a few brazil games he seems greedy with the ball and doesnt pass enough your thoughts thanks
RK

Lots of young players are 'greedy' because they are so keen to impress. He will learn so much at a big european club (not stating who).

Ste-Utd

I think Valencia could teach him alot if he chooses to listen that is another thing completely. We have a good balance and players like Giggs, Scholes, Carrick and Young would be able to help anyone with any aspect of their games.

1redarmy

Ahhh Lucas Moura - the Brazilian Theo Walcott!

Chrispy Dave

Chrispy Dave, do you even watch football?

Wallcott is quick but can't dribble, Maura is quick but is one of the best dribblers in the world already.

Red Joe

I took a quick look on YouTube so from what I saw.
Small low centre of gravity able to change direction quickly. A bit like Ronaldo can shift the ball quickly and comfortably between feet. He seems to have good acceleration over five yards not unlike Maradona had plus he looks strong enough physically to ward off challenges. Tends to cut to the right and seems predominantly to shoot right footedly but the right foot is powerful. He can use his left but tends to be a little more deliberate but takes it on to his left indicating he is confident in using it. Has high potential in a not dissimilar way to Ronaldo. The difference being Ron was £12m and this kid could be 25 plus million.

I always feel you can judge a player better in the flesh than selectively on video so our scouting needs to have been done already, if he stars in the Olympics his price will go up.

Red Man

11 Jul 2012 13:57:45
According to the Official Man United Website Macheda is looking forward to the season with Man U.
I would rather have a crocked Micheal Owen than Macheda.

Simmo

Why? He is still learning the game. Grow up and be patient.

Whistler.

I rather have Owen any day even with his health issues over a healthy Macheda.

Ok so Macheda hasnt been great and I have slated him myself but lets not forget how young he is and it is also worth baring in mind that the quick passing style of play we all anticipate may very well benefit Macheda. Give him a chance in the area and he will hit the target so having Nani, Valencia, Kagawa, Rooney and co buzzing around him he may just fulfill his potential.

TK-Red

I'm glad you're not head of youth development then.... People want too much too soon...

Whistler.

Quick passing style....that puts Macheda sh*t out of luck then. He will suit his game even less!
He has no pace what so ever. His first touch is terrible and he constantly wonders offside.
It doesn't matter how young he is he will never make the grade at United.
He couldn't even get a game out on loan at Sampdoria and QPR.

Simmo

Agree with Simmo, Kiko is ridiculously slow and will not suit our style of play next season.

Sydney!

When Sir Alex Ferguson describes a kid as 'the best finisher at the club' you have got to listen. Mario Gomez can't run, but he will pop a few in the net...

Whistler.

11 Jul 2012 13:37:29
I think this Lucas Moura rumours are more of a paper talk. If we look at our existing mid field we have Nani, Young, Anto, Giggsy in the wings with Welbeck too can play in that role. Plus we have added Kagawa who can play behind the main striker as well as wings. Same goes for Young.. So until n unless we are offloading Nani, i dont think we will be looking at Moura. And if he comes in then that will be the end of Nani at Old Trafford.

Sammy_THEREDDEVIL

11 Jul 2012 13:20:49
we wont be signing moura we don't need him. We need a centre mid and a left back not a luxury player. In other news will welbeck sign?

11 Jul 2012 12:51:19
Syd, what are your thoughts on the RVP situation involving UTD? News in the tabloids today and it just so happens that a work colleague of mine told me yesterday the he had chosen to come to us this season via a guy he knows works at OT. I know it sounds like your typical BS rumour but do you think this has any substance? For me think it would cost too much money when you take his age and injury record.

Langers

The Arsenal editor has said that RVP's demands were extreme. Seems the "I am not interested in money" story is false regarding him. Also giving his poor injury record and his age I think it's highly unlikely we would part with more than £15m for him. I think he is nailed on to join City.

Sydney!

11 Jul 2012 12:08:12
I never speculate on signings or transfer targets because i literally hate the transfer window. It really is silly season, Linked with about 100 players every summer but that's to be expected, Some people on here post a new team for next season every 4 or 5 hours haha madness.

But id like to ask, If anyone knows or has any thoughts... What do you think to be the story with anymore outgoing players? Berbatov, Macheda ? Do people really think Nani could be sold? Sometimes Nani can frustrate the life out of me but i really hope we dont sell him. Has Anderson got a future at United? What do people think?Thanks

Dylan

I feel the same as you about the off-season and Nani.
We spent so much on Ando and Nani that I'm refusing to give up on them. Especially after seeing glimpses of what they can offer. I guess it comes down to the offers that come in for them and the other options available, as we saw with Juve and Nani last season.
I'd simultaneously be relieved if they move on, but disappointed that we didn't see the best of them. And the best is yet to come from both.

M.D.

11 Jul 2012 11:21:25
ALEX FERGUSON is in London today amid claims he is still pursuing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

he is attending Labour Sports Party..@ Emirates Stadium !


Rooney+ RVP = no one can stops us to losse the title

Dixon (mUmbai)

11 Jul 2012 10:03:52
Ed do you think Utd are going to make a move for Baines? On the Everton site they seem to be thinking that it won't happen at all, or that if we do want him we're talking at least 20 to 25 million.

SK

If we pay 25mil for Baines I will be the least amused person in the world....

1redarmy

11 Jul 2012 10:17:32
Forgive me for being a pesamist but am i the only one that thinks that MUFC are in trouble. I have thought for a while we cant/dont attract the elite players anymore. I dont know if its an accurate translation but Lucas Mouras agent had a dig at italian football saying its broken and clubs release false stories to please fans, also said it happens in England and non moreso than Manchester United. This seems to be ringing true doesnt it. Im a massive UTD fan, but also a realistic one and if we think over the past 5 years the players we have apparently "tried to sign", Torres, Silva, Nasri, Villa, Hazard, Modric to name a few and how many have actually come close to joining??
So it wouldnt suprise me one bit if we didnt sign the Grade A player we have all been waiting 3-4 seasons for, and Fergie will come out and say we tried but......

We have already signed one 'grade A' player in Shinji. We were unlucky regarding Hazard and we are unlucky regarding Modric. Chelsea never looked like winning the UCL being second best in every tie, but they won it and that was the only thing stopping him from joining us. RM are difficult to shrug aside as they have tremendous pull. If Silva was available then Modric wouldn't even be on their radar. We need some luck this summer and I hope we do sign another top player. I agree with Red Man that we need 2-3 this summer.

Sydney!

I understand your feeling but like most fans you don't stop to think about the players we have/ have had in the past.

Sometimes it doesn't matter if we buy someone who is truly established as they may/ may not fit in anyway. It is the players we buy with less risk that pay off. In 2008 and 09, with the same debt if not bigger, we had a front three of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez. Any team in the world would have killed for that line up and Madrid have wanted it ever since.

Look at Tony V, he was bought from wigan for reletavly cheep yet now he is seen as one of the best in the world on the wing.

Even if we throw 30m at Martinez or Modric it doesn't mean they will be a hit, Look at berbs and Veron, so dont worry, we develope class and that is why we are 19 times champions and I feel 20 is around the corner.

1redarmy

I dont think we are in any more trouble now than we were when the likes of the original Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Nesta and a whole host of others have been linked however tenuously but not arrived at OT.

I think the Hazard situation does illustrate that for a foreign player the lure of Champs League and London will outweigh the 'grim up north' option that is United. C'est la vie.

Traditionally though we've never signed world class players - we've signed players with the potential to be world class, e.g. Keane, Vidic, Ronaldo, Rooney.


Halesini

Money stopped hazzard joining wether it was his or his agents it was down to that
johndenton

The list is endless and stretches back further than the names you've mentioned.
The fact is we do sign big players occasionally (Rio, Rooney), but mostly we work on good scouting and development.
It's always been the case, but it's highlighted more due to other clubs having endless supplies of cash.

M.D.

All the lucas modric hazard stories are just to make us fans think they have money to spend. we may have approached hazard but do you think we would have agreed a deal with lille for 32m i doubt it .Apparently moutinho has rejected us for spurs as well that can only be dont to the fact we are not willing to pay him the going rate.

In Sept we will hear the usual from fergie gill and Sydney that we tried but were unlucky . we have heard that for 3 years now .no one is unlucky getting a central midfield player for 3 years in a row.

You either cant afford it or you are not trying hard enough and i for one refuse to beleive that the greatest manager of all time is trying hard enough

Cue the pro glazer brigade with their we spent 55m last year.but whats 55m when you are level with fulham and stoke in net spend terms over the last 5 or 10 years.

Ralph

Here's Syd, as expected!
Kagawa wouldn't be at OT if a £30m pricetag had been put on him. Not denying he's a grade A player but he seems a one-off in that we managed to get him for a wonderful price, due to his contract running down.

If he was priced at £30m, and the usual suspects were linked, I'm convinced he wouldn't be wearing the red of United this season coming.

I'm with OP in a way. I still wait for us to actually succeed with one of these big bids. Until then, it's just a token gesture IMO, meant to convince the fans we're still in the market for world-class players.

Hazard, I'm not bothered about, his ego alone made him a gamble at that price.

But if we have another summer of showing an interest but not taking things further, well, same as last summer I guess.

RED_SKY

RED_SKY, you seem to forget that we spent £50m last summer on three players. Why wouldn't we spend that amount on two players a year later? I understand your negativity after missing out on players in the past, but the window only officially opened ten days ago so perhaps you are being a little presumptuous.

The club will always look for bargains like every self sufficient club does. Do you think RM would have paid £25m for Sahin or £50m for Oezil & Khendira? We will look for bargains, but we will also pay top dollar for players too, £15m+ for Baines is ridiculously high if you ask me.

Sydney!

Syd,

Uh. Maybe because we don't have it to spend this summer? Just a guess? I could care less about that £50m mate, the past is the past. We're concerned about THIS SUMMER, and the possiblity of several players who would greatly improve us turning us down for whatever reason. Nobody can think that Kagawa and Powell are enough for us to challenge on all fronts. And everybody should be screaming about why we are refusing to strengthen the centre of our midfield.

If SAF has known it's a problem for this long, why isn't he 'trying harder' to get the right man/men for the job? I will continue to believe his hands are tied, until proven otherwise.

Also, you've blatantly got some kind of Word document with a bunch of responses ready to cut and paste. No human would repeat themselves, pretty much word for word, as often as you do. I think you might be an Editor, keeping the conversation/topics going........ ; )

RED_SKY {Ed007's Note - I can 100% guarantee you that Syd is not an Editor. To be honest about it Syd (along with all the regular posters) is too valuable as posters on the site to to become an Ed. It is all of YOUR opinions that keep the sites moving, Eds are far too busy to be messing about keeping threads going. We are going flat out already this window and it is still early days.}

On another note Syd, agree fully about Baines. Would like him here, but that sort of fee could be used more wisely on CM.

We could get a cheaper LB, perhaps younger also, and then use the leftover to fortify our 'warchest' if we have one, for CM.

RED_SKY

And as predicted there is the pro glazer brigade with we spent 50 m last year . May i add on players that we will be able to and probably will sell for more in the future.

it doesnt wash when we have spent less than stoke and fulham over the past decade or so


Ralph

I do not cut and paste, but at least it shows I am consistent with my opinion and do not change them every five minutes like most on this site. Seriously RS mate, I am just as nervous as you are, but it is still early days and I do think we will sign a midfielder, Clyne (if he chooses us) and certainly Baines.

Sydney!

Ralph, wrong again. We have spent far more than both Stoke and Fulham over the past decade. Answer me this, after five years we would have spent £30m+ on DDG and £30m+ on Jones, do you think we will make a profit on them in five year's time? Exactly, so stop talking nonsense. We will never make a profit on either of them.

Sydney!

11 Jul 2012 10:06:40
Interesting interview with Park's father saying it was Ji Sung who wanted the move to QPR despite an improved offer with the real issue playing time. If Park was part of the thinking for next season until the moment of transfer it suggests maybe that the need for a new singing other than Kagawa may have been very recent and a bit of scrabbling around occuring.

11 Jul 2012 01:38:36
I know united don't usually pay over the odds for players over a certain age, but tbh why wouldn't we go for van persie

He's proven in the prem, he's world class without a doubt one of the best strikers of not the best on his current goal to game record

And we havnt really got another world class striker other than ROONEY who will score 20 goals.

I honestly belive for the right price 15-18 million we are seriously considering an offer, let's face it berbatov, Rooney, welbeck and chicharito

Agreed, I've been saying that for the last few days, its suprising that most people on here would rather sign Yann M'Villa or when Van Persie is a proven world class player, different position obviously but he would improve our team and overall play a lot more than M'Villa would, its silly to say we dont need him

Flimbo

Thats funny I am sure you said we haven't got players who can score over 20 goals... Over the last two seasons three of the 4 have... and Welbeck didn't do too badly either....

1redarmy

I would go for RVP at the right price. £15m yes. £25m no. Appreciating its not my money etc etc.

We do need to consider that RVP has had in essence one fantastic injury-free season out of 8 with the Gooners and that must temper any poss deal. Theres no doubt tho that he is a truly class act.

Halesini

11 Jul 2012 01:15:10
Lucas Moura looks a talent don't get me wrong but how could he possibly fit in the squad im guessing Ando would be used in the deal? Would love lucas at OT but if it happend i could only see a 451 with Lucas Kagawa in CAM roles? With Carrick holding mid? Also expect Baines to be a MUFC player by next week!

11 Jul 2012 00:09:38
Guys, while I think it unlikely, can I have your thoughts on where Moura would fit in to our squad if we were to sign him?

Andy

I think the whole Lucas Moura story is fake and I wouldn't worry about it.

Sydney!

He would be played out wide somewhere, Kagawa is for the middle and we could not get him into the middle of the pitch as he's not defensive minded enough.

RedDevil19

10 Jul 2012 22:36:32
Does anyone know whether Modric is interested in Chelsea? I know he was previously but recently I have only heard him agree personal terms with us and then Real after us.

Dan