Manchester United Banter Archive May 14 2014

 

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14 May 2014 23:53:25
Van der sar for coaching role at united for the outward bound woods?

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I don't understand why people always do this, just because he's Dutch and a former player they think he's the next best coach. Van Gaal will bring the gk coach from holland, not sure on his name, I think it's hoest or something

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Big Mac, I didn't post it because he's Dutch as I probably would follow that up with linking us to the entire dutch national squad. It certainly has a realistic chance of happening IMO.

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Please don't anyone from now on link any potential Dutch players or potential staff as it may offend.

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So why is it only realistic now? I'm not saying we won't get Dutch players but why all of a sudden would van der sat become a gk coach at united. I seen it a few weeks ago with schmeichel, I'm not having a go but how is it realistic

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Supa,

I don't think BM said he was offended, just that he hates it when people link people for the sake of it. There has been no word at all of van der sar taking over and as far as I am aware he has no coaching experience.

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Thank you GDS2

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It's not my opinion, it is in around 4 reports I've seen in the last couple of days. Maybe not highly credible reports but I'm only posting on here what might be of of interest that may have not been mentioned already. Van der sar was offered a coaching role when he retired but declined, probably nothing's changed on that front. Wait to we get linked again to Sschniedure.

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14 May 2014 22:26:47
Hi all, IMO our club is about to embark on a route the likes we have never seen before. with lvg at the helm our playing style will change completely those who embrace his philosophy will flourish, I be live he will upset some players and supporters alike. However every decision he makes will be centred around what's best for the team he has a self belief and at times an arrogance matched only by José and sir Alex

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14 May 2014 21:53:13
Not sure if it has been mentioned on here or not; but SAF is sat next to Conte at the Europa League final. Given that the game is in Turin it's not surprising that Conte is there - but could SAF be there to discuss a certain opening with him? This may explain why LVG is yet to be announced and given that Conte's future at Juve is far from secure it has to be a possibility. I suppose they could also be discussing transfers (Pogba + Vidal) or - dare I say it - just watching the game.

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LvG is MU's next manager. It will probably be announced tomorrow.

Why would Giggs be in Holland meeting LvG today if Conte is going to be the manager?

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Vidal hopefully mate.

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Just asking the question. The amount of time it has taken for the club to announce the next manager seems a little odd. I know it's looking very likely it will be LVG - but hey. Until the club announce it - anything is possible.

I'd love for SAF to have been there trying to negotiate a deal for Vidal or Pogba. Conte is unhappy at Juve due to the lack of funds being made available to him and so it stands to reason that they may well cash in on one or both of those players to raise funds.

Both would be massive improvements to our team although I'd rather we were after Vidal if only to avoid the embarrassment of spending £40m on a player we let leave for free a few seasons ago.

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Couldn't agree more R7.

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14 May 2014 21:10:57
I'm a yeovil town fan and I recently spoke to tom Lawrence during his time with us and he said to me that me was out of contract at united. Do you think that he will get a deal deal at united or move on. He looks like a good player with quick feet and a good shot with both feet.

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Almost certainly

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He's out of contract in about six weeks time. He will probably be offered a new deal.

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14 May 2014 21:29:25
If we are going to be signing injured players I'd rather Gundogan than Strootman. And what happened to the Kandogbia rumours?
On a different note, what do you people think of Saidy Janko? Personally I think he's good enough to play whatever role Valencia would have played next year

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Kondogbia has been at Monaco, struggling to adapt to the french league, but has not been too bad imo.

No, he is not. Not yet anyway. He has a higher ceiling than Valencia, but Janko has had no academy education. He lacks some of the basics that Bebe seemed to lack, but he is improving and will eventually get his chance

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Lvg likes Strootman as a player, he's mentioned him in several interviews, he brings balance to the way van gaal's system works.

I also agree with other posts that players who do not embrace van gaals system will be leaving, van gaal is not interested in star players, he's only interested in The Team.

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14 May 2014 20:16:51
Evening folks haven't posted.in a few weeks, been busy times.

Watching the 21s tonight, and must say I have been impressed (Chelsea just scored as I write) bar the Chelsea goal I.think Joyce has the team set up very well, full backs bombing down the wing, some nice interchanges of play in the middle, these young guys look very disciplined at times - Janko has impressed early on as has Lawrence with his well taken goal!

Would love to see a few of these players get a chance in tge first team, although it's clear we need to strengthen with proven quality, from what I have read, LVG likes to give youth a chance and I think a bit of first team experience would be excellent to see for these young guys.

Hopefully exciting times ahead - Up the reds!

Cheers
JR

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Chelsea fan here. Thought that Janko looked really good as well, but he was about the only player giving us problems.
It was a fun game to watch, some lovely interchanges and play at times.

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Jackson, shame we never turned up today, Chelsea were the better side and deserved the victory.

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I thought so too Sydney. But a good game to watch, with great talent on both sides. Future's bright.

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14 May 2014 19:02:47
The U21 final between United and Chelsea will kick off at 7:45 pm. You can watch it on MUTV, ssn, or any online streams you can find.

Interesting match imo. Lawrence retained his starting position ahead of Lingard but Michael Keane is back in the side, with Ekangamene moving to the midfield in place of Rothwell.

For those of you who are fans of Pearson, he usually plays best when partnered with a defensive midfielder instead of an attacking minded Rothwell, leaving Pearson to protect the defense.

Janko, Varela, James, Pereira and Wilson are potential first teamers so it should be worth the watch .

PS: Chelsea have a bigger, in all likelihood better, more expensive team. This should be a good test for our youngsters

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What a time to play their worst performance of the season :(

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Sydney, you know when sometimes you look at a player and he looks pretty talented, and you're kind of amazed how he has not made it big time?

Well, that just happened to me when the game started, and I was looking at the lineup. That is why Warren Joyce is not a manager, only a coach.

Chelsea had a good midfield, and were dominating. And yet we were playing a forward in central midfield, and a midfielder on the left. Lawrence and Pereira should have swapped position, but they did not and they both flopped.

Pereira would have helped out in defending and keeping possession, while Lawrence's direct dribbling would have been used somewhere where Chelsea were not packed. Playing Pereira in midfield would have also given more freedom to a very frustrated Pearson.

Blackett could have come on earlier, allowing James to play in his favored midfield position, and stop us from being dominated.

No tactical change was made, Joyce was not up for it. The players, most of them, did their best, but Warren was outwitted.

On the other hand I was really disappointed with Keane. He was partly at fault for both goals, and a player touted for a first team role should be doing better.

How about Janko though? He lacks the technical ability that comes with training at an academy for years, but the pace, desire and power that he has can help him make it big time. I think he will turn out better than Bebe ( who is apparently a Benfica/ Sporting target after the season he just had )

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Mick1,

I am struggling to see how Keane was at fault for the 2nd goal mate, Ekangamene's poor touch allowed the ball to fall nicely to the Chelsea player who smashed it in with a great finish.

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I think he was partly at fault for it. When the Chelsea lad cut inside after he got the ball, Keane could have closed him off.

The lad is smart, talented, and good on the ball. But when it comes to all- action defending ( a la Jones/ Vidic ) he is found wanting.

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Deflecting the discussion from United to the Chelsea youth team, I think Lewis Baker has been a standout performer this season for them. He looks like a talent to me and is . you guessed it ENGLISH ;-)

Deeps.

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Mick

Was Rothewell injured or not favoured? I think he was the difference for me.

Deeps.

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ROthwell came off with a knock against Liverpool. He was injured, hence why Michael Keane got to play in defense. He probably would not have started, and we would have went with Ekangamene in central defense.

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14 May 2014 17:58:02
Vidal to united ain't happening
Madrid will probably buy him and stick.him on the bench beside kediera and isco.

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I think everyone knows that happy Al.

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You forgot illaramendi and few other there too :)

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GCU, I missed out alot. I wish some.players would chose playing time over sitting on Madrids bench. Look at alacantra that United missed out on to bayern, got a few games, got injured. He would have been a starter for united and had an important role. Same goes for javi Martinez who is an unbelievable CM. He was the only player you could compare to xavi. He has been played at CB, DM and on the bench and now wants out.

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Casemiro, Canales out on loan just to name a couple more.

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Vidal will be a starter wherever he goes.

Expect Real will sign Vidal and Suarez and get rid of Benzema, Alonso and Khedira. They might buy a new CB as well if the other signings aren't too much more than £100m (£40m and £70m would probably be enough). They'll recoup £60m through outgoings and will be a hell of a lot stronger next season.

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14 May 2014 17:37:59
Hello All, Can anyone of fellow posters or Eds can tell me about the 14/15 Kits? The ones I have seen on the web are for real?

PS I loved the Green and Gold third kit, just like the old and the best times.

PF.

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{Ed004's Note - Doubt they are but the black was very nice. Would love the club run competitions for fans to create the jersey reckon they would be nicer than what we have had recently}

14 May 2014 17:25:56
Pictures doing the rounds on twitter of giggs in holland.

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Rumour has it all issue have been ironed out and LvG will be the next MU manager. It could be announced tonight, but I am sticking with my hunch (tomorrow). I still think next week is when we will secure our first signing. Hopefully MU and Southampton can agree a fee by then :)

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LVG tomorrow and Shaw next week as Syd says. Then I think it will be Strootman or Kroos as the next confirmed signing.

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Giggs is at old Trafford .

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Dont want strootman looks slow to me surely better options out there. I would like kroos but I would prefer fabregas.

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I'm not sure Strootman would be instead of Kroos. I think he would be as well as Kroos. I am hoping for Vidal though.

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Strootman will work well in the Van Gaal system and I am happy for him to bring in players he trusts. Plus I was banging the Strootman drum last year and he has enhanced that reputation in Italy.

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Giggs was in Holland lunch time. It's only a two hour flight away.

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Hes got a really realy fast plane

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Enhanced his reputation in italy (the slowest league ever!) We lack pace so strootman is not for me. Vidal would be my first choice.

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Vidal who plays in which league?

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15 May 2014 06:16:59
Nearly went a full day then without fresh telling us we will sign Strootman and Kroos! Personally I wouldn't think strootman is a starter this year with his injury, and as Ed02 said Kroos is unlikely

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14 May 2014 16:33:16
I think it's going to be a slow summer for us, where we are at the moment there's no quick fix, I don't think we are going to get the players we all want, we need kroos reus hummels garay shaw, plus maybe 2 more, it will take 2 or 3 years to get back where we should be, I can see someone like xavi coming to plug a hole for maybe 2 years as he is 32 I think, we need to finish in the top 4 next year then we might get kroos reus or Vidal, it's going to be a slower process than most of us think,

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Cheer up Leahy.

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Xavi. really? Seems unlikely we bring in a big salary like his, he'd simply be a short term upgrade on carrick with his passing ability, doesn't provide anything with regards to cover for our back 4 which we so desperately need

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He's 34! it won't happen we're building for the future so expect big names to be signed, calm down let's get the manager signed first then the players will follow.

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14 May 2014 16:21:54
Forgive my ignorance but is Kevin Strootman fit for the World Cup or will he be back fit for start of next season?

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Fit by August they reckon, not at the World Cup which if anything makes signing him easier.

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He isn't fit for the world cup and it has forced van Gaal to change his system and the team will play a 532 at the world cup which he revealed during his last press conference yesterday.

He said he is planing on doing this because of a lack of quality LB's and the fact that without Strootman he feels the midfield could be over exposed.

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Out of world cup but likely to be back for start of next season. Would love him to come in but likely to struggle to pass a medical until end of August.and we need players in early.

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14 May 2014 15:15:24
Does anyone know a great deal about Bruno Martins Indi who we either have or will be bidding for along with Hummels?

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He's 22, over 6ft, can play LB and CB. valued at around £10m.

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Sounds like the perfect option to be honest then. If he can cover left back too then that means we can get rid of Buttner as well as Evra.

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Bruno Martins Indi is EXACTLY what we need!

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I think he's exactly what we're looking for in player this week. But I also think he has the potential to be a player we really need in a fortnight too.

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14 May 2014 14:46:10
Ji Sung Park has had to retire at 33 years of age due to a long history of knee problems and operations. Always gave 100% for us out on the pitch, unlike many others, and gave us one of my favourite songs of all time. Hope he enjoys the rest, he never stopped running when out on the pitch, so it is well deserved.

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Here, here, if only some of the current squad would put in 100% like Park did!i not surprised his knees have given in the amount of running he did, he will always be remembered at utd.

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I never appreciated as much as I do now. Fantastic player and scored some vital goals for us - and never kicked up a fuss.

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Could of had done with him this year never say die attidued is something we lacked this year

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His knees may be knackered but he'll always have his three lungs. Always 100%, you just knew he loved the shirt and the club it represented. Totally committed and a true professional.

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Always liked Park, total workhorse of a player capable of popping up with a crucial goal. Best of luck to the lad.

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Absolutely, one of those players that every team needs, maybe goes unnoticed at times, but their efforts and work rate are most appreciated by their team mates. Top commitment and determination, great professional.

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Quality team player. Gilly agree totally with your comments and think they also apply to a certain Darren Fletcher still gracing the beloved shirt

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Nice post. I live in Korea and having him in the team meant that every single UTD match was on TV. I remember tuning in for the first match after he left and the QPR game was on instead - right fickle they are.
But long before I came to Korea he was already a favorite of mine. Worked his arse off, never moaned or kicked off.

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14 May 2014 13:45:21
Shaw and lallana so i'm not bias ;)
Hopefully you will let this post edds

{Ed001's Note .

I would say you were absolutely spot on with your assessment of the Shaw bid. We know for sure Chelsea were interested last summer but have since moved on to look at other targets because of the price Southampton were asking. I really don't see Manchester United being willing to meet it, when they are less in need of buying homegrown players than Chelsea. So far there is definitely no agreement reached between the clubs, everyone I have spoken to involved with both clubs is 100% adamant that no agreement is in place, though they all agree that United would love to sign him. They all also believe that the current speculation is partly being seeded by United in the hope of unsettling the lad.

Lallana is unlikely to join Liverpool, he has rejected them at least twice in the past, but stranger things have happened. Currently he is waiting to see what happens with regards to the manager before he makes any decision on his future. Personally I would expect this to drag on throughout the World Cup, unless Poch goes. As for the price, Southampton would be looking for £30m. If Poch stays, I would expect him to stay myself. The lad is very happy at Saints, though it might be different if Everton were challenging for titles and came in for him.}

Its anyones game where they both go or both stay

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I fully expect both Shaw and Lallana deals to go through, Schneiderlin to join Arsenal and Poch to join Spurs. I'd be surprised if this didn't happen now.

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14 May 2014 12:29:24
For me, Hummels is offensively the best center back in the world, confident on the ball, can bring it out of the back and a great range of passing, he weights his passes beautifully. But . why would Dortmund let him go?

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Dortmund are a bit of a selling club by the looks of things. They sold some pretty important players' over the past few seasons, so I believe there is a chance of signing any of their top players' if the price is right.

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Samthered -

An unfair assessment really. Not only was Lewandowski not sold; they actually refused the sale knowing he would leave for free. Gotze's release clause was met by Bayern so they had no say in that deal and Kagawa was in the last year of his contract when he moved to United. The only big player they've willingly sold in recent years is Sahin - and that was to allow younger players to come through.

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No really, Redseven. I think the assessment is a fair one insofar as they themselves acknowledge that they are still a selling club.

Their failure to keep hold of their best players' is proof that they just do not have the selling power to keep those players' on board. Thus when the football superpowers - which includes United - come knocking on their door for one of their top players'. invariably, that top leaves.

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Hope you are right, Sam. If we do actually bid for Hummels, the end result may show where we stand as a club in terms of drawing top players and strength in the market.
Getting a big player like Hummels would be fantastic for the team and it would also be a big statement of our standing in Europe.

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They're a team in transition that is building for the future - and whilst they've had to sell players in the past due to issues with their contracts - they are not financially obliged to sell (which is how I would measure whether or not a club is a 'selling club').

Hummels and Reus both have 3 years left on their contracts - and I don't think either will leave unless they ask to leave.

Hummels in February:

"I do not necessarily need to play for the best team in the world to remain in a situation to have a certain chance to grab trophies. That's a fact, ".

"I am a player of Borussia Dortmund and, so to say, I would prefer one UEFA Champions League title with Borussia Dortmund over six with an other club."

Reus in January:

"I have a contract with Borussia Dortmund and I am happy to be here, ".

"All I can say about is that I am not thinking about a transfer. I am focused on BVB and anything else is something for the future."

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14 May 2014 11:34:23
Question for Ed02, there are strong rumours from Italy suggesting MU are trying to do a deal for Strootman. My question to you is can a club realistically buy a player who has a serious injury? It's a mega risk, but would he even pass a medical? Has this been done before to your knowledge? And would you get a player at a lower price due to the injury and risk involved? Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - van Nistelrooy.}

I am pretty sure Stroots will join United if we can buy him I think we will risk it personally

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We signed van Nistelrooy a year later after he had recovered from his injury. I would have thought Hargreaves would be a more apt example.

There is no reason to believe the club wouldn't attempt to sign a player if that was the wishes of the new manager.

It's entirely possible for a club to sign a player while their injured. Medicals have moved on a lot form the days of making players run on a treadmill. Clubs now have players entire medical history checked into, they also hire experts to analyse the findings and try and predict any future potential issues. AC Milan cancelled the signing of Aly Cissokho based on a dental examination which showed a potential long term problem.

The club could sign Strootman if they felt he would fully recover from his injury and have no long term effects from it. But as to whether the club would take the gamble well that's a much harder to answer question.

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That's right, he had the exact same injury too.

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I am not sure we are in a position to gamble. If we already had a couple of top CM players' at the club, I would think it a bet worth taking. As it stands, it is too risky. We need someone who is going to come in and make a big impact - and who has no overshadowing injury concerns.

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Surely if you were buying a player who is still injured, that player would come cheaper than that of a fully fit player? Or will it be a lower initial fee, with larger future add-ons?

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I don't think they would be significantly cheaper Syd! Another player is Downing who joined villa with a broken leg - it does happen.

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It depends on whether the selling club want to sell. If Roma don't want to sell then we will have to make an offer they can't refuse injured or not.

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14 May 2014 11:34:12
Ed02 got a feeling your going to busier than normal this summer.

Good luck :)

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14 May 2014 10:08:22
I was struggling to sleep last night and started thinking of the "if only's" of our team. In particular if only Fabio & Anderson had turned out ok they would be perfect for our LB & BBM, and that then spiralled into other players that failed to meet expectations whether my own or the medias, so here are a few categories that may be interesting and my choices - you can go on and on here believe me. Feel free to add your own categories because I bet you will find yourself changing yours after you hear a few ideas from other people:

Current Utd Who Hasn't Turned Out how you hoped - Rooney

If Only For Our Problems Now - Anderson as a BBM

Archive Utd Player - Lee Sharpe (When I was a kid I thought he was amazing and he just never got to where I thought he would).

Archive Other - Paul Gascoigne

Media Humble Pie (Over Hyped) - Joe Cole

Kaizer Soze (Everywhere in the media then puff they vanish) - Ariel Ortega, the next Maradona apparently

Future Flop - Barkley

Personal Fave You Watched And Faded - Stephen Ireland, at City he looked awesome and I always watch him closely when he plays, just didn't develop how I hoped.

Maybe some of the older guys will have some Utd players pre 90's that they remember a major fuss being made over and nothing happened.

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Barkley will be far from a flop Beast lad.

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BBM - Is that box to box midfielder? Or Beef burger meal?

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But then again you think Mata is a flop so I am not surprised by your opinion.

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Big Busty Mature?

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Must be box to box midfielder, Ando goes for chicken royale with cheese.

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Big Beautiful Man?

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I was expecting some type of announcement today from the club regarding our new manager.

For me, this needs to be done and dusted, and would have been if we had already agreed a deal with LVG, which we obviously haven't.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if LVG ends up at Spurs because of our procrastinating chief executive.

Without sounding like a negative nelly, I am slightly concerned. We should be moving full steam ahead and not pratting about, which got us in the crap we ended up in last season.
Once the WC starts, it becomes so difficult to get deals done. We can't afford to wait until after the WC to sign players'; this is why it is so important that we get a manager sorted this week before the players' we're interested in get into world cup mode.

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Sam, do you think we would have dropped our interest in Carvalho and bid for Martins Indi if LvG wasn't going to be manager?

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First off, sorry to the OP. I meant to create my own post on the subject, and not change the direction of your post.

Syd, I think the club should have learnt it's lesson by now. We should just go and sign the players' who the previous manager had worked on signing, which included Carvalho. The guy is immense IMO, and would improve our CM immensely.

I am not sure what is going on ATM. I

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Sam, last week I said I believed it will be announced tomorrow (Thursday). I still think we will hear something tomorrow.

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I hope so mate. We fans' have shown a lot of patience with the club this past year. We deserve some good news.

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14 May 2014 09:26:33
I have a feeling France may do well this summer. They have a solid defence. Great midfield and if Benzema is firing on all cylinders, then a great attack. I expect Pogba to shine at this WC.

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Not for me Syd, always flatter to deceive, shocked about Nasri as well.

I think climate will have a big say for European teams, but despite that my money is on Germany.

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14 May 2014 09:06:59
So Giggs wants to play on as well as coach next season .
Good news for our young players who will have a guy in his forties blocking their way .

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Bilko, Giggs throughout last season took a back seat. He will play only when we are down to the bare bones and need him. Personally I think it's a great time to hang up his boots, but I am not concerned about him blocking youth.

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Giggs won't be blocking anybody next season. IF the new manager is LVG he will play who he thinks deserves to play, not who he thinks the fans will want or the vocal players. Too much pandering went on with Moyes, that should stop next season.

Giggs will be great for helping the youth and will be a good sounding board for LVG in the Prem.

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Also let's not forget he was left out of a midfield which, if age had nothing to do with it, he'd have been 1st name down. Carrick was poor last season, as was fellani and Cleverley(not good enough) and Fletcher was injured for the early part. Some of our best performances all season actually include Giggs. Bay Lev, Swansea and Olymipiakas. So let's not just dismiss he because he's 40 if the young players are good enough they will play!

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Exactly Chorlton. Like most people I was going mad about Giggs being in the team, but then when you think about other players not one of them performed better and he actually did well. Fletcher was atrocious for me, I admire his courage and commitment, but that doesn't mean you are entitled to wear the Utd shirt. He would struggle to get into mid-table teams now. Carrick needs to go to Newcastle for me, Fellaini needs a run with pace around him so he can settle down, Moyes changed things too often. Cleverly needs to go to a Swansea, he could get back on track there, but noway is he Utd quality as virtually everybody agrees now. Big changes afoot and I'm pleased Giggs is an option.

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14 May 2014 07:41:52
now its certain that rio-vida are leaving, we must need a new CB partnership.
Due to jones and smalling's injury prone nature I am not backing them. They are good but I don't think they can give us steady partnership. Evans isn't good enough because of same problem and he doesn't have any good aerial ability either; which we have seen costing us lot of goals.
Reports are linking us with Hummels. he is very good, if we manage to pull that deal( which looks unlikely) we still need some one solid to partner him.
so here are some options
1) GARAY: good ball playing and tactical defender. lacks pace but covers it with his positional sence.He was almost certain to join before moyes decided otherwise.
2) Mangala : a defencive monster. A combination of Pace and power, but with city interested and porto demanding high asking price will go high.
3) Bruno Indi: A rock and pacey defender, linked with us since LVG named to take over. still raw but still batter than what we have.

Now this is my choice, linked with us in January. and in my opinion a real ball playing defender with extreme pace and ball control. possess good tackels and aerial ability with excellent marking.
4) Virgil van dijk : excellent in many ways as central defender. A true leadership quality. He is equal to Raphael Varane in defending ability and positional sences. Available for around 12m. this guy is a real gem. I have watched him since he is linked to us and I m not dis-appointed at all.

Hummels and Van-dijk can be the TWO we need. and that's around 40m well invested.
watch van-dijk and see for yourself. I guess now LVG is certain to be incharge he will bring Dutch players who are definatly good for United as he knows in-out of them.

I hope we get those two.

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Rodio, I agree, Hummels and vD would be my choices if we had UCL football. I haven't seen much of the latter, but 007 has and he rates him. At £8m he would be a low risk and we could get the pair of them for £30m-£35m. Then let Smalling, Jones, Evans & the Dutch lad battle it out to play alongside Hummels. BUT, due to not having any UCL football I think Hummels alone will be more than enough.

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Shaw - Hummels - Kroos - Mueller.

If these were the signings, who would people wants as the second central midfielder?

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If fitness is taken into account and the risk is properly analysed then Strootman.

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Sydney. Since Moyes departed our interest in carvalho has gone. and that's worrying me. Lvg wants strootman but he is not as physical as carvalho. He would provide much needed platform for kroos and other fronts to perform without fear.
So carvalho is my choice alongside kroos.

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Rodio, I think if Strootman was fit, he would be the next signing. But due to his injury it has to be unlikely? Right?

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Its pretty surprising to see why van dijk is not selected in dutch squad. Does anyone know more if martins indi is any good? Don't know much of him

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Indi from what I have read can play LB and CB. So we could be preparing to offload both Evra and Buettner.

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To be honest I don't think who the 2nd midfielder is really matters as long as they bring the qualities we need. They need to be strong, physical and a ball winner with the ability to drive forward.

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RJ, you have just described Strootman, but he's injured. I really cannot see how we could take such a risk.

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That's true Syd however, as I said provided they bring the right quality in I don't care who it is. Vidal is still the dream signing.

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RJ, most certainly. Vidal would be a stunning signing.

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14 May 2014 03:03:12
Does no one else fear carvalho could be the same as kondogbia of last season. Extremely highly rated and many of us including me wanted us to get him and now I'm glad as I haven't heard much of him this season. What if carvalho is the same but we are the ones to find this out first hand then be stuck with no back up

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14 May 2014 01:25:55
Interesting that an ITK 'agent' says Van Gaal sees Fellaini as a CB, cannot see it myself but an interesting theory nonetheless

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{Ed002's Note - Sounds like something off Twitter.}

I may be wrong but didn't he play some of this early days at Everton at cb

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He has the brutality to play that role, the height and the aggressiveness. He is good on the ball and will win most headers, but I would worry about his short fuse.

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He's got more chance of playing there than in midfield. Too slow to move the ball, one paced with average 1st touch and unable to move us forward quickly with the ball at his feet or by picking a pass! He never going to be united class playing further forward as advance midefielder so cb back it is! Not a great singing so far but cb may be his future.

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Has all the right attributes to play as a CB, would give away a fair few freekicks/penalties though I reckon.

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Sorry, I disagree. He would be a disaster as a centre back. His elbows are everywhere, is poor on the ball and even though he is tall, he doesn't have much of a jump. He would look just as lost in defense as he does everywhere else. He just isn't at the required level and will be surplus to requirements

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I would put him at right back - where he came from - bum bum!

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