Manchester United Banter Archive July 16 2012

16 Jul 2012 23:03:54
So Chelsea have had a bid of 25 million for Oscar accepted according to slyspurts.

Hazard 35 million
Oscar 25 million
Torres 50 million
Luiz 21 million

My point is why does FERGIE and the rest of united not spend big for players? It's a joke were the most valuable football club in football 2.3 billion yet we haggle over 16 million for kagawa and pay 12, regardless If it's good business, to get class you pay the money simple.

Modric is another who's going to slip through our fingers all because united don't want to pay the money, instead we offer 10 million less.

Unless fergie and gill stop being tight arssses and start spending the cash we arnt going to compete with the likes of, Chelsea, Madrid, Barcelona, city.

You may think I'm full of s**t and that we lost the title on goal difference, NO we lost the title because a 35 million pound player scored a goal.

You spend big you win things that's how it is now a days, and if all we buy is KAGAWA, POWELL and BAINES, it's a joke and us the united fans should be showing are frustration, letting them know it's not good enough. We're in debt yet we have "supposedly" money to spend.

Fergies favorate saying, "no value in the market"

Think it's time for change at united cause the lack of ambition to attract world class players and out bid teams has gone.

LUHG

What a joke were have you been in the last 7 years(9trophies) how you dare compare that crazy set up at Chealsea run by a raving lunatic sitting on his cruise liner throwing money into a team who are way behind us and don't give me they just won the Champs league b******* they will struggle to finish in the top 4 this season and Harry ( the con) Rednapp will be manager by Xmas!
Your the reason why I never want a owner who is one of us full of our own ideas when we have the greatest manager that will ever grace this game that p***ks like you would of sacked years ago.
You and your followers I hope never get anywhere near into influencing what goes on at old Trafford in my lifetime you a spoilt brat!
Tiger2

I've been saying the same thing but I think the reason is that we just don't, or rather the Glazers just don't have the funds necessary to compete for trophies, it really is that simple. You're probably going to get the usual suspects replying about how we're in transition and all that BS but the fact is Chelsea are in more of a transition regarding their squad and they are just going to go out and sign world class players so they can compete with the best in Europe, even after they've just won the CL, Barca did the same thing as well. The solution is either the Glazers start to invest their own money in the club or sell us to someone who can afford to run a top European club.

Flimbo

You were 30 SECONDS from the title mate. Chill out. You'll make a couple more signing and compete at the top as usual:)

I actually tend to agree, except if anyone is being tight arses, it's the Glazers. You do get what you pay for, and City paid 35m for a player that ended up winning them the league. People will say it doesn't always work like that, pointing at Veron, Berbatov etc. but you look at Figo, Zidane, Van Nistelrooy and both Ronaldos and you see what big money buys give you.

G.A.G.U.S

How much was Ronaldo?

Ste-Utd

4v2 up at home to Everton with 7 miins to go and switching off cost us the title not not having spent £35 million and £250 grand a Week on a striker!!
It was that crucial week end when city got their belief back and our boys knew collectively they'd blown it.
Tiger2

Tiger 2 fergie the best manager in history I agree but there comes a point when a legend becomes a joke!

It's slowly happening, Neville, butt, shearer all knew when enough is enough and anyone with any love for the club
Would want a big billionaire to come and buy us, put is debt free and we can improve in the areas we need with class and top quality not players like bebe, obertan etc.

And more times than not when paying big money you get a result.

times have changed, the economy has progressed yet fergie hasn't, wages, food, cars, fuel all prices that have risen, and just like them to get the best you pay the most.

The glazers are to blame, but GILL and FERGIE keep saying we have the funds, if we have them then PROVE it instead of lying with the oh none of our targets were available, BS anyone is available for the right price.

your telling me Rooney was available when we bought him? NO we paid 30 million and Everton accepted.

If I was the owner ild be running united with the freedom of giving as muc funds as the manager wants.

To be the best you buy the best.

LUHG

ACCORDING TO GILL AND FERGIE. We have money to spend

Wheres the proof pay the money for top class quality players.

Our midfield is poor and is the reaso we got dominated in the majority of games, yeah we lost out on goal difference but the amount of times we threw games away.

If we have the money they say we have prove it

'LUHG' You do realise we are just over a quarter of the way into the transfer window, there is still plenty of time to sign players and there is every possibility that we will be signing a few. So what's the problem? Why not wait until the end of the transfer window (when we know who we have signed and who we haven't) to have your tantrum. That way if the signing's are not up to scratch at least you'll be justified in what you are saying and than by all means you can go crazy and bitch about our owners and Fergie all you want. But until then why not have some patience and see what happens.

CnM

This is such a ridiculous post.

Firstly; you cannot say that only spending big wins titles. This is nonsense. There are many other factors in play.

Secondly; as someone has already quite rightly pointed out, how much did Ronaldo cost?

Thirdly; our track record of spending big recently hasn't worked out particularly well. Veron, Berbatov and Anderson are a few examples.

Fourthly; and I think this is the most spot on thing anyone has said on this website in the couple of years I've been reading it (I think it was Moon but possibly not) - if Kagawa was Spanish, it'd be over 25m for him and no less.

Just shut up and wait for the season to start. You can moan in 10 years when we've won nothing okay - until then keep it positive and pity the rest.

Joe

I would also add that city and chelsea may spend big but that does not mean success or that they can comply with financial fair play. Even if fergie buys players that dont cost 30 million this window we cant judge until the end of the season. I think ronaldo cost us about 12 million but took time to develop. We could possibly be saying great things about any of our young talent if they get the chance and prove themselves. There have been plenty of expensive flops at united and other premiership clubs so basically trust in fergie and if we dont win the league(as some seem to expect each year) you can moan if you want then. bookedredmole

Seems to be the age old argument of spend or save with some posters of the opinion that money is there to be spent and on the other side you have those who feel that every penny earned should be saved, my opinion is that good things aren't cheap and cheap things are'nt good, if you want quality you have to pay for it, some people want to drive a Ferrari, others will go on about the economical value of a prius, the trouble is that in supporting United, most of the fans on here, myself included, are used to driving the Ferrari and won't accept anything less, like SAF, he likes Racehorses not donkeys and the only way to stay at the top is to have the best players in the world, sadly, we don't at the moment and if we're not lucky we will soon be discussing the mile per gallon ratio of the "incredible" Prius, or in other terms, like Liverpool.

Flimbo

Isn'r spending, spending, spending what got football into it's current state?
What is wrong with not blowing our beans season in, season out....
There has been some top talent bought over the years for sensible money, why can't that continue? Even if the Yanks weren't bleeding us dry i still wouldn't want us to go out and try and buy all the 'world class' talent out there....sets a bad precidence imo.

Whistler.

Ronaldo was £12 million mate

Its not a case of spend spend spend,we have a decent squad in most areas but the 1 area everyman and his dog can see needs help is midfield.this isnt new its needed addressing for 2-3 years but we hear no value in the market and class midfielders go elsewhere for an average of 25million and some like vidal for a lot less.
johndenton

16 Jul 2012 21:00:29
Chelsea be above us next year at this rate. Marin Hazzard and soon Oscar. If they get Hulk we looking second best. City not doing much on the market at present but they will buy top players. in fergie i trust but ffs get a holding midfielder in before we lose more ground to both blues. Javi Martinez id love in our mid mixing it up and distributing the ball to our wingers and forwards.

They won't get Hulk now. Marin is very lightweight and Oscar is anyone's guess. I'm not mentioning his name on this site ever again, it's a hazard to my health(see what I did there?)

G.A.G.U.S

I don't care how many attacking players they sign they are still weak defensively... 3 players don't close a gap that was 26 points last season...

fearny

16 Jul 2012 21:55:41
Anyone get the feeling that all these rumours about a big midfield signing are a smoke screen by ferguson? It's highly unlikely that ferguson would let any news out about who he is signing to his rivals. Wonder is there a signing on the way that will shock and surprise us all ?

Doubt it's a smoke screen by SAF - but expect for the most part they're the creation of the press...

T0MB0Z

16 Jul 2012 19:56:23
how ould every one feel if utd didnt sign anyone else bar baines this summer? would it finally reveal that saf's hands are tide? or just that there is no value in the market? tom17

Disappointed. Unless he came out with a better excuse than 'no value in the market' I'd start to question whether he is still the right man for the job.

One needs only look as far as Newcastle to see that there is plenty of value in the market...

Before anyone gets on my back I would accept 'I didn't have the money available to me' as an excuse.

T0MB0Z

Agreed TOMBOZ, that pill would be easier to swallow and it would also spell the end for the Glazers as well I feel.

Flimbo

It's all very well saying look at Newcastle.
Can you honestly tell me that you would have been happy if our summer spending had been used on Cabaye Ba and Cisse at the time last summer. No all the pessimists would have had a field day about how we were a spent force and reduced to signing second rate nobodys because we could not compete for the best players.

The reality at a club like ours, it is harder to take risks on cheaper alternatives like Cabaye Ba and Cisse were last year. Newcastle are under far less pressure in terms of expectation and can afford to take a risk on such players before they are fully established. Sir Alex does not have that luxury as the expectation is winning every year.

As for Baines being the only signing. No! Anything over £10M is too much for a 27 year old lb and I don't think Everton are gonna sell for that. I think if we can just find a quality CM then we are well set up to try regain the title from City. Incidentally my preference for that position is Cabaye. Unfortunately I don't see it happening. Moutinho Modric and Eriksen would be my alternatives but Eriksen probably the only one we have some chance of getting.

Red Rebel

I disagree, SAF had that luxury when he signed Bebe, Anderson, Diouf, Obertan, Ashley Young and Berbatov, I'm not sure exactly how much they cost but its well over £70M and all with maybe the exception of Berbatov would have been seen as big gambles and none of them have improved the team.

Flimbo

Red Rebel - As Filimbo says - SAF does take risks. Chico, Bebe, Obertan, Anderson, Ronaldo. All relatively obscure players.

As for your Newcastle comments there are calls on here for us to be going for Cabaye on a regular basis and Ba and Tiote's names come up every now and again. Wasn't Cisse linked with RM at one point as well?

Would I be happy? I'd be ecstatic if our summer transfers cost as little and improved the quality and performance of our team to the same degree that Newcastle's did...

T0MB0Z

16 Jul 2012 19:54:56
One on Lucas Moura

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His agent calls him a Ferrari. The comparison seems apt; although just 19 years old, Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva (known simply as Lucas in Brazil) has become an object of desire for many of football's high rollers. The São Paulo attacker, already a YouTube sensation thanks to his growing catalogue of dashing runs and goals, is likely to be at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfers.

The price tag too - his buyout clause stands at a cool €80million - speaks of his quality. While São Paulo are unlikely to hold out for a bid of that magnitude, they have already demonstrated that they don't intend to sell themselves short. A bid of €33million from Manchester United was turned down this week, whilst Internazionale have also had an offer rejected. These figures underline the high regard in which Lucas is held by the club - and, indeed, by many observers of the Brazilian game.

The youngster burst onto the scene in 2010 with a string of eye-catching performances for the Tricolor. Then known as Marcelinho (due to his physical likeness to former Corinthians midfielder Marcelinho Carioca), he impressed with the dynamic dribbling that has since become his trademark. A couple of months later, he announced at a press conference that he wanted to be known by his actual name (shock! horror!): "I want to make my own way in the game, without being compared to anyone." The headlines practically wrote themselves: Lucas - so good they named him twice.

In the two years since his début, Lucas has established himself as one of São Paulo's key players. Blessed with blistering pace, Lucas is at his best when running into space - either down the flank or more centrally when counter-attacking. Although capable of tricks and flicks, it is his ability to carry the ball at speed that stands out; he is an intuitive player, one who can seize upon the slightest defensive stumble to power in on goal. He also - somewhat surprisingly, given his slight stature - possesses a thunderous shot, which has brought him a number of long-range goals at club level. In fact, these two skills complement each other: when defenders back off to legislate for his speed, he is presented with the opportunity to shoot, and vice versa.

Lucas' game is not without its flaws, though. While his highlights reel may be replete with moments of individual brilliance, his decision-making over the course of 90 minutes often leaves plenty to be desired. Savvy defenders can often force Lucas down blind alleys, while former São Paulo boss Emerson Leão condemned his selfishness in the final third.

Maturity may also be an issue. In the match that followed Leão's criticism, Lucas made a point of making a simple pass every time he received the ball, refusing to embark on his trademark runs. This, predictably, didn't impress the São Paulo boss, who again spoke out in the media. The affair was eventually put to bed, but cannot have impressed potential suitors.

Even disregarding that incident, 19-year-old often cut a frustrated figure under Leão, whose tactics required him to hold a position on the right flank. "Quick players who can dribble shouldn't just play on one side," he told Placar magazine last month. "Sometimes I feel isolated out on the right. Leão told me to play there and I have to respect him... but I like to be free; to come central, switch to the left, get involved in the game."

Leão's reign at the Morumbi ended this month, following a disappointing exit from the Brazilian cup. His replacement, Ney Franco, will be much more indulgent of the youngster's whims. Having managed the Brazil U20 side that won the South American Youth Championship and U20 World Cup last year, the 45-year-old coach has already accrued plenty of evidence of Lucas' brilliance. In the former competition especially, Lucas was superb, bagging four goals, including a hat-trick in the final game against Uruguay. If Franco can convince Lucas to stay, and harness that kind of verve on a regular basis, São Paulo fans could be in for a treat over the coming months.

The worry for the Tricolor, though, is that the lure of the Old Continent could prove too strong. Unlike fellow wunderkind Neymar, who has repeatedly stressed his desire to remain in Brazil until the World Cup, Lucas appears eager to begin a European adventure sooner rather than later. "I can't guarantee that I'll stay until the end of my contract," he told reporters this week. His suitors would do well to tie up a deal before the end of the month, when Brazil embark on their quest for Olympic gold. With Lucas likely to feature in a side full of attacking intent, it is certainly possible that his stock could rise yet further in Europe.

When asked by Placar about the car comparison favoured by his agent, Lucas merely laughed: "Ferraris are pretty quick, right? Then I guess it applies!" One senses that the 19-year-old would prefer to get the speculation and transfer fees are out of the way, so he can get down to the real business of playing football. He is, after all, just a kid who loves the game. If he can maintain that youthful verve as he matures, he should become a star.

---------------------------------------------------

Mort

16 Jul 2012 19:24:36
heard from a mate who is in the know that SAF has lost patience with Everton over the Leighton Baines issue, he wanted it all tied up before they went on tour. Senior figures at OT are said to be very unhappy with Everton due to United believing they had built up good relationships over previous transfer dealings. Instead United are ready to gamble with Evra/Evans being used for another season with Fabios development being closely monitored. United are desperate to tie up another big name signing, it appears Modric is off to madrid, Barca look like signing Martinez. This narrows the options after Hazard went the rent boys. The only other players considered good enough by SAF is Moura (who we all know what the situation is there) and Ganso. Personally i would like a bid for Ganso, maybe when Neymar leaves he will join his best mate at OT. If these dont come off then i dont believe he will bid for Dembele etc, he is no better than what we already have. It could be another year where the team develops. Remember we have a team which is capable for challenging for the next 7-8 years. Lets not panic and enjoy the next season, what ever happens keep the red flag flying high.

Ganso is too high risk though with his dodgy knee. I don't see him leaving Santos till later on when his contract is down to a couple of seasons or so and teams can get him for cheaper.

I can see Ganso leaving - but think he'd be a little too risky for us. We need a players who can improve our team NOW rather than in 2-3 years time.

It's a shame as 2 years ago he looked like he'd be world class. After a few serious injuries however I'm not so sure he can make it.

I think the time's right for him to leave Brazil - but unless the price is right (around £14m) he'd represent too much of a risk. We already have one expensive Brazilian whose potential has been diminished by injury.

T0MB0Z

His a top player but is young to have such a bad knee and also some of his team mates have questioned his party lifestyle
jred

16 Jul 2012 17:33:00
could syd or someone else who watches the ressies and u19's regularly give me an overview on the young guys in the ressies petrucci, vermijl, keane bro's etc and the u19

thanks

All I can say is watch them on the tour and see for yourselves. We have some good youth players, but look out for Blackett, Petrucci and Tunnicliffe in particular.

Sydney!

My view from someone who watches the reserves and academy is as follows:
Petrucci for me was arguably the player of the year for the reserves and played in every game bar 1 he has overcome two years of very troublesome injuries and think he has a great future.
Michael Keane looks the business and is also very versatile which SAF likes and I think he needs a season out on loan to toughen him up,
Will Keane is the best natural goal scorer I have seen at the club since Ruud and he was definately in the sqaud next season until he tragically did his cruciate playinhg for england under 19's at the end of May.
Of the other others coming through watch out in the next couple of years for
Adnan Januzaj who is potentally brilliant but needs to beef up as is Andres Periera who will feature now his contract paperwork has been resolved hope this hjelps
ARB

I think vermijl is an unsung hero he's great going forward and excellent defending.
ShaunMUFC

Sounds quite bad out loud, but I think Vermijl could be the new O'Shea, he can play anywhere across the back and, in desperate need, midfield. I wonder if he's as good O'Shea in goal?

The club believe Micheal Keane could be the future JOS, although Jones is currently the replacement for JOS. Vermijl probably will not make the grade, but could be an EPL player if he continues progressing well.

Sydney!

16 Jul 2012 14:42:27
what does the ed know of lewis holtby german international one year on his contract box to box
not a big name not the kind of signing utd fans would hope for but if andersson was to go in a way there could be room for both eriksen and holtby id like moura oscar ganso etc but im realistic cjwales82

Not a big name? He's been on a lot of the big clubs' radars for a number of years now...

T0MB0Z

16 Jul 2012 16:24:08
Just read Berba's comments. A very good player who just does not suit our style of play at the moment. Said it before, the way he conducted himself last season, with limited chances, showed what a class act he is. Didnt whinge and moan, just got on with it and did a job when called on.

Good luck berba, you were worth every penny just for the hat trick against Liverpool. ;)

Jamesmack8

16 Jul 2012 15:46:59
You recon United will loan Bebe to my and my mates for a year so we can teach him to play football on the park?

1redarmy

16 Jul 2012 13:23:02
Hi,
First time on, was wondering if squad numbers have been announced for next season as may give a clue as to new signings if numbers held? Thinking of no.7 in particular.

Valencia is number 7 mate. We will need a number 9, wouldn't be surprised if it is Welbeck. And I think rafael will take the number 2 shirt but the last 2 aren't confirmed just my opinion.

GDS

Valencia will wear the number 7 mate. It was announced a week or so ago.

TK-Red

Valencia has already been given no.7

Gar

Valencia was given the number 7 about 2 weeks ago

phil

16 Jul 2012 12:09:51
Just looking over the list of players on tour and with a shorter number of strikers and defenders does anyone think that Fergie may be testing new formations out on tour this summer.

Packing the midfield in a 4-2-3-1 could be an option.

Or even playing three at the back in 3-4-1-2

fearny

I think we have been playing 4321 for ages, especially when you have young and Nani on.

I think SAF will be looking at 433 as well. Which is why i don't think we will be getting a striker.

Mike

16 Jul 2012 11:03:12
I am looking forward to the later stages of this tour when the whole squad is put back together just to see what formation Fergie goes with.

Obviously pre season is the best time to play around with a formation and see what we can get out of the team and who links up with the new signings best. Who knows, Hernandez may be a 25-30 goals a season player with Kagawa behind him so if he scores a few on the tour then maybe we will see him start more games in the season.

The big question I have is wether we are going to throw two strikers on the pitch as most of last season it got us alot of goals (8-2 Arsenal, 3-0 Tottenham, 3-1 chelsea, 3-2 City), but it also cost us a few goals too. I suppose it all depends on how quickly Kagawa fits in.

Also is Powell not on the tour from the start or is he involved in some competition atm? I am looking forward to seeing him but I hope we dont do what we did with Jones and just throw him in at the deepend. I know Jones did well last season but you could tell he wasn't quite ready.

Syd, I know you don't think Blackett is ready for the top and neither do I but what do you think his role will be next season? Just carling cup games?

1redarmy

Much depends on whether we can tie up our targets. If we sign Baines then I expect we will see Blackett in the reserves and perhaps a game or two in the LC. He may even be fast tracked and loaned out this season. We need to see what happens in the LB position first.

Sydney!

16 Jul 2012 10:35:50
I know what Sao Paulo said about not selling Lucas, but I still think we should go and grab Lucas. Pace skills and brazillian he would be perfect for running at the defence now and in the future. Arsenal said last summer Fabregas wasn't for sale at any price, yet by the end he was in a barca shirt.

Baines + Moura, or Baines + Erikson ?

Baines and Eriksen anyday.

ive said for monthe Eriksen would fit wwell at utd and hope the lad really does sign! ive not really seen Moura play so couldnt judge that but Eriksens a lil Genius 35 assists in 2 seasons plus a fair few goals.


MS85

Or Moura + Erikson and stick with evra for one more year/6 months.... whilst we wait for fabio....

I'd take Moura over Baines + Eriksen...

T0MB0Z

16 Jul 2012 04:39:30
I really hope bebe gets a chance playing in his preferred position, centre forward. How would Hernandez go playing out wide? Bebe is not a winger

Nonsense, Bebe's preferred position is out wide and that's coming straight from the horse's mouth. It was us who pushed him into playing as a striker.

Sydney!

Bebe is crap wherever he plays.
One of Fergies worst buys!

Simmo

Bebe .....Bye bye.... Please!
Red Snapper

From what i remember of bebe his crossing was woeful. but he can sought of finish. he was getting into space but smashing crosses from one side of the box to the other, over everyones head. chico is a poacher. on form, his heading and finishing is awesome. his first touch although getting better could still do with some work. same with his passing.

rddu

Bebe needs a chance, he deserves one. He has scored a couple of nice goals, the one against Beskitas and against Wolves. He has all the potential attributes to be a success...strength, height, pace and skill. The knee injury will set him back, I hope he has a good preseason tour and hopefully he can then have a good season with the first team. It would be a great success story if he came from the streets to being a succesful player for Manchester United. If he flops after his chance then by all means get rid, but the boy deserves a chance and no doubt has potential.

RedDevil19

Bebe along with others on this squad are no more than items for sale. I expect Berbatov, Bebe, Anderson & Kiko to play frequently in SA.

Sydney!

16 Jul 2012 00:42:24
Suprised by some of the inclusions and exclusions of the tour squad. One being that Giverin wasn't taken meaning we only have Blackett to play LB, this could mean that Sir Alex is looking at throwing him in at the deep end. I don't think the squad will change until the second leg of the tour based in europe. This mean Blackett has three games garrenteed, if he impresses then I wouldn't be suprised to see no new LB this summer.

I'm also looking forward to se how the likes of Tunnicliffe Petrucci Brady and Lingard do as well as new signings Kagawa and Powell.

Shappy

Shappy
i was thinking the same when i saw the squad , evra first choice blackett as understudy
jred

Or sell Evra, buy Baines and have Blackett as his understudy?

Although I think Blackett will remain in the reserves and Evra will end up as Baines' understudy until sold next summer.

Sydney!

Or maybe that only 22 players been named and only 1 left back in the 22 means that we are close to bringing in another left back that will be sent straight on tour.. maybe~?

Cban

I'm starting to think no new LB will be signed. Last year we all knew a CM would be signed and low and behold we were wrong. This year we're all sure a LB will be signed, I wouldn't be suprised if lightening struck twice.

Sir Alex thinks highly of Evra and he is an important member of the squad thus he he was made temporary captain. With Vidic back along side him I would expect his performances to improve at least abit.

Blackett looks a potential world class player, and Fabio isn't too shabby. Why sign someone to block them and lose them like we did Pogba due to lack of playing time. The more I think about it the less likely I see a LB coming in. This of course is.just my opinion based on independant thought and logic. Lol.

Shappy

Shappy
thats a point ive been trying to make, too many people base there opinions on what they read in the papers
we may well sign a lb but i think fergy has shown he rates and trust evra.
also fabio has been moved on so there is room for Blackett to step up.
might not happen but its possible
jred

It's hardly logical Shaps mate, Blackett is a couple years and a loan out away from being ready to play in the EPL and a p1ss poor Evra is not enough. What happens if he gets injured? Sod that, what happens if we have to have another season of Evra?

Are you trying to say that the manager didn't want to bring a CM in last summer? the manager wanted to sign a CM last summer, just like he wants to sign a LB this summer. If we don't then it's down to failing to agree a fee, not because the manager doesn't want one.

Sydney!

I agree with Sydney on this one. I still think that Baines will be first choice and Evra will be his understudy. Blackett is probably a year and a loan move away, but the tour will give him some good experience and will wet his appetite to work even harder.

RedDevil19

Syd mate when did Sir Alex tell you that he wanted to sign a LB? He has never mentioned which positions we are trying to strengthen. You are guessing what positions he is looking at just like the rest of us. I'm not faulting your logic, I too think we need to replace Evra. But i'm not letting my opinions effect my judgement on what I see happening. You my friend are twisting facts to suit you opinions and not making your opinion purely based.on the facts at their face value.

We may yet sign a LB, but from everything i've seen I can't say we are definately trying to sign a LB, and to do so would.be misleading.

I can't see Sir Alex replacing Evra and benching a player who has played.nearly every game for.us over the last four years. I think if we sign a LB this summer then it'll be a squad LB.

I think we'll see Evra as first choice with Blackett as back up. Then we'll see how Evra Fabio and Blackett have performed and readdress the situation next summer IMO.

Shappy

Sydney,

SAF hasn't made any inclination of wanting a LB, like jred has said, it's all paper talk so far!

Last year it was obvious he wanted a CM as we tried hard for Sneijder.

If anything, I think SAF has made it clear his plans for the LB position by sending Fabio out on loan and bringing Blackett into the squad for the up coming tour!

Think of it this way, Blackett is 18 and Fabio 22, so we bring in Willems like you've suggested who is 18, he'll cost a decent amount and we've potentially got two players who will be or are as good as him anyway.

So an older LB would make sense, Baines! But he's 27, probably sign a 4 year contract, is Fabio going to wait till he's 26 to become first choice LB? Is Blackett going to wait til he's 22 to get an opportunity?

With Vidic back, Evra will be more comfortable and like I have said before, Evra doesn't have much support from Young or Nani when they play in front of him so get's overloaded unlike Rafael who has Valencia in front of him!

Obviously Evra is not the player he was but he can do one more season with Blackett coming in for cup games and maybe against the likes of Wigan, QPR at home even the weaker sides in group stages of Europe if we get a nice draw!

Come 2013-14 Blackett and Fabio can compete for the LB role and between then we could be sorted in that position for next 10-11 years!

You think Baines would be happy coming in as a 2 year stop gap for us?!

So if Evra get's injured and Blackett's not quite ready? Sure Rafael can do a job there or Evans has done it for Northern Ireland!

I don't think you can come out and say we are definitely after a LB when we got options there as it is, maybe as we missed out on a CM last year, SAF is desperate to get one this season and there's his priority!

Now it maybe the case we do get a LB in and if that happens then SAF will have his reasons but like jred and Shappy have said, I don't think it is as black and white as you think so maybe you should be more open minded to the fact that it won't happen and stop poo pooing people's thoughts straight away!

Ports

Shaps, did Sir Alex tell you we were interested in Gaitan? No, in-fact the club released a statement saying we are NOT interested in Gaitan and the reports are false. Has that swayed your opinion on us possibly signing Gaitan? No it hasn't. The manager has not denied we are going to sign a LB nor has he denied we are trying to sign Baines despite the hundreds of reports.

Now I will put my opinions aside and use common sense. We were limited on options last season at LB as like the manager said, Fabio is not ready and needs experience and more game time. So if we were short on LB's last season, what about now we are Fryers and Fabio down? So common sense will tell you that if two LB's leave, one must come in. Especially if the first choice LB has had a poor couple of seasons.

Now you may not believe we are trying to sign Baines (oddly), but to say we are not looking at a LB at all is even more baffling. We had a confirmed interest in Alba, Willems and Izaguirre over the past year. Now we may not end up signing Baines as reports do suggest we are some way off of Everton's valuation, but one thing for sure is that we will be signing a LB and Blackett will not be Evra's back-up next season. If Fryers and Fabio (especially) are not ready, Blackett certainly isn't is he?

Sydney!

I would chuck Blackett in now if it was up to me as I rate him highly and IMO couldn't do any worse than Evra, but if the manager didn't think Fryers (20) and Fabio (22) were ready, so he certainly will not think Blackett (18) is ready will he?

Ports, Baines makes perfect sense in terms of being a stop-gap. I thought Baines was a strange decision due to his high valuation for his age, but in terms of being a stop-gap he is the perfect age. If he was to sign a five year deal and stay for four of them it would make Blackett 21/22 when he is ready to take over completely. He will play numerous games at LB and CB in the meantime rotating with players, he will have loans. I am not convinced Fabio will have a long-term future at our club, but will cover as number two LB until Blackett is ready to be the number two. This is all my opinion, but will be interested to see how it does all play out. I think this tour may just change the bosses mind about signing Willems, hopefully Blackett will show he can do a job.

Sydney!

I feel we need a LB just as you do, but I just get a feeling that with one senior player and two very good prospects for that position that its.just as likely that we don't sign a LB. Who ever came in would.be a stop gap for a couple of years. You say we've got confirmed interest in many LB's but its only confirmed by the press and not the club as.the club have a policy of not.speaking to the press on transfers. I would like a.new LB but that doesn't mean we'll get one. You say Blackett isn't ready but every player is different, what worked for Cleverley might not be whats best for Blackett. We could.chuck him in and he could.do very well. He's 18 and he wouldn't be the first 18 tt break inro the first team at our club. You want a LB so you look at the facts.and think that we must sign one. That might not be the case, even though I feel we could do with one.

Shappy

Syd
You said Blackett is a couple of years and a loan out of being ready for the EPL but then say you would chick him in now .

I wouldn't count fryers as he never really played last year and won't be missed fabio has left as I told you he would before Xmas , the issue was he feigned injury when not playing well I still expect him to leave the club in less he changes his way ( how long has he on his contract)

We may buy a lb or we may not but at the moment shappy could well be right let's wait and see before we tell people there wrong
Jred

Shappy, you are missing the point, he COULD do well if he was chucked in, but our manager will not chuck him straight in. That is the point. Also confirmed interest is buy agents, player or player's club, bot the press.

Sydney!

Jred, like I keep saying, I would chuck him in, BUT the manager will want to give him loans first and he will not be chucked straight into the first team by our manager. Why would Fabio feign injury, I have never heard so much codswallop in all my life.

I haven't told anyone that they are wrong, we are having what is known as a discussion and we differ in opinion. That is the beauty of this page Jred, no need to get your knickers in a twist just because my opinion differs from yours. I believe we will sign a LB this summer, you and Shappy disagree. We will soon see who is correct won't we.

Sydney!

I wouldn't listen to a thing an agent says. Players agents and clubs have been well known to link their players to us in order to drum up interest. Either that or we have an active interest in over 300 players every year. I listen to our club and our manager then I use my common sense, everything else is pure speculation.

Shappy

But one thing for sure is that we will be signing a LB and Blackett will not be Evra's back-up next season.
Sydney

I think that is pretty much telling shappy he is wrong
As for fabio like I said I told you before Xmas he was leaving edd001 said he had heard the same the final straw was meant to be the c palace game when zaha gave him a roasting he came of but they could find much wrong with him ( again)
Before you ask my source was a physio who does some work for everton among others
Jred

Syd
I never said we won't sign a lb I think we might but I also think shappy makes a good point and could well be right , it called looking a both points of view and not always thinking your right

The thing I have always disagreed with u on is that evra would be sold this summer
Jred

Shappy, we will all know soon enough my friend. But don't forget this time last year when we were heavily linked to Ashley Young and for weeks it was all just speculation until he signed. We all knew he was signing though even though it never made sense due to us already having Valencia and Nani. This Baines speculation is no different to the Young speculation and we signed him. We will know soon enough bud.

Sydney!

Jred, no that is not me saying Shappy is wrong. It is me making a strong opinion. I completely stand by those two opinions. I believe we will sign a LB and I am almost positive Blackett will not be Evra's number two next season.

Sydney!

I dunno if you can say "for sure" and "we will" and pass that off as just opinion. That very much sounds like what your saying is set in stone. But it doesn't matter, as you said everything is speculation until someone has signed on the dotted line.

For what its worth i'd like to see a LB sign, and it wouldn't suprise me if one did. But i'm of the opinion that Sir Alex will stick with what he has and play the long game.

I guess we'll have to wait and see who's right on september 1st, at which point i'll expect a grovelling apoligy syd mate. Lol.

Shappy

Not a chance my friend, well unless the Baines pursuit goes tits up. I hope it doesn't though as we need a decent corner taker, then we will have an extra man in the box. He takes free-kicks, penalties and can actually defend. Just think how solid we would be playing City with Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic & Baines as the back four, with Jones & Carrick sat in-front of them in midfield.

Sydney!