Manchester United Banter Archive April 17 2015

17 Apr 2015 21:53:29
If anyone gets the time

I'd like you to watch a youtube video of de gea
Type in de gea aditya reds

The video sums up how far de gea has come. From the scrawny little kid with no confidence to an absolutely amazing keeper. Really hope we can keep him for the long term, fantastic player

18 Apr 2015 10:34:38
Aditya Reds lives in my city and he generally comes to the place where we watch our games.

Rio Ferdinand follows him and his videos are brilliant.

17 Apr 2015 13:36:56
Hi all,

Trust everyone is well.

To throw my 10p into the equation on the LvG scenario, I personally don't think he'll leave this Summer unless a high profile manager is available, and that high profile manager is happy with a 2 year tenure maximum. I don't think it's a coincidence that LvGs 3 year contract coincides with the heavy rumours of a potential sale in 2017. His remit was to stabilize the club on the pitch and bring back Champions League football (to ensure the highest possible revenue), and continue to maintain/increase the value of the Manchester United brand up to point of sale. If he secures Champions League football this season, I don't think the Glazer's will want to jeopardise what might be the final two years of their long term investment but rocking what's looking increasing like a steady ship (well, compared to last season anyway!).

WF Red Devil

17 Apr 2015 14:00:33
These 2 Paragraphs are exactly the reason why he'll be here.

"Already in January [we began thinking about the 2015/16 season] because we have to prepare our pre-season and Manchester United will go to America," he explained. "The aim is of course that we have to train and not only to play matches. Already for three or four months we are talking about our pre-season.

"We also think about the scouting of players, the scouting of our own players because we have a lot on loan and then we have to analyse their performances, so it’s a lot of work. It’s not only the present season but also what we have to decide for players next season."

The second in particular, seems focused on the scouting. Wouldn't be surprised if he has revamped the network, this along with having all the teams under the first team applying the same playing style means he laying some good foundations

17 Apr 2015 12:32:18
Looking forward to the game tomorrow. The only change I think we might see, might be Shaw in at LB to cope with their pace. Blind has been brilliant, but I have a feeling shaw might get the nod tomorrow

17 Apr 2015 12:55:45
Stand-United keep up buddy. Blind Carrick Rojo and Jones all out.

17 Apr 2015 12:56:30
guessing you haven't seen the bad news yet lol

17 Apr 2015 13:01:28
Just seen were missing blind, Rojo, Carrick and jones. Looks like shaw will defo play then. Bit depleted at the back. Typical

17 Apr 2015 16:23:55
LVG still said he hopes he can hear good news about blind and Jones buy Rojo and Carrick are definitely out for me I think they will play but probably not the whole 90mins

17 Apr 2015 18:37:52
Unfortunately I don't think LVG goes in for mind games and it's too much to hope for that we will have carrick and blind available tomorrow.

17 Apr 2015 23:51:43
Eric,

You don't think LVG goes in for mind games? How many of his press conferences pre game have you watched this season?

17 Apr 2015 12:19:48
So a few injuries tomorrow, who do people think will replace carrick? I imagine Shaw will come in at left back and either McNair or Blackett for rojo and jones.

17 Apr 2015 12:39:24
Who to play carrick's role is a tough one, anyone but Rooney for me. maybe valencia. Doubt herrera can do it. A long shot will be mcnair.

17 Apr 2015 12:42:35
He may drop Fellaini back, which will allow ADM to come in, with Mata moving central. Not sure if its the right move, but we have limited options.

17 Apr 2015 16:29:57
It's a no for me you guys seem to forget the time we were all noticing fellaini's weakness and criticizing him was when he was playing a deeper role he will not be able to keep up with the movements of the Chelsea attack he should continue in where he has been playing like LVG said he knows Rojo and Carrick are definitely out but he still fancies a last hope for Jones and blind so let's be hopeful people thank you

17 Apr 2015 10:28:07
I was just sent this from a mate:

"Mata is one of seven players to run over 30 kilometres in United's last three games. However, having been withdrawn late on in the 4-2 win over Man City, he's actually covered more ground per minute than the other six. More than the hard-running Ander Herrera. More than the fleet-footed Antonio Valencia."

Now for a player who 'doesn't track back and doesn't have a high work rate' this is very impressive.

I personally think Mata is one of our best players and we should really be building the team around him and to top it off he seems like a genuine decent guy who cares about the fans.

17 Apr 2015 10:49:55
Agreed Weggy. I would go as far as to say he is one of our best 3 assets.

17 Apr 2015 11:37:45
And I love his finishing abilities. You expect him to score every time.

17 Apr 2015 12:17:12
Hate to say it but I've been saying this all year . Genuinely think he is world class, is one of my favourite players and should start EVERY game .

17 Apr 2015 12:51:20
Why hate to say it stand?

17 Apr 2015 09:43:49
All this talk about potential managerial changes happening this summer seems to have folk split on whether it would be a good or bad move to act decisively or bide our time if this did indeed take place.

Let's not beat around the bush, LVG has done okay. He bored us to tears for months but to his credit he has steadied the ship and we look formidable at the moment. He looks to have steered us into the CL spots which is great.

Having said that our current crop of stars and team should be hands down making the CL places as a minimum requiremnet anyway and he has no silverware to show for his season (for the stats lovers interestingly enough he has won the same amount of trophies as David Moyes at United).

The question I want to ask is, was LVG our prime candidate and top target to take over last July? Maybe the eds could shed some light on this? I personally don't think he was.
If the top target for the job last July comes available this summer and the board feel that person will bring long term stability and success to our club then I for one welcome the decsion.

17 Apr 2015 10:42:33
You are basically just asking the same question you asked yesterday, we get it, you don't like LVG, he accidentally stumbled upon a team and now we are playing well, a monkey could have done better with these players and the money he spent.

Are you really comparing him to Moyes? I take it this post is just a deliberate wind up looking for a bite after the one yesterday?

17 Apr 2015 11:10:04
Lol you can't help yourself.

Klopp has had a mare recently, Someone has never managed a top club, Pep has had things put on a plate, only Ancelotti has managed in the Epl but he's far from long term option!

Whenever you talk about LvG its all speculation ao I thought I would add my own speculation.

The one thing we do know for sure is that LvG is out manager. He's got us ina good position playing good football and ready to progress next season.

So let's sack him for the current fashionable manager who is guaranteed to hit the ground running and guaranteed to do better than LvG? I don't think so.

I'll keep saying it - the grass is always greener.

17 Apr 2015 11:20:49
I take it that for the three seasons in the mid 2000's when we didn't win the league/ champions league , you were calling for SAF to be replaced

17 Apr 2015 11:22:50
He was probably the best available option at the time, considering we needed a confident manager that wouldn't seemingly be intimidated by the challenge.

I highly doubt he was top of anybody's list given a free choice of any existing manager. I saw the logic in appointing him, but if the ideal candidate becomes available this summer then for me its a no brainer considering LVG's age and his "unique" methodology not being easily transferable, that was my major concern from the outset. Giggs will not be ready in a couple of years imo.

Things are certainly looking better, but as we will be signing a lot of players this summer it concerns me how long it will take for them to "adapt" to LVG's ways, with Europe thrown in it leaves less time on the training ground (or will he have them working nights now with the new floodlights, happy times). Will it mean we have another 6 months of garbage whilst he tries to accommodate the new players and rotate existing ones with the extra competition and expectations?

What happens if Fellaini gets injured as well? Much of our game relies on having the outlet and threat of Fellaini.

17 Apr 2015 12:12:24
If we get a new manager in they will have their own methodology which the new players signed along with all the current squad will then have to pick up , leaving us starting completely from scratch again . Where's the logic in that apart from just not liking LVG and wanting him out

17 Apr 2015 12:47:24
Bilko - because we know LVG won't be here for long and if what you say is true (I agree) why let him spend more money this summer only for a new manager to want his own new players signed and new ideas put across - arguably FFP will be a problem for a new manager if we go on another splurge!

So do we start from scratch after spending another 150mil on players a new long term manager may not want for a system he may not want to play?

Furthermore this summer seems to be the one for signing an ideal long term manager, obviously there is guess work involved, but if the right man becomes available we need to take action, otherwise we are back to square one without the ideal candidate potentially coming in.

Sometimes you have to lose short term to gain long term.

17 Apr 2015 13:07:11
GDS - I am asking the question was LVG genuinely the No.1 target for us when he took over (I was hoping for some Ed input actually).

HB - is Atletico not a 'big club'? What a pitiful comment. Why isn't Ancelotti a viable long term candidate? He's almost ten years younger than LVG. To say Pep had things on a plate is just a poor comment which shows poor understanding of the game.

You say I am speculating but aren't we all? Isn't this the basis of the forum? I thought as much. Yes LVG has got his act together and thankfully so but do does that mean the months of dross are now completely forgotten?

Why are you saying - 'the grass is always greener'? It makes no sense in this context. Don't you mean the grass isn't always greener?

Bilko - the fact your comparing our current season to that of the Fergie era is shocking.

Beast - Fair play mate I am glad to see you can now give LVG the credit for doing well the last few weeks but are not naive enough to have forgotten the previous poor performances we have had this season.

Personally I think LVG will be here next season but if the hierarchy have any doubt at all about his position he should leave this summer if certain managers are to be available.

17 Apr 2015 13:26:41
Beast ,

LVG has a three year contract and if he sees that out and we're doing well , he could well extend it for at least another year . That's long term in modern football and the way managers come and go there will always be good options to replace him . If we get rid of LVG this summer we might as well get a director of football , go the whole continental road and get a new coach in every year or two

17 Apr 2015 13:43:38
Jmb,

You are the one suggesting LvG should be replaced so surely the burden of proof is on you.

I said 'top club'. You can be pedantic all you like but my point is that its very different managing a club that's expected to win every game and win major trophies to a team that would be delighted to win trophies every now and again.

My main point is this - none of those names guarantee success. You and beast talk as though they do! What if we go a step backwards under one of these managers, sack them then go for a 4th in 4 years?

According to an online dictionary 'the grass is always greener' refers to the way some people tend to look at other people's lives and other things that we don't have in general through rose coloured glasses. Some posters seem to think its guaranteed that one of these flashy managers will do a better job than LvG.surely its obvious what I was getting at?

Am I dreaming that you/beast said you would give LvG your backing if he turned things around and improved performances??

17 Apr 2015 13:52:08
Lads!!

We're Playing well now and the team has clicked, why would you want to throw that away to start on new regime of playing new styles and taking another 3-4 months to get accustomed?

The fact is we're in a good position, 3rd currently with every much a chance of second.

Its a very short-sighted view to say because we played badly in the first few months we should get rid. You're basing an argument on the past and applying it as a reason, it might be a valid reason if we were outside the top 4 showing no signs of progression. The fact is and I can't repeat this enough,we are progressing.

Oh and Pep has absolutely inherited world class teams.

17 Apr 2015 18:31:24
HoneyBadger - I have been praising LVG, he is turning things around. But that doesn't mean we should ignore the opportunity of hiring a longer term manager if he becomes available. I am not as eager to see the back of him as I once was, but there are still a lot of questions that need answering and arguably we should have been playing like we have been recently a lot sooner.

Its hypothetical, but I would act if the ideal candidate became available and frankly I have no idea who that would be or whether they would be successful, I learn from lessons. SAF/Moyes was a fiasco, LVG handing over to anybody will not be a stroll in the park, better to do that sooner rather than later if the board #1 target is available.

17 Apr 2015 21:24:44
Why would we change managers now and who says LVG will not be here for 5 or 6 years?

17 Apr 2015 21:41:05
You've no idea who the ideal candidate would be , you've no idea if they would be successful but we should get rid of a highly experienced manager with a great track record who's getting us back on the right track for ths mythical ideal candidate .

18 Apr 2015 10:24:25
The board will know, that is the point! Who I want is irrelevant, but if the boards target is available then they should go for him yes. No matter what anybody says this year has been a missed opportunity, we started far too late and were subjected to awful football for far too long. He is starting to redeem himself, but he created 75% of the problems with his pointless meddling.

The league was for the taking this season, I have said it dozens of times.

17 Apr 2015 09:07:32
Hey guys, would just like to know your opinion on Phil Jones? I have a united mate that really rates the guy, I just see him as a poor player though

Thanks

17 Apr 2015 09:32:16
He's a decent player mate but has not lived up to his touted potential. Personally I don't think he will ever be a great player but I think he can and will do a job for a top PL side during his career be that with United or not.

17 Apr 2015 09:58:53
Jones' problem much like Rafael is that he has a rash nature which leads to niggling injuries which makes them unreliable as they are always injured.

However I rate Jones, his progression has stalled a little but he seems to have started to refrain from reckless challenges that hurt himself more than the opposition. Maybe he will progress to be the player we thought he would! I wouldn't sell him, maybe if he failed to kick on next season but he is still young for a cb and worth keeping hold of for now.

17 Apr 2015 09:59:55
He had the potential when we first signed him, however a mixture of injuries and bad form has hit him the past few seasons.

I still believe if we continue to support him and a he gets his head down and stays fit, he could still become a vital player at the club and also for his country.

He has the attributes to be the future captain, but only if he can prove himself on the pitch.

17 Apr 2015 10:00:52
I would agree with u mate, Jones showed a lot of potential when he made his move but has not kicked on anywhere near where I would of thought he would be by now.

17 Apr 2015 10:02:28
Wasted potential. Too dopey to be a top class defender. More suited to a Newcastle, Everton long term if he doesn't want to be a squad player for us.

Got good qualities, but not good enough on the ball, throws himself into dangerous challenges, switches off and injury prone.

He is quick, versatile, committed and English, but just not quite good enough for a team wanting to dominate domestically and in Europe. Wes Brown ish.

17 Apr 2015 10:18:17
I think its bit unfair to label him as poor when up until now he's never had a consistent run in the team due to injury but since he's had this consistent run he's looked much better, obviously there's still plenty of room for improvement especially in his positional play, hence why he can be so rash, and I still get nervous when he hesitates with the ball at his feet but hopefully he can stay fit until the end of the season, play well and go into next season full of confidence.

17 Apr 2015 10:34:10
Personally I really rate the guy, I think he has so much potential. I know he divides opinions around here however out of all our CB's He's my favorite.

17 Apr 2015 10:52:07
Bit rash and lacks real football intelligence. He's still young and has suffered injuries but I would have liked to see more development by now. Not sure he will ever be a real top CB but I'm happy to keep him in the squad for now and see if he can improve.

17 Apr 2015 10:54:17
I think that if we get someone like Hummels who can control the defence (along with Carrick in front) then both Jones and Smalling will develop next year dependent on who plays with him.
Jones needs to control himself, he is quick and reacts well but too often just runs like a headless chicken.

17 Apr 2015 14:49:36
In my view signing him was a mistake. And before I get shot down please let me explain why. Varane has openly stated one of the main reasons he rejected Utd and signed for real was us signing Jones that summer.

I would much rather have signed varane. I think he should be given 1 more season to prove himself (show some development and stay injury free) or he should be sold.

The comparison to wes Brown is a good one. Showed good potential, had some great games, but in the end far to injury prone and unable to concentrate for 90mins.

18 Apr 2015 00:41:19
That answer your question, Aron?