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17 Jun 2015 19:44:20
Did anyone see the picture on reddit of Fellani on vacation with seaweed on his head and his hand down his shorts? He should get another red card for that tackle.
17 Jun 2015 21:36:37
Don't know wether to laugh or cry at that
{Ed025's Note - cry seems good to me andy.. :)
17 Jun 2015 20:30:38
So there was a bit of a debate earlier today about both Valencia centre backs, otamendi and mustafi. Now I don't watch la liga consistently enough to make a sound judgement but I've done some research and here are some stats from them both. (Each stat is per 90 minutes)
Tackles won: otamendi: 2.15, mustafi 1.24
Aerial duels won(%): otamendi: 63.89, mustafi: 61.97
Total duels won(%): otamendi: 57.31, mustafi: 55.23
Interceptions: otamendi: 3.23, mustafi: 2.87
Blocks: otamendi: 0.81, mustafi: 0.53
Clearances: otamendi: 7.76, mustafi: 7.14
Defensive errors: otamendi: 0.15, mustafi: 0.06
Now I'm not a big fan of stats, because they can easily be manipulated, but I've tried to cover all bases here.
So as I've shown, in general otamendi does shade mustafi in the defensive stats, however he does seem more prone to making mistakes. It's also worth noting that otamendi is 27 whereas mustafi is only 23, and mustafi would most probably cost much less than otamendi.
Personally I would prefer we tried to sign mustafi as I feel he could be a better prospect and with the money we'd save by not going after otamendi we could strengthen other areas.
If anyone watched Valencia play on a regular basis last season I'd love to hear what you made of them both, cheers.
17 Jun 2015 20:48:09
Completely agree Andy!
17 Jun 2015 21:00:46
I personally would take Otemandi, I liked him before he went to Valencia. I appreciate that Mustafi may have some upside being young and could in time turn out to be a brilliant defender but I think that next year we need some banker performers and for me Otemandi is primed for the premiership and ready to be our new Vidic
17 Jun 2015 21:20:23
I don't think the qualities you've highlighted are what we truly need right now. We need a top quality centre back no doubt, Otamendi and Mustafi both are. But above all else we need this centre back to be a leader who can organise a defence and won't buckle when the other team is threatening. Otamendi brings these qualities. He dragged Valencia back into games with powerful headers or an emphatic tackle. More over he's comfortable on the ball and can play either left or right centre back. A key requirement when it is considered that our current best is Smalling.
17 Jun 2015 21:43:40
I would say Otamendi is more of a battler but Mustafi is more of a bring the ball out of defence type of player and is much more comfortable on the ball. I thought that's what we needed? A Hummel-esque type player? I am not against Otamendi but like Andy I believe Mustafi is all round better player.
17 Jun 2015 21:57:28
If we want a Hummels type of player, then get Hummels. We have the money, and although I obviously don't know for certain, I think he would want the move. Champions League football, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, a new challenge, and a huge wage. What's not to like?
{Ed025's Note - i like your style Gilly..
17 Jun 2015 22:01:33
Gilly are you going to kidnap him and bring him to Manchester? He seems happy in Germany from what I have read.
17 Jun 2015 22:17:31
how do you know what you have read is true?
{Ed007's Note - How do you know it's true you read it?}
17 Jun 2015 23:20:42
I think Hummels is injury prone like Jones he puts to much in to win the tackle and comes out injured .My choice would be Laporte i know he has just signed a contract but £38 mill plus add ons should change things .He's like Rio and Vidic rolled into one a true class act
17 Jun 2015 23:27:24
Very philosophical 007!
{Ed007's Note - I'm a philosophical type of guy, a lot of posters don't seem to trust themselves and need to ask an Ed if it's true they've read something - as if we know what they've read!}
18 Jun 2015 00:00:05
hummells is not injury prone, over the past 5 seasons he played the following games
40 10-2011
46 11-2012
41 12-2013
34 13-2014
37 14-2015
so to say he's injury prone is far from it. hummells is exactly what we need in a defender. and he should be a main priority as someone we are looking to buy in defence
17 Jun 2015 20:27:57
I was considering possible free transers/players at the end of there career that want a year with a top club and read that Cambiasso is out of contract at Leicester. now i know he would not necessarily set our hearts on fire but he did a great job for Leicester and as a squad player I think he would add something to our team for next year.
Just a thought!
17 Jun 2015 21:44:33
You are at the wind up Brad. Let's also bring Scholes out of retirement AGAIN!
17 Jun 2015 21:51:57
If Pogba sees this post then he would terminate his contract with Juventus, join us on a free transfer, then terminate his contract with us and again join juventus on a free just to teach us a lesson.
17 Jun 2015 21:58:17
Now I can't help but think how good a Scholes Cambiasso midfield would have been a few years back.
17 Jun 2015 23:58:29
If fletcher is still playing, re-sign him, put him at the base with Scholes and cambiasso as playmakers.
The title would be ours!
17 Jun 2015 19:53:46
Busy day in work today guys, just seeing the "Firmino" posts. People talking about links with us signing him, where can I read this? Is it from the tabloids or the Eds? I've had a quick search but haven't found anything. Would be a good signing IMO
17 Jun 2015 20:56:25
Ed002 had an update about him on the European football page a couple of days ago, there's a bit about gundogan. Have a look it's an interesting read
17 Jun 2015 22:10:56
Nice one cheers mate will take a look now
17 Jun 2015 23:21:35
Cheers for that heads up Andy.
A really good read. Looks as though Firmino to City won't happen then and I can't see him at Everton or Southampton so hopefully a move is on the cards. He has something special about him in my opinion.
17 Jun 2015 19:30:01
Just read Powel is coming back from Injury. i know most have completely forgotten about him including myself but you never know might know he might still come good. Opinions?
17 Jun 2015 20:23:59
He is suffering from 'curse of being an attacking midfielder at utd'.
17 Jun 2015 20:56:54
He's also got a crap attitude
17 Jun 2015 21:45:25
I think he could drag Sheff Utd up to the Championship!
17 Jun 2015 22:11:30
Is that a random comment JMB or is there actual interest?
18 Jun 2015 00:03:38
Thought he was guna be top class but it seems I was well off. Some players need longer to settle and develop but he always looks lazy and there have been reports of bad attitude. can't see him being mobile or hard working enough for our midfield. Reckon he'll be moved on, best of luck to him and I hope for his sake he pulls his finger out.
18 Jun 2015 00:35:04
He'd better leave. I've got him to go, in Ken's compo!
18 Jun 2015 00:35:26
Anon - Nah just spitballin' shit mate.
18 Jun 2015 10:37:23
Thought so JMB haha, more likely to go to Wednesday tbf.
17 Jun 2015 19:04:56
Do players still get 10% of any transfer fee . anybody
17 Jun 2015 19:55:13
Generally it's 5% if they do not hand in a transfer request. If they do then usually they will forfeit their 5%, but occasionally the buying club will replace that amount in the form of a higher signing on fee. Or at least I believe this to be the case :)
17 Jun 2015 21:26:07
I am mates with Cameron jerome he got 10% when he went to Norwich also a big bonus for promotion
17 Jun 2015 21:47:36
A player I know very well who ply's his trade in England got nothing from the transfer fee but was paid a signing on fee. Was he ripped off? Maybe he should get a super agent lol.
{Ed025's Note - or a secret agent JMB.. :)
18 Jun 2015 00:06:11
I'd guess it works on a deal by deal basis but I also thought 5% was the 'norm' per se.
Jmb, tell your mate he's been ripped! I'm sure it was lvg's fault mind you 😉
18 Jun 2015 00:37:12
Sounds like he has been ripped off HB going on this. Then again he spent most of last season on the sidelines so I am sure he recouped some of the amount due to him in medical costs!
17 Jun 2015 18:12:53
Beast, since you asked, I just did a quick stats comparison of the 2. Please bare in mind the stats are all per 90 minutes, other than the percentages, which are over the course of the season, to give as reliable a comparison as possible, and they only include league matches.
Firmino averages 0.22 goals and 0.31 assists, compared to 0.07 goals and 0.11 assists for Willian, so that suggests his end product is much better. Also, despite what IMBS suggested, Firmino actually completes more dribbles, 4.33 vs 2.35, though Willian is more successful, 67% completion vs 57%.
In terms of shooting, Firmino attempts more shots, 2.94 vs 2.05, and is more accurate 45% accuracy vs 39%. In terms of passing, Willian attempts more passes, 50.30 vs 40.13, and is more accurate, 85% accuracy vs 73%. However, Firmino plays a higher proportion of these passes forwards, 63% vs 50%, and creates more chances, 2.13 vs 1.83.
Defensively Firmino also makes more tackles than Willian, 2.13 vs 1.12. Unfortunately I can't find any stats on distance covered, which would probably have been quite interesting since Willian covers ground like very few other attackers, so he's a good player to compare Firmino to in that respect.
Now, obviously stats are not the be all and end all when it comes to determining whether or not a player is good enough, after all I'm sure a fair few of you are aware of Sir Alex's reasons behind Jaap Stam, but hopefully this helps give people an idea of Firmino's style of play and best attributes.
{Ed025's Note - good stuff Gilly...and dont forget to zip up that anorak mate.. :)
17 Jun 2015 18:21:50
This is what i get for relying on YouTube.
17 Jun 2015 18:48:58
Thanks Gilly, really good basis to work off. Appreciate the effort mate.
17 Jun 2015 19:15:06
Firmino is more of an Oscar than a Willian, Willian is more of a rich mans Valencia/Valencia of 2011. Firmino doesn't rely on pace as much as Willian does and is far more skilful. He's more suited to a number 10 role and it's why he's started moving more infield as his career has progressed, like many number 10's, Mata did the same thing, as did Oscar I believe.
For Brazil he either plays as a number 10 in place of Oscar or as a false 9, he's a lot stronger on the ball than Oscar is and is probably better with his feet, Oscar is a better passer but I think Firmino will thrive in our system. (Well the system shappy posted earlier)
17 Jun 2015 19:22:18
Yeah I would have to agree with that Anon, best I get on the Oscar vs Firmino stats ;) And no worries Beast, I'm a bit of a stickler for stats, and it was an interesting comparison to make.
17 Jun 2015 17:57:17
Ok guys it's that time again.
The annual CTR end of season recognition awards :)
As normal I will list my top 5 posters from the season, feel free to list your own as these are just my opinions on who I think has been very good for our page this season.
5th place goes to Fresh, top guy this lad and always willing to post regardless of the stick he sometimes gets, keep it up mate.
4th place goes to Stevie(noucamp99) since he has been 'unbanished' he has really been more active than he was before, he and Tony (AJH) are often the voices of reason when this page goes silly. Add to that he's a top guy too.
3rd goes to Beast, I hardly never agree with him but know one can doubt him along with JMB are great for the site (even if Jred thinks I've tried to dislodge them :) )
2nd has to go to GDS, many give him stick but he has his opinions and voices them no matter how much abuse he gets. I love his optimism and drive to continue, don't change mate.
And 1st has go to No midfield, this guy cracks me up, it's posters like him and betty that remind us all this page is all about banter and there's is 2nd to none. Well done mate I'm sure I'm not alone in saying u have actually made me laugh out loud on many occasions this season with your quirky replys.
As always special mentions to JMB, Gav, AJH, Ronnie, singh, kingcontona, Bfro, jred, Ken, betty, syd etc who have all been brilliant for the page. (I'm sorry if I missed anyone out its hard to remember u all)
Again a massive thanks to all the eds especially Ed01, 02, 04, 07, 25. These guys deserve a massive thanks from all of us for giving us this platform to interact with each other and give us it for free. So a massive thanks from me guys.
A special thanks has to go to ed33 who many will not know but he does so much work for the pages improving them.
Also it's good to see u commenting regularly ed04 again. U along with bond have been missed from the page.
Sorry if I have missed anyone it's been a long day.
CTR.
{Ed007's Note - (yes)
17 Jun 2015 18:05:41
*Looks a feet swaying in disappointment*
17 Jun 2015 18:17:55
Sorry redman and herbie I missed u too out lads.
Top guys too.
17 Jun 2015 18:18:08
Thank you for the award haha.
17 Jun 2015 18:25:41
Lol mpez. Top man
17 Jun 2015 18:26:28
Good thread! My top 5 would be -
5)Gav - Does not post a lot, but is the voice of reason always
4)Shahram - From the Rooney disagreements to thinking alike, top bloke
3)AJH / Betty - Had a long day, get a grip, come flocking, you will have these guys help you get a stomach ache
2)Jred - With him I feel like, I am the one posting ;), we never disagree!
1)Danny - Banter bloody hell! Funniest guy I have ever seen on the internet. Makes a lot of sense with his reviews as well
As usual a special mention for everyone else who posts (I didn't want to miss out on anyone). Ed 001, 002, 004, 004, 025 - Thank you! Appreciate you putting in the effort.
Deeps.
17 Jun 2015 18:27:34
Lolll I finally made it to the list.
Guys I think we all have the same intentions while posting but just have different views or different ways of explaining things .
I will do a version of this by tomorrow just need to think of few things before I write this up.
17 Jun 2015 18:41:59
Cheers guys, look forward to it.
17 Jun 2015 18:43:05
Great top 5 deeps, can't believe I left out gcu and yourself. Top lads
17 Jun 2015 18:46:16
Cheers Deeps! Agree with Danny for his bantz/balanced opinions. Like jred as he's straight to the point which encourages debate. Ajh, gds, deeps, steviek, ctr all voices of reason. Although I disagree with much of jmb and beast's posts they are great for the site.
Cant rank them all but Danny and jred near the top for me.
Sure I've forgotten loads but it wouldn't be the same without all of you.
And big up to all the eds for obvious reasons.
17 Jun 2015 19:03:21
Great post CTR. Thanks for the mention and the award. Erm ah I see. *sniffle, clear history, goto red****forum sniffle, adjust bookmarks, delete, sniffle.*
{Ed004's Note - I am happy enough. I've been so good Pink mentioned me twice}
17 Jun 2015 19:16:53
I'll get my coat, always had a soft spot for Everton anyway, they'll appreciate me over there I'm sure ;-)
17 Jun 2015 19:17:15
1. Douglas Duggo always knows his stuff and talks sense 2. Tough one but hawkley red is interesting posts and knows his stuff about the foreign leagues good work lads you make this site worth reading a special mention to ed02 this guy knows his stuff !
17 Jun 2015 19:20:21
Thanx for the mention .Reading the post made me laugh but then a little sad because I MISS KLOOT
17 Jun 2015 19:21:01
You should all get a room:)
17 Jun 2015 19:22:21
You are right Ed 004, I would mention you thrice if you were a Rooney fan ;)
Brendan, do you feel like a slave here ;-)
Deeps.
17 Jun 2015 19:32:51
I would mention u supa but I don't think Spider-Man and Bane could get along ;)
17 Jun 2015 19:51:26
At least slaves have a use!
**No offence to any slaves reading this**
17 Jun 2015 21:05:43
CTR. You're a top bloke and recognise quality when you see it! 😊 I am humbled by the first prize. If I make anyone laugh then that's the point. We all love United so much and sometimes our arguments start from being passionate about God's own team. But we wouldn't change a thing.
So to all posters and Eds a big thank you. I love the site and I'll try to continue writing my usual crap!
And while my light is on, I hope Woodward and lvg are sorting our team out. I would like otimendi, veranda, Clyne, pogba, schneiderlin, forming, bale and kane. Now Woodward, make it happen or you're a loser.
Cheers guys and up the Reds.
17 Jun 2015 22:14:37
Pfft CTR, cursory mention at 4th but no cigar. I was also banished once for alleged crimes that I deny completely but was allowed back with the same user name.
17 Jun 2015 22:25:17
If shappy had received an award his acceptance speech would be like a rendition of war & peace. Only joking shappy:)
17 Jun 2015 23:16:56
I think I came 3rd last year, I have only been taught never to come first so 2nd is good for me!
Thanks Chris, I do always try and be optimistic and keep my pecker up, sometimes it is hard on here during the season especially when I get home from a match utterly distraught, but I'll always try and find a positive.
I thought Jaime would have been number 1, his posts after each game are top quality comedy value.
This site is fantastic with so many brilliant posters, you stick yourself right out there with a post like this because you are always going to miss certain people and then get a load of stick off them so fair play for doing it.
17 Jun 2015 23:34:26
Wiganred, I really appreciate that mate, nice one. And you are defo in my top 2 aswell, always one of the first on this site with ground that no-one else knows about, like you knew about the berbetov transfer 3 months in advance, and that Keane would retire at least a year before he did, mavelous.
18 Jun 2015 00:10:19
Forgot about Redman, top poster. Supasub too. And Brendan!
Where has gan gone? He's my fave penguin poster of all time.
18 Jun 2015 00:40:32
'Voice of reason'? Pfft. I'm cutting edge, mate.
18 Jun 2015 07:52:12
I know gds it was a long day at work and it wernt till I posted it I realised I'd left off so many top posters like standunited, imbs, huggy and Rosie etc. I would of listed them bit this page would of ended up with lists of posters lol.
{Ed001's Note - you remembered me CTR, so that is all that matters ;o)
18 Jun 2015 09:15:50
What happened to the third person penguin?
18 Jun 2015 09:54:24
Just a hunch but I think wiganred and Douglas Duggo are either the same person or know each other off the site. Why would anyone remember someone who called Keane retiring a year before he did, was this site even online then?
18 Jun 2015 10:44:39
Top 5 posters:
5. Beast
4. Redfaith & Jose Moonrinho
3. CTR GCU Ronnie(whom the whole Belgium voted for)
2. JMB
1. Shappy
Lifetime achievement awards to Betty, HoneyBadger and Ajh.
Acknowledgement; Mumbai, Supasub, Fresh, GDS2, Mpez, Ken, Jred, Syd etc!
With all sincerity thank you eds (001, 002, 004, 025 and 033)!
{Ed001's Note - thank you to everyone.}
18 Jun 2015 11:58:43
Thanks for the acknowledgement mbd. It's restored my inner belief in ones self. You would be on my list if I posted one :) also special mention to Jono, jonty, paso,caolan & Mort and a few others I can't remember there usernames, some of the elders.
18 Jun 2015 13:13:18
I can wait till next year i suppose.
18 Jun 2015 14:43:27
Wooohoooo I got a mention.
:-)
18 Jun 2015 18:42:53
Mbd, I'm near to tears at being put 3rd In your posters list, thank you! I thought everyone thought I was a pain in the butt cheeks, especially with all the Belgian stuff? Cheers my man! And thanks to all the Edd's! I'll sleep happy tonight! 👍
17 Jun 2015 17:25:51
Seen some reports recently suggesting we will only go for Schneiderlin if we fail with Schweinstegier, who would people prefer if it was one or the other, taking into account different aspects, ie - age, years left playing at the top, experience, wage, price tag, premier league experience, ideal for what type of player we currently need etc etc.
I personally would prefer Schneiderlin as I think he is exactly the type of player we need, and he has proven premier league experience and there is a lot more years left in the tank.
17 Jun 2015 17:39:46
A couple years ago it would have been as Schweini hands down but given age and Epl experience I would also opt for Schneiderlin.
17 Jun 2015 17:43:00
Schneiderlin for me because of age and also because if carrick were to have a better season injury wise then schneiderlin is more likely to be content with playing less games than schweinsteiger due to his club and international pedigree
17 Jun 2015 18:40:03
Schneiderlin all day long. Shweinsteigers wages, age, never played in EPL and his recent injury record all go against him for me.
17 Jun 2015 22:18:06
Schneiderlin, particularly as bizarrely, everyone seems to be able to spell his name correctly.
17 Jun 2015 22:26:28
What about Schweinsneijderlin? I hear he has a bit of everything.
18 Jun 2015 00:12:01
Stop being silly Supersub! 😉 it is strange how their names merge together so neatly tho isn't it?
17 Jun 2015 17:06:28
The silence from Manchester United in the transfer market is getting me worried
17 Jun 2015 17:11:36
It is good news. We don't want our business done in the public eye. When there is something ready to announce, it will be. Otamendi and Firmino could be on their way very soon - but no deals would be announced during the Copa America.
17 Jun 2015 17:41:51
Me too, been crying myself to sleep most nights for the fear of ending up with half the Dutch squad and Shawcross at CB 😉
17 Jun 2015 17:47:55
The few media outlets that actually had contacts when david gill was around have lost it now, I'm pretty sure 99% of them have no idea what's going on, was exactly the same last summer.
17 Jun 2015 17:49:51
This is what's making me believe we've signed Firmino, his agent has said the club he will sign for is opting to stay anonymous until after the copa America, which out of the prem clubs mentioned is likely to be either us or Liverpool. Hopefully Ed has learned the error of his ways.
17 Jun 2015 22:19:11
I'm very worried as the silence is deafening. Why we haven't yet announced Bale, Hummels, Clyne, and Pogba is beyond me. It's not like the window isn't open yet
17 Jun 2015 16:58:04
i'm expecting a few surprises in the transfer window tbh, i think van gaal won't bother with the 'superstars' but with players he know will work in the system
17 Jun 2015 15:06:53
Hi guys first time poster
Regarding the firmino link, obviously he's a good player who wouldn't need too much adjustement time having played in the bundesliga which is similar to the prem in many ways. But wouldn't this signing be detrimental to someone like perreira who plays a similar position and is surely in LVGs plans for next season having signed a new contract. At some point were going to have to trust our young players such as perreira and wilson (which is a similar situation with kane being linked to us) otherwise we risk losing them in the case of pogba
Im all for signing players but it doesn't always work out and their not always better than what is already at the club
17 Jun 2015 16:49:18
Not if we loaned out Adnan or sold Mata.
17 Jun 2015 17:10:46
Adnans another great example of a young player whos potential we should really be making the most of and i'd be dissapointed if we loaned him out
Also don't see us selling mata with the connection he's developed with herrera but i do think he should be moved in field to play alongside herrera with a solid holding mid behind the two
17 Jun 2015 17:12:18
I think Mata will leave and Januzaj will be loaned out if Firmino comes in. Januzaj will probably be loaned out anyway.
17 Jun 2015 18:12:38
were going to need a big squad for the season if we want to challenge for every competition, add that to how many injuries we may get.
17 Jun 2015 18:19:14
Considering a 4-2-3-1, depay, mata, adnan, firmino, adm and young. That's 6 people for 3 spots. All big teams have such excess. Considering injuries and 50+ matches, that makes perfect sense. Not to mention firmino and depay will be new here and will take considerable time to adjust.
Young is also a cover for lb amd rb.
Just look at chelsea; hazard, oscar, willian, cuadrado and sometimes even ramires. Or arsenal with ox, welbeck, sanchez, walcott, ozil, cazorla.
Depth is very important
17 Jun 2015 19:00:06
"depth is very important"
Thats what she said. Lol.
17 Jun 2015 19:18:08
Lol shappy
Is this coming from personal experience?
17 Jun 2015 22:22:49
DSG, I cometely agree. Januzaj is a huge talent yet some posters have written him off and suggest we need to loan hi out. What compete and utter poppycock. The boy is a real talent, both he and Wilson need to get lots of game time next year, they are exciting talents who will energise the team. I don't know where the idea of loaning Adnan has sprung from, it makes no sense whatsoever.
18 Jun 2015 00:13:44
Adnan should be cherished and nurtured. can't believe the posts I've seen saying to get rid of him. Yes beast, I'm talking about you 😊
17 Jun 2015 14:18:37
Anyone know anything about Fabinho? Heard the rumours today. My guessing is that he wouldn't be the best RB option we could go for.
If i got to choose any RB to sign for us it would be Coleman. Fantastic player, a lot better than the mid table battle he endures most seasons. Needs a top 4 club to snap him up and he's a boyhood MU fan. don't see it happening though.
17 Jun 2015 14:33:43
Glen Johnson then :))
17 Jun 2015 15:49:53
Harry,
1. Everton finished above us last season
2. You know nothing about him but you guess he's not the best RB option? Interesting guess based on zero knowledge.
17 Jun 2015 16:26:37
GDS - As i don't know him then i assume he isn't one of the best RB's in the world. Which we should be bidding for. So yes, pretty accurate guess based on zero knowledge.
17 Jun 2015 16:27:13
Plus GDS i said most seasons, other than last season Everton have come anywhere from 7-14 which is mid table
17 Jun 2015 16:55:11
I like Coleman overall but to be honest last year he was poor.
17 Jun 2015 17:01:17
That told him H
17 Jun 2015 17:07:41
I am going to guess you hadn't heard of Schmeichel, Solskjaer or Vidic, the scouts are there to pick out players who we otherwise might not spot.
17 Jun 2015 18:10:41
GDS2 stop arguing to argue. Harry is well and truly within his right to assume an unknown RB isn't one of the worlds best, hence the unknown bit. Vidic took bedding in, as did Solskjaer. Schmeichal was just weird like that.
17 Jun 2015 12:48:54
I really hope this potential Firmino link comes good. He is quiet different to most Brazilian talents in that he is as hard working as he is talented. Plus his versatility is amazing. He is just as effective as a striker or wide pliers as he is in the No.10 role.
I's love to see a free flowing front four of Depay, Rooney, Di Maria and Firmino, you would start off with Rooney up top with Firmino just in behind him and Depay to the left and Di Maria to the right. But they could all move and change with Di Maria dropping into the No.10 or wide left and Firmino, Depay and Rooney all switching and taking turns out wide in the No.10 spot or furthest forward. It would be so hard to defend against, impossible to man mark and allowing you to cause over loads if they mark zonally.
17 Jun 2015 13:34:30
i suggested the exact same formation lol. Just back that up with schneiderlin and hererra and you have a very dangerous team, atleast on paper.
17 Jun 2015 14:16:42
carrick has to play he is the best centre midfielder we have
17 Jun 2015 14:19:38
A lot of folk are going to be disapointed next year when Felliani is still the first name on the team sheet. Heard it here first!
17 Jun 2015 14:28:16
If your front 4 are going to switch like that then you need some solid wing backs who's are fast, capable on the ball and good a defending most importantly. Shaw and Coleman would go nicely.
17 Jun 2015 15:27:34
I haven't seen Firminio play, is he like Willian?
17 Jun 2015 16:09:36
From what i gather, after an in depth study(youtube), he's more of a passer than a dribbler. But he CAN dribble and can run endlessly. He also defends well.
17 Jun 2015 16:12:41
Same work rate and pace as willian but 100 times better in terms of quality on the ball! Would be a great addition to the team
17 Jun 2015 18:48:17
Cheers guys.
17 Jun 2015 18:49:08
I'd say he's more like Osacr than Willian but with a higher work ethic and is a lot stronger on the ball. Hence why they prefer to play him to Osacr in the team.
17 Jun 2015 19:22:57
Well now i am getting excited as i have never seen him play and don't watch a lot of Bundesliga except for Dortmund. Sounds like a steal at that price if he is what you guys are describing.
17 Jun 2015 12:36:28
{Ed001's Note - We have posted a new article entitled, Stoke Fixture List
17 Jun 2015 13:36:31
Cheers, but why lol?
{Ed001's Note - oh shoot I forgot it would auto generate posts on all the sites. It was only meant to go on the Stoke site. Doh. We were going to put fixture lists for each of the clubs we have a site for on the FNV site, I will have to speak to Ed033 to see if we can do that without them linking to other sites.}
17 Jun 2015 13:56:20
Because this is the fixture after which a few players are bruised, a couple injured, the goalkeeper loses all confidence, the inability of defenders to deal with aerial threat comes to light and the fans go crazy thinking what just happened and who should be blamed.
17 Jun 2015 13:52:15
Ed001,
That would be a great idea, I thought there must have been some kind of error!
{Ed001's Note - we have just shelved the idea of posting up the fixture lists for now, Ed033 is too busy redoing all the sites to make them all mobile friendly, no time to mess about with the FNV auto generating thing. Apologies though, it should have been something I considered before I thought of the idea of putting up the fixture lists. It is just being able to do so without being threatened with court action by the FA like we did in previous years when the fixtures were posted on the sites, even when it was someone else sending them in!}
17 Jun 2015 12:10:08
We all know De Gea is going to be jetting off back home sooner rather than later and of course everyone has a keeper of their own choosing who would be ideal to replace him. Personally I am quite content to go into next season with Valdes between the sticks and the only other keeper who's transfer is plausible and who could replace De Gea adequately for me is Cech.
Personally I think Cech will move to the Emirates. Having said that it has got me thinking with Arsenal looking very good at the end of last season who do you think Chelsea would rather sell to given the choice, the Gunners or us? Obviously it is quite a unique transfer as Cech has been and is still a Chelsea legend and I believe ultimately Chelsea will let Cech choose his own destination.
However if it was Jose's decision to make and the only options for the player were North London or Old Trafford what would he choose? I reckon Mourinho would rather Cech joined United at this moment in time.
17 Jun 2015 12:56:28
I still prefer Asmir!
17 Jun 2015 13:21:07
Anyone but Bergovic. Oblak will be my choice.
17 Jun 2015 14:09:58
If you don't like him that doesn't mean you have to murder his name. :P
17 Jun 2015 14:28:41
I'm sitting in a civil procedure class (Law School) and just burst out laughing. Top post.
17 jun 2015 22:43:21
mbd post of the season pmsl
17 Jun 2015 11:58:08
If the media are to be believed our dithering might cost us the chance to sign otmaendi.
The telegraph are suggesting Real Madrid now want him. If it's true looks like we will miss out. Given he is a Latino, as much as we don't like it Real Madrid are seen as the ultimate destination.
I hope it is just a leaked story to get us to make our move.
17 Jun 2015 12:49:27
I'm not too bothered if we don't sign Otamendi. He isn't tall enough to be an EPL center back imo and I'm not sure he reads the game as well as he should. Although he does make some really heroic last ditch challenges.
And then factor in the current asking price, I don't think it's a sensible move. If we cannot get Hummels I'd rather see us invest in our future and sign john stones.
17 Jun 2015 11:14:34
So it's Brazil vs Serbia in the U-20 WC final! Nice . watch out for Pereira, Zivkovic and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic's younger brother Sergej!
I must say Mali had some impressive midfielders!
17 Jun 2015 12:07:34
Zivkovic is a very good player.
17 Jun 2015 13:31:46
where is our resident youth expert ronnie??
17 Jun 2015 14:27:03
I can give you a break down on the Serbian side LOL. My trainer is an ex Professional Serbian player that played in their premiere division and has played with the likes of Vidic and knows everyone of these guys.
He believes Zivcovic is a massive star in the making and i think Valencia have signed him. I watched him and you can see he is different and loads of quality there. He also rates our young goalie and his brother who are both on that team. Names are too difficult to remember :)
He also thinks the Anderlecht boy that we were supposedly interested in will be very good and one of Europe's top Strikers in a few years. let's see
Also reckons they will Beat brazil, if you are brave enough you will get great odds on that:)
17 Jun 2015 18:13:37
GCU you owe me a fiver if they lose, sunshine.
17 Jun 2015 11:13:43
having schweinsteiger and carrick will not be very smart
17 Jun 2015 12:51:51
Why not? Experienced players in important central midfield positions is exactly what we need.
If we cannot get schneiderlin and gundogan/naingollan are not gettable, schwrinsteiger to provide quality, depth and experience makes perfect sense.
17 Jun 2015 14:50:36
Plodfest.
17 Jun 2015 17:04:27
I know wot u mean beast but the roles they play wouldn't require them to be quick around the pitch mate.
What it would require them to do is to take up good deep lying positions in order to make us defensively more solid and release the ball FORWARD more quicker when they get it.
Busquests and Xavi were not the quickest but what they did do well was pass the ball to the more attacking players quickly.
I'd have no problem with a midfield 3 of Carrick, Schwie and Ander supplying the likes of Di Maria, Depay/Firmino(if he joined) and Rooney.
That would allow Ander to get forward more without worrying to much of what he's leaving behind him too.
If we could just sort out a top draw RB and CB too that would represent a very good window imo for the 1st 11.
17 Jun 2015 19:25:03
I have no problem with any midfield and god knows we need one given our defenders especially CB's, smalling is off the sh. t list but the rest stay on it.
17 Jun 2015 11:12:36
i don't think this is going to be a good transfer window i know all the players we have been linked with is not true but even if there are a few of those true they will be a waste of money. we need a striker yes but certainly not cavani or lewandowski.in attacking midfield we don't need someone unless mata goes and someone comes in that's better then him. we need atleast two central midfielders but having scwein
17 Jun 2015 12:16:44
We don't need Lewandowski?! I know we aren't going to get him (we may not even be interested) but that's not too far from saying we don't need Messi or Ronaldo! If we could get Lewandowski (I don't think we can) we absolutely should!
17 Jun 2015 12:53:27
@wes369
Disagree with all of that mate.
Perhaps a walk in the sunshine and a vacation is what you need to cheer yourself up? The most negative post I've read for quite a while!
17 Jun 2015 13:43:22
REDFAITH,
To be fair we often get new posters around this time coming on here saying the same thing, it is going to be a poor window, why haven't we signed all of our targets yet, I've read in the paper we are linked to xxxx but now Madrid are after him and we have missed our chance AGAIN! Woodward doesn't have a clue.
If we had signed 6 players by now some people would be creating an account on here saying 'why haven't we signed so and so', its frustrating because people want all the business done early but when it is they forget it has been done, if we signed Depay yesterday Wes wouldn't have written this post I can guarantee it, but because we haven't signed anyone for a couple of weeks its mad panic.
Certainly not Lewandowski? Crazy statement.
17 Jun 2015 11:09:06
Stoke have signed some danish goalkeeper by the name oh Jakob haugaard.
With already Butland and Begovic in their squad, quite possibly Begovic maybe moving.
If De Gea leaves, I'd be happy with us signing him and letting both Valdez and Begovic fight it out.
Although Lloris seems to me the best signing but price tag could be an issue there.
17 Jun 2015 13:43:42
Hes been linked with Chelsea as 2nd choice.
17 Jun 2015 10:01:11
Fabinho dourado schnerdilin firmino depay
Vietto varane would do for me great summer
I think we should request varane for de ge and have valdes as number one otherwise i don't see sent him having a future either mufc689908
17 Jun 2015 09:56:22
Do we think we will end any interest in Vidal after his drink driving arrest?
17 Jun 2015 10:07:44
Don't personally think we are after him anyway tbh
17 Jun 2015 10:23:36
Would not matter to me i am afraid, he is still what we need. THat said i am less convinced that we are interested
17 Jun 2015 11:41:40
I'm sure last thing Ed002 said was that we might look again this summer? Either way that's probably out the window.
17 Jun 2015 12:17:45
Think he'd be great alongside Carrick and Herrera in midfield. He's obv a silly boy but so are many of these folk earning ridiculous money for playing a game. I do wonder how many footballers drink drive but never get caught.
17 Jun 2015 12:38:33
Hell no. Any player that may upsurp our manager in the drinking stakes at the end of season bash is a big no no
17 Jun 2015 09:44:36
So the fixtures are out - a very tough start against Spurs! But our run in is excellent playing the likes of Villa, Norwich and Bournemouth in our last 5 guys. If we are in a title race that could really give us an edge!
17 Jun 2015 11:27:11
Be tough for Harry Kane playing against his former club on the opening day ;)
17 Jun 2015 11:56:21
I think we will beat spurs . I just hope we will have a good start with team gelling well unlike last season
17 Jun 2015 09:23:13
August 8: Tottenham Hotspur (H)
August 15: Aston Villa (A)
August 22: Newcastle United (H)
August 29: Swansea City (A)
September 12: Liverpool (H)
September 19: Southampton (A)
September 26: Sunderland (H)
October 3: Arsenal (A)
October 17: Everton (A)
October 24: Manchester City (H)
October 31: Crystal Palace (A)
November 7: West Bromwich Albion (H)
November 21: Watford (A)
November 28: Leicester City (A)
December 5: West Ham United (H)
December 12: Bournemouth (A)
December 19: Norwich City (H)
December 26: Stoke City (A)
December 28: Chelsea (H)
January 2: Swansea City (H)
January 13: Newcastle United (A)
January 16: Liverpool (A)
January 23: Southampton (H)
February 2: Stoke City (H)
February 6: Chelsea (A)
February 13: Sunderland (A)
February 27: Arsenal (H)
March 1: Watford (H)
March 5: West Bromwich Albion (A)
March 12: Crystal Palace (H)
March 19: Manchester City (A)
April 2: Everton (H)
April 9: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
April 16: Aston Villa (H)
April 23: West Ham United (A)
April 30: Leicester City (H)
May 7: Norwich City (A)
May 15: Bournemouth (H)
{Ed004's Note - A good run in}
17 Jun 2015 09:48:11
April and may could be decisive. Great fixtures to end the season bar spurs away
17 Jun 2015 09:48:31
Fantastic Run in. Couldn't ask for it to be any better. The only concern for me is the October month. If we don't start the season sharp we could be drowned by the end of October. I honestly think we should win the title next season.
17 Jun 2015 10:19:30
Great fixture list for United. Minimum 10 points from last 5 matches should United into Second or Third.
17 Jun 2015 10:26:10
We should be beating spurs at home, we were miles better than them home and away last season and then have a good start with those fixtures also not just the end of season but the xmas period it also good to us to run up to a big home game vs chelsea
17 Jun 2015 10:26:58
Lovely run up to Xmas as well.
17 Jun 2015 11:16:56
Who cares about 2nd or 3rd?
17 Jun 2015 11:22:02
Chelsea aside it looks like a good November, December through to mid January
17 Jun 2015 11:33:22
just heard a stat that we're away for 4 games of the 6 after champions league games, let's hope we get through and get drawn a group with a lot of teams closer to home rather than your Shatkar's and Dinpro's
17 Jun 2015 11:44:52
Don't know. I hate playing teams fighting to avoid relegation at the end of the season. I always think the desire for survival outweighs the bigger teams' desire to win a trophy.
17 Jun 2015 12:10:44
Huh
I see 12 points from the first 4 fixtures and not sure what everyone is complaining about. Might have the odd draw. Spurs are rubbish and we will give them a beating.
17 Jun 2015 13:23:24
Tough October
17 Jun 2015 13:47:18
Stevie,
I said the same on the post below, the bottom teams at the end isn't always a good thing.
Anon,
That isn't a stat, just a fact, one of them is away to Southampton who will be in the Europa league on the Thursday and one of them is at Arsenal who will hopefully have a tough game before they play us. We might not be in the Champions League yet so let's not get too caught up on that.
17 Jun 2015 13:49:24
decent fixtures and last game at OT first in a while
17 Jun 2015 09:46:27
Agree Ed, big fixtures also spaced out and home to Spurs, Lpool, City and Chelsea first half season.
Decent first 7 games also
Can't wait!!
17 Jun 2015 17:55:09
GDS you are aware a stat is a fact that is backed up by data? Don't get why you picked that out. But still, it's not the best running for us if we qualify.
17 Jun 2015 09:15:29
So those who were whining about a possible opening day game at Bournemouth, are you happier with Spurs at home? Don't think I am personally.
17 Jun 2015 09:37:27
I am Brendan. I think it will be a good indication of where we are at having come off the full pre-season under LVG. I just wish it started back next month rather than August mate. Cannot bloody wait!
17 Jun 2015 09:38:15
We can easily beat Spurs at home, I personally am quite happy with the start and the end of the season.
LVG is a lucky man, most top 6 team games are spreak out nicely.
17 Jun 2015 09:45:37
I'm going to say now that it will be a very cagey affair, very few goals and probably a boring draw to kick off the season. Neither team will be ready to go hell for leather.
. It would be nice to give Harry Kane a start against his former club though ;)
17 Jun 2015 09:49:15
Weggy he is known as 'the lucky one' in Dutch football!
17 Jun 2015 09:52:50
With you JMB, been finished too long already. Loving the run in Weggy, couldn't be much better really.
17 Jun 2015 10:38:38
As I said, we were never getting an away game first up as City requested they play away first game so their stadium work can be completed.
Tricky start obviously but we should already be sharp after a qualifier and a win would be a huge confidence boost. That run in is brilliant, although easy to say that now, they could all be teams fighting for their lives and desperate for points come April and May.
The Southampton away game is after we play in the Champions League but they will play in the Europa league on the Thursday meaning we should have an advantage there.
17 Jun 2015 19:35:44
I'd prefer spurs at home to Bournemouth away, imagine how up for it they will be, raucous crowd, much prefer a home game.
17 Jun 2015 08:54:31
If De Gea doesn't sign a new contract, United should demand Carvajal in the deal- they've just bought Danilo and we need a new right back. Carvajal could work even better in the Spanish trio than Valencia did!
DDG is worth far more than Carvajal in my eyes, eds do you have any idea of the valuation of both players?
17 Jun 2015 09:49:24
Carvajal is a fantastic player, I'd be asking for Carvajal + 10/15 million.
17 Jun 2015 10:02:22
You would be asking for too much then Fresh.
17 Jun 2015 07:33:49
Been trawling the other rumours sites again - need to get a life! Kids need to be woken up, sorted out for school, etc!
However, rewarded with interesting info about potential Hernandez part exchange on Southampton rumours page.
17 Jun 2015 08:01:33
You're not the only one trawling other pages, mainly looking for any info ed002 has haha, so we are apparently looking to involve Hernandez in a swap deal with a Spanish side, the first name that comes to mind is otamendi, personally I'd rather we went for his partner mustafi, any ideas who else we could be looking at from the Spanish league?
17 Jun 2015 08:56:13
Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't mustafi considered not good enough at everton by moyes and released?
17 Jun 2015 09:02:47
Mustafi is a much better player Andy. I agree with that statement.
17 Jun 2015 09:30:23
JMB and Andy, sorry can't abide by that analysis at all. Otamendi was arguably the second best CB in La Liga last year (Pique had the best year of his career). You might be able to persuade me that Mustafi fits the LVG 'system' better but as an all around CB Otamendi is miles ahead.
17 Jun 2015 09:44:22
Imightbesomeone - Wasn't Steve Bruce deemed not good enough by Newcastle, Derby and Burnely amongst others? Wasn't Ruud Guilit considered not good enough for Arsenal and Ipswich?
I am sure there are many more examples so I wouldn't hold that against Mustafi if that was the case.
17 Jun 2015 09:50:26
Red Rosie that is your opinion. Nothing against Otamendi but I am most definitely of the opinion Mustafi is a much better all round player.
17 Jun 2015 09:51:58
Jmb , the end of season Fox review must have really painted Mustafi in a good light because there's no way he's as good a defender as Otamendi , or even close
17 Jun 2015 09:54:07
An agent tells the press his player is looking for a move and tells them some big name clubs are interested and all of a sudden people start raving about them saying we should stump up huge amounts of money, mustafi has made less errors than otamendi this year and would be available for so much less
17 Jun 2015 10:03:55
Jmb
I was genuinely asking. I have nothing against the player. I haven't ever seen him play.
17 Jun 2015 10:10:55
Bilko - like I said above that is your opinion mate and Mustafi being a better player is mine. If Otamendi is this all conquering super human defender why didn't you mention his name previous to the media hype?
17 Jun 2015 10:40:02
Was thinking the same thing Andy.
However just read in Telegraph that Reak Madrid now want him and LVG, having agreed terms with Otsmendi, not prepared to enter a bidding war as price rises from 25m
17 Jun 2015 14:12:50
Steve bruce was ignored by every england manager too. with good reason, he was a whole hearted player who never gave less than 100% but was slower than my gran over 50 meters and was not good enough at the highest level. A bit like shawcross
17 Jun 2015 00:24:55
Hey not posted b4 but would anybody else like to see benteke sign he is a prober number 9
17 Jun 2015 08:37:34
Nope!
17 Jun 2015 09:03:45
He wouldn't be my first choice nor my last but if he comes to OT I would expect Villa to give us Benteke plus £10milliom for our services.