Manchester United Banter Archive April 01 2019

01 Apr 2019 22:58:22
I would be sad to see Ander leave, he comes across as a leader. While he is only second to Pogba for ability amoungst our midfielders, and is probably our hardest working and most consistent midfielder.

So losing him would be a blow in my opinion. However, it isn't sensible to be handing out long contracts of up to 200k per week to a player who will be 30 next season.

As good as he is currently, he isn't part of the long or even medium term plans for our club going forward.

Again I will echo what many others have said in that it appears to be poor management from Ed Woodward to allow this situation to occur. Handing out contracts to lesser players while neglecting to nail down key players in Herrera and DDG.

However, if we had to give in to the wages demands of one of them, it is always going to be the guy with the gloves.

We are on a cusp atm, and how Ed Woodward handles this might be the difference between him leaving Old Trafford in a limo or a hearse.

We could potentially lose DDG, Herrera and Pogba in one window.

Now all players are replaceable, even DDG. However, getting the right quality of player to sign to replace them when all of our best players appear to be leaving might be significantly harder.

This looks like it is shaping up to be a key summer for the future of Manchester United. Get this right and we could bounce back quicker than expected, get this wrong and it could another 5 years in the wilderness.

02 Apr 2019 06:16:20
Agree Shappy, Herrera always puts up a fight when he wears the shirt.
But I will not be too disappointed if he leaves.
To compete for the league, we need an upgrade on Herrera and probably Matic.
We loose many midfield battles, because the distribution is poor from midfield.
Therefore we need a midfielder who is good on the ball in the summer who would go straight into the midfield alongside Pogba and Matic.
If pogba is man marked, we need another midfielder to take control of the match and initiate the counter attacks.

02 Apr 2019 07:02:49
Shappy

I agree, I like Herrera, he has been a really good committed player. However, there has to be a line drawn, if he wants to leave and can get better elsewhere, thinks the grass is greener, he isn’t THAT key a player, so then good luck, goodbye and don’t let the door hit you on the ass as you go. The question is why have we let good players get to a position where they have no sell on value, that is down to the Exec Vice Bean Counter.

02 Apr 2019 08:54:59
Never thought he was that good. Decent player, but not top class. If he wants 200k+ a week and can get it elsewhere, I wish him all the best and say fair play to him.

02 Apr 2019 10:34:19
Bottom line is as much as we like him, if he really wants to leave, Utd can equally find a better replacement.

02 Apr 2019 11:52:54
Shappy tbh I don't agree to 200k per week for a 25 year old never mind herrera as decent as he is. Its been stated that we will have to pay more in transfer fee (50m) sugested to replace. Fair play but would rather spend that now as opposed to 75m in a couple of years the way the markets going! Probably get a barrage of dislikes but would stand firm with DDG and others too: we cannot sensibly maintain the payments demanded by players even with a top level income into the coffers. I would say spend on a quality replacement N'dombele for example who could be a top player for 8 + years.

02 Apr 2019 13:11:48
Shappy - The Herrera situation is fascinating and it will be interesting to see how it develops.

There is no doubt he has become a key player under OGS. Herrera brings the energy, intensity and mobility which has allowed Pogba to flourish and play further forward and he gives us the ability to press and win the ball higher up the pitch.

Many have said they wouldn't be sorry to see him leave yet he will need replacing. Whilst I can't proclaim him to be world class he's certainly performed well for Solskjear and become a key component of his midfield. He's not 30 until August so he's not particularly old and probably playing some of the best football of his Utd career.

Without being an expert or knowing the details of the negotiations I think the problem may lie with the length of contract rather than his wages. I would imagine he'd want a four year deal which considering his age would be a huge financial commitment to the Club for a player with perhaps his best years behind him.

I think in the past Utd have predominantly preferred to offer one year rolling extensions to players in their 30's. I suppose this keeps the players hungry and fighting for their place. It also means the Club aren't burdened with players approaching the end of their careers where form can fluctuate and players become more susceptible to injury. Herrera is interesting because he's not yet in his 30's and this is maybe his last chance to secure a lucrative contract. If PSG are willing to increase his wages and offer him a long term contract we can't blame him for wanting to secure his financial future for his family. From
a Utd perspective maybe the money could be better spent elsewhere?!

It's looking likely we'll lose both Mata and Herrera this summer. Both have been good servants but presided over a time of mediocrity and inconsistency at the Club. With the likes of Fellaini, Mata, Herrera and possibly Rojo, Valencia and Darmian all leaving in the summer hopefully we can inject some freshness, enthusiasm and vitality back into the squad.

One thing is for certain if Herrera leaves he MUST be replaced. I've been really impressed with Tielemans on loan at Leicester. He was well rated before his move to Monaco and he's proven he can perform in the EPL. At 21 his potential is huge and maybe that's where the investment should go if we can get the others off the wage bill. With Monaco struggling maybe a deal could be done and his wage demands would be a fraction of Herrera's on a player with massive potential who could represent the Club for many years.

{Ed001's Note - can I ask why Tielemans? He is very similar to Pogba, offers next to nothing defensively and so I fail to see how he would work as a Herrera replacement.}

02 Apr 2019 13:17:21
Thinking the same, Ed001. I like him a lot, but I'd be thinking of him as a replacement for Pogba if he goes.

{Ed001's Note - I would agree on that, though I personally do not like him. He is half-arsed imo. Puts too little effort into it, like he is not really giving his all for me.}

02 Apr 2019 13:48:41
Ed001 - I think we need more creativity from midfield and you don't always need a direct replacement in my opinion. He's energetic, mobile, he's good on the ball, a good passer and a goal threat.

We have Fred who is similar to Herrera in that he's able to press and play on the front foot. Mctominay is a solid, disciplined midfielder like Matic and I think we need another player in there capable of unlocking defences and providing a goal threat.

I think next season we'll see a lot of teams sit deeper against us especially at OT and we don't need two defensive midfielders. I think we'll look to play faster, with a higher tempo and look to dominate the ball more and I think he'd be a really good addition to the squad.

{Ed001's Note - I will be shocked if Fred ever becomes a Premier League quality player. I just don't see the deal with Tielemans. Even his creativity is not that good imo. Another one that will fade away into obscurity I believe.}

02 Apr 2019 14:18:58
Ed001 - I'll bow to your greater knowledge I must confess I've only seen him a few times so maybe I'm guilty of MOTD fever and playing a bit of fantasy football! I think you might be right about Fred as well!

Whilst I've got your attention what do you make of Declan Rice? I think it's too early to judge at the moment. I'm not convinced he has the quality on the ball to become a really top midfielder?!

{Ed001's Note - I like him, I think he is a top player in the making.}

02 Apr 2019 14:28:41
"Ed001's Note - I would agree on that, though I personally do not like him. He is half-arsed imo. Puts too little effort into it, like he is not really giving his all for me. "

So a perfect Pogba replacement then. 🤣

On a serious note I think we need two midfielders this summer if Herrera leaves, NDombele would be a good replacement for Herrera imo. With someone more creative also coming in to add more going forward. Soler, Pellegrini or Bruno Fernandes could all offer something in that regard.

02 Apr 2019 15:28:15
Shappy with those names mentioned, one that has popped up in the news today is T. Partey of Atletico. |
What are the thoughts on him here?

02 Apr 2019 16:13:55
Don’t see the big deal with Tielemans either. His best attribute is composure and assurance on the ball, and I think that gave him an advantage over other youth players. But as he has progressed, he hasn’t added much to his game. Yes, he’s tidy in possession, but he doesn’t work hard defensively, and doesn’t actually create many chances at the other end. He could develop into a Xavi type player in the right system, but would need to work much harder, and learn how dictate play and set the tempo.

02 Apr 2019 17:19:45
Good post Shappy. Exactly what I was thinking of posting. Herrera is a good player whose work sometimes goes unnoticed but he is nearing the end of his peak and a huge long term contract may not be the best thing for the club financially.
To the people saying if we can't match his wage demand than will we be able to get an adequate replacement, we are close to the limit wage wise but can spend on transfer fees.

Shappy who do you suggest to replace him? Also I think we may be in for an interesting transfer window this summer. 2 of our first choice CM may leave and Matic also might need replacing soon.

01 Apr 2019 20:58:20
Could be without Herrera, Pogba and DeGea by next season now. Hope they have a plan! The Sanchez deal has really put us back years over the wages. Interesting to see if Herrera play the last few games now given his decision to leave.

01 Apr 2019 23:19:30
We would have to agree to sell pogba and De Gea so i'd imagine the plan is to not agree to that unless we have replacements.

01 Apr 2019 15:14:09
I love Ander and will be gutted if he leaves. But 200k for a 30 year old is crazy money. Signing Sanchez has caused numerous issues for us. But perhaps the biggest problem is his wage. We have a serious issue now that we have set a precedent by offering obscene wages to a player whose past his best. As long as we look to improve the team by bringing in a neves, ndidi, ndombele sort of player to replace Herrera then I think him leaving may not be the worst idea.

I do believe we have a culture issue at the club. There are far too many players who have the wrong attitude required to return us to the top of the tree. If someone does not want to be here then it should be goodbye and all the best for the future. I’m actually happy with the appointment of ole and I think he is capable of building something here. But he must be backed to bring in his own players so that we can play a more high energy and pressing game. It is clear that there are too many players who are not physically capable of doing that. Matic being on of them (although I’m a massive fan) and you could argue pogba whose actually starting to wind me up abit. If he’s happy to commit and give his all great. If not then I think we need to see the back of him because he is infuriatingly inconsistent. I think there is cause for optimism. We have a manager who has united DNA. We have some exciting players with the potential to grow into fantastic players. With the right additions in key areas, I believe we will challenge next season.

01 Apr 2019 15:30:27
If PSG think Herrera is worthy of £200k a week then fair play, thanks for the service Ander and we move on, he is pretty replaceable in this squad IMO.

01 Apr 2019 15:36:10
Cant argue with what you said Park, Spot on!

01 Apr 2019 16:03:54
Just another bang average midfielder. Yes he gives his all but you need more than that and if it’s true he wants£200,000 then goodbye it is.

01 Apr 2019 16:04:57
Herrera is coming up to 30 if PSG are going to pay him 200k good luck to the lad.
I'm not convinced tho, sounds like negotiations and click bait.

01 Apr 2019 16:14:11
True but its causing problems either way. We already ae light in midfield and would go into the summer with pogba (? ), matic, Fred, Pereira and McTominay. If pogba goes as well then we're going to get our pants pulled down.

01 Apr 2019 16:20:05
I don’t see how a player negotiating their last big contract is endemic of having the ‘wrong attitude’. Players understand that football is generating massive profits for Europe’s biggest clubs. Why shouldn’t they be looking to secure their own financial interests?

The club have allowed Herrera to run down his contract, and he has every right to look for the highest wage he can get.

01 Apr 2019 16:30:12
Need to clear out all top earners and start again.

01 Apr 2019 16:38:21
I agree mort it’s not ideal. I’m an ideal world we keep pogba, he knuckles down and finally achieves the consistency that we crave. However I highly doubt that. Losing Herrera and bringing in neves would be an improvement. This summer we need to clear out properly and make sensible acquisitions that fit ole’s philosophy and style of play. I don’t want us to go round the galactico route whereby we buy players with marketability. It seems we are interested in youngsters with immense potential (Ruben Dias, Sancho, joao felix) . I like this idea and want to see us return to our model of investing in young, promising players. However, with Woodward still in charge and no DOF/ technical director in place, I do have my doubts.

01 Apr 2019 17:10:24
Maybe all the overpaid players could agree a wage ceiling so more cash could go to lower leagues and grass roots. It would take the club's as well, they could stop been multi million pound businesses and pass on savings to the supporters. I feel the top end of the game has forgotten its humble beginnings. All clubs are nothing without supporters paying hard earned cash to watch them. Sanchez earns as much in a week as I do in 10 years, he sometimes kicks a football on a pitch, i risk life to keep the streets safe. Not happy with this situation, Herrera if you love United play for £100,000 a week, you don't need anymore.

01 Apr 2019 18:29:52
I don’t understand why people get out outraged when EPL players look to get the best contract, but don’t bat an eyelid when EPL clubs boast record profits year after year while paying a pittance in tax.

Why should players impose a cap on their earnings while the clubs they work for are making more money than any point in history?

01 Apr 2019 19:18:57
I think its more that's got to this point Danny. It either should have been sorted much earlier or we've been handicapped in negotiations by the waste that is Sanchez. As I said earlier we're already light. McTominay is still a learner. Pereira isn't a premier league quality central midfielder. Fred still looks to be settling in. Matic is getting on now and burns out every season. And Pogba is consistent at being inconsistent and could be off himself.

As much as we all recognise we need a top class centre back and more depth at full back and need a right sided forward we have to face some of that might have to be shelved this summer because of the lack of a midfield.

01 Apr 2019 19:30:56
Martial just signed a contract on 250 a week.
Sanchez 400.
So benchmarks are there.
Herrera is coming up to 30. He is not out standing as it is and there is no further improvement in him.
If he stays as a squad member i have no issue. If he leaves i have no issue either.
I would rather herrera mata valencia leave on frees and we reinvest in younger and more productive players.
Selling rojo darmian and jones will complete the major phase of a clearout with matic young and sanchez to follow within 12 months.

01 Apr 2019 19:59:31
I like Herrera and I hope he stays . Nothing to say any new player will be amazing .
I wouldn't pay much attention to what the papers say x y and z, earn either .

01 Apr 2019 20:33:24
Agree pal. I don't get people saying he's bang average. Since coming back into the team he's certainly played a part in the turnaround.

01 Apr 2019 20:52:33
Herera is a good player and actually bothers when he plays. We should be keepin players like that in the team and not selling them.

02 Apr 2019 23:34:59
FZZ I agree with you.

Get rid and start again.

Every building needs a good foundation and we simply don't have that.

I would be fine of we didn't challenge for a few years and rebuild.

I don't really bother myself with the money side of things, it's vile how much money is involved and money corrupts, which is what has happened to the game.

We need look no further than Sepp Blatter to see the corruption up close.

Let Ole clear those that don't want to be here anymore go, get rid of the dead wood and start again.

Our noisy neighbours did it ovet a decade and now Liverpool are doing it too.

We should do the same.

01 Apr 2019 07:29:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 1st April 2019