Manchester United Banter Archive August 20 2013

20 Aug 2013 22:35:22
Rooney?
In an ideal world he would stay.
However, if he is going to, is it better to go to Arsenal or Chelsea? I would say, contrary to other views, Chelsea. On the basis that if he goes to Chelsea he will enhance their squad, but this year it could be argued that they would finish above us anyway. Whereas Arsenal would be a big leap for them and it may give them the impetus to finish above us thereby seeing us lose top 4 position, which would be disastrous. I believe we will be more than good enough to get top 4 but why take the risk?

Why would he want to go to Arsenal? Chelsea have a chance of winning things. Arsenal do not.

redseven

IMO if Rooney wants to become the player he once was, then he should go to Chelsea.

Mourinho will take him to the next level and as an England fan I hope that is where he goes

NoName

Quite silly to think Mourinho has some magic wand and can transform players. If anything Mourinho has always been used to buy, buy, buy or have an existing group that are very good and get's way too much credit.

There is a thing called getting older and physically declining attributes.

20 Aug 2013 22:29:39
been said man u was at psv tonight to have a look at someone anyone a idea who? I like to see depay think he looks good and maher or could it be one ac players ed? {Ed004's Note - Maher?}

Probably Maher. Possibly Willems - but in all honesty it could have been several. They have a fantastic young team at the moment. Although injured tonight, Zakaria Bakkali looks like an incredible player from the few games I've seen him play in.

redseven

Maher just moved over this summer so I doubt they will be selling him.

20 Aug 2013 22:04:44
Guys was chatting to zee on ps3 there, he wants the eds and everyone to know that he is now using the name zee1 as someone else was posting under his name! Just passing on the message guys!

20 Aug 2013 22:11:22
Anyone think that United have made a mistake with Fellaini and should have paid the 23.5m buy-out clause. We want him and bid 16m but we will have to and prob will go to 20m plus. imagine all the agro we would have saved just paying the buy out clause and dealing with the fro directly.

I know we can't go throwing money around but with the midfield being so weak and the fact that we have been so publicly unsuccessful in the transfer market it would have been worth the few extra million to land our target without any hassle.

Devil Dust.

20 Aug 2013 21:51:53
There are just 13 days left for the summer transfer window. Whilst I have not yet hit the panic button, to coin a phrase by someone who's name I cannot quite remember is it getting to 'squeaky bum time'?

My question is what do you believe is the cause for our lethargy, and at times mystifying acts, during the summer?

If we are trying to show that post SAF/Gill the new men are their own men then that has certainly been a huge success!

Is it just basic incompetence from Woodward? Or is he actually doing a decent job in attempting to get players at the correct price not the inflated ones being banded about.

Is it all just a huge smokescreen for the return of CR7?

The end of the window will show us what it has all been about. As an optimist i'm hoping we come out of it showing by playing the waiting game we have got the right players at the price; my optimism though is being seriously tested so far this summer!

When Moyes first spoke of transfers after taking over from SAF he said that all deals will probably happen at the end of the window, which seems to me maybe they've been in place for a while? Or maybe at least one has!

Ozwald

Ozwald I remember Moyes saying that also; he also said that the first transfer needs to be the right transfer.
At the time I believed this to mean the marquee signing (i.e. Fabregas) so that what did seem the inevitable Fellaini/Baines signings would not look like Moyes taking the 'easy' options and come in for a bashing.

Did he really mean the first transfer to start the merry-go-round ending with the return of CR7?

I reckon i'm over thinking it, but I do still feel that if Bale goes to Real we will get someone from Real

20 Aug 2013 20:06:22
Just watching the PSV vs MIlan game PSV have this player called Park JI Sung he looks amazing any interest from us eds?;p

20 Aug 2013 21:16:47
this seasons transfer rumours as been what seems like as been going on for months and months, I will be really surprised if a real Madrid player isn't signed, the latest one I've just read is that Barcelona want de gea and iker casillas is coming. jkr.

20 Aug 2013 21:05:39
I hear liverpool got aly cissoko on loan and have the option to buy him for 4 million younger than bains potentally better than evra it a win win

But not even close to being as good as either of them. A decent left back, but not goo enough for a top club.

20 Aug 2013 19:15:05
If the Ronald's rumours turn out to be true and he is signed. Fellaini is also brought in. Rooney sold preferably only to Arsenal or abroad. I think that would be an excellent summer.

Kagawa to play as attacking midfielder or behind Van Persie as part of a 3 with Ronaldo one side Valencia/Nani/young the other.

Carrick and Fellaini sitting deeper.

What are your views folks?

Ronaldo Kags Zaha behind RVP would cause teams problems, and Welbeck has started quickly this year.

If Ronny came in, the summer is an instant rip roaring success. Bring in Fellaini as a def mid alongside Carrick. our squad would look incredibly strong.

But for me it's still dreamland.

That would be a very good team, but since I doubt Real will sell or Ronaldo will force a move, I would rather we gave Madrid £80 million for Ozil, Di Maria and Khedira. So Carrick and Khedira behind Rooney and either Kagawa and Ozil narrow behind Van Persie or Di Maria and Valencia wide behind RvP. That would leave us with Hernandez, Welbeck, Zaha, Young, Cleverley and Anderson as back ups. That would be a great team and squad.

I would still rather see a front four similar to Chelsea with three players in CAM positions interchanging behind a front man. RVP with Rooney, Kagz and Ronaldo behind would be my preferred front four with Fabregas and Carrick behind them. Unlikely - but sometimes it's nice to dream. I suppose switching out Fabregas for Fellaini would also work in that formation.

redseven

That would be the best front 4 in the world and we wouldn't need to worry about the lack of cm's as we would outscore most teams

20 Aug 2013 17:38:20
Talk of Newcastle rejecting a bid of £10M from Arsenal for Cabaye. Would love a swap deal involving Cleverly and say £4M for Cabaye. He would be a brilliant squad player for us, wouldn't be on much more than Cleverly either I should imagine.

What are your guys thoughts?

ALDUtd

Kebabs a decent player but its the same argument against him as Fellaini; good, but not good enough.

I don't think people realise swap deals hardly ever happen, what makes you think Newcastle want Cleverly or Cleverly wants to go?

We are short of midfielders so why would we sell/swap one? We need to add two midfielders to Cleverley & Co.

Sydney!

Agreed Syd. My preference would be Ozil and Khedira. That would mean Carrick and Khedira behind a narrow three of Rooney, Kagawa and Ozil.

20 Aug 2013 16:56:54
Come on them ladies & gents. Honest opinions, who's starting to dream? Tottenhams unusually high transfer activity surely means Bale is going to the mob. Does this leave the door open for a Ronaldo return? I honestly believe this could happen. Is this what we've been waiting for? Is this the real reasons for our lack of signings? I'm erect at the prospect! Opinions?

I think we will get fellaini but not baines.
Let's be honest fellaini doesn't really fit in with Martinez style of play so I think for the right cash he would sell him and buy a player he wants.
Do think he will let baines go.
I'm still wishing for a top creative cm
Jred

I believe Ronaldo will be back, but not this season.

That should be don't think he will let baines go
Jred

Jred u think we'll get both, I think they'll sell for 35. Praying Ronldo rumor are true.

I think*

I don't think we will get ronaldo this summer.
I think fellaini will come but I'm not sure baines will .
I would love to see us put big money on the table for fabergas or gundogan but I'm not sure we will.
Modric could be a possibility tho
Jred

I don't think we will sign Ronaldo. I think we will put a final massive offer for Fabregas but I don't think we will get Fabregas either. The I think we will go for two of Ozil, Khedira and Modric from Madrid, maybe even Di Maria or Coentrao as well. I would like us to make a huge offer for Vidal but I don't we will get him either unfortunately.

20 Aug 2013 16:37:58
Quite a lot of rumours from a certain website stating that ronaldo has agreed personal terms and will move if bale goes to madrid.

What would people think if we got baines, fellaini and ronaldo? It would certainly exceed my expectations this summer but wouldn't fully sort out our midfield.

Imagine baines, fellaini, ronaldo and modric. One can dream.

Doni

If that happened I'd have an angina. It would Ronaldo & Fellaini alone would give us the best starting 11 in the league & one right up there in Europe.

I'd rather we just signed Ronaldo and kept the £35m-£40m that Baines and Fellaini would cost us to go in for Cesc again in January.

Ronaldo would make the summer though.

redseven

I would sell Nani, buy Ronaldo, sell Rooney and buy Cesc. Use Jones in midfield if needed and stick with Evra ;)

Sydney!

Sydney, I would keep Rooney, and I would offer £100 million for Ronaldo and Ozil if Madrid will sell them both. But I just don't think Madrid will sell him. I think they would sooner sell Di Maria, Khedira, Ozil, Modric. Personally I would offer £80 million for Ozil, Di Maria and Khedira. That would just complete the team.

20 Aug 2013 16:29:07
I cannot stand the way in which Mourinho is going about the chase of Rooney. Is it blatant tapping up? is he just trying to unsettle Rooney and Moyes? Or does he really want the player? Either way, unlike many, I cannot stand him as a manager and hate the way in which he works. glad he never came to united as its not the right way to do things.

Nozzla

No you are right we would never dream of tapping up players at another club or approaching another teams manager whilst he is still under contract

Tactics and physiology mate. He will do as much he can before match day to try and unsettle the team, come Tuesday he will be signing his main transfer target and forgot all about Rooney

Nozzia

I think his personality and charisma sometimes mask what a nasty piece of work he can be. I am also glad we didn't get him.

I think Jose wants Rooney as there are not many better available strikers out there, I think Rooney wants to move unless he get an improved deal at MU, and I think if a £40m offer comes in MU will consider it whilst offering £40m for Cesc. Whether we get Cesc may determine whether Chelsea gets Rooney. That's my opinions anyway.

Sydney!

20 Aug 2013 17:03:04
After watching highlights of the WBA/Southhampton game, I couldn't help but admire the youngster Shaw. What a player that lad is going to be. Schneiderlin is also a player that really impressed me last season, And judging from the weekends game, the guy has got better.
Surely, he is what we are looking for: Strong, athletic - with a great engine -and looks technically able?

I rate the guy higher than Felliani; and he would be cheaper.

I was surprised that Jose didn't fancy a crack at signing Suarez. I could see him being a better fit for Chelsea, than Rooney.

I suspect that it will come out that Rooney was never really interested in a move to Chelsea.

Chelsea will be a very good team with the right striker, some reports that they are looking at Martinez from porto I think that would be a great buy for them

Jred

Jred, Chelsea already have the right striker.

Andrew B
do you mean lukaku, I think he's a good player but not quite there yet
Jred

Absolutely JRed. I think he proved last season that he's definately ready. Last season he scored 17 goals in 35 appearances for WBA. What else does he have to do before you think he's ready?

If he's Chelsea's no 1 striker, his power and finishing would be the ideal complement to oscar, hazard, mata and their other skilful gnomic forwards.

I'm not saying he's the finished article but I definately think he's the real thing and he's good to go.

Jred, just to underline my point, I think RVP would struggle to score 17 goals in 35 games at WBA

He was suited to the wba way and had a brilliant season gives you power and pace but is his movement first touch interchange good enough at the moment.
Don't get me wrong I think he is going to be a top player but is he ready to lead the line at a top club, would he fit in with the movement one touch interchangeably football Oscar hazard Mata and co may play.

Jred, I think he'd create room for them to play. any pair of centre halfs would have their hands full dealing with his physicality alone.

he's obviously a good finisher and I think Chelsea's attacking mid fielders would provide him with plenty of chances.

I'm sure mourinho will let us know which one of us is closer to the truth via his team selections.

20 Aug 2013 16:24:22
Ok so let's say that these Bale rumours are true and Spurs get Coentrao, Willian and Lamela. How do you guys rate spurs chances of the league? They already have a good side and adding that kind of fire power would surely make them our rivals.

I do question why we haven't gone in for Lamela though, I can only imagine it is down to the high hopes for Zaha.

Bale goes to Madrid then surely they can't fit Di Maria in that side, in my eyes we have to sign him if we can't get Ronaldo back. He can tear teams apart and can play both wings which is a plus. I would also take any of Modric, Ozil, Khedira and even Kaka at the moment haha.

This is our best opportunity to sign quality players in a couple of positions and I do hope we make the most out of it.

Last thing I cannot for the life of me see why we would want Eto'o! He is still going to want a massive wage and wouldn't even play every game. Even if he was free he would cost us the earth in wages.

For me now it has to be Modic, Ronaldo/Di maria and Fellaini, Baines can wait until January if we really need him.

1redarmy

I don't buy that Bale to RM means Ronaldo to us. However, it might give us a chance of Ozil or Modric

AJH, I agree, Ronaldo on the right and Bale on the left would work well for Madrid. But Bale would mean Di MAria would play a lot less and Isco would play more centrally. Therefore Modric and Ozil would play less. Potentially Modric would play deeper, and Illaramendi would play deeper as well, so Khedira would play less. Overall Khedira, Modric, Ozil, and Di Maria could all be available. I would offer Madrid £80 million for Khedira, Di Maria and Ozil. That would complete our team totally.

Gilly

The problem is Ronaldo likes playing on the left and has been playing there for some time now.

We'd top up another 60m on top to swoop up Ronnie. surely unlimited funds be greater than 140m ;)
RumourNo.1

20 Aug 2013 16:18:56
Personally I don't think we need too many signings. We do need two centre mids though. I don't like Fellaini, he can't pass well enough and he can't even tackle well enough to make up for his passing. I like Baines, top player, he swings the ball in beautifully and he can tackle and mark very well.

My perfect transfers would be Ozil and Khedira. They can both pass the ball superbly, Ozil has flawless touch and vision and he can score goals, and Khedira has great stamina and he can tackle and head the ball really well. Overall they would complete our centre mid area. Khedira and Carrick behind Rooney, with Kagawa and Ozil narrow behind Robin would be lethal. Then we could bring change with Valencia or Zaha and Young or Welbeck wider of Rooney behind Van Persie.

I would prefer Vidal and Fabregas to Khedira and Ozil but I would be very happy with the two Germans. Also like the look of Kondogbia and Obiang, Maher, Draxler and Fischer. Your thoughts, Sydney, Shappy, Moon and any other regulars?

If you look back at their posts I think all the regulars you mention have given their views on most of the players you've listed plus many you haven't.

i think we're all just about opinioned out on the whole midfield mystery. now we're just waiting for some bloody action from the club.

"hello, transfer department.anyone in there?"

20 Aug 2013 15:48:03
Everton fan. in peace. IMHO 28 mil and 50 mill are both ridiculous amounts. Giggs has showed that playing at top level post 35 yrs old is easily possible. Bainesy is 29 just and has never suffered too much with injury. He is now IMO the obvious choice for England, had more assists than any other prem player last year, and scores a few also. on that basis 16 m is a reasonable price. Fellaini is, when the mood takes him is world class. don't be fooled. efc payed17.5 mil in total. and his value must have increased by at least 8 mill. He scores, he defends, breaks up play. so I reckon 25-26 mill for fellainis. totalling 42ish mill for both. (how much did carrack cost?). any thoughts? bluejay

Carrick cost an initial £14m with a further £4.4m in add-ons. I think £37m-£40m is about fair IMO.

Sydney!

Fair dos Sydney. I think that's fair. Bluejay

Fellaini is not world class by any means on any day.

1redarmy

I think £35M is fine so I suspect we will end up somewhere between our valuations

Well we'd have to disagree there. the problem fellainis has in our side is that he has too many roles to do. The lad was a defensive cm when we bought him. indeed prior to signing he smoothed Gerard when liege played look in a European qualifier game. if he was given that definitive role as a defensive cm you would see just how good he is. unfortunately at Eric he has had to play forward, attacking cm and defensive cm.varying quite a lot. other times he has to play the box to box midfield role. what you should remember is in all the big games. the derby, Man U, man city, chelsi etc. The lad has been class. In a team with similar talent and with a defined role. trust me he is world class

I'm with AJH, £35m is about right. I'd go as far as £36/37m max.

£28m is ridiculously low but £50m is ridiculously high. That's why they call it negotiation I guess.

£35 mil for the 2 would be a decent deal for all involved.Someone posted earlier about Jordi Alba who cost 12 mil euro's and imo within the next two years will be better than both Evra and Baines. As far as Fellaini goes we will be buying him mainly as a destroyer who will break up play and give us a decent link between defence and attack, much the same as Luis Gustavo the champions league winning regular for Brazil would have done, how much did he go for in the end? £17 mil? are we to believe that Fellaini is a better player? I for one would have preferred Gustavo 1000,000%.We will probably end up with both Fellaini and Baines and they will improve our current squad no end but there were/are better players imo for the same money that we have either missed out on through messing around with silly bids or we have never been in for (which in some cases beggars belief Gustavo, Paulhino etc) i'm sincerly hoping that something concrete happens before the Chelsea game its been an odd summer and I think we could all do with a lift.

heres to hoping guys.:)

20 Aug 2013 15:32:46
Daily reader who hardly ever posts. Just want to thank all the eds and the usual suspects 'Kloot', 'Shappy' Nomidfield' and all the rest for the constant amusement.

Been up for 24 hours with the Mrs who is deep into labour with our first kid; massaging her back with one hand and refreshing the banter page with the other.

I can't wait to see who, if anyone, will be drafted for the midfield but I do have a feeling there could be something in the Ronaldo rumours.

Roman Johnson
Seoul {Ed004's Note - Good Luck}

Hope all goes well with the new arrival for you and hopefully United!

togthered

I missed the birth of my first but in my defence we were playing Blackburn!
The wife says it's still not a good excuse!

Agree with you there mate! Think the reason we're reluctant to spend big on any of our targets is because maybe most our budget is on the possibility of Ronaldo returning. Did not look happy the other night vs Betis, didn't celebrate any goals and walked straight off down the tunnel.

Supposedly he doesn't like the idea of playing as a striker under Ancelotti with Bale coming in. It's looking more and more likely as the window goes on.

Ozwald

All the best with the newborn. Hope he/she grows up to support united.
I'm confused about our transfers or lack of them. As I said earlier, if we wanted fellaini and baines, why have we waited till now to bid?
I think Moyes has identified midfield and left sided winger as requirements, so why no bids or interest in Willian or Lamela. Why no interest in Dr Rossi, he's old but experienced and will do a great job.
Why no interest in modric, khadiera?
All these can do great job for united, but we went for Fabregas, impossible. And when that failed, we went for fellaini and baines?
It is all a bit confusing. I used to love the transfer window, as united always used to be active, this time, it has been boring and we bought a right back who got turned inside out several times last night by the scousers winger.
Anyone who thinks, we are champions and we've got plenty in the bag to win the league, then think again. City, Chelsea and spurs will be formidable.
If we bury our head in the sand and think it'll all be OK, then we're all going to be bitterly disappointed come May.
But you have more important things now, so good luck to you and your wife and hope it all goes well.
Nomidfield

20 Aug 2013 18:23:35
Good luck mate, I hope the baby arrives quickly and healthy. Make sure you look after the misses, sometimes they can get left out when there's a newborn about.

I wish you and your new family all the happiness in the world.

Best of luck Seoul!

20 Aug 2013 15:27:29
WTF is going on. Now Spurs are in for Willian at around 30m. First Liverpool, then Spurs! Where are we? Why is it that lesser clubs than United are buying yet we can't find anyone other than the Everton pair. Hardly top class. So United are going bargain basement yet again. When are they going to learn that when you buy quality (RVP) you get results. there's no money and we're being conned yet again. Even last summer Gill was saying we had the funds to buy who we wanted. I guess he meant who the Glazers wanted. Not a name, just a pricetag Another couple of 3m kids for the future probably!

OT7

Willian has a pretty poor goals/games ratio. I think he's a good player, but not great. £30m plus £100k a week is a lot of money to place on a Brazilian who rarely makes the Brazilian team.

Sydney!

Willian is not the central midfielder we need. we have plenty of excellent young players coming through in his position.

why spend that kind of money on him when it could be used better for strengthening where we need it?

Agreed Andrew, £40 million would surely get any one Vidal, Khedira, Ozil, Modric or Fabregas, who would all improve the team far more and are far better, more proven players.

20 Aug 2013 15:03:03
After maybe missing out on "more skill than zico" Willian. Next Roberts Carlos (Cissoko) is training which will help with the loss of "Rivelino" Downing. Soon to be the most attractive side in Europe though.
Still chuckling about the Zico comment.

Supasub

20 Aug 2013 14:08:21
Everton thinks we were wasting our time with bid and I agree 28m is not going to get you them 2 look at baines stats created 2nd most chances in europe this is a left back don't forget he is by far best left back in country and fellaini love him or hate him he is immense when we come up against man city or Chelsea our midfield are way behind they will power over us plus Jose mourinho was right if you look back at last 2 premiership winning teams none of them were great we won last year cause of van Persie but team is not great proved how bad are teams were champions league anyone and if we sell rooney to Chelsea that's the cherry on the cake for Chelsea we may as well give him the trophy to take as well this could be vital the Rooney situation he wants to leave and that won't change if I was utd I would ask rooney if he wanted to go back to everton involved in some kind of deal at least he can't effect our title challange at everton this ain't about money I would rather rooney went to everton for 10 million than Chelsea for 30/40m what's the title worth would he join everton for me wages aside it makes a lot of sense his career is in tact he will be remembered for what he did in the game he is loaded, global superstar family life is around Liverpool and he would play for the club he loves again which may just give a heck of a World Cup performance for me it's all about Rooney being happy somewhere playing his football that's what neutrals want to see so why not

20 Aug 2013 13:16:12
Is it just me or is Pogba becoming a bit like an ex-girlfriend that we can't seem to get over. He doesn't care about us anymore so just let it go. Appreciate the irony of this message but just a response to a couple of the Pogba posts today.

We should suck it up and move on or buy him. He would be less than Fellaini and he is a fat better player.

Sydney!

But she was the one fred

Funnily enough, I don't doubt that Ste. He looks top drawer and exactly what we need. If he wanted to come back then great, but why would he in all honesty? It would make him and us look more than a little foolish really.

Can you not all remember?

He wasn't ready, he wasn't tested, had proven nothing, didn't deserve it, etc etc etc!

If SAF was in charge you would all be saying 'had his chance'! Yet now its a new man he is ok to return?

This is the same player who walked into 20 odd games for the league winning Juve team playing CL football and playing in a CM that far exceeds ours for talent!

I hope he does go to Arsenal and shows how good he is regularly and all the 'fans' on here that had their theories of him using Juve to get to City or only moving for the money etc etc can maybe finally admit that maybe SAF was just being far too stubborn with him and maybe the way he was treated WAS the straw that broke the camels back before he left!

Oh how the merry band changes its tune sometimes! Good on him and hopefully Ravel aswell show their true potential as it shows that we can make young midfielders into great prospects and had SAF dealt with these players slightly differently they could work.

I remember many slagging both off saying Ravel would never change his spots, Pogba was all about the money etc but maybe the SAF way was just not working with these guys, maybe he needed to adopt a different approach and it could have worked but as a stubborn Jock myself it is hard for us to do.

I doubt any on here will be praising Big Sam and his man management skills ahead of SAF yet he seems to have steered Ravel into a brighter future!

Calm down Jono, he's only managed to get a decent pre-season under his belt without causing any bother! Let's see if he can keep his nose clean for a season or two.

StevieK

Pogba was always ready, I just think SAF was never going to play him unless he signed a new deal. The club knew he was stalling.

Sydney!

Steve

You are correct but he has played very very well and basically has surpassed what most on here thought he would make of his career already don't you agree?

Mate, I always thought he could be a great talent. Don't think anyone would doubt that. But would he be worth the aggro? Just think he's a bad egg, but he might eventually grow up.

StevieK

Did he not only stall because he found out that Scholes was being brought out of retirement when our midfield was depleted? Therefore, he had a valid reason to do so. I think it is one that SAF got wrong, simple as that. I've just seen rumours that Juve are looking at Kondogbia? How many DCM, CMs do they need?

Gar

Gar, Pogba was stalling on a new deal a year before Scholes came out of retirement. One year before Pogba left for Juve he was being hawked around Europe by his representatives. So before the 2011/12 season even kicked off he was looking to leave. So playing time was not his reason for leaving, but a convenient excuse when papers and SAF were calling him greedy. He was always leaving like 002 said, but not being played would have certainly made his decision to leave easier. I can see it from SAF's point of view too, he knew he was stalling and didn't want to play him advertising him to the world. The more interest in him would have made it harder for MU to keep him. I have no doubt in my mind that if he signed a new deal he would have spent a lot of time playing in 2011/12 and last season would have been first choice in the midfield alongside Carrick.

Sydney!

Agree with Syd 100% on this, I thought Pogba was stalling since the previous summer and was always looking to leave - which is why SAF didn't play him.

There was a period when we offered him improved terms and SAF brought him on in a game, the crowd cheered every time he touched the ball. Shortly after that we stopped playing him again, I assume because he refused to sign or was stalling again. That's what I think happened anyway and I'm confident of that TBH.

It is a massive shame though as he is precisely what we need next to Carrick, he is a top, top talent. At anything less than £25m he would be a great buy but I would have thought there is far too much water under the bridge for him to arrive back at OT. We would look foolish too, no matter what the facts were behind the scenes.

HB, after SAF gave the go ahead to pay him a staggering £25k a week with a chance to double it in 12 months and gave him game time, he rejected the offer. When SAF heard about this he was furious and he and Pogba had words and that was that. He went back into the reserves for the remainder of the time he was here. It's a shame because SAF did everything to get him to stay, I lost count how many times he went on TV and said Pogba is a first teamer and he wants him to stay. £25k a week was the biggest amount we have ever offered a graduate in his first proper contract. Like Smalling's deal he would have doubled it 12 month's later. Truth is he is on less at Juve, but like 002 has said, it's future £££'s that is what took him away from MU. The promise of image rights, something he wouldn't get at MU.

Sydney!

20 Aug 2013 12:45:21
I think there are some serious clues to the next two weeks in what's been happening recently.

Spurs are spending like a drunken sailor (Willian 30m the latest strong rumour). If the Bale deal was not a certainty they would be risking their very existence. So Bale to RM must be a done deal.

Unused subs and players not in squad also provide clues, I feel. Mata, Luiz, Chicarito.

So Bale to RM, Ronaldo to MU, Chica to RM or Barca, Mata in exchange deal with Rooney?, Luiz to Barca, Fabregas to MU.

Sorry - not so much rumours as pure speculation. I just have the feeling the last two weeks of the window are building up to be spectacular. {Ed004's Note - I honestly can not see United signing all 3 of Fabregas, Ronaldo and Mata but if it happened I'd even forgive David for taking his time with signing players.}

Even one of Fabregas, Ronny or Mata would be good ;)

Ronny would be financed by Chev & Nike, Mata would be an exchange for Rooney and Fab would be our cash. So probably feasible. Who says dreams don't come true?!

Could you imagine it Ronaldo, Fabregas Mata/Ronney Rvp. I would start to believe again. dreams {Ed004's Note - honestly I do not think this is likely at all. Though if true I reckon it would be a 4231 with Carrick and Fabregas the deep lying play makers, Evans/Smalling beside Vidic which enables us to play a high line as there speed will cover for Vidic then Kagawa, Rooney/Mata ad Ronaldo behind RVP}

I am convinced Ronny or Fabregas will be with us before the end of the window, but we still need the enforcer in midfield. Is Fellaini that man? Baines is a good left back but Contrao IMO is the better option. I sincerely hope I`m right about Ron or Fab, otherwise chelski or the noisy firm will be next PL champions.

I can't see us ever buying a player and it being financed by a sponsor. And why would a sponsor put the money up, it doesn't matter who United buy we are 100% high profile and no player would increase this and a sponsor would gain nothing.

Can't see any of these happening. We can't even buy baines and fellaini.
So mata, ronaldo, fabregas is Not going to happen.
Nomidfield

A sponsor may fund a transfer. After all why not. Chevrolet sponsor United so people see the badge. If United sign Ronaldo, then more people watch the games, buy the shirt, and therefore more people see the Chevrolet badge. Nike sponsor United and Ronaldo for the same reason. The more people watch Ronaldo and United then all the better for Nike. Personally I don't think we will sign Ronaldo, and I don't think we will get Fabregas either, but I genuinely think we will sign one of Ozil, Khedira, Modric, depending on who wants to leave and who Madrid want to sell.

20 Aug 2013 12:03:21
EDs/others why do you think we have not signed players from La Liga when its a known fact that players from this league are technically way better than the other leagues?

The only player we have signed is DDG and he is a GK.

City - Silva, Aguero
Arsenal - Cazorla
Chelsea - Mata

I have just named the proven performers who have entertained us in the premier league and not mentioned newer signings like Navas, Negredo.

Each of these teams have a technically brilliant player from the spanish league who is a major influence on how the team plays.

Mata, Silva, Cazorla, Kagawa would be that kind of player. While Mata, Silva and Cazorla have taken the league by storm for their teams right from their first season Kagawa has failed to do so.

Assuming he needs one more season than those spaniards I still don't see him becoming as good as these guys.

You might say we have tried to sign Fabregas but have we succeeded in sigining him? No we have not. And now we will be asked to settle for Fellaini. {Ed004's Note - I'm not sure and it would seem the more sensible thing to do as we struggle against Spanish league sides and if we struggle then the rest of the premiership teams would as well.}

Personally I think Mata is the only 1 of those players who has been consistent throughout a full season.
Silva was average in his first season at City, was quality in the first half of their title winning season but then seemed to burn out and was on and off last year.
Carzola started well but faded.
I honestly believe Negrado, Navas & Soldado will all fade at the business end as they are not used to the physical nature of the league.
As for us I think Fellaini will be an improvement and will provide a physical base allowing the technical more freedom.
AJK

Ridiculous statement. Navas and the rest of the players you are mentioning are top quality players and ca play in any league anywhere. Silva had injuries and did not fade but has had a start stop season lat year.

20 Aug 2013 11:27:36
So according to the rags, Arsenal are after Pogba. If they do get him what an almighty error we made letting this lad go. I know 'us fans' don't get to see the whole picture but sometimes you do have to question the decision making within OT. Why didn't we just pay the alleged 40k per week?

20 Aug 2013 10:12:07
I can only see two possibilities now IMO. Single bid for Fellani of about 20-22m. Or him and Ronaldo if Bale goes to Real. Second option would mean Rooney gone. No Cesc or Baines. This would still make us stronger again IMO, any thoughts?

Everton fan here, we bought Fellaini for £17.5m, he has 20% sell on fee to Standard Liege, work out the maths, unless everton are getting there money back, as well as paying off Standard Liege and making a profit why would they sell? As always the price has to be right.

Kenwright won't let baines go anywhere.

I agree. I thought Fab was a strong possibilty but after seeing him start for Barcelona I think that now looks unlikely. I think Fellaini will definitely join, maybe 19-20 million. Baines I see being harder as RM clearly wants to keep him, although a transfer request should change that. I do think all the Ronaldo rumors have something in them, the new Cheverolet surely isn't coincidence. The one I saw was even red with black trim! He clearly isn't happy at Madrid, watching him the other night proved that. It's all ifs & maybes but signing Wig & Ron would give us the best starting 11 in the premier league in my opinion.

In fact Everton fan it was more like 15 million. That could have also included vat making it around 12.5 million net so why don't you re-do your maths on your fisher price calculator and have a woe with yourself. People who come across as almost being involved with the transfers make me laugh.

Supasub

20 Aug 2013 09:44:17
Just wondering if any of the Eds or regular posters here know of any interest in Blaise Matuidi of PSG? Only has a year left on his contract and from what I saw of him in Ligue 1 and the Champions League last season would certainly improve the midfield.

I think for the £40-45 million Everton are wanting for Baines and Fellani we could more than likely sign Matuidi, Kondogbia and Contraeo - that would be a good summer window in my eyes

Adz

Matuidi is miles better than Fellaini and Kongogbia but can't see PSG selling him at all.

Shahram

Kondogbia looks a great player. Another player, Pedro Obiang also looks a talented player. Plays a similar role to Kondogbia. I think Shappy posted about him on here. Your thoughts Shappy?

20 Aug 2013 09:38:22
Ok I've been reading into what RedMan has said last night and I have fully agree with him!Is Feilaini going to be our marquee signing of the summer?Is this realy the standard Utd are dropping to?Feilaini would be another squad player at most!I have to say I'm starting to believe Moyes and Woodward haven't a clue what they are doing in in the transfer window.And I have to question where Moyes will play Feilaini especially when Rooney looks to be going out the door.i fear it would be behind RVP, and if not I don't think he is the greatest or talented midfielder.
All in all if Rooney goes, and the best Utd can do is Feilaini, well then I would have to fear the worst, especially in midfield and what if RVP gets injured?I do fear that if utd don't finish within the top 3 this season I fear it would be an uphill struggle to get back to the top of the table the following year, and could be the start of a grim time for Manchester United.Unless we get 2 midfielders, if Rooney goes, then we need another marquee striker we could be struggling to fight for a place in the champions league.i know I might be a bit pesamistic but you have to fear the worst especially with all the change and especially at the way the transfer window has gone!The time is just ticking away.i hope I'm wrong and Moyes and Woodward get the finger out!

You're not pesamistic, you're pessimistic. The obsession with marque signings is wearing a bit thin now

If we only bring fellaini in I would rather not spend the money, he's a decent player but not that much better than what we already have.he won't help bridge the gap between utd and the top european teams.also baines is a quality left back but at 28/29 the figures being bandied around are over the top.if we can't get 2-3 top class players that will dramatically improve us and move us to the next level then i'd rather not spend.i went to the u21 game last night and adnan was a class above let him get some game time off the bench and he will flourish more with better players.
johndenton

20 Aug 2013 08:30:21
8th May 2013

SAF: "Davey? It's Big Al here. Just wanted to let you know that I'm retiring, and you're the next Manchester United Manager. Ok Davey?

Moyes: Eh? Yes, ok!

SAF: Excellent! I'll sort out all the detail from this side, and you let big Ken know you're leaving, ok?

Moyes: Yep, no problem. Will do. So, in terms of funds in the Summer to improve the squad, what's the craic?

SAF: Good question Davey! Good question! Hold on the line and I'll get Woody in the conference call.

Woody: Hello?

SAF: Woody? It's big Al here. I've got Davey on the line and he's accepted the role.

Woody: Sausage?

SAF: Eh?. No Woody, the role as Manchester United Manager.

Woody: Oh, that roll. That's great news, welcome aboard Davey! Now how can I help?

SAF: Davey wants to know how much money he's got to spend in the Summer?

Woody: Funds are limitless Davey. There is no budget my friend! Just tell me who you want, and leave the rest to me ol' chum!

Moyes: Great! I'd really like Fabregas, Woody. Think he'd fit in well with the current midfield and offer us another dimension.

Woody: That's great thinking Davey! God you're good!

SAF: Told ya he's the right man for the job Woody!

Woody: Right, let me get off the line, and I'll ring up Barcelona.

Moyes: Brilliant. Thanks Woody!

Woody: No worries! Speak shortly. {Woody hangs up}

SAF: He's good Woody. He came on board because of his reputation as a notorious negotiator. Makes Daniel Levy look like Trigger from Only Fools and Horses.

Moyes: Wow! That's impressive! Can't wait to work with Cesc. It might take a few months for him to gel with the other players, but when he does! Wow! We're going to be unstoppable!

{Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring!}

SAF: Hello?

Woody: Hi guys, it's Woody. Spoke with Barcelona and they've rejected our offer. I just can't believe it?!?

Moyes: Really? Damn! How much did we bid?

Woody: £4.80.

Moyes: {silence}. Eh?

Woody: Tough cookies these Spanish you know! Notorious for their tough negotiations. I'll give them another call, and see if we can make an agreement. {Woody hangs up}

Moyes: Is he being serious?

SAF: Yep. Why do you think I'm f**king off now!

Moyes: Thought we were friends big Al?

SAF: We are Davey, we are! By the way, I've upset fatty.

Moyes: Anderson?

SAF: No, the other one.

Moyes: Wazza?. Damn, this job just gets better by the minute! So you are going to help me Big Al through all this aren't you?

SAF: {silence}.

Moyes: Hello?

SAF: {line goes dead. }




WF Red Devil

Haha brilliant!

Dear sir
ngiak has not laughed this much in many months
great job! :)
gan

LMAOF that is the best post I have read in a long long time.

Fantastic job

Best thing I think i've read on this site! Haha quality.

Ozwald

Maybe you should change your name from red devil to something more befitting of a fickle fan. Annoys me when people main through the bad times the. Jump on board when things are swimmingly good! We WILL sign players & we WILL be top 2 again this season. Judge next year or go to the blue half of Manchester.

Nice one mate.
I have written a nice funny thing like this only. and after typing so much when I posted it I got network error from the site and I could not post. and I got so irritated that I left in no mood to type the whole thing again.

Its great to see someone is thinking in my line for fun and sarcasam.

Keep up

Rodio17 {Ed007's Note - If you are typing a Shappyesque post it is best to do it on a word or notepad document and then cut 'n' paste it into the posting form.}

Great post, mate. Started my day off with a smile :)

StevieK

20 Aug 2013 11:24:51
Hehe! :-) Just having a bit of fun!

WF Red Devil

Cheered me up after watching the under 21, s last night lol
johndenton

We seem to have reached an impasse United we Stand, as I find those who take things too seriously annoying as well!

WF Red Devil

Cool!!

Brilliant post!

Singh

20 Aug 2013 07:13:56
and the award for the biggest mystery in world football goes to Manchester utd for "why won't/can't they buy a really good central midfielder"

1. Manchester is the greatest city in the world
2. MUTD's new boss is way better than SAF that our future looks solid than ever
3. We offer way too much salary
4. Our squads are too competitive to survive
5. We just outbid transfer fee than any other club

20 Aug 2013 02:50:41
I don't understand the reason for Moyes to bid for fellaini and baines at nearly end of the transfer window. I mean if they were the targets then why didn't he bid for them during whole transfer window . I had guessed that this silent window is a signal that Moyes is thinking to sign a world class player and he will get him at the end. But bidding for fellaini and baines at this late stage is confusing me a lot! Is this smokescreen? may be he is also after another top class midfielder.? I hope so.
and though I don't think we need a left back as evra is slowly regaining his old form, but I prefer coentrao over baines.

It was the perfect time for moyes to bid. He knows evertons financial state inside out and knows they're desperate for money. The low bid will start negotiations and so a compromise can be made. The later we bid the more likely everton will accept as they need the funds.

TRUMORS

It's pretty simple, Fellaini had a buy out clause of 23.5 million pounds which Man United were not prepared to meet.
So they let the buy out clause expire and went in with a cheaper bid.
It's pretty obvious that they are trying to get him cheaper.

Simmo

Moyes has offered less money for Baines and Fellaini than his first bid for Fabregas.

He clearly doesn't rate them much

However this turns out I think we can kiss goodbye to ever signing Barkley as Everton will never want to do business again with us after the way we've treated them this summer.

19 Aug 2013 23:55:30
When a bid is rejected why does it take a few days for a new bid, I know there's a few complications but we should always know the highest we will go for a player and if we are knocked back we should be straight back with a new offer within the hour

Well above all it'd make you look desperate. You can only expect negotiations like that on transfer deadline day!

Ozwald

Thank god you aren't negotiating!

Think of it as buying a house. Your first bid is not accepted, so do you immediately go back with an improved offer?

19 Aug 2013 23:32:58
Fellaini will improve us but I think he will cost us 24 mill ish .
Fabergas will really improve us I really think he is the missing link.
I would rather give Barcelona 44 mill for fabergas than Everton 24 for fellaini .
Fabergas is top quality I would even say world class he is also imo the exact type of player we need.
Barcelona won't want to sell him so it will take big cash to get him.
Jred

Jred, of course Fabregas is world class! If you asked most people for a list of the best 10 all round midfielders in the world most people will include Cesc in that list. But I do agree with you and think we'll need to spend BIG to get him. I'd rather we put more money on just him than trying to sign a CM and LB.

Ozwald

They're both totally different players, we need both!

You can put more money. In fact put a bid for messi as Rooney's replacement. What part of players not being available do you guys not get? If a player is not for available, and not looking for a movie, why would the club sell? Fabregas is not available, whoever ever said he was! Fellaini is available.

No name
every player has a price
Jred

Mr. no name, if we offered £60m for Cesc do you not think Barca would except in the blink of an eye? Everyone is available for the right price (not saying £60m for cesc is the right price). Even more so though if Barca need funds to strengthen an area where they're maybe not as strong say, central defence?

Ozwald

Jred, so does Messi have a price? Unless the player wants to leave, a price is irrelevant.

Sydney!

Syd
YeR every player has a price even messi.

One things for sure 30 mill was never going to get fabergas, 40 /45 just might off
Jred

Jred, Anzhi offered £250m for Messi and it was rejected as the player didn't want to join them. If Cesc wants the move then we could sign him in theory, but if he was just using us to get assurances about playing time at Barcelona then whatever we offer wouldn't be accepted if he doesn't want the move.

Sydney!