Manchester United Banter Archive January 22 2014

22 Jan 2014 23:50:54
Does nobody think that the problem is Moyes!
I'm not a Moyes hater and I would genuinely love to see him succeed but I think he is out of his depth and comfort zone.
For instance we are losing 3-0 to Chelski and he brings Smalling on and waits to bring Hernandez on and doesn't bring another attacking player on.I mean Mourinho brought on 3 holding/defending players as he had 3 goals to keep hold off, we needed to score and we brought on a fifth defender!
Tonight Evra and Jones come on, ok Evra came on like for like as Buttner was injured but did nobody else think why is Jones coming on with Giggs/Young staying putt. Why take Kags off he was doing well and leave Welbeck on who was atrocious. Our football has become one dimensional, defensive and extremely predictable to the point where John o Shea and Wes Brown were involved in every attack.
Granted we are missing players but in all honesty is that the problem.We look disinterested, is bringing in Mata going to change our current style, not likely. Mourinho, Wenger, Pep, Fergie, Pellegrini, Mancini, even Pochetino(spelling), Martinez, Rodgers(i hate to say it) all change their tactics and formations during games to suit the game and beat the opposition and progress where as we just keep the same everything for the whole game and change players like for like, its ridiculous.Its one dimensional football and its mainly defensive, I don't think Moyes has the tactical knowledge to succeed at Utd.I truly hope i'm wrong but I genuinely feel i'm right.
Now i'm not sayin I know it all but look at our last 10 games the most impressive thing about them is JanuzaJ.Our play has been below par and only so much of this can be blamed on the players.I think our tactical set up is the problem, is this a result from changing our backroom? I don't know but what I do know is that at the minute our results are not entirely the players fault.
Take a look at Everton, they always fought for 7-9 place and this season when they are set up to attack they are challenging for Europe. Whereas now we will be fighting for 7-9 place. It points to one thing and its Moyes.Im all up for giving the man time but I can't keep watching us lose and not question him.I know i'm open to horrible criticism here but come on guys I can't be alone.
I genuinely hope things change and i'm wrong but for the time being my jury is still out.

I don't think its Moyes at all. Obviously he will need time, a change after 27 years isn't easy. He was given these players and could only achieve limited things. The season last year compared to this year is very different. Clubs have spent well and the managers they've appointed are far better than previous.

With regards to the Smalling substitution, I see your point. However, he clearly thought it was important not to get humiliated too. And I do agree when he says that the game fell to 2 set pieces. You cannot blame him for that.

Ken, he brought Smalling on for Evra against Chelsea because Evra had taken a knock.

I assume he brought Jones on to shore up our midfield with a bit of muscle.

If he had brought on more attacking players like Young or Giggs when we were still leading the tie, and we'd shipped a goal, those two, along with Moyes, would have been slated on here.

We were never totally comfortable, but Sunderland still never hit the target until De Gea's horrendous mistake. It was petering out to a scruffy win, which, whilst not ideal, in the context of this season, would have sufficed.

Some players are just not first-team Utd standard.

I agree with everything your saying.
We will give Moyes his shot but just because SAF and Sir Bob picked him doesn't mean we can't question him.

Steviek, I'm just sayin he already had Jones on so there was no need for smalling, Jones could have dropped back and kagawa, giggs or even Fletcher could have come on they all push forward but instead we played defensively rather than push for a win/fightback, chelsea were tired imagine what a seconds goal would have done in that game but instead we focused on defending as moyes seems to prefer to do.

Red as stated above though. Smallin g came on for the injured Evra. Did you watch the game? or looking at a stats sheet?

Ken, I see what you're getting at, but I think at 3-0, Chelsea weren't any more tired than us. They eased off big time.

I don't think anyone seriously thinks we were going to come back against a team like Chelsea, after going 3-0 down.

Think it was a case of, we're not going to win this, let's keep it semi-respectable - to be honest, when the third went in so early in the second half, I thought we were going to get a right drubbing - and if we nick one early enough on, then go from there.

He's made attacking substitutions in other games where we've been struggling, and it hasn't paid off. At this moment in time, the quality just isn't there.

22 Jan 2014 23:26:11
Well I don't want to post as it is painful to see my beloved team playing like a relegated team but then we didn't play well, and both main strikers are injured.
Even If we have won today, I don't think we could have beaten city in final. Rather we could lose with a big margin so it is better to lose it against Sunderland.

I think we need to concentrate on PL and CL and try to reach to quarterfinals.

'I think we need to concentrate on PL and CL and try to reach to quarterfinals.'

We have no other options left lol

22 Jan 2014 23:22:21
Oh, what to do with Danny?

ps. keep it decent.

I genuinely think he's got some talent lol. Great at holding up play, has pace, strength, lacks clinical finishing (at times) but then his recent form has been great apart from today and against Chelsea. So I really don't know what the deal with him is.

Keep him as a squad player imo.

Welbeck? Keep him as a squad player, which is all he should ever have been. Much like Cleverly. Buy some better players for the starting XI.

Just because he came through the ranks shouldn't give him a free pass.
When we get a better forward he should be sold before Hernandez.

I like the lad, and it's always good to see a local boy do well.

BUT.

I just don't think he has the composure to be a 20 goal a season striker at Utd.

He's very good when he acts instinctively when he doesn't have time to think about what he's going to do, but when he has time to think, I'm afraid my wife shows more composure when she goes into the toilet after me.

It all depends on whether or not you think composure can be trained into someone. Will it come with age and experience?

I really don't know. I don't think it can. I lean towards the view that a striker either has it or he doesn't - the top ones do, the rest don't.

I still think he might be a good enough squad player, but would you put the mortgage on him scoring in a really important league match, when you see him running through one on one with the keeper?

He had a bit of a stinker tonight but he has done a decent all round job in the absence of Rooney and RVP. I certainly think he has been more deserving of his place than Hernandez.

Everyone knows my views on him. He is poor and good enough for a team somewhere in the middle of the table, which is where we are at the moment and he fits in perfectly :)

I have never seen anything in his game I like and think he will be gone in 2 season if this is as good as he is.

He is one those guys who is benefitting from our poor form and injuries and should not be on the pitch.

Composure of Baracuda and that miss of his against Everton from 6 yards with an open goal might turn out to be some miss when looking back.

You have to excuse me because out of everyone in this team he is for me the most overrated guy, who I believe gets away with atrocious performances only because we are all busy getting mad at the likes of nani, young, cleverly and evra.

I'd agree with that Stevie, his lack of composure is exactly what stops him being a top player.

Still, personally I'd keep him in the squad to cover LW/ST whilst we have other pressing issues, then look to move him on in a couple seasons if there's no improvement. Much like we did with Brown, O'shea, Phil Neville and the likes. Everything is looking bleak right now but there is still a place for players like this in a 25 man squad IMO.

{Ed004's Note - I think Lingard is a ready made replacement. Far better technically, better finisher and just as hard a worker.}

Fair shout that, ed4, however i'd like to see lingard in our 1st team squad for at least 1 whole season before the decision is made to shift Danny out. So, maybe review the situation in summer 2015 is what I would do.

GCU- actually find myself agreeing with you:-) Wellbeck is a poor player. He's our very own Emile Heskey. Terrible first touch, awful balance, weak shot, woeful reading of the game. He is a busy fool. Not a game changer.

22 Jan 2014 23:09:17
Can't believe Mata has handed in a transfer request at United already.

, that one cheered me up lol

He never have

Lol, you're on fire tonight! If we didn't laugh, we would cry :-)

22 Jan 2014 23:03:48
OK there's really no value in slating Moyes anymore. I feel like I'm kicking a puppy. I actually feel for him now. He just doesn't seem to be able to get the best out of this group of players. They're not without blame but this is unknown territory for them.
I disagree with many people on here about Kagawa though. He was a total passenger in the game and needs to go. Wasn't even sweating when he came off. He reminds me of Veron.

I have to disagree with your view on Kagawa, I think he's the type that was allowed (at Dortmund) to ghost around and get involved when he needed to, At utd his duty is to defend which he simple cannot do. I'd rather see him on the bench than make the poor guy play left wing with no strength and pace. Play Young (yes he's not great) or buy someone!

I know he's good and that's what is so frustrating. He has shown occasional glimpses but should be far more influential than he ever shows. Great players take the bull (excuse the pun) by the horns and just own it.
That said there were far worse performances. Taxi for Wellbeck?

22 Jan 2014 22:56:07
Arsenal fan here i'm not here to rub it in. I just want to say that I feel really sorry for januzaj. He is the only Manchester United palyer that works his socks off. The kid deserves more and now that you are signing mata I think he won't be getting much more of a free role.

This is my worry as well. Even more rotation and dilly dallying - how long will it take for Mata to get match fit, who is sacrificed? More players down in the dumps (wingers because we are changing formation). if we don't change formation is Mata just another Kagawa?

I don't know what the plan is, and I don't think Moyes does either.

Wow, 'Rooney Must Go'. How are you going to blame Moyes for this? Its probably his fault 5 outfield players missed penalties too right? So fickle.

Of course he knows what he wants to do, who are you to judge he doesn't, sitting behind a screen? Give him time, he hasn't even been in charge a year yet, he won't settle in. Ferguson left him with a rusty team, injuries haven't helped, and neither has the fact that other teams have invested huge amounts, and stepped up their game. 37 million isn't spent just cause 'yolo'.

Sorry for using the phrase lol

Sorry, 4 outfield players*
Wish there was a way to edit posts, saves you eds a hassle lol.

"Wish there was a way to edit posts"

There is, right up until you press the 'send' button ;-)

22 Jan 2014 22:43:47
Shahram, the game was balanced. Both sets of players had their periods of domination, which is absolutely unacceptable when you compare these players.

Evans scored a decent header from a corner, we wasted a couple of chances. Januzaj was the only player who actually shone.

Kagawa was taken off 15 minutes into the second half, which was quite ridiculous since Welbeck was having a Nani-esque game. Buttner proved useless. Chicharito missed a massie chance.

Went into extra time, Sunderland scored with a minute to go, we pulled one back after good work from Januzaj.

We had Welbeck ( LOL ), Fletcher ( actually scored ), Januzaj ( an 18 year old who just completed a 120 minute game ), Jones ( LOL ) and Rafael ( LOL ) only Fletcher scored.

Sunderland scored 2, with De Gea saving 2 (? )

And that's it

Very well summed up. Worst thing for me was, I had a good idea we were going to lose on penalties - didn't have 1 player who I would have banked on slotting it home.

Fingers crossed Rooney and Mata involved soon!

I found it a bit shortsighted from Moyes not to have a couple of players capable of scoring a penalty. Kagawa, Young, Giggs, Nani and Carrick. One or 2 of them should have been on. If Kagawa was kept and young replaced Welbeck, we might have had a different result

Mick1

Welbeck who is suppose to be a striker, england International, blah blah :) not take a penalty and instead have young take one. LOL if young misses, it would make for fun reading on this board and manager being wrong clueless.

I did not see the game but this is truly a low point and rather than trying to find blame on individuals, I think the manager, coaches, players all need to have come to Jesus moment.

Saw highlights and incredible how their goalie saved everything to his left and we kept shooting to his left.

I thought the same, Mick, and GCU I noticed that too was screaming at Rafael to go the other way, lol. Still, he and a few of the others shouldn't have been taking them in an ideal world.

22 Jan 2014 22:42:03
The big question is.can Mata take a pen?!

Missed in the champions league final!

Let's frickin hope so!

22 Jan 2014 22:37:52
Well there is our season in a nutshell. Is Moyes to blame? I'm still not sure. BUT, those players should be thoroughly embarrased with themselved. Another abysmal performanced summed up with 1 penalty scored from 5. And where was Hernandez in the shoot-out?
Dead, dear, dear.

He got a minor hammy tear imo. He was not capable of taking a penalty.

But Jones, LOL

Betty, even Moyes can't be blamed for 4 professional players, at a club the size of ours, on the money they're earning. hitting penalties that my 11 year old would be ashamed of.

Or for De Gea making the most basic of goalkeeping mistakes.

22 Jan 2014 22:34:48
Feel like crying after watching those penalties.

22 Jan 2014 22:29:48
Wigan made it to the league cup final, won it, were in the bottom three and got relegated.

Sunderland in the bottom three made it to the final, relegated?

My opinion is honestly they deserved it, we were poor.

Correction, just dawned on me that was the F.A cup

Wigan won the FA Cup

22 Jan 2014 22:13:40
And that sums up our season we should of been out of sight with the chances we have had

Did we just miss 4 out of 5 penalties?

I would rather have had a random pub team taking penalties - our rock bottom confidence is going to be beyond low now. Fortunately we haven't got a game this weekend.

22 Jan 2014 22:33:44
Appalling what is going on? Motes looks clueless.

What match were you watching, even lou macari just said we didn't deserve to win the game, we were shocking in the final third.

Put these words in a sentence, Wellbeck, cows arse, banjo.

Mg I agree we were awful but we still had the chances to win by 3 or 4 tonight has just proven that our players just aren't good enough end of story out of the whole 1st team squad there is only maybe 7 or 8 who should still be here next season

22 Jan 2014 22:09:50
Very poor display tonight against a Sunderland side that is joint bottom of the league. I do suspect City would have hammered them.
Welbeck continues to try hard but will never be good enough IMO. Much as I'm glad he's well again Fletcher is well off the pace and shouldn't be in the team. Hernandez is lost when he's outside the box, Buttner is not Utd class and Carrick is slowing up.
If we've got Mata then great but he's just the start. If he gives them a chance then Mata and Kagawa could be great together. Why, on earth, Moyes took Kagawa off and left Welbeck on tonight is beyond me.

Dont understand how he can put Rafael to take the most important penalty.

I agree totally with your post, we just looked ordinary and for a semi final at Old Trafford simply wasn't good enough, whatever happened in the penalties we didn't play well enough in the first place.

22 Jan 2014 22:08:13
I take it Lee Mason doesn't ref in the premier league!? my word he is awful.

He is a terrible ref for us and useless. Can someone post updates, I am in Miami and have no access to the bloody game.

Shahram. Played poor. Lost on penalties. End.

Gcu
You didn't miss anything it was a poor game

Be careful and don't go anywhere on foot away from south beach especially Overtown and Opa locka. Miami scared the f**k out of me of all the places I've been to.

And stop bloody showing off with all your bloody Miami mentions!

Just reading about it. I am speechless to say the least on how we have performed in penalties.

I obviously did not see any but read that Fletcher was the only guy who scored, but can't fantom how we could miss that many.

Also read DDG had a howler or we would have been through without penalties.

I am gutted and frankly disgusted with the whole thing.

22 Jan 2014 21:53:44
As bad as we have been tonight Lee Mason has been worse

22 Jan 2014 21:16:45
Strange that Moyes has now looked at a midfield that interchanges and no direct wingers! Mata is ideal to fit into this, as is Reus and Vidal! We actually look good, with this style, so why has it taken so long to get rid of Valencia and Young? If the money is available, then forget Mata, sign Hazard and Lukaku, for £40 million and Rooney and play then with Fellaini? Belgium are happy with this and are light years ahead of England!

As mad as it sounds. It might work. Hazard is an amazing player. Lukaku will become a fantastic player. Fellaini! He's fellaini.

I'm sold on this Idea. God I wish We had got Hazard. Was a massive loss that we failed to get him on board

Yeah i'm sure Jose would sell Hazard to us, dream on.

22 Jan 2014 21:04:52
: Chelsea have accepted the bid of £37m for Mata and he will have a medical tomorrow :)

22 Jan 2014 21:02:50
Am I hearing things or did I just hear the words 'fee agreed'?

Welcome to MUFC Juan Mata.

22 Jan 2014 20:58:21
Kia Joorabchian apparently the 3rd party, just thought I'd share.

22 Jan 2014 20:46:28
Mata for €40million equals £32.7million
which just breaks our transfer record
and is not a bad deal at all. I just think
if we had offered the same for Fabregas
in the summer instead of messing about
we might be up there this season!!

22 Jan 2014 20:40:14
Who agrees that a front 4 of Mata-Rooney-Januzaj all interchanging with RVP is got to be considered one of the best in the world?

22 Jan 2014 19:50:47
Ed I wondering I think the answers yes but is Mata Cup tied in the champions league

{Ed004's Note - Yes}

22 Jan 2014 19:45:09
Only potential problem for the team tonight is Smalling, would have played Jones myself but could still have a good evening

Buttner's a good choice tonight to face up against Johnson purely because of his pace

Tonight is going to be interesting!

22 Jan 2014 19:00:36
Team v Sunderland confirmed 4-4-2
De Gea
Rafael
Smalling
Evans
Buttner
Januzaj
Carrick
Fletcher
Kagawa
Welbeck
Hernandez

{Ed004's Note - Happy with that hope Welbeck wide left?}

22 Jan 2014 18:31:05
Hi Ed.

With mata possibly on his way to old Trafford which I believe is a quality signing, what do you think this means for kagawa?

I'd rather keep hold off kags and some how set out a formation involving. Rvp, Rooney, kags, jan and mata.

Also reports suggesting that the feeling coming out off old Trafford is that a couple off world class players will be a united player come next season?

Thanks in advance

{Ed004's Note - I think Kagawa will be kept}

I think kags will leave this summer

Can't see Kagawa being kept. He can't get a game when we are 3-0 down against Chelsea and in need of goals.

If possible he should be used in deal for Gundogan or Reus.

Kagawa means more financially than he does as a player - Guaranteed his marketing power in Asia means he will rot with us. Despite him not really doing enough when given a chance anyway.

Good cover if Mata, Rooney, Janujaz, Young & Welbeck get injured. Crazy.

I think Rooney may leave this summer. If he leaves Kagawa may well stay. If Rooney signs a new deal then I think Kagawa will leave. They may well both leave if Moyes isn't convinced by Kagawa.

Personally I think kagawa should stay, even if rooney does go in the summer, a front four of rvp up top with mata, kagawa and januzaj interchanging behind him would be perfect for unlocking defenses, and would be technically superior than if rooney were played instead.

however I still think kagawa will be used to help get gundogan, and hopefully nani is used in the same way to help get vidal, as those two would be perfect to support our attacking players

dags

22 Jan 2014 18:19:50
So now when we're struggling and the squad is weak, the Glazers are suddenly prepared to pay club record fees .
Pity they didn't do so a couple of seasons back from a position of strength and we wouldn't need to rebuild half the team in the next couple of windows

You need to make it before you spend it.

Way to look on the bright side mate ;-)

Maybe it was partly to do with SAF being stubborn, or saving the extra money for when his successor finally came in, or extra revenue and less debt has eased things or maybe they have realised it could all come crumbling down very quickly and are finally backing the manager. Who knows.

Gotta admit I really enjoy the penguin whisperer's posts. Strangely, like Brendan, I tend to give more weight to his rumours than most others on this site too. Not sure what that says about me mind :)

Whilst you are about ngiak, please ask gan how are those polar ice caps keeping up? Hope his habitat is is safe for the foreseeable!

22 Jan 2014 17:29:45
In my opinion Rooney to Chelsea next season was a done deal at the start of this one. Similar to how CR7 went to RM. Tha'ts why he has been playing with a smile on his face and is in shape. I also think that's why Mata has been played so infrequently recently because now Chelsea see how badly Utd need midfielders they have realised that for them its a way to get Rooney on the cheap. No way is Mata worth 40m He is a very good player but not a great one. I think Rooney is a level above him being very very good but he is not on the level of CR7 or Messi.

So with one year to go on his contract the most Utd will get for Rooney is 25m. Honestly if we had a decent midfield would you take Mata for Rooney. I wouldn't. What I would do is take Mata and Lokaku for Rooney plus some money going Chelsea's way. I hope I am wrong but I have a nasty feeling about this deal.
If Rooney does go I would hate to rely on RVP and Welbeck and Chicho to get enough goals to compete with City or Chelsea.

Furthermore what we really need is a strong dominant midfielder. Mata is creatively excellent but he doesn't boss games or is able to go box to box.

What imagination.

Mata is a level above for me. Their favoured roles is behind the striker. Mata has 2nd most assists since 2011 Rooney isn't in the top 10.

Or, we could just be buying mata?

Discountdave.
I think you mean chances created.
Rooney has the 3rd most assists in the epl since 2011.

Mata is a very good player, but maybe not worth £40m. But supply and demand rules.
I'm with Gary Neville on this one, we've had kagawa and has been shunted out wide most of the time while moyes tries to play his wingers/crap crosses game. So if we buy mata, then moyes has to think about changing his formation. Maybe he's finally seen the light. Better late than never.

Mata is a world class set piece taker goalscorer and would fit in a 4-2-3-1 system the beard alone would make us ten times better Van Persie would score more goals with him in the team and rooney wouldn't be under as much pressure

22 Jan 2014 17:29:04
I read this forum everyday and a lot of so called fans have been crying out for a creative world class player and a change of style blah blah blah.Manchester United make a bid for a world class player and now its where do we play him, he's not what we need.Manchester United cannot have enough world class players which in turn could provide a different style of play.Yes we need central midfielders and vidal and/or gundogan would be every fans perfect players for us though could be difficult to get in this window.If we sign juan mata it would be a great start.

22 Jan 2014 17:05:00
Just a quick question for any of the eds on tv they are reporting we have made a bid through a 3rd party but we haven't officially put in a bid could you please explain this as it seems strange that if we are interested why haven't we just lodged an official bid?

Thanks

{Ed002's Note - A bid has been made this afternoon.}

Cheers ed do you know anything about this 3rd party would it be lawyers?(hopefully not the ones from the summer)

{Ed002's Note - It is of no relevance.}

22 Jan 2014 16:56:52
Apparently Mata has a book value of around £11m, so the extra money they would get for selling him will go a long way to bringing in a much needed striker. I guess Chelsea are really taking the FFPR seriously which you have to give them their due. I didn't think they would stay in line. Bad news is they could be going for a very good striker and as we know that could complete them.

Syd which good strikers do you think will be available for them?

Diego Costa? Atletico will most certainly want Courtois involved in that deal. Would Chelsea comply?

Cavani maybe? Falcao maybe?

Jackson Martinez?

Ed002, if I am not mistaken, are Chelsea ready to spend big on Costa this week?

{Ed002's Note - They would if he were available - so the summer seems more likely just at the moment.}

In the same way that you 'complete' jred? :)

I personally think they will look at Diego Costa or maybe Cavani if he was available in the summer. They will obviously get Lukaku back as well so Chelsea by the start of next season will more than likely have a couple of very good forwards.

FFP adherence and Chelsea don't look like they should be in the same sentence but credit to them as not many expected them to stick to the guidelines.

22 Jan 2014 16:49:07
Throwing this out there, would it be such a bad move to sell Rooney in the summer? Before I get shot down as some kind of traitor to the cause by all those that will argue he has been our best player this season my train of thought follows. Removing sentiment aside given his age by then he would still attract big transfer money. Twice in recent season his wanting to leave as caused disruption to our pre season and finally the money must be reinvested in to the first team

22 Jan 2014 16:27:58
Just looked at ssn. So excited I've just wolfed down a tube of pingles. Let's hope Mata is in a United shirt by the end of the month!

22 Jan 2014 16:08:44
Changing the topic, any team news for tonight? RVP? Fellaini?

22 Jan 2014 14:43:23
I know Balague isn't correct all the time but he claims Real have no interest in Rooney.
I agree, Rooney isn't the kind of player that Real Madrid would go for. let's face it he'll be 29 by the start of next season. If Rooney does leave he's going one place and one place only. Chelsea.
Lets hope he signs a new deal. RVP, Rooney, Januzaj and Mata if we get him would be pretty frightening goiong forward.
We just need a new left back (Contreo), a world class central midfielder (Vidal or Gundogen) and a classy center back.

I think you forgot about the other midfielder, the left winger, the centre forward and the right winger we also need

Jesus Andrew just get rid of the whole team.

22 Jan 2014 14:17:41
Thought I'd have a nosey on ye old Twitter, and it would appear Mr Mata has missed today's training session.

22 Jan 2014 14:57:32
There can be no denying we are in decline after the dizzy heights reached since the inception of
the Premiership.

Should Fergie have stayed on for another few years, should he have strenghtened the squad before retiring or was his choice of Moyes the right one? Should Moyes have retained the existing backroom staff? Would we be in the same position if another manager was had been chosen? These are all questions to which we will never the answers. There is no point in looking back and seeking to apportion blame - let's rather look forward and plan for the future.

Top priority is to ensure that the downward trend does not spiral out of control as happened to
Liverpool after their glory days in the 70's and 80's. Clearly the team has to be rebuilt over the
next 3 to 4 transfer windows - there is no quick fix. Heck, even with their mega-millions and open cheque books it took Chelsea and City a few years to get to where they now are.

I have seen a number of financial models, all of which indicate that the club can sustain itself without the added income from the Champions League for at least the next two seasons.

Emphasis must be placed on keeping our top players (Rooney, Januzaj, etc) and gradually adding quality signings over time. Many will argue that without the allure of guaranteed Champions League qualification we will lose our stars and not be able to attract the right players. I disagree. We
have a history, reputation and glamour appeal that, with a clear demonstration of what our vision and plans for the future are, will prove to be a strong attraction. Afterall, the likes of Chelsea, City, PSG and Monaco all started building before assured Champions League football.

Yes, it is going to require a substantial investment of funds by the Glazers as the days of bargain buys and all players having a dream of playing for United are long gone. They are not financial mugs and surely must realize this is the only viable option.

Lastly, the management and coaching staff need to take a long, hard look at our style, formation
and tactics. Clearly a more modern approach is called for and we need to bring back the exciting
and entertaining football that has been synonomous with this great club over the years. Not only would this entice the right players, but will go a long way to keeping the fans 'onside' during the rebuilding process.

A marquee signing or two in the current window would be a wonderful way to start it all off.

Er, ok. It was just a missed training session :)

Stevie . LMFAO . God you are one funny veteran.

Deeps.

Haha that was class Stevie I was in stitches, well done. On the subject of Mata, tv report 35 million bid and tv say 40 million. Let's see how it pans out but personally I can see it being closer to 35 million

Bbc and tv that was meant to be instead of tv and tv. Apologies

Resol, thanks mate you have cheered me up. I've been having a little bet with myself on how long it will be until someone mentions the word "marquee" :)
Mind you, right now I think I'd settle for a bloody gazebo signing.

I'm not watching anymore, or the wife will either get the time of her life when she gets home from work, or a black eye.

A bit of an overkill, Resol, don't you think?

Deeps, less of the veteran, if you don't mind!

ps. note, I didn't bite on the Rooney discussion below :)

Yikes! That was meant to be a separate post - not a reply to StevieK's one liner. Not sure if it was my blups or the Eds. LOL! At least it created a bit of light-heart relief to the tension at the mo. Cheers

Sorry Stevie! Will keep that in mind.

Deeps.

I thought it was a bit of an overly- detailed reply, Resol. I had to go back and re-read my original post, just to make sure :)

22 Jan 2014 12:45:16
Interesting to see the Patrick Herrmann links, i've seen him a few times while watching the bundesliga. He has stood out on a couple of occasions, but from what i've seen and heard he is yet to really step up, although he is highly rated, the next Marco Reus some say.

Has anyone else seen him play on a more regular basis who could give me a more rounded opinion of him?

Also Max Kruse supposedly, Moyes will be at the Monchengladbach vs Bayern game on Friday. I've seen both a few times but definitely no expert. From the bits I have seen they are 2 talented young lads, seem to have confidence in their ability and not afraid to show it. I can see where the Reus comparisons are coming from with Herrmann and he'd be a lot cheaper too. Kruse, from what I have seen, is a very good finisher with a cool head in front of goal, at 20 and for a decent price I would be very happy to give him a chance aswell as Herrmann.

Obviously, consistency of performance at their age may be a problem, but I haven't seen enough to judge that. Maybe we can all judge them in the famous red soon and judge for ourselves.

Herrmann is a talented youngster, but more Tottenham talented than Manchester United talented ( especially if we're trying to get back to our usual standing in European football ). He's a decent dribbler, manages to keep the ball but he is not the most creative player you can meet.

He's technically capable but doesn't stand out like Reus did, and his production is average. Now even though he would improve us, i'd much rather keep playing Januzaj on the right to maximize his creativity instead of a decent out and out winger.

Brendan, Max Kruse is 25, and he's on the level just below world class. I wouldn't mind seeing him brought in if Rooney is sold, since he lays the same exact position, but with more skill and less power, but if we are to buy Mata that wouldn't make sense

22 Jan 2014 14:13:56
I'd like to think he was also having a good look at Granit Xhaka while he's there. He is turning into a beast of a midfielder, I can see him being the "new Vidal" in a year or twos time.

I wouldn't mind Xhaka, or Kramer. Xhaka has nothing to do with Vidal though. He is a more of a technical pace setter than a midfield brute, not unlike Schweinsteiger

I thought Kruse was early 20's, fair enough Mick. Maybe not one for us then. Not really ever looked into either, just going off my memory of catching them on a very odd occasion. Xhaka I agree would be a very good signing.

22 Jan 2014 17:09:58
I think you may be selling Vidal abit short there. Vidal is much more than a brute, he's a technically gifted box to box midfielder. Vidal just has that bite that only a few elite players. Xhaka is no angel and picked up 5 yellows in his first 5 games this season, he has that similar over my dead body attitude, he is just a better passer and has more vision.

I think he is abit like a blend of Vidal and Gundogan although not on their level yet. But in a few years time he could be one of the best midfielders around.

Shappy, imo Vidal is as good a midfielder as Keane was, but his best asset is his work rate and strength.

He is a better midfielder than the likes of Gundogan and co, and even if he is not as technically magnificent, he more than makes up for it by how complete he is.

By brute I didn't mean a Fellaini type brute, but more of a physical powerhouse in midfield.

And I second what you said about Xhaka, he is a better passer than Vidal, and more physically capable than Gundogan. He just might become even better than the 2

22 Jan 2014 11:00:31
Tottenham wanting 12 million for Etienne Capoue from Napoli, Very good player, Strong fast tall and can play CB as well as central midfield. would be an upgrade on what we have and if we don't get any steel in towards the end of this window i'd be happy with him.

He'd be double the price if we wanted him.

22 Jan 2014 09:11:12
Is gan/ngiak around,

You said United were close to signing 2 players have you hear anymore or is this not the case anymore? Was Mata one of the 2 or is a 3rd a possibility this window.

Ngiak was just hedging its bets. Gan knew all the time.

Dear sir
apparently ngiak was told he was making it up
Ngiak was just trying to pass on things he heard
Well ngiak just hope it pans out
Lotsa stuff have to be sorted out beyond ngiak's friends know how
ngiak hopes the front line people don't mess it up
Time will tell
gan

Standard ngiak transfer window,

1. Talk a load of nonsense about transfers that could be anybody at all, give no specifics and say you have heard loads of things.

2. When people ask for details on the things you have heard, (which you would have if you had really heard them), get really defensive and suggest people are being out of order saying you are making it up and that's why you won't give any more information.

3. When we actually sign somebody (which clearly we are looking to do in every window) say you were correct all along.

I am sure you will have a go at me and I do apologise if I am wrong and you have top insider knowledge, but nothing you have ever said is yet to convince me of it. I do enjoy your posts though and always have, gives you a nice personality amongst a lot of people posting very similar things.

Is ngiak and gan two people? what's the score there always confused the hell out of me lol

I agree with GDS.

Gan said we were close to signing players a week or so back. Mata has only came to light in he last few days.

Oh no gan was the seagull from a few years ago was he?

22 Jan 2014 08:24:24
I have 0% confidence Mata to Utd is happening, god knows where the information is coming from but its not from the player or any of the clubs involved. Just think of the damage to Moyes and the club when Chelsea come out next week and say Mata is and always has been part of Chelsea's future and was never for sale. Once again Moyes' credibility is destroyed, fans are let down and another transfer windows goes by without any improvement to the squad. After the way Rooney courted Chelsea in the summer, I can't Chelsea offering us anything but contempt.

Good point made. It certainly appeared the we were 'played' by Fabregas and possibly even Herrera in the Summer. I fully agree that any remnants of credibility that Moyes and Woodward still have would be shattered if this story has a similar ending. We can only hope that Moyes and Ed have learnt from the previous fiascos and don't get duped again. Unless there are genuine talks or it is being used by us as a smokescreen for other deals, it needs to be diffused sooner rather than later.

22 Jan 2014 06:47:06
We have players like Cleverly, Young, Valencia, Nani(sadly), Buttner, fellaini, who are not of Manchester United standards and are average on their best and People here want to sell Rooney. I mean the player who gives us hope and great chances when when we are in desperate need of goals in our games. Hats Off
What is wrong if he earns extra wages. He deserves it. and the thing about his dedication to our club.
Last time he asked SAF to sign some good midfielders. some one that could lift the team to higher level. He even requested him to sign Ozil. But SAF rudely rejected his thoughts and said it's non of his business. Much like us he probably has a heart and it definitely hurt him.
Don't we want the same? so what's wrong if Wazza asked for addition. it was certainly because he loved the club and wanted it to improve
And about last year? He was dropped out of important games for god's sake. Okay he wasn't physically a player like before but he still had quality. and look how better he is now. Squeezing every drop of goodness from other average players in the squad during game time.
If he gives his best at field he deserves extra wages.
it would be great to see Mata playing for us but I would not in million years sell Rooney.
Most goals :Rooney
Most assists:Rooney
Most chances created:Rooney
Most goals from set pieces:Rooney
but fans be here like "Oh no! Rooney slows our game and makes it boring. we want more fluidity in our team so sell him and play kagawa. He is better "
HATS OFF

Rooney and rvp are our best 2 players by a distance .
Now this might seem like a mad idea but what if we never sold one of these 2 but bought some players as good as them, to play alongside them .

"SAF rudely rejected his thoughts" :)

That Fergie one was such a nasty, mean old bully.

Amen.

Fantastic post, most sense I've seen on here for a while, I would much rather play rooney up top with kagawa, mata and januzaj to support him with carrick holdng the midfield, if we can get contrao him and Rafael can provide width, but ido think we need another cb to partner jones eventually

Got to agree with Jred, why sell any of your best players? Unless Rooney is pushing for a move away, why sell?

{Ed004's Note - Because he has shown disrespect to fans and club, I worry about his professionalism, he restricts the style of play we can play, and he could fund a move for an up and coming replacement such as Marco Reus. However, I understand the argument that other areas should be addressed first such as 2 midfielders and a lb and Cb. If we got Mata, Vidal, Coentrao now in summer with Rooney leaving all we need are cb, cm and winger which the sales of Rooney, Nani, Young will go a long way to funding. I think Moyes will thin down the squad and use likes of Lingard, Kagawa, Powell, Valencia, fellaini etc as cover and look to have a more consistent team week in week out}

With my old friend Stevie keeping a close watch ;-), I won't get into the Rooney vs SAF debate. But I will never understand how people can prefer Kagawa over Rooney in the United team. Truth be told, Kagawa has done next to nothing in his 18 months here, not saying he is not a good player, but just not fit for us. Even last season, when some posters were goig gaga over Shinji, Rooney easily outshined him with both goals and assists. This season, it isent even a contest. Irony is, Kagawa has had his better performances when he has linked up with Rooney.

I agree with Jred, why sell either of our best players? Do we have to sell to generate the funds? I find it rather precious that people think Persie can miraculously overcome all his niggling problems, yet Rooney who has had a fitness record that's 100 times better than Perise will fall apart. If I had to take a call, I will not even think of selling either of them. I think we should learn our lessons from our current plight!

Deeps.

Deeps
It's been the same people saying the same thing for 18 month especially ed004.
If Rooney plays well sell him.
If Rooney plays bad sell him
If United play well sell him
If United play bad sell him.

Jred, while I respect ed 004's opinion, I certainly think the stick that's used to beat Rooney up seems not applicable for others. So what if Vidic's agent comes out in the open to say "My client will not sign an extension", imagine if it was Judas Stretford, Rooney would get sent to the wolves by now. Paddy comes out and says "This is my last season with United", people react to it with moist eyes and best wishes. The list goes on and on and on. That is where my problem lies. But then, each one to its own! It is a broken record as it is.

Deeps.

004, I would have only sold Rooney if he continued his lackluster ways of last season, but he has proved that when he pulls his finger out he is still a top player. We currently have around 10 players that will leave in the summer or earlier, Rooney shouldn't be one of them unless he wants to leave. Whilst building a new team it would be better to retain Rooney and if he wanted to leave in the future then we will be able to sell him and buy a similar replacement. We cannot risk selling our best players without having replacements already signed. Look what happened when we sold Ronaldo.

{Ed004's Note - That's why I have stated I'd ony sell Rooney if we signed Mata this window and Reus/Draxler in the summer. However, I'm not sure Moyes would play a front 4 of Mata, Rooney, Januzaj behind RVP and does it lack a bit of pace?}

@Aakrozz . Are you for real? Dedication to the club, he asked to leave twice within a 3 year period . "much like us he probably has a heart" what?
He was dropped for the Madrid game & Welbeck came in and scored, what's your point? He let himself go physically for the whole of last season .
He is supposed to give his best on the pitch that is what he's paid to do .
Here's a question for you . Would you rather have Fergie back at Utd with no Rooney or Moyes at Utd with Rooney? I think I know what way you'll answer given your "Rude" reference to Fergie . I think Rooney is a great Player but in Januzaj we already have a replacement there . Rooney cannot handle being the top player at the club he needs someone else to take the heat off him . Ronaldo & Van Persie have done that for him . Don't be fooled by Rooney's form . Would Bryan Robson have acted the way Rooney did? He was in the top 3 midfielders in Europe but never requested a transfer because he loved Utd, I don't think Rooney loves Utd .

004, if MU are planning to sell Rooney in the summer, then I would hope that we will be buying Mata & Reus/whoever in this window. I wouldn't want to leave any potential transfer to chance.

{Ed004's Note - No as long as Reus is signed before Rooney leaves in the summer then it'd be fine IMO. Snap up Reus maybe even Gundogan before World Cup and sell Rooney after it hoping he performs well and his value increases a bit}

Deeps, to be fair Rooney has hurt many MU fans, quite a large percentage in fact with his past ways. Personally I couldn't care less about all of that as a top player from a top club deserves that sort of wage. The reason I questioned Rooney's place in the side was purely down to footballing reasons. Since his ankle injury in 2010 he has never reached that level again and after last season's dross I seriously thought we were witnessing the end of Rooney before our very eyes. That being said he started this season better and if he can stay this fit (fingers crossed), then he may have a couple more years at the top. We have seen the best of him no doubt, but he is still a top player and I would rather have him in the team, than not. If he does want to leave then fairwell to him, but we need to get the replacements in first, we must learn from the Ronaldo error.

Ed 04 how does Rooney restrict our play simple he does not this is were you start to look foolish he is a very versatile player and would fit in any system in any team

{Ed004's Note - This season the two games I enjoyed most were when Shinji moved behind the striker. At Leverkusen Rooney played as the main striker and at Swansea second half Welbeck played ahead of Kagawa. Now I personally feel our football is more entertaining to watch when we have a quick player, with an excellent first touch and very good short passing working behind the striker. Personally I think Mata would do a better job behind RVP than Rooney and I since RVP is better than Rooney I'd sacrifice him. Suppose look at it like this. Rooney is like the drunk man at the table. He dominates the discussion and makes it look like its a good table full of discussion, however, you remove the drunk from the table and others join in and therefore it's a more balanced table. I'm not saying go out and sell Rooney immediately without a replace. I just feel signing Mata and someone like Reus/Draxler at the cost of selling Rooney would improve our style of play IMO. Reus replaces Rooney's goals and free kicks, while Mata replaces his creative style. We may also begin to see the best out of Kagawa. So that's near enough 3 new signings}

Ed
United have looked awful with out Rooney so I don't get this he restricts our play.
Kagawa has been awful really during his time a United .
But people still shout to have him in the team a head of our best player.
I don't think Mata brings anymore to the table than Rooney I also don't think Mata is a full number 10 he plays a lot of his football out wide.
I don't believe the Mata rumours but if we sign him it will be as lw imo

004, there are many I would sell before Rooney.

Nani - Anderson - Hernandez - Fabio - Young - Amos - Kiko - Bebe

Then leaving will be:

Evra - Ferdinand - Giggs - Vidic

IMHO there is too many outgoings to justify selling one of our best players. Surely we could sell the players above and the wages and fees we get back will be able to give Rooney a new deal and pay for the likes of Mata/Vidal/Coentrao etc etc.

So sell Rooney for 20 ( age last year of contract )
Buy Mata 40?
Not sure Mata would bring much more to the game than Rooney.
Then buy reus for for 35.
Then what about cm, cb, lb,
20 + for a good cb 45 ish for Vidal 15 ish for a lb.
Are we playing fantasy football

Dougal Maguire

okay! you are right. We should sell rooney. that is probably the best thing to do right now. it will probably move our team at forward direction.

Shut the crap out! M not here to listen your crap. Has he shown not good quality at the pitch? Surround him with great players and you will see how good he is. He has been playing with average players for so many season and yet has scored so many goals. he realized his body was not to the level so he has improved his fitness level now. so what's your point? Playing welbeck made him score does that mean rooney wouldn't have scored if he was played? what's your point? At his first transfer request he questioned the aim of the club. was that wrong?. We were not simply investing in the weakest area? All fans were crying for good midfielders. the one to replace keane and scholesy? weren't u one of them? so what's your point?
If your mom gets rude at u for some time . does it mean u don't want her.
So how can u judge my view towards SAF. I would want both SAF and Rooney as I am not an person like u to choose between two of our own club's precious people. so what's your point. Rooney has again improved his physique because he knows about it from last season so why the heck are you scratching some dry wound.
Januzaj is very very young and needs good guidance like that of Rooney, Rvp to mature to world class level. so by burdening a young 18 year old with so much pressure what the hell u are out for? I would never sell Rooney, RVP, januzaj, or any of our best players. I would rather sell all those average players earning many quids without any real influence in our team. Shut up mate. live your life

How would our team/squad look without the players above and with a CB, LB, LW & CM? Possibly and this is only an example:

___________DDG
Rafa___Garay___Jones___Coen______A.Vidal___Fellaini___Adnan_____Rooney_____Mata________Van Persie

Lindegaard - Smalling - Evans - Cleverley - Carrick - Valencia - Kagawa - Welbeck.

Is that not okay? Just an example, but my point that we need four positions strengthened and the team would look so different. Then if Rooney wanted to leave or RvP needed replacing, we could go out and replace them. We would have youth pushing, players like Keane twins, Pearson, Wilson, Perreira, Powell etc etc. Like I said it's just an example.

{Ed004's Note - Looks better than what we currently have though stop putting formations in or Ed 2 will have kittens when he logs in. Btw for people 4231}

Ed 004
It seems u are only watching attacking display. In kagawa I see the attacking characteristic but not all round performance. If u watch and allround football Wazza is way ahead of Kagawa. He drops toward the backline and still manages to run to the oppositions box whenever ball is forward. He help CM's to retain the ball, wingers to cross and many other things. does Kagawa is capable of that. Whenever I watch football. all round performance is what I like not a one dimensional play. It's not that I don't like kagawa but comparing kagawa with Wazza is simply killing me

{Ed004's Note - Kagawa is not as good as Rooney though I feel if Mata is signed he could replace Rooney}

Syd

I completely agree with your post. Yes, he has hurt a lot of fans. But I also agree with looking at it objectively like you do. A top player earning top WAGES, a part of his livelihood, an Evertonian at heart. I will not expect him to love the club like a SBC or Robson. Does that take away his importance or contribution. That is a resounding no for me. If I had to give examples (i am in the mood for it), during their stints at our club players like Berbatov, Nani, Vidic, Evra, Keane, Ferdinand (in recent times) have either haggled for more cash, used others to get a better contract or stayed put only because of SAF. I don't see people spout half the rubbish in their cases, but then Rooney gets singled out. This is where my problem lies, double standards. And if the likes of Kagawa etc show 50% the desire or heart that Rooney shows, we would be in a much better position. Rooney as a pantomime villain always gathers more attention than anything else.

Deeps.

Ed, I will not post anymore formations, but sometimes posters need to look at it to see that we are not too far away from having a decent side, even if big players are leaving in the summer. No team can have a match-day 18 of world-class players, every team has their ordinary players, problem is they are currently occupying our first team. We have a great youth set-up, a deep squad to deal with departures, but we need quality to improve our first XI.

Deeps, I think sometimes Rooney is singled out because the media have said he is earning £250k a week. If it was £120k a week we wouldn't see many posts at all regarding Rooney. I also think last season he was so poor and people always expect more of him as he has always been so influential. From a big earner you should get your money's worth and last season he didn't put in the effort. Whatever his motivation has been this season is great as we are seeing a fitter and better Rooney. I just hope it isn't for a better contract or to get a move as Rooney should be playing at 100% always, barring injury of course.

Aakrozz

I respect the fact you would wosh rooney to stay. However I have to take exception to you sayin he's the type of person we need guiding the likes of januzaj. just take a second and there will probably be a hundred reasons as to why that wouldn't be a good thing come flooding in to your head.
And i'm sorry but your saying rooney realised he was out of shape last year? Is he not surrounded by fitness coaches like all the other players at united. Did he not realise he was a good few pounds heavier? Or the fact that he just coyldnt seem to run anymore. I don't think it took wayne time to realise anything. It was a case of couldn't be arsed and that along with him sayin he wanted out is why a lot of people feel like fine sod ya, let's get 2 or 3 younger hungrier players in for the wages utd pay him that would give there right arm to be at a club like ours. That been said I for one am happy he's got his act together this year and thankfull for his efforts. But still there hasn't been a single word from the player that he wants to be here since it was said he was after leaving again.

@Aakrozz . I am finding it hard to follow your post but I think I get the gist of what you are trying to say . Basically anyone who doesn't agree with your opinion is wrong . Rooney tried to embarass the club in October 2010 into giving him a new contract . He gave the excuse that the calibre of player at the club was not good enough and also would want to know the identity of prospective new players coming in . Firstly football is a team game and he had no right to question his Team mates and their ability, secondly he doesn't need to know or have any input on players coming in he is not the manager . In saying that neither of the excuses he gave were true, his agent is entitled to 22% of all of Rooney's earnings and had been informed by his former associate Brian Marwood ( City chief exec at the time ) that City were interested . Stretford who had just come back from an 18month ban for misleading a jury in a case centred around rooney . So this was to be his first payday in nearly 2 years . Ultimately the issue was resolved, then in Feb 2013 he wants to leave again . Doesn't have the balls to hand in a written request . So don't be fooled ( as I have previously said) by his recent good form because for the 18mths or so previous he has been very patchy yet you seem to believe he should be rewarded for "getting back in shape " and "trying a little harder " . Open your eyes, the lad has no class . I never said he was a bad player in fact if you look back I have said he's a great player . So I'll beg to differ with you on this, I don't want to see him go but if he was going to stay a deal would have been signed already . We should be concentrating and supporting the players that really want to be at the club and at the moment it looks like Rooney does not want to be there . There is too much baggage with him . Robson, Keane, Scholes, Giggs, Neville these players had class, had loyalty rooney doesn't . You know its true

I think Aakrozz is my new favourite poster. His posts are hysterical :)

Reminds me of the dad in East is East - you ba£tard b1tch! You bring shame on the family! :)

Domi B

We have very few players in our squad that Januzaj can take lessons from. We have Giggs, vida, evra like the only experienced one if u bring out all sorts of thing
RVP left arsenal. the club who made him the player he is today. for winning trophies. People often call him traitor. not an option?
Rooney : what? handed transfer request? so not an option?
so whom? carrick maybe? but certainly not cleverly, young, valencia, buttner, fabio, nani. so whom should he get guidance to.?

I agree rooney should have realised his mistake earlier but though he was quite fat last season but still he offered a lot more than we think. Being a striker he was more like the distributer of the ball along with carrick. This year he is doing it alone in Carrick's absence.
My point is why we criticize someone because of their mistakes from past. He certainly hasn't spoke about staying with us but also has never spoke about wanting to leave. has he? so why only look negative aspects. He is the one who's contribution has led us to 7th positon. otherwise we could have been at bottom of top half

Judge him by how he is now

Steviek, I agree and think he should be encouraged. Just a hunch but I don't think we've seen the best of him yet :)

Dougal Maguire!

Every players wants a new improved contract so has rooney. I mean if he has done almost every job asked to him and also has given more than he should then why doesn't he deserve to get a better contract. Pay him better, he will certainly play better because he deserves better. If he doesn't possess the right to question his team mates. u don't have too. I mean don't ever complain about clevs, young, valencia, evra, buttner whenever they play like rubbish.
I don't have inside information as I am not connected with too many people inside but I do know that though Rooney has never said he wants to stay . he hasn't spoke that he wants to leave either. has he? about the 2010 incident. I too was furious at him but when he apologized to everyone and proved his apology in the pitch I forgived him. and that's what u should do. forgive your best players. Best players deserve better wages and to compete in this modern football, huge club like ours need to pay better to each and every best players we have got. Money is not everything but it something that can't be ignored.
When RVN left Rooney was there
When Ronaldo left Rooney was there
When Tevez left Rooney was there
When Berbatov left Rooney was there. It's like we have great players joining in and going out and Rooney is sticking with us and yet we are criticizing him. If u want to sell someone . then sell those average players rather than selling our classy ones. and about keeping the players who really want to play with us. Young surely wants to play with us, so does cleverly . so why not keep them. In this modern football my fren, dedication is shown on field not inside the club. I have seen that in Rooney and as long as I hear that he wants to leave just from himself. I will keep supporting him and every United players who have greatly influenced the team

22 Jan 2014 00:15:20
Lets assume we get Mate this window, then Reus in the summer(maybe for Kagawa), would everyone be ok with selling one of Rooney or RVP? if so which one, if not why.

i would be ok with it but I have no idea which i'd get rid of.

Rooney/RVP
Reus Mata Januzaj

Also in the summer I would like to see us go for Vidal, Garay and Coentrao.

i can dream.

{Ed004's Note - Rooney. RVP is a better striker end of. Also Rooney will only have a year on his contract and only a matter of time before he starts to deteriorate physically again IMO}

If Rooney were to sign a new contract I'd get rid of RVP. He has a few years on Rooney and is a little more injury prone.

I think if we are to swap kagawa for anyone then it would be better if done for gundogan. He is needed more and would be brilliant alongside someone like koke or Vidal.

I have long said we should sell one of rvp or Rooney, if we do buy mata then I think it would be Rooney to go, maybe bring in a Costa or cavani to play alongside and then eventually replace rvp
Personally I think bringing in mata is a win win. Would fit into longterm plans as can play out on the left or in the hole so if we were to keep both rvp and Rooney he could easily be accommodated by moving januzaj to the right

No I would keep them both why get rid of one of your best players

True ed, but what about RVP' injuries and age?

{Ed004's Note - Hopefully they clear up now Moyes has adapted his fitness program for RVP}

I don't understand about Ed telling Rooney have few good years in him. What about Van Persie? He is 3 years older than Rooney . how many good years he possess? not more than Rooney of course. I would not get rid of Rooney and Van Persie both. We have few World Class players in our squad and some fans want to get rid of them before lots of average player we have. amazing. Its better to get rid of Young, Valencia and sadly Nani as well rather than selling Rooney

{Ed004's Note - RVP is a better professional and will look after his body. It's almost as if he is now in his peak years now as he doesn't rely on speed. His technique, movement and finishing is what make him such a world class player and they seem to be improving the more he matures. Look at the number of goals he scored last season and we didnt have much supply for him. Just imagine what he'd be like with Mata, Reus, Kagawa, Januzaj etc}

You say why get rid of your best player yet Mourinho is prepared to let a player who was the clubs player of the year the last two years go .
If it's for the good of the team and it leads to a different and better way of playing then I think it would be the right thing to do

Ed004

Play Rooney in similar position as Rvp and tell him to work only as much as rvp in the field rather than sending him running all around the field helping every players . I bet he will score as much as RVP. if not more.
And about professionalism? Rooney has improved himself a lot. physically as well as in field and for so many years he was playing with average players and yet he managed to score many goals and assist .At least Rvp has Rooney to rely on whenever needed. but who was there for Rooney after Ronaldo was gone? isn't that what is called professionalism?