Manchester United Banter Archive July 23 2012

23 Jul 2012 23:36:20
I've been reading the comments about ferguson/moura all day and waiting for someone to raise the question, why did ferguson make these comments?

He didn't do it in response to pressure from a journalist or the glazers or gill. He tries his best to keep his transfers as quiet as possible for multiple reasons.

I can only only think that he discussed this today because he felt comfortable doing it in the knowledge that did deal is done.

Potential reasons -

1. In asserting our interest the Glazers will be forced to back him with the cash to sign the players or face the wrath of the fans.

2. SAF has been asked to drum up the valuation of the club by linking us with (and potentially buying) top talent.

3. A paper suggested that a deal was done and he did not want to disappoint the fans or annoy Sao Paulo, the player or his agent.

4. SAF wanted to reassure the fans that the club were looking to strengthen further to alleviate fears of Chelsea overtaking us with their signings.

I'm leaning towards three - although knowing SAF, football and the Glazers - it's probably a little of each.

T0MB0Z

T0MB0Z...I can understand SAF not wanting to annoy the fans, but do you think he cares about upsetting another club who really have nothing to do with us aside from the odd transfer every handful of years, a player who's only 19 and his awkward agent? I would of thought that he's got more depth than to be worried about their opinions that don't really have much bearing on the club! But as you say...most likely a mix of all four!

Andy

Andy - If he's serious about signing Lucas (or any player for that matter) - it does not make sense for us to piss them off before the deal is completed, no?

T0MB0Z

23 Jul 2012 23:10:10
I think Lucas Moura will be an excellent signing s he reminds of Ramires but has a more creatives side. Does he not remind you of a certain Roy Kean?

I also think SAF is trying to create a mini Barcelona with a possible midfield of Lucas Cleverley and Kagawa making Cleverley play a deaper role to dictate the game. We saw glimpses at the start of last season mainly in the 8-2 vs Arsenal when Cleverley and Anderson were at the heart of everything.

Comments would be appreciated {Ed004's Note - Moura like Keane?!? Have you ever seen either of them play?}

You lost me at Keane...

T0MB0Z

God, I can't think of 2 players that could be more different.

Oh wait I got it, they're both Leos?

Yeah, Keane?

Also - Cleverly pushed up at the beginning of last season. If anyone it was Anderson who hung back.

Joe

23 Jul 2012 22:44:05
Lucas's agent and sao paulo president quickly moved to deny the claim of a 26m bid being accepted on brazilian radio, within a few hours of the article coming out on the daily mirror's website and paper. The agent claiming the london based tabloid that released the claim were simply making it up and that "that happens quite a lot in the british press.", which is true in fairness.

It would seem a deal is still very much in the balance. Given fegie's unusual move to come out confirming the talks with moura though, could it be that the deal has been arranged behind the scenes already? The comments strike me as a bit of a dangerous thing to do given some of the teams in europe today. I wouldnt put it past the likes of chelsea/man city or real madrid to make a bid just because they have realised we are close to sealing a deal, even if they werent that interested in the player. - On the Powel transfer, fergie said himself that "we do the scouting for a lot of clubs." Apparantly a number of teams came in when they heard we made an offer, but the deal had already been sealed.

With s.p. - if the deal has been arranged the s.p. president and the agent ribiero may also have agreed to go along with a cover story. We know the Man United negotiations team have a reputation of secrecy. The mexican press and chivas described hernandez's deal as being conducted with "james bond like secrecy" (lol)


The other possibilities I suppose would be that the deal has stalled a bit, and we are trying to prove that we arent sensitive to letting moura pass by, or perhaps, we have come to an agreement with the player but not the club, so we arent worried about him being poached.

fergie came out with the van persie bid too a few days ago, but i dont think it parralels this moura one. It seemed confusing also, but i think he did so because according to him, arsenal had "obviously made the bid public." anyway. - Would also guess he probably wants to avoid a bidding war too. "nothing might happen on that front," is a good message to send out. So long as man city dont get it in there heads that they should try and outbid us on the transfer, we may have a good chance at the contract negotiations.

longdog

23 Jul 2012 22:10:42
If people want a preview of this upcoming season, and want some optimism regarding Chicharito (I know I've been one of his critics who think he needs to improve) look at the pass made by Kagawa to set him free against Ajax CT. Watching Kagawa play the last few seasons this is the kind of deadly pass that he loves to play, and this perfectly suits Hernandez's style of playing on the shoulder of the last defender. This is the kind of incisive through ball that Scholes used to play from his more advanced position, but since he's dropped deeper, we've been missing this kind of threat in our attack. A true link between defense and our strikers, without relying on going wide with Valencia/Nani/Young. This should also help Welbeck score more this season.-KG

Ha ha, sorry about that Ed004. This is what I meant!

De Gea
Jones Vidic Smalling
Valencia Carrick/Anderson Scholes/Cleverly Nani
Kagawa/Moura
Rooney Van Persie/Welbeck

Just trying to find a justifiable solution for United's interests in Moura and Van Persie with the likes of Kagawa, Welbeck and Rooney.

NIK Legend SA

23 Jul 2012 21:35:48
I notice Mike the Moston Red was saying there was a link to the sale of season tickets to the rather bizarre acknowledgement of interest in RVP and Moura.

On reflection the IPO is allegedly being brought forward to the beginning of August and we need to encourage investors to buy shares. The Glazers are classifying us as a media company and we have had some good publicity recently where people are reporting that we are again trying to buy top players. One of the comments on the IPO is that the Glazers have laden us with debt leaving us unable to buy top players. Then a few days before the shares are apparently to be released SAF is suddenly unusually willing to talk about targets.

It is not season tickets but more likely shares that are at stake. Let's see where all these players end up but you can imagine the Glazers would have been none too happy when SAF said one more , maybe.

Believe what you will

Red Man

23 Jul 2012 21:21:37
heartbreaking when you put time and effort into a post and then it doesn't get posted! even though several other posts of the same nature get posted! {Ed004's Note - What was it about. I haven't seen any long posts get deleted tonight?}

Sorry, i slipped on my keyboard before I could finish!

it was one about formations and such

1993 {Ed004's Note - It didn't make it through mate, sorry}

23 Jul 2012 21:19:12
thats the way it should be done, the papers lie through their teeth and instead of letting the fans get carried away with it. yep shappy you had a good point,

Alex comes out and refutes it and says how it is and the agent comes out and says how it is and on face value im happy with that. more than.

id be even happier if the moura talk quietened down now. at least until hands are shaked and the photo proved it

good to hear alex saying hes fighting for signings. on the face of it. and for the sake of a peaceful life. im gonna take that. there is way to much crap about us getting turned over and lied to and frankly even if we were. living life like that. youd never trust anything.

"let the liars lie and the fools get caught up with it"
no offence to no one but that kinda makes sense

..constantine..

I think it's great moura doesn't have a twitter page! Lol

REDP

23 Jul 2012 21:03:42
Guys , really excited for next season, I think that we will sign Lucas and rvp along with kagawa, Rooney and Valencia we would tear opposition defences to shreds. I'm predicting we win the league and the champions league :)

Caolán.

Lets wait and see first mate, we still need a LB and a top quality player to add to Shinji, until that happens I will be slightly nervous.

Sydney!

23 Jul 2012 21:01:58
Not appropriate for this page, but Suso of Liverpool looks SPECIAL!!! What a player! Add Stirling and Morgan, Coates and Kelly and they have a few real top prospects!!

Whistler.

We have Powell Keane's da silva's tunners, I think they are better especially when we beat them last season!

I like Suso although cannot imagine they will retain him for long. Can you imagine what would happen if RM or Barcelona cam calling? Sterling is a good little player, but his size maybe a slight worry for the Liverpool fans. Not fussed about Kelly or Coates at all. Think Morgan is a little one dimensional. He knows where the net is, but think he may struggle to make the grade. He does still have time on his side though so will like to see him prove me wrong. I like to see youth make it no matter who they play for, but cannot imagine Suso, Sterling or Coates will be at Liverpool in three year's time.

Sydney!

Never heard of him

Dylan

Disney u do know that suso rejected Rreal madrid and barca to come to us, dont u? Why would sterling leave us anyway? the guy loves the club. Whats the guarantee u will retain powell, keane.. in the future? Didnt pogba walk out on u lot? just bcoz we r struggling doesnt mean we will not get better. Im sure liverpool will be back sonner rather than later, n suso n sterling will have a very important role to play in Brendan Rodgers' project.
Indian Buzzer

23 Jul 2012 20:30:53
Hi guys

Watched the Pat Crerand show tonight with Lou Macari deputising whilst Pat is on the tour.

Two very good calls from Phil in Prestwich and Ruth in Stafford. Lou's face gave a lot away whilst they were talking. Although in some respects he was trying to toe the party line, you could see he agreed with what they were saying.

Ruth stated that how on earth can Fergie suggest that we may be in for RVP, there is no way that Wenger would sell him to us. The same spin with this Lucas kid.

I mentioned earlier we are all getting sick and tired of this rubbish. Last year it was Nasri and Schneider to try and accelerate dwindling ST sales. Kagawa and Powell are rocking anybody,s world I,m sorry to say.

Phil hit the nail on the head about Welbeck wanting £60k a week when Modric is on £40k a week, he isn't fit to tie Modrics boots. Phil is right.

We all know Marwood is all over our club like a rash from top to bottom. Everyone here in Manchester knows it. Why do you think Morrison, Pogba and Fryers are gone. Let's be honest he nearly pulled it off with Rooney.

Gill is just pointless when it comes to being a Chief Exec he admitted himself he couldn't convince Rooney to stay before Fergie cried him in to a new contract.

Don't anybody come on here giving it it's all the Glazers fault. They are only here because of one blokes greed over a racehorses bodily fluids.

Why don't we as paying fans get some truth for a change we will get behind United if they need us. Saying we are in for him and in for him then sending me an email saying there are season tickets left on the same day is wearing a bit thin.

Winning that 19th title bought the club 12 months reprieve. He cr*pped on Berbatov in the CL final last year and gave him 3 starts last year. Everyone knows the Berb would have chipped in and the GD column would have been ours for No 20.

We are rapidly becoming the new Villa and Liverpool. Let's see if anyone worth talking about is brought in before deadline day. I'm betting a big no

Mike the Moston Red

It's fans like you who think we are in decline. Be a tad optimistic, how are we becoming Liverpool we lost the league in the 93rd min. When fergie goes the new manager will have one hell of a team to inherit potentially with Lucas who in 2 or 3 years will win the ballon d'or then you have will Keane Michael Keane smalling jones the da silvas cleverly welbeck. Our clubs future is fine we will never be a Liverpool. Phil I can't stand I listen to him go on about this and that can you or anyone tell me welbecks actual demand has he ever said he wants 60k a week? Kagawa is a great signing Powell will be a brilliant player. United do not say they are interested in a player to sell season tickets. I personally would snap up a season ticket but I couldnt afford it.

Caolán.

I'm betting you have wrinkle lines from all the scowling!!

Whistler.

Mike used to be massively pro-Glazer about a year ago until RFT gave him a dogs life, it seems to have rubbed off. There is no reason why AW would sell to City and not us Mikey mate.

Sydney!

For once I agree with Sydney. If it comes down to a choice between selling to United or City, you have to think Wenger is now more open to selling to United based on the Nasri transfer. Lesser of two evils for Wenger IMO. -KG

I never take anything the clown from prestwich says on MUTV he never phones the show after a win thrives on negative links he believes Sir Alex is way past his best! As for you mike moston red our club along with Barca & Bayern lead the way as to how an institution should be run our club officials conduct themselves far better than any others considering the power we have our young players when on loan conduct themselves so well that every club they spend time at praise their attitude& professionalism but you like the clown from Prestwich will continue to tread water while Sir Alex David Gill and us fans that truly appreciate what we have and don't take anything for granted will move upstream to the next level
Tiger2

Also, if Modric is on £40k p/w it's not because that is his current value it's because he hasn't signed a new contract. If he went to a new club and signed a new contract (as Wellbeck is looking to do) - Modric would be on over £100k p/w easily. So the comparison will Wellbeck's wage is not valid

Gav

23 Jul 2012 20:11:08
I believe we are going to bring in 4 more players as Fergie has already said in China that we will be adding more players especially RVP,MOURA,SAHIN and BAINES

23 Jul 2012 20:00:36
Fabio is starting off well at QPR, winning a penalty which was converted by Taarabt.

MPez

Did he get injured when he got tackled ;-)

Jono

23 Jul 2012 19:49:34
A mate who works in big football transfers has told me Moura definitely has 2 feet and doesn't have pink hair. Will keep you all posted-

23 Jul 2012 19:14:05
Don't have any rumours but bit of info into FFP. I've been doing some work in a FAI delegates house in Dublin. I was chatting bout the wages and transfers and were will it stop. I was asking would FFP work. He told me that it's the banks putting pressure on UEFA and they are worried about the amount of debt clubs have. He told me a very worrying stat that clubs worldwide owe banks over $100billon. The banks have warned UEFA they have 5 years to try and clean up this and it can't get any worse. There is 8 prem clubs alone that have to meet with banks every month over there large debts. He said you will see lot more players going to china.

Debt is excluded from the FFP calculations. Also banks love the fact clubs borrow money from them, they make their cash from interest. Banks would go out of business if they couldn't loan out cash surely? How else would bankers earn their £5m annual bonuses?

Sydney!

Also, there is no way that clubs owe £100 billion to the banks. The total liabilities of La liga, Serie, Premiership, Bundesliga and the Championat amount to 8.4 billion euros, so £100 billion is a wild exaggeration.

WizardOzmand

Sydney!

They USED to love lending money - now most of them are tighter than me at the annual Village People convention I go to!!!

StevieK

23 Jul 2012 19:00:26
I think if we do get moura then he will be used as a striker. SAF has no intention of signing RVP and will not budge from his original "snubbed offer" this is just a smoke screen to keep citeh busy. IMO if we get moura then our starting 11 will be similar to this:

DeGea
Rafa, Smalling, Vidic, Evra
Carrick, Powell/Scholes/Ando/Clevs
Nani/Toni, Rooney, Kagawa
Moura

I think young might leave after one more year aswell

RR

Yeah I agree...except maybe i'd swap Rooney and Moura...I don't think Moura has the experience just yet to play as a lone striker, but he's fantastic at creating chances! But we will have to sell someone, if not two players! Top of the list are of course Ando and Nani, I could live without both of these to be honest but if Ando goes we will need another CM.

Andy

Yeh, good call swapping Rooney and moura. I've just realised that Ronaldo didn't get deployed as a striker until he gained abit of experience on the wing. I'd much rather sell young though and keep Nani

RR

23 Jul 2012 18:33:08
People are living in fantasy land if they think our system will change that much.

When SAF was talking about playing like Barcelona he wasn't talking about the formations that we play he was talking about the fluidity of the play and the killer instinct which we haven't had for a number of years now.

We used to go 1-0, then 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, etc. now we go 1-0 and try to soak up pressure.

In my opinion our formation will change but only slightly, I think we'll line up with a 4-4-1-1/4-5-1 in the league simply because it offers a strong midfield, a crowded midfield and the chance to go forward in numbers (especially in a 4-5-1).

I can see this formation unintentionally at times drifting into a 4-2-3-1 formation. lets for example assume we do sign both RVP and Lucas then depending on the line up will depend on the shape.

If Toni and Young were to start we would most likely look like this:

...........................GK...........................
RB................CB...........CB................LB
TONI......CM.........CM..........CM.....YOUNG
..........................ST............................

Simply because Toni and Young are our more defensive wingers out of the ones we have, however if Nani and Lucas were to start games I think we will end up looking like:

...........................GK.........................
RB................CB...........CB................LB
...................DLP.........B2B..................
Nani.....................AP...................Lucas
..........................ST...........................

Again this would be more attacking because the mindset of the players in question are more attacking.

In Europe I can see us matching 3v3 in midfield, maybe not in a 4-3-3 system because again I think a lot depends on the mentality of the players. For example we could either play:

...........................GK..........................
RB................CB...........CB................LB
..............CM.........CM.........CM.............
.....IF/W................ST...............IF/W....

But at the same time we could play a system which is far more narrow and would work against sides who play with a CDM.

...........................GK.........................
RB................CB...........CB................LB
..............CM.........CM.........CM.............
...........................CF...........................
.................ST................ST.................

The reason this system would work against sides with a CDM is because it would force the holding player to mark the Centre forward and therefore leave our 3 CM players against their 2 players. However it would only work in real effect if the side were playing an out and out 4-3-3 formation with no deeper forward.

I don't think we'll stick with 1 system and a lot depends on the players in question, the game plan the team we're against, etc.

On a completely separate note I don't really understand why we're looking at RVP, I understand his quality but Rooney and him are exactly the same sort of player, I think in terms of interchanging they would be great but if we go out with a 4-4-2 formation then both players will go for the same ball, both will drop deep to collect the ball, etc. it's just what they do naturally as players so I don't think it'll guarantee us two forwards with 30+ goals a season, instead I think it'll mean we have a similar issue to what we had with Ronaldo, 1 will do all the work and the other will put the ball in the net, one will get 30+ the other will get 10 maybe 15.

I'm not complaining because I would like to see how it would work together I would just rather see the £20M be invested into another area of the squad.

two more points I wish to make before I finish;

1) Why are we hating on Hernandez? I think we all knew he wasn't going to do and nobody expected him to have a season like his 1st. I expect him to get 15 goals a season and I'll be happy if he does...he's not a good footballer just a good poacher, admittedly the rest of his game isn't great but his role in the SQUAD is to be an impact sub, he can misplace 300 passes in 5 minutes if he likes as long as he comes away with a goal, hopefully a winning goal then I couldn't care less.

2) Nick Powell will start a LOT of games next season, he has the physicality, the ability and the confidence to be a starter and he will be a starter. maybe not every game but I'm expecting him to play roughly the same amount as Smalling did last season.

If we could have a midfield 3 that has a DLP, a defensive minded midfielder and a B2B midfielder then I think we've got the complete midfield....oh, it just so happens that we can have a midfield identical to that.

...........................GK..........................
RB................CB...........CB................LB
..........Carrick.....Tunnicliffe.....Powell......
.....IF/W................ST...............IF/W....

We could even swap Carrick for Cleverley/Scholes/etc.

Okay, it's very young and quite a raw looking midfield but IMO if you have the talent, physique and confidence then age is just a number.

It's my first 'real' post for a while so be nice if you're going to reply ;). and PLEASE don't say something like Lucas won't play on the left, etc. It's an example of a formation taking into consideration the mentality of the players.

Have a good week everyone!

The Moon.

There's a lot of effort put into this post and for that reason I don't really want to hate on it too much! But what you've put in this post is pretty much every formation open to every team in the PL! To outline tactics and say how a particular formation could or couldn't work against a team with this player or that player is just too speculative! Formations never last the 90 minutes, that's why 4-4-2 is so common, it can be easily changed and altered during the match. We generally use a 4-2-3-1 system, and have done for the past few years. This would suit our new purchases and youth development for this season and I reckon we'll stick with it. I'd love to see a 4-3-3, but we don't have a midfield 3 strong enough for that unfortunately! I don't want to see RVP here as we have enough goalscorers...Rooney's going to hit at least 30, Hernandez and Welbeck around 15 each and Kagawa and (hopefully) Moura roughly the same...RVP just isn't necessary! We'll have enough cover to use a 4-2-3-1 and I think it can really work and be quite fluid, the trick will be getting one of the 3 to drop back into the midfield when needed...most likely Kagawa!

Andy

23 Jul 2012 17:47:11
I could see the moura move taking a while even if he comes I would not be surprised if he does not come straight away maybe a deal to come in January . I'm willing to admit I might be wrong . But hey I won't be the first ! DISNEY

23 Jul 2012 16:42:47
Man utd's first team next season is

De Gea( Lindegarrd)
Rafael( Smalling)
Ferdinand( Jones)
Vidic( Evans)
Evra(?)
Carrick
Valencia
Rooney
Young
Van Persie
Kagawa

Didn't know SAF posted on here ;)

Mad Hatter

Swapping Nani for RVP would make us a weaker team...

T0MB0Z

TOMBOZ - I agree mate i would much prefer it to be Nani for Moura or someone of that calibre and i would like to see a top striker come in as i dont rate Hernandez and i think Welbeck is a substitute class player

One CM? Don't think so mate!

Andy

No name - I still expect Nani to stay even if Moura is signed.

T0MB0Z

Whilst I do not know what team fergie would like to start the season with i would like to see the following lineup if Moura is our last signing:

________ De Gea

Raf _ Vidic _ Ferdinand _ Evra

___ Carrick _ Cleverly

_ Moura _ Kagawa_ Nani

_________ Rooney

moura, kagawa and nani behind rooney would cause all kind of problems for defending teams as all 3 could change positions without losing our formation... nani across all 3, kagawa left and middle and moura right and middle. this would make marking them extremly hard and could lead to some exciting times and fantastic football to watch once all 3 click.

Obvisously i would like a new lb and martinez or m’vila playing infront of the back 4 and once smalling is fit unless rio finds a yard over the summer to start alongside vidic....
NOW that would be a team to be feared...

OXRED

Midfield 3 of Valencia, Carrick and Young? Suicide football.

Swap Nani for Young

CRMike

I am a Nani fan and would love him to stay, but if we bought Moura, Baines & a CM it's highly unlikely we will sign Moura without selling Nani. Don't forget we have already signed Powell and Kagawa.

BUT, could we sign just Moura & Baines and keep Nani? Sure it's possible, but still think he will leave this summer.

Sydney!

Don't think we'll sign Baines - and tbh doubt we'll be bringing in a CM this season if Lucas is signed.

T0MB0Z

23 Jul 2012 16:04:57
Looks like you didn't leave a name mate.

Also Ando is nowhere near good enough. He is never fit and has had continual knee issues since his ligament injury. Read his comments on last season 'I played for around 5-6games and my knee had felt fine but the pain came back'.

He is finished. If he seems to think how he played in 5-6 games is a good enough to be considered a CM player for a club as big as ours then he is kidding himself. He is hoping we get past 1st Sept then he can bugger off back to the treatment room.

The fact you can comment on not rating Fletch but rate Ando speaks volumes for your knowledge of the game. Which I think stretches not much further than Football Manager!

Oh and its DCM not DFM!

Jono

----------------------------------------------
This is a first time poster who's opinion you totally disregard. You are entitled to yours but not to slam down somebody who you disagree with. That's just not cricket and shows what type of person you are. This site is only as good as it's posters and you may well have scared off a decent one with your rant.

Also, not once in your post do you use IMO or words to that effect. So I was reminding you that he is entitled to his opinion.

I do not rate Fletcher because he runs up and down the field like a headless chicken. His passes are nothing to write home about, his tackles aren't very good, his close control and skill are non-existent. I have watched him for many years and seen him take the place of people in the team who are better players than him, most namely Carrick.

I saw more from Ando and Cleverley in the first 5 games of last season than I ever have of Fletcher in all the many years I have watched him. And hes Scottish! :-p

In your next post/reply you swear at a lady. Good for you! (I assume Ellie is a lady)

I think the OP predictive text may be at fault for his error of the DCM, but I didn't want to open that can of worms again!

FredtheRed

FredtheRed

I can see where you are coming from in regards to me not having put IMO or the likes in my post. So for that I apologise I should have been more clearer. Maybe this could have toned down the kind of aggressive read it makes out.

I will however still ask for some sort of explination as to why the OP rates Ando and not Fletch. You say he runs around like a headless chicken and cannot tackle? Well either you have not watched him as many times as you say you have or you cannot see the defensive work and covering that has to go hand in hand with running around the park.

Carrick has a better passing range and IMO that is it. He doesn't cover more grass, cover runs, mark players, tackle or press as well as Fletch and that is why SAF was using him in all the important games. Even AW pointed him out as anti football as he did such a sterling job at stifiling their attacks.

If someone is going to call me arrogant with no knowledge of me personally then they can f**k off. Simple as that. You also replied to my post by saying I should 'try not to be a prat', are you implying I am one?

If he/she had said my post seemed arrogant then fair enough but it said I seem it. It was then followed by a sarcastic point about grammar to which they have probably missed the joke I was pointing towards yourself.

Also predictive text? Jesus that takes me back!

Jono

It's "explanation" not "explination Jono. Watch those spellings !!!!!!!
Ellie

All I was trying to say was that we all have our opinions and are entitled to them but your comments seemed a bit harsh on a poster who gave a good post (even if you disagree with the post) and he was a first time poster as well and IMO should be handled even more delicately. I could be wrong - he could be a 6ft brick out-house, but this site is only as good as it's posters (and eds who do a sterling job ;-) ) so let's not scare them away.

I rate Ando's potential a lot higher than that of Fletcher. Fletch, although a grafter and a true team man, will never be as good or create as many chances or have individual glimpses of brilliance that can win amatch on his own as Ando. I know SAF loves the boy and that to me would point to why he has started so many games when I, along with other fans, have been crying out for SAF to ditch him and buy somebody else.

Fletch is like marmite-you either love him or hate him and I do understand why people do love him but for all those reasons stated, I am not a lover.

FredtheRed

Jono - i agree with you mate about him being mad for not rating Fletch when he was an integral part of our team when fit, but i must admit i also rate Anderson quite highly although his injury record is woeful at best so therefore i would have to let him go and try and bring in someone like Witsel or Dembele.

Ellie

If you are going to put words into inverted comma's at least put them both in! Also the correct positioning of a ! or a ? is directly after the last letter of the sentence!

At least you are bringing something valid and thought provoking to the discussion though!

FredtheRed

Yes we are all entitled to an opinion but even if mine was a bit more aggressive than normal there was still no reason for the prat comment?

The explanation you have given is flawed to a degree. Fletch and Ando cannot be compared directly as their styles of play do not mean that we would be playing one or the other in any given line up. What I was arguing for is Fletch IMO is a better player for us in his position than Ando will ever be. You are right that he has always split opinion but has worked his ass off and proved all wrong that he was good enough to do a job for us. Ando on the other hand has had our faith in him since day 1 and produced some good stuff 1st season even out of position but since has had 4 seasons of continuous injuries and form problems. Yes Fletch has off days but as his game relies heavily on effort and energy he can perform far more consistently than Ando has ever looked like doing.

Add to that Fletch has covered all CM jobs, RM and RB, his ability to do well in these roles gives him an added bonus over Ando. I think he may even have more goals and assists on game average than Ando, further watering down Ando's case IMO.

Jono

23 Jul 2012 15:35:48
Wagner Ribeiro, agent to Lucas Moura, has responded to the latest bout of speculation relating to the Sao Paulo winger. In an interview with Gazeta Esportivo, he stated: "This is speculation in the English newspapers. All parties have to agree - the player, the buying club and the seller. I guarantee 100 per cent that Lucas is not signed [with United]. He is focused on the Olympics. It's a London newspaper. This kind of news planted is very common in England."

23 Jul 2012 15:32:10
(only just got to read shappys report on us all cos i was on holiday at the time.)

"JK92 is the inventor of sexual relief toys."

what's that supposed to mean!?! are you trying to say i can't pleasure a woman or that no woman can pleasure me!?!?!

by the way i am the inventor of sexual toys, GAGUS is my best customer, buying over 2000 toys/equipment, hows that basement coming along GAGUS?

JK92

Well I didn't wanna go into too much detail, and everyone knows about G.A.G.U.S's basement;-). Lol.

Shappy

Yeah? What about that treehouse of yours Shappy? I saw the magazines.

And JK92, what ever happened to confidentiality?

G.A.G.U.S

It came down in a heavy storm.....gutted. Lol

Shappy

23 Jul 2012 15:15:11
people are saying if we get moura then someone will leave, well why? it's a squad game!

Nani replacement

I'm sure it would be nice to have both but can we afford both? As well as Valencia, Kagawa and Young. I'd rather just have one and have money left to strengthen CM/LB

Gav {Ed004's Note - I agree I would sell one of Nani and Young, preferably Young, if it meant we could strengthen left back and centre mid. Baines seems the likely option and then someone like Moutinho, Modric, or Dembele or even M'Villa and play either Cleverley or Powell beside him instead of Carrick with the other mids I mentioned}

I'd pick Modric 1st choice, Moutinho 2nd choice - to play alongside Carrick. Not the most defensive option but we'd be class in possession

Gav

23 Jul 2012 14:48:41
SAF has admitted interest in moura but says a reports of a deal being made are "wide of the Mark"

Not true at all, why do you just make stuff up?

GDS

GDS

Are you not up to date with today's news?

G.A.G.U.S

23 Jul 2012 14:43:52
Ed004 You asked how Powell has been doing on tour imo he has looked Premiership class with the stints hes had on the pitch he always wants the ball, finds space easily, dribbles great, fast feet , good engine and looks threatening going forward but i am not sure if he is Manchester United class yet maybe a West Brom player atm but maybe we should chuck him in at the deep end which i would as i think he is very much up to it.

George {Ed004's Note - So could you see him playing in a two man midfield with someone like Carrick. Also I have been told he is similar type of player to Gerrard. I have never seen him play so can't form an opinion on him so am really looking forward to the next match}

I couldnt see why not to be honest, he played behind the striker before he joined so he is very attacking but so far for United he has looked very level headed and actually very disciplined so if Fergie fancies taking a risk with him i could see him lining up with Carrick, to be honest i would prefer him to Cleverley as i think he is very over rated. Regrading the likeness to Gerrard, i can see where its came from but he is more technically gifted dribbling wise and pace wise compared to Gerrard but Gerrard has the passing ability and vision. To be honest i could see Powell being turned into a box2box player.

George {Ed004's Note - Who could you see beside Cleverley. Carrick or Powell. Which of them do you think is over rated lol}

I think Cleverley is very over rated.

George {Ed004's Note - So do I but I think he could be world class}

Stints?

He came on once for 30 minutes, not sure you can judge a player one way or the other on that amount of time in a pre season friendly. He looked good, but so did Lingaard.

GDS

I have seen him multiple times before aswell though GDS.

George

George, unless people have watched Cleverley closely from a young age, they will not have a clue what he can do judging him on last season alone. Cleverley is technically gifted and if he can get a run of games together people will see just how good he can be. I advise you to watch the 2nd half of the shield (2011), watch him against Arsenal and Spurs and watch him against Barcelona preseason. Okay there was no Messi and Xavi, but he played against Iniesta, Thiago and Busquets etc and was very impressive. People will quickly forget someone's worth when they haven't seen them for months/year, many did the same with Valencia. He needs a good run of games and he will be a massive improvement to our midfield. Like SAF said when he was injured, Thomas will be a massive loss. He was missed that much we had to re-sign Scholes.

Sydney!

23 Jul 2012 14:33:21
He is being so uncharacteristically vocal and this theory has crossed my mind. Also by publicly confirming the players he wants will also put Gill and the Glazers under pressure to make things happen this summer. He hasn't yet mentioned his interest for Baines, but he defo wants him. So if he names the three that he wants and none are signed, how will that make the Glazers look?

Sydney!

^^ I couldnt agree more, it is nothing like him to announce interest early in negotiations or even at all before there pretty much signed. I find it too much of a coincidence that its happening when the flotation is announced etc maybe the Glazers have gave Fergie a bigger leash and are trying to make the club look more appealing to investors or whatever. I am probably reading too much into it but im very excited about who we are targeting and being linked with but lets hope some deals materialise..

George

23 Jul 2012 14:20:59
If we are seriously interested in Moura and manage to sin him, how would we fit Valencia, Moura and Nani into our first team which is where they will want to play and i cant see our number 7 on the bench much, so i was thinking maybe this could work.

__________________DDG
________Smalling___Vidic___Ferdinand________
Valencia_____________________________Baines
_____________Carrick____Kagawa____________
_______Moura____________________Nani_____
_________________Rooney_________________

I know its just about as attacking as it gets and we could only implement the system against weaker teams imo but imagine the attacking ability against them.

Can't see us going to 3 at the back at all, SAF is still finding it hard moving away from 442/4411!

If Moura arrives I would assume Nani will go. Either that or we could go for a fluid front 4 in some games:

Moura___Kagawa___Nani
________Rooney_______

(with all interchanging)

...then use Valencia and Young more when we revert to 4411

Gav {Ed004's Note - It would be a brilliant attack and only bettered if RVP was signed. We would have so many options.}

Ed004

I'm a big admirer of RVP and would salivate at the thought of him and Rooney up front...but, yes there's a but, putting his age and injury record to one side - I think there'd be a danger of affecting the balance of the team if RVP came in. I'd like to see us play 4231 with Kagawa in the hole, with penty of fluidity and the 3 behind Rooney providing the first line of defence i.e. pressure in the attacking 3rd. With RVP in I can only see us playing 4411 again with Rooney behind him - which would restrict our fluidity and also the likes of Kagawa/Moura would have to play in deeper or wider poitions, which would be a shame

Gav

23 Jul 2012 14:10:11
Id like to see this team based on rumours.

___________________DDG
Rafael______Smalls________Vidic______Baines
___________Carrick_______Witsel___________
_____Moura________Kagawa_________Nani___
__________________Rooney________________

I do think this team is a too far fetched.

Where would Valencia fit? Rooney in the hole with Welbeck up top? Moura signs Nani leaves? {Ed004's Note - If rumours are believed then RVP would be signed as well. I have stated I would prefer Dembele and I would play Rooney in the hole with Kagawa out left and RVP up top. Then you have players like Welbeck, Hernandez, Valencia, Nani and Young}

I see your point Ed I said Kagawa would play on the left but got shot down on here a while back. Imo Nani has to be sold if Moura is signed no matter what and i hope so much that if Moura comes he isnt ruined and out on the left . {Ed004's Note - I think it would take a few seasons before we would see Moura on the left but I think he is interchangeable so we could play a fluid front 4}

Hmmm so do you see Moura as a replacement for someone or an extra buy? I think he is the replacement for Valencia after two seasons maybe as he isnt getting younger and especially as a winger he needs pace

Valencia isn't being replaced by anyone. He has just been given the number 7 shirt and he was our player of the year last year. Also when it comes to pace there aren't many quicker than Valencia when he gets going and that includes Moura.

Rjmanutd {Ed004's Note - I think Valencia will be the first choice winger this season but he will gradually be pushed out imo if Moura fulfills his potential}

One thing that irritates me about a lot of football fans is the current trend of thinking players are too old when they hit 28-29. Sometimes it is a valid point eg when you are paying big money for a transfer but for a player who is at the club I don't think it is a big deal.

IMO Valencia will be a key player at United for another 3-4 seasons. I honestly think out of our current 3 wingers he will be here longest. He gives us a different more direct option. Even if Moura arrives and becomes a top class player he will struggle to get Valencia out of the side IMO.

Rjmanutd

I agree Valencia will play a big part for us over the next few years but it's always good to have 3 class wide men to rotate. Especially given Valencia is quite one-dimensional so we could choose whoever suits the opposition best on the day. In an ideal world we would have Valencia, Moura and Nani but in reality it's more likely Nani would leave and we'd have Young as the 3rd option

Gav

23 Jul 2012 14:01:42
I love the fact Fergie sent the message out "We're not lying on our backsides doing nothing. We're trying hard to bring other players to the club." Whether this is just for the press or not i love the heart he has for the club and whether you interpret the message as an offensive or defensive move i think its a very bald statement.

Anyways i would just like to add id love to see Moura, Witsel, Baines and Dembele bought in with Nani, Berbatov, Anderson and Macheda leaving.

George

23 Jul 2012 13:34:22
i was wondering if we get RVP, moura and with rooney kagawa,young,nani,valencia,welbeck,chicharito already in the squad , this attack would be able to tear apart any defence at any stage of the game

23 Jul 2012 12:54:49
if the deal for RVP falls off will man utd go for any other striker??
plz comment ed {Ed004's Note - I am not sure. Possibly Lewandowski}

23 Jul 2012 13:06:30
With SAF confirming a strong interest in Moura, which is odd in itself, I thought of an experimental side that I think is semi-plausible. Personally, Tony did a wonderful job as a right wing back this year. I also rate Rafa very highly, I would love to see him become our first choice RB for years to come. Saying this, I think that maybe we could play a side looking something like this

---------De Gea---------
-----Smalls-Vidic--------
-Tony--------------Rafa-
-----Carrick--Jones------
-Nani---Kagawa---Lucas-
----------Rooney---------

not my ideal sqaud, but it is a way to field Tony, Nani, Lucas, and Kagawa all at the same time

Sparty On

---------De Gea-----------
------Small---Vidic--------
TonyV--------------Baines-
-----Carrick---Witsel-------
Moura----Kagawa----Young
----------Rooney----------

Slightly altered ;)

Sydney!

No Nani Syd? Thought you fancied him for his interchangeability... You assuming Nani goes, or picking Young ahead of him?

DodgyBanter {Ed004's Note - This is to Sydneys post. I personally would prefer Dembele to Witsel as I have not see much of Witsel and Dembele seems to be a hard worker who is good going forward and is a true box to box midfielder. Also if RVP was signed I think a team of De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Baines, Carrick, Dembele, Moura, Rooney, Kagawa and RVP. Though honestly if that happens I think Nani will be sold. Also for a long time I have been against Baines but I think just for his defensive attributes I would go for him because that is a very attacking team}

'Syd', not too different. I know everyone always uses Barca as a model, and I don't think Dani Alves played 10 minutes of defense the entire year. So i think that Tony could be utilized very effectively as a RWB imo

Sparty On

Personally syd i cant see us signing a left back, i still think fergy admires evra to much, we defenately need one and i could be wrong as fergy is looking at brady and blackett to see if we already have competition at the club, but it is a great chance for blackett to stamp a place if we dont sign one.
as a cm i would love Khedira but it is so unlikely, however it wouldn't be bad if we got sahin on loan with and option to buy. as for tony V you cant leave him out and he will be wasted at right back unless aganst poor teams. young is only a squad player and only useful against mid table teams and lesser teams in europe.

_______De Gea_______
Raph_Smalls__Vida___Evra
_____Carrick__Sahin___
Valencia__Kagawa___Moura
_______Rooney

Although how come we are talking as if moura will come to england and be an instant hit, we are expecting so much from such a young man. Ronaldo had to earn his place in the starting line up with sub appearances. If Moura comes in and adapts straight away that is a bonuses, I think Fergy has saw potential to improve on not an instant game winner. Many people say they are frustrated with nani when he plays, but for the first couple of sesons peoplemay be pulling their hair out with moura

aaallj5 {Ed004's Note - Sahin would be a brilliant signing}

Dodgy, I believe Nani will be sold to balance the books if Moura is signed. I do prefer Nani to Young. I think we will have too much wing cover with Moura and we wouldn't miss Nani.

Ed004, I think if we played with two attacking LB's we would need Carrick and a tough tackling midfielder. I would say Witsel is better than Dembele defensively, although I do like Dembele. It's also thought that we will buy either RVP or Moura, unlikely we will go for both.

Sparty, I think we can play two attacking fullbacks as long as we have a Witsel in the middle to help out Carrick and the CB's. Even Evra could be okay in that scenario. I still think we will sign Baines though.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - Thats why I have warmed to signing Baines. I was initially against him signing and wanted Izaguirre but Baines is better defensively. So I don't think Witsel would be required then. Carrick would be able to cover for Rafael who is imo very good defensively apart from when he gets rash but he is cutting that out more recently. Also I missed the two friendlies so from what I have read, Kagawa looked very impressive, how did Powell play? Could he be the CM we are looking for this season. Would be like having a young Rooney and Ronaldo again watching Powell and Moura play}

You can not play Moura on the left honestly which is where im struggling as he plays on the right or through the middle and our number 7 will not get dropped and we have just signed Kagawa who isnt gonna sit on the bench so maybe Rafael at left back Valencia pushed back then Moura in at right wing?

23 Jul 2012 12:38:41
Red Joe

If he has his hands tied then just come out and be straight about it, instead of backing them why doesn't he just admit to the fans that because the Glazers wont invest a penny of their own money into the club, we cannot afford the players we need to win trophies. If he really loved the club he wouldn't give a toss if it meant losing his job, he would do whats best for the club and tell the truth about how the Glazers have sucked the finances out of the club. I can tell you thing I'm absolutely sure about - the Glazers would have a hard time selling shirts and filling that stadium if the fans thought Fergie was sacked for sticking up for the club!

And no I wouldn't consider for a second that he is using the English tabloids to control a transfer in South America at all, The idea is a silly and it sounds like you've fooled yourself into believing the mind games he plays with his rivals to be some sort of telepathic gift he also uses to control the media in England. If he could control people then I think the first thing he would do is get Malcolm Glazer and his hideously annoying offspring to sign over their personal fortune and scurry away like the greedy little weasels they are.

Flimbo
--------------------------------------------------
Flimbo...wow.

A few things, firstly how can you possibly say SAF doesn't love the club. And in which strange universe do you think it is best for the club to have Ferguson loose his job. If he get sacked he's going to be away from MU for at least a year, while the Glazers get kicked out by protesting supporters not buying tickets or shirts and at his age do you think he'll return?

Then lets have a think about what effect loosing Sir Alex and having massive protests will have on our Global Fan Base. Do you think they're as loyal as us who know about the problems with the Glazers, no. We would loose so much support from the less loyal supporters which although may be deemed 'Glory Hunters' are still very important to the club.

It is has never been more important for SAF to stay at Man Utd as he is what is keeping this Club where it is. I am not pro-glazer, I am pro-ferguson and I'm sure this will irritate you but if you are anti-ferguson you are anti-Man Utd because he is every bit as important to the History of the Club as Sir Matt Busby or any player. I want the Glazers out as much as the next fan but keep your argument with them.

Finally when the hell did I suggest SAF was telephathic. Can you please keep your argument reasonable without resorting to fantasy.

Red Joe

Good job red joe
and please Flimbo think bbefore you type......................we are not chelsea or real madrid who keep on sacking players or release a hell lot of players to bring new faces. WE ARE MANCHESTER UNITED

Once again another genius fails to understand a post and takes it completely out of context to suit their own agenda. All I did was answer the questions you gave me, I wasn't stating the answers as my beliefs in a hypothetical way but you and the eejit underneath you don't seem to be able to grasp anything other than what you want to read and to call me anti-ferguson only highlights your inability to see thing from a different perspective. In short, you pair at that small minded you could look through a keyhole with both eyes!

Flimbo

23 Jul 2012 12:26:23
SAF has said that Utd are interested in signing Lucas Moura but a deal has not been struck. It's on the Utd website too. What do you think ED?

I think if the Eds hear anything more about Moura they may well explode! SAF has clarified pretty much whats going on, all that's left is whether a deal is done before or after the olympics. So just leave it for now and wait until there's more concrete news!

Andy

23 Jul 2012 12:10:40
So fergie has confirmed we are in talks to sign Lucas. Although has confirmed, it's nice I here that speculation is true and we are in talks.

Another positive from the bosses mouth

"we arnt Lying on our backsides doing nothing, we're trying hard to bring in other players to the club".


MUFC1990

I took some heart from that particular quote too, perhaps some of the doubting Thomas' will show some patience now and just see what happens between now and Aug 31st

Gav

23 Jul 2012 11:24:37
With Wenger saying "We don't need M'Vila if Wilshere and Diaby are fit". I'm hoping United grab the opertunity to sign him. I think his going to be the world class box to box player United need and have missed since lossing Roy Keane

Cape Town, SA

He is not a box to box player.. he is more a dm but with great ability, passing etc...

he would be a fantastic signing, and in the range of 15 -20 mil which would be great value....
oxred

AW is very much in the market for M'Vila. Diaby is also very likely to be sold. Unlikely to happen until M'Vila or a similar player is signed mind.

Sydney!

Doubt Diaby will be sold, no idea where you get some of yours ideas from Sydney!

rpc

Rpc, if M'Vila or another player of his attributes are signed this summer then AW will sell Diaby. AW rates him highly, but he is made of glass. His salary is also pretty high and Arsenal do not want to pay his salary when they do not get anything in return from the player. What use id he when he is always injured?

Sydney!

Could say the same about Wilshire but there is zero chance of Arsenal selling him...

rpc

23 Jul 2012 10:57:14
SAF on Moura: "We haven't reached an agreement - we've shown interest.Until such time we reach an agreement we can't say he's ours"

G.A.G.U.S

23 Jul 2012 09:42:09
is that all the money he's got to spend 50mil.

You are kidding right?how many new players do you actually think we need?
2 maybe 3 more are needed and 50m should be plenty to get what we need

phil

No name,

Only 50 million? Scandalous isn't it!

GDS

£50m net would be plenty.

Sydney!

Plus why say we have 100 when we can say we have 50 and then drive a hard bargin....

That was just a figure plucked out of the air by a newspaper - based on what they thought RVP/Moura would cost. 2+2 = 5 kind of thing. I wouldn't pay too much attention to it, particularly as we are unlikely to get both players. I'd say 'money actually spent' at the end of the window will be more important than any fictional 'budget' the manager has available to him

I'd love for us to get either RVP/Moura to bolster our cutting edge then add something in CM, LB or both (preferrably)

Gav

23 Jul 2012 03:47:04
there are reports that robin van persie is ready to sign for united for up to 10m a year

23 Jul 2012 01:45:53
I'm confused I thought we had a bid of 29 million rejected?

Yet according to the mirror Sao Palio have accepted a 26 million bid.

I find it hard to belive tbh. Just another load of paper BS

MUFC1990

I think what It was mate was that £29million overall wasnt enough because that INCLUDED the 30% family and agent percentage of Moura. His family own some of his rights so that would of worked out that Sao Paulo would only get £20.3 million and £9million to his family and agent. That wasnt enough for Sao Paulo so it was rejected as they want more than £20mill.

Since then I heard Mouras family arranged a deal where they sold or forfeited the percantage of sale to get the deal done faster. So therefore the new deal has ALL of the £27million bid going to Sao Paulo.....that of course they will/have accepted

lewis.no.9

It's simple really mate. The club will receive 80% of the overall fee, the player/father will receive the rest. The club have agreed the £26m, but we need to agree a £6m (approx) deal with his agent/player/father. It will be complicated. As Ed002 has said it's the agent that is being difficult, not the club.

Sydney!

Okay now I understand, thanks.

Hope we get him he looks a top quality player.

MUFC1990

23 Jul 2012 00:49:17
Red Joe

If he has his hands tied then just come out and be straight about it, instead of backing them why doesn't he just admit to the fans that because the Glazers wont invest a penny of their own money into the club, we cannot afford the players we need to win trophies. If he really loved the club he wouldn't give a toss if it meant losing his job, he would do whats best for the club and tell the truth about how the Glazers have sucked the finances out of the club. I can tell you thing I'm absolutely sure about - the Glazers would have a hard time selling shirts and filling that stadium if the fans thought Fergie was sacked for sticking up for the club!

And no I wouldn't consider for a second that he is using the English tabloids to control a transfer in South America at all, The idea is a silly and it sounds like you've fooled yourself into believing the mind games he plays with his rivals to be some sort of telepathic gift he also uses to control the media in England. If he could control people then I think the first thing he would do is get Malcolm Glazer and his hideously annoying offspring to sign over their personal fortune and scurry away like the greedy little weasels they are.

Flimbo

Would you come out in public and slag your own boss off?

Thought not..

GDS

I feel that SAF is very much to blame for our transfer dealings-but I totally agree with him! There are leaches in football that want to take money out of the game to line their own pockets, and SAF wants none of it. Players commanding 200k a week when they're in their 20's and not even kicked a ball in a quality league or team, and agents fees going to 5m for a smooth transfer taking a £20m deal to £25m than another £2m for the greedy player so we end up paying £27m for a £20m rated player!

I totally agree with our transfer policy; letting greedy young players with poor agents go and not breaking the bank to sign somebody who is a total risk. This gives our club balance and finical security. Let's face it, we can't afford another Veron or Berbatov.

Even if we had a sugar daddy, I don't think SAF would pay stupid amounts and FFP will be in next season so hopefully this will help us and the league.

We are a well run club with good control over finances and long may that continue! We can still get good players like Powell, Kagawa, Chiquerito without screwing ourselves.

FredtheRed

FredtheRed

I also, take a similar view. I would love us to buy a player like Hazard or Moura but it all depends on the price, including agents fees which I think is the biggest stumbling block. Should we really pay over £30m for unproven players then give their agent £5m for the pleasure? That's before we even start to pay them a wage! I understand the market dictates the value of players - even if that is £30m for a youngster - but then there are agents out there who are only interested in earning a premium over and above that value, which I would imagine would pee SAF off, to say the least

Let's hope an acceptable deal can be struck with Moura though, the manager will know exactly what he values him at

Gav

22 Jul 2012 21:08:42
rumour mill in over drive again at the moment, dont you just love this time of the year when we are linked with just about anything that can kick a ball, thats always been the way though because we are united and we are, like it or not[ citeh ] the team most players dream of playing for, so eds reading between the lines, who do you think will be joining before aug 31st

23 Jul 2012 00:05:32
The official fee for Moura will be £32 million the reason the mirror are reporting a £26 million fee has been agreed with Sao Paulo is because Moura receives 20% of the money witch will take it to around £26 million. Sounds like we've got our man.

I really hope this is true and it makes sense

It seems player and club are happy for him to join United. It's down to his agent now. We all know that unless the agent is Mendes, we do not do particularly well with agents. Fingers crossed.

Sydney!

22 Jul 2012 23:58:02
I want Moura just as much as the next guy maybe more than most but im so confused as to how the team will line up. Granted there is squad rotation etc but all of our wingers will want to play the vast majority of games . Moura imo would be wasted on the left which is the only place i see available and that is if Nani is sold.

George

22 Jul 2012 23:57:05
To be honest I'm very disappointed with what SAF said and find him to be quite arrogant about the situation. I have loved the guy since I was a kid and have defended him countless times in arguments with opposing fans of the usual suspects over the years but I feel he is being ignorant to us fans about the whole issue and also a hypocrite when it comes to transfer fees because if he really felt that the fees are ridiculous then why didn't he let Ronaldo go for £20M to make his point?

Also, he might be a legend to United and its fans but that doesn't mean he has the power to dictate how and who other football clubs do business with, nor is it up to him to decide how much a player deserves to be paid, he is a manager who is paid well to do his job as manager and one of those jobs is to keep the fans happy and so if the fans want to see the worlds best players in the team then he should be prepared to pay what our rivals are paying to get them whether he agrees with the fees or not.

Football is a rapidly changing business and as with any business its the managers job to embrace that change in order to remain successful regardless of his own opinions. It doesn't matter what excuses he makes, if he doesn't sign the players we need and we end up trophy less at the end of the season then he hasn't done his job correctly and he will have nobody to blame but himself for blatantly ignoring the warning signs and remaining stuck in his arrogant ways.

I hope this isn't the case but its wrong of him to expect people to fork out large sums of money to support his team and then turn around and tell the fans we wont be investing that money in the team as the Glazers are a much more worthy cause as thats where the money is going anyway!

Flimbo
----------------------------------------------------------
Right Flimbo, I get it your a passionate supporter and you don't like the Glazers but Fergie also has to keep in mind that he is on the pay roll of the Glazers and if the Glazers ask him to say he is pro them then THAT is also part of his job. It might not be a part of his job that I agree with or like but it is part of his duties as much as making supporters happy.



In short he has his hands tide, would you prefer him to come out bad mouth his employer anger them and end up with no transfer funds?



And finally have you ever considered that Fergie (who is famous for this btw) is using the media to his advantage? If he came out and said there is value in the market, then surely clubs would up there prices. Saying what he said makes clubs like Sao Paulo think he is close to walking away from the deal and therefore more likely to take the offer on the table.



Red Joe