Manchester United Banter Archive July 23 2013

 

Use our rumours form to send us manchester united transfer rumours.


23 Jul 2013 23:18:00
We have been useless on loads pre season games in the past and been ok. It's bound to be a bit of a transitional season. We just have to support our team and see what happens.

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23 Jul 2013 23:14:59
Guys what do you think about Miguel Delaney?
Claims Fabregas' agents have been in contact with United.

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That would be a given as I can't see the club putting 2 bids in without having had a conversation with the players representative.

I think there is a lot going on behind the scenes and he will come if Barca is willing to do a deal.

Shahram

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I think the next bid will be accepted. Then it will be down to the player agreeing personal terms.

I think we may move onto our next target before any deal for Cesc is officially completed.

So we could move for someone like Fellaini with people thinking he is an alternative to Cesc, when he is in addition to Cesc.

Sydney!

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23 Jul 2013 22:28:39
Anyone else seen that Cesc Fabregas has been left out of the squad that's traveling to Germany as part of their pre season? Unless he's injured I don't see why they'd do that as it'd only increase speculation that he could be sold.

Ozwald

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He's getting extra time off because of the Confederations Cup.

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What about their other players that participated in the con fed cup?

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23 Jul 2013 21:41:38
ngiak/gan,

with regards to your earlier post, how large are the sums of money that you are referring to?

TS87

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23 Jul 2013 21:39:34
Guys read fabregas hasn't travelled with barca squad to pre season is this a sign? Or are all the confed cup players getting an extended break at barca?

Hassan.

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All confed cup getting an extra break, here we go with the fake conspiracy stories with everything involving fabregas!

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Think your reading too much into it mate. Pretty much all their 1st team are missing for the game against Bayern! Good rumour/conspiracy though!

Fred the red

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Thought he was due back yesterday but don't think its anything to get excited over

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23 Jul 2013 21:09:03
Cast your mind back to September / October and remember the doom and gloom merchants telling us our midfield was dreadful and we would struggle. There was also a procession of Scousers telling us how bad we were. Yet here we sit as Champions, and by some distance. I agree completely that we need to strengthen midfield but I don't buy that we are going to struggle as badly as some make out. Hopefully, next year Kagawa will show his true class, RVP will continue the heroics, the youngsters are a year older and perhaps Moyes will play some of them. If DDG and Rafael develop as much year on year as they did last year, then they will be special. layersnthis year. If Smalling and Jones can stay injury free I think they'll both get lots of games. I'm not wearing rose tinted spectacles, just trying to bring some perspective to the neg heads. I think we still need a left back and a top class CM but I'm happy to see what happens and stop flouncing about when we don't sign somebody. You know it's getting silly when somebody posts 'now we've missed out on Honda'. It seems every player that moves is one we've missed out on. Ask yourselves who have been the best signings we have made over the years? They weren't marque names at the time were they?

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Ajh I like your optimism but I was at every home game last season and even though we won the title we were poor for large parts of the season with some of the most boring football I've seen us play in a long time. we won't be as lucky this year with other teams strengthening. if we don't fix the midfield we will be in trouble some teams just ran right through us. but I also don't want us to buy someone just for the sake of it, I would rather wait even if its the dec window to get the right players to improve the team

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I don't agree mate, I think our premier league win last season was more down to city and Chelsea being poor rather than us being great. Just look how many games we had to come from behind in, we got away with it last year but wouldn't again. Weve been in competitive in the championseague since 2009/10 and how many years since we won the fa cup,? I'm all for youth etc and don't want us to become a city, Chelsea, PSG. Spending £100m every year. But I truley believe if we want to stay at the top, we need a big summer in the transfer market, IMO 2 top class CM is vital plus LB and a forward of not I think we will be in 3rd place come May 2014 and am that sure is put my mortgage on in

Alex Fergusons Condom

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Good post AJH, nice to see some fans are still optimistic and level headed. I see you mentioned Honda, I'm going to be honest if we signed him i'd be happy. He's genuiely more creative and versatile than both Ando and Cleverz. Not to mention his set pieces are beastly.

Ozwald

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It must be hard for Arsenal fans to see all their best players heading for Manchester.

A sad indictment on the city of London, or just a realization that Arsenal are going no-where fast?

Where are all these big signings your manager and chief executive promised, trev?

I'll wager that the dipper's wiil finish above your dross.

Samthered

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John

I agree and said so last year, for a team that was supposed to becoming more fluid, we were often 1 paced and pedestrian. You may remember I took some stick for saying this was a poor team to have won the league. My point is we did win the league and I'm not suggesting everything is perfect. Just getting fed up of the ranters like Simmo and Mr Condom here who have no respect or understandings of how to make a sensible point

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AF's condom,

I bet a lot of other teams would snatch your hand off at not being competitive in the champions league after 2010. We got to the final in 2011!

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How refreshing to hear some of the positives (for a change) and I agree with them all.

IMO our weak areas are LB, 2 x CM and either AM/wing (depending on if Rooney goes etc). I don't expect us to sign 4 world class players but if we at least get a quality LB and quality CM with a few other additions I will be excited for next season. We already have good depth to the squad just need a little extra quality for the starting 11.

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Rafa and mankini the gift that keeps giving lol

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It must be hard for Arsenal fans to see all their best players heading for Manchester.
A sad indictment on the city of London, or just a realization that Arsenal are going no-where fast?

Where are all these big signings your manager and chief executive promised, trev?

You will struggle to make the top 5, let alone be anywhere near finishing in a CL spot. I'd wager that the dippers will finish above your lot.

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23 Jul 2013 23:03:50
Good post. Yes we have issues. But Moyes knew the issues and the tour has shown to highlight the issues further. Moyes won't have the issue Ferguson had regards sentimentality and is working on them. Sign a left back, two good quality midfielders, and trust the youth and we should do well. Although the moaniacs will find something else. MrE

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AJH

I think the league will be a very different proposition this year as everyone has improved their squads and changed to better managers.

Whist we have the some outstanding players we also do have quite a few that are way to average to poor.

For me players like, Anderson, Welbeck, Nani, Evra and sadly must say Giggs are not good enough and it is a matter of time before we see then gone.

I am hopeful we will address some long overdue personnel issues as with the current squad we will not win the league and City for me are the team.

Did anyone watch Evra yesterday, How on earth can a club like us have him as the shoe in starting left back and why on earth did we waste money on Buttner as he is not good enough either.

On the positive side, I still believe we will make 2 or 3 major signings and might come out of this summer looking like the team that made the most improvements to their squad and fully support the new Manager.

Shahram

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23 Jul 2013 20:33:23
lets not forget, that moyes ran like a little boy to the press to tell tales about certain goings on in the tunnel after an everton arsenal game to try and get fabregas "done" by the F. A. he made himself look like a total person. fabregas to utd NO CHANCE. btw how out of his depth does moyes look in his press conferences its cringe worthy, I think moyes will struggle to get the players he wants due to his lack of personality and lack of stature, you might get lucky and finish 4th this year lol
trev the gooner

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What, so your shower of sh*te will finish above us? Or are you 5th and Tottenham in 3rd?

Nice one fella, funniest post of the day.

Brendan81

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Cesc is 26 not 10 you person

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No matter where we finish, it'll be higher than Arsenal. I like the ironic references about 'little boy' though, are you old enough to remember any Silverware in your realms?

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FInishing 4th is what your sorry dross of a "team" have been fighting to do for the last few years and long may it continue.

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At least if we finish 4th we get a trophy. Don't we? ;)

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No i'm sure it is you lot who might get lucky and pip Spurs to 4th on the last day of the season again. That being said, if
Spurs sign Soldado and keep hold of Bale you got no chance. Lol

ALDUtd

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*sigh* another pathetic Gooner, at least Stoner used to make reasonable points. Look mate, you've won nothing for 8 years and are unlikely to do so next year. You've continually sold your best players to the competition and are now a feeder club for the rest of us. Trust me, 2 more years and Jack will also be looking to get out.

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Who have you signed? Plus Wenger is one of the worst for press conference. Another thing, Moyes has been pretty good so far, he has spoken openly that the squad needs improvements and he has admitted the midfield is the weak spot. Telling the truth basically.

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Even with our current team we will finish at least above you next season ;).

Nicolas_United

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Well said trev.

utd made 1 hell of a mistake getting moyes.

i honestly believe you will struggle next season.

malaga gooner

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Thanks Trev and Malaga.
Guys maybe we should heed the wise advise of our Arsenal brothers. After all if there are any fans in the country who can spot a team that is going to struggle for fourth its Arsenal fans. Right?

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8-2. Move along boys nothing to see here.

RedRosie

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Malaga,

Many many many people 'honestly believed' we would be out of the top 4 last season, and we won the premier league. We are used to the rubbish people spout, it's just usually Liverpool fans rather than arsenal fans that come out with it!

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Malaga gooner, more or less anyone that watches football believes Arsenal with 'struggle' every season. Bet you're just annoyed because it looks like your one and only decent signing in Higuain is to either stay at Madrid or go to Napoli, oh well!

Ozwald

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Nice one Trev and you think Moyes has no personality and you have Wenger lol

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We will be champions next season and I can't wait to see a queue on the arsenal page congratulating the mighty arsenal.

when saf retired you lot were finished, you will go through managers like chelsea.

malaga gooner

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Malaga,

If you win the league next season I will come on to your page and pronounce myself an arsenal fan and give everybody on your site £500. In other words, it's not happening!

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Well GDS you better start saving some money then.

GoonerMKD

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23 Jul 2013 20:18:46
next couple of days should be interesting, i'm in the camp that we do have a chance of getting fabregas and I think we will (which will be a terrific addition to our side)I expect either baines or fellainni or another smaller signing to be announced before though as I think cesc will be our marquee signing. I hope these deals happen and I cannot wait till next season :)

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I hope you are right Dean1210. We certainly need a creative, box to box midfielder like Cesc as well as an enforcer. Maybe a LB and wide left man as well. Premier League and Europe will be tougher next season and we need to be stronger.

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23 Jul 2013 19:56:16
Ezequiel Cirigliano. Shappy made a post about him a couple of months ago, and supposedly he was Argentina's new Mascherano. I recall us, Genoa and City made enquiries about him as confirmed by Ed02.

Anyone knows anything about the lad? {Ed007's Note - I've passed on a message to the guys that do the player-profiles to get a profile done.}

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Much appreciated Ed007

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23 Jul 2013 19:48:04
As good of a signing fabregas would be he wouldn't bring that steel to our midfield that we need so why not bring in Lars bender. Wouldn't cost an arm and a leg as many other would and would instant ally improve our team

19JackC94

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Im sure Fabregas' nickname from his Arsenal days was "the Midfield General" correct me if i'm wrong. He's a complete midfielder. Him partnering Carrick would be amazing. A midfield 3 of Carrick, Fabregas and Ozil. Ooouuussshhh!

ALDUtd

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ALD, Ozil? Unlikely we'll sign one of Real Madrid's and Barcelona's best midfielders. Replace that Ozil with Kagawa and a midfield trio of Carrick, Fabregas and Kagawa is still mouthwatering.

Ozwald

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23 Jul 2013 19:17:17
What's this I'm reading about Dortmund saying they would welcome shinji back, we haven't expressed an interest in want rid of him have we?

19JackC94

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23 Jul 2013 20:27:57
You need to read the whole thing. Shinji said that he enjoyed his time at Dortmund and would like to go back there at some point in the future. But he said he wasn't happy with his performances last season and he feel he needs to put that right.

So after Shinji had said this some reporter put it to people at Dortmund who said that they would welcome Shinji back but that hey had no immediate plans to try and bring him back to the club.


So a total non story that the press were trying whip up. Just ignore it and move on.

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Ah ha I see, cheers shappy I was getting worried there lol

19JackC94

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23 Jul 2013 19:14:18
This fabregas debacle is just like the thiago situation! The whole situation keeps evolving to the extent where I bet he'll end up signing for Bayern Munich! Haha.

If he doesn't sign within the next 7 days I doubt he will!

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I believe it is different to the Thiago situation. There is no evidence we got to the point of making an offer for Thiago. The reason being that we would have waited for his agent to confirm what the player wanted then if he wanted to come to us we would have made the offer. It is likely he didn't confirm to his agent that he wanted to come to us so we likely never made the offer. In fact we don't for sure that Fabregas was not our first choice.

The difference is that Moyes has confirmed the Fabregas bid has been made. You may be right on one thing and that is we would have to consider moving on at some point and Moyes has indicated that. However that would be embarrassing to Moyes and Woodward.

The cynic in me ponders about the timing of the albeit good news on the club badge but I remain hopeful on Fabregas because failure will be less than convincing not just to the fans but to shareholders and the city

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23 Jul 2013 19:12:14
To all the doom and gloom merchants.

If we announced the signing of Fabregas tomorrow, would you automatically think we'll win the Championship again?

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No, I still think QPR and Wigan are favourites

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Would you not?

Cban

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GRD

After signing Fabregas I would say we would still be one major signing plus a left back short of a Championship team. If that second signing was Ronaldo and we keep Rooney we would be dangerous in Europe.

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I think we have a good chance of winning it anyway.

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23 Jul 2013 20:19:52
Very good, no name.

@ Cban

I'm not a doom and gloom merchant. I'm confident we will win the league next season as it is, thank you.

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23 Jul 2013 18:39:29
Just thought I'd share this from the barca page. People may say he's not worth it, but can we really afford to miss out again?

TQred


23 Jul 2013 13:21:04
Ed it seems United have put another bid in for Fabregas at around the £35m mark, do you think there is any chance we'll accept this or say a £40m bid? {Ed001's Note - I don't know how much Barca would want, but they would sell if the bid was high enough, they simply aren't in a financial position to refuse ridiculous offers for a squad player. }

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23 Jul 2013 18:54:54
In all this doom and gloom let's look at the positives. The youngsters are looking good, playing games and seem to have a very good chance of playing first team football. Maybe we're looking too far afield?

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23 Jul 2013 18:07:44
My opinion on the Fab transfer saga in short is this: I would guess Fab feels that if Barca are willing to sell him at a price then that would mean he is not held in the same regard as Xavi and will not be his successor in the long term. In which case he might as well jump ship now and find a place where he can setup camp and be the main man even if it isn't "home". What's the point of sticking around for another year? If it wasn't for the sale of Thiago, I think we would be far more optimistic about the possibility of the signing. It may come down to how badly Barca need the money and how much faith they have in their new crop from the academy ( I would expect them to make a purchase, though). Also I think it is mind boggling how many doom merchants feel that this is just a P. R stunt to appease the fans. I think in the next 48 hours we will have either taken a giant step towards signing him or completely abandon all hope. United are not going to wait around.

I think we will sign him :) That's right folks, a United fan has made a bold, positive prediction. This site could do with more of it.



BornInToIt

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I'm inclined to agree with you. If Barca were really that firm in rejecting our first offer then we wouldn't have gone back with a second offer.

If our first offer was met with a he's not for sale at any price then we would have moved on to someone else.

I suspect our first offer was met with a "he's not for sale at that price" thus inviting us to raise the bid.

Also Cesc played most of his games last season for Barca as a forward more than in midfield. Now they have signed Neymar they already have someone for Fabregas to compete with. Also i've been told Barca are strongly considering a bid for Ander Herrera. Who imo will replace Thiago in the squad.

I see Barca lining up next year with Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta in midfield with Neymar, Messi and Pedro up top. Then Herrera will be the main cover in midfield and Tello as a forward. So where does that leave Fabregas?

If Barca can sell him for a large enough fee then they will be able to sign both Herrera and a new centre back with the money. That way they will be a stronger team.

I can't believe that people would seriously consider that this whole Fabregas deal is just to appease fans so they can say well we tried. The club wouldn't waste such time and reasources on it. Plus all it would do is make the club look silly and that they are unable to compete for the best players.

I think the tricky part of the potential Fabregas transfer is convincing Fabregas himself.

Personally i've got a good feeling about the potential deal. But I won't allow myself to build up hope as i've had my dreams dashed before.

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Snappy

It would be foolhardy if United were putting bids to Barcelona if Fabregas would then dismiss them out of hand. Remember there is no evidence that United actually put a bid in for Thiago likely because speaking to his agent we would know his thoughts without having to put an official bid to speak to him.

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23 Jul 2013 21:31:01
Red man, there is a big difference to Fabregas will entertain the idea of joining your club and he is seriously interested in joining. We could get a bid accepted by Barca but then we need to convince Fabregas that he should turn his back on his boyhood club and upset the Arsenal fans he holds in such high esteem. that's not so say he wouldn't come to us, just that there is a lot more to this transfer than just paying Barca what they want.

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23 Jul 2013 17:48:34
I like Anderson, I'm not saying he's a good player, I just like him.

however, I found this stat really surprising, it really shows how much he's struggled at United.

Today was the 9th time in 6 years that Anderson had played 90 Minutes for Manchester United.

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I know, I used the same stat further down. Its quite shocking really.

Its a shame as I think when fit and on form he is a excellent player, power pace and the ability to drive forward with the ball from midfield.

Its a shame things have turned out as they have, he had such fantastic potential.

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I think that he is a good player, but that Fergus ruined his career by playing him out of position. So far the only tangible benefit of the Moyes government is that the players do look fitter. Maybe not better, but clearly they are being better and more thoroughly trained. There were glimpses today of his creativity so where there is fitness, there is hope.

He is not the only answer, and Cleverley is not any of the answer. But like Nani, a more physical approach top training and the absence of Fergus screaming and yelling all the time might help.

For the rest, the current public communications disaster needs resolving through two major transfers. If this goes on it will damage the management that we are stuck with, as well as income generation. Without the latter, no big signings anyway.

Aesop

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Moon - He is one of my favourite players when he stays fit and plays well I find him very good to watch and love his mazey runs with his vision but I just feel it is the same problem as Rooney in recent times he never put the time and effort in at the gym and never fully devoted himself to being a fit and top player. It is all a matter of what could and should have been I'm afraid. He seriously could have been mentioned with the likes of Ozil etc imo as well.

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Totally agree - I like the guy and appreciate his positive playing style but I fear he may have been given enough chances now. That stat is really frightening.

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I still love Anderson and really hope Moyes keeps him in his plans

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HoneyBadger - I agree that stat is frightening but if we could not ship out Anderson for a decent enough fee could we see Moyes actually get him into an actual fit and well playing Anderson because if he can get him to that level we will have one hell of a player.

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George711

There's always that temptation but I've been thinking that for 5 seasons, lol. I'd like to think SAF tried a few ways to sort out Ando's fitness. At the end of the day I won't be distraught whether he stays or goes but if we could get £8m+ for him to reinvest I'd probably take it due to the risks.

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23 Jul 2013 21:41:57
Thr only way I could see Ando getting over his fitness issues is a move in playing position. He hasn't got the legs for a box to box midfielder. Playing this position tires him out and this means he is more prone to injuries.

When he was at Porto he played on the left of the advanced midfield three. Personally I think that is where he will have to play if he is to avoid more injuries. That position requires less running and less putting yourself in the firing line. It also allows him to use his creative side which is his best attributes. There his lower levels of fitness will be less of an issue and he will pick up less injuries due to fatique.

If we signed Fabregas and Gustavo then we could play a more narrow 4231, with Carrick and Gustavo in midfield, RvP up top and Fabregas, Kagawa and Anderson as the advanced three. This would still allow us to bring on Zaha, Young or Valencia if we needed more pace and penatration out wide.

For me this is the only way Ando can salvage a career with us.

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HoneyBadger - Exactly right mate, I think everyone of us has been saying that each summer after a poor season from him. I just have that gut feeling that we would be letting go a player that may come back to be a class act if he goes to the right club.

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23 Jul 2013 17:38:26
I keep reading people's posts talking about meaningless games. Let me ask when is it ever a meaningless game when you are wearing the shirt. We go to win. Every game we play and that includes any youngsters brought into the team. Maybe just maybe some of you might just be starting to agree with my view of the Brand. Surely he must know his time is up when we get a decent midfield. See how many England games he gets when he is at Sunderland or Hull. Now let's move onto the inigma that is Danny. Welbeck. A local lad who bleeds United and runs his heart out but basically is not a top class striker. He is showing everything about his game in these friendliest. Plenty of effort but lack of quality. Anderson well I can't say anything about the fried chicken eating mutha that you lot don't already know. If only games were twenty minutes long he would be a world beater. To think I came in off the beach to watch that.

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Don't know why you bothered coming in off the beach klooty - you should have stayed out there - with your knotted hanky, your sandels and socks - muttering away - scaring all the little kiddies.

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Well I am hoping that at least you had a beer or 3 to make up for it. Enjoy the holiday

Oxred

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Actually every single thing you said about Welbeck could be said about Cleverley. The only thing Cleverley has over Welbeck is looks and maybe a false sense of grandeur.

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I've defended Cleverly in the past but I'm starting to agree with you Kloot. He just doesn't do anything with the ball apart from move it on, generally side to side or backwards. I think he had potential but the fame and everyone raving about him (including me) went to his head. Until he improves his creativity he's always going to be an average squad member.

Red Joe

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Genuine question for Sydney Cleverley's right hand man! Do you think Cleverley is a better player then De Bruyne?

Pez

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To be honest I agree Kloot. you should have stated on the beach!

Nobody values your opinion

Fred the red

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Obviously it's not meaningless, but it niether holds any baring on the league or any trophies that we could win this season. Years ago these warm up games were played behind closed doors and on training pitches. Only with the increased media and global appeal do these warm up friendlies get put before the masses to raise money and global awearness of the Manchester United brand.

Personally Kloot with your beliefs i'm quite suprised that you would sully yourself by watching your beloved team dance to merry dance to increase the profit for those leeches you talk about all the time. I didn't think you thought much of all those fans from the other side of the world. I'm glad to see you come back onside and you now feel that the team should go out of their way regardless of the tiredness factor which may be to the detriment of winning titles in order to play games in these far corners of the world to appease these fans who are unable to make it to Old Trafford every other week due to living on the other side of the world.

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Mike did you tell everybody about bumping into me yesterday. It was nice to meet your other half and for a ladyboy he/she had a good knowledge of football.

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The Crab the most over rated footballer in the UK

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'Fried chicken eating mutha', bit harsh don't you think?

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I would not say these games are meaningless but there is not the same pressure to drive excellence. Funny but I always feel that in these games those who are technically better will excel and show skills and the ones who are not as skilful won't use their drive to make up the difference between the truly skilful and the artisan. So is that why Zaha and Adnan have shone but the artisans like Cleverley have not?

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Of course I didn't tell Klooty, wouldn't want everyone to know that I was inspecting care homes for Ofsted

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Haha, mike that pretty much somes up the picture in my head that I have of Kloot. And to be honest kloot that was a pretty pathetic wind up. I just don't understand how someone can moan more then praise a team they supposedly love. I get that you have a lot of passion for United but come on, can't you find a better way to express yourself.

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23 Jul 2013 16:59:31
Few questions for United fans because I think I am genuinely right, but I may be being bias, I can’t quite tell…

1) Last season United won the league because they were the best squad throughout the season. However…this was due to Fergusons experience and ability to maximise the use of his full squad, and also because City and Chelsea had a poor season. I know we (Chelsea) were not even close, and City were a fair bit away, but I think this was more down to the fact that we were both cr*p, not because you were exceptional…Agree or Disagree?

2) The people high up at United don’t truly believe they had the most talented squad last season, and accept they ‘got away with it’, and have always had in their minds that this summer they would strengthen considerably…Agree or Disagree?

3) If United do not strengthen then as it stands you will finish behind City and Chelsea, as the squads were quite even anyway without the signings both us and City have made…Agree or Disagree?

4) United ideally need a Left Back, couple of CMs, and a striker…Agree or Disagree?

5) If United sign Baines, Fabregas/Gundogan, and keep Rooney (In his best form), then you are favourites for the league…Agree or Disagree?

6) Welbeck and Hernandez are not world class strikers. So if you lose Rooney then you NEED another top quality proven striker…Agree or Disagree?

I’ve not asked these questions (all are my views btw) to start an argument but speaking to a United fan I know, his views on each point were this…

1 – United had the best squad and were the best team by a mile, it wasn’t because of Fergie it was because the players as a whole were better…

2 – United still have the best squad even with the Signings City and Chelsea have made…

3 – United are favourites…

4 – Don’t need a LB, only need one CM, don’t need a striker…

5 – Don’t need any of them so doesn’t matter…

6 – RVP, Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck are the strongest striker force in the prem. Even if you lose Rooney it won't matter though.

Bothe being a bit bias? Is he completely right? Or am I right?

I think my views are balanced and fair enough, but as I said I don’t know…? Would be nice to get some different views…

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We had the best squad last season + the fergie factor provided an additional boost.

If the transfer window ended midnight tonight I believe we would finish 3rd

I disagree with one of your statements as I do believe Hernandez is quality but if Rooney did go then a back up would be needed so someone like Vucunic could be good as a back up.

If we only made 3 signings I would like 2 CMs and a LW

Currently I think Chelsea will win the title but we have yet to strengthen and I believe we will strengthen too your level if not beyond and it will be an interesting title race.

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I agree with a lot of what you're saying, with exception to 3 points.

1) You and City aren't that much better if at all, our back 4 is miles above yours and Citys, our forwards are also much better than yours and probably on par with Citys.

The only area both of you trump us is in the midfield.

2) We don't need a striker, hernandez is world class! Name me a player who gets as little games as him but still manages to hit double figures?

He goal to game ratio is brilliant! only beaten by Ronaldo and Messi imo.

He may not be the 'best' forward in the world but supply him with the ball and he'll get 30-40 goals a season imo.

my final point, Rooney hasn't been 'world class' since 2009/10. Honestly, if he joins you guys then I feel for you, He'll score you goals but I can tell you if he has one good year, scoring perhaps 30 goals? he'll be asking for £400K+.

He's no better than the likes of Tevez or Falcao.

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I believe you are right

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1 - We won the league because of SAF. Both City and Chelsea had stronger starting 11's and squads than us. If City or Chelsea had had the managers they have now we would not have won the league.

2 - My guess would be that the people high up knew our squad was weak but did not want to invest the money to strengthen it. I still have no idea when we signed a striker (RVP) last summer when we had been needing a top midfielder for some time.

3. Agree. If no new signings are made we will not win the league next season - especially if Rooney ends up leaving.

4. Agree. We may be able to get away without a left back - but the midfield at the very least needs strengthening. A winger wouldn't go a miss either.

5. Agree - although it would be closer than last season.

6. If Welbeck could finish he would be. If Chico was better on the ball he would be. As it is neither are good enough to take Rooney's place as second striker.

redseven

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1- Agree
2- I wouldn't say ran away, there was an 11 point difference and it could have been more if we kept playing seriously after we had the league wrapped up.
3- not sure.
4-Disagree, we need a winger/atm, a defensive midfielder and a left back.
5-If we sign Baines, a central midfielder and an attacking player who could operate anywhere in the front 3, we'd be favourites for the league. If we lose Rooney, I think it would be a pretty tight affair to call. ( considering one of our buys is a worldclass player ).
6- I disagree. While I don't rate Welbeck, I think Chicharito, given enough service, could score goals by the douzains. He is probably the best finisher in the league.

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1 - Agree-ish. We weren't exceptional but we definatly had the best Attack, GK and at least an on par defence. We won without a midfield which was basically Carrick.

2. No idea what the board think.

3. Disagree, we would still have a chance to top the league but it will not be as easy as last.

4. Almost Agree, we don't need a striker. Hernandez is better then people give him credit for and if RVP is out then he can take his place with Kagawa behind him.

5. Agree

6. Agree neither are world class but Hernandez is just below that level.

Disagree that we will need another striker but only if we get a quality offensive minded CM.

But finally with the new manager if he gets off to a bad start it will be very difficult to keep fans on side and THAT could be the difference between 1st and 3rd.

Red Joe

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To my mind Chelsea lost the league the day the fat spanish waiter joined pure comedy that

City had such a poor team spirit due to ego's and Mankini had the biggest

United were almost as one in cohesion

United need some big signings without a doubt 2 midfielders are direly needed so we can get rid of nani anderson the crab etc

Left back isn't as bad but almost if rooney goes to chelsea it will bite us in the arse

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You are closer to the truth than your United following pal but I disagree on 1 or 2 points.

1) Last season I'd agree City/Chelsea had a stronger starting 11 but our squad had more strength in depth and more togetherness. The SAF factor was obviously of help but the other top sides were too dependant on a smaller group of players IMO, especially Mancini at City.

2) No idea what the people high up think.

3) Who knows, I think it could be close but I'd have to bet on Chelsea to finish top with us and City fighting it out.

4) Agree with LB and 2 x CM. We only need an attacker IF Rooney goes but I'd be happy with an AM or winger rather than a striker.

5) Agree but I don't think that's likely (hope I'm wrong).

6) Currently Welbeck is just a good squad option (versatility being one of his best assets); I rate Hernandez highly and he is a very good finisher but he's not 'world class'. If he was a better all rounder he'd be one of the best around. Like I said above I'd be happy with an AM or winger if Rooney goes but it would be a risk if RvP got injured.

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23 Jul 2013 16:37:32
ngiak is getting confused
on one hand, 2 signings have all but been confirmed in the sense of the financing etc
one amount much larger than the other
however, there is a list that was given
and unfortunately the choices are not materializing
with this realization the negotiators have been sent back to rectify the problem
the certainties have become almost the lost causes
with the tour in the way of strengthening and acquisitions
there is a slight desperation in the air
and the sales have stalled in the process
the careers of the current wantaways have been put on hold
as the plan of getting replacements first before sale
has hit multiple snags
the rhetoric and the reassurances have not translated to reality
lots of fans, players and administrators are now in limbo
gan

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Well said my feathered friend, completely agree

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23 Jul 2013 16:54:39
hearing some reports that Real is backing off the pursuit of Bale but it will take more than 60 million for United to get Bale

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Keep him, no way is he worth £60m.

Sydney!

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23 Jul 2013 16:27:23
Ed's/Regulars - Not United related but have you seen the latest report that Radamel Falcao may be 29 and not 27, according to some document found at his primary school. I know Monaco paid a fortune for him but my if he is 29 that is one hefty fee.

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Haha didn't this happen with that Martins guy a Newcastle?

SHRIMP

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I doubt there is anything to it, He has been far too famous for far too long imo for this to be accurate. I suspect it's someone somewhere trying to make a name for themselves or stir up trouble.

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Shappy - My exact thought mate, just thought I would get peoples thoughts on it.

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23 Jul 2013 16:09:27
Shoot me down if you like, but i'm wondering why so many are against Fellaini joining? I think he's a right handfull, as proved against us last season. Be a good adition in my opinion

Vimto

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People are against him because he can't pass like Xavi.

Personally, I think he's exactly what we need and I would welcome him with open arms.

i would struggle to name 5 better DM than him the EPL.

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Seriously mixed up fruit, or Vimto for short? I like it ;)

I have given my opinions on him.

Sydney!

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People talk to much. He's a good player and would improve our squad.

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I think he would be an improvement, considering some of the options we have in the middle.

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Fallaini as only spoke off going arsenal, not even he wants to come OT its getting comical now

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I think Fellaini be a great addition!

Tall, Strong, can pick the ball up anywhere in Midfield due to his height, gets around. Champs league I think would be perfect for him to come into his own and make that next step.

Speed not an Issue as we have quicker midfielders he can do the battleing

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Couldn't agree more. He's much better than given credit for. Him & fabregas is a very good summer IMO.

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I think he would be a good addition Fellaini

Simmo

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I think Fellaini be a great addition!

Tall, Strong, can pick the ball up anywhere in Midfield due to his height, gets around. Champs league I think would be perfect for him to come into his own and make that next step.

Speed not an Issue as we have quicker midfielders he can do the battleing

(Bagolego)

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It's the Hair - I can't stand his haircut!

But as a replacement for Fletcher - he would be ok.

As long as he cut the hair!

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Fellaini is a handful of a player but not very technically gifted he spends most of the game elbowing people in the face to be honest, I suppose you lot will by hum when we buy Rooney from you to my disappointment!

CFC1905

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Would Barcelona, Real, Bayern, Inter or AC touch him? Of course not you fools. He ain't good enough. He is a lumbering oaf who is predictable and who has reached his full potential at a club outside top 4. I've supported Utd since the early 70's and I can guarantee you that signing the likes of Fellaini will not take us forward. Get me the likes of Fabregas/Modric etc or give our youth a chance. But for god's sake NOT the Belgian.

Ranting Roy

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Wow this is a surprise to me the response to this, I was under the impression people felt Fellaini would not be a good signing.

I think on his own he would not be a good signing, but if we were to get Fabregas as well a midfield choice of Carrick, Fabregas, Fellaini and Kagawa with squad players Cleverley, Januzaj and Fletcher we would suddenly have multiple options and we in a much stronger position.

My thinking now is Baines, Fellaini and Fabregas. For some reason I think there is still a small chance we will go in for Ronaldo or Bale if we can offload Rooney, Nani and Anderson for anywhere near £50 million.

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Would be a good buy, but the problem is he's not as good as the likes of Toure and Ramires. He would improve our team, no doubt about that, but he wouldn't give us an edge over our rivals.

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I think the main gripe is that he performed better for Everton in a more advanced position but we need his sort of dominance in the heart of CM. Some are worried that Moyes would play him further forward and play long balls to him but hopefully he knows that's not the United way.

I do worry slightly about the technical/passing side of his game as I think that's important for anyone who plays in midfield these days but I'm sure Moyes knows best as to whether he would slot in.

At the end of the day, if we sign Fellaini as well as a more creative midfielder (e. g. Fabregas, Modric) I would be very happy and I think most people would TBH. Fellaini alongside Carrick with a more advanced/creative presence in there could be a formidable set-up in fairness.

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Boarshawred

It is your comments that are getting comical, from where I'm sitting.

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It's not just the Afro, it's the amount of hair on his face I have a problem with. Have a shave for god sake!

J J

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23 Jul 2013 17:33:24
Fellaini would be a good addition to the team, in a lot of respects he is exactly what we need. But and there's always a but, I would only want to see him join if it was to play as a defensive midfielder amd not in the hole. Also I have a issue with his expected fee, anything over 18m is too much imo.

Personally i'd much rather have Luiz Gustavo, he would be cheaper, is just as good defensively, maybe not as physical but reads the game better allowing him to use interceptions more than tackling. And he is a far far better passer of the ball than Fellaini.

If you had a choice of Fellaini for 23m or Gustavo for 15m who would you go for?

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My main problem with him is how he would be in Europe, fouls and all but otherwise I think he would be a good addition. We would still need another midfielder though, someone more creative and attacking.

Jaxer

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Unfortunately my comments are all on the money thiago never expected him to join same with strootman and now not holding my breath over fabregas, but at least moyes can say at least we tried thing is how hard are they trying when you consider woodward was in Asian and then comes back only when Chelsea put bid in for rooney

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Carrick, Fellaini and Fabregas/Modric would be a brilliant midfield 3. I don't know why, but I have a guy feeling Moyes wants to play 4-3-2-1.

Matt

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Ranting Roy. Who you calling a fool?

No they wouldn't touch him but look at their midfields & look at ours you fool

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23 Jul 2013 16:09:07
Moyes confirmed today that Wayne Rooney has been doing light training and would join the squad in Sweden.

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23 Jul 2013 17:37:03
Which brings into question why he was sent home. The original prognosis was he would be out until a couple of weeks into the season. Now we hear he's been doing light training and will be back sooner than expected.

I suspect he was sent home as he had become a bad influance in the camp, that way he can't stir up trouble while the club looks to off load him.

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They said out for a month. So if he's back in three weeks it doesn't seen that unusual, especially if Wayne was already in good shape as reported. Shappy is the rare one who has transfer fever for sales. Did Wayne mess around with your girlfriend or something? Everyone is nuts and overreacting but shappy seems to be the leader of the mob. -KG

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23 Jul 2013 16:03:36
I hear from someone close to Bales family that Spurs were willing to sell IF he put in a transfer request. Levi did not want to upset fans. The deal to bring him to OT is closer than many people think. daleman55

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It wasn't him that was doing nevilles roof was it.

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23 Jul 2013 15:54:53
Evra is shocking he had an assist after 20 seconds unfortunately he was seting up the other team. And after 20 25 minutes moyes tells him to stay in position he was causing the problems for the cb. Baines is certainly needed if not another I personally think he is the best left back in the epl atm. I really like zaha he should be geting a lot of first team football especially as he is probably are best winger I really don't rate the others to highly. Cms though today shocking Anderson did nothing cleverly at least put a shift in but good squad player nothing more imo really missed carrick. Ideally fellaini and fabregas come in and baines. i'm still worried about the left side though. Januzaj looked good fabio was ok. Lingard not very good today scored but for me he under hit a lot of passes januzaj was geting annoyed with it. Van persie was ok welbeck looked sharp still got big concerns about his decision making and finishing but he gets in lots of good postions. Kagawa needs another game. that's my assessment I wouldn't get my hopes up about lingard does have an eye for goal though. Januzaj and zaha I have high hopes. I would of liked to have seen a few more kids on tour like cole and lawrence are they injured? I think promoting 3 or 4 youth players this season is essential it would at more to squad i'm not saying first team straight away just seems we lack quality in a few positions and depth midfield needs sorting as soon as though
Browred

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23 Jul 2013 16:46:06
Cole and Lawrence were given time off after the world cup

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23 Jul 2013 15:46:20
You would think we just lost 8-0 to Norwich City and have just been relegated from some of this negativity on this page.

Bloody hell! It's a pre-season game, designed to get our players fit and prepare them for the season ahead. We played against a average, but fully fit Japanese side.

The goals we conceded were from silly mistakes in midfield and defence which Moyes is obviously trying to fix.

We also played a very young and inexperienced side, we weren't destined to win 5-0 or anything.

We have been working hard to get Cesc Fabregas currently and I won't be surprised if we see another midfielder such as Fellaini come in to. This will improve us massively, although Fellaini isn't the most suitable option.

Everyone just needs to take a step back and calm down. We are the current champions of England and as usual playing a little rusty during our pre-season. Nothing new boys.

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The game taught us nothing else than what we already knew. We are short in midfield, Moyes has publicly admitted that. We look shaky in defense without Vidic and Rio, who were both not playing.

People conveniently ignore the ages of our center backs and Smalling coming back from injury.

Stockholm, Rio's testimonial, Community shield will be better markers to judge.

REDFAITH

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Yes think it tells us without rio or vidic we are dodgy at the back

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I completely agree REDFAITH.

The knee-jerk reactions some of these posters have are terrible.

Have some faith in Moyes, he knows what he is doing.

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Weggy
That means all should wait and see when a condition comes when we loose 8-0?

Rodio17

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Rodio17

If we really are going out and attempting to buy some quality players what more can be done at this present time?

And what is this condition you speak of? Crabs?

SHRIMP

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23 Jul 2013 15:45:30
looks like we've missed out on keisuke Honda aswell as he looks poised to move to ac Milan.

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I don't think it can be called 'missing out' if we had zero interest, good way to throw more negativity on the page though, there isn't enough of that today!

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How did we miss out if we were never interested in him?

REDFAITH

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By that logic we have missed out on every player who's signed for any other team this summer, bad times!

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23 Jul 2013 15:41:41
I won't go over board as it was a pre season loss but you can see where the problems are. We struggled to get hold of the ball in midfield which is why Carrick is so important. If anything I would say Cleverly was worse than Anderson today as Ando got some attacks going but we do need someone.

I worry with Welbeck, he is a player I like but his composure infront of goal seems to be at rock bottom. His first touch is far too heavy to play on the edge of the defence so I would play him on the left until he develops more.

I honestly don't think we can afford to let Rooney go as we look a better team with him on the pitch, even if he is not playing as well as expected he still offers more than some.

Lingard and Januzaj look really promising though I would worry about both against teams like Stoke and the big teams, Zaha will be brilliant love watching him get hold of the ball and running past players.

My last worry is how much Evans gets run past, he is younger than Vidic and Ferdinand yet he seems so slow into his acceleration that anyone with a bit of pace could target him. Garay is a must I think.

1redarmy

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Evens is average at best too slow maybe that's why garay being looked at

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Boarshawred, I'm assuming you mean Jonny Evans, but Evans is not slow, slow to get going but a fairly decent sprint speed, and more to the point as fast as Garay, Vidic, and Ferdinand.

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23 Jul 2013 14:51:45
Fabio Coentrao
Luis Gustavo

Both these players are available so what exactly are we waiting for?

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We're waiting for Fabregas, why, I just don't know. LOL

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We don't want them?

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Couldn't agree more, I can't remember many seasons where all the transfers were done in the first 2 weeks of the window being open, remember the squad we had last year won the league easily so its not that bad and remember not even fergie won the league every year, so give moyes a chance as everybody has to start winning trophies somewhere.

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Wolfsburg seem to be the likeliest destination for Gustavo, though I totally agree we should be in for him

Red Spark

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I would happily raid RM for Coentrao, Khedira, Modric & Di Maria. Offer them £70m so they can buy Suarez & Bale. Then next summer when Ronaldo has one year left on his deal. Sign him for £40m and pay him £350k a week.

Got this football management is easy :)

Sydney!

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Now you're talking Sydney. Modric and khadeira will be great. Contrecao is a super player too.
Nomidfield

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Sydney, I would worry whether Coentrao and Di Maria are strong enough, and also I don't think £70 million would be enough, maybe £90 million but a lot of money and a big gamble.

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23 Jul 2013 14:45:35
So DM has been in charge for 3weeks and already doom and gloom from some of our fans. Give the guy a chance. He has inherited a squad that that had problem areas which were not reinforced. DM bids for baines because he know Evra isn't good enough. Everton want a heft sum for him so it would appear for now he's on the back burner. Then again we bid for fabregas and some of our fans claim it's to appease the fans. Clearly DM is up against it when our fans clearly aren't interested in giving him a chance. It's not the end of the transfer window yet. Give him a chance and save your judgements until the end of the season (at least).

Get behind Moyes and the boys.

Mad Hatter

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Mad Hatter

Good post, I know I moan a lot on this site and believe me i'm not moaning about Moyes, he's making all the right moves and noises and the players that he wants to bring in are the right kind of players.
I think he has inherited an ageing, unreliable, inconsistent midfield that Ferguson never bothered improving.
Moyes only officially started 3 weeks ago and has a lot on his plate.

Simmo

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I believe losing these games gives Moyes a better idea of the players and squad abilities than if we had won and probably in some ways is a better thing as it will give him and the owners focus on what is needed. Overall I am not too concerned by pre season games and sometimes poor performances can drive improved concentration and results when the real games begin

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Simmo

I agree with you. SAF should have
bought better players especially in midfield. I'm hoping for a LB, DM, CM, and LM. Perhaps a tad optimistic but they are definitely needed.

Mad Hatter

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Mad Hatter, I am of the same opinion that a LB, DM, CM, LM are needed and I would like them to be Baines, De Rossi/Gustavo, Fabregas/Modric, Di Maria/Gaitan with maybe one extra in Fellaini. Dreaming I know.

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It appears to me SAF would have bought the required players for midfield, but he was too loyal to gigs and scholes so in he's mind there was not a need to buy anyone, or maybe it was because the glazers was not giving the funds to SAF

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I think Moyes has inherited a very poor midfield from SAF so he will need time to rectify it. I don't really buy into the line that SAF sat back and did nothing, he bought Anderson, who at the time was highly regarded. He bought Hargreaves and no one could have foreseen his serious injury problems. Nor could the illness to Fletcher have been foreseen. Had these three players still been fit or developed as hoped then our midfield would have been much stronger. We need to be patient, better to take time now than buy in haste.

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Well said Mad Hatter, I could swear that some of the poster's on here are willing us to fall to pieces just so they can say 'I told you so'. There's no giving people a chance or the benefit of doubt, with some it's all negativity.

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23 Jul 2013 20:31:57
@Red Man

Couldn't agree more mate.

Moyes has gone on record about the need to strengthen in midfield, so he obviously sees the urgency to bring in someone and with the determination shown in the Cesc chase, you can see he wants the absolute best.

Why Anderson is still at the club is a mystery for me.

REDFAITH

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23 Jul 2013 14:23:16
So far in pre-season I will have to say as a striker/forward Lingard has been better than Welbeck as far as finishing is concerned.

He has scored some really good goals and I'm not sure if he is as hardworking or covers as much ground as Welbeck but from a pure 'finishing' perspective Lingard has been better.

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23 Jul 2013 14:23:11
Everyone of you wishing and hoping that Nani be sold will surely regret it. He will surely score against us and possibly push us out of Champions League match between us.

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Im willing to take that chance thanks
johndenton

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Did I miss the CL draw?

Brendan81

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23 Jul 2013 15:47:16
But Monaco are not in the champions league

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23 Jul 2013 14:20:20
Well, Januzaj was class today imo. Won the ball back a few times, turned a few defenders and some nice passes and shots. Zaha's end product seems to be improving and its nice to have a winger taking players on finally! Lingard and Van Persie looked good as well and De gea made a couple of good saves.

The problem, obviously is the central midfield and without Carrick its poor to say the least. Cleverley gets knocked off the ball far too easily and Anderson, well its just pathetic that he gets to wear the red shirt instead of someone from the academy who may deserve it more. His positioning and workrate are awful and keeps giving away clumsy fouls. Evra again was poor.

The center of defense was the soft spot for us today and without Vidic and Rio it is very vulnerable, perhaps why we have been looking at Garay.

Overall, today was good in attack, poor in midfield and defense. Its only pre season, but the midfield does look very poor imo and i'm even starting to warm up to the idea of Fellaini being an option along with a more attacking midfielder like Cesc or Modric.

Cesc, Fellaini, Baines, Di Maria would be the ideal summer from here on imo with Anderson, Nani, Evra and possibly Rooney being shipped out.

REDFAITH

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So you still want Rooney to be shipped out despite the dross we were served today!
I give up!
Nomidfield

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Nomidfield, read the post. He says the attack was good. But we are lacking in midfield and defence.

Sydney!

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Its funny i'm seem to remember fans including my own mates slating Carrick the Cleverly is being slated now, now we're all saying without carrick we're lost.

Its Football fan base at its fickelist!

I think cleverly has bags of potential needs confidence bred into him a bit I think

Keep behind the team not slate them for a warm up preseason game

(Bagolego)

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Don't worry nomidfield they will all be crying when he's gone and not got a replacement.

Ross

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23 Jul 2013 16:10:36
I think there is a lack of pure Central midfielders in the academy. It seems to be a lot of defenders and attacking players especially wide players like adnan and Jesse. Powell if fit would have featured at some point but he is more attacking. Only ones I can think of are tunnicliffe who won't make it and charni who is still a way off.

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23 Jul 2013 21:36:58
@NoMidfield

You conveniently ignored the ins I see. I said it would be the ideal summer if we bought those players along with selling the ones I said and "possibly" Rooney.

Please tell me how you plan to use Rooney after keeping him. He needs to be a dead on name on the team sheet almost every game if he is to be kept. He won't accept being a squad player.

Is he going to be played as a second striker behind RVP? If he is, he won't get the 25 goals and 15 assists you have been going on about.

How do you plan on keeping him happy?

As for the argument of "What if RVP gets injured, we will need Rooney then" do you see Rooney's first touch and hold up play in the last 18 months as significantly better than Chicharito's? Because I don't.

We were quite good in attack today unless you didn't notice. Zaha, Januzaj and RVP were all good. Like your username suggests, the NoMidfield was the problem. With Chicharito joining in and Kagawa we will be fine without Rooney.

If a pre season game is what we are judging on, we just scored 5 the other day without Rooney didn't we?

REDFAITH

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23 Jul 2013 14:10:21
Might have missed this before but is Valencia injured? haven't seen hi mmentioned on tour

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23 Jul 2013 13:59:41
Simple as that.

If Carrick gets injured Season over.

Cleverly- is average at the best, he can be good for Aston Villa, Norwich (no disrespect any of them).
Anderson- can't stay fresh for 30 minutes.
Jones- does not belong in the Midfield.
Giggs- is useless in that position.
Fletcher- very unpredictable.

So, we need at least one World Class CM and great CM, so it makes 2.

Maybe Modric/Fellaini
Vidal or Marchisio/ Cabaye
Fabregas/ De Rossi
Gundogan/ Lars Bender

OR any that can improve this. Our Mid is s******t apart from Carrick.

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I'm hoping Moyes is assessing what he has while he has the chance to out the dross. It's only a friendly but he must be feeling the pressure of how important a good start to the season will be. I think the transfer sagas will start to unfold shortly but can't see anything bigger than Fabregas, Fellani and Baines arriving. I think Bale and Ronaldo are out of the question. If we do sign the 3 above, it will be who fits round them and who exits the club late window probably for peanuts compared with their purchase price.

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Well put. What is Anderson still doing in a united shirt? We annoyed pogba as he never got a chance, and we're still playing Anderson and Giggs there. Is it any wonder these youngsters get fed up?
How could we allow a talent like pogba leave and keep Anderson and cleverly? Doesn't make any sense at all.
Nomidfield

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I agree with all apart from fellani I think he would be a huge liability

Red79

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I'm pretty sure moyes knows this hence why we are bidding large amounts for top class midfielders.

People have been moaning on this site for years we need to buy a midfielder, we are doing everything we can to sign one and then people moan still. I have generally learnt that people just like to moan!

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SAF made miracles with this squad last season and I'm pretty sure that not even Mourinho could win last season with 11 pts in advance.

DM really needs to show something very soon, regarding transfer or we'll end up buying on the desperation time.

We've been waiting for too long for the reinforcement but then we lose Pogba. We bring back Scholes, but still fail to buy a decent CM, so SAF is to blame for this situation.

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Agree nick SAF put too much faith in giggs and scholes great as they may have been but there is no sentiment in football they should have been replaced 5 years ago

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LOL GDS I've noticed that too!

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23 Jul 2013 21:34:47
I don't know how have we kept ignoring our midfield woes season after season. Fergie being stubborn did not help, but gotto admit, he is the reason we pulled through. We won despite all odds. I will put that down to the brilliance of SAF. But he is gone. While I am not a doomsday merchant, am not an eternal optimist either. Being pragmatic, I think we will be in huge trouble "IF" and that's a big if we don't reinforce our midfield with quality. I will reserve my judgement for the end of the transfer window. But it looks bad looking at our present midfield personnel. On top of that, looking to flog Rooney off, is just being plain stupid. I am one of his biggest fans but I would be happy to let him go if we have replacements in line. For starters let's first improve on our squad from last season. Cleverly, Anderson can only last half an hour. Jones will never be good enough to play @ midfield. Even RVP will not be brilliant enough to get us out of this mess if he is starved of supply
. Clearly its now or never. Yes its a pre season game etc etc, but remember the opposition is going to get tougher and tougher.

Deeps.

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23 Jul 2013 21:35:28
Problem is, if we buy 2 CMs then we're limiting game time for the likes of Powell and Januzaj who have the potential to be better than anything we could buy this summer. Like Neville's been saying on twitter, if we can't sign our number 1 target (looks like Fabregas atm), let's show some faith in youngsters.

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23 Jul 2013 13:42:05
I have watched all 3 of our preseason games so far and this is the brutal truth as I see it while there has been a slight improvement with each game it is still not good enough I have played football at a good standard for most of my adult life and while I agree to a point about all this "THEY HAVE ONLY BEEN TRAINING FOR 2 WEEKS BLAH BLAH" this only affects your fitness our players should still be able to pass and shoot on target as far as i'm concerned the only plus points so far of the entire preseason has been the 3 young lads we only scored twice today because their keeper was crap let's face it most games we have the lions share of the ball but our problem is we fail to do anything with it its all well and good keeping it and passing sideways but that doesn't win you games we have no cutting edge or imagination we are over dependant on rvp chicarito and even rooney to do something special we lack steel and guile in midfield we miss steel in defense as well because as much as I rate vidic he just isn't the same player since his injuries we look like we will be ok on the wings with these new youngsters so get rid of nani and young and give them their chance buy a left back who can actually defend. For years now we have all known our midfield needs sorting but nothing has happened this MUST be the year that it changes or we will get left behind I have said before that fellani is not the answer as he will end up being suspended for most the season as he is quite partial to the odd elbow and headbutt and we all know the FA loves to crucify a united player so its not worth it I don't know why moyes is offering so much for cesc when for the same money we could probably have bids accepted for gundogan, vidal, either bender, gustavo or even modric I do believe moyes is trying to bring in some players but the problem is that after this public chase of cesc any player we go for in the midfield now will know that they wasnt our first choice so will they really want to come and play for a manager who has only bought them because he couldn't get the players he really wanted anyway that's how I see it what about everyone else?

Red79

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Jeez, I ran out of breath just reading that!

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Red79,

Nothing like an overreaction to a pre-season friendly match!

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Sorry 1 thing I forgot to put on this post we desperately need a leader a proper captain someone who will die for our club we just don't have one when you look at years gone by robson bruce schmiecal ince keane vidic neville we just haven't got anyone of that passion anymore remember keanes performance in 99 against juventus and ask yourself who have we got who can drag our team through a game now and the answer is no one I thought rooney could of been that player but that's never going to happen now so that is something else that needs looking at because evra and giggs are not captain material

Red79

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And the award for 'longest sentence, without punctuation, ever' goes to Red79.

Brendan81

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GDS2

People keep saying that about over reacting its only a friendly but the problem is we are seeing no improvement the fact is cleverly and anderson just aren't good enough to be playing in midfield for united i'm not calling for moyes head or anything like that as this problem should of been sorted years ago but let's face facts whether this is a preseason game first game of the season or champions league final they are just not good enough

Red79

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So why do you think Moyes is looking to spend massively on a midfielder? You are talking like we have noticed the midfield is week but the club haven't. This is 100% not the case as is being proved, Moyes even did an interview where he said as much!

What worries me a lot is the overreaction to everything and the amount of people I have seen slagging Moyes off. What is it doing to be like when we lose a few games. People are already forgetting that fergie let the midfield get like this and missed out on quite a lot of big signing when slagging Moyes off for the same, so when we lose a few matches I will expect people saying 'moyes out, fergie never lost any matches!'

Very frustrating, people with very short memories of our beloved club.

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SAF left a mess behind him welbeck cleverly clearly not united standard, young never seen the point in buying him, the midfield off giggs and scholes should have been changed 5 years ago, now we have a rebuild to do in midfield

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RED97 - when you say that Anderson isn't good enough for our midfield - your entire argument / credibility collapses.

On form and fully fit - he his fine - his biggest problem for us - has been his injury record

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23 Jul 2013 13:41:00
Come on people let's not over react to a meaningless game.

We had a very inexperianced team who aren't yet fully fit playing in very hot humid conditions against a team who are midway through a season and are playing well.

We didn't disgrace ourselves we lost due to some poor defending. But that will be ironed out. An interesting fact about David Moyes is his Everton side in his last 136 games conceded 3 goals or more on only 8 occasions. So trust me he will sort that out.

Look at the job he did in turning Jagielka and Lescott into great defenders. So imagine what he can do with Evans Smalling Jones and M. Keane. He even turned Gibson into a decent midfielder so there is hope for Cleverley yet. lol.

I think you'll also find that including that game that is only the 9th time Anderson has completed 90 mins for us since he signed. So maybe Moyes is getting him fitter, although he looked f**ked at the end.

Remember this game is only about fitness, and getting the lads ready for the new season. Far better that Moyes makes a mistake or two now and learns from it than in a game that matters.

there are some huge drama queens on here sometimes. lol.

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Shappy says its all ok lads with some benign crap, that's ok then we are all set for the new season, only we aren't r we, we desperately need some world class midfielders but we are chasing an impossible signong, drama queens no, very passionate fans is what I've read who are getting a bit worried that the already mighty chasm between ourselves and europes elite is getting wider by the day, but shappy says moyes turned jagielka into an ok defender so everythings ok, head slap.
big red bob

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Conceded three goals or more on 8 occasions only in 136 matches?
Are we supposed to be impressed with that? What's happened to the high standards fergie has instilled in the club? Now we're supposed to be happy if we concede three goals in only 7% of our matches?!
Should we not be setting our standards a bit higher than that? Team today passed badly, defended badly, conceded goals, lost from a winning position. So what's to be happy about?
Please, just because he's a new manager, it doesn't mean we can let him or the team relax.
Truth is that the senior players have been very disappointing in pre season matches. We are seriously lacking in top quality and especially in midfield.
Nomidfield

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We shipped 3 or more in 5 games last season :)

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23 Jul 2013 21:37:20
@NoMidfield

Its a pre season game in which the team defended poorly. Agreed. We missed Vidic and Rio. Smalling's first game back after months I think, give the lad a break!

We are short in midfield and Moyes has already stressed upon that and is clearly trying to bring in players in that position, so he does know where we are short.

REDFAITH

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23 Jul 2013 13:39:59
Just my personal opinion regarding our current transfer activity, but doesn't it seem sensible that DM may just be using these pre-season games to root out who exactly he thinks should be let go, and who he thinks would be the best signings to strengthen not just the first XI but also the squad.

So far we haven't exactly lit up the world in pre-season and there have plenty of opportunities for fringe players and regular players to stake a claim. Maybe the deal is, if you impress, you stay, if not, then you're gone.

Personally I expect to see more transfer activity towards the end of this week/beginning of next once DM has assessed the pre-season friendlies so far.

I'd appreciate any comments from all the regulars. syd, kloot and any of the Ed's if they are available

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23 Jul 2013 13:36:50
They shot kagawa about 100 different times during the whole match. Not even an exaggeration. Idol.

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23 Jul 2013 13:35:57
Its just Manchester United brand name is the key to get a starting berth in ENgland nAtional team?
cleverly?. Jesus

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I never knew Jesus posted on this site.

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23 Jul 2013 13:34:41
Anderson should have never been on this tour, he should of been left at home so United could get rid of him. Absolutely useless fat waste of space. Tom Cleverley isn't good enough and never will be. He's is like a little annoying crab that runs around in circles doing five yard passes and repeating it again and again. He doesn't create anything, he doesn't score goals, he can't tackle and he runs out of steam after 60-70 minutes.
Nani is totally inconsistant and turns out 1-5 good games a season the rest of the season he's absolutely useless.
Ashley Young is average at best and should be playing for a mid-table club like Fulham.
Antonio Valencia has completely lost form and is so one dimensional even I can tell you what he's going to do with the ball before he even does it himself.
Giggs is now 40 years old and surely cannot be playing more than 15-20 games this season.
Zaha in unproven at this level so we don't know what to expect from him, he may be superb, he may take a season or two to get upto speed with the premiership.
Carrick is the only consistent performer and he is now 31 years old and can't go on forever.
Add to that the fact that Thiago preferred Munich, Fabregas want's to stay in Barcelona.
Who's the next target, will he turn us down, where do we go after that.

Simmo

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23 Jul 2013 13:47:44
Simmo, get back into bed then get out the right side, if that fails have a Snickers. lol.

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Jesus Simmo stop the whining its pre-season training its about getting fit, yes some aren't as good as we'd like month plus of transfer window yet

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Spot on - this is the mess that Fergus left behind, after all the crowing about building new teams. Shambles. However of this bunch I believe that Anderson has legs, clearly today we saw at least one of them.

Aesop

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Cesc, Baines & Draxler/Reus would improve our team drastically.

Sydney!

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Simmo - I do not agree with your posts very often but literally every word I agree with in this post, Anderson, Young, Nani and Evra should all be sold and Cleverley used as a sub at best. I am hoping and praying for a summer of something like Baines, Fabregas, Gaitan and De Rossi. Well along those lines anyway.

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Truth hurts I'm afraid. A lot of our first teamers were out there and two of our main midfielders (if you can call Anderson and cleverly midfielders!) Were playing.
The team cannot pass, defend, attack with pace.
Nomidfield

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Simmo, it's one thing thinking certain players aren't good enough for the club, and making constructive criticisms about their performances.

It's quite another to slag them off as if they're pieces of dirt playing for our rivals.

They're still Utd players, and as such, they deserve a bit of respect, whether you want them at the club or not.

Try showing a bit of class for a change.

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Pardoe

Anderson has been getting fit for 6 years and were still waiting.
Im not whinging it's fact, our team is extremely weak and believ me if we go into thios season with those players we will be battling it out with Arsenal and Spurs to see who finishes fourth.
Fergie was the difference last year.


Shappy

Im more of a Yorkie man. lol

Simmo

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Nomidfield,

Where were all your posts after the game on Saturday when we did attack with pace and scored 5 goals, I didn't see any.

So basically you only post when it suits you to complain, and never when it's for positive things. The lads that played today are not the 'first team', lots of players missing and young lads being given a chance, can you please for once stop being so bloody negative, it's getting on my nerves.

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23 Jul 2013 13:25:41
It is becoming an every game thing now but how poor is Evra! Seriously awful display from him to be honest.

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George

If it is to be believed that we made a bid for Baines, where does that leave Evra? How does he feel and would anyone expect him to put it in at 100% given that? Evra has been in a declining trend over more than one season but if we are interested in Baines why is Evra there at all?

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Red Man, I am a little worried that Evra still being here is why we have not bought Baines. I said a couple month's ago that outgoings will define our transfers. Well if we cannot find a buyer for Evra, can we bring in Baines?

Sydney!

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Red Man, I agree with what your saying but surely the idea is get the replacement first before selling your own because if we sold Evra then couldn't get Baines we would be stuck with Fabio and Buttner who imo would both be better as wingers and that is saying something for players that are supposed to be fullbacks.

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23 Jul 2013 13:24:57
Here come the doom merchants! Brace yourself!

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23 Jul 2013 12:23:45
From the Everton page:


23 Jul 2013 11:25:28
I honestly believe we will pull off Moses, A midfielder and a young defender. Then a pacey striker depending on jelavic. Thoughts ed? Moses? {Ed007's Note - If you want to pull off anyone that is your own business, but please spare us from the gory details. }

Classic Bond.

MEF

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23 Jul 2013 13:21:18
Nothing much to say about the game. two things to point out
1) zaha is good.
2) again our main problem exposed. No depth in the middle. Both cleverly and specially anderson are out of their depth after 70 minutes. Not willing to run at all after it and as last season we don't have anybody to substitue them and provide fresh energy.

So as I keep on saying. forget world class, we need enough options first.

Anyways. bad result and bad defending from evra and no cover from center costed the game.

Rodio17

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Central midfield and left-side need improving.

Sydney!

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23 Jul 2013 13:44:52
that game was shocking there is no way we should get rid of rooney especiallly after that crap what I seen today no end product what so ever a mean wellbecks like bambi on an ice rink so dopey with the ball at his feet I ain't even going to start with the defending but yh shocking aswell moyes needs to hurry up and get some world class recruitments getting silly now we go into new season with this team its going to be a dissaster just my oppinion

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And whilst not my first choice, if our only buys were Baines & Fellaini whilst I would be disappointed they would instantly improve both areas.

Oxred

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23 Jul 2013 13:11:01
We have 3 really weak left backs in Evra, Buttner and Fabio.

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Sell Evra and buy Baines.

Simple stuff.

Sydney!

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23 Jul 2013 13:44:00
Or Luis Filipe or Alex Sandro or Luke Shaw or Bastian Oczipka or Alberto Moreno ect ect. lol

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23 Jul 2013 13:08:33
What absolute c**p. Just cannot defend for the love of God. At least Fergie got something out of a generally weak squad. Anderson/Cleverley/Young just not good enough for us. Hope Dithering Dave and Woody Woodward pull something out of the hat before window closes.

Ranting Roy

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Well I though Anderson did okay, he pulled the team forward. He made many runs and 2 or 3 through balls so I think he did okay. Cleverley on the other hand was bad, he was even knocked out of the ball sometimes. It just goes to show how bad we miss Carrick when he's injured.

Young didn't do anything special either, and if the reports are true and Nani's of to Monaco, then we should really sign a winger. Zaha has potential but we can't rely on him to start many games just yet. The same goes for Januzaj and Lingard.

Nicolas_United

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23 Jul 2013 12:59:45
I've been told from various source that if man united don't complete the signing of cesc fabregas they will turn to Paul scholes and offer him the same role as giggs

Don't shoot the messenger

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Wrong. He already turned down a coaching role.

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There are still some options out there if we don't get Fabregas. I hope this isn't true.

Nicolas_United

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23 Jul 2013 12:56:08
I don't know about selling rooney, we should get rid of welbeck, Anderson and cleverly, they really are s--t poor.
BIGAL REDFOREVER

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23 Jul 2013 12:55:11
Now I was going to post this before the game, but this game has highlighted the very point I want to make.

We seem to be making a big push to sign Fabregas for midfield and although he would be a excellent signing personally I feel we should be making a big move for a more defensive midfielder first.

The reason for this is that we only have Carrick as a defensive force in midfield, and he is 31 now.

Imagin if we sign Cesc but then Carrick is injuried before a champions league knock out game away to one of the top teams?

Who would hold our midfield together? We would have to play Cesc and eithe Jones or Cleverley. The top teams would stroll though that midfield no problems.

Now I know its not all about physicality but the ablilty to keep the ball but why can't we just sign a player who can do both?

I think our first choice midfield target should be Luiz Gustavo.

He had a pass completion rate last season only bettered by Xavi. So he is more than capable at playing possession football, but he does lots of running, defensive covering and adds some strength to our midfield.

A midfield duo of Carrick and Gustavo would be an excellent base to build on. People forget the Carrick actually started his career as an AM, with Gustavo alongside him he would be able to focus abit more on his offensive duties. I know people question Carricks creative ability but no midfielder made more forward passes than Carrick did in the Premier league last season.

Plus if Carrick was injuried then a midfield of Gustavo and Cleverley/Anderson looks more balanced than a midfield of Fabregas and Cleverley/Anderson.

Now i'm not saying we shouldn't be trying to sign someone like Cesc Fabregas because we do need more creation from the midfield. But imo a midfielder such as Luiz Gustavo has got the be the top priority. {Ed004's Note - That's why I think two midfielders are needed. For defensive midfield I'd love one of Bender, Vidal, Witsel or De Rossi}

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Vidal aside, Gustavo would be my first choice for defensive midfield. He is also a decent dlp, his long range passing is really good. A central midfield of gustavo and Carrick with an attacking trio of Fabregas, Kagawa and hopefully Lamela (if not zaha would do ) is great.

Mick

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I can't see us getting Lamela, and i'm not sure if we will push through the Fabregas deal. Personally if we don't get Fabregas then i' like to see us switch our attentions to Mesut Ozil.

A midfield of Gustavo and Carrick with Ozil Kagawa and one of Valencia, Young or Zaha would be excellent.

Kagawa and Ozil's passing along with someone to add a bit of penetration though pace would give us a very balanced attack.

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Well Shappy I see what you mean. But i'm not sure Zaha is ready for a starting role, and an off form Valencia just holds us back. Young on the other hand, well, I just have no idea why we bought him.

In order to challenge the likes of Chelsea this season we have to improve. Now replacing Rooney with Ozil is a side step. What Ozil offers in class Rooney offers in goals. So by replacing Rooney with Ozil, we would not have improved the team. That's why I believe one of Lamela or Draxler is a must.

Lamela is 20 and Draxler is 19, and they are not far from the worldclass brackets, just as talented as Hazard imo.

So If we do get Draxler he'd play on the left, with Kagawa in the middle and Ozil cutting inside from the right, just like Mata does for Chelsea.

if we manage to get Lamela, Kagawa would be playing on the left with lamela on the right and Ozil in the middle.

If we do fail to get Ozil/ Fabregas, I would love for us to sign Draxler and Lamela. We'd have a very young very talented attacking trio creating chances by the douzains for Van Persie and chicharito to burry.

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I'm not sure we'll sign a player such as Lamela or Draxler (although i'd love to see Draxler come in).

Yes Valencia has been poor and Young certainly hasn't lived up to the standard expected. But we have got Zaha who is only 20, and we have Lingard and Januzaj who are coming through. For that reason I doubt we'll sign another young player of similar ilk who would just get in their way. let's not forget that Welbeck Giggs and Kagawa can do a role out wider and I can see Powell maybe getting some games on the right.

So even if Nani leaves that still leaves us with Valencia, Young, Giggs, Welbeck, Zaha, Kagawa, Januzaj and Lingard who can come in and play in the wider role if needed. that's 8 players for two positions. Of which four are young hopefulls.

I expect to see better things from Valencia and Young next season, and they still have a senior position within the squad.

I'd like to see us sign a player like Ozil or Fabregas, someone who can play deeper in midfield or as a CAM or in one of the LAM/RAM positions.

In an ideal world i'd like to see Alberto Moreno come in with Buttner being loaned out and Evra kept for one more season competing with Moreno as Evra is a big personality in the dressing room and he needs to be there to help the tranisition imo. But by bringing in Moreno we will have a potential world class replacement for him.

I'd like to see Luiz Gustavo sign and solidify the midfield.

Then i'd like to see one of Fabregas or Ozil join to offer a creative link from midfield to attack to replace Rooney.

Anyone else after those three would be a bonus. If I was going to pluck a young future great player to sign as a bonus I would have gone for Leon Goretzka but seeing as he's gone to Schalke now i'd go for Tonny Vilhena to come in and be moulded into a future midfield star, and someone who could be used on occasion right now as a squad option.

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23 Jul 2013 12:31:49
Found this, it's the MUFC lads having a shooting competition after training. Score, you stay, miss you go out! Can't believe who won!.

Anderson has a good eye for goal, And Kagawa. I'll let you view it.

Reddevilfan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2OcYH9dUo

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23 Jul 2013 12:45:07
hold on folks think transfer scene is going to kick off big style just hope we are involved in few deals

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23 Jul 2013 12:35:53
Forget about fabregas, ronaldo and bale! We should be looking more towards fellani and di maria. To be quite honest though I'd welcome ANYONE at the moment.

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And that sir says an awful lot in itself.

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Kevin Phillips? Stuart downing? Would you welcome them?

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23 Jul 2013 12:32:26
Good game, it's a shame to see wellbecks finishing hasn't improved at all!

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Wellbeck, Cleverley, Nani, Evra, Anderson & Young not good enough for United. Time to get rid, strengthen the midfield, buy a left back & let the young guns ( Zaha & Januzaj ) play wide. Don't really see how fabregas fits the bill, we need an enforcer in the middle. daleman55

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23 Jul 2013 12:13:31
Let me just say, how good is Zaha at taking players on! He can go either way he has great acceleration and top speed, every time he gets the ball you get excited.

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Agreed and also his work rate and tackling back is so consistent, can't wait to see him develop over the next couple of years.

Cban

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23 Jul 2013 12:13:03
I really hope we do make some centre midfield signings because if for some reason we have to play cleverly and anderson on a regular basis we are in big trouble but I have been encouraged enough by lingard adnan and zaha to not be bothered if we don't sign a new winger

red79

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23 Jul 2013 12:01:37
Does anyone know where Nick Powell is? He doesn't seem to be on this tour when he clearly should be.

Ozzy

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Heard he had surgery

Mick

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Injured.

Sydney!

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He has had a few niggling injuries, I can only guess that he's recovering from his most recent one? Really hope this guy stays fit and makes some head way next season.

HB

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23 Jul 2013 12:00:31
Kagawa seems to be on screen more than the actual football game lol

Jam

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The title should be changed to the kagawa show :)

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23 Jul 2013 11:57:15
Eds or anyone who knows for sure, can you please explain exactly what clause Arsenal have in Fabregas' contract? I keep hearing conflicting reports!

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I believe its anything over 25m arsenal gets 50%

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Cheers Pardoe, but what about this apparent buy back clause?

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23 Jul 2013 11:57:50
Nick, Evra should have been sold three season's ago.

Sydney!""
dear mr Sydney
this is sir Alex's few weak points
he stubbornly holds on to players he likes
not necessarily based on performances
maybe based on dressing room solidarity
that's the few benefits of a new regime
get rid of the obvious weak links like nani and evra
no sentimentality issues for a new manager
here's to a new era
apparently the two transfers are certified
it was started so long ago
ngiak wonders what's the hold up
gan

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Gan, how have the 2 transfers started long ago? Have you got some inside information you cheeky devil?

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I think SAF was starting to get sentimental. I think SAF made two obvious mistakes with Evra. In 2010 we had a chance to sell him to RM/Inter for a considerable amount. We instead gave him a massive pay rise and he started going a bit downhill from then. The second mistake was not bringing in a decent back-up much earlier. Don't get me wrong Evra has been a great servant and I appreciate his years at the club, but he has been poor for a few years now and SAF has to take the blame for that. SAF never made many sentimental mistakes, but I think this was one of them.

Sydney!

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People forget how important team moral is and players like Evra and Anderson have been kept around for that IMO.

J J

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Definitely agree on the Evra situation, he should have been sold maybe 2 or 3 years ago. I really hope Moyes sees this the same way and we can get maybe £5m for him and use that towards one of Alex Sandro, Baines or Coentrao.

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23 Jul 2013 11:57:46
I get quite annoyed at Paddy's bias during matches. Apparently we never commit fouls or are offside, even when it is blatant that it is. Makes him look either blind or a clown at times.

And although the second goal did cross the line, how was it well over the line?

Good to see we're coming into the match finally.

MEF

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23 Jul 2013 11:53:41
paddy crerand is so annoying, can't they get someone who isn't biased and actually has a clue what they're talking about.

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23 Jul 2013 07:11:12
Eds fab obviously doesn't want to come to ot. Are players not attracted to the name Manchester United anymore because of money. Or is it because moyes is not a draw as fergie was. Just throwing that one out there to see what other fans think

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Argh! Come on, Fabregas doesn't want to come to Manchester United because he is at his dream club. He's spanish so Barcelona is HIS United it has nothing to do with the club not being attractive or Moyes.

Although I will admit I think a few players will want to wait to see how Moyes does in his first season to see if United are still are a force without Fergie BUT when it comes to Fab it wouldn't matter who we had as manager.

Red Joe

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10 years ago we were one of the highest paying football clubs in europe. Now with a huge influx of "new money" we have fallen behind.

Of course there are many aspects to a player choosing to move to one club or another. Money being a large one.

But location, ability to win titles, players who are friends already at the club, family preferances, culture, team tactics/playing style, manager/coaching staff, playing time or playing position.

All these things will be taken into account by a player before he decides to sign for a specific club.

Unfortunately we can't compete with the wages that some clubs can offer, also Manchester isn't a city that captures the imagination such as London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona or Monaco.

Latin players prefer warmer climates such as Spain Italy or the south of France, also they fit in better culturally there.

Then you need to consider that our club is currently going through a huge transition, the biggest transition under taken by any club over the last 30 years. We have the most successful manager in english football history leaving and someone untested at the highest level coming in.

We don't know how the team will set up, how they will play, whether they will continue to be challenging for trophies on all fronts.

And if we don't know then niether will any of our potential transfer targets.

If we win the league next season and have a good run in the champions league while playing good football then it will be much easier to attract targets next summer. But atm you can understand why several of our targets seem to be having a wait and see attitude.

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23 Jul 2013 11:37:18
Not important, but I have to say, the new home kit looks class on the players. I think it's so much better with the black shorts though. We should adapt the kit each season to match the colour of the trim on the shirt. So if the shirt is red with a black trim, the shorts should be black. If it's a white trim, the shorts should be white.

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Argh, we are red, white and black!

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Perhaps the players could also paint their nails to match ;)

HB

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23 Jul 2013 11:36:24
I know it is pre season etc but I have to say we have been very poor at the back so far in the games.

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23 Jul 2013 11:25:11
Great start by Evra, cost us a goal in less than 40 seconds. It's going to be a long season unless Baines is signed ;)

Sydney!

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And was inches away from costing a couple more. He's guetting slaughtered out there.

Mick

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Syd. Adam Crafton agrees hehe.

this is the match report on the daily fail.

Adam Crafton has words on another full-back.
'Patrice Evra having a torrid time. It was the United captain who conceded possession carelessly in the build up to the opening goal and Yokohama have twice got in behind the Frenchman down that right-hand side. Moyes is prowling the touchline and may be thinking of getting Leighton Baines on the phone. '

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I don't want to start commenting on Ev every game, but he does need replacing ASAP. I do expect Moyes to strengthen this very weak link of ours and the other weak area (midfield).

Sydney!

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Evra partly at fault for the 3rd too. He is so easy get take on these days. If this hasn't convinced Moyes to bid again for Baines, then I don't know what will. I hope us not being able to offload Ev again prevents us from buying Baines.

Sydney!

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Hope it doesn't prevent us sorry ;)

Sydney!

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23 Jul 2013 10:42:42
Lou Macari is a clown.

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22 Jul 2013 22:41:35
Seems like Iker Muniain has dropped off the radar after having a bad season, struggling with injuries and off form whenever he played. But the lad is still 19 and highly talented. Eds, has any team shown any interest in him?

Mick {Ed007's Note - Muniain was touted around the clubs on behalf of Bilbao in January - and the two clubs in England that were approached were Chelsea and Manchester United. The asking price was 40M euros. They won't get it because I don't think clubs would risk half of that on a player who is young and has had some off field issues. If the price comes down to a reasonable level (20M euros might be an acceptable figure) I can see interest from several English clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. Napoli and Roma interest is still there and rumours abound of Juventus and Palermo interest but perhaps an eventual move to Barcelona beckons.}

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23 Jul 2013 11:22:17
I am really happy to see Zaha and Januzaj starting today, hopefully Moyes keeps the faith.

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23 Jul 2013 11:03:05
I would rather see a double raid on Dortmund for Reus and Gundogan for 50M than Fabregas

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Doubt that would be enought tbh and they wouldn't sell

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23 Jul 2013 10:55:48
Looks like Rooney is a goner. Even MUTV
have removed most of the rooney related
vt and adverts

sad to see him go!!!

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23 Jul 2013 10:24:05
Does anyone know if you can stream the match today?? If so where from? {Ed004's Note - Isn't the game at 11 tonight?}

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Kick off in ten minutes Ed.

Sydney!

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_________DDG
Fab__Jones__Evans__Evra
____Clevers__Anders
Zaha____Januzaj____Jesse
_______Van Persie

Expect a loss today lads, very young team, and Marinos are mid-season so are fully fit.

Sydney!

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Firstrow streams, Nope eds its k. o in 10 minutes :D

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It's on now.

try nutjob. tv

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Its on this morning! manutd.com just posted the match preview

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11. 20am Ed.

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Ed004 - It is at 11:00am BST isn't it? If it is watch it on usagoals, its a great stream loads of links so find the best one for you.

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Its 11. 20AM you can use google chrome or google firstrow sports

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Ed004 I think its 11. 20 this morning - 7. 20pm japan time? {Ed004's Note - Thanks}

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1 down after 27 secs come on lads

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23 Jul 2013 10:19:34
To all the goons on here who keep saying that we can no longer attract the top players now that David Moyes has replaced SAF, what a load of rubbish. Yes of course SAF was the greatest manager ever, but Manchester United are a HUGE global football club. In my eyes we are the biggest club in the world, with only Barca and Real competing. Just look in the record books and have a look how many managers, that the two clubs who rival us in world dominance, have had in the same period SAF was in charge at OT. Then also look at how much success those two clubs had while changing managers ( I know Barca had a system going on throughout the club, but even so, that was after 1991).

So, before you start slating David Moyes, Ed Woodward and even the club itself, just stop and remind yourself how lucky us supporters of this great club have been. You are throwing your toys out of the pram (just like Rooney is) because we don't go gungho into the transfer market like they do at the Emptihad and Chelski. If that is what you want your club to do, then fine, just go support one of them two then. If we don't get the targets we are after I will be as disappointed as anyone else, but then I will be hoping that someone from the U21 or youth team get a chance. THAT is the Manchester United way. Spend if and when we can but if not then promote from within.

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23 Jul 2013 10:19:04
What about a summer of gundogan for around 30-35mil and then ozil for Rooney plus cash, I know stats aren't everything but I seen some stats the other day saying how ozil had more goals and assits than inesta {Ed004's Note - I rate Ozil highly but I can't see us signing him tbh}

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Isn't it true they'll need cash to get bale though ed so we may be able to tempt them, imagine signing 3 midfielders this summer and lining up as carrick and gundogan as the 2 then a float 3 of ozil kagawa and erikson whom could all interchange

19JackC94

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23 Jul 2013 12:30:23
We'll get James McCarthy if we're lucky just stop speculating you're all wasting your time

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23 Jul 2013 10:13:59
I think if the fabregas deal fails then we should look to gundogan. He's a very good midfielder and a midfield three of him carrick and kagawa would be very good

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23 Jul 2013 09:25:44
According to the "Bild" newspaper, Shinji Kagawa has claimed he is not settling in Manchester and would welcome a return to Dortmund. (via an interview in the Japanese Foot Brain magazine)
I think it is a non starter. Kagawa is quality and I hope it works out for him!


http://www.bild. de/sport/fussball/borussia-dortmund/kagawa-zum-bvb-die-fans-waeren-begeistert-31493230. bild.html

ntjh

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He said he wants to return later in his career and that he struggled in his first season!

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Perfect example of Journo's twisting and bending someone's words to make for a different more dramatic story.

Shinji said that one day he'd like to return to Dortmund but for now he has a lot to accomplish at Manchester United.

Ozwald

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"The door's always open for Shinji. A transfer is not an issue at the moment, though, " Watzke Dortmund CEO was quoted as saying by Bild.

Kagawa has a contract with United until the summer of 2016, but his agent Thomas Kroth has refused to rule out a premature exit.

"At the moment, I expect Shinji to stay at Manchester United. However, you never know what will happen in football. " he stated.
Jred

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23 Jul 2013 09:58:33
what's the link for the fantasy football?


thanks.


TRUMORS

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23 Jul 2013 09:43:16
Come on United pay what Barca are
asking if its 40m then pay it
We are not gambling on a kid here
Cesc has won the lot for club and
country plus premier league experience

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23 Jul 2013 08:33:23
Why are people saying it is because of Moyes we are losing out on "big players"?
Fabregas doesn't want to leave Barca and I don't believe that they are going to sell another outstanding midfielder. The bids seem to be more of a statement to the fans or a smokescreen rather than a genuine attempt to sign the player. A statment to the fans saying we are looking at worldclass players or a smokescreen to divert attention from other targets
Thiago's reason for not signing for United wasnt because of Moyed but rather because of Pep Guardiola and his past with Thiago. I don't know whether even having Ferguson in charge would have swayed Thiago.
But to blame Moyes for this is unfair and impatient. The man hasn't made his mark on the squad yet and just wants to make a decent first signing.
Yes he did take his time signing players at Everton but they were usually well sounded out and did well for the club.
I know United quality is different and that's no disrespect to Everton. But Moyes has identified our problem area and has stated he will add.
Now there are those of you saying we will use the same old excuses when we havnt signed anybody come the start of September but we are under new Management and things will surely be different. Don't panic yet lads, Still loads of time in the transfer window.
Jam

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23 Jul 2013 08:30:34
Sorry iPad issues. Secondly we have secured Fabregas and are cutting Barca some slack by building up the transfer to level more agreeable to the Barca fans. Hopefully yes, Fabregas hasn't been displaying too many public negatives about the transfer. Just lots of other people stating Cesc is happy at Barca.

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23 Jul 2013 08:18:58
Man Utd officials are just wasting time trying to buy Fabregas, Barca won't sell him, no matter what people say about them wanting money for a CB.

We should try and focus on other targets than wasting time on Cesc. Gundogan, Modric, Marchisio, De Rossi. There are plenty of options.

Can somebody tell me if there's any chance that Manchester United is trying any other target while they're pursuing Cesc?

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23 Jul 2013 07:52:52
Those who are dreaming of us landing bale should get a bit realistic because Paulinho was signed on the commitment that bale won't be sold in this window. So the deal is off I believe.

The only option for us is CR or Fab, which are very difficult targets IMO. Would love to see CR though. your thoughts Guys?

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23 Jul 2013 07:50:45
It's probably just transfer bird flu, but this third bid for Cesc has me thinking that there are only two scenarios/outcomes here. If it's true, as reported, that Barcelona rejected both bids and sent a formal letter with the second rejection asking United to stop attempting to buy Fabregas, and we still made a third bid, the two options are:

1) We are working with barca behind the scenes to soften the reaction to selling Cesc by holding out for larger and larger bids publicly, so that when we reach the amount they probably gave us the first contact (35-40mil) they can say that we simply offered what they couldn't refuse when they need to add to the defense and pay Neymar, Messi and Co. We get the player at a price acceptable to both teams, and barca save face while making what may be a smart decision if they can spend the money well.

2) Moyes and Ed Woodward are all of these things: Terrible in the transfer market thus far and running out of potential world-class targets who can actually improve the starting XI in midfield, which is all we need with our absurd amounts of depth at every position. Treating fans like persons who think Fellaini or a LB is the transfer activity we need to close the gap with bayern, barca, and stay ahead of city, chelsea. Acting in a disrespectful way to barca by going against publicly and formally stated wishes of a club with which we have had, and will continue to have ongoing relations (the same way I hope Mourinho will respect United's wishes to stay away from Rooney, as Jose knows that even if he doesn't get the player he can unsettle things at the start of the Moyes era).

One option good, one bad. And all signs outside of the bids themselves indicate that Cesc is going nowhere, and outside of maybe Gundogan or unlikely, one of the extra Bayern CMs, I can't think of any available players who guarantees to improve on who we already have in CM. The last thing we need to do is buy players who are good just to buy players. We can already field 2-3 teams that could all make the CL, plus all the youngsters we have seen in the reserves (and zaha). We either need to spend big on 2 starting players that can walk into a CL second leg in Germany or Spain and perform at the highest level, or not spend at all. Fellaini and Baines might be slight improvements on current options, but I don't want to pay 23 or 17 mil for slight improvements on what we already have. I understand this makes the target list much shorter and Moyes' and Woodward's job more difficult, but if the club is constantly going to boast about being the biggest club in the world, you have to step up and make the enormous bids to get those two players we need to be the best team in the world, in addition to always being the best club in the world. We're in decent shape for the PL, despite Chelsea and City reinforcing their teams, but I can't say the same for the CL, where we were already chasing clubs that have added absolutely world class players (Goetze, Thiago, Neymar, Isco, etc). If the club is content with competing for the PL for a year and trying again next summer to add world class players, then so be it, but don't play us for fools and think that adding Fellaini/Baines/Cabaye/EasterBunny/Ed007/NelsonMandela is competing in the european transfer market, its taking the scraps.

Thanks for letting me vent.

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23 Jul 2013 07:44:10
Morning. I honestly think we should stop trying to get Fabregas as clearly barca don't want to sell him. I think for pique to say he is happy does it for me.
Time is marching on, and we are nowhere near signing anyone of note. Of course if Moyes/Woodward partnership have some rabbit that they're going to pull out of the hat, then I will apologise humbly. However, so far, they have done all their transfer talking and dealing in public, unlike fergie, so I'm not sure they have any surprise target lined up.
I think it is time to look for possible rather than impossible targets. And some poster made a point, that Germany might be a better area than Spain. All the top talent in Spain has either been bought or are not for sale, so Moyes and Woodward have got to get their finger out.
Also, now they know how difficult it is to get any top player, they should be doubling their efforts at keeping Rooney fit and happy.
Nomidfield

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23 Jul 2013 07:37:42
Here's a thought. We know SAF had less than brilliant relationships with 1 or 2 players towards the end. It's always the case that some players will not be happy for whatever reason. It will be interesting to see if the change of Manager has any impact on player's outlook and motivation. Who knows, Nani might suddenly rediscover his form. I also think we will see more, youngsters used this year even though SAF thought they weren't ready.

As for the regular posts saying players won't come to United because of Moyes, all I can say is what complete nonsense. United remains one of the largest and well known clubs in the world. Mwhether we like it or not, other clubs have more money and our dealings this summer have been less than dynamic. I don't believe it is anything to do with Moyes though.

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23 Jul 2013 10:34:25
Would you imagine in your wildest dreams Madrid, Barca, Bayern, PSG, clubs you believe you are equal to or above employing David Moyes. Can you, honestly.

Are you naive enough to believe that he won't have a negative effect on a player wanting to come to your club, do you think simply your name now guarantees trophies or continued success.

Do you if you're honest not think that they have surrounded him with senior players beyond his own staff because they are naturally worried that it could be a bad decision.

As the biggest club in the world with an apparent unlimited transfer fund are you not concerned that the clubs I mentioned earlier have been out and done some stunning business in the transfer market let alone what Chelsea, City have already done whilst you have done nothing but chase unrealistic targets.

Finally what are you thinking about those players that maybe you need to move on but are still at the club with little or no interest from anyone bar Rooney who Moyes states isn't for sale. {Ed004's Note - Not sure how you can say Barca when the tend to hire internally etc who had heard of gaurdiola when he was given the job? Wasn't a big name then}

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Guardiola? As in their former captain? Ofcourse people had heard of him. It would be like Roy Keane (had he been a youth graduate) managing utd

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23 Jul 2013 07:33:02
Oops, forgot Brendan who always talk sense and probably forgot many others as well. As Jred said, there's too many to remember without sitting down with a pen and paper. Most of the regulars are top posters with their own distinct style. I do miss Percy though

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23 Jul 2013 07:21:12
David moyes couldn't sign the dole at the moment. Getting a bit embarrassing now. Come on moysie u can do it son. Move on from fabregas he's not arsed. Modric is more realistic with there overloaded midfield

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23 Jul 2013 07:02:31
I think if we got fellaini it would be a very big improvement on are current options I also think him and carrick with kagawa in front would be a very good midfield. I know we need more midfielders but I am getting more concerned about the left side I think are left side is very weak at full back and the wing young and nani can have there day sometimes but they are far to few days where they play good. Left back evra goes missing in defense way to often we get away with it in the league a lot but won't in the cl buttner not good enough imo fabio I think could be good but I think he is struggling for confidence after seen rafael cement a place and him just going out on loan. The options baines would be very good but very pricey but if we could shift evra and buttner and get the fee down to a net spend of 10 I wouldn't mind. Not many other left backs that stand out other than maybe coentreao and alaba. Alaba won't be available but he is quality but maybe coentreao the good thing about him is he could also play left wing very well so more helpful squad wise. Left wing now and bale and ronaldo are being mentioned a lot but those type of deals very hard to pull off. Reus would be very good doubt that has much chance of happening I can't think of many players that have potential in this postion that are more easily available. I like candreva not sure if he plays left though looked very good for italy in the confed cup. Basically all I am getting at is I hope deficiencies on the the left don't get overlooked because of are need for a midfielder. I have high hopes for next season and unlike a lot of you I don't have to many reservations about moyes I think a new manager always brings a bit more out of players and a change of tactics will be refreshing not having a go at fergie but he did get it very wrong on ocasions. I feel we have enough attacking options even if rooney goes rvp hernandez and wellbeck especially if we are playing one upfront. Kagawa januzaj in behind the striker I think he will be used a lot in the first team next season. I think we will have a strong season I hope jones is made cb and first choice after a three games in there if he stays fit he will look right at home don't think cb will be rotated as much under moyes which is a good thing I honestly think we will have a good season and we have to be patient with transfers they will happen eventually. Also community shield against a weakened relegated wigan should be good for moyes to get his first bit of silverware I know it don't mean much as a trophy but it gets the monkey of his back.
Browred

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23 Jul 2013 06:31:41
Regular reader, sporadic poster and just signed up for sign off name, had to shorten it slightly.

To my point.

With all the changes of management going on at the top clubs except Spurs, I believe the best approach for Utd is to go with proven PL experience in the essential areas. I. e. winger and cm for this upcoming season. I limit it to winger and cm because I believe Evra has one last season and also can't see him being offloaded, plus we have cover. Also if required truly to break up play, we have Jones for one last season in dm role. So not totally essential there.

With this in mind I believe we should go all out for modric and bale only to add to the squad with possibly some potential youngsters if available.

Ddg
Raf
Vid/rio
Evans/smalling
Evra

Carrick
Modric
Kagawa
Bale
Rooney

Rvp

Bale rooney and Kagawa can interchange. In games where we require more steel swap Kagawa for Jones and adopt Jones as dm next to Carrick, with modric and rooney playing more defensively and bale and Rvp as attacking outlets.

I was at the all stars game and I believe that cleverly should be given one more year, be actually looked good but needs to be tested against firmer opposition. Anderson has come back overweight, he should go. Zaha, wellbeck and lingaard looked good and should be used as rotations. Adnan januzj looks unreal, his reading of the game was immense and he will be a star for the future and should be given as much game time as this season permits.

I have suggested these two additions and this approach as I do not think there needs to be that much upheaval to the squad, especially in DM first year.

Next year is a different story and if the likes of nani, young, valencia, wellbeck etc do not come good then don't doubt that DM won't offload them! Even rooney.

For the record, I think rooney is staying put, I just don't see DM making many changes, as per my above choices and opinions.

No inside info, just my thoughts on my first official post.

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23 Jul 2013 06:24:43
Gerard Piqu� has now come out and said that United are wasting there time trying to sign Fabregas. Apparently he has again told his team mates that he doesn't want to leave Barcelona and wants to stay and fight for his place.
We are wasting to much time on this now and we need to move on, time is ticking on and we need to get some new faces in.
My fear now is that we will go on and waste another 3 weeks trying to convince Tottenham to sell us Gareth Bale which will be a complete waste of time especially when that horrible little sh*t Daniel Levy involved.

Simmo

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23 Jul 2013 02:25:08
rumour has it that united may need to make another improved offer, I believe united till try one more time with a 40 million offer, then maybe switch targets

we still need 2-3 world class players, i'd love modric and ozil at united wishful thinking but in this day you never know

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Modric is definitely a possibility with Real's midfield looking very congested with asier and Isco joining them, quite few players might struggle to get enough game time.

Shahram

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Respected poster. forget the word world class. we need proper depth in the midfield.
We need a new proven left back.
Anf mostly we need to see the least of giggs used.

Rodio17

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I doubt it will be as high as £40m mate. I think £35m is a fair price for Cesc. I think we may move for Modric next?

Sydney!

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23 Jul 2013 02:10:36
I'm sick of checking a web site and football rumours sites 20 times a day. Please god I hope we sign someone soon or I'm going to loose my freaking mind

IRISH NEMES1S

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Not proud of it, but I agree with you.

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23 Jul 2013 01:06:34
Only had MUTV 5 days, and already, aul Paddy's doing my head in :)

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He grows on you. eventually!

Sydney!

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You obviously have yet to experience the wit and wisdom (NOT!) of the Lou Macari drone saying the same things every week. TK

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Its bad isn't it? haha mute button for reserve games ;)

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23 Jul 2013 00:30:45
Moyes being appointed manager is putting players off signing for the club as they think the future of the club is uncertain. Barca will not sell Fabregas since they pulled out all the stops to land him 2 years ago. Personally, I think United should be doing their shopping in Germany. Some solid midfielders without the superstar price tags.

Also, as I said the other day, Rooney won't be sold for less than £30 million plus add ons and United are holding out for a club from abroad to come in for him. Mourinho's prediction that Rooney has most likely played his last game in a United shirt is probably true, but his next game will not be played in the blue of Chelsea.

I don't claim to know Alex Ferguson's auntie's cousin's dog's best mate. Just collected info and come to some conclusions so no abuse please.

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23 Jul 2013 01:10:59
Why would the future of the club be uncertain when Moyes has just signed a 6 yr deal. I'm sick and tired of people saying players don't want to come to United because of Moyes. PSG, Monaco, the Russian clubs, not to mention Chelski and Shi**y have changed the transfer market. If a player has no love for the club why would he come to United for less money then say live in Monaco, Paris or London. Please stop these personic statements, Fergie was in for Hazard, Moura, Ozil, Wesley, how many of these came to United?

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You make a very good point about the quality available for much less money from the Bundesleiga. With Bayern now having a midfield roster the size of many American Football teams surely one or two are ripe for picking. I would love Bastian but alas I fear this will never happen however one of Ribery, Robben, Muller would be well worth a punt. Bender, Gundogan and Reus also would fit nicely in any United Team. I don't pretend to know much about German football and have only seen these guys in the CL and in International games but all have impressed me. DM knows the midfield needs quality added to it and hopefull it will not take the shape of the flat track bully that is the mop headed Fellani. Yes he played well against United last season but its not like we had anybody to cancel him out. He was not as prolific over the whole season and so should not be an option.

If Rooney is sold one imagines the fee will be in excess of 30m and it should be added to in an effort to go all out for either Ronaldo or Bale. I hope the deadwood is sold including the baliff escaping Bebe, the McDonalds eating Anderson and the inconsistent Nani. City and Chelsea will be stronger next year and unless the proper purchases are made we will be left behind next year. Having watched the last friendly I am excited by the young talent coming through but it remains to be seen if these lads have what it takes to emulate fergies kids.

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Players join teams and united is just an enigma with it's tradition that it has nothing to do with moyes. Take a look at real, they change managers every 2 or 3 years, same goes for chelsea and that has not stopped players from joining. It all comes down to money mate, transfer fees, agent fees and player wages.

I would agree that United refuse to pay past a point and pass on players where they believe the overall deal works out too high.

Shahram

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23 Jul 2013 00:12:17
Away from the Fabregas, Modric, Marchisio and Gundogan's of this world and other players who some of the persons on here think we'll sign but in truth are just too good for us
Fabregas is being used as a smokescreen to make it seem like Moyes has ambition so the fans have more patience in him as our main top name marquee target this summer is Yohan Cabaye
Moyes knows Cabaye's playing style very well as he scouted him heavily before he moved to Newcastle and it is evident Moyes will use his management strategy of sticking to what he knows and working with it. Moyes is apparently willing to match Newcastle's �30m valuation of Cabaye to get him to OT this summer and attempt to make a Spurs/Liverpool-quality target a Champions League winner with United
David Moyes is also set to raid his former club Everton for Marouane Fellaini and is willing to go beyond �30m to gazzump Arsenal to the lathargic Belgian's signature
Before you all give me the 'why was Woodward home then' rubbish it was to sell Rooney to Chelsea for what I believe to be �20m-�25m and talk to Mike Ashley over Cabaye
It really is unfortunate to see our club hire two 'yes man' mercenaries in Moyes and Woodward who are more interrested in making money and spending it ridiculously excessively on players who aren't good enough for United while all the other clubs are paying top dollar for top players and we will look on in awe at the quality of their teams and how well they will do in Europe because they were capable of expanding their comfort zone to top quality players to lure them to their club while we will slowly drift into the hunt for 4th this season then battling Liverpool for 7th the next and the rest writes it's own story
Now call me a pessimist all you want and laugh at me now but I know who will be laughing come August 31st when we end up panic-buying the 2 I just suggested

Dissapointed Red

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Why will you be laughing on 31st August if you are a united fan if you think we won't sign anybody?

Basically what you are saying is that you hope we don't sign anybody so that your negative, pessimistic, boring opinion that you state as fact is correct and you can say I told you so.

Are you sure you love united like the rest of us?

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I just can't see it mate. it makes no sense to sell Rooney for £25 mill and then buy kebab boy for £30 mill, especially when there are so many other better mid fielders who could be available for less money if we went for them.

also, why would Moyes have been scouting a £30 mill player while he was at Everton?

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Dont think pessimist is the right word for you.
christ you would depress a tea bag!

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My friends, I have heard the lot now. Cabaye for over £30 million, Fellaini for over £30 million and Rooney for only £20 million. Rooney is worth at least £30 million perhaps £40 million, neither Cabaye nor Fellaini are worth any more than £15 million.

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Fellaini is a good player and there is no need to gazump arsenal when he has a buy out clause. Its obvious you are not a United supporter aswell. There is so much negativity on these pages I am starting to get very annoyed with all you so called supporters. Its like you all want moyes to fail it is ridiculous no patients and to much football manager
Browred

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What a ridiculous post is all I can say.

Shahram

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Gilly, you're right, I wouldn't even buy cabaye at all, but if Moyes was insistent on getting him then 10m will be the maximum, and what did he do last season at Newcastle? Not a lot. He's had one good season and that's that.
Whereby Rooney has one average season where he scores 16 goals and loads of assists and a lot of people are saying he's past it etc.
If we are to sell Rooney, which I hope we don't, then £40m is the least we should ask for. And if Chelsea and mourinho are that much in love with the idea, then we should tell them that mata must be included within the deal.
I hope united stick to their guns on this one.
Nomidfield

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Some fans are so depressed, reminds me of last year how a lot of fans thought wed come up fourth in the league.

The season hasn't started, transfer window still has a month to go, people have started complaining already.


Singh

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Thank you Gilly. People have incredibly short memories and clouded emotions.

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Christ I am one of Cabaye's biggest fans but I think 30m is far in excess of what will actually be needed to get him. 18-20m I should think.

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I will be laughing on August 31st when all of you are complaining about the lack of quality additions to our squad and all I can say to you is a massive "I told you so"
Also I don't value Cabaye at £30m, Newcastle Moyes and Woodward do; I value him at little over £10m

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