Manchester United Banter Archive July 24 2014

24 Jul 2014 22:50:15
Would Carrick get in citys, arsenals or chelski's midfields
??
And we r the biggest club in the world!well let's hope we can sort out our midfield Herrera looks good get vidal or strootman then we will have the midfield we used to have with keano and scholesy and start looking like the biggest club in the world .

Not with strootman, he would never get into chelsea, arsenal, liverpool or city that is for sure. Have you actually watched him or is this tabloid fever.

25 Jul 2014 00:13:35
GCU have you actually watched him? He would walk into Liverpool and Arsenal's midfields, never mind ours.

GCU have you ever watched Strootman? I wanted him last year after the Under 21's when we were linked. He has an engine as good as any, superb and tenacious in the tackle, he is far from slow and loves to burst forward. Ok he looks clumsy at times ala Jones ( can rival Jones at Gourning too ) he's a very good player. If I had to pick a young holding/defensive mid He'd be high on the list ( behind Carvalho ).

However what you or I think is irrelevant, LVG has eulogised over him and said Netherlands should build their team around him. Which kinda hints he rates him.

He was awful in the u21s

On Strootman I watched him a while ago when we were supposedly interested and commented then. His total lack of any pace is a concern for me. I think the speculation is because LvG intended to include him in the Dutch midfield who were not blessed with a large selection of good midfield players. The press are taking a leap that LvG then thinks he is right for us when the manager has a wider choice than he had for Holland. The Italian league is slower and more suited to strolling Strootman so he wouldn't excite me. Vidal seems a better fit but I wouldn't rule out Khedira alongside Herrera.

25 Jul 2014 09:21:52
Have people seen LVG's thing on youtube before the World Cup? He wasn't just 'going to select' Strootman, he would have been his main man, his 'pivot' in the midfield, not because they lack other good players, but because he is everything LVG wants from that kind of player. So it really would not surprise me if we signed him.

GDS, well if you want a quick beer in the Peacock or Noggin one night give me a shout

25 Jul 2014 10:53:08
Sure what would LVG know about Strootman compared to to all those who've studied him extensively on YouTube?

Yes Jred he was poor in the under 21's finals, great in the qualifying rounds, I posted at the time he must have been injured.

MPez

I bet you have never watched him play for 90 minutes. He is a worse version of ramirez( ramirez has pace and can shoot).

He is nowhere near good to be playing for a top pl team because he will get humped by the pace and physicality of the pl. Players will run past him with such ease which is our current issue.

He went to Roma for 11 million mate, there is a god damn good reason not one of the elite clubs looked at him.

All this is speculation because of LVG relationship with him as the dutch coach.

GDS

I wil bet he never wears the red shirt. Some of these rumours are just pure nonsense and they start from a nothing source and just keep being passed around.

He was dutch national coach as recent as 3 weeks ago calling on a player to see how his rehab is going is just a decent human thing and not about us buying a player.

On that basis giggsy watched my sons football game with me so I guess united must be looking to sign him up at the academy. I am still waiting for the call and the contract :)

24 Jul 2014 22:15:15
fellow reds and especially the guys who get worked up about transfers, please take these vidal rumours with a pinch of salt, I think its people stirring things up and twisting his words, he's COMING, BELIEVE!

24 Jul 2014 21:02:56
VIDAL

He was ambushed coming through arrivals, nagged by a dogged reporter who he was clearly not bothered about speaking to.

When asked "will you go to Manchester"?

He said, "No, no" and chuckled.

Not great, don't get me wrong, but what would any other player say in this situation?

I'm not convinced this confirms it's off.

He's saying he's not flying to Manchester, he's going home (Turin). He will speak to Allegri and he doesn't know if he's staying.

Tend to agree, and the papers reports are typical nonsense. Asked if he's going to manchester, he just chuckles and says no, no- in a don't ask me that question kind of way

24 Jul 2014 22:34:33
Iam Naples Florida this my first time on banter rumors sawgame liveontv after watching Monty Python at local cinema what alive all it's and living in the s un year round not bad for an old lad from woolwich near charltonfc but am amanu fan for over fifty years. Agree with most views of last mites game that squad minus two or three outs and Vidal and hummels in could be quite impressive just like herrera. But so was kagawa pre season two seasons ago but have more faith inherrera. That's all for now ttfn

Remember when ronaldo won the league with us and said he was staying then Madrid bidded what we wanted and ronaldo left? Just because a player; who is under contract mind, says he's not going, I don't even believe that's how he meant it but still, it doesn't mean the deal is off.

24 Jul 2014 20:00:08
Vidal has been quoted saying he is not going to Manchester . Most outlets reporting it make of this however you like

There's a couple of translations floating around conflicting each other. In Tuttosport, there are no quotes mentioning Manchester at all. Need to read the transcripts if there are any. All we can do is wait and see, but there are also rumours that the quotes are fake. The saga continues ha ha.

24 Jul 2014 18:18:09
Questions to the ED

1. What's the deal with fellaini, it was reported that LVG wanted him to go. Do you think he will be sold this summer and if there's any interest from other clubs. Personally I think he needs some time to fit in, just look at carrick I remember many people in this site taking swipes at him a couple seasons back and look how he's turned out

2. Also what about zaha, heard he club was looking for suitors for him, will he stay and get a place, a loan to a pl club perhaps orbe sold and if anyone is interested.

3. Then there are our wingers, nani, and young as valencia might get a look at right wingback if LVG does deploy the 3-4-3. so what about nani and young, is the club looking to offload either and both of them

4. There was so much talk about a transfer for vermalean some time ago, has everything gone to sleep or is the transfer still on.

5. And finally to vidal and hummels, did or will we make a bid for both and if so what are the chances of the transfers going through and on aside note heard on this site that strootman is training any chance we get him this summer.

Thanks in advance to the ed for the answers cheers!

{Ed004's Note - I reckon fellaini will stay at utd for the coming season, he won't play much and be sold next year as he is not a player who will suit LvG style of play. Zaha I think will be loaned. I would expect probably atleast one of nani or young to leave. Haven't a clue what's going on with vermalean. Lastly I think we have interest in both players and I think Vidal is more likely tho I am skeptical that we will get either}

Carrick had one good season for us, the rest have been average at best imo. I hope Fellaini is given a chance but I don't see where he fits in.

Beast my friend, much as I love you, on this occasion you are talking out of something other than your mouth. Carrick has been a solid dependable reliable performer, often underrated, rarely letting us down. The good season you refer to is the one when people actually noticed the value he was adding. Yes he's getting on, yes last year was not his best, but to say he has had 1 good season is both insulting and misguided

Spot.on Ajh Carricks a bit like how nicky butt was for.us hardworker but harldy evrr noticed because of the star namea around him.

24 Jul 2014 18:17:49
Heard on the radio today at work that LVG has said he's in no rush to sign anyone and thinks its only right to see what the current squad can do this season! Sounds like someone we know? haha I hope he's bluffing :)

RD

24 Jul 2014 17:47:03
What about Ashley Young then? Two goals and an excellent assist in no time at all. They guy was a serious international contender 3 years ago: could he be rehabilitated in this new system?

The other big positives for me were that it looks like we now have a midfielder who is actually a threat to score from outside the penalty area. That keeps defenders honest, as it does when the Welbecks of this world have also developed an outside threat. Everything becomes multi-dimensional and less predictable even though the nominal formation is known to the opposition.

Nani still looks like a shadow of what he was 3 or 4 years ago. I'd let him and Chicharito go, especially since they both have low book values and their sales would probably generate some serious profit, as well as reduce salary costs. With a surfeit of #10s Kagawa too may be on the chopping block. We should be able to at least recoup his NBV. However, as LVG noted, United is a club with heavy commercial pressures and Kagawa might be integral to the Japanese marketing strategy.

A word of warning: Now that we have Chevrolet as a sponsor any of our players might be subject to a product recall.

I think he will keep Young as he offers tactical flexibility. At least until next summer any way. I think Nani will be the one who misses out.

I think this summer we will see Anderson, Nani and Hernandez leave with question marks over Cleverley and Kagawa. If Powell impresses then they could be on their way out this summer.

There are several players who could be surprise first team regulars under LvG, Young and Welbeck could be vital cogs either from the start or off the bench. And with this new formation I think Fellaini has a half chance of proving his worth. For Belgium he has always played as a box to box player. LvG's new system reguires two box to box players now if we sign Vidal then we will only have Vidal and Herrera who can fulfil that role effecitvely. So maybe Fellaini could be a more physical option for certain games. Or against tough opposition we could see Herrera pushed forward into the No.10 position and a midfield pivot of Vidal and Fellaini.

24 Jul 2014 19:35:07
Good post pea and good response Shappy. I agree with you both on most points and am excited at our new, more versatile and fluid style. I think Young and Fellaini may remain with us for one more season but I struggle to see a place for Fellaini given his lack if mobility, I think we'll just wait a year to save face then sell.

24 Jul 2014 16:53:35
Apparently we're interested in that Mastasic from city, thoughts guys?

Nastasic* sorry, stupid tiny phone and very big hands ;)

Would like him if we bought someone like Hummels aswell but not as the centre back to reaplace vidic and ferdinand

Not heard this story. .may be getting confused as only connection I recall is arsenal interested in him if we sign Vermarlen.
I would pass on Nestatic. we have enough young Central defenders. we need experience now

24 Jul 2014 16:34:43
I think we need to add two big names and someone who is a solid squad player.

My choices would be Vidal, Hummels and Blind. This would give us good defensive cover and some star quality which I do believe is important if we want to start building up that fear factor again. I want teams to start coming to old trafford thinking that they have already lost again.

I was very impressed with Herrara last night but I will be more impressed if he can do it against Madrid at the end of the tour as even Young looked good.

I am interested by LVGs comments about having an imbalanced squad stating that we have 4 number 10s in the squad so do you think that may mean sacrificing one of them? if so I can only really see Kagawa being the one to go, if that brings Hummels so be it.

I won't be getting carried away by last nights result as pleasing as it was but it has made me excited for the start of the season.

Hummels, Vidal and Blind my first choices with Strootman joining next year or january depending on how our performances have been defensively.

Lastly I don't want to read people saying why didn't we go for Sanchez. 1. how do you know we didn't, 2. it could have been sanchez wanted to go to arsenal to be the star and 3. maybe Barca have a better relationship with Arsenal.

24 Jul 2014 17:46:02
Id say blind hummels an vidal are also the most likely versatility is something we need in fact most clubs need it

Agree with vidal, Hummels, and blind with strootman coming in Jan

24 Jul 2014 15:43:18
Is Kagawa no longer an option for BvB? I am sure Klopp would take him even though they have Mikaryhbhchbhjban playing there now. Also would Kagawa's wages now be too high for him to go back to Dortmund? I think Kagawa plus cash for Hummels would suit all parties, but is it feasible?

As much as I like Shinji I'd love to see us offer £30m + Shinji for Reus and Hummels.

Unfortunately I think he holds too much commercial value and will stay at the club for that reason.

The most important part of your entire post is the "i think"

Redseven

Your math is quite flawed mate if you think we can get those 2 for kagawa and 30 million.

Going by what the market is wiling to pay for certain players I would imagine rues alone would be kagawa and 25 mill cash.

24 Jul 2014 17:04:11
Or we could keep Shinji and see what Louis can do with him. You heard what the equaliser had to say, money isn't an issue. Besides I can't see Dortmund losing 3 key players in one window.

GCU -

Reus is worth around £27m, Hummels around £23m and Kagawa around £20m.

Red

You are so far off the mark mate. Reus would not go for less than 35 mill if Sanchez went for about that number. I think you are way off on hummels and way off on kagawa as well but hey let's wait and see.

I am not one for saying told you so but I will be happy to remind you :)

24 Jul 2014 14:28:02
Guys please do not go overboard om the way we played. Judge us against the bigger teams,

After seeing the game I think we may see at least 1 youth player step into or around first team.

Now lvg has spoke about formations I think we will look to vermaelen, de Jong, blind, lars or Sven bender and possibly a winger and we will let a few go .

I'm not to concerned on who is playing we're as they won't get in our team under lvg unless they are tactically aware and disciplined In there role .

After the dross we saw last year if I want to get excited I will.
I think you're wrong about the players we will look at. Carry on.

BV, we need quality. Not more average Joes.

Sorry for posting an opinion and realistic targets!

Absolute jerk pal

24 Jul 2014 15:21:56
Agree with carloto.

The biggest positive from yesterday was not the result; but the manner of it. Players were making themselves available constantly - as opposed to last season where nobody seemed to want the ball. I appreciate that a lot of that is down to players wanting to impress LVG; but if he can motivate them to keep that level of performance up all season I think we'll be in for one hell of a year!

24 Jul 2014 15:29:59
BV,

I think we should not be too carried away but we should definitely be encouraged. Last summer remember we lost the first pre season game 1-0 and looked pathetic, and it never really got any better.

LA Galaxy are in the middle of their season, I expected us to struggle and was fully prepared with the 'it was our first game, they are fully fit' excuse, which would have been fair. We far and away performed better than any game in the last 12 months, I am sure at times we will struggle with the new system against some teams, but it does appear the players have bought into it. The more a team wins the more they will buy into the philosophy, hence why the players struggled to buy into it last year.

It just feels so much better this year, much more positive, don't you think?

Gds2 I was not trying to put a downer on the performance just that if we manage a good performance against Madrid then I would get excited, regarding transfers I feel we all go over the top and hope for names we won't get

V there's no need to revert to name calling.

Let's not get carried away. The next game against Roma will be a better indication of things. They have one if not the most stingy defences in europe last year and it would be interesting to see how we play against a top defense.

24 Jul 2014 17:14:09
I know mate, I never said in my post that you were, I just asked if you think it felt better and more positive than last year, wasn't having a go by any means no need to be defensive.

Agree with GCU let's see how we get on when we play roma

24 Jul 2014 13:45:16
Blackett did okay in the Martins-Indi role. He likes to foul the striker as much as Martins-Indi does too :)

Thought Reece James did well too, the lad can finish, will be interesting to see how they both get on on the rest of the tour.

Would be nice not to have to buy another LB, so Reece would save us a few bob.

Syd why are you pre occupied with money? It's not yours so let them spend it .

I would rather spend mega bucks on top notch players, not back-up left-backs. That's what youth is for.

24 Jul 2014 12:10:29
Well LvG has got a better performance out of our players in one game than Moyes managed in the whole of last season.

It's important not to get too carried away, but that was a great performance considering LvG has only had a week with the players to prepare them and teach them his methods. How much better will they play after a month? six months? a year?

The higher pressing and quicker transitions were a joy to see and the players really seemed to enjoy themselves which I think is key to having a well performing team. Ander looked every inch a 30m+ midfielder, with good performances coming from all areas of the pitch as well being good to see.

The good thing is the insight it gave to how LvG will look to shape the squad and the way we will look to play, his post match interview was illuminating as well.

It seems that we will play 3412 due to the players he has available to him. Our defenders are inexperienced so playing a back three will give them extra cover. Our wingers have been poor for a few seasons but our full backs have been good going forward but poor defensively due to the lack of cover they get from our wingers, so doing away with the wingers all together and providing cover from other areas will be a huge improvement. we have an abundance of forward players(strikers and No.10's) so this formation allows to fit them in in their best positions. And we lack the quality and numbers in midfield to play with a more traditional midfield three.

I think he will look to move to a more traditional LvG 433 in the future, maybe in the 2015/16 season we might start to see it more often. This will give him time to improve the quality of our centre backs to a level where they are comfortable as a centre back pairing rather than a back three. he will also need to sign a right back who can defend to the required level. As well as adding more quality in midfield and the wide areas to make a 433 work effectively at the highest level. This seems more likely as if he was to try and switch to a 433 this season he will need a top class centre back, a right back, two more midfielders and at least one top quality wide man to go with the already signed Herrera and Shaw. That's 7 players at least in one window which is too much. I think we will sign a defender or two and a midfielder this summer to go with the already purchased players.

Vidal seems like the first choice midfielder, with Hummels as first choice centre back. Although I feel that we might miss out on Hummels. If so then De Virj or Fabian Schar would be great alternatives. If we miss out on Vidal then maybe someone like Axel Witsel could be a good option, although I'm more confident about signing Vidal than Hummels.

The other really interesting thing about last nights game was Fletcher being given the captains armband, I think we can now safely rule Rooney out of the running for captaincy.

So now I'm looking forward to the rest of the tour and seeing how we can cope with higher class opposition with our new formation and tactics. High pressing, possession based, good use of width, attacking entertaining football looks back on the menu at Old Trafford boy and girls.

Agree with most of what you say Shappy apart from the captaincy, Fletcher won't get it he isn't going to be playing every week, will be given to a player that is considered as part of the team week in week out.
Think Rooney will get it too be honest but would be fine if RVP got the nod, will be between those two the other will be vice captain.

It's far too soon to decide on what is happening with the captaincy. Rooney will probably get it next game, then Evans might get a go etc.

24 Jul 2014 13:20:54
I don't think we should rule Rooney out of captaincy just yet, I think LvG knew Fletcher was going to play the full 90 and was the most senior player doing so and as such was given the armband.

Fletch struggled in midfield in the first half and will certainly be replaced by Vidal if signed. He will certainly not play as the sweeper next season. So he will not be captain. Herrera was quality, can you imagine Herrera and Vidal?

Definitely agree with your analysis Shappy. Although I think he will interchange systems throughout the year but 3421/352 might just be our mainstay.
I think giving the armband to Fletcher was a clever move and one the fans will appreciate given what Fletcher has over come, always given his all to the club. He actually looks fitter now than he has done for a long time so may have a decent squad role to play next year.
I would not be surprised if he was made vice captain or club captain.
I still think we need another defender in at least, one who can command the other 2 and against better opposition dictate our play at he back.
Vidal would be great in the middle of the park so fingers crossed for that with Maybe Strootman in Jan/next summer to help with the evolution to 433.
I think it maybe the end of Nani, Fellaini, Young and Kagawa.I just can't see them getting game time and would sooner a more balanced squad with either new additions or the youth given a go as supporting players.

24 Jul 2014 13:38:38
MUminion, I don't think Fletcher will be given the captaincy full time. My point was that if Rooney was under consideration for the captaincy by van Gaal then he would haven given it to Wayne last night. The fact that he didn't I think puts to bed any notion that Rooney will be captain. As for who it will be instead well my money is on RvP unless we sign Strootman which I feel is unlikely this summer.

Carrick would've got captaincy if fit: long-serving, good communicator on pitch, well-respected.

Strootman will get it if signed though, so looking like Rooney or RVP for now.

I agree with MUminion, the captains armband will go to a regular starter. I imagine Fletcher got nod becuase LvG was planning on playing him for the whole 90 minutes. It also freed up Rooney to do his thing while he got his fitness and properly settled into LvG's formation etc.

I think fletcher was given the armband as he was marked down to play the full 90.
I would agree the next captain will be either rooney or rvp

Wallace how's Carrick a good communicator? He's one of the quietest players on the pitch and his days are numbered at OT.

Carrick won't start let alone be considered for the captaincy

24 Jul 2014 10:57:28
What a wonderful first display, it was only La Galaxy and we mustn't get carried away but it is a sign of things to come.

Van Gaal has come out and said that he will play 3-4-3 (3-4-1-2) but is happy to change to 4-3-3 if need be. I thought he may well do this so he could stick our best three players into their favored positions (Mata, RVP and Rooney). This also really suits Welbeck for us to have some pace up front - I thought he was very good and has been told in training to 'look at the ball' when he is shooting so hopefully he will get decent return this year, he certainly has the physical attributes to be excellent. Mata was threading balls through nicely, but what about Ander Herrera? Almost every key pass was done my him, perfectly weighted through balls, long cross fields, the full show.

I was particularly pleased with how wing backs worked with a defensive three. Valencia will get up and down all day, as will Shaw. We need some work in the centre back position (Hummels) but there is time for that and Herrera needs a partner - Fletcher did okay but is no standout performer.

Coincidently, did Juventus not play a 3-4-3 in which Vidal did brilliantly? I think they did but if someone could confirm that would be great!

The only question that I have is how does this formation adapt if we sign a forward like Di Maria or Reus? Who gets left out!

If we're to play with three at the back in the future Shaw has a lot to learn. I think our interest in Cuadrado makes a lot more sense as well.

Maybe we won't sign a di maria

24 Jul 2014 12:14:11
Fresh! I couldn't watch the match but I've read a couple of match reports, what Herrera that good on the pitch? or it is just raving about a new signing?

Herrera was the best player on the pitch. Young had a good game as well. Shaw looked as though he was struggling with the formation but James played well at lwb in the second half.

24 Jul 2014 12:44:08
Pee,

He was that good, from minute 1 to minute 90, didn't put a foot wrong, closed down quickly, long and short passing range perfect, always looking for a through ball, and very rarely lost possession if a through ball wasn't on.

I honestly cannot remember Herrera misplacing a single pass. He was that good and his through balls led to so many chances and goals.

I imagine the interest in Cuadrado would be to play him at right wing back but I'm not sure he is convincing going towards his own goal. Valencia or Rafael are more than good enough for me.

Jred, maybe we won't sign Di Maria, but the point is LvG wanted to sign Di Maria/Sanchez/Robben. So who would these players have played ahead of? Rooney? Or would Rooney have moved back to the hole with Mata missing out?

Now we know why we are interested in both Hummels and Vermaelen. Jones/Smalling will play as the right CB, Vermaelen/Evans as the left CB and Hummels as the sweeper. With Herrera and Vidal ahead of him.

I would be happy with that, you?

Syd
Lets just wait and see who we do sign, I don't buy in to all this we tried to sign x, y, z.

We needed a cm we got herrera a player I've rated for a while.
We needed a lb we got shaw again a top player . Thank god we never signed baines.

I still think we need a cb a lb and a cm but lvg might have other ideas.
hummels and vidal would be great but i'm not convinced either will happen.

I agree on Baines, we nearly made a blunder there. Hummels and Vidal are who LvG want, we have the money, so IMO there is no excuses. We have to buy these two players.

We did beat the Herrera drum when others were not convinced, I think we have got a diamond there Jred.

Syd - I don't think it's as simple as 'LVG wants them so we will sign them'. There's the matter of the other club selling and the player wanting the move. Vidal I think could happen. Unfortunately I very much doubt Hummels will leave Dortmund this summer.

As for the person who asked how good Herrera was last night; there are a couple of videos of the full game up on Youtube still and also a five minute video showing Herrera's key contributions. He got two assists and three pre-assists (Ie played it to the assister).

Admittedly not the best opposition yesterday - but I see him having a fantastic season. It didn't for a second look like he was making his debut.

I don't think we actually tried to sign any of the 3 players you said just paper talk

RD0690, we bid for Sanchez, LvG has told Robben he always has a place at MU and the editor has confirmed our interest in Di Maria.

R7, we wouldn't be trying to agree a deal for Hummels with BvB had we not been given the green light by Hummels himself. So Hummels is onboard.

As for the selling club, well they are speaking to us, so there must be some wiggle room. They don't have to speak to us at all.

Syd - Possibly; but was that not the case with Fabregas last year or Sanchez this year? The same goes for Di Maria and Konoplyanka.

"I agree on Baines, we nearly made a blunder there" Sydney

It had nothing to do with us it was Mr Moyes.

Jred

I agree we will sign a CM and CD before we venture and if we do for a left-winger/forward. I believe we will sign Vidal but do not believe we will sign Hummels. I also don't believe we will sign dvrij (spelling) and believe one of mangala/Schar/Hinteger are more likely.

SYD

I was not aware of the fact that we wanted Sanchez and Robben. Where did you get that from?

The difference is R7, we are in discussions for Hummels and pushing hard according to Ed, so it's gone past the point of an opening bid. If the Hummels talks collapse then we may hear Hummels come out and say he's happy at BvB and never wanted to leave. But MU wouldn't go all out to sign a player when the player hasn't given us the green light to do so.

Syd
Like fabergas did last year?

Jred, MU got the green light from Cesc's reps last summer, but Barcelona didn't want to sell. That could of course happen again with BvB, but they are talking to us so there must be a chance of getting him.

Shahram, the editor has confirmed it. We bid for Sanchez via a 3rd party.

Syd
Barcelona where speaking to us, fab had indicated he was interested and look how that turned out .
On sanchez you have to ask how much we really wanted him . I think he went for a fair price I would question how much we really wanted him

We weren't in negotiations with Barcelona, at any point. We bid, they said he wasn't for sale, we bid again and they insisted he wasn't for sale.

Syd
And yet you seem to think we are in talks with dourtmund .
So if dourtmund turn down a bid like barce does that mean we not in talks .

You actually think that we never held talks with barcelona?
That we put in not 1 but 2 bids for the player with out holding any talks.
You actually think your that itk?

We formally bid for Cesc twice. It never reached a point where negotiations took place between MU and Barca because he wasn't for sale. MU bid for Shaw, it was rejected, then both clubs sat down together and reached an agreement. MU have been negotiating a deal for Hummels and for Vidal. The editor has said we are pushing hard to agree a deal. That never happened with Barcelona, MU and Barcelona never got to the point where they were trying to agree a deal. It was two formal bids that got rejected because Barcelona did not want to sell. Did you not read Balague's columns at the time? The editor at the time said Cesc will not be going to MU despite what the newspapers were saying.

I am not sure we will end up with Vidal or Hummels, but the important thing here is we are trying and if Hummels didn't want to join or Dortmund were never going to sell, then it wouldn't have gotten this far. They simply wouldn't be in discussions with us. Maybe we will fail in our advances and then Hummels will come out and pledge his future to BvB, but he hasn't done it for the past couple of weeks whilst talks are taking place. None of this is concrete info, it can only be concrete info if we are seeing it with our own eyes, but Balague knows what he's talking about and I 100% believe everything the editor tells us. If it's speculation he tells us, if it's rubbish he tells us. He has no reason to lie to us. If anything he holds stuff back so we don't get too excited and pull on our ears :)

24 Jul 2014 10:10:21
I know its pre season and we shouldn't get carried away but it just looks so much more positive compared to last year, also how fit does Wayne Rooney look? Slimmest we've ever seen him, must be worried about losing his position, glad to see him putting the work in

24 Jul 2014 11:14:37
I think for the first time in Rooney's career he will be under a lot of pressure for his place and if he realises this it will only make him play better.

LVG wants to play with 2 strikers and it works in the formation we played last night. With RVP and Rooney up top and Mata in the 9 it means we have two players looking to score the goals and I would expect them both to be aiming for 25+ goals this season, with Welbeck getting 15+.

Given RVP's injury record I expect Rooney to get plenty of opportunities to play both as a number 9 and a number 10.

24 Jul 2014 12:11:45
Mata in the 10!

Rooney has to work hard now, Welbeck is pushing for his spot in the team and if his finishing improves I could see him getting it. Van Gaal doesn't pick on reputation.

The competition for places is very good. I hope Rooney and RvP have a great season.

Fresh
Dear me.
Rooney is a much better player than welbeck

I agree with Jred, I can only see Welbeck as being back-up to Van Persie.

Fresh do you ever watch Manchester United. There is no way that Welbeck will push Rooney out of the team.

24 Jul 2014 09:35:47
For all those that Watched the match last night a couple of questions:
- Would Vidal fit into the system alongside Harera
- if we continued to play the 3412/352 formations do we still need an attacking winger like Di marea
- of the players we thought would be on the way out are there any that should now stay.
- Rooney, does he look as lean and fit as, some have suggested?

Still only la galaxy but they are good opposition mid way through there league. next few games will really tell where the squad is

24 Jul 2014 10:43:02
Vidal, who would probably come in for fletcher will fit perfectly into the system. With 3 CBs behind him and Herrera it will give them more of a licence to adventure forward ( with vidals energy gives us attack and defensive threat).
To be honest, where we are not in the champions league, a winger is not a priority at this moment in time. As we saw last night mata played behind to strikers, but this could change. These two strikers will be RVP and Rooney.
I think cleverley should go! Young maybe on the right track to becoming a decent squad player. I'm not to sure I would do with nani?
I also think fletcher played very well, becoming versitile last night.
Rooney looked in great shape last night, he was pressuring and linking up well also. His two goals were well taken, he is definatly on the right track to get back to the 2010 rooney.

24 Jul 2014 11:31:10
I think anyone we have been linked will be an improvement on Fletcher, he did not have a poor game but he is not the same player and was never amazing.

I'd assume a more defensive partner for herrera would be preferred however i'd still take Vidal over anyone else. Rooney looked in better shape however was not a stand out performance from him. Raf looked pretty vunerable when he came on at right back.

Do we need di maria? not at the wages being quoted. but although Young did well i'd rather not relie on him. I personally really want to see nani reborn under lvg

24 Jul 2014 07:15:39
I noticed LvG pointed out in his post-match interview about our lack of Central Defenders. At least he has the Rolling Stones to acknowledge it. Hummels would be perfect.

Ps. How about that from Herrera? Like a breath of fresh air after being on a pitch with Gary Lineker in '90.

24 Jul 2014 06:20:55
Having just watched the 7-0 thumping of the Galaxy one might be tempted to get too excited about the future. What a different story to last year when we couldn't score goals against inferior opposition from the Far East. Clearly every player out there knew what they were supposed to do, and wanted to impress the manager. Whether they will be able to do it against top EPL teams week after week remains to be seen.

Could one potential benefit of a good week in the US be on the attraction of United to prospective transfer targets?

24 Jul 2014 09:20:10
What you think players are thinking 'Oh I won't go to the biggest club in the world' but now we have beaten a team where Robbie Keane is their best player 7-0 they have changed their mind?

Last night was a great result, breath of fresh air, but it was an easy game that we should have won. It was definitely worth waking up at 4am for just Herrera's performance. He did everything Carrick can do but 10 times faster and better, hopefully he can play like that in the Premier League. He is nailed on for my fantasy football team if so!

The question was whether or not a good week in the US would be of benefit, not this one victory, which though impressive was just that, one win against modest opposition.

For a wavering potential signee the prospect of playing for a great coach and being an integral part of a team of the future might be a tipping point.

24 Jul 2014 17:19:20
Good point mate, apologies for misunderstanding the original post. I still think it wouldn't be a massive thing for players but I think we are in a much stronger position now than we were 6-8 months ago even without Champions League football (as the share price is showing)

24 Jul 2014 06:20:01
And what a second half. While I don't think either Reece James or Ashley young will be big contributors this season, the significance of their goals is the contribution of ander Herrera. His vision, his desire to pressure the defense with forward passes, his timing, the weight on his passes. (Yes tom, you are allowed to pass the ball forward. This isn't rugby) He could be the best thing to ever happen to rvp and Rooney. I am surprised he played the full 90 mins, but what a 90 mins it was. The most surprising thing for me was that kagawa played deeper than ander in the second half. They rotated a lot, but kagawa was playing deeper most of the time. While kagawa is best as a 10, I've always been convinced that his close control and passing would make him an ideal cm in a passing, fluid team like LVG is trying to put together. I wonder if we can expect some dazzling football in the center of the park with mata, Herrera, shinji and Rooney dropping deep. Now out vidal behind that vortex of intricate passing and were fine. The five defenders allows us to be slightly weaker in the cm who isn't deep lying. Definitely going to see many formations (5-2-2-1, 5-2-3, 5-3-2, 4-3-3, etc). People said I was crazy for making a big deal of preseason last summer when we were horrible and confused. Turns out it was significant. Let's hope I'm right this year and the man in charge finally seems to understand what so many posters on here have known for years. Not sure how januzaj fits in tho. So here's to the leader in assists in the PL next season, ander Herrera (I hope)!

24 Jul 2014 09:25:37
Kagawa had one of his better games for us last season in that deeper position and with LVG mentioning he has too many number 10's I would suspect Kagawa is 4th choice in that position meaning he needs to find another role or leave. He is certainly better playing deeper than playing on the wing.

I feel that the formation we played last night covers for the fact our wingers are poor by using the full backs as width, meaning we can save on buying a winger at the moment and focus on maybe 2 central defenders and another top midfielder. I kept thinking last night how good would this midfield be if Strootman or Vidal was there instead of Fletcher (first half).

Not seen many mention him yet but Michael Keane is almost ready for the step up, and if LVG thinks that he is ready we may only need one top centre half.

Thought Phil Jones was really good - expect him to be nailed on as one of CBs (either back 2 or 3), maybe next to Vernaelon, De Vrij or Hummels

Can see Valencia staying at RWB.

What brilliant man-management from KVG though, saying all week that won't buy before sees all players: they were busting a gut to please him this morning (except Nani)

24 Jul 2014 06:10:15
Just watched the game, and wow I thought we would play well but that was a very encouraging start. Setting up in the 3-5-2 was a very brave and intelligent move by LVG.

I thought our first half was much more controlled, with the team pushing and hurrying opposition players off the ball. Shaw and Valencia bombing forward all half providing great width. With the wing backs, it allows them to tuck in when we are not in possession, but when we got the ball they encourage the team to spread and make the pitch bigger.

Herrera, Mata and fletcher were very good in the midfield, rotating well and showing great control with the ball. But Herrera and mata, that combination was exiting. The pace of the play was very good at times.

Then, the second half just shows we have good quality, it's good to say Ashley young came on and played well, because we know over the past two season he hasn't been at it.

Well, I'm not going to keep going on because it was only a pre-season game, but I like the new system and the players in the system.
( that doesn't mean we don't need to strengthen)
Vidal and hummels.

Wow what a game that was, we have a gem in Herrera just need another busy body nexg to him.

Vidal will be immense next to him although this was la galaxy but just loved the way we played with freedom.

Wow what a game that was, we have a gem in Herrera just need another busy body nexg to him.

Vidal will be immense next to him although this was la galaxy but just loved the way we played with freedom.

24 Jul 2014 06:04:00
Its like Herrera walked on to the pitch and told everyone, 'Hi. How may I assist you'?

24 Jul 2014 05:42:56
What a silky match Herrera is having. Guy is definatly adding to our midfield. Passes. movement. tackels. Shielding. Amazing.
Youngsters are also looking very composed.

24 Jul 2014 05:31:30
Correction R.James instead of R.Jones in that lineup and he got a quality fourth on his debut.

maybe a few more in this ;)

24 Jul 2014 05:23:16
Up watching tonight's game vs Galaxy.I'm in Boston on East Coast so Warren Barton doing the commentary.Towards the end of first half he said he and his team ran into a member if the "United Hierarchy" and they told them that, "We're not done yet."After a disheartening week transfer wise I think this sounds positive.The context Barton said it was as if this particular person volunteered the info so this kinda correlates to Woodward's confidence levels last week with the "Watch this space comment"I think it points to a big signing being done and yet to be announced (Vidal) and more in the pipeline.I think reason it has not been announced is Juve are looking to secure their targets/replacements before teams realize they have £40m+ on their hip and hold out for crazy fees.Similar to Liverpool-Carroll when they had the Torrss money.I remain hopeful.

24 Jul 2014 07:22:14
"A disheartening week transfer wise" jeez lighten up man, there's 8 weeks in the window, and we still have 5 to go! There will be signings to come don't worry.

002 has already said that United's business has barely begun, I think we may see 3 more faces.

24 Jul 2014 09:34:59
MPez,

Haha I thought that, seems like Watertown wouldn't be happy unless we signed 3 players every week for 40 million. This week we got a new manager in place and travelled thousands of miles across the world, trained a lot and the manager is getting to know the players personally so he can make decisions.

Any manager coming in would be absolutely stupid to make a signing before he has got to know the players and seen them in training. What if we already have a player who can play the role LVG needs but our previous managers were playing him out wide etc?

24 Jul 2014 05:02:36
Pre season friendly or not ander herrera has been outstanding.

24 Jul 2014 04:58:18
Ander Herrera! I love him already. Movement off the ball. So excited for this season.

24 Jul 2014 00:12:03
pictures being leaked of "di maria" psg tops no'11.

any eds know of the progress with di maria

{Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation.}