Manchester United Banter Archive August 25 2014

 

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25 Aug 2014 23:26:01
Look massive united fan excited by what's going on at the moment this time was always going to come after 20 years of success but for the life of me I cannot believe that tom cleverly gets to play for Manchester United. After watching him for two years now it astounds me how he can wear the red of Man U. I'm sure he's a nice chap and probably make a decent living playing in the lower leagues but why oh why is he at our club?

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Agreed but what's your thoughts on Anderson lol

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Anderson go back to Portugal

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You could replace "cleverley" by "Anderson", put "fat" before it, and replace "2 years" by a larger number, and read the whole thing again.
There it is, for Anderson.

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Anderson not upto it either but cleverly been playing for national team and stuff he is what I call a cheat. He runs around looking busy when he really isn't doing anything. Poor old mata he looks either side of him and sees cleverly and fletcher WTF he must think

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26 Aug 2014 11:28:46
Anderson won't play for us again

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26 Aug 2014 12:13:58
We kicked out Darren Gibson to Everton.
I'm quite certain he was a better footballer than Cleverley or Anderson.
Blind, Vidal, Herrera, Carrick, and Fletcher. That is now a pretty decent midfield.

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25 Aug 2014 22:31:48
Some news outlets reckon that Blind is a dead cert to come in this week and that De Jong is the back up if the Vidal deal doesn't go ahead this week. It has been a frustrating window but if someone said to me we would end it with Shaw, Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Vidal and Di Maria I'd of bitten their hand off.

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25 Aug 2014 22:53:03
Amen to that and fingers crossed we get atleast Vidal after Di Maria.

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Has it really been frustrating? We have signed 5 players and spent £130+mil I think it's been an amazing window and still a week to go :)

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I think it all hinges on whether or not we sign Vidal. If we do - it's been a fantastic window. If we sign somebody like De Jong - then it's still been a good one.

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25 Aug 2014 23:08:26
I would have asked why we have signed 3 left footed defenders. But I would be absolutely delighted.

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Dean - Speaking personally; the frustration is down to the timing of our signings. Ideally we would have got all of our business done early to allow the new signings time to settle in. If we'd done so we'd probably be top of table right now rather than a point from the bottom.

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Fair enough R7 we are used to our business being done early, it's the way sir Alex and Gill liked to do it but I think we can finally see that the owners are doing the right thing and Europe knows again that we are major players in the transfer market.
We are heading in the right direction after a nightmare 12 months and I for one am happy, Vidal would be above and beyond what I expect but De Jong and Blind I would be ecstatic with.

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Dean - Would you rather we signed Blind and De Jong or Vidal? I can't imagine there'd be too much difference in terms of cost.

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It's a tough one R7 my heart says Vidal, but if he gets injured or suspended we are back in the same boat. At least with Blind and De Jong we would have a bit more cover, of course the perfect scenario would be Vidal and Blind but I suspect that Would be a little greedy ;)

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Yes Dean Blind and Vidal please

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25 Aug 2014 22:19:05
What would ye think of a swap with welbeck and vertongen, spurs are reportedly interested in welbeck, works for me.

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25 Aug 2014 22:43:44
I would have no objection to that at all

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25 Aug 2014 23:08:59
We are in desperate need of left footed defenders, so might as well.

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I'd rather see Welbeck heading abroad - but unfortunately I don't see there being too much interest and imagine that he would favour a move to another Premier League club. Swapping him for Vertongen wouldn't be a bad move - but I don't think it would be a particularly good one either.

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Gds

Well one of the left footed defenders as u put it can play in midfield something we desperately need.

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25 Aug 2014 22:12:19
Hi eds

New around here. Long time reader though. Great work eds. Must say it's quite relieving to finally see Angel Di Maria's arrival pics at Carrington in the Daily Mail. I hope we complement him by another marque CM signing in the remaining days.

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25 Aug 2014 22:12:02
Di Maria confirmed - British record fee - £59.7m! Great signing - although we need a CD, CDM and another pacey winger IMO.

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25 Aug 2014 22:08:00
Intresting comments from balague on dimaria "His entourage is saying that as soon as they found out Manchester United were in the equation then there was no PSG or anyone else, they just wanted to go to Manchester United."

So may be we are his first choice

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It would be nice to think so. Regardless; he's a good player and will improve the team.

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My just make Vidal and or Benatia come here

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25 Aug 2014 21:53:53
Does anyone else think Rooney should be dropped
Vastly overrated in my opinion. Would love to see falcao or cavani at man utd . Romney is indisciplined to stay up front. He goes wondering like he's playing in the park with his mates. If he's a striker then he should be staying up front not dropping to right back or centre of defence to pick up the ball.
Valencia reminds me of heskey big lad but looks like a deer in the headlight when facing the fullback.
Ashley young runs a lot but can't cross piss poor passing, can't tackle. Wat does he actually offer.
Love kagawa and Hernandez but for both their sake they need regular football so should leave.
Cm cleverly is turning into a carrick with his passing sideways or back, fletcher looks lost the game is to quick for him. Would be a great player for someone like Celtic or rangers.
Smalling and jones are terrible. Smalling can't pass looks afraid every time he plays. Jones meant to be the next Duncan Edwards .lol his positioning is terrible runs around like a headless chicken, neither of them have composure

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I don't know where to start picking holes in your post so have decided not to bother other to say you are a eejit. You love players who are adding little, you are slagging off players who are contributing. I can only assume you have banged your head.

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With fans like you, we really are in trouble.

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Draig
You should win some kind of award for that post.

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Hopefully if Fletcher goes to Celtic or Rangers you do too! Get a grip. I take it you 'support' United?! Stop your poor pessimistic judgements and start getting behind your team FFS.

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25 Aug 2014 22:22:00
Jones was our best player.

Smalling also played well till he went off injured. I don't get where this about his passing or bringing it out of defence.

Blackett and Keane also did well.

Cleverly seems to be the default player to blame. I thought he was better yesterday, not great but better. Not helped by the wide options or his partner.

Fletcher looks like a guy who's missed 4 years. Applause for the comeback but needs replacing. Vidal, de Jong, whoever.

Valencia and young what can be said. Sooner Shaw is fit the better.

Rooney, well most of his problems stem from the midfield, sort that and hopefully he keeps his position. We have bigger fish to fry than replacing strikers. Although maybe give Ed the shortlist now so by May he has made some progress.

Hernandez needs to go, offered nothing against Swansea whereas welbeck gave us some pace upfront yesterday.

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If our midfield were able to provide decent service he wouldn't need to drop deep. With any luck that will be solved over the coming week.

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This is a very unique post, not in a good way though.

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Yet another shocking post some folk run on perpetual misery I swear .

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25 Aug 2014 23:11:11
Draig meet beast, you would have a wonderful life together.

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Wow Draig got bish bash boshed.
Peeps its only the lads opinion, we don't have to agree with him but give him a break. Some of you should do some soul searching, maybe you'll find one.

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Sorry Draig, too much wine

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This is my opinion .some of you don't agree. Don't agree. Rooney has offered nothing since being made captain. Pre season is irrelevant to now. I stick to my guns that these players that I have listed are not good enough .
With regards to Hernandez and kagawa they are very good players just not used in the right way as they don't suit our style of play. Our midfield and defence is by far the worse I have seen in a long time at United.
How many of our players would make the City Chelsea and arsenal, Liverpool 1st team? Even when on form?
For me only de gea mata Rooney RVP .
Jones and smalling would get in the burnley team.
By the way I do think van gal is a great manager and will turn things around but will take time. Have a lot more confidence than I did in moyes.

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I think if there was a league table for the most ridiculous post of the season, then this post will be top. And I can't see it being beaten!

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Draig, welcome to the dark side! haha.

Honestly though I think you have gone a bit extreme even for me here. Rooney should be dropped if we go to a 4-3-3, but with two up top he should play. The service has been awful, but he should be creating more for himself and others irrespective.

The midfield is shockingly bad, nobody will dispute that, but Valencia does have it in him, look at the goal on Sunday, he is just lacking confidence and quick service like our attackers.

Smalling & Jones haven't been given enough games yet. They should be far more advanced than they currently are but too soon to criticise them especially as Jones & Smalling have been two of our best players this season including the pre-season. With a solid experienced player with them, they could flourish.

But even the most hardcore optimist will admit this side is not resembling a United team we have seen for 20+ years, there is a lot of TLC to be done. My concern is that for every step forward we make, we seem to take two backwards. Hopefully that will change once LVG gets his signings bedded in, time will tell.

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25 Aug 2014 21:31:36
Which front 3 will score the most this season?
Costa, Torres, Drogba
Sturridge, Sterling, Balotelli
Aguero, Negredo, Jovetic
Or Rooney, RVP, ADM
Or another front 3

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Aguero, dzeko, Jovetic

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Aguero, Dzeko and Jovetic seems a good bet. If we sign a top drawer CM though I can see it being the United bunch.

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Naismith, lukaku, Mirralas
Eriksen, lamela, Adebayor

These won't be far behind the options you have listed.

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I think the scousers unfortunately :(

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Scousers I know dean everton have decent front men and I hope you didn't liverpool

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Costa, Torres, Drogba - 35 (25/5/5)
Sturridge, Sterling, Balotelli - 35 (15/10/10)
Aguero, DZEKO, Jovetic - 50 (25/10/15)
Rooney, RVP, ADM - 35 (15/15/5)

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25 Aug 2014 21:29:38
I don't enjoy watching city win but when it's against liverpool I do specially after the rubbish we heard from them about di maria and the season so far so won't lie enjoying the game so far and having a right good laugh

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26 Aug 2014 07:33:36
In response to the criticism I received regarding my Rooney post, .in which I slated cleverly young Valencia etc.
some say get behind the team pay your 50 pound ticket and shut up. duhhhhh
what you are all forgetting is theses guys are earning 50k plus a week to do something they love, yet when they run on the pitch they are scared to perform. Don't give me an excuse that their confidence is low. Bull it's about time they understood the pride in wearing the shirt of Manchester United.
Every side mouriniho has they all play with passion all the players are committed . Ido think lvg will turn things round but not with Ashley young etc. we have far to many Avragel players. We are Manchester United supposedly the biggest club in the world?

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Rodgers is really bad at press conferences we played well but we switched off at half time and City scored this is the man who is going to win the league acording to some people you can't just switch off

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25 Aug 2014 21:17:59
Watching the Liverpool/city game, I can't help but think that some of the premature claims of Liverpool challenging for the title this season, are a little shortsighted, given the fact that there teams doesn't look no-where near as fluent as it did last season.

I know it is a bit to early to make a proper judgement, but given the fact that they have their strongest side out tonight, they don't look that much better than us, and we have half a team missing.

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25 Aug 2014 22:12:56
Samthered, I think you are being a little harsh. Yes Liverpool did look average, but I think it had more to do with how good city were. I hate giving them praise, but they looked strong in all areas. City and Chelsea look a cut above the rest of the league. It looks like the rest will be fighting for 3 rd place and below.

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Liverpool are a worse team than last year whilst Arsenal, City and Chelski have all improved. I don't see them getting anywhere near City and Chelski.

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Sam
Who said.Liverpool will be.challenging for the.title? Many.fans including myself havnt.
You say.Liverpools best 11, any team with Johnson in it is best.10' saying that we lallana, ballotelli and.possibly Markovic to go into that 11. Liverpool and arsenal have quailty squads but like arsenal we lack top class GK and CB partneroship.

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Al - That seems a pretty fair assessment. Just curious as to who you'd like to see as your first choice CB partnership given the players currently at the club? Are Liverpool fans happy with the CB's you have or would you like another signed before the window closes?

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Red
The plan was lovren and sakho( who can be rash) but should become top drawer, has everything. Lovren is rated very highly by me. However edd002 has said that that partnership won't happen as BR has llovren/sakho challengeing.for the same spot which.comes as a big surprise. Sktrl is a huge liability for Liverpool, he is just not good enough in every sense and doesn't listen. Mignolet and skrtl are big weaknesses for pool. Our new lb morena will be top drawer, he needs to improve defensivly and needs confidence. Apart from those stated Liverpool are just as good as city.in midfield and forwards IMO.
United are in the same boat, however need 2 quailty CB'S with pace and a leader in midfield

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Fair enough. To be honest I think Sakho is a year or two away from being a very very good defender. Perhaps the plan is to have him duke it out with Lovren until then while he develops? My only thought is that £20m for Lovren seems a lot if that's the intention - but I suppose our business has been just as bad in terms of overpaying. I'm not sure I'd fancy Squirtle either which is why I wondered whether fans wanted/were expecting a top CB to be signed this window. I suppose BR must see something in him we don't. One thing he does bring to the table though is presence - and that's never a bad thing.

I like what I've seen of Moreno but I'm not sure he's all there defensively. £12m is a steal for a player with his potential; but again I think it's a case of one or two seasons before he'll be at the level needed. LB could prove a big weakness for you until then (I think nearly 50% of City's attacks were down his side tonight which says a lot).

I don't think Mignolet is too bad - but he could probably do with some competition to keep him on his toes. I'm a little surprised Reina was allowed to leave as he'd have done just that.

I don't think we necessarily need two CB's - although if we're going to play with three at the back - the more cover we have in the position the better. Vidal is a must. He's Scholes and Keane rolled into one and would be massive both defensively and offensively. Fingers crossed we can sign him.

How confident are you that Liverpool can finish in the top four this season?

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Looking at the match Redseven Moreno got beat for pace by Navas everytime and he's not slow but he was so far up the pitch he just couldn't get back

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I expect Liverpool to challenge but fall short. You can't win the PL without a solid defense and especially top class GK.

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25 Aug 2014 20:58:55
Ed, with the likes of PSG and Madrid in need of sales to raise funds are there any such concerns with United or is this expenditure comfortable?
Also, am I right in thinking FFP rules appear to strengthen United's position in the transfer market due to the revenue we generate relative to all but one or two of the top European clubs? Thanks in advance for your time

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{Ed002's Note -All clubs need to balance the books - at the "high" end it is wages that need to be addressed.

FFP does sort of lend itself to the "larger2" or "successful" clubs. But it is complex.}

Evra Giggs Vidic Ferdiands salarly roughly covers the new sigings wages so no loss there transfer fees are a different story but ed woodward has got some great deals in

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25 Aug 2014 19:24:06
Seen an interesting stat today. Out of LVG's last 3 managements at club level (Barcelona, AZ and Bayern), he has failed to win any of his first 2 matches even though the were against lesser opposition. Not only that but the teams hit form after around 1 - 3 months.

How long do people think it will be before we hit form and start winning games?

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1 to 3 months lol

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Before LvG signed I said Christmas time, after the last two games, I would say Christmas time still :)

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25 Aug 2014 19:43:00
He said himself that it would take 3 months for us to get the hang of his system and his methods so we just have to be patient

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25 Aug 2014 18:45:19
Who will be our best value transfer and who will be the best value in the premiership?

For us I'll go with Rojo simply because we paid a premium for Shaw, Herrera and ADM. Rojo could b our next Vidic

For the premiership. Rodwell looks like a bargain, Fabregas although we all know he's quality. maybe even, dare I say it, Super Mario

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{Ed002's Note - Best value will be anyone who saves a club from relegation.}

If he can stay fit, I think you are right with Jack Rodwell. Every bit as much potential as Jack Wilshere or Ross Barkley.

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Couldn't agree more Betty, sadly all three of these players suffer with injuries. Rodwell more frequently than others.

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Bojan.

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{Ed002's Note - An often misused Japanese greeting.}

If we are talking about value for money, then if he behaves himself, Balotelli could be a good buy. Bojan could be a bargain like R7 said. Jack Rodwell if he can stay fit, but Costa seems to fit Chelsea nicely. I think I will wait until September 1st to answer this.

But if we are talking best signings regardless of money. Di Maria so far albeit yet to sign.

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Shaw will be key, but best value has to be Rojo as we have majorly overpaid for everyone else.

I have Bojan in my dream team, he looks a bit lost at the minute, might be too lightweight. If not him then Sigurdsson for Swansea.

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25 Aug 2014 18:02:14
This ADM transfer has been summed up perfectly for me.
My 13 year old son is sitting watching all his outrageous tricks, flicks&assists and is as excited as I have seen him in a long time.
This is what our club is about this excitement has been missing since Ronnie left and regardless of how much this deal ends up costing this is the kind of player who was born to play for United.

The next few seasons are going to be fantastic.

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Dean, wash your mouth out, optimism isn't allowed. We are doomed, LVG is a dinosaur, all our players are cr4p, we will be lucky to finish mid table, and so on, and so on

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AJH I couldn't give a sh!t what the naysayers are predicting I am bloody excited :)

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25 Aug 2014 20:28:43
AJH,

Lvg being a dinosaur was definitely my
favourite one of the weekend. I hope beast is ok, the rant was as hilarious as it was worrying.

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Haha, calmed down a bit now. Hope he ends up a T-Rex rather than a Diplodocus!

We need pace so bad it hurts, so although ADM isn't my first choice, he does bring that pace that will create space for once.

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Beast' the biggest question of the weekend is how to pronounce diplodocus. Is it dip-lod-ocus, or diplod-ocus. I prefer the 2nd one :-)

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I think it's the latter .

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25 Aug 2014 17:24:12
Eds

I know you have given your views on this earlier but with the quite likely arrival of ADM, do you think the club would still hold interest in cuadrado?
Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - I have to ask why given you know the answer are you asking?}

26 Aug 2014 05:35:37
Ed002, are you able to tell us who the other team in the running for Cuadrado is yet? Have MU just funded RM's move for both Falcao and Cuadrado? Are RM going Columbian this summer?

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{Ed002's Note - It is no secret that Barcelona retain an interest in Cuadrado. Chelsea have dropped their interest as Ivanovic is staying.}

25 Aug 2014 15:33:57
Boom:

UTD had almost their complete sqyad yesterday baring sShaw and Rojo and they looked clueless.

----

Add, Carrick, Herrera, Shaw and Rafael to that list.

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Don't forget Evans. Smalling going off injured.

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25 Aug 2014 18:33:34
And di maria.

Imagine Liverpool without Gerrard, Henderson, Lucas and coutinho.

It's not just our first team players that were out, the cover for them players were out as well meaning we were playing 5th choice. It's quite simple to grasp.

The clutching at straws that united are going to fail again from fans of others clubs is making this not too great start feel so much better.

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It will be nice to watch a fully fit MU XI get going.

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There seems to be more interest in us failing than what their own teams up to.
quite pathetic really, although this is the cross you must bear being the biggest club in the world.

It must hurt that we have a sponsorship deal worth more than their club.

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25 Aug 2014 15:32:31
Both Van Gaal's comments and actions to me suggest that Kagawa may well leave by the end of the window - especially with the impending arrival of Di Maria.

After the Sunderland game Van Gaal basically said Kagawa could not fulfill his wishes playing in central midfield role and he is very much a number 10 - Mata was playing number 10 and will likely share this with Di Maria and also Januzaj was favoured ahead of him. There quite simply is no way of getting Kagawa on the pitch, there are too many ahead of him for the number 10 spot and he won't be playing in central midfield if a forward like Januzaj is favoured ahead of him even when there are central midfield injuries.

It's a shame because I rated him. I think a loan move to Dortmund may be on the cards.

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I really like Kagawa and I'm gutted that it hasn't worked out for him at United. He needs to move on for his own good now and should probably be offered to Juventus, along with Chicharito and a large briefcase full of cash, in an attempt to being in Vidal.

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25 Aug 2014 16:58:35
I think Shinji needs to move :/ I really like Kagawa and he is a top player but it really hasn't worked out has it. I am sure he would open to a move back to Dortmund and if there is even a chance of a player + £ for Hummels we should really pursue that option.

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25 Aug 2014 17:45:41
he has done nothing to warrent either the fee we paid or his weekly wage. I agree he is a fine player but he has been a passenger in the squad for over 2 years now, not all his own fault agrguably but nonetheless he has not done it for us. He for me is in the same bracket as nani young welbeck cleverly at united a very overpaid squad player that makes no real major contribution i'd take wilson lawrence pearson over them as squad players this season. Maybe its a case of Just the Right place at the wrong time for kagawa. He is a better footballer than all the above but he does not fit in so its time to move on.

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I've wanted to like him but I don't think he's ever taken his chance, and he's had plenty. He's pretty and fancy but just hasn't created enough or grasped his opportunities

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25 Aug 2014 18:57:54
Agree 100% AJH (as usual), couldn't have put it better myself. So much time for him and I am begging for him to do well, he just doesn't do it.

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I actually don't he has been given a chance after all we kept playing rooney or mata at 10 and played him out wide how is that giving him his chance

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26 Aug 2014 08:47:37
RD,

he has had chances in centre mid and as number 10 and has failed each time. How can we trust him and give him the chance there when he is really poor when we do?

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25 Aug 2014 14:34:51
Ed002 if you're about, could you explain how a player qualifies for a work permit? I remember being told they have to play in 50% of their countries games in the past year. Just interested as I've read Rojo hasn't gotten his yet, but he's played nearly all year for Argentina?

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{Ed002's Note - The situation with work permits is that a player will be granted one if (a) he has played 75% of games at full international level for two years for a country ranked reasonably high up by FIFA (top 75), or (b) if an exemption is applied for and granted under the "exceptional talent" provisions. For example, if a case is made to the authorities that a young South American is a demonstrable talent and clearly one for the future, it should be reasonably easy to have an exemption granted. If however, a pretty much run of the mill or average player was being bought and it was clear they are not appreciably better than those which could be found locally, or are being bought because they are cheap, then it will be much more difficult to obtain a work permit. The downside of the system in the UK is that the "bigger" English clubs can cherry pick the decent talent available and can obtain exemptions, and the rest of the players are assumed not to be talented enough for an exemption (as Chelsea or Manchester United etc. don't want them) and therefore obtaining the exemption is much tougher. Some players can obtain work permits through their parents or grand parents being English.

Rojo's permit will probably be being held up whilst a legal matter is clarified.}

I must say I don't like the work permit rule, these guys will be coming in, putting on a good show and more importantly contributing to English society with taxes etc.

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{Ed002's Note - Taxes contribute to Governments - not society. The work permit rules are necessary and people need to meet the criteria set. For example, I have a work permit and periodically it has to be renewed.]

I guess the legal matter is the altercation with his neighbour.

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{Ed002's Note - I don't recall the detail - if it was a fan or neighbour or whatever.}

25 Aug 2014 16:36:51
I agree with the work permit thing to a degree

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{Ed002's Note - Take all of the polital stuff to the Politics page please.}

25 Aug 2014 14:43:33
as utd fans are not as sophisticated at making songs up for players, here is one for your new signing-
to the tune of debbie harrys maria, -
he moves like he don't care,
his skill is like silk,
he guides on thin air,
ooh he makes defenders wanna cry
di maria, youve gota see him,
he goes in and on the outside.
transfer fee well spend.
cos its di maria. di maria
repeat.

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I think that should have read "glides on thin air".

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Thanks lfc, very thoughtful. Here's one for your lot, to the tune of "Lord Of The Dance"

Suarez, a distant memory
Gone is the Rat faced liability
But trouble won't be far from LFC
If you go and sign that knob Balotelli.

I'm here all week. lol

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^ Funny

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Love em both:)

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Nice Betty. Lol

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25 Aug 2014 14:40:19
I still expect us to bring in Vidal;Blind and Lucas Silva after DiMaria signing although I would have loved that we bring in 2 more Centre backs like Vlaar and Martins Indi/Benatia.

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Not so sure we will get Lucas Silva, what makes you confident about him?

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Martins-Indi has moved to Porto. Vlaar is far too slow. Benatia is BM bound, but hopefully he has a change of heart this week.

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25 Aug 2014 15:41:32
vlaar is quicker than rio or vidic he is also a better CB than smalling and evans at this point

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I think you are going Vlaar a disservice Syd. There is more to defending than just pace. Is Vlaar any slower than Hummels, who you have been championing all summer? I am not suggesting he is a better defender, but you know what they say. what's good for the goose etc etc.
Like I have said before, I think we often under estimate what is right before our eyes. Instead, looking abroad with green eyes of envy.
For example, how many better centre backs were there in the EPL last season than Sylvan Distin? I'n not suggesting we buy him, but he was as good as any last year. An I include Vincent Kompany in that too.

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25 Aug 2014 17:24:22
Exactly, Betty. If a defender has good positional sense, and has a good reading of the game, then pace is not a pre-requisite.

Hummels looked painfully slow in some of the WC games, but no-one doubts he is a great defender. Remember Vidic getting done by Torres a few times too. Still wouldn't have swapped him for the world.

If there's enough pace around them, on top of the two qualities I outlined above, then someone like Vlaar or Distain, or anyone else for that matter, who is a good quality, solid defender, should fit in ok.

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Hummels being slow is a myth Betty. Ever since Messi left him for dust in one move at the WC. A myth started by the Liverpool fans when we were linked to signing him. Ron Vlaar is actually slow. At 29 (good experience), being a player LvG knows very well, don't you think he would sign him if he rated him highly instead of paying top dollar for Hummels or Benatia?

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Syd, really, I have to admire your dogged refusal to accept facts. Quite ironic considering you know them all.
The way you try to twist reality to support your arguement is actually funny.
Hummels is a top, top defender. But he does lack pace. To suggest that is "a myth started by Liverpool fans" is nonsense. He was pi$$ed for pace several times during the WC, not just the once by Messi. Like I said, he is a top defender who I would love to see at United. But he would / will get left standing by a LOT of quick forwards.

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Betty, where did I say Hummels was lightning quick? Of course he isn't, but he is far from slow and quicker than Vlaar. You do realise that Hummels was playing whilst injured at the WC don't you? I thought I would have a quick look at his pros and cons on a few sites just to see if I am missing something here, but lack of speed doesn't get mentioned in any of his cons. In fact he has no cons. I guess that's why he's one of the best CB's in the world. I wouldn't class Hummels as slow, for a big, stocky lad at 6ft3", I wouldn't describe him as slow. Not Rojo, but quicker than Ron Vlaar.

Steviek, you are right about Vidic, he wasn't exactly quick, but Vlaar is slower than Vidic. I think Vlaar is too slow for us, if others disagree then that's their opinion. Isn't that what this site is all about :)

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Rio and alan Hanson rated vlaar above all other defenders in the wc. He was fantastic for holland.

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Syd
Rather than check websites for info on a player you should try watching him.
He is a top player but does lack pace.
On vlaar I've never really noticed him, had a good wc

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I have watched him several times for club and country, but checked a few sites to see if I have missed something. Like I said he's not lightening by any stretch, but I wouldn't class him as slow. I would class Vlaar as slow. That's just my opinion mind.

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Syd, you have just proved my point about you twisting facts to suit your arguement. I originally said Hummels lacks pace, and you responded by saying that was a myth originating from Liverpool fans. You then further respond by saying "I never said Hummels was lightening quick".
Please read my posts again, and tell me where I suggested that you ever said Hummels was lightening quick.
In the grand scheme of things, it is a pointless debate. That a defender can still be top class, even if he does lack a little pace. It doesn't matter how quick someone is, there will always be someone quicker. Unless you are Usain Bolt.

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NM, in the WC every game is like a final. People play out of their skins. It's different when players are playing week-in week-out in a club side. Vlaar is a decent player, but I think he is too slow for us. I don't think he is good enough on the ball and I don't think his passing is great. But for me what I noticed most for Villa is his severe lack of speed. I don't think he's an improvement on what we have.

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This whole thread is ridiculous. Hummels is not 'slow'. He's not what I'd consider to be a fast player (Walcott, Robben, Messi, Di Maria, etc) but he has the positional awareness to make up for it.

Comparing him to Vlaar is like comparing Adam Johnson to Ronaldo. One of them is average and the other is one of the best in the world in their position.

People are panning Vlaar not because he is at Aston Villa rather than a top European club; but ultimately there is a reason why he is at a mid-table club rather than at one of the world's best.

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26 Aug 2014 00:09:04
I read through all the posts in this thread again, redseven, and not once do I see anyone suggesting that Vlaar is comparable to Hummels.

Even Betty, who mentioned Vlaar, also stated that he was not saying he was as good as Hummels.

The thread started as a wishlist, and took a turn towards the merits of less exalted players like Vlaar. At no point did anyone say he was better than Hummels.

You're getting annoyed for no reason, mate.

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Stevie - I wasn't annoyed. My comments stem from Betty suggesting that people under-rate Vlaar because he's not playing for a top club and subsequent responses suggesting that him being slow is not an issue - citing Hummel's speed as evidence. To be honest I was a little irked with suggestions that Hummels is slow - because he really isn't.

Vlaar looked good for Holland because he was playing with two other cb's. Most cb's will look good when playing in a back 3 - just look at Tyler Blacket. I caught him 2 or 3 times at Saint Andrews last season and he looked poor (albeit at lb). Our current formation requires discipline at the back more than it requires quality. Granted Vlaar (and Blacket) has that - but put him one on one against a top attacker and he will struggle more often than not.

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26 Aug 2014 01:33:11
Fair enough, fella. I don't think just because some of us don't think Hummels is the quickest, that we don't rate the fella.

I've already stated that pace isn't a pre-requisite anyway, providing there are other factors in place.

I think it's also that we're resigned to not getting Hummels, so we're having to consider slightly lesser lights.

Personally, I'd wait until next year, get into the top 4, and go all out for him then - someone like Blind in the meantime would be ideal.

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25 Aug 2014 14:04:14
I remember the champions league quarter final when we had Real Madrid.
We drew 1-1 in the first leg, and what stood out to me In that leg was Welbecks energy.

But, in the second leg there was so much build up about how we was going to mark ronaldo and how jones would man mark him. Well, we kept him fairly quiet but it gave so much space for di Maria he absolutely tore us apart on the right hand side. And there was a point in the game just before nani got sent off where I felt someone has to man mark this guy, he's to quick!

Now knowing he will probably be playing for our club I am so excited and very confident he will be tearing defences apart in red!

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I am never not impressed by Di Maria to be honest - he never really has bad games. He always plays at a good level and can quite often hit excellent.

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I like the fact that he is also comfortable and composed whilst defending he seems to like tracking back so if he is to play the wingback role I have confidence he would thrive :)

RD

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Thanks Ed. Were MUFC aware of this court case before signing him?

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{Ed002's Note - Oh yes. Spartak tried to resolve the issue originally back on 2010. It'll get sorted out.}

25 Aug 2014 13:52:30
Rojo had his work permit rejected? Should be ok on appeal Eds?

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{Ed002's Note - If it has been "rejected" it will likely due to the pending court case in Argentina that the club will be looking to clear up.}

Just to point out that the club won't know anything until tomorrow, as today is a Bank holiday.

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25 Aug 2014 14:31:46
I have no idea how these work permits work but could he not play for us without being payed? (until it is sorted of course. )
that way he isn't claiming money so technically he isn't working?

is this possible? like I said I have no clue, it was just an idea.

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{Ed002's Note - No.}

25 Aug 2014 14:34:28
Tier two visas are not dependent on the applicant having no criminal record - although they are judged on the severity of the charges. As Ed002 suggests; I expect the dept of visas and immigration will want to assess the strength of the allegations against him prior to granting a visa.

The whole thing has the potential to be a massive embarrassment for the club.

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25 Aug 2014 15:25:36
lol, didn't think so ed.

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25 Aug 2014 13:30:13
Guys, be patient. It is 2 games into the season, the window hasn't closed yet and we have some speed and ability to come back into the team. But even then, I think we have to look around and realize that all of the six teams above us last season are playing with relatively settled squads and excellent managers. Improving on last year's position will not be easy. However, as important as the position will be the manner of our playing. Are we capitulating when we play last season's top six, or are we picking up some points? Are we scoring again at OT?

Most observers will agree, the last few years have seen a marked deterioration in the squad's quality and a failure to adapt to tactical developments. It's a situation that's been coming for a long while and, IMO it's rooted in the complacency that SAF's motivational abilities and continuing success allowed.

For the time being we have to accept that we're going to be forced to pay a premium to bring in the best players. It's like interest rates on AAA and junk bonds. (Yes, we're witnessing the footballing equivalent of our debt after the LBO) But once we're on the road to recovery the rates will normalize.

Given our squad, do you think Pocchetino, Martinez or Rodgers would have been able to turn this around? Probably not and that's why we needed someone with maturity as a stop gap measure.

United cannot afford for LVG to fail, so get behind him and the team - at least until Christmas!

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25 Aug 2014 12:44:00
Angel di maria - nov 2009,
"Since I was 13 or 14 years old, I've been telling my mother and my father that my dream is to play some day for Manchester United, " he said. "And I won't stop till I get it. When I watch Rooney and all of them on TV, I can't wait to play there at Old Trafford. When I was a little boy I watched Arsenal games as well, but Manchester United always dazzled me most."

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25 Aug 2014 13:51:12
So are the reports of him preferring PSG over us not true? If he had it his way he would have stayed at RM with a pay rise.

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Sanchez said something not too dissimilar before moving to Barcelona. He then chose Arsenal over us. Ramsay is a Manchester United fan but chose Arsenal over us. Shaw is a Chelski fan but chose us over them. Eto'o and Fabregas also made comments about Mourinho to the effect that they would never play under him - and yet both of them have/are.

It helps to ignore comments like this - as football these days is about more than who a player supports growing up.

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25 Aug 2014 12:04:53
Looking at the Sunderland game I think it is plain to see Valencia is not atop rate WB, a CB and we desperately need a top class DM.

Ed002 is woody likely to try and address these weak areas on Wed-Thur at the alluded to meeting?

I would be tempted to use RVP in exchange for Vidal and if the media is to be believed and Falcao is available on loan try and get him in. Awesome scoring record and capable of running in behind. Scored bucket loads of goals where ever he has played. He is also 3 years younger than RVP.

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{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are referring to as "woody".}

25 Aug 2014 13:33:55
Toy Story, 002, duhh ;)

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That would be suicide and would add no value - we would go sideways. We would go from having a poor player playing alongside Herrera to an excellent one but at the same time lose our best player?

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Fresh - What exactly makes RVP our best payer? He can only play in one position and aside from scoring goals adds very little to the side. He rarely creates goals for himself - let alone others. He probably has fewer touches than any other player on the pitch in 9/10 games and loses the ball more often than not. There's no disputing that he is our best finisher - but he's also susceptible to injuries and has just turned 31. Is he our best player? Certainly not, in my opinion.

What good is having a great finisher on the pitch if we're lacking the players to create chances for him? What good is a player who misses half of the season through injury? What good is having a player that can score goals if we're conceding more than we're scoring because of our poor midfield/defense? What good is having 4 world class players that can't play in the same starting 11?

If losing RVP was the only way for us to sign Vidal I would do it in a heartbeat. I'm not sure I'd sign Falcao - but somebody like Aubameyang would be a great signing. He's fast, can finish, is full of energy and can play out wide as well as up top. He's what Welbeck might have been had he been given the game time to develop and would probably cost about as much as we could sell Welbeck for thanks to the English player premium.

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Plus Falcao will probably be moving to Real once the deal for Di Maria is wrapped up.

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I posted something similar the other day I would let rvp go if it meant getting vidal

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25 Aug 2014 14:33:21
Ed002, in regards to Cuadrado, do you see Fiorentina being reasonable between now and the end of the transfer window? Or will they stick to their guns and continue to price him out of the market? Thanks.

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{Ed002's Note - They want an auction. However, I think something may happen in a couple of days.}

'Apart from scoring goals he does very little' - as a main striker surely that is the point? The others around him, his strike partner, the number 10, the wingers etc have more to do than he does. But he does his job very efficiently.

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You also have to think - we would have great opportunities carved out by these players but we would lose our best finisher those chances wouldn't be turned into goas

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25 Aug 2014 17:18:11
Redseven, jred. Both spot on I would give up RVP for vidal, midfield needs sorted as there's no options, whilst there are other options without RVP.

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25 Aug 2014 17:26:25
Mpez, I'm just watching the Toy Story trilogy now with my son. Think I might have a bit of dust in my eye :)

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Fresh - the best strikers can create as well as score. Look at Messi, Suarez, Ronaldo, Rooney and Aguero. Each of them can contribute assists as well as goals and each of them can create a goal out of nothing. That's something RVP can't do.

We'd be losing our best finisher; but RVP is not that much better than Rooney when it comes to finishing. At the very least the difference between Rooney and RVP is minute when comparing the difference between Vidal and Cleverley.

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25 Aug 2014 11:54:52
Hi folks, does anyone have any updates on our injury's? when players are returning etc?

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Physioroom.com

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25 Aug 2014 09:11:18
ed, any update about di maria transfer to manu?

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{Ed002's Note - What sort of update are you expecting?}

Ed
updates like is he on the plane yet?, Has his plane landed?Has he started following any united player on the social media?

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25 Aug 2014 11:46:14
Devil,

It's happening. Simple really.

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Gds2 when he's holding up a n/o7 shirt and has put pen to paper I will relax, stranger things have happened when we have been confident of a signing :)

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John - No other club would be stupid enough to pay £64m+ for him. He's as good as signed.

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R7, actually you are wrong. Both PSG and City would have bought him had they not had FFP restrictions.

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Syd - If money were no object as was the case for those clubs prior to FFP; then perhaps you're right. That said; neither have ever spent that much on a single player.

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25 Aug 2014 07:30:28
If any eds around?

Could you please tell me if lucas moura was put up for sale at any time during this window?

Thanks and keep up the good work

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{Ed002's Note - No.}

Thankyou ed

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25 Aug 2014 11:05:59
Hi all,

My first post to this great forum.

It looks as though we will get Di Maria but at a stupid price.
I know we always end up paying more because we are United but if reports of £75m are true that is just mental.
As for the match yesterday,awful/lazy/slow/boring/amateur.
It's time the players reflect their wages and pull their fingers out.

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Its £63.9m including add-ons mate, according to several sources. A lot of money, but seeing Young and Valencia stinking the place up yet again yday, it's money well spent.

We still need a CM badly though.

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25 Aug 2014 11:47:05
They aren't true. It's just over 60 and that's with add ons. Enjoy us signing top players and stop moaning when we do.

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25 Aug 2014 13:56:04
Haha one minute we don't spend enough, then when we finally throw enough money at a club to secure a quality signing we could really use people still moan. I just don't understand, is moaning really that satisfying?

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24 Aug 2014 20:03:10
A question for Edd02.

Could you give any information on players we may look at that perhaps have not been mentioned heavily.
Cheers

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{Ed002's Note - I cannot think of anyone who has not been mentioned.}

25 Aug 2014 11:02:55
Whats Done is done, now let's concentrate on the next game against MK DONS.
This is the game where we can give a chance to few of our reserves.

1. James Wilson(if fit) - he may be our 4th Choice now, but is a very good finisher and this game can be his chance to prove his worth to LVG

2.Varela/Janko - both have a lot of pace and can play at RWB, far better at crossing than valenica.

3.Andres Periera - This guy is really talented and don't know why he was not on the pre-season team. He makes things happen in the final third and very similar to kagawa.

4.Demetri Mitchell - This guy has been outstanding on the left side of the field.I know it might be very soon for him to get into the side, but if can give 30mil+ for shaw then why not give a chance to an academy player.

Apart from these I think players like harrop, pearson, lawrence will do a far better job then the ones played against sunderland.

will like to know your(experts) thoughts on this or you might mention any other players that can feature in these kind of fixtures.

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25 Aug 2014 11:54:32
Think varela has gone on loan to Real Madrid with the option of a permanent deal

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Usually I'd say in this instance that we can't afford to give youth a chance. The League Cup is probably our only chance of winning anything this season and - based on our start in the league - our best chance of European football next season.

Losing to MK Dons after taking one point against Swansea and Sunderland would also be very off-putting to potential signings as well as being damaging to our already low confidence. We need a result - but at this point I don't think playing youth could be any worse than playing our first team.

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I don't think it will b all the kids, would imagine kagawa, anderson, chicharito, zaha etc will all play, possibly powell and m. keane

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25 Aug 2014 10:56:36
2 games in and people are agitating to get rid of the manager. Utter madness.

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25 Aug 2014 11:28:59
It's a joke, mate.

But I've come round to the opinion that Utd fans aren't as classy as I used to think they were.

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25 Aug 2014 11:49:36
Lads,

The real fans are pretty classy, the ones who are fans because we love the club and not because the club is successful. Unfortunately there are fans who only support us because we were good and will probably be Chelsea or city fans soon. Always going to be some fans like that, just have to ignore them and know yourself your love for the club.

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Bring back moyes :)

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I think most decent fans recognise we are very short in certain areas and have been hit by injury in key areas.

Wing back: personally I think Raphael could be a blinding wing back down the right and Shaw will improve the left.

CB: we are short here but Evans and now Smalling have injuries.

CM: Carrick and now Herrera are both injured.

That's 6 potential starters we are missing. Add in RVP coming back late from the World Cup along with Januzaj and that's going to have an impact.

I do think Woodward has again underperformed so far this window and still think we need another CB and CM to come in though.

But bearing in mind the fact we are playing a new system that will take a little time to get used to and everything else I think we need to have some perspective as to immediate expectation.

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Its easy to support a team that always wins

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Rojo Shaw Herrera Carrick Smalling Evans a returing Van Persie possible Di Maria coming in we will be a lot stronger if all these were fit

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25 Aug 2014 10:12:41
Gary Neville: that defeat to Swansea took away all or any negotiating power utd might have had. Last week, the call every club and agent wanted was from Utd. People know how badly we need players


Thats why its better to take care of the transfers early on, if possible.

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25 Aug 2014 10:01:46
Angel di maria due to land at midday to sign, is this our business finished. not a chance, heard talk of 2 more in (one defender, one other?) and at least five leaving. we just need to start transferring it to the pitch now

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25 Aug 2014 10:46:49
You promise?

Where did you hear this?

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I think we'll sign one more.
De Jong.

I used to think I'd prefer Blind over De Jong but I think we need someone who can stop an average midfielder like Cattermole from dominating the midfield for 90mins, Blind doesn't have the physicality.

We've got enough neat, tidy passers of the ball, we need a ball-winner.

Blind's good though, if we signed him I wouldn't be gutted but De Jong is more what we need.

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You might be right Red. I'm not his biggest fan but he ticks a lot of boxes: Premier League experience; familiar with van Gaal; aggressive, defensive midfielder; would fill a gap til next season; affordable.
He would of made a big difference yesterday, we shouldn't be getting bossed by the likes of Cattermole.
I'm really not sure about this 3-5-1-2 formation. I think 4-3-3 would make us more solid and give us more confidence.

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25 Aug 2014 09:48:37
Rant Time - Don't bother if you love LVG and don't typically like my views.

I think we are being managed by a bit of a dinosaur who we will live to regret. New managers are students of the game, and LVG was a great tactician in his day - hence most current managers know his tactics inside and out, they studied him hard.

He did exactly what Moyes did, demanding to assess every player for himself before making the cull. Knowing full well the date the season starts, yet we are looking ridiculously under prepared. There were certain players who should not have been given yet another chance obviously (well to us anyway not somebody who has been living on Pluto for 5 years it seems).

He should have learnt from the Moyes mistake, but he didn't. In fact he has been a more extreme version of Moyes, but his arrogance and our desperation has made us believe he is a great man for the job.

He should have known that Woodward takes time to get his man, hell Shaw and Herrera were legacies of the previous manager, surely he must have realised it's not a simple process for us to sign players - or was he too arrogant to assume the way deals work at Utd just change for him?

He then contradicts himself numerous times, paraphrasing here:

This squad can win the league - it will be a miracle if we win the league.

We don't need players - we need signings, the team is unbalanced.

We are going to play pressing, free flowing football - performance wise we are slow, devoid of ideas and scared to play a pass that isn't 10 yards and to the side or behind.

A signing can take no time - it now takes time to sign players.

I want to judge players for myself - let's Ferdinand go so we have zero experience at the back.

Rooney is my captain - "It may not be right decision" after Valencia game!

There are more examples of his naivety, contradictions or bad decision making. We have no CL this season so everything needed to go into the league and we have a perfect set of fixtures to help bed in his new tactics and systems. The good fortune we were given has been wasted.

Man for man we are still far better than Sunderland and Swansea, yet we looked worse - the only reason we lose or draw is because our tactics are wrong. These aren't the tactics we will be playing in a few weeks either, so I don't see the point!

He changes his tactics at half time of the first game to a new formation, despite no work being done on them for all pre-season games. The desperation of an old man out of touch with the pace of the modern game if you ask me, not a tactical genius prepared to adapt.

He is obviously adopting some old school tactics in training - is anyone surprised that Shaw gets injured, when he is put on some "Special" LVG fitness regime?

Moyes was lambasted for changing the training regime, yet LVG has taken it to a whole new level. Our players are dropping like flys, it's not the 90's anymore, players miss games for a headache, can somebody tell him this?

He is not giving youth a chance out of choice either, so those of you that are praising him for this need to look at things objectively. He is playing youth because he doddered about too much with the poor squad and we have no other players, he brought in a system designed to get the best out of our 3 stars upfront, but not assessed the fact you need to have service for those 3 and we have no pace anywhere to support. So he tries to turn wingers into wing backs, inexperienced CB's into CB's for a brand new system they have probably never played at junior level and then expects them to work magic in the Prem.

If LVG had come first, he would have gone far quicker than Moyes and there would be absolute uproar.

We are about to sign a player in Di Maria that will be like Robben for Holland at the World Cup - but half as good. Take away the Spain game and I can't think of one decent performance from Holland offensively. Spain was our US tour - players wanting to impress, but then getting confused with all the messages and then slow, predictable, robotic displays ensued.

First 10 mins of yesterdays game, all I saw was Giggs, LVG and the real Assistant Manager sitting there scribbling on their pads like Mad Scientists on a chalk board - what the HELL is going on?!

Whatever his plan is, it clearly isn't working, "too soon" some of you will say, but he has been out thought by Monk and Poyet so far, let's wait until Martinez, Rodgers, Mourinho & Wenger are in town, it could be embarrassing.

We are now going to blow £70mil on somebody not worth more than £30mil at a push. This will mean players need to play out of position yet again to accommodate him, or we have wasted £37mil on Mata and £300k a week in wages on Rooney. We have also wasted 2 months of preparation time on a system we are changing, who plays with 3 CB's when you have no experienced CB's or reliably fit CB's anyway?

Too many square pegs in round holes yet again, he mastered what Moyes developed here.

I am very very worried. I said a couple of months ago that we are getting carried away with LVG, he has done nothing to get us so excited. Yet I couldn't predict this mess.

It's alright saying "I need time to sort things out", but he is creating half the problems himself. Who walks into any relationship and says the first 3 months are going to be a nightmare but it will be ok after that. He is turning a casual drug user into a wrecked junky and then making them go cold turkey, and expecting us to be happy about that? You would say bugger off then, because the first 3 months are absolutely vital and what guarantees can you give me that it is going to be alright after that 3 month adjustment period, which we are well into now and still aren't playing a system we will be playing - so how is this serving any purpose?

He has shoe horned this old school system on incapable players, now he is going to try and buy his way out of it in desperation - how long will it take them to adapt, who says they will?

Mess and getting messier, I think we have been hoodwinked by a cocky used cars salesman. We are the most BORING team in the league to watch as well, the players look confused and scared.

LVG is the bad guy in films where everyone is afraid he might flip any second and we are all doing that fake laugh with him as he slowly dismembers the last remains of a dying man, "You enjoying this guys", "er yes Boss, couldn't be better"!

I love our club, but everything is out of control. The guy we hired to save the patient is slowly killing it and a lot of people don't realise.

I won't bother putting my suggested solutions, because first this has been a long post and secondly I'm not the one being paid millions and millions of pounds to sort this out!

Thanks for reading my thoughts.

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25 Aug 2014 10:46:03
Hate to lie at your house beast!
jesus!

Anyway to your above rant,
i could contradict your post to bits.
I will avoid trolling though.

Easy to pull every phase outta a bag and take each one out of context to suit an arguement.

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Beast

LvG is here to design and structure us for the long term. He inherited a complete mess given the shocking transition and appointment of completely the wrong man last time, tied with the lack of serious investment over the last few years of SAF's reign.

I have confidence LvG will sort out the mess and he has the CV to back it up, we are in a completely different place manager wise to 12 months ago. There is a point that he arrived late from the World Cup but from what I have seen he is doing things right so far. Yes my first choice was Klopp but LvG will sort this out and given we know he can do it I will be right behind him.

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Jesus Beast, get a grip. We have a new manager and a new system. We have half our 1st team injured and new players to bed in. It's been 2 games. You may or may not be right. It let's give it more than 2 games to decide.

As for the contradictions, whilst he speaks English it is clear he uses words that are perhaps not exactly what he means. Live with it

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The world's biggest ever over-reaction in written form! Get a grip we are in the midst of our worst ever injury crises and he also took over a squad that had had the confidence squeezed out of it in the last 12 months ,I tell ya patience are in serious short supply these day's

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{Ed004's Note - We were only missing Rafael, Evans, Rojo, Shaw, (smalling from ht), Carrick, Herrera and had Rvp playing his first game back in over a month. How dare LvG not win it}

Wow, 2 games in and your saying this?

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No offence mate, and this isn't a criticism of your opinions, which you're entitled to, but I hope you're made to eat your words. I think it's far too soon to be making such bold criticisms of LVG, there's a long way to go.

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25 Aug 2014 11:07:10
U could replace LVG and put SAF there mate, all managers contradict themselves, the savvy ones use it to there advantage. LVG knows exactly wot he needs

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Wow, that was. something.Definitely something.I'll cut my arguement short here.
You give this squad (the first eleven that played against swansea and sunderland) to anyone; wenger JM, martinez and you'll get the same thing.Our squad is bipolar. In the 3-4-1-2 yesterday, the front three are manchester united players, the back seven could be playing for a team struggling for survival in the championship.
The only thing I agree with is the transfers which I can't understand either, not the delay, nor the personnel.

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Beast, bruv, wrong or right I read every word, loved it.

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W was arguably missing our full defence except jones who may well not b first choice when everybody is fit. I fully believe we will finish comfortably in the top 4 this season

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25 Aug 2014 11:34:35
Beast, agree in parts, disagree on a lot more. Either way, it was a great read, mate.

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Beast I don't think you'll ever be happy. You should find a new team to support.

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Yeah, LvG has really turned into a dinosaur. since the World Cup!

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I trust LVG will sort us out but 2 games have convinced me it's going to take longer than I first thought.

My main worry is, LVG is supposedly this infectious, strong character who instils confidence and in pre-season the club seemed to be buzzing and chomping at the bit for the league to start.

But in 180mins, all we've seen is a lack of confidence and a lack of desire, its like the initial buzz of LVG has worn off quickly and we're back to being a Moyes team.

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I just think you clearly need a hobby and fast!

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Did he not just take a very ordinary dutch side to third in the world cup I think if he had been found out they would not of got out of the groop wait till he gets the players he 2wnts

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Great post; but it's perhaps a little too early to be making it. I agree with everything you say in one way or another. I honestly believe that LVG will not last the duration of his contract. Hopefully I'm wrong!

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Same guy who outsmarted Del Bosque and Scholari at the world cup two mangers who are considered in the top mangers in the last 15 years Samponoli who is a good tactican and bet a stubborn Costa Rica and Mexico and yet he is a dinosour effective football always beats attractive football just look at Wengers Arsenal to Mourinhos chelsea

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Cheers for the feedback guys. Obviously there is a long journey we have just started and I hope I am wrong, but I genuinely don't like what I see or hear from LVG.

Christmas will be a good time to see what football we are playing and have a firmer assessment, but if this was a 3 month probation like in most jobs, he would not be taken on a permanent contract. The medium-long term only matters if you have time, we don't have time and LVG is in the twilight of his career.

You can support the team without agreeing with the decisions being made at the top. Its one factor that makes you a true fan if you stand by the team and care when the going gets tough - places like this allow you to vent rather than doing so at the ground or to smug mates.

The World Cup is a different beast to club management, its exactly the same in terms of signing players on the back of a good world cup, most of the time you are proven to be a sucker.

Fingers crossed the master plan kicks in before top 4 is out of our reach.

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25 Aug 2014 13:29:06
I did say in an earlier post, that for those of us raised on exciting Utd teams, successful or not, then LVG's appointment, and the way we played in our first league game, might give cause for concern.

He did well with Holland, but hand on heart, did anybody really enjoy watching them play after the Spain game?

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25 Aug 2014 14:02:56
I've just copied and pasted that as an example under the term "over-reaction" in the English dictionary.

You must have a tunnel strapped to your head because that was very narrow minded :)

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StevieK - I got a lot of flack on here for criticising Holland's football during the World Cup - but I stand by it. It was uninspired and dull to watch.

It's all well and good saying that attractive football doesn't beat flair and style; but compare Holland's style of play to the eventual winners and tell me which you'd rather we adopted?

I concede that LVG probably didn't have the players to go out and play like Germany and that his tactics with that squad of players were probably the only ones that could have yielded a third place finish; but we are not Holland. We have the resources and the foundations (in RVP, Rooney, Mata, Herrera and Di Maria) to play high tempo, attractive, attacking football. That's what our success is built upon - and I will accept no less.

Once/if ADM is signed we will have spent near enough £140m under LVG. If that's not enough for LVG to at least challenge for the title then I worry about his long term future at the club. He's been sacked from Barcelona, Bayern and Holland in the past - and if he doesn't turn things around I would not be at all surprised to see him sacked from Manchester United.

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I have posted a detailed reply to this which is on the "Other Posts" page. Please have a look if interested.

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25 Aug 2014 17:28:14
Read it, REDFAITH. Good post, mate. Should have been on here.

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25 Aug 2014 09:28:49
In the circumstances that was a good point yesterday. To end up with the three defenders we did, being Keane on his debut, Blackett and Jones meant it was actually a decent result, Jones had a particularly good game. I bet none of us expected that defensive line up pre season. It flags that we should have done at least some of our business earlier. Add that to a poor central midfield pairing in Cleverley and Fletcher and it makes the point a reasonable outcome. Fletcher has declined significantly which is sad but he is no longer good enough. Ashley Young does the same thing over and over, he always cuts back on to his right foot making him predictable, he is also predictable with his diving. Yesterday it would have been given as a penalty he hadn't been so theatrical once touched. A positive from yesterday is that LvG will give young players a chance, in the past we would have gone for experience, it is a good message. It also surprises me why Januzaj doesn't start but as Young declines and a likely change of formation should we get the players LvG wants maybe we will see more of him.

We will know what transfers are happening in the next week and that will define our season but a point yesterday was a point gained given the team available. I have every confidence LvG will sort out the mess he has been given.

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I agree Red Man, Sunderland are by no means an easy game away, we were missing key players. I love how were getting wrote off already, at the end of tonight liverpool or city might have lost just as many as us, suppose they will finish mid table too? keep the faith man its a marathon not a sprint

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Think we know where kloot is, he's morphed into the beast! One game in bud, things will be fine

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25 Aug 2014 08:47:33
Juan Cuadrado has admitted that he is not sure where he will wind up playing his football this season, claiming he is not in control of his future amid the transfer speculation surrounding him.

Surely the player must have some say in where he will end up playing? How come he is not in control of his future?. Bizarre.

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How can someone disagree with a statement of fact?
delusional!

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He probably knows where he wants to be playing, but doesn't know if the clubs can reach an agreement.

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25 Aug 2014 08:38:06
Two things
1)Anyone else think LVG is being diplomatic before his inner dictator takes over.I think the sword is going to fall on some of our "better players" very soon.I wouldn't be surprised if after the transfer window(when we have a total of 5-6 new players including shaw, rojo, hererra and ADM), a big player has a "falling out" with LVG. It will be quite a coincidence.Not.

2)I don't want to get into money but for the price being quoted for ADM, we may have got cuadrado and lucas moura both.I know it doesn't work that way but wish it would.How many issues would that solve?

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In a nut shell we needed things to change quickly so we could get back on track. LVG will have impressed decision makers with his apparent ruthlessness. BUT it has all been a bag of wind, what's the point in bringing down the axe once the window has closed? We need top 4 minimum but we look more likely to be lower-mid table at the moment.

ADM is this seasons Fellaini.

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If we get di maria one of rooney, rvp or mata may find his position under threat

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25 Aug 2014 11:03:16
Hopefully Rooney ;-)

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25 Aug 2014 11:39:40
'ADM is this years Fellaini' is my candidate for quite of the season

You're a legend Beast

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25 Aug 2014 06:58:52
Hello guys.
How many of you think Woodwards "watch this space ' player was di maria?
I don't think so as at that he wasn't even available.
So who was it? Or he was just instructed to say it because united would do all they could to make a statement signing this summer?

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25 Aug 2014 09:11:55
Or perhaps it was a general comment? Maybe it was ment as we will sign players and get back to the top, watch this space!

I dnt think it was a comment to a specific player, more of a comment that we will sign the players lvg thinks we need.

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25 Aug 2014 11:59:34
For me we need to sell Rooney. He slows our game down his passing is poor his finishing is not top fantastic .yes he runs about a lot like a kid in the park (works hard) can't play 10 position because he dosent have the discipline or vision or passing game. We should go all out to sign falcao, and cavani who would be great improvement. Hernandez as much as I like him he is wasted at United would do very well in a team like arsenal or Liverpool smalling is a championship player at best.we are crying out for a defensive leader. We have none .evans is not the saviour as some think again not united class.we also crying out for a cm leader someone who is a bit nasty again we don't have it. Why didn't we try to sign fabregas . De Jong for me would be a terrific signing
I was all for giving fletcher a chance but it's clear he isn't good enough for the top 10 prem team.
I suppose now we have to be realistic and understand we are where Liverpool were under and after Souness .
Van gall will lay a good foundation but will not be successfull as a manager. We should have brought him in as a director of football and hired a young coach. For me polyethylene is destined for the top.
Would have loved kloop but he wasn't interested. Hopefully in 3 years time he will be.
Some I'm sure will disagree with me but we are all have an opinion which makes it such a great site.
Sorry for the rant just needed to get it out.lol

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DG, there are many who will agree with you and many who will disagree in regards to Rooney. I actually think he is suited to playing behind the main strikers. I think he will be okay to play in a pair with Van Persie too, but Rooney upfront on his own would be worrying. He is so easy to keep under control by opposition defences that he has to go deep to collect the ball, then when he has it there's no one ahead of him to pass it to. This is why he was played behind the main striker by SAF. For me I would sign a Cavani or even use Wilson upfront with Van Persie and play Rooney behind them.

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25 Aug 2014 03:28:26
Well a 10 days abroad was slightly dampened by 2 poor performances.

However, I do think that there is some promise in that team.

I like that mata is in his preferred position and it is a matter of time until he's firing on all cylinders.

The midfield today was, poor, fletcher needs someone creative along side him, and I fear that this could have been one of cleverly's last chances. But to me what that showed is how big of a player Herrera will be for us.

Phil Jones was superb today, had it not been for him we would have definitely conceded a couple more. Maybe nows the time he steps up and becomes the leader we all believe he can be.

As for the strikers, RvP did a lot more running than I think i've ever seen him do. He wasn't great, but it was his first game back, cut him some slack!

As for Rooney, well, he for me is the problem in the side, his will to win is often our downfall because he comes looking for the ball in the pocket, leaving mata without room to work his magic, this isn't great. But i'm sure he'll grow into his out and out striker role.

But hey, 2 games in. 1 point. we've been in worse positions than this!

And with a genuine world class player in Di Maria inbound, and i'd put my house on at least 1 more addition, if not 2. Its not all doom and gloom at old trafford.

Believe in the philosophy guys!

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25 Aug 2014 03:23:10
The only positive I could derive from yesterday's match was that some of those playing have better replacements who are either injured or ineligible or arriving soon. Cleverley has never gone back to that performance in the community shield against City. I have always been rooting for him but to no avail. Can he really turn it turned? I am not positive.
What's happened to Fletcher! Not just our shoddy defense and midfield, Rooney and Mata are not playing to a certain level. Wonder what the issue really is. Its really going to take time to have a team playing in a new formation but come on, there has to some bit of individual skill involved too when you are touted with having that calibre. There is only some dynamism with Januzaj coming on. We definitely need starting CMs and CBs, not squad players. This was more difficult than predicted.

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24 Aug 2014 23:03:13
Have I been banned from posting on the banter page? Last 5/6 posts I've submitted haven't shown up.

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{Ed001's Note - yes mate, that is why I never saw this question.....}

Thanks for the smart reply Ed.

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25 Aug 2014 17:29:34
Look, mate. That one got through too :)

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24 Aug 2014 18:49:56
To the Ed's with the build up to the deadline.
Id love to see I chatbox.
Could that be possible?

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{Ed001's Note - unlikely mate, I doubt we would have the time to get it set up this time around. I will have a look into it for January. No promises though, as it might not be workable.}