Manchester United Banter Archive January 26 2014

26 Jan 2014 22:28:18
Interesting comments from Mourinho this evening. Basically said that he has built the Chelsea team around Oscar playing the central attacking role (no. 10) hence why Mata is surplus to requirements. Went on to say that he tried Mata on the right and he did ok in some games, but he is not comfortable there because its not his natural position (playing wide). Then added that when a team like Manchester United comes and tells him he is going to play in his favourite position and he wants to go, he goes.
Of course this could be Jose up to his mischief again, but it would appear from these comments, if true, that Mata will be playing the no.10 role for us. If this is correct it will be interesting to see where DM intends to play Rooney. Perhaps on the right of the "3" in a 4231? Could be very exciting times ahead for us :)

26 Jan 2014 23:31:54
All the pieces are there you just need to put them together.

In the summer he states that Rooney is a Striker and should be played as such.

Mata signs and he mentions that Mata is the start on the NEW Manchester United.

Now Mourinho has said that Mata moved to us as he was promised he could play his favoured position.

If all these statements are true and RvP isn't going to be leaving then maybe the answer is 4312.

That puts RvP and Rooney in their best positions, it puts Mata in his but it is a very definate move away from the Manchester United of old and our wing play, maybe that's the new Manchester United Moyes was talking about.
It could work with Fellaini as the achor with Vidal and Kroos in midfield with Mata between them and the forward line.

Apparently Moyes is after another striker, why go after a striker when we have two world class strikers but lack quality wingers?

I think several of the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place, let's see where we go from here.

Was it season before last when fergie played with this set up for a number of games?

if memory serves correct it worked our rather well for us.

I've heard a rumour that rvps injury isn't bad at all. He's not happy at the club and wants to leave. I hope it isn't true.

If RVP wanted to leave, why would he bother making a big deal tweeting welcome Juan Mata?

If he is not happy I'd let him go in the Summer if we could Invest in a Class Younger Striker. DC would be class but unlikely.

RvP will be firing them in for us when he's fit. People always seem to worry a bit when a player is injured. When he starts scoring again these rumours will disintegrate.

26 Jan 2014 22:01:11
Can anybody give some details on when mata will officially be unveiled to the media etc? I.E when the press conference is?

Thanks

Monday 1:30 pm

26 Jan 2014 21:43:19
syd seen down the page you said you had a felling about Coentrao coming in on loan
do you think we would have the option to buy
thanks

26 Jan 2014 22:29:41
My wish list in order:
box to box CM - Vidal
playmaking CM - Kroos, Gundogan, Cabaye or Herrera
CB - Mangala or Zouma
LW - Reus
LB - Shaw, Coentrao, or Sandro

I think the LB situation is critical for January. Any of the others coming in would be amazing, but we probably have to wait until the summer.

26 Jan 2014 19:30:23
I am the best in the world in my position, Vidal.

Over confidence, arrogance, or fact?

I think it is a fact at the moment he is the best!

{Ed004's Note - Fact. He is the best defensive midfielder in the world yet scores 10+ and assists 10+ a season}

Absolute fact. We'll all be singing from his song sheet if at United after the summer.

Fact only person who may disagree is Yaya Toure

I watched the game last night where juventus drew with lazio.
Vidal was allover the place sometimes a bit scrappy, but he won the ball in most of the challenges he went in for.
I think a move to Utd would be good for him so he could keep his shape more and let the players around him create the play, letting him do his work and not getting caught allover the place.

26 Jan 2014 18:17:17
Man City Vs Chelsea
Arsenal Vs Liverpool
Everton Vs Swansea
Sunderland Vs Southampton.

Some big FA cup fixtures. Surely it's City's to lose if they beat Chelsea.

That's what everybody said last season.

26 Jan 2014 17:59:28
I was on here in the summer saying would you guys take Cabaye, I was shouted down saying he is not good enough. Now it looks like your after him, suddenly he is good enough. Your problem is he will cost 20m + as its not always about how much a player is worth, its now out bidding others. PSG, Arsenal and I wouldn't rule out Liverpool ether. good luck getting him for less than 20m

I would rule out Liverpool straight away.

I would be disappointed if we spent £20m+ on Cabaye. There are better players out there, younger and cheaper.

And he still isn't good enough, IF we do buy him I hope he turns into some sort of midfield monster and I'll hold my hands up

Out of interest who would you prefer?

I'd rather see Vidal or Martinez but they're going to be more expensive.

Maybe Bangea? McCarthy?

Vidal Vidal Vidal!

Cabaye is premier league tried and tested, who can say if an expensive foreign import will cut it in the prem?

John, were you happy the last time we bought a tried and tested EPL midfielder?

Vidal is the embodiment of a Premier League player. Like Robson, Essein, Gerrard, and Lampard did some sort "Twins" style experiment to create him.

Question is will he agree to come and can we do a deal? With Juve looking at Guarin looks promising but if it falls through I'd take Cabaye.

Road, I'm sure he would come, but Juventus will want a lot of cash for him. If we sincerely have plenty of cash and Moyes wants five stars, then I'd say forget it, pay what it takes to get Shaw and Vidal and promote the youth. Shaw, Vidal & Mata will be plenty. Stick Jones in defence and promote Michael Keane.

26 Jan 2014 16:40:17
Seeing lots of rumours about cabaye, kroos and dante. To be honest I would rather moyes waited until the summer to get Vidal, reus and mangala. Or if money is not and issue then why not pay a premium to get them now.

I know we look weak at the back, but Dante and mangala are cup tied for the champions league so what about zouma? Kroos is cup tied as well and I don't see bayern letting two players leave in this window.

Eds what is David moyes focus, moving up in the league (securing top 4) or progress in the champions league?

How about Herrera, shaw and Zouma, surely they would allow us to see good progress on both fronts. Let me know what you think.

{Ed004's Note - Top 4}

Personally I would prefer United to spend massive and sign Vidal now. In the long term £40 million for a world class player, probably a world best player at centre mid, that we could get 6 world class seasons from, is not even expensive. I would also like United to then attempt to sign Gundogan or Kroos. If not Vidal, then I think maybe we would target Lars or Sven Bender. Also if not Kroos, we might target Koke come the summer.

26 Jan 2014 16:25:45
Just watching athletic Bilbao, Herrera looks an amazing player. He is full of running, technique, skill, tackles, passing. He's worth every penny of the buyout clause, but I'm sure that boat has sailed.

Totally agree Nomidfield. Looks like a quality player. What do people think about Phil Jones.

In recent games he has looked powerful and full of running, but his lapses in concentration worry me. Enthusiasm is one thing, but he tends to chase the ball, ignoring positioning (both his and the oppositions). I know composure comes with age and experience, but he should be improving by now. His injury record is also a concern.

I will also admit he has not had much game time at center back.

Yer I agree I really like him would of been still could be a v good signing imo

Buy Herrera now! What a first touch and excellent cross. Might be worth seeing if they will throw in Muniain as well (no chance I know). Both look excellent.

I agree No Midfield, a beautifully balanced player. I'm not sure that we don't need a slightly tougher version of him, now that we have Mata.

Might have a point pip, but I think he'll handle himself very well. He's so athletic. His touch is incredible. He'll speed up our midfield no end.

Gee where have yo guys been I said all last year this boy an muniain are very good. He has one of the best turns in the opposite direction when receiving the ball and leaves people for dead. Exactly what cleverly does not have

Having said that I can also argue he is nto worth 31 million quid and athletic overprices all their players and very difficult to deal with.

a cheaper option that will give us some cover and creativity is banega.

26 Jan 2014 15:47:34
Looking back to pre-season, Moyes must have surveyed the squad and realized just how weak it was. Then, shortly after the season got going, he was vocal in that assessment, implying we were short 4-5 world class players. This negativity entered the psyche; those who may have been playing above themselves reverted to their lesser selves. It was a classic case of lower expectations leading to inferior outcomes. You can criticize Moyes for this, but in fact he was just recognizing what we all knew was true - the cupboard was bare. To make matters worse he's had key injuries to work around. With RVP, Rooney and Carrick out for so long, it's really not surprising we are where we are. How would SAF have done last season without them?

I'm sure we're all delighted to see the rebuilding process finally get underway. It was way overdue. I believe the Glazers are fully aware that the success of their investment depends on Champions League football as a given. The value of their stock has already tumbled more than the investment they need to fix the problem. At a high it was $19+ now its less than $15 - which equates to $800m. They have no choice but to spend.They are witnessing the reality that unlike the NFL, where franchises have an inherent value because the sport is a closed shop, this is not true of football.

Agreed mostly but we infact had our best performances of the season when micheal Carrick was out injured, I have said it before he is too slow and this leads to a number of offencive but mostly defencive issues, the sooner he is a squad player (which means we have spent money on someone decent in his position ) the sooner we will climb the table!

Good post pea. I hope the penny has finally sunk in with the owners that United without a top football team equals poor return on investment.

I don't disagree on Carrick. Midfield in general has become slow and frequently non-competitive. That being said, Carrick was one of the key players in winning the championship last year, and although his time is limited and plans need to be drawn up to replace him, I feel sure the injuries have reduced his potential contribution this year.

Nomidfield. Has anyone else asked you if you will change your name should we suddenlt acquire one?

Yes they have Pea, and I will be delighted to do that if we get vidal or kroos or gundogan. But I will keep it if we get cabaye!

26 Jan 2014 14:11:15
A boring sleepy Sunday, no interesting football. What do all you regulars and ed's think that the team will look like by Feb the first?

First things first I hope that RVP and Rooney are back, and I also hope that Fellaini finds his feet like I think he can. We need him playing well. I think as the days progress the move for Vidal is looking more and more like a summer deal - the Kroos rumour is very interesting but I can see us putting in a late bid for Cabaye in the last couple days of the window. Out of the two I'd go for Kroos though who would be an excellent signing. I also think we will be able to push through a deal for either Shaw or Filipe.

That's just my opinion though of course.

{Ed004's Note - I am hoping we push for shaw and Vidal however, looks like Vidal is a summer move though hopefully we get shaw. Then hopefully we start playing a consistent team. Personally I'd go for De gea, Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Shaw as the defence the midfield 2 of Jones/Fellaini and Fletcher behind a three of Mata, Rooney, Kagawa/Januzaj and RVP up front. Play a higher defence line and when attacking use full backs for width Jones and Fletcher are fast mobile players who can break forward as well but will offer us protection in midfield and left the front 4 roam and interchange. In summer look at Mangala/Garay, sign Vidal and one more out of Gundogan, Modric, ??, and if money left over Reus as we lack pace in the attack for games were we will be under pressure and need to counter at times}

26 Jan 2014 13:47:05
ssn reporting that Fabio has had a medical at Cardiff now! All going on in the last few days! More to come please

26 Jan 2014 12:56:58
Does anyone know much about Toni Kroos? The rumors about him seem to be intensifying, is he a battler, passer. what sort of player is he? I know he is very good but not sure what at as I haven't seen him play much.

Toni Kroos used to be an out and out AM, passing and shooting was his strong point.

Of recent, he has fallen back into central midfield, whilst also bulking up, and as I would describe it "Growing a Pair". He seems to have transformed himself into the complete package, he looks equally world class in both AM and CM.

He has previously been called "The Sniper" because he can rifle the ball anywhere to a players feet with deadeye accuracy. Also to note, he isn't afraid to shoot, with a rocket right foot, and not too shabby with his left either.

His one down side would be his work rate, and pace. Aside from that, great great footballer. Would be a steal at £25 million, and at the age of only 24 has many years to come.

From a very young age Kroos stood out. His technical ability is unrivaled.

He has a thunder bolt of a shot ( with both legs ), his passing is magnificent, his sheer accuracy and range with both feet puts Gundogan and Modric to shame.

Everything Kroos does is textbook. It's like watching a machine playing football.

But he does have his limitations. He's relatively strong and has bulked up a bit in the last year, but he is neither fast nor defensive minded.

If we managed to get him, we'd have ourselves a new Scholes. Ed002 doesn't seem too sold on the rumour so take it with a pinch of salt

26 Jan 2014 09:18:37
Hey Ed 001 cheers!. I read another ed saying you think our nick Powell is a special lad. if u have time can you tell us what you think about the lad!.
Thanks for your comments.

{Ed001's Note - Nick Powell is a bit special, Dario Gradi says he is the best player to go through the Crewe Academy in his time there. Even as a kid he stood out in youth games as a real talent, his self confidence, which is vital to reach a player's best, shone through.

He was never outstanding in the way some youngsters stand out, such as Freddy Adu, in their physical development. Adu was a grown man playing with kids at the age of 14, he was that far ahead physically, but technically he was never anything worth talking about.

Powell, on the other hand, is technically excellent. He has a great first touch and his striking of the ball is usually clean and true, which is why he is good at the dead ball situations. That is a very good indicator of technique, which is why clubs, usually, put their best striker of a ball as their dead ball specialist.

He has good vision, it could be seen as awareness of his team mates, but I am not so sure his awareness is outstanding, as he is not so good defensively, and can pick out a pass either short or a 40 yard pin point ball. He is always looking to get into space to receive a pass, or showing for it when marked to help out his team.

He doesn't have the burst of acceleration Torres and Owen once had, that allowed them to create that split second of space to put the ball in the back of the net. He doesn't have the pace of Walcott, or the pure brute strength of Drogba, nor the height of Crouch. Because of that, I don't think he would suit a wide role, nor is he cut out to be a striker long term (though that is no slight as Scholes started out the same, he just didn't have the physical attributes to be a striker so moved back, and he did alright!).

I am also not convinced his defensive awareness and positioning are good enough to play in a deep lying role, at least not in the short term. For me, he needs to be played behind a striker, in an attacking midfield/second striker role. He has an excellent shot, he can score from anywhere within 40 yards of the goal, he has the ability to beat his man to create space, as well as the vision to play in others.}

Quality input ed001, thanks and keep up the good work.

Ed but with Mata, Rooney, RvP and Januzaj in the team how are we going to accommodate Powell?

Welbeck, Lingard there too. And possibly with another midfielder coming would we be able to give him playing time?

{Ed001's Note - Welbeck? If the manager is stupid enough to play Welbeck in the hole, and Powell is available, then he deserves the immediate sack. Welbeck is not suited to that position, he is barely decent in a position he is suited, it would be sheer idiocy to play him somewhere he is not suited.

Rooney and Mata I see as the main issues. Januzaj can push out wide, RvP plays further up, Lingard is not quite as good. If he can learn off Mata, working with him in training should enhance his game, and he can provide injury cover and rotate with him when there is a busy period. Plus he can come on as sub to keep Mata fresh as the season goes on.

I do think that Rooney is an issue, he will struggle to get game time while Rooney is there as an option. Though I personally would think the time is right to shove Rooney and his horrible attitude and scummy family as far away from Old Trafford as possible, right now. He is far too temperamental and allows it to affect his game badly, but that is a different matter.

I do think Powell has a problem, Mata and Rooney becomes a veritable road block ahead of him, one that I don't see him being able to get around. I really don't see how you can get him enough game time, while keeping all the other players happy too, to enable him to reach his peak. If I was advising him, I would tell him it was time to consider a move away, if Rooney was to sign a new contract. Unless a chat with the manager shows him wanting a different role for Powell, which I just don't see.}

Ed001

Great analysis and thank god someone agrees with me on Welbeck :) In your opinion is he good enough for top 5 team in the pl and do you see him as United player long term?

{Ed001's Note - no and no. He is technically awful, he is as likely to trip himself up as he is to control the ball. It is a wonder he ever got into the United first team, even though you started the season with the weakest United team I can remember, he was still simply not good enough. Shame though, because he has such pace, if he can sort out his close control and technique he could be brilliant. Has a decent leap and is tall to begin with, so could be a real aerial threat too, if he works on it.}

Exactly ED.

We may end up in a situation similar to the Cech-Courtois situation at Chelsea.

We may have to keep on loaning him year after year.

{Ed001's Note - that is a good short term option, but long term, players need to either get a chance or move on really.}

Hi everton fan in peace I think Powell would suit everton and would develop under Martinez have we shown any interest on him.

Thanks

{Ed001's Note - He would be good behind Lukaku or Traore, but Everton showed no interest in the summer. Mind that was with Martinez getting his feet under the table, and now he is out on loan for the season, he won't be moving for him right now anyway.
I do know that Martinez does speak to staff at Wigan a fair bit, to keep up with things and often asks how Powell is getting on. That is the only interest Everton have shown, but it is an indication he is keeping an eye open.}

Ed1 I couldn't help but chuckle at your opinion on Rooney. Ed how do you envisage us playing formation wise if mata and Rooney both are there? Do you believe Rooney will stay long term?

{Ed001's Note - I can't see how they can play together, unless as a very fluid and narrow attacking midfield trio, similar to the way Citeh play (apologies for bringing them into it on here!). One forward of theirs drops deep and Silva and Nasri are always floating about in a similar area. Trouble is that involves quick thinking and short, sharp, quick interchanges, which would suit Mata, but not sure it would Rooney.
Though it would allow him to have the freedom of the pitch, allow him to chase back and not leave you short up front when he does so. With Januzaj or Kagawa as the 3rd member of the trio, it should certainly be very creative.
It would require the full backs getting forward far more, which would put a lot of pressure on the central midfield and centre backs when the opposition breaks. Not sure Vidic nor Rio are physically up to that any more. If you get it right it is very easy on the eye and creates opportunities galore.
Oh and Rooney would also be able to move up front if you fall behind or drop deeper if you are defending a lead late on. It does allow a lot of small tactical tweaks without huge changes confusing your players.}

SAF made it abundantly clear that if Powell hadn't suffered an injury last season, he would be in the MU team for this season. Whether Moyes feels the same isn't clear, but the feeling I get is Moyes sees him as a MU player next season as he wanted to send him to Hull on loan to speed up his progression. In the end they decided to keep him at Wigan as he is doing so well. Perhaps an EPL loan next season, then I fully expect him to be a MU first team player. He is too good to sell or leave out.

Thanks ed001. How do you see things pan out for Rooney given what looks like an overhaul of the current squad.

Is there any substance to the 300k a week stuff or just pure lazy Journos. for personal reasons I believe we will sell him the summer but interested to hear your views.

{Ed001's Note - I very much doubt he will be given 300k a week, what would that do to United's wage structure? I do think he will stay, because only Chelsea seems a viable option, though you never know, as Jose would like him.}

26 Jan 2014 15:50:19
Personally I'd get rid, as you say his attitude stinks. He's served us well yes but he does think he's bigger than the club. Its time to go and I think Mata is first step in life after Wayne. I think his attitude will be a bad influence on young players that we can do without.

I agree with Syd on Powell, prem loan next year.

Interesting view on Welbeck, I do think there's a player in there if he can sort his technical issues but not sure if he has time on his side. Robin is getting on, Wayne could go so we need him to step up. Add to that there's some good strikers coming through he's got I think two seasons to show he has a future here.

26 Jan 2014 15:50:19
Personally I'd get rid, as you say his attitude stinks. He's served us well yes but he does think he's bigger than the club. Its time to go and I think Mata is first step in life after Wayne. I think his attitude will be a bad influence on young players that we can do without.

I agree with Syd on Powell, prem loan next year.

Interesting view on Welbeck, I do think there's a player in there if he can sort his technical issues but not sure if he has time on his side. Robin is getting on, Wayne could go so we need him to step up. Add to that there's some good strikers coming through he's got I think two seasons to show he has a future here.

26 Jan 2014 11:48:48
Hoping the mata transfer has given the players as much of a lift as the fans. Great piece of buisness

26 Jan 2014 11:13:13
Well isn't that funny, haven't seen "Moyes out" in a little while ;)

I've always thought he's the right man for the job and although it's early days credit where it's due for pulling off the Mata transfer. Almost as amazing as SAF pulling off the RvP deal. Well done Moyesey!

In our last game we were knocked out of the league cup by one of the worst sides in the top flight. We have been playing consistently poor under Moyes. We haven't improved in his 7 months at the club. And we have yet to even attempt any new ideas on the pitch.

However, when the club sign a top player, suddenly Moyes is doing a stellar job? How so? Moyes identifies the targets but he has no hand in concluding the deal. Basically you're applauding David Moyes for recognising that one of the best players in the EPL over the last two years would be a good signing.

Moyes didn't pull off any deal. He merely identified Mata as a player of interest and the club and "third party" pulled it off. Moyes is just the manager.

It seems SAF was the one behind the MATA Deal. Ofcourse, the man behind the screen is SAF. He will be there atleast untill united are back on top of the league.

Surely moyes deserve the credit for signing mata, its good to see the club backing moyes, with a cm and and a lb I think we can reach top 4 and we have lost to far worse teams in cup competitions

Ozwald

Clueless post mate!

Taking Penalties like headless chicken is not a mangers fault but players who had no bottle or composure. Making a howler with a minute to go is also outside his control.

Anyway a few of the rumors will go away now. Top players not wanting to come, owners not wanting to spend etc etc blah blah.

Massive club and rebuilding. We will flex our muscle when needed but will not buy players based on every fans opinion and pay over the odds.

The club have started to financially support Moyes so now they have to give him time, how much time is to be seen. If we spend more this window and that doesn't bring improvement then Moyes will come under pressure. If we don't make the top four after a big spend that could be difficult to explain as well. Buying players is only the first part of the mix they have to managed tactically and guided in the right direction with the correct philosophy. Let's hope for improvement and then there will come the challenge of winning something, something Moyes needs to demonstrate. Let's hope Moyes has what it takes because spending all the money puts expectation and pressure up a notch

Because half the players know they're piss poor and don't deserve a place in our starting XI. We went through a spell of doing alright before christmas then oh look RvP and Rooney both injured, under performing Carrick as well clearly we're not going to be doing well. At the end of the day Moyes made the decision to bring Mata in, as at our club everything goes through the manager. I'm not praising Moyes for getting the deal done because I know that's none of his business. I'm saying we're taking a step in the right way, when did I say he's doing a stellar job? You can't honestly expect him to come in and work wonders with a squad where all the key players have spent more time on the sideline than the pitch.

Also more to the point of what I was saying is all the plastic fans who can only say "Moyes out" after we lose are silenced when a big name signing is made. How could you not see that's the point I was mainly making?

Redman

I agree. There will be added expectation from a results basis.

I get the sense we might see 2 things a sudden improvement of form and results mainly dependent on rvp, rooney, fellain(yes fellaini) coming back and the added mata element. Or we might keep struggling which will put a lot of pressure on him.

I think getting players back will be key.
In a way having been knocked out of the cups will help him by settling on a starting 11 subject to fitness and making a push in the league.

I still believe we will have a surprise run in CL.

No Oswald what you were quite clearly saying was that Moyes was instrumental in signing Mata: "I've always thought he's the right man for the job and although it's early days credit where it's due for pulling off the Mata transfer. Almost as amazing as SAF pulling off the RvP deal. Well done Moyesey!"

That's a bit different than saying, didn't David Moyes do well in realising that we needed to buy top quality players, and deciding that Mata was one of the top quality players we needed to buy.

Second, why do you think that it's only "plastic" fans that have questions about Moyes's ability to manage a top club? So far he hasn't show any capacity to win trophies with us or get the most out of our players. Seven months in and zero improvement and zero evidence of tactical innovation. Signings like Mata are fantastic but they mean that Moyes, pretty soon, will have nowhere to hide. If the performances don't improve over the next four months, we should be looking to hire a new manager in the right way, I.e, a professional selection process followed by actual interviews. The fact that we have started to spend big money can only help attract a top manager in the summer.

Ozwald, as danny said, even my 2year old grandson knows that mata is a very good player. So moyes didn't do anything extraordinary by identifying mata as a great player. He merely asked the owners and they got the deal done via a third party. In fact. I read an article yesterday, that fergie had a big hand in the transfer.
Now let's see where moyes takes us from here, he's spent £27.5m on fellaini and £37m on mata, so red man says, he's got the backing, which is good to see, as I was one of the sceptical ones, but moyes has to do the business and get the team playing properly.
You mentioned that you always knew that moyes was the right man for the job, what has he actually done on the football pitch that backs up that comment? Is it the poor football we've played so far, 7th place in the league, knocked out at home by Swansea in the fa cup and then Sunderland in the Carling cup? What do you think he's done that makes him the right man for the job?
You mentioned a "piss poor" team, the same team that won the league last year? Guaranteed it is not the best united team ever, but non the less a team that won the league. They are not "piss poor".

Oz, SAF was heavily involved in the RvP deal. Him and Wenger met at a certain hotel which Ed002 explained. SAF had a hissy fit when AW stood firm, so you can say that SAF played a massive part in the RvP signing. Moyes played no part in the Mata signing. In fact rumours suggest SAF had a big part to play in the Mata signing too.

26 Jan 2014 10:38:13
Love MATA already. To say, " you can't turn down united " is one hell of a statement. Mourinho's blood must be boiling. It just goes to show that despite what players say they would all love to play for us. We are the biggest club in the EPL and one of the biggest in Europe and the world. Can you ever see a utd player going to another EPL side and coming out with a statement like that I don't THINK SO. Hopefully with a couple of more signings and given time to settle Moyes can show us how good a manager and tactician he is. come on Utd!

Or maybe he was just saying what he knew Utd fans would love to hear

I wonder what Tevez Said.

26 Jan 2014 10:24:30
I do not think any United fan expected or believed that we would even have a bid accepted for Mata this window maybe a low bid that got laughed at like in the summer with Baines, well Moyes was telling the truth when he said he is looking for the top class level of player only and won't buy for the sake of it.

26 Jan 2014 10:12:46
With Mata signed, does that mean we can close the book on snedgigger?

I think Snidjer will be bought just so the fans learn how to spell his name ;)

26 Jan 2014 09:03:55
To Syd and other Cricket fans here.what do you English fans have to say about your team's embarrassing performance down under? :P

Like at MU there is a massive confidence issue. But to be fair the Australians wanted it more and they were very good. Mitchell Johnson in particular.

And what do you think of India against South Africa and now New Zealand: Number one team is loosing :P

They started supporting the Ladies team :).

MUmbai Boy

They need to take a look at who made selection decisions. They should have known about Trotts situation and at least had a back up plan and taken with them someone to bat 3. They took three very tall bowlers and didn't play them even in Perth. Then they brought under prepared Bresnan in at the wrong time.
We were under prepared for the onslaught and caved in. Then letting Swann go home gave out the wrong message. Then they dropped Prior just as he started to look like he might be improving.
Cook needs some coaching on leading the team but we should give him more time. It comes back to who selected the teams they put out there and who prepared them. I think they will have learned from the experience and a bit like United a little rebuilding is needed at opener and no3 plus the spinner, keeper positions.

Yea Sydney Mitchell Johnson was in beast mode throughout the series.

King of Desert mate we tied the last game vs NZ so we still have hope ;)

Its good that we have such incredible knowledge on here. Not only do we know more about football management than David Moyes, but the cricketing knowledge also puts Andy Flower to shame! He too has made so many mistakes he must be a novice too.
Or perhaps it could be more to do with confidence and under performance (like Syd said).Truth is, I think the people in charge of these teams DO know what they are doing.

Betty

If United were top of the league and England had won 5 nil and 4 .1 then what you say may have some credence
But we are not

The only positives is its allowed some talented youngsters to get a chance, and in the main they haven't dissapointed

Every dog has it's day. It was only last year that we battered the Aussies. The second ashes series saw a massively reinvigorated Aussie team and a poor England side, whose form was no-where near as consistent as it had been in the first ashes series.

England has a very good pool of talent at country cricket level that it can utilise.

Red Man, maybe you could sort out the England Rugby team too. While you're at it, maybe have a word with Mark Carney about the Bank Of England fiscal policy on interest rates. My cash ISA is earning me f@&# all :)

26 Jan 2014 08:13:01
Does anybody know Mata's shirt number? He is a number 8 type player but is certainly good enough for the number 7.

He's going to wear the iconic number 7 mate.

26 Jan 2014 06:25:07
So many sites reporting that we have an interest in Kroos. No doubt he is a very good player and would improve us massively but where exactly does he play in the midfield? For me he is an attacking mid rather than a centre mid. Can he play alongside Carrick or Fletcher in a 2 man midfield?
I would welcome such a good player to United but we will need someone to improve our midfield. For me Kroos is now what Powell will be in the next 3-4 years.
Some people say we should buy Barkley but for me we are already full in that position as now we have Mata, Kagawa, Rooney, Janujaz, Powell, Lingard and maybe some other youngsters to play in the no 10 role. And I also believe that none of the above including Barkley and Kroos can play in a 2 man midfield except for maybe Rooney who doesn't want to play there.

He would cost far less than Vidal and BM do have plenty that can do his job. The likes of Thiago, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Goetze & Rode. I think if there is genuine interest in Kroos, that a deal could be reached.

Vidal and kroos don't play in the same position in my opinion. Vidal is a dynamic midfielder who covers ground and sets the tempo. Kroos is more rigid as bayern have other midfielders to cover behind him.
I'm not sure kroos, as good as he is, is required at this stage. We need a dominant central midfielder.
I have mentioned before, but if we're looking at a quick fix which won't cost the earth, then Fernando off Porto will be perfect.

Although Fernando would cost the earth because Porto don't sell in any other manor unless they're ripping someone off. Espescially big clubs.

He has 6 months left on his contract tho

26 Jan 2014 01:27:52
Great to see Mata has signed. This is a massive, and welcome, statement of intent. However, Mata does not solve our largest problem. We need two top class centre mids, and like many I hope we sign Vidal. My guess is Juventus would not sell him in January, but they might in the summer. Moyes would probably pay the money Juventus would want, since he clearly knows that area is the main problem. Hopefully we could sign a player of similar class to Mata there, but with there being so many names mentioned, who would people prefer, Vidal, Kroos, Modric, Cabaye, Gundogan or Pogba?

I have a real soft spot for Gundogan.

Kroos for me. The ultimate Scholes replacement imo.

Wouldnt mind any of the bunch though. I think we definitely need a passer, a pace setter if you want since Cleverley is average and carrick is old.

The defensive/ explosive midfielder can wait till the summer, with Fletcher and Fellaini covering that position ( along with Jones ) and them one of Vidal or Witsel to partner Kroos/ Gundogan.

I agree with Mick on this one. A typical defensive midfielder might not be a priority as I think that's what Fellaini was bought for, and he'll come good in my opinion. But someone to control the game and move the ball quickly is necessary, as is a left back and probably center back as well.

Vidal all the way.hes got everything and he's tough as nails. Reminds me of a young roy keane. Except he has more goals in his game than roy had. We should break the bank for him
He d be a united legend

Vidal, Pogba, Cabaye for me out of the above list.

26 Jan 2014 00:34:46
Hope we can push on now and sign zouma what are the chances of him moving in this window eds, he could be the next vidic and maybe sign Vidal and 1 or 2 more in the summer, rooneys wages are way over the top we could get 2 top players for his wages, no one player is worth that kind of money, are the days of playing for the shirt over.

{Ed004's Note - I wouldn't put a penny on zouma signing}

I believe he mentioned Chelsea is his dream club, and that he spoke to Mourinho.

Seems on his way there imo

So if messi or ronaldo wanted to play for united and wanted £400k a week, will you not want them here?
Top players earn top money. Non of us think it is fair or reasonable, but unfortunately, it is supply and demand. This is the crazy world of football.

Exactly top player! - There are 30 players I would rather pay that wage to than Rooney - he doesn't warrant half that amount.

Isn't RVP' pegged to Rooney's wage?

We pay that to Rooney - what does every new signing there after want?!