Manchester United Banter Archive April 27 2013

27 Apr 2013 21:23:20
Edd002. Are player swap plus cash deals likely to become more popular in your opinion? They have been very rare recently, but you mentioned below might be a possibility for Modic.

Cheers {Ed002's Note - Real Madrid are looking to refresh their squad but need to either look for part exchanges or sales to raise cash. If they can part exchange they will. In the big scheme of things I dount a major change.}

Cheers Ed. Maybe DDG plus Hernandez plus cash for Modric plus Ronaldo?! I don't wan't to lose either player, but maybe, just maybe?

28 Apr 2013 01:30:52
Please please read Gary Neville, s article in today's Mail if what he believes is going to become reality then we are going onto another level if David Gill or any other Glazer family members read it do everything you can to bring back standing behind each goal and together we will achieve Sir Alex's European dream.
Highly unlikely but imagine the Real. & Monday night with the players Neville is hinting at being on Sir Alex's radar inc present players who will respond to them being introduced and I inc Anderson Powell Nani and Rooney in this dream team/squad.
The current team had Real at arms length with Rio, s guidance and only for a dodgy decision you never know yet if history is anything to go by Utd by our nature will react Germany Spain lazy journalism beware!
Dylan

27 Apr 2013 20:52:12
We'd better watch out for Liverpool next year. It could be their year.

27 Apr 2013 21:53:53
i argee dodgybanter, good to hear a utd fan with a bit of common - sence.

Surely the people with sense are the ones who can see that Liverpool, despite the improvements made under Rodgers, are still nowhere near good enough to pose a genuine threat as Premier League contenders.

GRD

I'm hoping it was sarcasm. Newcastle have been very poor this season.

Good to see. lfc back on here, have Liverpool won a championship game or something?!

I saw a Liverpool mercurial legend scoring against Citeh earlier. 35M well spent there. Good to see them loan him out to a premier league club to get experience.

Come on Ste. give me some credit, my banter may well be dodgy, but it's not naive!

27 Apr 2013 20:44:17
What if Fergie wants Lewandowski so badly despite our no of strikers is because he'll convert him into a holding mid, like he's done with every other forward player. Lol.

LMAO.

27 Apr 2013 19:43:06
When looking at the team, I see we have 4 wingers; nani, toni, young and giggs.
Next season I think nani will be gone, hence zaha, but we also need a giggs replacement (he will still be here). Howeer I don't think we'l get a winger. I suspect young and toni will be benched. Zaha as cover for them (can play both wings). I think if we get another striker it will be instead of a CAM/WINGER Type of player. Like the 2008 season.

27 Apr 2013 18:07:17
can I just say, united fans don't expect zaha to start every game next season and be amazing, he's been hyped up a lot but he isn't ronaldo yet, he'll be good too bring on for last 30 minutes but he's not better than valencia or young yet, he has large potential

Well thanks for that sir Alex

I think the majority of us know that. Zaha is still raw but has a lot of promise. I do expect him to be given a fair few games next season - he's more developed than Powell was arriving - but I agree he'll be behind the likes of Valencia in the pecking order.

Its just the way people are saying get nani and young out cause we've got zaha now, I don't think he's no where near as good as a topform nani yet

Get nani and young out cause they're useless. Nothing to do with how good or bad zaha is. They are both useless, so just get rid of them.
Nomidfield

Please never call nani and young useless again, they are very good players but being compared to ronaldo and bale there obviouslys not that standard, were not all playing fifa

No-name, Nomidfield is correct.

Nani and Young shouldn't be playing for Manchester United.

They have nothing to give to the team and I will single out Young here but he was one of our bad buys IMO.

Hopefully Valencia will regain his form next season as we saw from the Villa game he started to look decent. I would also like to see Zaha thrown into the deep end for a few games just to test the waters with him.

Looks like he will be a real talent in the coming seasons.

-JakeW

Agree with noname TBH 'useless' is a poor choice of phrase. Both have contributed in years gone by so by defenition cannot be 'useless'. If we can sign a top winger then Young will be a tidy squad player, Nani is surely off.

Young and nani might well do a job for another team, but loom around you. All the top teams have at least one quality winger, some even have two. Can you honestly tell me that young and nani are the quality we want at United?
The remark about FIFA is so pathetic, every time one of us says something less than perfect about one of our players, we have the FIFA remark.
Well let me tell you, when I started watching football, they were earning two shillings, now they're earning £200,000 a week. So it is all like FIFA I'm afraid.
All we're trying to say is that a top club like united should have a top class winger. Nani and young certainly don't fall in that category.
Nomidfield

So what top teams have a quality winger then because chelsea, man city, barcelona don't really have any decent wingers there all attacking midfielders

Chelsea have Hazard and Mata.

City have Silva and Nasri. They do play on the wings occasionally.

Barcelona don't play with wingers. But the closest is Sanchez, Villa, Messi and Pedro.

Madrid have Ronaldo, Ozil, Di Maria.

We need better wide players.

Someone like Rodriguez or Bale would be perfect but unlikely.

-JakeW

27 Apr 2013 17:51:08
All season, we have had a procession of posters slagging off Mike Phelan telling us he doesn't do anything, he should be replaced, blah blah blah. One question for you all - do you really think SAF would accept an Assistant Manager who didn't contribute? Seriously?

I always thought we were better off with Carlos Queiroz, IMO he is much more tactically aware and TBH I think the same about René Meulensteen.

I can understand why people have said this but it seems to be more based on perceprion than anything else. We usually only see the staff during each 90 mins so it's difficult to assess what they contribute outside of that time. We have to have faith in the big man that he knows who's best to have around him and if Meulensteen is as impressive as poeple say then I'm sure SAF is wise enough to make good use of him regardless of his title.

Very possibly true Ste, but surely we should trust SAF to decide if someone is doing s good job or not.

27 Apr 2013 23:37:58
@ste. , so tell us more about how many times you've spoken to phelan to be able to make a judgement of his tactical knowledge?

They do say you can judge a man by the trainers he wears ;)

We were IMO a better team and played much better football whilst under Queiroz.

27 Apr 2013 15:53:22
Can anyone answer why my conversation with ed002 is removed? He has also replied and some other posters also commented to it
Rodio17

Rodio, are you sure mate? I haven't seen such a post. Have you been taking your meds ;)

Sydney!

Thanks dr syd.
I am ok. Ed 002 answered and he told some other poster to use search with gaitan. and I m definatly not day dreaming.

Rodio17

Yeah rodio that was me! I couldn't find it when I went to see the reply!

Caolán.

27 Apr 2013 15:48:55
Imo the only positions lacing are a cm and that one player who can make something out of nothing. Lewandowski would be a luxury.
Strootman/ilkay and a winger perhaps would be great

27 Apr 2013 15:01:20
Lewandowski and Strootman to be our only signings! To be honest that's all we need, Anderson will go back to Portugal? Nani to do the same? Don't forget we will have Zaha next season as well, #21!



-Jono

If we got another winger/attacking mid who can drift and interchange i. e Rodriguez, Bale, Isco etc. then it would be a pretty perfect summer. we will see

I would be happy with that as long as there aren't too many outgoings. Anderson & Nani have both had enough chances and deserve to be sold, I think the likes of Macheda will also be moved on permanently and Hernandez may leave to get first-team football elsewhere. Other than that, our current squad with the additions of Lewandowski and Strootman would be adequate.

GRD

I still think we need to replace nani. maybe a rodriguez or a gaitan.

JK92

27 Apr 2013 14:02:53
Anyone watch the ipl?

I do. Being from India of course ;)

27 Apr 2013 12:27:55
So the rumours doing the rounds we are two summer signings. I reckon Stootman and Rodreguez

Richmond

27 Apr 2013 11:50:13
@ Red Man

Further down the page you say that Rooney's inability to kick on to that next level is akin to Giggs?!

What planet are you from? Giggs has been world class well into his 30's. His form did dip a little as he approached 38, 39. But only when played in centre midfield as a two man midfield!

Giggs is a MUFC living, playing legend. He has won as much silver wear as any other player you can care to mention.

You are fortunate to have been able to watch players like Giggs and Scholes, you'd do we'll to remember that.

At 17 Giggs had the potential to reach the heights of a Ronaldo. He never got that far probably due to injury. I think that is what Red Man means. I tend to agree, although Giggs has been a magnificent player for us, he had the potential to reach greater heights so to speak.

Sydney!

Dodgy

When the world talks about the greatest player of all time they will talk Pele, Maradona even Messi and Ronaldo. However Giggs won't be talked about in that company because he didn't take the step up. That is what I mean. Legend to us, well decorated better than anyone but isn't a world great

Red Man

Giggs should do what scholes had done and retire now he is not the same only worth coming on last 15 mins of agame when united are 2or 3 up only staying on cause money he can earn not like he needs it

I think he means that dodgy spell Giggs had in his mid 20's when his form dipped, partly due to repetitive hamstring injuries.

If you remember back 20 years ago Giggs was labelled the new George Best. Did he live up to thta label? Not quite. There were flashes like the semi final goal against Arsenal in 99. But did Giggs ever truly hit the heights that were forecast for him? I'd say no.

This is it not to denigrate Giggs at all. It has been a priviledge to watch the guy all these years, and it is remarkable what he has achieved. To be still playing at the level he is at at the age he is and to have scored in every season is some feat. Not to mention the record haul of winners medals which will be a struggle to equal. And an appearance record which won't be broken. Legend is often over used but in Giggs case it is fitting.

I just think he never quite fully hit what he could have been as a player and I think that's what Red Man meant. It isn't just Giggs though it happens to most British players.

If that's not what Red Man meant then apologies, just my take on it.

Mort

I'm with redman, as great as giggs was he never got to level of a messi or ronaldo.

JK92

27 Apr 2013 12:41:19
Giggs is a consummate professional who has had a wonderful career and played some great football in the EPL.

When has he or Rooney played to the level of the likes of, Zidane, Maradona, Messi, Gullit, Cruyff, Ronaldo and Figo not just in the premiership but on a world stage.

Great player but not world class.

To no name,

I would put that the other way around.
Giggs was a world class player, but not one of the truly great players.
Nathan

Giggs in his prime was as good as Figo in my book, any day of the week.
People are saying he hasn't been as good as maradona, pele, messi, Ronaldo. Well that doesn't mean he hasn't been world class.

Nicely put Nathan, I'd put it that way too.

Noname, I wouldn't put Gullit or Figo in a different class to Giggs just because he didn't have the chance to play in a top international team. I'd put him on the same level as those 2 for sure.

I understand what people are saying though, the Giggs we saw at 17/18 looked like he could become a world beater but he got to the level just below that. Nothing to complain about and he's more than made up for that through his longvity and the way he's adapted his game into his 30's.

Giggs = United legend.

How can a player with 13 league titles, two champions league medals, four fa cups, four league cups, 8 community shield cups, a UEFA supercup, a world club cup, an OBE for services to football and a sports personality of the year award not be considered world class or a world beater.

Did I mention the 937 appearances and 168 goals.

Honestly, some of the tosh that gets discussed on these pages is embarrassing!

Wake up reds fans.

27 Apr 2013 10:42:57
I see a lot of posts suggesting who we might buy, lots of names but the important question is whether they would improve us or make us great. If we are to compete in Europe then we have to beat the top teams and we are three players short for me. SAF is entering the final stages and I believe he wants another CL or even the next two to cement his legacy forever.

The question is who. Here is my thoughts which some will agree with and some won't but that is what the site is about.
1. Ronaldo. I saw Madrids performance this week and they are not a team, they are a set of individuals pulling in different directions which is impossible for even Mourinho to resolve in a short space of time. Ronaldo has experienced this and also may feel he wants to play for SAF again.
2. Lewandowski or Facao. Why another forward? I fear Rooney has not developed and Hernandez is not the all round player we need and will not accept the bench time. Welbeck doesn't score enough. A front line including one of these two, RVP and Ronaldo would be the best bar none. We shoud also factor in that RVP hasn't been notably injured this season and an injury would have cost us points. Falcao and Ronaldo would add the pace we have been missing, I am not sure how quick Lewandowski is but he looks some player.
3. Schweinsteiger. Later stages of his career but his brother is a known United advocate and he may wish to have a final flourish in our league. Goetze has arrived which together with Martinez could put his place in jeopardy. Pep isn't noted for playing two strong centre midfleld players. I don't think his fee would be ridiculous given his age, nor would he be a long term blocker to younger players. He offers experience and we should remember that Carrick is 31 and again didn't sustain a long term injury, again which could have cost us.

Left back is often debated but I hope we have checked the development of Tyler Blackett before we do that. Shaw at Southampton has potential but is a big Chelsea fan and they will need Cole's replacement.

Yes that will cost a lot especially if it was Falcao but we have to make sales, messrs Nani, Anderson would seem likely but I do think Hernandez and Rooney are at risk and I am not a big fan of Young. It is an exceptional summer and if SAF wants to go out with a bang then money needs to be spent. Add to that the new TV deal and Nike renegotiation may put us in a stonger financial position to do it.

I doubt it will happen, yet I burn with ambition to dominate Europe like Bayern Munich want to and also I can dream.

Red Man

Ronaldo & Lew would be great. Falcao is going to Chelsea and Schweinsteiger isn't available, although he would be perfect for us. Even if it meant Rooney & Jones playing midfield and us not buying a midfielder or LB, I would be happy with just Ronaldo & Lew. Imagine a front 3 of RvP, Lew & Ronaldo. Kagawa, Jones/Carrick & Rooney in the middle. Use Fabio/Evra & Rafael/Valencia as the wingback width.

Sydney!

RM

We'd be unplayable with those changes but I can't see Schweinsteiger moving at all and there's no way we'd get both Falcao and Ronaldo, surely?

If we're going fown the slight fantasy route I'd say to get either Ronaldo or Bale, on top of Strootman and Lewandowski would be an absolute dream summer! And a little more realistic than the one you suggested IMO.

Cracking post Red Man. I'm probably going to pee everyone off as I would prefer Bale to Ronaldo. Why? Ronaldo is a better player but Bale is still improving. I know there is a lot of sentiment attached to a Ronaldo return but often things are never as good second time round. I'd prefer a new chapter, just my view. I'm really not convinced Rooney is the answer to our midfield problems - we really do need a top class taken in the centre. I know the Rooney issue needs to be resolved as he has played here there and everywhere this year. If we do indeed buy another top forward and a CM, not sure what SAF's plans are for Rooney.

Good post. Apart from who we buy, we need to change our tactics and go to a more modern way of play which is dependent on speed, accurate passing and athletic and dynamic players.
It is very apparent in our play, that we do not possess the energy in the middle of the park. The play is far too slow and predictable. This gives the opposition time to recover as our counter attacks are virtually non existent.
In order to do that, we need to get the right personnel in there who have the knowhow and athletiscm to do the job.
Over to you veggie.
Nomidfield

I'm not sure why you think Gotze would push Schweiny out? 2 different positions, Gotze would plkay in an attacking 3 behind the striker with Martinez and Schweiny behind, its a good solid platform and Pep if he's the genius everyone thinks he is won't change that.

I agree with AJH I think whilst Ronny is the now, Bale is the future. 4-5 years of Ronny or 10 years of Bale?

Mort

AJH

If we had the choice of Bale or Ronaldo it would be a very tough one but I too would be tempted to go for Bale, even if only because of his age and probably lower wages. He has the ability to become one of the best in the world and even if he doesn't quite reach Ronaldo's heights we could have him for the best part of a decade. The fact he's left footed is a bonus too as we're missing that.

Some United fans can't see past the sentiment of Ronaldo as you say. TBF I'd be happy with either but doubt we'll get either!

27 Apr 2013 00:11:50
Interesting comments from Fergie about pushing the boat out "irrespective of how many players we have". This to me suggests that we are definitely in for Lewandowski, irrespective of the quality of our forwards. Any thoughts on this?

I believe left sided player, centre midfielder are on the cards. Anything else is about specific players becoming available. I am inclined to think Rodrigues/Bale and an attacking midfielder.

Shahram

Interesting to see him say this as season ticket renewals go out

Classic KLOOT! (That's not to say you're wrong though. )

Very true kloot, but you know and I know, that we love united and no matter what saf says, we'll still be first in the queue to buy our season tickets.
Let's hope we can sign some top players and give Bayern, Dortmund, barca and real a run for their money next year.
Nomidfield