Manchester United Banter Archive April 28 2012

28 Apr 2012 23:12:22
Sorry i don't get why Fergie has to retire, can you clarify that. Mort

Because SAF does not want to play 433 Mort.

J Bones.

28 Apr 2012 22:32:39
It's funny who crawls out of the wood work when the mighty Norwich get slain. It really tickles me that we hardly hear or see or sniff a scouser on these pages for weeks and weeks then they pop up again only when either we slip up or they go 90 mins without embaressing themselves. Were over 30 points ahead of them or if you want more than 10 wins and thats only over 35 games so far.

Shappy

28 Apr 2012 21:49:22
having monitored this page all season , i dont expect stimulating , intelligent discussion , but would just like to say what i have learnt , sydney is really called malcolm jr , I AM KLOOT , really hates lpool , but he hates man utd fans and saf more ,G,A,G,U,S. is the least knowledgeable fan on here , which takes some doing , beilive me , and shappy is really a tactical genius , just a pity no one will ever know as 99 percent of people dont read his novels/posts., as they have like a life to live.
ps , dont forget 3-2 to city on monday................lfc

28 Apr 2012 21:01:33
Surely it's better to have a team of players who play well and all
can score than have one or two players who you rely on to score?
Shappy

Shappy thats exactly what ive been trying to say mate. and I believe the club are adressing it.

This team isnt far from it. We wont have to rely on rooney. But we need the right signing to encourage the click. only The loss of cleverly prevented it happening. it wasnt him necessarily but what he brought that held the system together.

wouldnt say no to a hazard type signing though. the fans could do with a buzz player.

..constantine..

28 Apr 2012 20:18:53
Red I wrote that too long.
if your saying loss of rooney ect then the point was lost.
one more try to get it over.

the players that will be bought will be bought with a system in mind and not to match rooney in terms of abilty. the system will carry the weight of the loss of rooney if the likes of gaitan and kagawa are bought.
kagawa carries with him many goals and the system will bring in many goals. with our without rooney and it wouldnt take any higher a calabre of player to do it.

kagawa and gaitan might not be hazard or cavani but they are better for that system harder working, great ability linking. the pace would be fast and they would do very well with what we were doing in preseason

We were mediocre with Rooney. it had nothing to do with him. it was the loss of cleverly and then anderson that made it impossible to go with the desired change.

it doesnt take a genius and berbatovs agent to see where we are trying to head.

and in that respects kagawa is a top top signing for that system.

..constantine..

28 Apr 2012 19:37:41
Looks like Liverpool are going to win the league next year lads! They just beat the mighty Norwich City! Surely this means they are once again a force to be reckoned with? :

G.A.G.U.S

28 Apr 2012 18:57:59
Red Man

I dont think the purchase of kagawa would impeed pogba or putrucci who is at least another year away.

you could even have all three in a midfield. kagawa can play cam in a 433 or 4231 or ss 442 and has a phenomenal strike rate. If we sign him though it points to rooney going up top.

wont necessarily need a striker as I think the system will make up for it. Rooney gives two things. one goals and two creativity. with the system we are aiming for, the goals needed to be made up will be shared across the attacking line. welbeck or chicharito with kagawa behind cleverly or anderson and at some point pogba with young and nani or valencia surrounding will produce goals.

wed have to lose kagawa rooney cleverly and anderson to lose the creativity that pulls it all together but in a certain system we can produce it with at least one of them.

this all depends on the stability of what is behind the front, we didnt have that this season, so that the attacking line can focus on fast interlinking. rooneys creativity is more expansive than kagawa but in a 4-2-3-1 we could condense and it wouldnt matter too much. with kagawa wed have cover for rooney and in some sense cleverly.

as for Cavani and the like. so hard to answer without looking like excuses. we need three or four key positions and if we were to buy say cavani then add all of sydneys extras any team without the riches of city are we are going to be finding it tough, and then still have to get the other positions to cover. but I think one is possible.

then the normal reasons. The lure of spain and the money of city. :maybe they want rome or maybe bayern? we have no rights to say we should be the most attractive but we have earned the right to be in the mix.

by persuasion or because they want to play for the club is our hope

couldnt agree with you more on the left foot player needed. could we get hazard or gaitan keep nani find our best team and do the selling next year? your assesment sounds about right though. selling nani but id think it be a shame.

a front four of hazard rooney kagawa nani with cleverly and pogba would be an interesting attacking line up. but then so would higuin or cavani added. dont know which way the club will go mate but ive got no problem with either or.

Not sure right back is necessary yet but id like to see it dealt with. left certainly is. vidic lets say worry about that later. evans has come up well. still suspect in somethings but him and smalling could become something steady.

that could free up jones to improve in mid. maybe he really is the answer to a more defensive dm in times of need.

one last thought could it be no striker because there are too many mids to rotate and bring through right now. pogba giggs cleverly jones anderson carrick scholes and petrucci maybe and possibly park points towards the need to change system with not four strikers but one extra mid?

is there truth in anderson leaving?

Red Im with you that this time is critical but I honestly believe that we are one or two signings away from playing the system we want and that the players we have are top quality. if they click the best is yet to come. If city improve by individual players i think we will more than match it with the sum of all parts . one or two signings and we will improve ten fold with the style we want being realised. that is how we match city

damn moon as much it made a decent read, made me so tired reading yours to write this.

..consantine..

28 Apr 2012 18:15:14
I would like to thank the Ed's for making my day today. They have told me the reason that most of my post aren't on this "Banter Site" is because I want to abuse Liverpool supporters. How brilliant is this and true. I want to throw abuse at them in any way I can. Guilty as charged. I hate Liverpool i hope they get relegated and King Kenny is there to take them down whilst the whole BBC Liverpool Mafie weeps and talks about tradition and "The Boot room" But most of all so that their plastic scouser supporters most of whom like Blair have never even seen Anfield and spend more time on this site than actually watching Liverpool are gutted. s**t City s**t team s**t Self pitying hypocritical supporters. I AM KLOOT

28 Apr 2012 17:16:49
Right i think it's time to let this thing with me and Moon rest for awhile, i think it could end up getting silly and will just bore people. I will come back again with a monster post but i think it's best left for a few days(or weeks).

We have bigger things than the future of United happening atm, we have the present and at present we have a huge game on monday, this will be possibly the biggest Manchester derby in history or at least to date. Win it and we will probably deny City there first prem title and hopefully put them back a year or two in their development as a team, lose it and we will probably see City as champions and give them the step up they need to move on the sustained success. So this monday isn't just about three points or about one title its about setting down a marker for what more is to come. I would say that whoever wins on monday will be the favourites to win the title next season, thats how big of a game this is. We have the oppertunity to stop City gaining that winning mentality which has put us at the top of the english game for the last 20 years. Everyone says the hardest title to win is your first, so lets keep that from City for as long as we can.

I think this game will be a cracker as there are so many factors the nerves, the battling mentality of each team, the title up for grabs for the winner, and the tactic's used by each team will be fascinating and will show an insight into how we will approach big games in the future. I'm hoping we line up like this:

____________DDG
Rafa__Smalling__Ferdinand__Evra
_______Carrick___Scholes
_Welbeck___Cleverley___Nani
___________Rooney

Now i know i've left Valencia out but i feel he is starting to show signs of fatigue. Also Scholes won't last 90mins so we will have to bring on Jones or Giggs for him at some point, at this time it could be good to bring on Valencia for one of Nani or Welbeck as Valencia is better defensively and with Scholes off the pitch we will need to be tighter defensively and it will Give Valencia abit of a break for the off. I think it's important to have an extra man in the middle against a very physical team like City, i think Cleverley will offer more in this role then Rooney would as Rooney has a tendancy to go looking for the ball rather than maintain his position.
I think Welbeck has to start as he and Rooney really look like they're getting an understanding, and things like that could be key in a tight game. Which leads us to playing Nani or Young, i thought it better to start with Nani as Young is better defensively and would be better placed to have on the bench as he is a player you could throw on if you needed a goal and he is better defensively so would be good to put on if your defending a lead but don't wanna just invite pressure. Also Nani has that freshness having just come back from injury so would be good for 60 mins but likely to fade later on, but his ability on the ball will be key to getting a good start and setting the tempo. We can't afforfd to let City settle and set the pace of the game or we will lose. I went with Rafa at the back as i think speed and agility are a better way to deal with players like Silva Nasri Johnson Aguero and Tevez rather than the strength that Jones will add, also i foresee Jones coming on in midfield to shore things up when Scholes comes off.
Over all i feel this team would be able to get the win needed or at very least a draw.

Shappy

28 Apr 2012 17:06:39
{Ed004's Note - So who would you rather have TK, Nani or Hazard as that is what looks like happening. It will be one or the other imo}

Its a tough one Ed because I really rate Nani and there have been times when he has carried us. The thing is that IMO Nani's best position is on the right side of midfield, a position that Valencia has put his stamp on this season in particular with Nani being shifted to the left. Now in that scenario I would prefer to see Hazard. I think Hazard is better coming in from the left and would be better than Nani in a central role.
In an ideal world I would have Nani on the right and Hazard on the left. Valencia and Young would still get enough games due to squad rotation. Given a straight choice between Nani and Hazard though? Loyalty tells me to say Nani but my head tells me to pick Hazard as I think he would have a more consistently positive impact on the team.

TK-Red {Ed004's Note - I am torn between the two of them but Nani has put in some world class shifts on the left wing this year so I would choose him. He also has a far better attitude and work rate than Hazard}

28 Apr 2012 16:12:41
Red Man

Constantine
If kagawa according to you, is second only to Gotze then why are
we going for second best? Would city go for first or second best?
If we want to be feared then we need the best not the second
best. I think kagawa is a good player but if there are better and
city buy them then work out what that means and they likely
impact
Red Man

second best in that team creatively speaking but I know what your getting at. It smarts for sure. Richest club in the world and it looks like we feeding on scraps.

What saf has created is all the needs for a good squad minus the spark and the solidity to bring it all together. for this we need top players. no more squad no more youth unless they are the best and already established.

so who do we have to choose from? and then we have to compete with the lure of spain and like it or not we cannot and should not try to match man city for ridiculus wages. if we try and match them the bar will raise then we will see problems if the bar raises again and god forbid if the success stops on the pitch. then we can really roll out the the doomsday book. but then the new regs will help.


I think we just have to accept the limitations, we are not top dog in the money market in terms of spending and hope the right decisions are made and that our cleverness in the market doesnt do an arsenal on us.

id be interested in seeing a list of players on the level of gotze. then an honest assesment of the possibility of transfer. cause i cant stretch much further than gotze and martinez and i could easily come up with good reasons why they wouldnt come without that meaning the clubs at fault.

but I cant stress enough mate. kagawa is no ordinary player and if we get him we will be better off than we are now and if ive got it right I think it will suprise you how much better we can be with just one or two astute signings.

..constantine..

28 Apr 2012 15:18:12
Okay, guys. seeing as me and Shappy are fighting it out for book of the year I'm going to apologise for this next essay. if you really can't be bothered to read this then that's fine, haha. but if you are going to read this, well good luck and hopefully I'll see you at the end!

I agree with Shappy when he says we tend to go for a 4411 or a 442 however I feel that lately, especially in games where we need a more attacking threat we've been going in with a 4-3-3 set up which seems to work fairly well. So yeah, I agree that we shouldn't be relying on counter attacking football but we've always done it and it's worked in the past..however football has moved on and it's simply not as effective as it used to be.

I think if we're looking at playing a 4-3-3 We've got to have 3 different types of midfielders, we need the box2box defensive minded midfielder which we have in Pogba, we need a deep lying play maker and we need an advanced slighting attacking CM, in which Cleverley can play that role fairly well.

I think we definitely need to strengthen at the wing backs if we're playing a 4-3-3 simply because our wingers will now be in a forward type role so it would leave a far bigger gap between the wingers and wing backs so we do need wing backs who can defend, go forward when needed but most importantly keep concentration..something which both our current full backs in Rafael and Evra lack massively.

If we're going to play a more attacking formation I think instead of a DM we need the Box2Box who is 60/40 defensive, a deep lying playmaker and possible a more advanced CM. I think we'll need a new LB and possibly a new RB but Rafael has time on his side so he can easily improve his concentration levels. I'm not sure if we'll need a new forward for the first team, a lot will depend on whether we consider Rooney the more advanced CM or the Striker but it could be a possibility.

We have got tons of talent coming through but not all of them will make it at United, I remember a time when we had Shawcross, simpson and Eagles in reserves and people thought they would make it, the same with Richardson as well. So although we've got to make sure we don't block the development paths of the kids we've got to be 100% sure that they'll make it as a United player.

Let's look at the names that Shappy has mentioned from our youth...

Micheal Keane- I agree this lad has bundles of ability, however due to the fact that we've got several young defenders in Evans, Smalling, Jones, Fabio, Rafael and possible Clyne s well as having a Vidic who has 3+ years left I can't see Keane breaking through so I think simply because what is ahead of him is better I don't think he'll make it unfortunately.

Zeki Fryers- Couldn't agree with you more. I rate him but I think Blackett is better and younger, plus I think he'll be a spurs player next season. (talking of spurs their kids aren't doing badly! Kane, Livermore, Rose, etc.)

Tyler Blackett- I love this boy, I honestly think if we chuck him in now you would assume he's been playing at the highest level for years. as a defender I think he's the best player to come through our academy since Gary Neville..what a talent he really is.

Ryan Tunnicliffe- probably my favourite of the kids, cross park and Keane and you get this monster, I've never seen a player put in so much effort for such a long amount of time. if we think that Park and Tevez are great workers then this lad is simply God. his passing may leave a little to be desired but he's not a passing player, he gets in, wins the ball and breaks down play.

Davide Petrucci- I love this lad too, I think the fact that Ravel has left means we've got a space for the young AM and he fits the bill perfectly. he's not just a talent either, he works incredibly hard and we've seen that this past year.

Paul Pogba- Take 1 Yaya Toure, take 1 Michael Essien, mix them together and make them 19 years old and you get Paul Pogba.

Larnall Cole- I'm a big admirer of this lad but I think his size will let him down, with that said he does remind me of Iniesta in the way that he plays the game (obviously not in terms of ability). so maybe there is hope for him if he can manage to bulk up a bit over the next couple of years.

Jesse Lingard- I like him, Don't get me wrong but something doesn't seem right, I think his level is mid EPL, I can't back this up with evidence or anything like that it's just a gut feeling. I hope I'm wrong though he's a quality player.

Will Keane- He's the closest thing I've seen to Ruud since he left, which is all good news, He'd offer us a different option up top to what we've already got and I'm 100% sure he'll make it providing we don't sign another world class forward in the same mould.

I think you're right Shap, although I think 1 or 2 won't make it we've still got a long way to go until we actually find that out. i think give Pogba, Petrucci and Tunners a run out in the first team for a few months and then let the others go on loan to a championship team first and then to a back end EPL team to improve their game and physicality.

this is the part I love! who/what do we need?

Defence: In terms of depth I think we're fine, I think in terms of CB's we're fine however in terms of wing backs I think we're going to struggle a little if we adopt a slightly more attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Emilio Izaguirre- I understand that he's got potential but I think he's just be like Kolarov, he'd be okay but not oustanding and being United, we need outstanding players.

Leighton Baines- I'm a big admirer of Baines and I think he will, or at least he should be at a bigger side than Everton (no disrespect to Everton of course). When you look at Gibbs, Santos, Ekotto, Clichy and Kolarov it's quite weird how Baines isn't at one of the big clubs as he's better than all of these aforementioned.

Marcel Schmelzer- probably the best young LB in the world at the moment, he's got everything in his game and just screams Lahm in his style, ability, etc. I think he'd be well worth £20 Million but that would be at a push.

Erik Pieters- I'm not a fan as such, I would much rather line up with Balazaretti at LB.

balzaretti - Not much I can say about which I haven't already said. he's great defensively, terrific positioning, good header, can play CB due to his size and can put in a mean cross if needed.

Jordi Alba- as you said, he's Barcelona bound. although I don't think he's all that, going forward he reminds me of a young Ashley cole but defensively I think he's quite weak.

Yaroslav Rakitskiy- I can't say I know tons about him but I know who he is and I know he's one of the playesr to watch at the Euro's this summer. the fact he's 22 and is already being touted as one for the future says it all. I just think that he may be a waste of money when you consider the CB's we do currently have.

Jose Angel- he's reliable and you know what you're getting from him, although I don't think he's the player we need to help our side move forward.

Mauricio Isla- I remember this guy, he blows a little hot and cold but you know when he's on form your keepers keeping his sheets clean!

Ivan Piris- as I've previously said he shows a lot of promise but his league is what concerns me, how will he deal with players like balotelli running 100MPH into his face.

Seme Vrsaljko- I don't really think we need another young guy. although he does have massive potential.

Nathaniel Clyne- defensively I think he's better than Rafael but as you said would we pay £5+ Million for him? I sincerely doubt it.

Another lad i think deserves a mention is ansaldi, going forward he's very, very good. defensively he's okay, certainly better than Evra.

Midfielder time, as I said I think we need a box 2 box with a 60/40 defensive mindset.

Kevin Strootman- I really do like this lad, he's slightly more defensive that I would like but he can pick a pass and he's got a good shot on him for a player of his position.

Nuri Sahin - I really like sahin, he's also got that ability to make him a deep lying playmaker so in theory he could complete two roles at the same time which would be great for us.

Joao Moutinho- I would have said he's more attacking minded that defensive minded however he's certainly a great box2box midfielder, I don't know what he's like attitude wise but what I've seen of him on the pitch is just quality.

Javi Martinez- Terrific lad. but just a no-go.

Axel Witsel- I don't rate him as high as others, I couldn't care less about his tackle it was years ago but I think for the £15+ Million fee there are far better box2box options around.

Yann M'Vila- I think he's okay, but I certainly don't agree with his valuation. he's had 1 good season and even during that he's had some terrible games.

Inler - Being at Napoli means he'd be a hard one to get but I think he's a great player, more defensive that I'd like but his long shot is very, very good.

Moussa Sissoko- Just don't even mention his name. vastly over-rated and he can't do anything that our current crop can't.

Sandro- I like him, but he's a little hot and cold, I'd rather stick with tunners and Pogba.

As I said I think we'd be better off with a box2box player so a few other options would be..

Banega - Seems very composed on the ball, tackles and passes well but his effort and drive sometimes leaves a little to be desired.

Gabi: I'm not sure where this lad has come from but jesus he's been top draw for Athletico (unfortunately). People rave about how Barcelona want Martinez but Gabi would be just as good as him, what he lacks defensively in comparison to Martinez he'll make it up with his attacking play

Kvist: He's played at RB a lot lately but he is a CM, and the only reason I've put him on here is because he's brilliant at keeping the ball under pressure, his passing is as good as Carrick's but he's got that added something which makes you think he'll be a the under-rated player for somebody.

Nocerino: would be my pick out of this lot though, defends like Keane and goes forward like Lampard! IMO he's currently the best Box2Box midfielder on the planet bar maybe Yaya and Schweinsteiger.

As mentioned with the crop of youth we've currently got we've got Pogba who we all know is a sensational young man and we've also got Tunners who has great drive, a great engine and the old fashioned midfielder ability.

I think all of the players mentioned so far all have various qualities that will add something to our squad and the way we play. having a box2box rather than a out and out CDM would be my preference because it gives us a wider varied style that we can play and adapt to if needed.

We've also got to look at the 'scholes' replacement in the deep lying playmaker role.

Cleverley - Now, It wouldn't be a bad choice but I feel he's far more effective as an attacking player so I would rather look at other options for the scholes role.

Modric - The name that's first on everyone's lips.. he's talented as we've all seen. but his long ball service isn't as good as I would like. nonetheless I wouldn't complain if he signed for us.

Riccardo Montolivo - Arsenal have been wanting him for a while and I can see why, great pasing and vision, he can tackle and even shoot which is great haha. at 27 he's young enough to be useful and he's old enough to not block the kids.

Kojo Asamoah - I never hear his name get mentioned. I think there are far better options available but for around £8 Million I would love to sign him.

Wilshere - well know how good he is but he'd never be a viable option really.

Hernanes - This guy is top draw. that's all I need to say, a good shot, top vision and passing too. plus his dribbling is very good.

Pirlo - I was slated for saying he'd be great on a free last season, and low and behold he's having one of the best years of his career. yes he's ancient but my god he's giving scholes a run for his money this year.

Alonso - Probably one of the best in that role on the planet. I can never see it happening but he's a sound deep PM.

I think in terms of wingers we're fine although another Left footed, left sided inside forward/winger wouldn't hurt. so in terms of AM and LW/IF I think we should be looking at players a a long the lines of..

Shinji Kagawa- he's currently flavour of the month with the press but the majority of regulars have been shouting his name for around 2 years now. his energy, skillset and natural ability to pass, shoot and dribble through players should make him top of our list for the small price he's being touted at.

Edan Hazard- I like Hazard in terms of ability but I don't think he's worth the money he's being labelled with in comparison to other available options and I also think his "I'm the best" attitude will come back to haunt him. (His attitude is very similar to that of Balotelli's..is that what we want?)

Nicolas Gaitan- I love this kid, at times I've been a little hard on him but the more I watch him the more I see a mix of Aimar and Giggs. great feet, very good vision and he has that bit of magic which transforms a draw into a win.

Marek Hamsik- what a lad, I think he'll cost a bomb however and when you look at other available options I don't think he'll be worth the price we'd have to pay for him.

Cristian Eriksen- who doesn't like this Kid?

alan dzagoev - I think he's just as good as the names you see on here every day, he's very similar in his playing style to what Ozil is and I think he'll be a great buy at around £10 Million.

Marvin Martin- Shaps, you mention he's not been as good as last year, which is correct but he's still been a top player this year so I don't see that as a negative point.

Glyfi Sigurdsson- his pace is what concerns me, if we change our style would he be able to keep up? he's not the quickest lad in the world but with that said neither is Alonso and he keeps up with Madrid's lightening quick play.

Mesut Ozil- I don't think he would ever want to leave but he's incredibly talente and as you say, he has to be considered if he was available.

James Rodriguez- I watch this lad and I think we've got to get him. he doesn't remind me of Ronaldo when Ronaldo first joined he reminds me of the Ronaldo that was about to peak. he's a big lad too! I'd be incredibly happy to see him in a United kit next season.

Giovinco - the place and dribbling of this boy is quality and he's improved massively over the last 2 years.

Mertens - I've seen him play inside 2 or 3 times and he's been just as good there as he is out wide but I'm not 100% convinced he'll be great as a CAM.

Diego - Yes, he's back on my posts. his attitude is even worse than what it was last year and he's a little f#xk at times. he's also not been as sharp as he could be. however I do think given the right management he'd be great like he was at Juve.

Gaston Ramirez- I like what I've seen of him but he's not exactly playing against the best, I think when you look at the players chasing him you've got to acknowledge that their is talent involved. I have a few question marks over his work ethic though.

Ibrahim Afellay- I personally think Barcelona will send him out on loan. people tend to forget that during his first year he was very good, well up until his injury. I think he'll be given the chance to prove himself but he certainly did fit their team well when he signed.

Providing Rooney drops deeper we need to look at a forward, now what sort of forward will we need?
do we want someone who can hold the ball up and feed the midfield?

what about somebody who's very good with his head?

Or a quickfooted fox in the box?

Personally I think we need the sort of player who can do all of these things, the sort of forward who can score from anywhere, can hold the ball up and use his heading. plus he needs to be able to pass.

Falcao - The money involved would be big. but he's a terrific player and he would help our side and develop it to the next level of play. We've never really played with a big striker but he's got great heading, a fair bit of pace, and a terrific shot.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel- I think he's okay, a talented forward, good feet but he looks a little lost at times which would be an issue against big sides.

Andre Schurrle- as an inside forward/winger he's be quality. as the main forward I also think he'll be good but he's a little 1 dimensional for my liking.

Robin Van Persie- Imagine what he could if he wasn't creating his own chances?

Doumbia - his passing and hold up play isn't the best in the world, It's good but I've seen better. although his finishing and pace is deadly.

Higuain - A real goal scorer who not only hold the ball up well, scores plenty and creates plenty but he's also great off the ball allowing players to play off him and create space for themselves.

Cavani - he would be perfect IMO but I wouldn't be prepared to pay the price involved with signing him.

Lukaku - I would love to somehow get him from Chelsea! one of the best kids I've ever seen in terms of a big striker and I think he'll be one of the best in the world over the next 5/6 years.

You can also look at what we already have, Keane would be perfect to play the role I think we need but he's come just a bit too soon for my liking.

Welbeck would be good, however he would need him to score 99% of the goals, with Rooney playing deeper he won't be there to play tidy little 1-2 passes with all the time. As for Hernandez, if he stays in the box then he would play the role brilliantly but he also needs to work on his hold up play as it would help us score a lot more goals.

so, If I had to choose a FB, Deep playmaker, B2B, AM, Winger and a forward from potential signings and from what we've got at the club I would go with: Balzaretti, Modric or Montolivo, Pogba, Kagawa, Rodriguez and I'd push Rooney as the forward and possibly sign Higuain.

I'd go with a line up like this:

_____________DDG
Rafa___Smalling__Vidic__Balzaretti
_______*Modric___Pogba
Toni_______Kagawa____Rodriguez
____________Rooney

*Modric or Montolivo

can't be bothered to put a bench haha. But I'd rotate Pogba and Tunners depending on the team we're playing as well as Toni/Young/Nani and Rodriguez/Brady/Young. Kagawa would get rotated with Cleverley and Petrucci too.

Against the bigger, more attacking threats where we need to be defensive to an extent we could line up with either...


_____________DDG
Rafa___Smalling__Vidic__Balzaretti
Toni_*Modric_Tunners_Pogba_Young
____________Rooney

*Modric or Montolivo

Or

_____________DDG
Rafa___Smalling__Vidic__Balzaretti
Toni___*Modric___Pogba__Rodriguez
___________Kagawa
______ _____Rooney

*Modric or Montolivo

Or

_____________DDG
Rafa___Smalling__Vidic__Balzaretti
Toni___*Modric___Pogba__Rodriguez
_______Rooney__Higuain

*Modric or Montolivo

While obviously rotating to squads/players which would be better suited to the position in that sort of game.

So yeah! well done if you got all the way through this! and apologies to anybody who now needs to have a lie down.

oh, and shaps..2-1

Bant please ED.

The Moon.

28 Apr 2012 14:26:38
With It looking like Ferdinand's games are numbered due to the deterioration in his pace and concentration levels, Do you think United will look for another CB? Looks like Smalling will be used as a right back if United don't buy another one and Nobody knows how Vidic will be when he returns. Will be very interesting to see who joins the club during the summer. And i know we have to strengthen in other area's of the pitch aswell, What you guys think? And if yes who would you go for?
Subotic is Quality and would love to see him wear the jersey for us! {Ed004's Note - I think Clyne will come in so we Smalling won't have to play CB. I also think Smalling will become a better player than Ferdinand.}

28 Apr 2012 13:41:53
Ok, last time when the squad needed an overhaul and the club spent big to improve the squad, they spent between 50-60 million on transfers. An example of that is when we bought Anderson, Nani, Hargreaves and loaned Tevez in a few years ago. So my query to you is. If you were given between 50-60 million net spend this summer to get the team back into shape for next season who would you spend it on and who would you sell to ensure you keep within the budget?

Firstly I would sort out the left back position and I would sign Izaguirre from Celtic. He is a hard worker and very fast. His defending is good but his attacking is very good and after a few seasons at Manutd he would be a lot better. Now as a result of signing him I would sell Evra. Now I think we would get more for Evra than what Izaguirre would cost as french teams like PSG with a lot of money will be interested in our captain. I would also keep Fryers and promote Blackett for a few games.

Secondly I would sort out the midfield area. Now I am off the opinion that we need to sign two players here. One a more attacking minded player and the other a more defensive minded player. In midfield it is without doubt the area of the pitch we are lacking in the most. So therefore I would buy Eriksen and Martinez. Both are expensive but well worth it in the long run. I believe Eriksen could be bought for around 20 million and Martinez for around 30 million. Now that would be 50 million spent on central midfielders but it would be well worth it. Now I would let anderon leave for around 8 million as I do not feel he is consistent enough. He is always injured and that is the reason I would let him leave. I would also allow Park to leave for about 2 million as well along with Giggs possibly retiring that leaves us with Cleverley, Martinez, Eriksen, Pogba, Scholes and Carrick for next season. I honestly think a midfield of Martinez and Eriksen would be the best in the league and along with Rooney being the AM one of the best in Europe. Eriksen's style of play resembles that of Scholes imo. He could easily come in and play the role Scholes is currently playing for us, and we all know how important that has been for our season. Martinez is like the second coming of Alonso but slightly better in my opinion as he is better defensively and just as good going forward and lethal in the air for set pieces. The guy is a giant. He can easily dictate games and there is a noticeable difference in the way Bilbao play when he isn't available and the Sporting game away for Bilbao was a clear example of that. If he can dictate play from CB just think what he could do in the midfield area for united.

Lastly I think a top quality stiker is needed. I would let Berbatov leave for around 7-8 million as he is still quality and let Macheda leave for around 2-3 million. Now If we are to remain in the 60 million budget we would have 30 million at most for a striker. I would make it my main priority to get Higuain before any of our other rivals could get him. His goal scoring record is phenomenal and he is just as good as Van Nistelrooy was in his prime. His positioning in the box is god like. We already have Rooney as a 25-30 goals a season premiership striker we would be devastating with another goal scoring like that in our team and Higuain would easily get that a season. He has 20 goals in 21 starts I think for Madrid in La Liga and that is nothing short of spectacular.

Now for 60 million we could have this team....
De Gea
Rafael Smalling Vidic Izaguirre
Martinez Eriksen
Valencia Rooney Nani (who I rate highly)
Higuain
Defensively we are solid. Midfield we are dominant and in attack we would score more goals which is a scary thought for opposition teams. It would also act as a physiological boost for fans and players.
So my simple question for you is... With 60 million net spend at most - Who would you sign this summer?
The Red Manc
P.s sorry for the long post....

28 Apr 2012 13:24:28
To add to the Kagawa being a cheap option against someone like Hazard, i don't think that is the case. Both are extremely good technical players, their form and stats over the last couple of years have been fairly similar.

The difference in price for both of them is only circumstantial and imo, does not reflect on their quality. Sweeping statements like "If City get Hazard and United get Kagawa then City have got the better player" are incredibly farfetched and have no basis imo.

Add to that Kagawa plays in the Bundesliga which imo is the second best after the EPL and he is one of the most important parts of a Dortmund team which has been a strong force for the last couple of seasons.

If available at 12-15mil he would be a steal imo and an opportunity we certainly should not miss out on. If he had a few more years left on his contract he would be priced as high as Hazard imo, give or take 5mil.

And finally why do people simply assume that its a situation of either or? We could as well sign both Kagawa and Hazard, especially if somebody like a Nani leaves in the summer.

REDFAITH {Ed004's Note - What would people rather do. Keep Nani or sell him and buy Hazard with a few million left over like 5 or so million left from the Nani sale. I personally would keep Nani instead of replacing him with Hazard}

28 Apr 2012 12:46:01
Just watching West Ham vs Hull, and I'm wondering, how does Ravel Morrison not get into that train wreck of a team? I have a feeling there's something strange going on there. Either way, I look forward to seeing Brady play if/when he comes off the bench.

Percy

28 Apr 2012 12:13:26
Might as well cover my thoughts on it as well as reply. Haven't said much of guardiola.


sorry nov cant agree with that. put a bad manager with a good team and it can fall apart. gaurdiola was a top top player who played in a position where tactical awareness needed to be top too. his head is screwed on football wise.

what makes it difficult to distinguish between him being a top manager and just a good one is he was barce through and through. would another team take to him as well? and the obvious fact of the goal machine that is messi all but sealing the win before its even started.

but still say a bad manager can mess up a good team, in squad fighting lack of respect for him but coming from overly opinionated players such as eto and ibra its not much of a slight.

id say for being so young he has proved himself a good manager but a great one? not yet. mourihno is because hes commanded respect in every club he has gone. and that for me is the key difference.

..constantine..

28 Apr 2012 11:29:09
people may say that i'm a bit late to comment on this, but I'm not addicted and so I don't come on this site too often.

first of all, can we stop worshipping guardiole? i don't know why you lot say ooh guardiola is the picture of good management! he should replace fergie! let's give him our souls! because he's not a particularly good gaffer. he was given a world class team and this season, he has turned them into a relatively good one. he puts messi(who I remind you was originally an attacking mid/winger) up front then expects him to generate and score all their chances. if guardiola was in charge of chelski rather than RDM, they would be 6th in the league, and out offa cup and champions league(I won't use that comparison with liverpool because I don't know what the league below blue square south is) mourinho is a good manager. AVB is a good manager(but he needs time to develop). marcelo bielsa is a good manager. pep guardiola is NOT a good manager.
nov00

28 Apr 2012 10:53:43
formation wise we should move to the christmas pudding with scholes as the sixpence.

28 Apr 2012 07:36:25
How about Scott Sinclair as the left footed winger!
has really impressed at swansea and will be cheaper

28 Apr 2012 00:26:49
You wouldn't think we all supported the same club on here would you, yeah I know it's a banter page but there is a line and we are crossing it, ever since the Liverpool fans and city fans started posting on here we've all got bitchy and less of a community lets all stick together and not bitch between one and other we may have different opinions but we all want the same thing, and that's 20 titles!

Anon

28 Apr 2012 00:03:17
Personally, i could care if Sir Alex was Hitler's evil twin and tripped up grannies as long as he wins...meh. Sometimes people have to suspend their ethics and morals in certain circumstances...

fatfugazi