Manchester United Banter Archive July 29 2013

29 Jul 2013 23:22:01
"Also, what happened to all the posters telling us to be patient on transfers, get behind the manager, get behind the team, support the club, and then they start calling g Rooney all sorts without knowing any of the truth. Double standards"?
Nomidfield

Sorry mate, maybe I'm being more thick than usual, but what possible connection is there, between asking posters to be patient on transfers and to get behind Moyes, and criticising Wayne?

And to be fair, most of us who don't particularly like things the guy has done, have not been, 'calling him all sorts'. He's still a Utd player.

Stevie K. This is getting a bit tedious. And no, you're not thick. The point I was making is we must get behind the players. But some say we must support the club and players, but when it comes to rooney, its a free for all.
were u at the private meeting he had with saf? No. So why attack him when u don't know all the facts.
Nomidfield

Lol, I was calling him all sorts although I have managed to behave myself lately.

Not everyone is fed up with Rooney because of a conversation that may or may not have happened. I, for one, am sick of his attitude and lack of professionalism. He has been overweight for too long and has been seen smoking. If he could get into good shape and find the energy he had when he was younger I'm sure his form would return and almost all reds would find a way to forgive him.

Matt

Almost all, Matt, almost all :)

StevieK

I hope so Matt, as he is one of our best players and we don't want to lose them. Of course, he has to get into shape. He could be one of the best in the world, Mourinho and Wenger will not be chasing him otherwise.
So let's hope he can get fit and focussed and give us the old rooney back. Also, it will be good for David Moyes if this was to happen, as it will be a bit of coup if he can get him fit and playing to the best of his ability.
We live in hope this could happen but I also realize there will be fans who won't forgive him. All I'm interested in is that United have the best players and continue to be successful and a fit rooney will certainly help us.
Nomidfield

29 Jul 2013 21:44:19
Im convinced we have a good squad and if we don't add to it I think we will be competitive on all fronts. We have some good youth seemingly ready to break in to the first team they all look ready and confident! The real issue to steal a line from my mate wayne is ambition we should strive to be the best team on the planet and realistically bayern, real, barca, are all stronger city, Chelsea, psg, Dortmund are all pretty much on par or just behind. As good as the team is we as fans of this great club know we have catching up to do because we strive to be the best but at the moment we are not the best but with a couple of good deals we could be and that's why DM apparent back track from bringing in the worlds best to the squads very good! For me he should have played it the other way tell us before how great the squad is and do your business problem is we now know he considers us light in midfield and if he starts the season with no new additions for me it's a worry a new manger has come out said we need something and not addressed it we know he thinks its not quite up to scratch he has a acording to him an unlimited budget so if he doesn't bring in a top talent what message is that sending out? he has time but work to do and quick best thing he could have done was target a top midfielder but why go for the one seemingly most out of reach? It really is fascinating this window! I think we can all agree we can bring in a few different more available players and improve a lot. I do get the cesc thing I think he's world class and would make us some team I think keep rooney get him fit and just from adding cesc we would be some force!
Rooney has to stay unless he plays abroad we can't have him come come back to haunt us Jose is the last guy we want to give the last bit of the jigsaw to.

So glad to see giggs so involved in the coaching he is mr Manchester United knobody will ever surpass him for that. He will be so important when it comes to Europe and DM knows this he really will need to pick his brains! He has a player with true pedigree to call on I trust giggs and he has such a big and important part to play now.
Spelling is awful I know I'm a bit thick :-)

Rant over
Ddd

You must be kidding, Giggs has been no good in Europe for the past 5 years. So why should it be different this time.

We have been poor in Europe over the last 2 seasons and we haven't improved the team enough to improve upon that

29 Jul 2013 21:05:16
Gundagon's (spelling?) agent and father has stated that he wants to stay in Germany for at least one more season and is negotiating a new contract. So this is another target we can forget about.

As far as kondogbia is concerned, he is just a poor mans pogba. You know the quality player we let leave on a free transfer. Well done united.

If your going to come on here and tell us Wots wot be big enuf to leave a name!


Cork city red!

29 Jul 2013 20:44:03
evening folks,, well a week or so has past and i'm still sticking with no players in, don't get me wrong a big name signing would be good for the squad but would prob mean WR leaving.
i just think that DM needs a season with this squad to see what he's got and plan for the future, this is a new era for utd, new boss and new staff and if its takes a few seasons for it to all come together, so be it.

on the preseason tour so far --- can't wait to see zaha tearing down that wing giggs stylee --- andan looks very very promising, let's get him a new contract now ------ lingard as well looks very good ( cracking wee chip today for the 5th goal ) ---- keane is looking to be a solid player at the back
some folks would say its been a so-so tour, but these far east tours are more for the 100+ million fans out there than some meaningless fake cup tour.

and on possible trophies this coming season, I think we will have to serious here and say 3rd after city/chealski, a good chance with one of the cups and I honestly think a decent CL run, defo outta the group stage

its exciting time ahead guys and gals, get behind your team and stop the gloom

The tour was great for us in a way that most matches were played in over 80% humidity which means that it would have got the players in great shape.
Regardless of signings United will always carry a winning mentality that other clubs just can't buy. I'm feeling confident no matter what!

Ozwald

''i just think that DM needs a season with this squad to see what he's got and plan for the future, this is a new era for utd, new boss and new staff and if its takes a few seasons for it to all come together, so be it. '' Or a few seasons for it all to come apart? Uglygeordiegenius

'' Or a few seasons for it all to come apart? Uglygeordiegenius

thats the spirit genius , are you even a utd fan or just one of these fake glory hunting wannabes. who knows if DM is going to be another SAF, do your bit son and get behind the new boss

Ape. is that just by name or nature as well.
CL is a higher level of football than EPL, I think we will do well to get past the last 16 stage with effectively the same squad as last season.

Other teams have made big improvements, such as PSG. although it may take them another season before they become a real CL force.

Be optimistic about our team but don't pull wool over your eyes. We are not in the top tier of European teams who currently have a genuine chance of winning the CL next season

29 Jul 2013 19:50:48
People at this Banter always look for a player to hare!
Last Season was Nani and now Rooney!

Every big team in Europe are trying to get better and because we have RVP we think that we're more than good. Rooney still has a very important role at Old Trafford.

Most of the people here acts like children, they complain about everything.

We need Rooney and he's a very good player. We need to add quality players not get rid of some and add none.

I meant hate!**** writing from my phone.

Totally agree. Even more worrying is that Hernandez might also be sold? What are we doing?
Nomidfield

Hernandez will not be sold, the only talk of him leaving is on loan and that just won't happen. I hope Rooney will stay and become magical again, he's one of the most feared forwards in the world.

Lastly I hope Nani stays if we don't sign a quality left winger, better than Young. Nani down the left, Zaha down the right.

Ozwald

I hope the real united supporters who want Rooney to stay will be vocal at rios testimonial and let Wayne know we appreciate all he's done for the club and that we want him to play out his career like a true united legend. -KG

29 Jul 2013 19:22:58
Has his agent not said he is going knowhere. We won't get him or Ronaldo and Rooney will leave. We will be left with Felani and our marquee signing will be Baines.
KevDarko

Baines a marquee signing? Pass me some of what your smoking. One of 3 for the marquee signings, Bale, Fabregas or Ronaldo and Baines & holding mid to come too. Got a LOT of money riding on the Marquee so heres hoping or as AFC suggested, I may well be living in a tent come August.

29 Jul 2013 18:34:39
It's being reported that David Moyes is waiting until after rios testimonial to decide on his new midfield. If Keano and robbo and scholesey perform we'll, then he is willing to revive dads army. Won't cost us a penny and big Malcolm will be delighted!

Mufc parkie

Who's actually been confirmed to play in that? Heard that Usain Bolt was meant to appear?! Haha that'd be amazing to say the least.

Ozwald

29 Jul 2013 17:23:03
I'll go with rvp, rooney and zaha up top top with kagawa in attacking mid position playing a free role to roam all over midfield, leaves two more spaces for midfield, carrick take one and can't think of another midfiielder I'm happy with

ADA

29 Jul 2013 17:54:12
Firstly hats off to the realists talking sense, especially Syd.

Secondly, is there a code for the Fantasy football?

15522-6942

TK-Red

If you win the league can u become an editor?!-KG

29 Jul 2013 16:51:06
My god but the moaniacs are out in force today. Honestly I think if some of you found fifty quid on the floor you'd moan it was dirty. MrE

Mate. Every other big team in Europe is strengthening, we aren't. I'm not biting til the window closes but see sense here. We are a big team, you always strengthen while you're ahead.

RED_SKY

29 Jul 2013 16:45:00
the past few weeks I've seen a few posts saying Zaha is the next Ronaldo, or he reminds you of Ronaldo, etc. etc.

Well, can we stop just there please.

Zaha is going to be the 1st Zaha. Ronaldo is a one off, a freak of nature.

I think Zaha will turn into the best English Winger since Beckham, and I think he'll go onto to do big things.

But comparing him to Ronaldo? jesus, that's a little pressure don't you all think!

Remember what happened to the last winger we called the next Ronaldo, or has Ronaldoesque ability.

I do, he's sitting in our first team fringe wondering what happened to his amazing career. I'm talking of course about Nani.

The Moon.

All hail Ronaldo. king of kings!
How dare anybody compare a player with Ronaldo. it's unthinkable!

Simmo

Great post moon, I don't like it when people say these things either. I've got to say he seems more down to earth then Nani. Can only see him being the next big thing out of the Championship.

Red Joe

He looks a lot like a young John Barnes
Jred

Ibe is the next best England winger.

Plymouth Red.

29 Jul 2013 15:54:28
Im sorry redseven but your love for rooney is bordering on crazy mate! U say 'no way he will stay after the way he has been treated'
Now ask yourself how is that? How badly has he been treated? I would suggest we have wrapped englands rose is cotton wool from the media and such, remember he ain't no saint ask coleen.
Your just the type of fan Stretford loves :-)
But even u can't believe rooney is the innocent party in any way can u?

Both sides have done wrong - but Rooney considerably less so than the club.

As a professional, Rooney should have come back to the club in decent shape. That's a given, especially given how much he gets paid.

That said; he played well last season when given the chance considering he was never given a decent run in the team in order to build up his form. When RVP lost his scoring touch, Rooney stepped up and filled the gap - but then was dropped for our biggest game of the season despite the fact that he had been our best player in the games building up to it.

To be dropped for a player who had not scored in 9 games and is nowhere near as versatile as Rooney; and a striker who scored 2 goals in 39 appearances was a kick in the teeth. Everybody I know (United fan or not) and every pundit I heard talk on the matter thought it was the wrong call.

I think he had every right to ask SAF why he was dropped and, if not given a satisfactory answer, to also ask 'Why keep me at the club if you're not going to play me?'. I don't know exactly how the conversation went down as it was private - but they seem like valid questions to ask in private, considering the aforementioned circumstances.

For SAF to then publicly state that Rooney had asked to leave was out of order. It was a private conversation and as such SAF had no right to publicly announce it. It was always going to leave the fans hating Rooney. I don't know him personally, but even I can tell that Wayne is the kind of person who needs to feel loved and appreciated. Having fans boo him and abuse him on social networking sites as a result of a private conversation he had which appears to have been taken out of context (Rooney is still adamant that he never asked to leave) was always going to make it very difficult for him to stay.

People will point to Rooney questioning the club's ambition and asking to leave a few years back as the catalyst for this season event - but I would disagree.

Around the time he asked to leave - a huge proportion of our fans were calling for the heads of the Glazers due to the financial limitations they had placed on our club. For all of the banners, scarves and protests - what exactly was achieved? Nothing.

Rooney questioning the ambition of the club was no different than us fans asking why 'the Ronaldo money' had not been reinvested? Why we lost Tevez and Ronaldo and signed Owen and Valencia? Why our midfield has not been strengthened despite needing to be for years?

The only difference is - his questions were answered and we began to spend a little more with an £82m net spend in the two years after compared with a plus £51m in the 2 years prior. Whatever you think about the situation - Rooney questioning the club's ambition appears to have been good for the club.

I'm not going to pretend like there were not other motivations behind him doing so. He also did very well out of the situation - but given that we are supposed to be the biggest club in the world - does it not make sense that we pay our best player the kind of money that other teams pay their best players? At the time half of City's squad were earning more than Rooney! If a rival company were paying people twice as much as me to do half the job I would ask my boss for a raise. Wouldn't you?

To then go out and sign RVP was also a bit of a slap in the face to Wayne. He was our best player by a mile; and so to sign somebody who was going to force him out of his best position rather than fix the many other problems we had made no sense. There were at least 5 positions which could have done with strengthening before another top striker was considered - unless of course we planned on playing two up top.

redseven

Redseven. By your own admission, the conversation between Fergie and Wayne was private. So how can you be so sure Fergie was out of order in saying Wayne wanted to leave? Just assuming, to back up your theory?

StevieK

Reds even

Good post. I'm not a Rooney fan but I get why he feels hard done to. However, where we differ is I think he should get his head down and prove how good he is, not throw his toys out of the pram. If he is so good, why is there not a queue of clubs trying to sign him?

So please tell me how the news got out about rooney asking to leave?
Cuz I remember the stories circulating about 2-3 weeks before fergie 'announced' it

yes both sides could have handled this a bit better but u seem to be under the impression Rooney has been done wrong in all this, i'm afraid not. i'm sorry mate if ure argument for him rightly being upset is because we brought RVP no! We brought imo the best striker in the world, and a truly professional player would embrace that not whinge and turn up out of shape.
Yes he turned in some great performances but I expect that, but was he consistent? Yes it was a stop start season but imo that was down to him again.
Unless u want a players that turns up when he wants in games then we are on a slippery slope.
I want the old Wayne back, the beast of a player but only he can do that and as of yet he ain't shown to much proof he will tbh.

StevieK -
I clearly say that I don't know what was said in the meeting. My gripe with SAF announcing that Wayne wanted to leave but that he had made public the contents of a private conversation.

Chris the REDman -
The stories prior to SAF announcing that Rooney wanted to leave were all speculation. There was no 'inside knowledge' - merely guesses that something wasn't quite right after Wayne was dropped for our biggest game of the season.

The RVP element is not the basis for my argument - but is certainly a factor. Before we signed RVP last summer, pretty much everybody on this page saw RVP as a luxury and the midfield as our priority. The fact that we 'fixed' something that did not need fixing rather than strengthen an area of the pitch which has been weak for some time made little sense.

It appears that Rooney was winging not about RVP being signed but about being dropped despite out-performing RVP in the build up to the game in question. Is there not some basis in that? If you did your job better than a colleague and they were given a promotion rather than you - would you not question the decision?

redseven

Wayne Rooney was not at his best last season. his best games was the two games leading up to the champions league game v RM. if I'm honest he didn't look fit, was in out of games a lot and wasteful at times with his possession and not the Rooney we all know. there was a lot of speculation of Wayne Rooney not sticking to dieting and was out drinking and smoking and bingeing!And you all know how Fergie feels about that!i was not surprised to see Rooney not in the starting line up v madrid and I do feel Rooney was wrong to question why he didn't play if the speculation was true!why is Moyes now saying, he wants Wayne Rooney to be back to his very best, fit and scoring goals (b4 he was injured)and saying he came back very fit and even some of his team mates have reportedly saying they havnt seen him as fit!this isn't the first time Rooney has asked to leave and it's the first time Fergie has publicly stated about any player asking for a transfer so why wouldn't it be true!i don't care what anyone says, every footballer needs to have a positive attitude and fight and work hard for they're place in the team!if Wayne Rooney wasn't looking after himself and was carrying on thinking he was untouchable, then he was bound to be found out, and obviously Fergie didn't have the confidence in him to last in a big CL game due to his fitness levels!
I think Rooney should stop complaining and just knuckle down and work hard for his place in the team and be a top player like we all know he can be!Coz it doesn't matter how long or what you have done in the game, your only as good as your next game in football!

Red seven, I'm with you on this one. Yes, I realise Rooney is not a saint, but I think in thus instance, he's not been treated well by saf and by the club.
If he'd asked for a transfer request, then where is it? And if he was hell bent on leaving, why wouldn't he just come out and say it? We know he will lose out financially if he asks for a transfer, but I'm sure the club who buy him, Chelsea, are more than willing to compensate him for any loss.
I think he is really angry because basically, he had not asked for a transfer and saf has had the final say.
Problem is that, if he goes to Chelsea, then he'll make them into a force, and that's not what we want.
Also, what happened to all the posters telling us to be patient on transfers, get behind the manager, get behind the team, support the club, and then they start calling g Rooney all sorts without knowing any of the truth. Double standards?
Nomidfield

If my colleague got my company a bumper deal resulting in more money etc and my attitude was to become lazy, whinney, let myself go and not turn in, in a good shape then I think I would deserve it, I certainly wouldn't expect a payrise or a pat on the back

Nomidfield, obviously SAF was sick of Rooneys attitude and just because Rooney didn't officially write up a transfer request he obviously verbly said it in the conversation with SAF.
I don't care weather he wrote it on a piece of paper or not he asked to leave and it's not the first time!Rooney put himself in this situation. You say he's not coming out and saying he wants to leave!but he is not coming out and saying he wants to stay either is he!and by the way Rooney would find it very difficult to get his game at Chelsea if he plays badly on a constantly like he did last season!or maybe he's not arsed because he doesn't want to be at utd!

29 Jul 2013 15:40:51
Moyes should at least enquire or bid a realistic figure for Gundogan, because he is what we need a box-to-box midfielder that chips in with goals and assists but doesn't mind with putting in a few tackles now and then.

29 Jul 2013 15:16:13
When someone like Christian Benitez dies at the age of 27 we should all stop and think how lucky we are and how unfortunate he is. The transfer window and all of that doesn't matter. Thoughts with Benitez and his family.

Saw him play a few times. Top player - and from what I've heard a top bloke as well. RIP.

redseven

He indeed was a good player and I am glad Fresh brought this to our knowledge, thoughts with his family rip.

29 Jul 2013 13:05:20
thank you guys, ed007. have ust been busy guys:) I hope/think we will be fine and about rooney I hope if he stay's, he should be fit and ready 4 the league and gives his best and have good season with van persie on top and kawaga, behind them, on the wings we have zaha. maybe valencia to if he peform's like he did 4 to season's ago, we should buy atleast fellaini (or vidal, gundogan if we can get them) don't think that can't happen so fellaini and one top player (cm) then the red army is ready 2 rumble. hope sir moyes suprise'es (spelling) us with gundogan, fab, and fellaini (i can dream about;) I would have loved modric, fab, gundogan, fellaini that could have given us plenty of chance's 2 give us the champions league thropy 4 couple of years (like 5 years maybe) and kloot could never stop me coming on this site 2 talk with u guys, we are members of the red army family guys, and kloot hope u are fine mate. zee:)

29 Jul 2013 14:59:49
Welbeck, Zaha, Lingard and Januzaj have literally staked a claim for a place in the first team on this preseason and it would be injustice not to involve any of them, especially the Zaha, Lingard and Januzaj as Wlbeck is already a first teamer

bk7

29 Jul 2013 14:38:09
Delighted with how classy our youngsters are in attack. Zaha, Januzaj are just going to be fantastic players. BUT we need a left back. badly. Buttner is far too easily drawn to the ball, gets turned easily and Evra has the same problems.

Red Joe

Baines & Modric, and it's welcome number 21.

29 Jul 2013 13:32:57
hi guys, I just want to know what u guys think about are champions league tornuments we have been playing in. the moon, gds2, honey badger, brendan81, stevie k, mick, chris the redman, ajh and ed007 mate's. do u guys agree with me that we have been unlucky or no we have had baduck with us guy's in the champions league "seasons". ir we had hawk eye goal tec. we should have atleast played 2 more champions league final's back when roony jonhsen scored against I think they where playing leverkusen or dortmund don't remember exacly who but it was goal in the semifinal and then it was us who where trough 2 the final and against porto when we scored the linesmen, sayd it was ofside but it was not and this year it was nani's red card ruined it 4 us and that persie did not took care off his chances against real madrid, so when we get knock'ed out of the champions league it is because of the ref, linesmen, and that ref did not see that we have scored but the ref did not see the ball was over the line, I tgink I have sering atleast 2 times that has happend 2 us in 2 semifinals do some of u guys remember that or it is just me! zee:)

I think you make your own luck and it tends to even its self out over time.
sometimes you only remember the unlucky things that's happen
Jred

Well Zee these things tend to even themselves out. In 99 against munich they absolutely dominated the match and hit the post twice and yet we ended up winning it. Against chelsea cristiano missed a penalty but we got lucky with Terry slipping. We were a bit unluky with red cards against Munich in 2010 and Madrid this season but tbh we weren't as good as inter and bayern

I think SAF was tactically pitiful when it came to European opponents.

The Moon.

Thanks guys, I hope moyes can make his on luck then. do u guys think moyes will ask saf 4 advice, I hope he does, if he is smart he will, cheer guys:) zee

We've had bad luck but we've also had good luck. I do think it usually evens itself out.

Every team needs a little bit of luck to win the CL we have been very unlucky at times mate. I do believe they even themselves out but u do have to take the rough with the smooth mate

Hey Zee

We have had some bad luck but people forget the good luck we had as well. I think Moon is right - its probably SAF's biggest regret that he didn't win more than 2 but some of his tactics and selections over the years have been a little odd. A shame because last year he got the tactics against Madrid spot on and then we had Nani sent off.

We got a massive slice of luck when a certain Mr Terry took a tumble in Moscow. That one slip meant we were Champions and not them! These things even out, and if we are due a bit of luck then let's make sure we grab it with both hands the next time we can!

DanB

The Moon is spot on. Saf was a legend, but when it came to the top teams in Europe, we didn't fulfil our potential. And that was mostly due to our inept tactics in Europe.
Chelsea proved it can be done with an average team, and inter did it under mourinho when they were not the best team. But on both occasions, the tactics worked.
Nomidfield

29 Jul 2013 13:43:30
I am not watching today's match, have it recorded to watch later so this isn't motd fever I just wanted to say how excited I am for the future of wilfried zaha.

If he is half the player I've seen of him on this tour he is going to be a star. We have missed a player who gets you off your feet since Ronaldo left. I bet Hernandez is watching imagining the amount of goals he will score with zaha getting in behind.

He has been good again today, just his finishing that has let him down. Bags of potential, but still rough around the edges. The penny will drop sooner or later and I think it will happen sooner rather than later. Big season for him next season.

Sydney!

Zaha the next Walcott!

Get into a great position then, oops!

Luckily for Zaha he doesn't rely on pace like Walcott. He can beat one or two players from a standing position. His finishing certainly needs work, but that is all that needs work. I see him playing a lot next season.

Sydney!

29 Jul 2013 13:30:34
To quote someone Cabaye "would be an adequate but ultimately underwhelming signing. "

29 Jul 2013 13:08:28
I am a bit confused by people's common sense. Imagine this from moyes yesterday:

'We are desperate for fabregas and will give barca any amount of money required to get him. The squad is not good enough, we have Anderson and cleverley in the middle who quite frankly are rubbish, only carrick is any good and he is getting old. If we start the season as we are now with these useless clowns we are stuffed'.

Is that what people are wishing he said? He had to say we might not bid again for fabregas, if barca know the next offer took a lot of considering they will know its the final offer, can they afford to not take 40 million knowing another offer won't come?

I can see reading down the page people moaning that moyes said the squad is good enough. If you are at work now imagine your boss walking in and saying out loud 'we need somebody to do the job that useless tosser in the corner is doing'. How would your morale be after that? I hope that makes sense, moyes can't come out and say how bad all the players are. He's not stupid, he knows what we need and has said as much.

There is a culture from united fans or believing every little thing the manager says that you can moan about and ignoring everything he says that you actually agree with. It's quite scary some of the posts on here.

Before people start (as I know a lot on here love to be negative) I am starting to worry a little about the early games in the season, we have a tough start and could do with players soon, if we are 15th in the league by deadline day but sign two world class players it might not be good enough. We need a fast start (especially seeing as united fans are quite fickle and will be calling for moyes head if we don't beat city at the council house) so it is essential we get the players in as soon as possible. Just don't see the point moaning 3 weeks before the season starts.

Gds
What is it exactly from moyes comments that you don't believe.
all I got from them was we are trying to sign players but if we don't it's not the end of the world I'm happy with the squad.
Jred

He's setting himself up for a big fall.

First, he appears to have ignored all of our long standing targets which were apparently in place before he came in. I understand that he wants to make his own mark and build his own team - but it seems he's turned his back on good targets just to prove a point. The fact that he went away on holiday without giving the club a list of players he wanted to sign so that they could begin work on them as soon as the season ended seemed a little naive as well.

His handling of the Rooney saga is poor and demonstrates a distinct lack of class. It's one thing to want Rooney out (although it would appear that it's down to personal reasons rather than professional) - but to label our second best player and one of the best players in the world as 'back-up' is a real kick in the teeth. If he is not able to replace Rooney with a top class striker (which seems unlikely as there are very few of them around) then I will count this as a strike against his name.

The Fabregas saga is ridiculous. To publicly talk about a player in the way he has without having a clear answer as to whether a signing is possible makes no sense. Failure to sign Fabregas now will make the club look weak in the transfer market and make other top players question whether United is the right club for them. It will also leave the fans feeling disappointed if (and most probably when) we end up with a mediocre signing in his place.

I know there is still plenty of time left in the window - but the number of top players who are available is getting smaller by the day. Add to that our difficult start to the season and the fact that new signings will take time to gel with the rest of the squad - and I am all together disappointed with how Moyes has started his time with us.

redseven

For the final time, moyes did not label Rooney a 'backup'. His words were taken out of context and rooneys camp have done a great job of making them sound like moyes has really upset him.

Rooney has asked to leave remember, we want to keep him and the only reason he will leave is if he pushes for a move. This is not the clubs fault, the only way he would stay is if we offered him even more money, and we aren't going to!

“I think he’s got a major role to play because we need to try and get as many goals as we possibly can. I think Wayne can play up-top he can play dropped in. Overall my thought on Wayne is he’ll be key. If for any reason we had an injury to Robin. Robin, we are going to need him. I want to be able to play the two of them, I want to be able to use Danny Welbeck, Chicarito as well. The first year I think I have to get a chance to see (all the players) and how best to use them. It’s a chance for me to get Wayne right back to where he was. That’s the challenge and a challenge I want to take on. I’ve also got to make sure it’s not just him and we don’t concentrate on him. Manchester United isn’t about Wayne Rooney. ”

For redseven's benefit. On what planet is this treating Rooney badly?

Sydney!

Redseven

Moyes never said Rooney was back up. Stop believing what the press print.

'If for any reason we had an injury to Robin, we are going to need him'

The 'if' being rather decisive - inasmuch as our need for Rooney being conditional on RVP getting injured. To me that quite clearly says that if RVP remains fit we are not going to need Rooney. Yes; he also says Wayne will be important - but why even mention RVP's fitness when discussing Wayne? The whole answer contradicted itself.

Ed Woodward coming out with 'we are not afraid to let a player's contract run down' also seemed like a blatant dig at Rooney.

redseven

Yes, need him to play as the main striker as opposed to the hole.

Deary me redseven.

Sydney!

Redseven,

You are clearly a Rooney fan and can't see this from a different point of view.

He said 'if robin is injured' as in that will only leave us with Rooney, surely it's more of a dig at Hernandez and welbeck and I don't see either of them 'angry and confused'.

I am a Rooney fan but you are being blinkered big time

Sydney/GDS2

It's basic English Language. 'If for any reason we had an injury to Robin, we are going to need him' is a conditional sentence. Robin Van Persie being injured is the protasis and Rooney being needed the consequence.

If I were to say; 'If my satnav breaks, I will need my map' - my map's usefulness would be conditional on my satnav breaking. Therefore, The only reason I'd have my map with me would be as a precaution on the off chance that my satnav breaks.

'If it rains, I will need my umbrella', 'If it's cold, I will need a jumper' and 'If it's sunny, I will need sun-cream' are also good examples in this instance - with the item's usefulness being dependent on the protasis.

In the above examples I don't see how you could argue that the consequence is not precautionary; and as such, I see no reason why DM's words shouldn't be taken as I have taken them?

David Moyes is no person and choses his words carefully. If he wanted to say that Rooney was an important part of his plans he would not have said anything which could (and in this case should) suggest otherwise.

redseven

Because you have ignored the part before that to suit your argument and taken the quote you are using totally out of context!

Redseven, read it again, but properlt this time. Moyes clearly states he would like to play both RvP & Rooney. Rooney a little deeper than RvP who would be the leading striker, BUT if something happens to RvP and we need a leading striker, Rooney can play that role with perhaps Kagawa taking Rooney's place in the hole.

It really isn't rocket surgery mate ;)

Sydney!

29 Jul 2013 12:06:23
Apparently man united are the biggest football team in the world because of fan base and income. so how can all the other top teams go out spend big money every year just look at real with the players they have already bought this summer and stil in for bale. and we just get the same story every year "no value in market". we replaced Ronaldo with Valencia who was the winners there defs not us fans. I agree with kloot that the glazers are leeches and the money is going straight to there pockets. I hope I am proven wrong and we get the world class players we desperately need this summer at the min I can't see it.

Scotty

Agreebeen saying same for a while

There's no apparently about it. When it comes to worldwide fan base, mainstream attention, popularity etc. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world. The vast majority of football people would say the same. Probably only Real Madrid come close to them in those stakes.

The glazers remind me of the irish governent blood thirsty taking every penny from the club and making false promises why would fabwrgas sign for united he is at the club he has always dreamed of and I really doubt he would not be loyal to Arsenal how would we united fans feel if Ronaldo signed for chelsea

Couldn't agree more Scotty. We got a wee group here who can't stand people being negative and can only see the sunshine shining out of the clubs *** but unfortunately its the truth.

We are not the biggest by income and real and barca have higher incomes and more spending power.

shahram

I usually don't like being negative about united because there is plenty of other fans of other teams to do it. but in my opinion we are slowly slipping under the glazers from the top teams in Europe. we need to spend now on world class talent simple as give us fans something to shout about and give moyes a fighting chance to compete against the other big spenders get this club back to the top of Europe where it belongs. united til I die

Scotty

29 Jul 2013 11:55:07
I know people are panicking a bit about transfers, but Moyes did say in his first press conference that signings would be coming a bit later than usual in the window, and seeing as it's August 1st Thursday, this seems to be the case. Of course it would of been nice to get players in and integrate them during pre season, but would you really care, if by Sept 2nd, when the window closes, we have signed top quality players? I expect things to start moving after today, as the tour finishes and we're in Manchester for a week before Sweden, so just try and relax guys! Never boring supporting United ey!

29 Jul 2013 11:42:48
I don't know what you people expected. I told you why the club had gone for Moyes. Do you think Pep Jose Pellergrini or any other top manager would have come to United and not demanded big Money to spend. Sir Alex's greatest strength was his ability to get the most from average players. He would always squeeze that extra 10 per cent out of them that would carry us over the line. He instilled a winning mentality in them as they knew that finishing second was never good enough. Compare this to Moyes eleven years of mid table mediocrity and never winning a trophy is acceptable. The time to add quality to a squad is when you are on top that is how you stay on top. We bought world class last year with RVP point proved. Am I the only one who fears he looks out of his depth already.

We will only know at the end of the window Kloot

The only way Moyes was going to get off to a good start is with 1-2 big signings and 3-4 quality signings. MU will back the manager and they know that they need to, but we also need a lot of luck to. I think Moyes will do fine, but some great signings could really define his reign. We need quality signings.

Sydney!

Don't sharpen your knives just yet Kloot, there's still 5 weeks of the transfer window left.
No point panic buying and splashing 50/60million on 5/6 europa league standard players when we only need 1 or 2 world class players to add quality.
Keep the faith, I see one big name coming this window at the very least.
Flyhalfmitch.

What do you mean already? If anything he might look a little out of place right from the off but give him time to settle in. It's not even been 4 weeks yet.

It makes me laugh when people are full of praise for Sir Alex and then question the appointment David Moyes who he himself picked for the job? Isn't that almost contradicting yourself?

Ozwald

29 Jul 2013 11:23:23
Well Moyes coming out and saying he's happy with the squad he has even without additions will give the doomsayers some negative ammunition.
What would you expect DM to say that he doesn't think the squad is good enough? Talk about alienating your title winning team.

He's already said we are short in midfield, he's bid for players that we know of and has said yesterday that no doubt we will be looking to add to the squad before the window shuts! What more can he do apart from rely on the Ed Woodward to get the deals done!

We are in for players, we will have back up options! Have faith.

I do agree however as much as its unlike is maybe sometimes we need to pay over the odds to secure the top players.

Welsh Red

29 Jul 2013 10:51:50
Get real Sydney we all know why people won't sign for moyes. Outside of uk he's a nobody. I've been going to ot for nearly 30 years and this rcurrent squad is the worst by far. People have the right to be worried if like me they pay good money to support united. But please do not insult our intelligence by backing moyes when he makes a blatantly stupid observation that our squad is good enough

Again, engage the brain and ask yourself, what would you expect him to say? The squad is sh1t? SAF has left massive holes for me to fill? I understand fans are nervous, but use your noggin Major.

Sydney!

Major mc me and Sydney disagree with many things about United but he knows the club and he certainly knows the youth set up at the club and like me believes in it. He always has a very positive attitude to all things United and is rarely negative about any aspect of the club or its supporters including me. Read all his posts before you have a go {Ed004's Note - I'm not sure youth will get us out of trouble this season only Januzaj looks like he will make the step up and possibly Keane and Lingard will get game time though none of them address our biggest problem... what teams in Europe are going to fear Valencia, Carrick, Cleverly and Young? I suppose you could get away with Kagawa out left if Rooney is kept but other than Carrick we blatantly need a right sided player and midfielder.}

29 Jul 2013 11:34:52
I agree with major mc, I too am a season ticket holder and love utd with a passion but i'm sick of being lied to and misled by the powers that be, if we don't make at least 2 top additions to the squad I only see failure with this squad as it is and I sadly will be leaving my season ticket in the cabinet drawer.
BIGAL REDFOREVER

BIGAL? Lied to? Moyes has confirmed the bids for Cesc. He could have refused to talk about it. The club are clearly working very hard behind the scenes. To be fair to Moyes, SAF never should have left him with this problem.

Sydney!

The editor talked about a Cesc release clause figure some weeks ago. I cannot find the post. I vaguely remember him believing we wouldn't pay it (I think), so I am not sure what that amount is. But if it's the reported €40m that Arsenal would need to pay, then we are not too far away from that amount now. Perhaps £3m-£4m more? So there maybe something for us to cheer about yet. Unless the release clause is higher than that or Cesc comes out today and quashes all of the rumours, I would say there is still a chance. If Cesc refuses to comment at all today, then I may just think something can be done.

Look out for Cesc quotes today, not Marca headlines, just Quotes.

Sydney!

Come on guys this is silly, what on earth do you expect him to say? He's already said we need additions especially in midfield. Give him a break!

So because moyes is a nobody outside the UK, nobody will sign. Does that mean barca's not going to sign anybody?


Stimo

29 Jul 2013 10:03:16
I hope the " no value in the market" mantra doesn't become " no value in the manager". andog

29 Jul 2013 09:24:42
Sorry if I sound negative but I really don't think that we will sign anyone and will start with the same squad that we did last year.
The excuses were already coming out in the press conference yesterday with Moyes saying:-

"I never at any time said I knew we would get him. I just said we had made offers.

"But what we have here is a really good squad of players already. You mustn't forget about the quality that is already here at Manchester United.

"Undoubtedly we are hoping to add to it. I am quite confident we will do, certainly before the window shuts. "

The middle bit worries me, that to me is preparing united fans for the worst, basically hinting that there may not be any new signings.
What the hell is going on, does he even have any other targets and why hasn't he tried to sign them yet?
We are so lathargic in the transfer market, other teams just seem to offer the correct money and BANG, player signed, job done.
Every transfer target we go for seems to drag on and on. it's driving me bl**dy insane now.
I believe Fabregas is back training at Barcelona, maybe he can now come out and say that he want's to stay on not so we can finally put this circus to bed and even look at another transfer targets.
I said in my post above I don't think that we will sign anyone but if we do I can see it being Baines and Fellaini which I think will be good signings but will not lift us to that next level in Europe.
The other player is Cabaye from Newcastle which I think is nothing more that average and I will be absolutely gutted if that's the midfielder that comes in.
It's a cheap option nothing more.

Simmo

Of course, instead of taking out the middle bit of the quote to back up your theory, you could have used the last bit -"Undoubtedly we are hoping to add to it. I am quite confident we will do, certainly before the window shuts".

But then that wouldn't have allowed you to have a good moan, would it?

Simmo, there is no way MU would allow SAF to retire without giving the new manager substantial funds to build. It simply wouldn't happen. We will sign players this summer. They may not be the first choice players, but we will sign players. I fully expect to see midfielders. The lack of Evra interest could mean no Baines again. I imagine Modric is the next on the list, but we may be surprised and could be someone like Gundagon?

Sydney!

I think Fellaini would be a great signing to be honest!

He can only improve at Utd and definitely bolster our Midfield.

Unfortunately though, it worries me that even talk of him coming is virtually non existent!

I said this a few days ago and every response said I was wrong! I honestly don't believe we will sign any midfielder but I think we should go for Gundogan or De Rossi. I don't really think Gudogan is available unless we overpay but De Rossi is apparently available we could get 2 or 3 really good years out of him while our younger players develop and give cleverly and anderson another year to prove themselves! then maybe next summer more world class midfielders could become available! personally I'd love De Rossi to sign.

Flash

StevieK

My intention wasn't to hide the middle bit, why would i?
That would be silly and I would get even more silly comments like I have done from you saying so.
By the way Hoping doesn't mean definately or are you confused with both of there meanings?
Syd, I was just pointing out that in his news conference he made referance to the fact that he wouldn't be to dissapointed with the squad that he has now. You can read into that how you want to, to me it means that he is running out of his first choice targets and that we may end up with nothing.
bgolgo - I agree with you, Fellaini would be a good signing but will not take us to the next level in Europe, it's the creative midfielder that we need who will score us 10-15 goals a year.

Simmo

Simmo, or he doesn't want to come across as desperate for obvious reasons. Or he doesn't want to insult the squad or SAF by saying it needs an overhaul. I wouldn't have expected him to say anything different. SAF said the same for years. It's what any good manager would say. MU know we need a midfielder, we are not going to look too desperate so other clubs expect us to pay more. Sneijder knew we were desperate to replace Scholes and that along with his greed cost us when trying to sign him. People must take whatever the manager says during the transfer window with a pinch of salt.

Sydney!

Take it with a pinch of salt if moyes says anything that could be negative take it as gospel if it's positive
That must be the mantra on this site

No name,

The exact opposite of that is true 99. 9% of the time as you would know if you read the site, so don't be a hypocrit.

29 Jul 2013 09:04:54
Fellaini and Fabregas and also Gustavo will
be targeted by the end of the week the
hardest one to get is going to be Fellaini

aztec

29 Jul 2013 08:54:02
Manchester United are ready to cash in on Nemanja Vidic with him struggling with injuries. Pep Guardiola is a big fan so a £15 million switch to Bayern is on the cards.

29 Jul 2013 08:33:28
I'm curious to see how folks on here value Fabregas. United's need for him is greater than any other of the teams that finished in the top four, which is ironic given we are champions.

I see him as a £40m player in the current climate, and don't believe United will bid that high - which is hugely frustrating given his quality and our lack of. If the money really is there its a no brainer.

There has to be a price that Barca would sell at, and one that United will buy at, but my gut feel is that those prices are close to £10m apart. I do hope I'm wrong as I think he can have a profound effect on our season.

I'm all for Fellaini too, but will posters stop suggesting him as an alternative to Fabregas. Take a look will you! If he's an alternative it's to Strootman who Moyes has clearly never been interested in.

So fabregas, s wishes don't count? that is the most crucial point in this saga, it doesn't matter if utd offer 60m, if fabregas says no way which he prob will that's it finished

I wouldn't put Fabregas as a 40m+ player more 30-35m personnelly but if barca said 40m and he's yours I would bite your hand off

I agree with Giants, Cesc for me is a £35m player. But if we need to pay a little more to get the deal done then so be it. Personally I think there will be one more bid, a take it or leave it offer. If that fails then Modric seems the next logical target, but we will see.

Sydney!

29 Jul 2013 07:41:11
Moyes claiming he is very happy with his squad and would expect us to challenge even if we don't sign anybody! Doesn't sound good at all does it

This is what we've been told all this past seasons. Look like, Carrick, Cleverly Ando, Fletcher are world beaters, so why do we need to worry?

LOL! world beaters they are not. average at best, even carrick who had a great season last season, if you press him he flaps

29 Jul 2013 04:10:45
A summer of Baines Gustavo and Fabregas would be absolutely perfect