Use our rumours form to send us manchester united transfer rumours.
29 May 2013 22:19:43
Reading that Adem Ljajic might be of United's interest. Is there any interest in him, from United, Eds? I Remember he was supposed to join us with Tosic. Would people be happy with having him here? Probably an improvement to our wingposition, after having seen our current wingers form this season.
ZigZag {Ed004's Note - Haven't heard of any lately}
29 May 2013 22:22:44
Looks like Suarez is going to Real Madrid and Falcao to Monaco done deal.
Imagine if they also got bale and had a front 3 of Bale- Suarez-Ronaldo
Bloody scary, I hope neymar is as advertised lol
Shahram
29 May 2013 21:15:21
People you need to realise we are not getting thiago, bale, fabregas and so on please stop misleading people and concentrate on talking about players that are more likely to join like strootman and McCarthy etc
Some of the regular posters on here live in cookoo land.
Big V
If we buy players that don't match the standard of the opposition we will struggle in the tight key games. Take a look at the City and Chelsea games at OT as an example their teams were better than us.
Why should I accept one of the biggest clubs in the world and the most valuable, buying less than top standard players?
Red Man
Why can't we sign these people?
You can't say money as they are all affordable.
You can't say we aren't a big enough club as we are one of the biggest worldwide.
You can't say we aren't successful enough as we have just won the premier league.
So, why can't we sign these?
Shut up BIG V thiago is very possible and now that schoolers has left and Anderson also likely, wouldn't be surprised to see fabregas here too.
TRUMORS
Am I a sinner for being optimistic, BIG V?
ZigZag
Big V
Window hasn't opened yet.
You keep believing that we will sign them players because I can pretty much ashore you now fergie has gone the glazers will not free up the fees
You lot can say were big enough etc but we don't offer the most money and that's what players go for except the rare occasion of rvp
when we don't get these players youse will all moan and slate the club were on the other hand I will still be 100 per cent behind them
Well bale would be a pipe dream that simply will not happen
"Except for the rare occasion of Rvp"
That was last summer that we pried away a world class player from a chief rival with the richest club in England trying to outbid us for his services. You are right, we have no pull and no resources. What a clown.
Windy City Red
Why couldn't we sign Thiago?
From what I've seen Kagawa seems to be better than him and we signed him didn't we?
Sorry but I somewhat agree with the OP. For the last few summers before transfer window opens you see players people expect us to sign each year and they are always 3/4 big names and £70m odd of players, and it has barely happened. Who knows this summer we have a new manager but most of our bug business has been within the premiership: Jones/Young/RVP etc but as soon as the summer rumours start people go into over drive and transfer muppetry begins. And yes bar the RVP signing we DO rarely sign BIG players so he is correct Windy CIty clown caller. When are some of you going to realise we sign young players with huge potential like De Gea/Hernandez/Jones/Ronaldo and the odd established star like RVP/Berbatov who usually are WITHIN our own league. Like the rest of you I really hope there is truth in the Thiago/Cesc/Bale rumours but don't expect wholesale changes, I doubt we sign more than three players this summer nor that more than 3 first team players leave, this may all change with new manager but I still expect 1 of the 3 to be a name that has probably barely or never even been mentioned on here.
Invisible STuey
29 May 2013 21:01:39
If Moyes goes&signs 2 quality midfielders it will be a great start as I think most will admit its been needed doing for a few seasons!. Zaha is obviously a raw talent but least what I've seen he is always willing to have a go at beating the fullback, where as the so called big names wide men at Utd this season havnt really shown that
29 May 2013 20:25:43
I haven't seen Thiago much and I see people are saying that he's to small to play in our league. Is he smaller than Silva and Mata, because those 2 have made a major impact?
He is half a foot taller than them both
He's 4ft 11 so he is a tad small
He's much smaller I have a pair of his boots he gave me after the pre season game in USA in which he scored against us.
There dangling around my rear view mirror!
Dylan
5. 7 rughly the same as silva and mata. he is not the steel we need, strootman and fabregas would be amazing in our midfield!
Silva has Yaya and Barry anchoring, Mata has Ramirez and Luiz whereas we need the player to be one of two centrally unless we change and our present formation drives a different football need. Would you put Silva or Mata as one of two in our central midfield?
Red Man
Dylan, that was a quality equaliser against us from Thiago. They just didn't look like scoring until that.
Sydney!
Tere is another small guy at barcelona who has done pretty well for himself
Shahram
We do have though, Carrick and Jones, who may not be "superstars" but they are incredibly effective. We just need that creative spark, which I firmly believe can come from Kagawa. The tail end of this season he showed signs he was adapting to the English game and I think he will be key next year. I would like to see fabregas or fellaini and then a left sided player. Potentially Alexis Sanchez, Adrian Lopez or Mirallas.
Agree locky, lots of people saying we need an anchorman in midfield and Strootman is the answer. Has anybody actually seen him play more than 5 times on here? And like you say Carrick (who I have never been a fan of personally) had his best season for us and was very effective and then thre is Phil Jones, nobody remember how well he played in midfield against Madrid away? I think we need a Thiago/Cesc type midfielder far more urgently than we need a Strootman/Yaya type this summer myself.
Invisible STuey
What is it with this obsession with big guys. Having these players with the technical ability will improve us to no end.
DHK
29 May 2013 19:58:57
29 May 2013 11:46:57
Red Man,
What do you make of Miguel Delaney's ESPN article on David Moyes' targets? It seems United have an interest in both Cesc & Fellaini, with possibly Thiago & Strootman being back-ups if the others fail? What do you make of the article?
Sydney!
Sydney
Apologies but I have just got in after a long day and only had chance for a brief reply to something else.
I make no bones about the type of player we need and Fabregas fits the bill. You may remember me banging the drum for Fabregas and Bale over two years ago on here.
Fabregas ticks all the boxes whilst the others only tick some. He could dynamically improve our game. The interesting question is how close he was to RVP, who has made a really excellent transition to the club and espouses how good it is. If RVP is telling him how good it is then he may be attracted to the move. He would be my first choice and I note Xavi was asking Thiago to stay but did he do the same for Cesc? Someone I know says Fab is not as well loved by the Barca fans as he might and should be and he knows that.
Fellaini is a big brute who bullied us in the space in front of the defence but he looks lacking in finesse when playing a different role. He would add physicality for sure but would it be in the right way. If playing deeper would he give free kicks away in dangerous positions as he can be clumsy?
Strootman is someone who I haven't seen but as I posted yesterday if he was the only purchase is he good enough, is he ready to carry the midfield on his shoulders? Whereas Fabregas is the finished article why are we looking at someone who may make the transition but may not, can Moyes afford risks when he needs results. Both Fellaini and Fabregas have the experience particularly Cesc. Let us remember Fabregas has been part of the Spain squad and Barcelona and can add to our European campaign but the other two both have less to offer.
Thiago lacks physicality for me and could he come in and demand respect and command our midfield like Fabregas could. To me Thiago would need a change in style to provide him and Kagawa a platform to perform and that would need a second midfield player purchased. I don't believe Fabregas would. On Fabregas I posted about hs alleged personal situation with his new partner perhaps needing to be in England so I would not rule this transfer out. There has only been silence from Cesc to my knowledge yet I have seen indications that Thiago is unsure or not as enthusiastic about what we offer.
The other interesting situation is at Real Madrid. Maybe the Ronaldo situation is about money but if it was they would have offered him the money and he would have said great and confirmed he would be staying. They seem to be doing their usual MO in chasing Bale and my guess is that they want to get Bale before Ronaldo leaves, that is also why Zidane is lauding Bale so much and saying he is up there with CR and Messi when he isn't, basically politics for the ears of the madridistas.
These are my guess and thoughts but we shall see
Red Man {Ed004's Note - I would be thrilled with Strootman, Fabregas and either Bale or Ronaldo. Would be our best summer in years}
Thanks for the reply.
A player you didn't mention which maybe a wildcard this summer is Modric. He will be available and he has flirted with United on a couple of occasions. I imagine he would be available around the £25m-£30m mark if Cesc rejected our advances. I do wonder if Miguel is correct as for us to be talking to Barcelona, Cesc must have given the green light via his agent surely?
I completely agree about Fellaini, and you have found the perfect word, something that he lacks a lot of is finesse. He also dwells on the ball for far too long IMO. And like you said he is clumsy and also expensive. That being said he is a threat in attack and a good defensive player to have for corners. So every cloud and that ;)
I know Strootman is a SAF target as was Modric and Thiago, but Cesc would be a Moyes target like Jred said. If we did sign Cesc it would be very encouraging and it would be showing us that Moyes will be positive in the transfer market in future. I do remember you wanting Cesc perhaps even three year's ago. I also recall you wanted Torres too, but I bet you are glad we left him for Chelsea ;)
Sydney!
People on here are going to be disapointed if they really think Cesc is coming to us by the way Sydney Miguel Delaney also said Chelsea were in talks with Madrid over Alonso which was false he is not very reliable
Sydney, red man and ed004, do you believe it would be one of fabregas or strootman? Or do you believe they could both play in the same system? The only way would be to put kagawa out as a left sided attacking midfielder, in my opinion he should be played centrally. Tom17 {Ed004's Note - I reckon both would be brilliant in a midfield 2 with Kagawa ahead of them}
29 May 2013 21:05:52
i also remember Red Man stalking Fabregas a couple of years ago. At the time it was unlikely. I think if we sign Thiago it needs a change of style and makes the signing of Fellaini more likely as we'd a player who could sit and cover. Fabregas and Strootman in together would be a good pair with Carrick. If we don't get Fabregas then Modric would be the logical alternative. Mort
Sydney
I don't feel Modric is right for us. He is tidy does some nice things but neither commands the midfield or offers the technical excellence that defines the top players. He flatters without making the difference.
I did want Torres at one point but that was certainly most strong when Liverpool went to first sign him as I had watched a lot of him at Athletico. He was a top player then. He may have been worth a risk later but not at anywhere near £50m.
Cesc would be a good statement but Cesc and Ronaldo an amazing one that may even have older fans like me believing we are a football club again instead of a cash cow but it would be too good to hope for wouldn't it
Red Man
Tom, I think we will look at Cesc/Thiago and Strootman/Fellaini. We have looked at Verrati and Witsel in the past who are also very different so I think two midfielders will come in with perhaps Rooney/Hernandez making way.
Sydney!
Thanks for your opinion Sydney, strootman and fabregas would be the 2 I would go for, haven't seen a great deal of alacantra but remember him looking good a few years ago for Spain in a youth tournament. Not a great fan of fellaini for the same reason as yourself, feel we could get a better player for the price he would command. Tom17
Red Man, I do not think Ronaldo wants to leave Madrid, nor do I think Madrid would sell or we would pay the £87m clause. I think Ronaldo is a pipe dream sadly. I think Ronaldo has told RM what he wants and they will give it to him eventually. I do not see Bale as his replacement, I see him as a team mate just like Neymar will be Messi's team mate.
Sydney!
Fabregas is class no doubt, I believe Thiago will be better a lot better but hey ho. Fellaini is a lump a clumsy bad tempered petulant lump, can't see much skill there. I admit apart from the odd game and internationals I have not seen a great deal of Strootman and yes is a few rough edges but grit and skill too.
Ed004 they would be a good pairing but can't see carrick not being involved, and doubt strootman or fabregas would move without being a starting player? Also ed is there interest in cesc or just media speculation? Tom17 {Ed004's Note - Im hoping there is concrete interest tbh. I reckon Carrick atm would start ahead of Strootman but over time Strootman would replace him}
29 May 2013 19:58:20
"If Florentino is interested in Gareth Bale, it would be an honour and we'd listen, "
"But his contract is with Tottenham. We aren't free to talk with anybody at the moment, that's the point we're at.
"I can understand a lot of teams are interested in him. He's a great player but he has a contract with Tottenham. I don't know if there has been a bid. What I do know is that the player has three years left on his contract. "
"Bale is a better player than Neymar and he's demonstrated it in one of the best leagues in the world, "
"I would imagine clubs want him not just because they missed out on Neymar but because of how good he is. He should be the first option, we'll see. Bale is worth more than Neymar.
Bales agent basically putting the for sale sign up
His PR techniques are pretty direct! He just wants a bidding war for Bale so clubs offer him large agent fees!
Ste.
29 May 2013 19:49:10
I think moyes is going to go after his own targets, I think Fabregas could be the first example of this.
Would be a great signing imo.
I wonder if we sign Fabregas and let's also say Rooney leaves. Would Fabregas play in the hole behind RVP? Or would he play alongside Carrick as Scholes' replacement?
-JakeW
I think his best games for arsenal he was more of a scholes types I would like him to play a similar role for united
Yes I was thinking the same. Having him and Carrick dictate the midfield while Kagawa or Rooney sit in front of them.
Then we would have the width of either Kagawa/New LW on the left and Toni/Zaha/Di Maria? on the right.
Exciting summer ahead of us if we do pull this off.
Jred, you mean a deeper role like Modric (at Spurs) and Scholes (aged 30+) used to play? I have to agree. I think he played his best games sitting deep and controlling the midfield. His through-balls and positive runs is something we have been missing since Scholes. I am not sure we will get Cesc, but I do believe we have an interest. I also think this will be a great signing for Moyes and may install a lot of fan confidence.
Sydney!
Syd
That's exactly what I mean, have to agree though just can't see him in a United shirt
Jred
Sydney, I think either Modric or Fabregas would be top class next to Carrick, and for £20m-£25m
29 May 2013 18:19:29
These Fabregas & Thiago Alcantara rumours are so mouth watering, they would instantly upgrade our first team and supply a better level of depth in the squad too.
With them two in our CM we would have that creativity we have been lacking for many seasons now.
Thiago Alcantara was seen in Barca as Xavi's replacement before they brought Cesc and some people said it was a strange move for the price and with position not needing bolstering.
If you took away the 'homegrown' element to him I really don't think barca would of brought him and now although playing well when used, I now I hear he is not so much unwanted but, does know game time will be limited again next season.
Thiago Alcantara I think has just grown tired of not playing as Vilanova tends not to rotate that much.
Sadly, I see one of these players as a smokescreen for Strootman.
My preference of the two would be Fabregas, he's proven and would be used in his prefered position at united.
But I would be nearly just as happy with Strootman and just 1.
So I know Ed002 does not like to talk about money because all the small other details which make up a transfer, but what do the regulars on here think Fabregas would likely be sold by barca for? I'd say £20-30m but i'm unsure.
So that would be around £35-45m spent on sorting out the midfield. Whatever is left and made from sales what would ppls next signing be? I would like to see another winger brought maybe someone like, DOWNING! Hehe couldn't resist :)
No I really would like to see Di Maria brought in (obviously I would love Ronaldo or Bale but realistically that is not going to happen).
So what would be yours?
I love this time of the year, I know the majority of the stories are false but I love waking up and seeing us linked with everyone even when there is no substance.
I can't personally see Barca selling both and I think we have more chance of getting Thiago then Fabregas but I did think a midfield 2 of Strootman and Carrick with Kagawa, Thiago and Fabregas behind RVP would be special but I'm not so sure Fabregas will come so I was thinking the 2 Midfielders I've named with Kagawa and Thiago and then RVP playing behind Hernandez.
The reason I say this is because Hernandez can really stretch teams and with the quality of Kagawa and Thiago threading balls through he'd be a real threat playing on the defenders shoulders. I also did not appreciate how good RVP was until we signed him, I knew he was deadly in front of goal but his whole game is great and the 3 behind Hernandez given "freedom" shall we say within reason would be difficult to pick up. Only issue is the width but these players are good enough to drift out wide and rotate and with Rafael and Evra/Buttner bombing on they could provide some width (Not getting into the Evra getting back debate as it's boring now, so for the sake of it maybe Baines bombing on!)
With Welbeck, Zaha, Valencia, Young and hopefully Januzaj as back up attacking wise we look good.
Having said all this I can't see this being the team! going to be a good summer though I reckon.
29 May 2013 18:01:39
Cesc no chance we will end up with on one there will b no big name coming this year Rooney will stay another year at most
29 May 2013 17:59:20
I went to see the press preview of the Stone Roses film today and it is great to see Eric make a guest appearance. But one of the funniest moments is when a lad coming out of the Warrington gig comes up to the camera and says F**k Oasis F**k Man City the Roses are back. Just one question for anyone going to see it. Where is Cressa? its as though he never existed there is just no mention of him or clips of him. First twenty minutes are brilliant and make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your skin tingle. Too much about the crowd queing for tickets at Warrington and a bit of padding at the end. But all in all the Roses and Eric in the same film, can't be bad
I prefer Oasis. Am I a bad person?
Ste.
Theres no comparison between Oasis and the Stone Roses. Oasis are far better. Never got why people liked the Roses. They were the best of a bad bunch back then!
Mumbles
KLOOT would hate me. I love Pink Floyd, infact Pink Floyd = Music for me ;).
Deeps.
Ian Brown is a legend. Ask the Gallagher's and they will tell you the same.
Sydney!
Mumbles hang your head in shame lol. Roses were an epic band. A shame they let their barny with their record company stifle their career. Seen both Roses and Oasis in concert and as a live act I think Oasis win hands down but as debut albums go Stone Roses were unbeatable.
Ste - probably :)
Mumbles - you're dead to me.
The Roses are THE greatest band of my lifetime, and I've managed to brainwash my 11 year old to think the same way.
The two of us were just belting out Made of Stone at the top of our lungs on the drive home there.
Perfect sunny day.
Deeps, nowt wrong with Floyd.
Sydney!
29 May 2013 20:43:45
I don't know, Oasis were great for the first two albums, dropped a bit on the next two, came back a little on the next couple and dropped again. Some good stuff but the brothers were total colin ends. Little City joke there. Roses wasn't around as long and had just the two albums but some great music. Honestly go listen to the roses now. I think you need to have lived a bit to truly appreciate them. MrE
Here's something for you all to chew on. I've never been a particular fan of either. I've liked songs by the Roses and songs by Oasis but never been a big fan of either. ;)
TK-Red
The roses are by far greater than oasis, the smiths even greater than both
The Roses were class and hold a far more special place in my heart, better tunes and cooler people IMO! Oasis made some great tunes but I got bored of them quick as they kept pumping out uninspiring albums after the 1st few. Prefer Blur's career/progression to Oasis' but that's a different debate!
Syd
Floyd have used the YNWA theme to end one of their songs ;). I think that's reason enough for KLOOT to consider them as fart! Ohh and the small matter of them not being from Manchester! ;)
By the way Floyd for me has to be the greatest band of all time. Best thing to ever happen to music. Oasis and Roses came a lot after Floyd
Deeps.
P. S - Syd, did I tell you I absolutely love Syd Barrett to bits ;)
Tk
Justin Bieber it is then I guess :)
Shahram
MOTORHEAD
CRED
29 May 2013 17:14:05
who do you think will be our biggest rivals next season?
I have a feeling that it will be arsenal {Ed004's Note - Chelsea}
'ight Wenger lad ;) City and Chelsea.
29 May 2013 18:47:26
got to be liverpool. they have the best attack in the league witg suarez downing and coutinho. also henderson.
now they got the solid kolo toure they could go the season undefeated :X
TRUMORS
Arsenal. What Pellegrini and Mourinho do with City and Chekski remains to be seen and I appreciate they both potentially have money to burn. Arsenal played well last half of the season though and I suspect if Arsene puts his alleged £70m warchest to good use Arsenal will be a bigger threat to us.
For what it's worth, and purely as a betting proposition, they are a standout bet at 16/1 for the league.
City again and I would say if we don't win the league then city will win it.
Shahram
29 May 2013 16:58:13
Ed, where has my long post gone that you just commented on? Why has it been deleted? {Ed004's Note - Because it shouldn't have been put on banter page so another Ed must have moved it to the team page. From now on don't put the team in just say what the formation will be and where players will play in it}
29 May 2013 16:37:51
Gillem Balague mentioned on his blog that Thiago Alcantara has a buyout clause of 18 million euros applicable until 1st August.
Is this true ed? {Ed002's Note - If he used the words "buyout clause" he is wrong. A release clause exists.}
So if Barca don't want to sell nobody is getting Thiago
A Release clause is where the club have to accept it right? Buy Out clause is where the club can still reject? I am not too sure and I have googled it to see and nobody seems to know the definitive answer.
I think termination clause means the club have to accept. I remember Ed002 saying something that release clause is not binding so the club can easily reject
29 May 2013 16:37:02
In total, David Moyes will have around £70 million to spend on new players.
£70m?
Pray tell what divine wisdom that's derived from?
Hope it's true but suspect, assuming you mean net spend, that's a good £20m too high.
I DO hope I'm wrong though ;)
29 May 2013 15:37:59
Curious, would you rather see Buttner play as a left winger than a LB?
I feel he has the pace, dribbling ability and delivery to succeed in that role.
Yes!
He can't defend, he is good going forward Left wing would be much better for him
Coombesy!
Does he not remind you of Bale when 1st brought to epl?
cban
You guts are having a laugh
Shahram
29 May 2013 14:59:11
If Lewandowski is sold to Bayern and Rooney leaves, what would people thing if we bought Jovetic?
Overpriced and injury prone, if he was available for about £15m then i'd take a punt but for £25m+ I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole
No thanks leave him for the gunners
Chris the REDman
Would villa be worth a punt?
TRUMORS
As in David Villa? 31 years old, would want 80,000+ a week and just got back from a really bad injury. Not to mention he has never played outside of la liga. Once again, no thank you.
Sooner go for Ricky Villa
PMSL. Classic quip Pardoe ;)
29 May 2013 10:37:00
Hi Eds
Are our summer signings Fergies or will they be Moyes, also how soon did Moyes know he was to be the next Utd manager was it when it was made public or before? Lastly who do you think might get the no 2 to Moyes I would have gone with Queiroz knows the club inside out and the players seemed to like him.
cheers {Ed002's Note - Search function please.}
29 May 2013 14:03:21
What do you guys think about Leitner? He's very highly rated at Dortmund but hasn't been getting much playing time, I think he will now that Gotze is gone. Eds any interest in him from anywhere?
Thanks. {Ed004's Note - I haven't heard of any interest in him}
29 May 2013 13:52:43
I agree, I remember a few years ago we played unbelievable fast paced football, hitting teams on the counter with a midfield three of carrick, fletch and Anderson. Then a front 3 of ronaldo Rooney and park/tevez. Then the season after ronaldo left I thought even though we lost the league to Chelsea at the death we still played great football with 4-3-3 again. Front 3 of Valencia, nani and Rooney at the top. He scored loads that season and I remember the game against arsenal away where we tore them apart with our pace. However we didn't play this system all the time, tended to be away or against big teams, but I thought it really suited
Cob
I agree, me and shappy have been banging the 443 drum for a while now
Chris the REDman
29 May 2013 16:33:04
You may have Chris, but i've been saying more 433 rather than 443. I suspect we'd be pulled up for having an extra player on the pitch. Lol.
Surely 443 is cheating? Or are you suggesting we play without a keeper?
Adventurous!
Lol I have some new ideas that if i'm given the job I feel will give us some big advantages over the opposition.
443 being one and u should hear my idea on the opposition keeper not being allowed to touch the ball.
29 May 2013 13:48:15
Would love to hear what Syd, etc. think of Jack Barmby, whenever I've been to see him play he's shines.
I genuinely think he could be a future star. Along with Daeli of course, he's very exciting too
I like Jack and can see some real potential in him, however like Blackett he hasn't played as much this season. Not sure why, but he reminds me on a young James Milner. Strong, good shot and drawn to a wing.
Sydney!
Ive seen quite a lot of barmby and although he's a decent footballer I don't think he will make it with us. time is on his side but just my opinion.
johndenton
Really John? What makes you say that? I think he looks like united quality across the board
I never rated him as much as some people did. He has raw talent and scores some nice goals but I've never been overly impressed with him.
He could make it, but there are a number of players in the academy at the moment that I'd rate ahead of him. He also lost his place in the academy team in the second half of last season.
29 May 2013 13:40:14
If we signed thiago, kagawa would finally be able to play with a player who has the same fast passing and movement as himself. I think that their link up play and little 1-2s could open up any defense
29 May 2013 13:39:31
ed out of 10 what are the chances of signing ronaldo, bale, strootham, baines, fellani and wayama {Ed004's Note - 10,10,10,10,-10,10}
'Strootham' is this guy for real? lol
29 May 2013 13:16:30
Ed's, I'm seeing that none of you really rate Fellaini. Remember 1st game of the season against Everton when they won and he single handily tore our midfield and defence apart? Yes he might be a dirty player but surely he will get told to pipe down. {Ed004's Note - That the game we had to play Carrick in Centre Back and Scholes in midfield?}
I agree with you, I rate Fellaini highly and think he would be a great addition to our midfield.
Simmo
Fellaini did that playing behind the striker, as he has done for most of the season, and that is not a position we are lacking quality. What we need is a genuine midfielder. I really don't want to see us sign Fellaini but I could live with it provided he is brought in aswell as Strootman as opposed to being brought in instead of.
TK-Red
Half of the people on here just agree with others, how many of you have actually seen Strootman play? If I'm correct he's been playing in a more advanced role this season aswell.
Not that advanced, no name. Strootman has a much wider range of passing that Fellaini and is better in the tackle to go with it. Strootman is also on the verge of making the position his own for his country where as Fellaini would need to be converted into a more disciplined central midfielder. Try watching him.
TK-Red
Need to be converted why
He has played most of his football there
Strootman plays further up the pitch and not sure about his passing range. How many assists does he have this year given the fact that they have scored a ton of goals.
Erickson ran rings around him in the title decider of the dutch league and made him look so so slow, so for those of you who criticize Tiago for being slow, you will be grossly disappointed in strootman's pace. he is very workmanlike. I would rather have Tiago.
Shahram
Sorry forgot to mention he does have a great engine on him and will give you 90 minutes of hussle.
Shahram
It doesn't matter if Fellaini has played most of his football there. It's about where he plays his best football and as a DM he is clumsy and nowhere near as effective as he would need to be for us. Comparing Eriksen and Strootman is like comparing Carrick and Toure. They are different players. We have plenty of neat passers but we need someone who can handle himself physically. Eriksen may very well be the better player technically but Strootman will allow our own technically good group to play their own game (Kagawa, RVP and, dare I say, Cleverley). His assist tally is irrelevant. How many assists did Roy Keane get? How many assists did Vieira get? How many assists did Hargreaves get? I'm not saying Strootman is on par with them but he is a similar kind of player in that he allows others to play. You're also talking like it is a straight choice between Strootman and Thiago, when, the irony is that, Thiago would be a much more effective player if he had Strootman in the same midfield doing the dirty work.
TK-Red
Tk
I argued this exact same point about 10 month ago I have seen fellaini play very well for Belgium as a cm.
he would give us something we haven't got I think he's a lot better player than many give him credit for
Jred
Strootman has scored 9 times and assisted 12 goals. He has an excellent passing range. He has managed this while also averaging over 4 tackles and 3. 5 interceptions a game. He also averages around 70 passes a game with a 90% success rate. Which if he managed those stats in our team would make his our best defensive and offensive midfielder.
29 May 2013 13:06:48
Does anyone else feel that for the last 5-6 years say, we've slightly lost our way as to how we want to play our football?
I can't help but think, that since 07-08 we're not quite sure what type of football we actually want to play. It started when Barcelona swept all those in front of them with this possession football, pressing very high up the pitch and slick passing in the final third (Rooney even said on a number of occasions that they're trying to play like this).
To now trying to adopt this recent Dortmund/Bayern type football, where it's a similar philosophy albeit more efficient and much more strength defensively.
We're obviously trying to adopt, slowly, hence the purchase of Kagawa who's qualities epitomizes this type of football. However, we seemed to just lose our way a little bit in my eyes over the recent months/years.
Interested to hear the thoughts of others.
WF Red Devil
I get what you mean, I don't see why we shouldn't develop our own style though, in 07/08 we countered faster and more frequent than any other team I can remember. I wouldn't mind seeing a fast winger brought in on the left and a CM with an eye for a forward pass/ Kagawa.
1redarmy
I have thought the same over the past couple of years and can't seem to put my finger on what the problem is.
Over the last couple of seasons we have been very workman like in our games - we are professional and get the job done - unfortunlately this has resulted in various games being a tad boring - we don't seem to have any explosive players that get you outta your seat.
RVP described Utd and the squad ' Team of Champions' that all know how to win - there's no doubt about this - winning is the most important thing - this has been drilled into the players and staff from Fergie over the years.
I think the style and way we have been playing is a reason people jumped on Mike Phelan - he has a huge roll in the coaching of the team, was he good enough? will David Moyes with fresh idea's change our style.
United always play the game the right way but is it our players aren't as good as 5 years ago?
We definitely don't have as good a players as Ronaldo's last season. That squad was pretty brilliant, we actually had a good midfield then. But I agree that our football has become a little workman like, this is clearly tactics, most clubs are trying to play the passing game with worse players so quality of player isn't an excuse. I disagree that we have been trying to change style to Barca esque style though, or at least the effectiveness of our change which has been bad if anything we've gone the wrong way.
DHK
29 May 2013 12:57:08
The ideal summer for me would be to get Strootman, thiago and baines. We would play a 4-2-3-1 formation with rooney, kagawa and thiago all enterchanging to make it difficult for defenders with Rvp up top!
The full backs will give us the width we need and carrick will drop back if we are counter attacked to slow done their attack giving the defence time to get back into position.
If Rooney leaves which I doubt then we will need a marquee signing to replace him such as lewandowski! Then rvp will drop back to Rooneys position and lewandowski up top alone.
Who agrees?
Thiago is not even second choice at barca.
strootman, has done well in the dutch leagur, but untried in a top league.
Baines, is better than evra at the moment and his set pieces are good, but he lacks the pace to play a high pressing game, if that's what Moyes is thinking of.
We seem to be losing all the supposed targets we have been linked with, Lewindwski, Falcao, Bale, Ronaldo. This is the calibre of players we need to improve our team. We don't need any more ordinary squad players.
Personally, I think we will end up with no one of note.
Agree as usual we get excited about ossible additions to squad ie quality which we need and end up with potential where we need and crying out for quality, but as we all know quality costs money so let's not expect too much
Noname - who actually linked us with these players? I'm pretty sure it wasn't SAF or any of his staff.
Lazy journalists and gullible fans more like.
Just because you read a rumour about a player, does not mean the club ever did more than watch him a few times.
Does my head in, fans giving off about all these players we've supposedly lost out on, and a bid has never even be made!
Three of those 4 you've mentioned haven't even gone anywhere yet!
Steviek every day we read about bale Ronaldo etc might be joining. Just read this site and you'll see.
I'm not for or against any of the players mentioned, but I don't think we'll be signing one of the top five or six players available.
Who do you think we might sign?
If we got Di Maria, Baines, Modric and Strootman, I'd be ecstatic, plus a striker if Wayne goes.
Realistically, I'd expect maybe Di Maria and Strootman. Not a great summer, but by no means the worst.
But it's all guesswork, made even more complicated by the change of manager.
29 May 2013 12:49:53
If we signed available players that 'ALL' MU fans wanted, we wouldn't buy anyone this summer. Thiago is a very talented and very special player. He is young and cheap. If we are truly interested in him then I for one would be ecstatic if we signed him.
Sydney!
---------------------------------------------------
In complete agreement with you. If there is one player I would like us to bring in this summer, it is Thiago. The boy is special, if there is interest and we get him, it will be a great buy. People who talk about him not being suited to the physical nature, trust me he can get stuck in. With the class on the ball and guile that he has, he can put in tackles as well. For me he will be a better player than Fabregas in the coming players. People at La Masia certainly think so. Would be chuffed if we get him. With the price being bandied about (15 million), would be an excellent buy. Him and Gundogan along with Carrick would be like mouth watering!
Deeps.
You got it nailed on adeeps. I am surprised at supporter not wanting him to sign for us. We moan when there isn't any goid players signing and when we are linked with one we moan and say no we don't want him. Thiago isyoung got great potential. Alreadycis a greatfootballer and we should go ouof our way to sisign him for the reported 15 million.
Would be a great signing.
Singh
You can't please everyone, but I'm amazed people are against thiago the lad is going to be a top player,
But he is nowhere near to breaking into the Barca setup. If he was that special, why would Barca be letting him go?
Gundogan, Cesc and Modric are much better.
29 May 2013 13:50:42
Yeah would be great till he hands in a transfer request to go back to Barca in two years time.
Nowhere near breaking into the Barca setup? Are you kidding me? Someone who gets around 30 games a year at this age with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Fabregas in the side has not broken into the side? What nonsense!
REDFAITH
Also Barcelona do not want to let him go, but if a certain criteria is met they are powerless.
Sydney!
I can't understand why people would say no to Thiago. A few years ago he was rated amongst the likes of Gotze. Still has that talent imo.
29 May 2013 12:42:38
Good to see Junazaj agent saying he expects him to sign a new contract. worryingly though he did say the kid will be here for "a few more years". not exactly filling me with confidence that the kid will still be here after that.
I think that more of a 'hey if he doesn't play he'll leave' messages. Someone should take note.
DHK
29 May 2013 11:46:57
Red Man,
What do you make of Miguel Delaney's ESPN article on David Moyes' targets? It seems United have an interest in both Cesc & Fellaini, with possibly Thiago & Strootman being back-ups if the others fail? What do you make of the article?
Sydney! {Ed004's Note - I really don't want Fellaini but a midfield 2 or even three of Strootman, Fabregas and Carrick looks very strong. Though if we were to spend 25 million on any midfielder it should surely be Gundogan!}
Personally I would love to see Modric & Strootman signed, but I wouldn't moan at Fellaini, Thiago or Cesc. They could all do a job.
Sydney! {Ed004's Note - I just do not rate Fellaini at all.}
I really believe that Fellaini would be a good signing for us. He has come out a said himself that he is a natural defensive midfileder which would take the shackles of Carrick to be more adventerous and get into more scoring positions.
Anything but Tom Cleverly!
Simmo
Fellaini in midfield (his preferred position) IMO is at times cumbersome and sluggish in possession. He does have attacking and defensive qualities due to his strength and power, but he is not as good on the ball as most top midfielders and that could be a concern when considering his £24m fee. At £15m it would be a no brainer, but is he really worth nearly £10m more than Strootman? I have my doubts.
Sydney!
Would a midfield 2 of Carrick and Fabregas be enough with either Rooney or Kagawa in front of them both? Of would we need 3 in there if Fabregas was one of them? {Ed004's Note - I think that would be fine domestically but next season we could sign a Carrick replacement who offers more defensively?}
That article makes for a very interesting read. I wonder how accurate it is. I cannot help but feel though we could be going over the top if we signed Thiago as well as Cesc. I also feel Modric and Strootman should be the two we go for, but if we are going for Di Maria will Madrid want to sell two top players to us? As well as perhaps Ronaldo the year after!
I suppose Thiago and Cesc make sense if Rooney leaves, but I am beginning to think that he might stay.
Would you be happy with a summer of Rooney staying and then us signing Shaw/Baines, Strootman, Cesc and Di Maria? Possibly Lewandowski as well. I would rather have Ronaldo or Bale than Di Maria but we may go for him.
I still think that regardless of other signings though that we will make a big push for either Ronaldo or Bale. {Ed004's Note - I would be delighted with that. Then next season address CB and RM if no one steps up to the plate this season}
29 May 2013 12:54:15
any two from modric, fabregas, fellaini and strootman would be fantastic. Unfortunately I don't think we'll get either of fabregas or modric.
Ed004 - do you really think Fellaini would be so bad? I mean surely he is a better more versatile (position wise, not movement) option than Cleverly, Anderson, Scholes, Fletcher etc. Forget the money side, surely he could bring something different to the side. IF we opted to go for him as apposed to the other targets? {Ed004's Note - I would honestly rather start Cleverley ahead of Fellaini as atleast I know with Cleverley we will play football on the ground, he is not a liability and he will work extremely hard both on and off the ball. Though I think Fellaini is a better player I do not think he suits the United style of play}
Fabragas and strootman would be just fine. modric would be a bonus but I have concerns whether thiago can play in a two man midfield.
no point buying him as a no 10, we have three or four already
Andrew b
Fellaini will be top player imo, I think he will move to a top club in the near future and do very well.
Moyes I am sure has a plan. I am sure he wants 4 or 5 so he can stamp his own imprint in the squad. Given that he is bringing 4 members of staff with him I expect him to bring at least one player.
I think his plan is something like:
Shaw/Baines, Strootman/Fellaini, Thiago/Fabregas/Modric, Bale/Ronaldo/Di Maria/Gaitain, Lewandowski. {Ed004's Note - I just can not see us getting all those players especially Lewandowski, Bale and Ronaldo though if we did it would be our best summer in years!}
I think Modric or Cesc with Strootman, will be the best.
Lets hope we can get them. There seems to be a lot of movement in the market, but nothing from our club just yet.
Nomidfield
29 May 2013 16:45:03
You might have to change your name on here Nomidfield if we sign them players ;)
@Sydney! Do you think Miguel Delaney is reliable? He is the same guy who has also written an article about Manchester United seeking sponsors to buy Ronaldo and we all know that is BS.
I hope is right on this one and that we do get Fabregas and Strootman. I wouldn't mind Fellaini in the side as long as we have two creative midfielders beside him, two wingers in top form and RVP upfront and we might be on to something good. It could bring the best out of Fellaini although I think Strootman should be first choice ahead of him.
Wasn't KLOOT a Fellaini fan btw? It would be a great deal at 15 mil but at 24 mil I think we can do much better, rather pay a little extra and tempt barca for fabregas.
REDFAITH
RF, he is one of the more reliable journalists. I am sure United have explored ways to bring Ronaldo back. He seems adamant that United are seriously interested in Cesc. He uses the word "serious" as if it is the word given to him by his own source.
We will see my friend. I have no doubt we have looked at Cesc & Thiago, but whether we sign one or both is another story.
Sydney!
29 May 2013 22:40:25
@Sydney! I hope you are right. Fabregas and Strootman would be great additions to our midfield and with a winger (hopefully di maria) and left back I think we will be up there challenging for Europe.
REDFAITH
29 May 2013 11:34:34
Just wanted an opinion. Is thiagos favoured position cm or cam?
He seems to me he can play well on the left and thought if we sold rooney and bought him strootman and di Maria, our team would look great. We may need to get another striker though
4-2-3-1
De gea rafael jones vidic evra strootman carrick LAM- thiago CAM-kagawa RAM-di Maria ST-rvp
The interchanging between them would be amazing IMO. Thoughts?
TRUMORS
CM I believe.
Thats what I like most about Thiago and Kagawa playing together, very diverse players that could interchange in position. Di Maria I'm not too sure about I don't know whether he is a one trick pony as I have only ever seen him on the right cutting in on his left, very much like Nani. However I think he works a lot harder than Nani and I would think he'd be an ideal replacement as they are like for like.
29 May 2013 14:45:22
Thiago can play as one of a midfield three or as one of the three behind the striker in a 4231 formation. He would be a good signing as he offers great control and touch with incisive passing and the ability to make things happen. He would link amazingly with Kagawa. If we then played a either Young Valencia Welbeck or Zaha it the other position to add the ability to run in behind then we would have a great and well rounded attacking unit.
29 May 2013 11:20:14
Plenty of rumours about who we would like to come in but does anyone know of any interest for any of our players; anderson, nani, young etc. surely our sales will influence our buys financially
29 May 2013 08:58:17
Any thoughts on TYLER BLACKETT??
He's not regarded particularly highly by the powers that be. But that's not to say he won't come good.
I personally think he's a decent player, but isn't really on the same level as Keane and Wooton.
Yeah what has happened with him? He looked imo to b nailed on to be a future 1st team player for our club
LP
I think he is a great player, can play LB or CB, He will make it as a good player, if not with United then a decent Prem Side.
Jake, he is very highly regarded and is a much better prospect than wooton, he's had a slow season in the reserves but he's still young so has time on his side.
phil
Tyler is highly regarded and his name has been mentioned a couple times by SAF himself. He may move to CB long-term, but can do a very good job at LB too. He is a few year's away from being ready for the 1st team. He will need a couple loans.
Sydney!
Jakeh91, this is the type of post that makes me pi55, how would this guy know how highly the powers that be rate tyler blackett, who has as it happens is quality but has had a few set backs this season, in my very own opinion, as like jake I have no ifea how highly he is rated from within.
mick the red fireman.
Mick,
Not that I need to say this or prove anything to you, but I have given various insights in to the academy due to a client that works in there.
All I've done is said he's not regarded particularly highly, that doesn't mean they don't rate him.
I also left my own personal opinion in my second statement, 'I personally think he's a decent player, but I don't think he is on the same level as Keane and Wooton. ' And I am still of that opinion.
Jake, Michael Keane is VERY highly regarded at MU. Wootton will probably be sold this summer. Blackett is years younger than Wootton so has time to make it.
Sydney!
Jake, your talking nonsense, even the kids famillies of the boys have no idea how they are regarded, a client that works in there knows the mind of choccy or saf, just another wannabe trying to sound important, your 21-22, and have the ear of mufc academy, one of the most secretive organisations in dngland, yeah ok.
mick the red fireman.
Jake,
Wooton is no where near United quality imo. Tom Thorpe and Michale Keane are both younger than him and are better players with higher potential.
Blackett is a good prospect but has regressed a bit this year in my opinion, partially die to a lack of playing time. A lower league loan where he plays regularly could be the making or breaking of his United career.
Heffo
I've watched the youth and reserves for the last 3 years and qould argue that until this year Blackett was possibly the best of our young crop of defenders playing at left back.
This year he has had injuries but also has seen game time elsewhere including a couple of games up top. I suspect trying to improve his all round game.
He was playing for the reserves at 16/17 last year and though he isn't there yet see him as a future starting left back for the club.
Red Bear
Hey Mick! You're wasted as a fireman, your maths is brilliant.
And Syd, I know how good Keane is. I think he'll be one of the next to break through.
And to be honest I like Wooton because he's a good old fashioned no nonsense defender. Just my opinion.
Jake, Wootton has reached that age where he would take up a space in the 25-man squad. As he isn't good enough and we are well stocked in that position, with better youth prospects behind him, I see him sold this summer.
Sydney!
29 May 2013 07:52:16
ESPN have reported that we have opened talks with Barca over Fabregas and we are still interested in Alacantara - reported by Miguel Delaney
Not sure how reliable this guy is but it is a decent article.
I was wondering if we offered 40m for Both players would that be a good deal for us? It would change our midfield instantly.
In
Fabragas
Alacantara
Strootman
Winger
Out
Nani
Anderson
Scholes (retired)
I think Rooney will be a united player next season so not putting him on the out pile.
That would be a cracking summer imo
Id actually be very happy with that, Only thing you left out was every Year we seem to sign a young (possibly world class) player and I am quite excited to see what area and type of player we sign in that department.
James
Arsenal have first refusal on fabregas : (
It will come down to what the player wants ultimately if Barcelona are willing to sell and if we are interested. Two big if's but why would he go back to Arsenal especially if RVP has spoken to him
Red Man
They do, but fabregas has has the final say
Chris the REDman
29 May 2013 11:50:46
im sure fabregas has said he would only come back to the premier league to play for arsenal and before people say 'oh look at van persie look at nasri' but he is not like them and the guy gets really emotional when talking about arsenal and hoping to come back. As much as I would like to see it I don't think fabregas will come to us
NoName
To be fair I wouldn't put RVP into the same boat as Nasri.
RVP left arsenal to compete for trophies, not money - City probably offered him more than we did but he didn't think twice about joining us.
Nasri was set to join us before City came in with more money, can you blame him? but it shows the character of players.
Monaco are playing football manager at the minute - I can't take players seriously that sign for money - in 20 years they'll look back and say I won nothing but have millions in the bank.
That's what I think what will decide fabregas' fate - He could re-join arsenal and not win another trophy or join a team that consistently wins titles - Cesc had moved to arsenal at 17 if he didn't get emotional at the thought of arsenal I would be more worried.
It comes down too what's more important to him - loyality or ambition - RVP showed his loyality for 8 years without having anything to show for it and decided to move to win trophies - that decision has been justified- Fabregas will have to think about that too.
29 May 2013 14:54:04
my personal opinion is that he will not join united. his alreadywon trophies with his boyhood club and now he will want to return to england and said himself that he is desperate to help arsenal win a trophy. It does make sense TBH
29 May 2013 07:02:41
How much money is enough? RM are allegedly going to make Ronaldo the highest paid player in the world but so what? Surely at that level the numbers start to become inconsequential? If you are earning £10M a year (excluding sponsor deals) does anothe £2M matter? Howdy you spend all that money? Let's say Ronaldo earns years, £15M a year from all sources and he has a contract for 4 years, that's £60M. How will he ever spend that and why does he need more? Or is it about being 'the highest paid' or is money really their God? I'm not picking on Ronaldo, so many footballers chase the cash. Don't tell me they have a short career, at that level the numbers start to become immoral. I you are a League 1 or 2 on a low salary then I get money being an issue' but for the top guys, I sometimes think they have lost their grip on reality. I read yesterday (and I may get this wrong) that Chelsea players raised about £85K last year at a charity fundraiser. Then I read that Drogba spent over £100K on gifts for his team mates when he left Chelsea. given the salaries that are on offer for top guys, you'd think they would realise just how incredibly privileged they are.
I think it's more of an ego thing for Ronaldo, he considers himself the best player in the world and I think he thinks by being the second, third, fourth best paid player that Madrid aren't supporting him.
AJH
It's about ego boost really, especially with Ronaldo. He has been beaten to best player so many times by Messi so beating him on salary will make him feel a bit better. And also 2m is never going to be seen as nothing, it's another 20% onto his salary no one's going to say no to that.
I have said this before AJH, what difference does it matter if a player like Sneijder finishes his career with £80m in the bank or £65m in the bank, he's not going to spend it all in his lifetime. The player's career should be priority, not an extra £40k a week to move to a shoddy European league.
Sydney!
AJH
I think we will have to accept the fact that these guys are supremely talented in a sport that has money written all over and across it. I think once you are into it, its like a vicious circle. Money, more money and being compared or regarded as the best, hence even more money. That is why I find the "should want to play for United", "wants to come back home" etc statements weirdly funny. Ronaldo was always selfish, on and off the pitch. Do you know the amount he would be earning in his last year of the present contract? The numbers are mind boggling. Very few footballers remain who actually value playing for a club more than chasing the cash. This will remain the case for sometime to come. They are talented, they are previliged and honestly its no ones fault. It irks me when "morality" is discussed with regards to football players. The days of the Scholseys, Giggsys and Maldinis are well and truly over. Sad but true. Cristiano Ronaldo will never come back to United.
Deeps.
Money is never enough for anyone. Easy for us to say what's he going to do with all that money. Maybe if we are in his shoes we might also be chasing like him. Maybe not like this but atleast to an extent.
Does anyone think Messi is not after money? Well he might be the best paid player in Barca and that would surely be considerably high.
So I feel it is wrong to criticise players for chasing money. Only thing we can crticise is 'Is he giving 100%?', 'Does he conduct himself to be a good professional?'
Agree with Fan of Carrick, non of us know how we will behave if we wrere in their shoes.
Of course all these figures going around, might only be figures, no one knows how much these guys are earning. don't forget they will be paying a large chunk of it in tax, especially in Spain and France.
Lets see what happens this summer before we make judgements on them. Though I agree that anyone going to Monaco to play in front of 10,000 seems like madness.
NoMidfield
29 May 2013 06:57:11
As we near the end of May the Season ticket renewal date draws near, that is 14th June.
Recalling SAF pronouncement that everything is in place to buy big, we have been working on our targets for months. Then we were linked with all the big names, Ronaldo, Falcao, Bale and Lewandowski. Now it seems it may be Thiago or Strootman if we are lucky and according to those on here and if the rumours pages are correct.
The window doesn't officially open until 1st July but given the activity of Monaco and Bayern have we been thwarted by Bayern and Monaco? I do wonder if the club felt they had Lewandowski in the bag and that was the reason to push Rooney towards the exit and the backtracking has gone on since the Pole looks more likely to go to Bayern.
We shall see what the club does when the market opens, what those months of work meant but right now I wonder given SAF leaving, the underwhelming event of appointing Moyes and the not yet strident activity in the market (after the usual "link" with all the big names) how Season Ticket sales are going? Even so given the commercial successes will the Glazers care as the commercial side is so much bigger than the fans anyway?
Red Man
The 'season ticket renewal' stuff is mentioned every season. I will be buying my season ticket whether we sign Ronaldo, Bale, Strootman and Messi, or whether we sell the whole first team.
I know this doesn't go for everybody, but for me the real fans who can afford it will be going to support Manchester United, the greatest football team in the world.
As much as its hard to believe, I agree with your theory there. it always seems we are linked with the elite but never actually get close to getting them. Yes RVP came, but in the past 4 seasons we have been linked with Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Moura, Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric, Radamel Falcao, Gareth Bale, Ronaldo, Ozil etc to name a few. Realistically how close have we came to signing any of them? for one reason or another we haven't gone the distance and I think its a money thing, people say the club won't be held to ransom over wages etc. But the way the game has evolved with the so called Sugar Daddies of the clubs, we have to pay through the nose simply to keep up.
Sambo
Totally agree with red man, gds of course totally missing the point and telling everyone what a real fan he is, well I've been going since '79 and have an ST in the northeast quad and I totally agree with red man, if we have been busy for the last 6 mths on our targets then ju targets then junethe opening of the window should b interesting, if this post is a biy of a mess I can't c wot i'm writing due to adverts, we have failed with a hell of a lot of our targets in rrecent seasons so let's hope there is a different outcome this time around xxx
mick the red fireman
Sambo,
'We have to pay through the nose just to keep up'
Haven't we just won the league by 11 points over a team that spent 500 million in the last few years? It is not about how much you spend but how wisely you spend. We do not have a sugar daddy and therefore have to spend what we can afford. When we need to buy big ala rvp or berbatov we have done so.
GDS
I agree, you and a lot of other loyal fans who have been watching United for decades will go irrespective of the players we have or the league we are playing in. But the businessmen that our owners are, do you think, it might well be a ploy? I am not too sure though.
Deeps.
GDS, I am not disputing this. My point is that we often class ourselves as one of Europes Elite clubs, and historically we are. What I am trying to say is, as each season goes by yet another club has been bought by some tycoon who is willing to plough hundreds of millions into it. At the moment we can not compete with Chelsea, City, Real, Barca, Bayern, PSG and now Monaco. So my point was, if we want to compete we have to get used to paying "silly money".
I have friends who are Exeter City Fans, and they brag about being the best run club in the country (not being at all in debt) but they are struggling big time and will struggle more next year. Our game is all about money now isn't it. If you don't spend it, you get left behind.
As for the league, yes we did, but i'm sure you will agree it was the poorest premier league in terms of standard for quite some time.
Simple fact is the Glazers don't care if 1000 fans stop their season tickets in protest there are always others to take your place
This year we should pay out more for better players simply to give Moyes a chance they cannot afford for him to have a bad start
Good post Pardoe, and very very true.
Sydney!
Mick,
Not bothered if anybody thinks I am a good fan to be honest, I know that I am and that I would be there through thick and thin, you can think whatever you want about me, after all, you have no idea who I am.
Apologies that I couldn't just 'totally agree with Red Man' but I have my own opinions on things.
There are less and less of these "others" you refer to to take our place. There will be less still if we fail to invest and leave Moyes to sink or swim by not investing.
The automatic cup scheme is also putting people off and the club moves inexorably towards commercial success whilst playing to reducing crowds or transient fans with their cameras for one off games.
Red Man
29 May 2013 01:22:20
I think Rooney will leave this summer, hope not though!
29 May 2013 00:51:26
Really don't like it when people say someone isn't physical enough for the premier league! Paul scholes the best midfielder I've ever seen and he was no yaya you're type beast. I've seen on here people question thiago's physicality but he doesn't have to be a tough tackling midfielder, times have changed look at the likes of Santi Carzola, Phillipe Coutinho they are slight players, then compare them to physical players such as N'Zonzi and it's evident that these players have what it takes to play in the premier league because they have skill, Gianfranco Zola, what a player he was, ran rings around big defenders because he had skill. What I'm trying to say is, you can't say thiago wouldn't suit our league because he isn't a powerful midfielder, he's a skilful one and I think having his sort of skill is a lot better than physical prescene.
Scholes is no yaya toure like beast, but i'd much rather come up against toure in a fight than scholesy!
Scholes is a different breed of player not only can he take a tackle but he can give them out, he was a nasty player. That bite made him the god he was, a lot of Spanish players don't have that and once they get tackled once by someone like Shawcross or take an elbow from someone like Nolan they go missing for the rest of the game.
You only have to look at Modric he's like a matchstick with the wood scraped off and he handled it fine
29 May 2013 00:03:57
Players like Strootman are designed to allow players such as Kagawa, Thiago, etc. the freedom to express themselves in an attacking sense. They work in tandem, and are essential in complementing each other.
Just wanted to put that out there as I've seen as few posts of people thinking Strootman isn't a 'good signing' or 'don't rate him'.
We need someone alongside Carrick, who can break up the play, track up and down the field, and give us a pinch of steel in the midfielder. You can then put Kagawa, Thiago, Fabregas, or whoever in front of those 2, and just tell them do what they do best.
It would also allow you to safely bring the likes of Januzaj through, without worrying about him with any kind of defensive duties. Just tell the kid 'Go out there, mix it up with RVP, Kagawa, Thiago, and don't worry about tracking back as Carrick and Strootman pick up all the pieces. '
WF Red Devil
I think your mistaking very intelligent midfield players who can control and influence a game for the dated box to box/spoiler type.
Bayern/Barca two of the most consistent teams in world football have no one like your describing Carrick is our Schwsienstieger/Busquets granted Bayern set up slightly different with Martinez who by the way is a fantastic footballer as well as an athlete.
Cleverley if he can get a run of games under his belt showed glimpses of quality.
Yaya Toure is not just a commanding figure you dream about he controls game not just with his power but an understanding and touch of genius eveynow and then!
Please the Joey Bartons /Robbie Savages of the past are not required at this level
I'm not saying Strootman is either of those type of player but he's not on Bayern or Barcas shopping list and he ain't on mine.
We may just may be able to pinch Alcantara from Barca who through circumstances risk losing a player they know will be a great he's different to any one else who is available otherwise I'd go with Jones in there along Carrick until we bring our own through.
Dylan
29 May 2013 12:47:32
He's not on Bayern or Barcelona's shopping list because they don't need a player like that. Just look at their teams. We do need a player like that hence he's on the majority of peoples shopping lists on here.
28 May 2013 23:50:37
first post on the site and thought i'd talk about one man and that is antonio valencia I feel sorry for him tbh he was world class but now is just an above average winger he seems afraid to take a man on and his crosses just seem so poor compared to last season and is it just me or does he seem to have lost a yard of pace I mean he could still outpace any left back in the league but he doesn't seem lightening anymore and seems to get off the mark slower since his injury I think he should be given one more year and if he does well then well done to him he can stay but another year like this season and he will probably go I do love him as a player but the simple fact is he might not be good enough anymore but one more year seems fair