Manchester United Banter Archive May 02 2013

 

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02 May 2013 22:06:05
Gav, you asked is this how it's always been? Well no, those of us that are older than you will remember United were always able to sign the biggest domestic stars - Bryan Robson, Ray Wilkins for example. In Fergie's early years we signed who we wanted - NeilWebb, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes for example - all sought after players. The challenge we have always had is attracting the top overseas players. Let's be honest, I know we all think people should want to come to United, but if you had the choice of living in Milan, London, Rome, Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, or Manchester, which would you pick?

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Fair point and that all happened just before my first concious memories of United TBF but I'd still argue that since then, under SAF it has been a pretty consistant approach to transfers. A top quality player every 2-3 seasons and in between a blend of promising youth players, unknown quantities and 'decent' players to fill gaps.

My argument was that our transfer policy has been no worse under the Glazer's than it was before they arrived (in general). We've spent big on players like Rooney, Rio, Veron, Berba and RvP but they've been evenly spaced out. We've always tried to buy the 'next big thing' whilst they're young and reasonably priced before splashing out on a world class star. We've always bought unkown quantities for cheap prices Vidic, Evra, Fortune, Cruyff, Berg, Johnson, Solskjaer etc. (with mixed results) and we still do e. g. Buttner.

I don't deny that the boss spent a lot in his early days but since the mid/late 1990's the transfer policy has seemed relatively consistent to me. I'm open to other points of view though if there are any?

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03 May 2013 00:57:55
I agree with Gav here, in the begining Sir Alex needed tto dramatically improve the quality of the team and he bought and brought though some very talented youngsters to do so. Since then it has been about slowly building and increasing the quality of the squad. Every now and then he'll bring a big name in, but more often than not he signs unknown quantities or young players with potential. Some turn out like Solskjaer Vidic and Evra others turn out like Bebe Obertan and Djemba-Djemba. Ironically the first group of players were bought for around the same amount as the second group. But that's our policy, it was before the Glaziers and it is now, this is Sir Alex's policy.

You may not like it, but all our recent success has been built on it. Personally I don't think any United fans had any issue with the way be bought players until a certian couple of clubs with rich owners started to have slightly different transfer policies. And maybe some of us have been bitten by the green eyed monster. And we look at them with envy and as such no longer feel the way we opperate as good enough.

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Shappy, I didn't say I didn't like it, I was just relying to a comment Gav had made on another post. Tbh, some of the biggest signings have not always delivered. On another post a week or so ago, people asked who our favourite signing was. Mather 2 that stand out for me are Schmeichs and Cantona who were both 'cheap'. Who was talking about Evra and Vidic before we signed them? There were plenty of clubs sniffing around Ronaldo but nobody took a punt until we did and look how that turned out. My frustration is that our transfer activity has not been as effective recently - imagine if Nani and Anderson had made the progress Ronaldo did? You win some you lose some. For every Rafael, there is a Bellion.

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03 May 2013 07:58:21
AJH, I did mean you when I said that, more likeball those who complain when we don't sign the world player of the year every year. My favourite signings have all been cheaper signing.

I would actually say our recent signing have been much more successful than some previous.

If you look at our signings of the last five years i'd say you can call RvP, De Gea, Kagawa, Jones, Smalling, Hernandez, Valencia, Rafael and Berbatov (he was a good player for us even if we expected more from him) all good signings.

It the not so good list you have Bebe, Obertan, Diouf, Owen, Tosic, Manucho and Young (good squad player but paid too much to be on the good list, if he was 8m then he'd be on the other list).

All of them were talented players, Tosic and Diouf have had success at other clubs but didn't get the chances to make it here to be honest. Owen was a freebie who had been a too class player. Obertan isn't a bad player. Only Bebe and Manucho are real howlers.

We have also signed Fabio, Petrucci, Buttner and Powell in that same five year time frame. I haven't put them on either list as I feel it could be too soon to judge them. Powell and Buttner have only been here 8/9 months. Fabio and Petrucci are unlikely to make it due to injury issues, but if they over come them then they will turn out good signings.

But over the last five years we have made far more hits than misses with our transfers. If you go back six years we signed Nani Anderson and Hargreaves for over 50m, two have been crocks and the other more inconsistant than the english weather. Veron was a big name signing who was one of the best in the world, and he didn't turn out so great. I think our current approach has been very successful, and I expect us to carry that on.

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AJH - TBH I think we're all in agreement here, like you said imagine if Nani & Ando worked out - where would we be now? But that's down to the manager's judgement, not the owner's.

My original point was that the Glazer's don't seem to have changed our transfer policy from what it was before they arrived and I'll stick by that. You can be frustrated at certain signings not coming off but that's SAF's remit.

Shappy - I totally agree with your point on City/Chelsea. Before they started spending the big bucks people weren't so disillusioned with our spending. To some extent we do have to compete with these clubs now but we can't go toe to toe with them in temrs of money - so we have to find a creative way around it i. e. by bringing through youth and buying some players before they hit top form.

HBadger

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03 May 2013 10:15:39
Opps it I was supposed to say DIDN'T mean you. that's what happens when you reply when you've just woken up. Lol. Sorry bud.

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02 May 2013 21:38:14
I know i'll get slated for match of the day fever, but in all fairness although I watch a lot of football I don't watch Swiss football. But I have been very impressed with Mohamed Salah of Basel. His touch, vision, and composure look very good on the basis of this game. He's left footed and I wouldn't imagin would cost a fortune. Could be a good cheap option.

Has anyone else seen more of him and could give me a better idea of the kind of player he is?

Shappy

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03 May 2013 13:23:44
He can play on the left or as a central striker. Great dribbler, fantastic touch, I think he's going to be a star.

But for some reason I see him more of a Tottenham type player, at least for the next couple of seasons. He's still some way off Manchester United level but he will get there imo.

And plus this signing would give us more exposure in arabic countries. A good commercial move.

Mick

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03 May 2013 16:46:18
Cheers Mick, I knew you'd know abit about him. I'll make the effort to watch some of his games.

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02 May 2013 20:47:03
Over the last few weeks i've noticed many people saying were going to buy 3/4 big names this summer. i. e. Baines, Strootman, Ronaldo/Bale and Lewondowski. Even Ed004 thinks strootman, ronaldo and Lew are possible but I honestly can't see us doing that. For me buying Kagawa and Rvp was a big summer. The biggest in my opinion was when we got Tevez on loan and spent 55mil euros on Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani.
But do people think fergie would spend 110/120 million in 1 window? I can't see it happening. I think strooman is likely, rodriguez depending on the price and Lew if were lucky and Bayern fail.

Sulei

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I agree Sulei, we rarely buy 3/4 top line players. Nani and Anderson had potential when we bought them and to be honest, neither has progressed to whe we expected them to. I'd lve to be proved wrong but I can't see how United will suddenly start splashing money around and sign 4 1st team players. My guess is 2 more to go with Zaha, hopefully at least. 1 will be the midfielder we are desperate for

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I agree with two "significant" signings, as SAF has mentioned, last year we got Kagawa and RVP. Kagawa will work out to be significant I'm sure. So I'm thinking something similar this summer.

The interesting thing Fargie said is if someone became available he would have to go for them, I read that as Bale, hopefully there's money for that if it comes up

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02 May 2013 22:36:32
I completely agree, i've been saying for awhile that we rarely bring in more than 3/4 players for the first team.

With Zaha coming then I would expect at most three other players for the first team. If Strootman and Lewandowski are likely then that only leaves at most one more first team player, and if i'm honest I feel if we were to sign another first team player it would be someone who will be more of a first team squad player with potential. {Ed004's Note - But remember last year Ferguson pushed for 3 world class players in Kagawa, RVP and one of Moura or Hazard. Not sure if there was a bid for Rodriguez}

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03 May 2013 00:47:25
But last time we had just lost the league, this time we have won the league and by some distance. So the need is less. It may well be that we sign three other top class players, but I expect it'll be similar to previous summers.

2012- Kagawa, RvP, Buttner and Powell

2011- De Gea, Young and Jones

2010- Smalling, Hernandez, Bebe

2009- Valencia, Obertan, Owen, Diouf, Tosic

2008- Berbatov, Fabio, Rafael, Petrucci, Manucho

2007- Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson, Tevez (loan), Larsson (Loan, jan)

So in 2007 Hargreaves and Tevez were signed for the first team with Nani and Anderson as ones for the future at 20 and 18yo.

In 2008 only Berbatov was signed for the first team with Rafael, Fabio and Petrucci signed as ones for the future.

In 2009 Valencia and Owen were signed for the first team with Obertan Tosic and Diouf as ones for the future.

In 2010 Smalling Hernandez and Bebe were all signed but they were squad players with potential for the future in mind.

In 2011 De Gea and Young were bought for the first team with Jones very much being one for the future and only signed as other clubs made a move for him.

Last tear we had RvP and Kagawa for the first team, with Buttner as a squad addition and Powell as one for the future.

So you can see that there is an obvious pattern of 1 or 2 players joining for the first team with another 1 or 2 either squad players or players with potential.

So if Zaha is one with potential then we will sign 1 or 2 first teamers with maybe one more squad addition or youngster with potential. So Strootman and Lewandowski seem to be those players, so we may one other squad/potential type signing imo.

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03 May 2013 01:32:33
Chaps the red, I read the maybe one other if he becomes available as Ronaldo not Bale. Bale will not be available to us, but Ronaldo might have a predisposition to join us putting us in a strong position to sign him. i'm sure the club would be willing to put a package together for him if he was available. But with two years left on his contract Madrid may decide he is worth more to them on the pitch next season than the extra money they could get from selling him now. Or they may decide to try and recover as much of their money invested in him this summer, in which case he would then become available. So for me Ronaldo is the maybe, although I expect him to stay in spain for another year.

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Shaps - good analysis and I would expect something along those lines too.

HBadger

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02 May 2013 20:01:49
Regarding the news of our turnover being a record and our debt down 19% I think it was

This is without the 120m aon training ground agreement!

With nike deal also to be re negotiated and we are opening commercial things in america and other places were do you think this puts the club looking at next 5 years

Syd eds or kloot please have your say {Ed004's Note - Was just wondering what people made of Ferguson and Woodward comments? I reckon we will be adding quality to the team and not quantity. Ferguson has said there will be a few signings and Woodward saying we have a good squad. Personally I'm hoping for Strootman and Lewandowski as the two players and then Bale or Ronaldo as the very good player that might just become available}

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Big V

I read somewhere the new Nike deal could potentially be in the region of £1bn which is staggering. There will be plenty of money coming into the club in the near future but that's not to say it will all be invested in the team. I think we will always act somewhat sesibly in the transfer market (i. e. mix of youth and quality) as we have always done. We certainly won't be struggling for money though!

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What Woodward said isn't far from the truth. he's right, we don't need a major over haul of the squad. and as fergie said he wants a couple, maybe 3/4 so this all fits in with everything said so far and everyone's predictions about transfers etc also don't forget about Zaha. I just hope people don't start thinking there is a hidden agenda behind this and the "no value" stuff as always or season ticket crap. I'm with you Ed on the quality over quantity and i'm sure our main targets are all that really needs to be added to our squad. next year we could be a real force in every competition. fingers crossed

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Ed004 you're right and that's exactly what we need. We've been saying all season that our squad is the best in the league but our team isn't quite as good. 2 or 3 first class signings and we will have the best squad AND best starting 11.

TK-Red

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The club is looking from the outside very good financially - don't get me wrong the debt is still a worry but continuing to get it down is a good thing.

120m aon training ground agreement

Nike sponsership - rumoured to be the biggest in sporting history

New airlines sponsership

Cherlovet (General Motors) shirt sponsers

United have really pushed the boat out on obtaining these revenues and credit has to go to the backroom staff.

I wonder if anybody can answer me regarding the TV rights deal - I read that QPR and reading have lost out on 60m due to being relegated, due to the new bumper tv rights deal being introduced next season - are each club getting 60m from that pot? and can the majority of that go into the transfer kitty? there's ronaldo right there ;) {Ed002's Note - Why is managed debt worrying? What is this "transfer kitty" you speak of?}

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Well If we don't make any major buys, I would like to see us pay down another big chunk of the debt. Although manageable it is till costing us 20 million a year and that in simple terms is the cost of high quality player in the transfer market that we could be adding to the squad.

Shahram

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I expect anyone who is in the red would be slightly worried ;) although United have been managing the debt in the right way which is good to see.

Regarding the 'Transfer Kitty' - i'm sure fergie tells the board - I want 3 players and they say ok you have £X to spend - would the extra income from the tv deal enhance that figure or do things not work like that? {Ed002's Note - Again I think part of the issue is that folks are confused by the finances that surround clubs. The one thing that you do have bang on, is that it doesn't work like that.}

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02 May 2013 09:13:49
Ed,
Any news on Jeffery Schlupp. I heard we were signing him in summer but nothing has been said in ages. Any truth in the rumours? {Ed004's Note - Haven't heard anything new}

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02 May 2013 19:29:29
So I've been reading Rooney's autobiography lately and it's actually quite a good read, but one thing that got me thinking was a quote were he put "Ronaldos form means that he's now started playing upfront, while I'm on the wing. I don't mind too much, anything for the team. " He then goes on to say "the annoying thing is Ronaldo can play in the flanks; it's his role. But ronnies the best player on the world at the moment and he's a massive threat upfront. I don't moan about it. I just get on with things. " I think when he played with Ronaldo he would do anything to help the team and I pray we can see them playing together again, hopefully in the red of a United jersey! Also he says on the next page "all week we've been working on how to break barca down with out assistant coach, the managers right hand man Carlos Queiroz" now I know I speak for many on here but what a tactician this man was, a great assistant manager and I really think he should be brought back! Phalan is a yes man but Rene is a good coach IMO! Not transfer related just thought i'd say that Rooney does want to help the club and I know this was a few years back but he's always been focused I think, not sticking up for him just his desire to play for United!

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Tommy, I see you have jumped on the Phelan is a yes man bandwagon. How do you know this, what leads you to this opinion? It seems a lot of people want to slag Mike Phelan off with very little knowledge or evidence why

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Granted I don't know much about him, but I just don't think he is as much of a good tactician compared to rene or Carlos! Who would you rather have? I'd take Carlos everyday thanks!
Tommy!

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Just remember we got played off the park by Barcelona so maybe the master tactician wasn't that good

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AJH

Is it because Mike looks like someone who drives a white van for a living
? I agree, don't find reasons to criticize a guy when we ideally won't know much, even if he had a decent contribution.

Deeps.

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03 May 2013 01:17:48
Just watch him when we play next, he never instigates a chat with Sir Alex he just nods like a stupid nodding dog everytime Sir Alex speaks to him. When ever you watch interviews with him he hardly comes across as master mind, he was even unsure of his job when asked once by a reporter, in the end his answer was that he was the club lacky. When he was in charge of the youth team they won nothing and played poorly, since then Solskjaer and Joyce have got them playing and winning with great football. Solskjaer has been offered loads of jobs and has a job with Molde, Joyce has been offered jobs with Championship and league one teams. And Phelan hasn't been approached once. McClaren went to Middlesborough form being Sir Alex's no. 2, Quieroz went to Real Madrid, and yet no one wants Phelan.

IMO the only reason Phelan hasn't been officially replaced is because there is no point replacing someone who will be replaced in a year or two when Sir Alex leaves himself. Hiring someone else for a year or two would be a waste. In the mean time Rene seems to have unofficially replaced Phelan, he talks with the boss and goes to the touch line to pass instructions much more then Phelan.

No doubt Phelan has been a hard working and loyal empolyee of the club, but he hasn't had the same impact that some of his predecessors had to say the least.

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Very unlikely he gets brought back, especially considering Giggs and Scholes are looking to move into coaching. BTW, how frustrating would it be to have Scholesy as a coach? "Ok, what you want to do is collect the ball from the defenders, shift the ball away from the opposing player, exchange a few short passes, then ping it 50 yards diagonally, land it on the winger's right foot, mid laces. " "No sorry, that long pass landed two inches too far to the left. Do it again. " "What do you mean you can't volley it out of mid air from 35 yards out off the underside of the bar? Are you even trying?" And then he would just tackle the groundskeeper or kit man out of nowhere.

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Just look at our tactics in the past three years compared to when quieroz was there and the answer is staring you in the face.
Phelan never contributes anything, he is a yes man like it or not.
Nomidfield

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02 May 2013 19:13:44
I don't know why people r singing praise about Bayern, I am sure the same people will hate Bayern once their team is beaten by them and as they dominate for couple of years.

The only thing that should concern us how we are going to beat the likes of Bayern, and specially a team like Dortmund.
That brings us to our transfer this summer.
I am happy with Zaha, well I would welcome any winger over our current s*** wingers.
Another thing I notice about other teams is its ruthletvess over players who r under performing. Yes Manchester United is like a big family. But each and every player should feel the honour and urgency to perform, if they don't other players who r willing and feel honoured and most important willing to deliver results are there (Rvp).
Yes! We are not like City, Bayern, Chelsea, or Madrid or rest of the spoiled sugar daddy clubs out there. But we r also not like Arsenal or Dortmund. We are the biggest team in world, literally with supports and fans.

Midfield should be our priority.
Outs Scholes (might retire, even if he doesn't his presence inspire every young players). Fletcher unfortunately, great servant and warrior, will be missed. Anderson, this season was his chance and player who is not fit to play full 90minutes. Specially a midfielder, should not and doesn't deserve to play for man utd.

Strootman seems to be unanimous choice and I don't see why we can't get him, unless ofcourse the player doesn't wish to play for us (which I highly doubt that). I feel we need to buy atleast 2 first team midfielder (Marchisio) but I highly doubt that we will sign 2 top midfielders in same window. If not, I feel we need to sign younger midfield either Verratti, Oliver Torres ( apparently we tried last summer EDS is true).

Wingers,

I don't see us selling all 3 of our wingers. I can only see us selling one winger. Nani most probably, although all 3 of them deserve to go, I pray they will go. And if we are to get Lewandowski, either him or Rvp has to play on wing. Option, James Rodriguez ( Porto has history of blowing up the price but still if he come in region of 30m, I can see us signing him), Isco (fantastic player), I can't see us getting Ronaldo ( I don't want him if he will cost us 60M) Bale aswell (Levy blows up the price so much that, we absolutely can't sign single player for 50M) We need a new number 7 Lamela, Belahnda, Youn�s Belhanda. We did try to sign Hazard and we almost got Moura. I certainly see us going for one.
With Zaha in, we do get another top winger, we will still have probably Young and Valencia as cover.

Defender wise, if Vidic and Rio decides to stay, we have them, Evra, Evans, Smalling, Jones, Rafael, Buttner, Fabio, Keane and Wooton ( who should go for another loan next season). Marnick Vermijl (who is absolutely brilliant. So as much as I would love Baines to come 1 because we need to address Midfield more than Defence 2 We have to give Fabio and Buttner chance before we right them off.

Striker, well I can't really complain, Hopefully Welbeck will start learning from Rvp and start scoring. Lewandowski seems to likely. If he does come, I think we might need to sell on striker, Chicha, Welbs or Rooney ( he needs to up his game and loose some weight, if he gets his touch bag, he use to hold the ball well, for a midfielder being able to hold the ball is crucial, his passing obviously great, so let's see)


Winning Premier league was great, hopefully from next year can be fighting champion league final.


Red Samurai

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Samurai, I might be wrong but I think one of the reasons people are praising Bayern is they just dumped on Barca and inflicted their worst defeat in Europe. 7-0 is pretty impressive by anyone's standards mate.

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02 May 2013 16:53:18
Woodward has warned the club's supporters not to expect wholesale changes and said United would be keeping faith in young talent such as Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, who have made a big impact this term.
"I wouldn't expect there to be a major retooling of the squad, " he said.
"There is incredible depth. We could put two first teams out with 11 internationals in each.
"It has been a phenomenal season. We are a long way ahead in the Premier League and whilst I wouldn't describe the way we got knocked out of the Champions League as luck things could have gone differently in that game.
"We have a young squad and each of those are a year older. We are very comfortable with make up of team and squad. "

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Now there speaks a Glazer man. No value in the market.

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Well there u have it! Soon the old 'theres no value in the transfer market' quote from fergie will follow, I know it dampens a lot ppl's hope but I really feel we are just going to keep what wot have and line the pockets of our owners, I wouldn't mind if it went to the debt but it seems not to be.
Real shame imo this was the interview I was dreading from when we won the league, the Glazers promoted within to not rock the apple cart so to speak and keep a yes man in charge.
Next season we will have the same pants midfield and will be left hoping chelsea don't get there act together so we can scrape a top 2 finish.
I would love someone at the club just to listen to the fans for once! we all pay our money weather it be on tickets, shirts, tv etc and in return get treated with total contempt from owners who only seem to act like they are renting us our club to pay there buisnesses in the USA.
LOVE UNITED HATE THE GLAZERS!

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I think SAF saying he wanted 2 players and that if an exceptional player became available perhaps a third, is far more relevant. I know those weren't SAF'S exact words, so i'm expecting just that 2 or 3.

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To be fair, he does not have the last say. If SAF wants a player, then the Glazers better locate resources for him to buy for. After 25 years, he surely has the power to choose who will be going in and out of OT.

ZigZag

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But KLOOT I thought the plan was to keep saying we will sign big name players so that more season tickets would be sold?

REDFAITH

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What he said isn't even that bad. he's right, saying we don't need a major over haul of the squad. and as fergie said he wants a couple, maybe 3/4 so this all fits in with everything said so far and everyone's predictions about transfers. this doesn't really affect the out goings. so everyone needs to relax a bit and not go over the top like some of you already have.

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Yeah but he said not major retooling and he is right we don't need five players. We need 2 or 3. I read the same thing on a web site but I do believe we will spend as Saf has said Mourinhio coming back to Chelsea means that the Premier league is going to be hard to win so they have to spend
1994

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Guys come on, don't take anything that Woodward or Fergie say as truth right now. Do you honestly think either are going to truthfully say what our plans are? We are talking the greatest manager ever and excellent business men (even though I don't particularly like the Glazers no one can doubt this).

We will see from july 1st onwards what our transfer policy is.

Brendan81

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Maybe not, but some people on here think we will be spending £100M in the Summer. Really can't see it.

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Good point REDFAITH, alas you won't get an answer to your question.

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AJH people only think that we will spend that if we get Ronaldo/Bale and then we'd be selling Rooney/Hernandez/Nani/Anderson so net spend would be about £40-50m which isn't totally out of the question. If we don't go for Bale/Ronaldo then Rooney/Hernandez will probably stay and our net spend will not be much different anyway. I just think that if Ronaldo becomes available that SAF would do all possible to bring him back.

Brendan81

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Brendan 81

A listed company CEO cannot get on a earnings call and rubbish analyst because him and sir alex are trying to hide our real intentions. It is exactly as he says it. Everyone can keep going on about Lew, Ronaldo, Falcao etc etc maybe in a few week when they all end up elsewhere it will dawn on some of you guys that at best we buy a decent midfielder.

Shahram

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"Yeah, I mean I don’t believe there is a need for meaningful investment in the squads, there is incredible depth. I think we can put two first teams out with 11 internationals in each. So, we’re -- as we said we’re a long way ahead in the Premier League. It's been a phenomenal season. We obviously were knocked out of the Champions League. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as luck, but clearly things could have gone our way differently in that game, and we could have gone through to the next round and possibly beyond. So, I wouldn’t expect that to be a need for major retooling of the squad. We have got a fantastic depth in terms of experience and age, and I think that’s key. We’ve got a young squad and each of those are a year older, when you compare ourselves to last summer. So we’re very comfortable with the makeup of the team and the squad. "

Since people are posting parts that suits their argument please read what he said. It basically says we are not going to be spending major money and all the players being mentioned is major transfer fees.

Shahram

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Do people honestly think we are going to sign Ronaldo and pay the astronomical wages that would come with him? I for one would be happy with a good/very good midfielder and a good/very good winger. Love the club but I would be a realist. Any which ways, I don't think we need a major overhaul or sign 5-6 players.

Deeps.

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Shahram if the Lewandowski's, Ronaldo's etc come in then players like Rooney, Nani, Anderson will all be leaving as will Scholes/Fletcher retiring. We will be replacing like with like, international with international. Therefore, the net spend won't be huge, the squad make up will be the same with regard to experience and youth and what he has said will still be true. Its not a major retooling as he put it, it is just adding some quality to the first 11 as the squad is perfectly fine.

The doom merchants take every opportunity to come on whining but until the 31st August passes no one from united will come out and say exactly what our plans are. We will wait and see.

Brendan81

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In that case, do we honestly think we will win the premiership or CL next season, think again! Cause we are way behind Bayern and Dortmund, not to mention real and barca.
It all depends on our priorities, if we want to be big footballing wise, then we need at least three major signings, if we want to be great financially, then take the sponsorships, the marketing and put it in the Glazers pockets while we buy "potentially" good players and watch Bayern, Dortmund and the rest disappear over the horizon.
And if anyone kids themselves that we are nearly as good as Bayern, then we are deluded.
Nomidfield

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Brendan

It is wishful thinking, I say no lewy, no ronaldo. Rooney stays and we will buy a decent midfielder and a young CB and maybe a young winger.

Shahram

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02 May 2013 14:05:45
Ed with the foreign T. V rights yet to be done and us buying sky out of MUTV, is there a chance we could do a Real/Barca and negotiate T. V rights separate from the rest of the PL? We could make an absolute killing and have a bigger financial edge over our PL rivals IMO.

Dan {Ed007's Note - No.}

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On a similar note is there a chance that sometime soon that more PL games will be televised. I find it to be one of the most absurd ideas in the world that some foreign Satellite networks can show the majority of PL games live and yet in our country we see less than half from week to week.

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It down to the "3pm Saturday" rule. If we were on TV every time we played at 3pm Saturday, attendances across the lower leagues would go down.

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Just a random thought here so shoot me down if you wish ;)

Is it possible for united to cut their ties with the media sky, Espn and tv and show all their games live on MUTV?
the subscription is what? a tenner? would we make enough money through that to make it worth while? I don't have MUTV but I would def get it if this was the case.

As I said its probably not plausible but could it happen? {Ed002's Note - Yes they can do that if they wish to leave the Premier League and withdraw from UEFA competition.}

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02 May 2013 13:27:59
HB you wanna stick that fork in laker or shall I? I think he done ;-)

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Lol Chris, haven't been back over there since yesterday but was guna say something similar to you. I'll go have a look now.

His justification was so biased against us I just had to say so!

HBadger

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I saw that, I think he lost it.

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02 May 2013 18:08:31
i'm lost.

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Just checked it out, I think you already stuck the fork in mate. Your reply to him was spot on IMO.

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I love the fact even some of the Gooners feel they can't defend him!

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02 May 2013 13:53:15
3rd quarter financial results are in, we have 36mil cash in the bank, 9mil more than this time last year.

Net spend on transfers last year was 34mil.

I would take a punt and say from this we have around £45 mil to play with this summer max. If we get £25 mil for sales of Nani and Anderson, that's £70 mil for new players.

Very rough figures but what do people think would be the best way to spend this £70mil?

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Left Winger, Right Winger and all action box to box midfield dynamo. Any change should be spent on a left back.

Andrew B

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If you are even close i'd say.

Strootman £12m
Baines £13m
Lewandowski £20m

Then sell Rooney and add this to the remaining money and go for Ronaldo.

Brendan81

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I think we will all be highly disappointed given the statement of the new CEO in today's earnings call.

This is not SAF posturing this is the new CEO telling analyst who cover us and you can't say one thing and do another thing as they will crucify the stock price.

I think we might see one decent signing and one young signing that will be for future development (centre Back).

I am quite disappointed as it seems we will be continuing with the current setup and not the most attractive football and another season of biting my nails and fingers off.

I am now not even sure we will be selling players that we all thought would be on their way i. e. Nani, Anderson.

Shahram

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Obviously it doesn't work that way as this month and next there will be a lot more money in the bank than £36m. Season ticket cash, TV cash and some sponsorship money will be in their as we speak.

Sydney!

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£70million would go in a flash if I was boss. Add Rooney and Hernandez to the sales so say £115million.

£18million - Lewandowski
£14million - Strootman
£14million - Cabaye
£15million - Baines
£33million - Rodriguez

Obviously it would never happen but we can all hope.

G93

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Strootman, Baines & Rodriquez.

If Rooney goes, then get Lewandowski as a replacement.

That would sort out all our problems without being too unrealistic IMO.

HBadger

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This is part of what Woodward said.

"Our top priority is strengthening the squad to ensure we are best positioned for successful runs in all the major competitions next season, " Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward said on a conference call with financial analysts.


Now let's face it he isn't going to come out and say we are going to splash out this summer is he? Everyone would add 25% to the cost of players we went for. I think we'll see some major changes in personnel this summer, maybe more outs than ins but the the ins will make our first eleven better.

Brendan81

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Tell you what let's play the Tottenham, arsenal, Chealsea, city free flowing trying to hang on to our shirt tails brand of football.
I know we, ve been spoiled but come on credit where it's due.
Dylan
ps Our season faltered after the madness against Real up until then we had started to play much better

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Syd, do you think we will have more than £70mil spare to spend then?

I took last years spending into account and added £10mil due to extra cash in bank, can't see the Glazers allowing anymore than that even with good 4th quarter cash flow.

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Did the iPo account for any of the money we have in the bank

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"Did the iPo account for any of the money we have in the bank"

No, £64m went towards the debt, the rest went to the Glazers.

Sydney!

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God bless the Glazers

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Sydney did we use the 64 m to pay a lump sum of the debt or towards annual repayments

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It come straight off the debt. Interest payments are easily manageable by using the revenue.

Sydney!

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02 May 2013 11:49:27
Who would be the world player for this season.
Although Messi has scored above 50 goals. Surely someone else this year. Would RVP be in contention?

1994

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With all due respect to his contributions this year, I don't think so that he will even be in the top 3, let alone win it

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Ronaldo has been better than Messi since the turn of the year, comfortably. If he keeps it up until the end of the season and then kicks on at the start of next season (wherever he is) he should win it, irrespective of what Messi does.

IDM

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It will be interesting to be honest. I'm not entirely convinced that either Ronaldo or Messi deserve it this year where as others might. Some of the Germans surely will be up for it?

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DJ who would be the third one I do get Ronaldo and Messi. Who else?
1994

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It will be interesting, but I am expecting Messi to be given it again. Would have Ronaldo, Falcao, RVP over him though, maybe through Bale into the mix also but not playing in the main European competition is a big problem for Falcao or Bale to do well.

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Bale, obviously

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I hope not bake or Falcao they haven't played in the Champions league. I would say neur or lahm as Bayerns defence this season has been amazing.
1994

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02 May 2013 11:44:16
Let me take you back to 20 years ago this very day. I was in my flat listening to the radio Sir Alex or just Alex as he was in those days was out on the golf course. All of a sudden a man came running across the course at him shouting "We are Champions". Meanwhile back at the Kloot abode we were going mental as I heard Aston Villa lose to Oldham and confirm that we were champions. We had waited so long we had kept faith and loved the 70's under the Doc we had come close under Ron and now finally it was done all over. I made my way to Old Trafford and there was already hundreds of people gathered outside partying and celebrating. Tomorrow we would be playing Blackburn and OT would provide an atmosphere never to be bettered in all the trophy wins since. Where have those 20 years gone? A big thank you to Sir Alex, a French man, a Great Dane and all the others who have worn the red shirt with such pride. For us as supporters we couldn't have asked for more. We have seen it all the highs and the lows. What we have proved is that we are so much more than just a football club. I wonder where we will be in 20 years time. let's enjoy them

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Good post. In 20 years time we will be in a similar place to where we are now or we will be playing in a league which consists of the best European sides in the world.

We will always be a financial power so we will always be near the top. If we can manage the change of manager well, we will be in good shape for years to come.

Sydney!

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Kim jun KLOOT the anti American despot from manchester a real fan a supporter of everything united except the guys who are incharge of course. That drum is old mate but bang it all you want. you know what ill buy you a season ticket to BM for one ticket to Old Trafford cause you seem to be more interested in tgem than us lately.

CAIN

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I think the single biggest architect of where we are in terms of the last 20 years (except Sir Alex of course) is the "frenchman" you just mentioned - Eric Cantona - Enough said! Has anyone else ever inspired as much?

Deeps.

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Nice post! Hopefully we're still competitive in 20 years but it will be fun along the way regardless. The last 20 years have been unbelievable and we have been blessed! Too many great memories and legends watched to even get into it here.

HBadger

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"Kim jun KLOOT"

LOL that is quality, CAIN though I think you may have meant it to go on the thread below this one?

HBadger

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Sorry kim jun KLOOT that reply was for your earlier post. this post is really good actually

CAIN

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HBadger now I get it being a parasite yourself no wonder you admire the biggest parasites on this planet. The Glazers must be your ultimate role models. And yet here you are just stuck on this site trying to attach yourself to other peoples comments. But if you are going to do that please pick someone more intelligent or funny than CAIN who's biggest insult to me seems to be that I am anti-American as if that is some big slur. Hey but here is a strange idea why don't both of you read how I am trying to get supporters of United to be treated better.

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Dont you think calling people parasites and 'little worms' is a tad harsh KLOOT? Banter site or not those could really hurt someone with a low self esteem, just saying.

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KLOOT

Get off your high horse and don't be such a girl! If you're going to post such contraversial/negative posts then be ready for some replies having a dig at you.

Oh and no need to try and make yourself look like a saint either - looking out for the fans, lol.

I'm just another poster on this site as are you. You can try to insult me and call me childish names all you like - but whilst I disagree with your views I will tell you so and give my reasons.

'The Glazers must be your ultimate role models' - sure, whatever you think pal. Does this put me 1 step away from being a Glazer supporter/apologist or whatever you call them? Perhaps I should be honoured?

HBadger

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Kloot, I watched Andy Green earlier on Bloomberg admitting he was wrong about the Glazers. All the years of saying they would ruin the club and we would go the same way as Liverpool. Well he was wrong, and he was big enough to admit that live on TV.

Now we all hate the way the club was bought and we wish we never had these debts around the club's neck, but the debts are affordable and MU are in very good financial shape. In a few year's time Andy Green says the club will be making £200m in surplus cash.

Now we are not 100% sure where that cash will go, but by then we will be pretty much debt-free and we will be by far the richest football club on the planet bar none. We will be okay. We are out of the dark now and are in very good shape, but you need to get used to the Glazers being here as they are here to stay.

Sydney!

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I agree with Sydney, as much as I don't like what they've done (glazers). I don't blame them for it. If the same opportunity was presented to me with an American football team etc, I would seize it (Miami Dolphins or NY Jets). They found a loophole and took full advantage.
Now I've learnt to just accept it. As they, and probably their childrens children will be here. We will certainly kick on in terms of business. And I just hope that in 3 or 4 yrs time. They don't bite the hand that feeds them. As in, I hope they keep the fans happy by competing for the best players in the world through the clubs massive profits etc. Now queue for my abuse. lol

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20 years ago. Was in Looneypool when I heard the Villa result. Travelled to Old T I think on the Sunday and paid £80 off a tout for a Blackburn ticket. In the middle of the Streatford End for one of the best nights ever at the ground. ( Also in the front row of that end that season when Brucie got his two headers against Sheffield Wed)

Red Snapper

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02 May 2013 11:33:45
Bayern Club President Uli Hoeness speaking last year on the issue of season tickets. A third of Bayern's ST's were £104.


"We could charge more than £104. let's say we charged £300. We'd get £2m more in income, but what's £2m to us? In a tranfer discussion you argue about that sum for five minutes. But the difference between £104 and £300 is huge for the fan. We do not think the fans are like cows, who you milk. Football has got to be for everybody. that's the biggest difference between us and England".

And that is the difference between me and a lot of the people on this site who have forgotten what football is all about and what having a club in your community means. As Sydney says "You Can't afford it tough luck".

Still let's forget all that and keep lining the Glazers pockets. As long as we win trophies who cares about the long term damage to the club or its core supporters. As long as someone in Tokyo or Melbourne or New York is buying merchandise and subscribing to a sports chanel everyone is happy.

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Clearly you are forgetting all of that and continuing to line the Glazer's pockets.

Sydney!

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I think we should all be a bit envious of Bayern because they're the type of club united could have been under different ownership. I'm not stupid enough to think that the PLC would have kept ticket prices low, but Bayern are a club whose number one priority is on pitch success, not off field profits. No sugar daddy, no faffing around in the transfer market, no whining about players being too expensive and agents too greedy. Instead they've just got on with the task of building the best team in the world, for the last few years Bayern have identified key players and just signed them.

3 years ago when they knocked us out of the CL it was close and evenly matched. Look at the difference now. That's the difference between a club that wants to be the best and a club that wants to earn the most.

Danny Pughnited

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I'm not backing the glazers or anything and I come in peace. But he is involved in a tax evasion case and his loyalty to German football has been questioned and in the German newspapers they think that he has filled his personal pockets very well and he could be fired. So clearly he is not a saint and probably did it to fill his pockets.

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You seem to miss the most pertinent point every time this comes up KLOOT! But hey don't let the truth get in the way of slating the Glazer's.

High ticket prices are a problem throughout the EPL, whilst in Germany all clubs tickets are reasonable. You keep dragging the Glazer's into this when it's irrelevant mate - there aren't Glazer's at Arsenal yet they pay more to watch a team that haven't won anything in years than United fans do.

Tickets in the Premier League are extortionate but unless all clubs are forced to drop them then no one club is going to make the 1st move - it just wouldn't be in their interest.

For some reason you keep comparing us as a club to a club in a totally different country and league just to ustify your bitter point, pathetic really! Why not compare with ticket prices at Arsenal or Chelsea or Spurs or Liverpool?

Come back to me with a list of top EPL clubs where the tickets are reasonable and I'll believe you that our owner's are evil. If you can't do that then I'll be happy in the knowledge that your just being bitter and twisted, without any basis as usual.

HBadger

p. s.

I love the way the German game is run - low ticket prices, big stadia, good players, hard workers - but to use that as a stick to bash the Glazer's when it's an irrelevant comparision goes to show what your motive is.

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Hi Klooty
Good to see you supporting Herr Uli Hoeness, Nothing like our despicable owners is he?

Just a little matter of dragging the great Bavarian clubs name through the dirt with a tax evasion scandal - now why didn't the Glazers think of that?

All clubs have their burdens - you could be a supporter of a club that buys the league with oil money or money "acquired" of the backs of the Russian people- or even worse you could be a "fan" of a club form a city build on the slave trade instead of honest industry, that thinks "You'll never walk alone" is a moral philosophy (to quote somebody).

So stop being holier than thou - with your ". that is the Difference between me. " pretentious b*******, and count yourself lucky that you are a supporter of the Greatest club in the known universe.

The sun is shining, so have a nice day.

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The German model just goes to show how much the Premier League is a rip off.

I won't go to Old Trafford anymore, mainly because the ticket prices are so high.

Maybe I'll get a Bayern season ticket as flying to Munich every weekend will work out cheaper than going to OT even though I only live 10 miles away!

Andrew B

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Danny, the PLC already had the increase of tickets prices in place well before the Glazer takeover.

Can anyone name a single club in the EPL or the Championship for that matter whose tickets prices haven't shot up in 20 years?

This isn't a 'Glazer thing', this has happened all over England and other countries in Europe. It's an example of the times.

A season tickets to watch Barnet FC (just relegated to conference) range between £323 and £418, shocking agreed?

Sydney! {Ed007's Note - That's ridiculous prices Syd. Celtic released their prices the other day (it makes adult STs average about £300) :

• Adults receiving £100 reward to their 2013/14 season ticket

• Kids under 13 Season Ticket for £50 are back - £2.38 per game

• 13-16 year olds Season Ticket for £105 - £5 per game

• 17-18 year olds Season Ticket for £186 - £8.86 per game.

I know it is 'only the SPL' etc but not many clubs anywhere are cutting prices and trying to get younger people going to games. My friend gets his two boys every weekend (they are 7 & 9) and he is delighted with the offer, he says if you break it down to cost per match it is less than a visit to McDonalds for them. Oh and the first CL qualifier is included in those prices.}

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HBadger,

Spot on mate, it's not Glazers and United that have created this, it is English Football, starting with Blackburn when Jack Walker invested heavily and got success. We have accepted a Sugar Daddy culture and now because of prices we are trying to get away from it but we have come to far and it will be a while before we are in a better position. These Sugar Daddy's are billionaire's for a reason, they are selfish, ruthless and obsessed with money.

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Mike I am impressed with your post it has a little bite but done with a sense of humour as for Andrew B you are just a little worm don't even bother to read anything else I post you wouldn't understand it, stick to finger painting.

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You can not pay taxes and be an absolutely detestable person, but that is all perfectly fine as long as you charge reasonable prices for season tickets.

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Crikey Kloot, this again. I'm not going to rehash my points about Bayern being the massively dominant club in an economy 50% bigger than England's (a country in which Utd compete with a number of other clubs for success both on and off the pitch) and just ask would you want to be a supporter of a midtable United that was community oriented? if so good on you but do not promote the fallacy that United could be run along your preferred lines and compete for the PL and Champions League.

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007, it's great what Celtic are doing for the kiddies, but in terms of adult season tickets I feel they had no choice but to lower the prices. Without Rangers in the SPL the fans have little to motivate them. Great offers for the kids though. If you can get the kids turning up religiously then they will keep going as adults, so it makes sense to have these sort of deals. What do pensioners pay?

Sydney!

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Syd

"I'm not stupid enough to think that the PLC would have kept ticket prices low. "

Maybe read what I have said before going off on one. Ticket prices in the EPL are a disgrace and this isn't the Galzer's fault but it is a symptom of the shameless profiteering that the Glazers have latched onto.

My main point is that Bayern are club will lesser financial capabilities than we have but they invest more money in their team than we do. They are a team that sign world class players without a sugar daddy, and in the last few years their dedication to bringing the best into the club has transformed them from a good team into a great team.

The only reason that I can see as to why we haven't been able to bring in the standard of players Bayern have is that we have owners who have lumped us with debt and care more about off pitch profits than on pitch results. 3 years ago we were comparable to Bayern, now they are leagues ahead.

Danny Pughnited

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Danny, that post wasn't solely for you even though I wrote Danny.

Can I ask what "better standard of players" Bayern have brought in as opposed to us?

Sydney!

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Danny

Bayern's revenue was only approx. 27mil euros less than ours.

As to no "sugar daddys" in fact they have lots of them - the money comes in the from of "commercial" revenue mainly from local German businesses - their commercial revenue was 56 mil euros more than ours.

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I don't know Syd, I think players like Robben, Neuer, Martinez, Gotze, and Gomez would all be considered as top class when Bayern bought them.

But what I was getting at is that if Bayern identify a player they really want, they do whatever it takes to sign them. We saw it last year with Martinez, one of the best young midfield players in the world. And despite having a very good midfield already Bayern made sure that they got him. Again this year with Gotze, a team that has Ribery, Robben, Muller, Shaqiri, and Kroos, they still break the bank to sign a world class prospect.

The only players we have really splashed the cash for in recent years are Berbatov and RVP. We chase players like Lucas, Hazard, and Sneijder and end up with nothing. When Bayern chase players they tend to get them. And that's why they just walked the league and battered Barcelona, because they were and are still prepared to buy the key players they need.

Danny Pughnited

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Since 2007 they have bought Ribery, Robben, Neuer, Martinez & Gomez. Is Gomez top class? Was he ever top class? Neuer and Gomez, and now Goetze are German so they would always have the edge there. Robben and Ribery being top class is debatable. Both have very poor attitudes and are injury prone.

I would say Neuer & Martinez were top class signings. The others good signings at the most. In 2007 we had bought Hargreaves, Nani & Anderson when BM bought Ribery. Okay in hindsight they never turned out good, but there was a lot of money invested in them. We bought Berbatov, Jones, Kagawa, RvP & DDG.

There will be a long list of player who BM have wanted, but missed out on. A list almost as big as ours i'd imagine. We have missed out on Nasri, Sneijder, Moura, Hazard etc and we will miss out on others too. It's the way it goes. Chelsea have missed out on sh1t loads of players, but they aren't short on cash.

Are we sitting still when we have Rooney, RvP, Hernandez & Welbeck and we are trying to sign Lewandowski? What about having Nani, Young, Valencia and going out and trying to sign Moura. I may be wrong but did BM have any competition when they bought those five players mentioned above?

Sydney!

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Danny Pughnited

In terms of what you're saying about not getting the 'top players' - is that not what it's always been like at United? even pre Glazers?

I've been a fan for over 20 years and I think there have only been 1, maybe 2 summer transfer windows I was really satisfied with. There were rumours of Batistuta, Ronaldinho and other top stars for years but we rarely picked them up.

To me it's just the same now i. e. sensibe spending, lots of young promising players (Jones, Powell, Henriquez etc. ) and the odd quality player on top (Kagawa, RvP). Swap Ronaldinho and Batistuta for Falcao and Bale/Ronaldo and it feels very similar.

Is this not how it's always been?

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Funnily enough I was just over on the Lfc site and they're discussing the same issue.

There are many posts along these lines:

"Lfc have never cared about the fans they know that we go because we love the club /team and they use that against us. "

- sorry for the cut and paste but I hope this shows that the problem is far wider than just United and the Glazer's. The prices across the whole league are extortionate, even at a club where getting into the top 4 would be a special achievement!

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Sydney

The difference between us and Bayern is they buy established players that everyone knows are top drawer. Martinez was Mancini's number one target last year, but Bayern went out and spend 40 million to get him.

We buys at the next tier with the hope they become good. i. e. Zaha,

The only time we divert from that policy is when Fergie forks out big sums for strikers just to get goals out of them for 1 or 2 seasons.

He has always been striker biased and credit to him has always bought us good/great strikers.

If you believe the papers supposedly Bayern have had a 40 million bid turned down for Vidal. I think they will buy 2 Top quality strikers and a top winger in the summer.

Shahram

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02 May 2013 11:09:15
A few weeks a lot of you where arguing with me about Barcelona, cause I said they where a very ordinary team without Messi. Did last not prove it, Bayern where exceptional over the two legs, but without the little Arge, Barcelona's frailties where clearly on show.
Defence was rotten as usual, no team in the World should get away with valdes in net and playing midfielders in the heart of the defence. Pique like I mentioned a few weeks back has lost it and Jonny Evans is considerably better, however he is northern Irish, so want be given the credit.
The midfield of Barcelona is still exceptional, but just got over powered by an even better midfield. However the main thing when Messi does not play, is that Barcelona look like they can't score, is this because they haven't got a striker? Barcelona are average and in order to get to where they want to be need to scrap their youth policy and buy players to fill the void.
On another not I am really looking forward to this years final, and have Dortmund to win, but there is a bit of a love in with german football at the moment, which is quite right to be honest. However with Bayern potentially buying the two best players in their closet rivals, and with other top europeans teams coming in for more Dortmund players, will there not be a one team dominance in Germany, ruining the dynamics of the league and hindering the progress of the game in Germany. The one thing that makes the premier league more entertaining than others is its competitiveness. I believed this was evident when English football dominated Europe, you could throw a blanket over the top teams in England, where as in other leagues its either two teams or one dominating. This year was the exception for England, I can't see what we done this year happening again by anyone.

aaallj5

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Barcelona are not at their best recently. My opinion is Barcelona at their best would have beaten Bayern.
But I agree their passing sometimes gets boring.

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Perhaps the Barca of 2 years ago would have beaten Bayern but that's not the team they are now.

TK-Red

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I picked Bayern to win it all when the group draws came out and Barcelona at their best will not beat Bayern. Bayern are the most balanced team in European football and barring some weird injuries they will handle Dortmund in the final.


Shahram

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Dortmund would win it, bayern are serial chokers

nikz

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02 May 2013 10:50:22
Anyone else a little disappointed about the lack of game time Henriquez seems to be getting at Wigan?
Likewise with Fabio, from what I've seen he's not been bad for QPR but he still doesn't seem to start as much as he could.

Perhaps in the future we should be more careful about where we send our youth? I think if Wigan gave Henriquez more of an opportunity in the BPL he wouldn't let them down, he's a decent record everywhere he's been!

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02 May 2013 10:20:12
Man Utd to offer 30m + Nani for Gareth Bale.

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When I looked at this post suddenly, I misread Bale as Barry and was thinking "Are you nuts" ;)

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02 May 2013 07:59:07
So as expected all the hype around lewandawski was just that as he looks to be heading to Bayern. Ronaldo to PSG, bale to Real, falcao to Chelsea if you believe the papers.
So who does that leave us with :
Gaitan, overrated and will be a disaster at united.
Strrotman good addition, so let's hope we can get him.
Rodriguez, super player but untried and costs a lot for just potential.
I'm hoping saf is sure he'll get his targets, as he has boldly said recently, as most of the ones we're theoretically chasing, will be going elsewhere by the looks of it. Going to be an interesting summer!
Nomidfield

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1) the transfer window is not yet open 2) none of those players have signed agreements to move and 3) what you read in the papers is usually bullsh!t anyway.

You sound a little worried but you're jumping the gun IMO as it's still only May 2nd!

HBadger

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Please explain to me how Gaitan is 'overrated' and surely all players bar ones that have played at the club before e. g. Ronaldo are 'untried'. I used to agree with a lot of the things you said but now you're seeming more and more bitter by the post

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02 May 2013 09:54:09
Relax, the window isn't open and the papers are stiring things up in order to increase sales. The Sun first said Lewandowski was coming to United, then that he'd snub us to sign for Bayern, then that Real Madrid were going to sign, then he was signing for us again and now that he'll snub us again for Bayern the day after they make it to the champions league final. They have printed all this in the last two weeks. To me this says they don't have a scooby doo what the hell is going on.

Sir Alex is relaxed about our signing for now, so maybe we should. let's just enjoy the rest of the season, hope we can put in a few good performances, maybe blood a couple of youngsters. Then take the summer transfer rumours with a pinch of salt and see what happens.

Last year we said that with no midfield signing that we would stuggle to challenge for the title, some even said we would struggle to get a top four finish. Now we've won the league. So what do we know really?

Sir Alex has managed us almost perfectly for over 25 years, he hasn't let us down once. So let's just trust him to bring in the right players this summer, and wait to see how the team performs next season.

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Surely this post means that you are listening to over hyped paper talk then. just because it says they are going somewhere else and not here it doesn't matter. The Sun for example have said that Lewy will sign for us and then a couple of days later said that he will sign for Bayern.

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02 May 2013 10:59:14
How do you know Gaitan will be a disaster? What have you based this wisdom on?
Busby's Dog

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If we get Lewandowski he'd be the icing on the cake. The real need, if we are to compete strongly in Europe, is the midfield. Strootman and Rodrigues would be great. I'm sure SAF knows who he wants and will have been as disappointed as anybody by our relative lack of success in the Champions League in recent years.

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Nomidfield is becoming very KLOOTish in his approach to this site -
1) leave a negative, anti-United biased post
2) receive replies pointing out you're just being miserable
3) ignore replies
4) start new thread with another negative post

Life is fun!

HBadger

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Nomidfield, I know I'm echoing others here, but where have you got this inside knowledge from, that we were chasing Falcao, Ronaldo, Bale et al?

How can you be so disappointed over something that hasn't happened?

If Fergie had put bids in for all the players you mentioned, and they'd went elsewhere, I could understand your frustration.

As he hasn't, and he hasn't called you up to let you know he was interested in these players, I'll just assume it's your usual dark cloud bleatings.

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HBadger

its not just him though is it, there are many negative posters rambling about transfers with the season still to end

nikz

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I too feel Gaitan isn't the answer. It's another Ashley Young class for me I'm afraid.

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That's very true nikz, the vultures are circling :)

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