Manchester United Banter Archive April 30 2014

30 Apr 2014 22:36:14
I think we are lucky we didn't get mourinho as a manager, I think he got found out this year, he is a very good definsive coach but not attacking, Real Madrid a different team this year without him, he hardly played modric and he is one of their best players this year, he has showed it now with Chelsea, they couldn't score against Sunderland, crystal palace or Aston villa, the final should be a good one and I think Madrid will win.

Atletico or real? ;)

I think it was a joke DJ.

Reading your posts here puzzled, I won't care much about what you think

30 Apr 2014 21:37:09
Fair result, it would have been criminal for this Chelsea team to win two European Cups. We will see an excellent final. Both Madrid sides, it's going to be a cracker.

Real will smash them to pieces. IMO

Syd, criminal? Correct. The final will be.a great greatgame, fast attacking football.with technicallly.superior players,

30 Apr 2014 16:32:28
Now several things have been said about van Gaal's system and what he likes to try and do, but its not so much a system but a philosophy built on certain principals. Once he has set that out then the team evolves and the out come could be called a system of play.

van Gaal believes in technical ability, work rate and tactical flexibility and understanding. These are his core principals, he uses these to play to his attacking philosophy, which is win the ball back as far forward as you can and attack the opposition with pace and intelligence. He normally achieves this by pushing his players forward and having more people in the final third, he floods his opposition and wins the ball back and uses the extra man to create triangles in which to pass the ball and play through the opposition.

Formations are just a starting shape you take, you then adapt during the game to take advantage or cover yourself depending on which tactic suits that moment. Your starting shape will depend on how you want to approach the game, do you want to draw your opposition out or do you want to over load them, do you want to play centrally or with width? You make slight tweaks to your team before and during each game to gain an advantage where you can, you then need your players to exploit that advantage.

van Gaal likes to have players who can there for fill several positions and can adapt and change during the game to take full advantage of whoever they are playing at the time.

So what can we expect if van Gaal is to take over as expected? Well he nearly always plays with a back four, you need to make sure your defence is a well drilled unit, as such you don't want them to keep changing shape as it will only confuse matters and create potential weak points for your opposition to take advantage of.

So we can expect him to go for ball playing centre backs rather than old fashioned "over my dead body" types. Garay does fit the bill perfectly here, this also suggest that he will favour Jones and Evans over Smalling who could find it hard to get into the team due to his poor distribution.

As for full backs he likes them to get forward but not to ever neglected their defensive duties, I suspect Rafael will be given a chance due to the number of other areas that need work, but he will be having a make or break season next year. As for left back there are several options, I don't believe we are interested in Kolasinac, purely because we have never signed a player who has come out in the press and say we want them before a deal is done. I suspect he is either angling for a move or an improved contract. Shaw looks like the most likely, but considering the money and the fact that he is far from the finished article I would strongly consider Ricardo Rodriguez or Layvin Kurzawa.

Now the only position that van Gaal has always relied heavily on is his number 6, or controller as the call them in Holland. This strong reliance on having a player in this position lead him to say that Strootman is the most important player in his national side. It's important to note that he said that after Strootman was injured and in reply to whether he'll be missed by the Dutch national team during the world cup. This has lead to reports and suggestions that he'd want to sign Strootman if he was to take over, now I'm not saying he wouldn't want to sign him but it's just pure speculation that he would atm. His feelings on Strootman for the national side are based on the fact that he has built his team around him over the last 2/3 years and will now have to rebuild his team around another player and only have a couple of friendlies in which to do it.

But what is clear is his feelings towards having a player in the middle of the field controlling the tempo of the game and covering the defence. William Carvalho looks set to become one of the best number 6's in the world and is only a few years away from that at most. He would be a perfect van Gaal signing imo. He won't move for Strootman this summer as he won't be able to pass a medical until near the very end of the window if at all, and the club won't sign a player who could end up being the next Owen Hargreaves. The earliest the club could sign him would be January at which point he will likely be cup tied so realistically even if van Gaal really wanted him we wouldn't see him until the summer of 2015. So it might be an idea if people stopped putting him in their "teams for next season".

But here's the thing I can't see van Gaal being happy to have just Carvalho in what has always been the key position in his teams, first off he is untested in the prem or at the highest level, secondly he is still young and learning and finally if he was injured then he has no cover. So I would expect to see him sign two players who can play this position, Carvalho is one so I expect we could see another player join as well. Now we can speculate as to who that could be, Jordy Clasie could be a candidate if van Gaal was to bring in some one Dutch which you would expect, but the player I'd prefer to see is Daley Blind. First off I rate him as better than Clasie and certainly a better fit for the premier league, plus his versatility would be vital to the squad. The likelihood is we will sign a young LB and having someone more experienced who could act as cover or come in if burn out of poor form is an issue will be vital. Carvalho and Shaw are two of the best prospects in world football but having someone like Blind around who can cover for them and take tome of the heat off will be hugely important to their development.

Next is a more expansive midfielder who can create and carry the ball forward from midfield, Kroos has been mentioned before but I'm not so sure that van Gaal would have him as such a key player, after all he sent him on loan when he was at Bayern when he has a habit of giving youngsters he rates a chance in the first team. I don't know if he'll have the ability to drive forward with pace that van Gaal likes from his number 8's. van Gaal always saw Kroos as a number 10, playing further forward, he has since developed in to a top deep lying playmaker, but van gaal very rarely plays with such a player. Fabregas is much more the type of player van Gaal would go for, a player with pace and the ability to dribble the ball forward from the middle. Another who fits this mould well is Miralem Pjanic who I feel would be perfect if Fabregas isn't available which I'm not convinced he is.

I think he'll also want a fast goal scoring winger who can play in several positions and is adaptable. Personally I feel Antione Griezmann is the perfect fit for van Gaal, he is lightening quick, has a real eye for goal and can play as a winger, a wide forward or as a striker.


I think his team would line up a little like this: DDG, Rafael, Jones, Garay, Kurzawa/Shaw, Blind, Pjanic/Fabregas, Mata, Welbeck, RvP, Griezmann.

Now these players embody the van Gaal philosophy could become a vital part of his team.

433-
______________DDG
_Rafael___Jones___Garay___Kurzawa
_____________Blind
________Mata_____Pjanic
Welbeck______RvP______Griezmann

4231-

______________DDG
_Rafael___Jones___Garay___Kurzawa
___________Blind_Pjanic
_____Welbeck__Mata__Griezmann
______________RvP

4141-

______________DDG
_Rafael___Jones___Garay___Kurzawa
_____________Blind
___Webeck_Mata__Pjanic_Griezmann
______________RvP

That's three different formations with the exact same players all formations look strong and have their own different strengths and weaknesses, but the fact that you could change the shape and tactics without making a substitution is exactly what van Gaal is all about. Of course this also works if we got Fabregas and Shaw instead of Pjanic and Kurzawa, I just feel that Pjanic and Kurzawa are more realistic targets. We would also have Smalling, Evans, Michael Keane, Buttner, Carvalho, Fellaini, Cleverley, Powell, Lingard, Januzaj, Valencia, Kagawa, Hernandez and Wilson as players in the squad who we could rotate with. With Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Young and Rooney all making way as I don't think they are van Gaal type players except maybe Nani but he has had too many chances already.

{Ed004's Note - Right making a one of exception and putting this on banter. Though if people start replying with teams, not mentioning anyone in particular (other than fresh! ;) this will have to be deleted. I agree with how I see LvG wanting us to line out I feel we will have a large transfer budget this season helped with the departures or Rio, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Giggs, Nani and hopefully Rooney, Young and probably Hernandez we should see wage bill drop and fees there will probably cover costs of sorting out the defence as Garay will be cheapish though Shaw will be expensive. I think Carvalho is nailed on now tbh after all scouting reports we have done and running around etc. I feel we have a good chance of securing Fabregas because of the way he's treated by fans, the fact we will probs pay him more and be will be main man. However, I do not know what winger we will target. Ideally we would get two but that's too many changes hoping for Reus would happily take Sanchez, Di Maria, Pedro, Griezman, Moura or Draxler though. I feel with LvG coming in we would see Rafael, Smalling and Januzaj improving massively as well as possibly Cleverley, Wilson, Powell, Jones, Buttner and DDG (passing from back etc) improving as well. Obviously RVP main man and I'd probably guess Captain. Garay and Fabregas also seems quite vocal so maybe potential leaders on the pitch as well. Never seen Blind play and not sure on Pjanic don't think he's good enough yet}

Never even heard of Blind but I don't watch the dutch league :P I don't know if I am the only one, but I am looking forward to watching Holland play in the world cup to kinda see how attacking we may be in the future :)

Great post pretty much agree on all fronts here.
However I have something to throw into the mix.
regarding goal scoring wingers.

Robben.

Welbeck?
I would also be very surprised if he turned his nose up at kroos, during his spell at munich he also got rid of hummels I wouldn't read to much into it

Shappy

Welbeck instead of rooney. You must be kidding. Bambi is pants and rooney anywhere on the pitch is better than welbeck.

Gcu
Have you had a bet tonight?
I think it is to close to call going have a go at eto 1:0 just for a bit of interest but no idea really

Has anyone seen the scoring charts lately? I could have sworn it showed Rooney on 17 league goals this season.

Rooney is younger than RVP, and, IMO, a better pound for pound player. This is why I don't want Van Gaal anywhere near the team. He will favour RVP and it will cause problems, IMO.

I wouldn't be surprised if we have a new manager this time next year if the guy gets the job. Too many uncertainties where he is concerned. If he gets the job, he will flood the club with his own people; and I don't think that will do the club any good in the short term. I mean, FFS, the club needs to hit the ground running next season, and not be plagued by internal problems, which might arise if Van Gaal is appointed. And does RVP deserve the captaincy? He has given us one good season. How many has Rooney given us?

30 Apr 2014 19:23:17
Great post Shappy, but I think we disagree on certain aspects. The philosophy you're talking about, well, for Van Gall, it is set in stone, and so is the system. I don't think there is a manager in world football who is as reliant on a system as Van Gaal is. He always play a 4-3-3 with tiny variations, but it is a 4-3-3.

He will sacrifice any player, and I mean any player, for the good of the system. He did it with Rivaldo, and he did it with Luca Tony, part of why I believe Rooney will not have a long term role as an attacking player under Van Gaal. He will either be played in midfield or sold.

I think for a left back, we will go for Shaw, but he would not be Van Gaal's first option. Shaw is very well rounded, but he is simply not a good enough passer for a possession based total football kind of team. Out of the players you mentioned, only Kurzawa has the kind of ability on the ball that would fit " the system ". Rodriguez, and Kolascniac, are physical beasts, while Shaw is a great talent, and very well rounded, but Kurzawa trumps him in terms of technique. I would not ignore Jetro Williems as a possible option for him, since he's young, dutch, and pretty talented, not to mention magnificent on the ball. Personally I'd have Kurzawa and Kolascniac who is pretty big and strong, so he might be more suited to the stokes of this world, and his ability to cover defensive midfield and center back would come in handy, but he lacks the outstanding technical ability of some of the other targets.

I fully agree about the center backs and defensive midfielders, and I would not discount an approach for Hummels, despite him being more difficult to get than Garay. He lacks Garay's consistency, but he is better on the ball. On the Strootman front I would take everything Van Gaal says with a pinch of salt, since he is probably the only good dutch central midfielder out there. He also praised De Jong in the past, but it's clear he's not good enough for a big team, but was the best available option for him at the time. Carvalho would be a great signing, and would fit in the system.

I would also not discard Axel Witsel, whose mix of technical ability and physical presence likely to make him a Van Gaal target. Maybe 30 million for him, or 29 million + Fellaini.

Clasie and Blind are consistently good players, but they are not of the required level to move here. Van Gaal would know they would only serve as squad players, and he has a record of promoting youngsters to fill squad roles. James can play at central midfield and left back, and might get a chance if needed.

For Pjanic, I would honestly have him ahead of Fabregas. At Arsenal, fabregas was easily one of the best midfielders in the world, but 2 years playing out of position might take a toll on him, and Pjanic is significantly better when it comes to dribbling with the ball at his feet, carrying the ball forward, and all known aspects of defending. he lacks fabregas' outstanding vision, but is probably more suited to be a central midfielder.

Now for the most advanced midfielder, I see Kagawa and Mata battling it out, and both would get plenty of opportunities to hold down a place. Kagawa is faster and more two footed than Mata, not to mention more adept defensively, so that one might be intriguing.

The only thing I disagree about in this is Griezmann. He is a fellow frenchman, and I've followed his progression through the years, and I don't think there is a more over rated player in the top 5 leagues. Goalscoring aside, Antoine does nothing. He is bad defensively, not a particularly adept with the ball at his feet, and his passing is as average as it gets for a target of a club such as ours. He rarely, if ever, gets involved in the buildup and usually does nothing throughout the game, except score. He is a wide forward version of Chicharito, with a better first touch and overall technique, but does not affect the build up more. I can't see beyond Reus for that role, but I would not discard Wilson, who, in all likelihood, will get plenty of chances next season.

No chance for Young or Valencia though. Those guys fit Van Gaal's system as much as Kagawa fits in at Stoke.

Make that hazard

I bet a chelsea win with a juve win tomm as a double.

I also bet a draw straight up. it is kind of a hedge of a bet the Juve win for me is a very sure bet but have not got a clue especially after how dumb my betting was last night.

Not only did I lose money at lads, also owe one of my good mates a very expensive night out now:)

Mick you forgot Muniain who I think his contract is up next year. He is technically, passing, pace a brilliant player.

GCU, I say this out of kindness. You should probably give up the betting thing because it just isn't working out for you.

p.s. please don't bet on United winning the league next season. I want us to have some chance.

Shahram, Muniain has not improved as was expected in the last 24 months. In terms of talent, he is up there with Lamela, Draxler and co, but has suffered a huge loss of form. He has improved this season but has yet to show signs he will reach his limitless potential.

But for less than 20 mils, he should be worth it. At worst he will reach Malouda's level, which is still pretty decent, seeing how this is probably the absolute worst case scenario. I would not put it past him to find his feet eventually and reach Hazard/ Goetze levels.

Mick1

I have watched him quite a bit this year and IMO he is getting back to his best and his contract is up next summer which means he is available on a free come january.

Danny

LOL, don't worry about me I am up quite good for the year and stopped betting meaningful money on us a while ago.

Games like today are not games to go crazy with and I never bet much on them.

I bet a lot on games I feel that are great odds and have fun with a game like tonights when this result is very hard to predict jus as last nights.

Sochaux, Udinese, Werder Bremen are good bets individually and if you want to the take the treble.

Mick

Sorry I couldn't help but notice, so your saying that Fellaini is worth £1m;)

Nik, yes Russian teams tend to overpay for players ^^

30 Apr 2014 11:55:09
The Cavanni rumours seem odd to me, why do we need another striker? unless one of RVP or Rooney leave then I can't see him coming.

Where would he fit in if they both stayed?

Id rather us spend that much on Reus and/or Garay.

I think MU have been keeping tabs on Cavani in case RvP was to leave. Under Moyes there was every chance RvP could have left, but I think the Cavani interest will wane if LvG is appointed and RvP stays.

It's reported (just rumour) that Ed Woodward is eager to sign a "star" for MU. I think if he wants to sign a star then he should sign Ronaldo or a "star" that plays in a position that we need to strengthen.

{Ed004's Note - Surely Reus, Kroos, fabregas etc are 'star' names?}

If we did sign Cavani I believe it would be a complete waste of money. It would just be a tactic for Woodward to try an amend for his dismal attempts so far.

Ive never really rated Cavani (Not the quickest or the most elegant of players) and don't undersand why the priority isn't midfield. If you can't supply the striker, how is he meant to score? I would much rather us spend big on two midfielders, than buy any striker at all. Even if Rooney was to leave, and Hernandez provided with more playing time.

aaallj5

I agree Syd, I just don't see how he'd fit in or how he'd be the most logical "star name" to buy.

We need Midfielders more than anything, buy the best for that position.

Yes, the most logical star name would be Ronaldo. Reus, Kroos etc would be good second bests. Out of curiosity, do you think Ronnie wants to end his career at Madrid or will he have achieved all he wants when / if they win La Decima.

What about a fit Falcao?. I'm sure we'd fit him in.?

{Ed002's Note - There has been no interest.}

30 Apr 2014 10:50:02
Well Reus has certainly put his future to bed (not): 'I am bot saying anything about my contract, but I feel good at Dortmund' - hardly a 'yes I'm staying'. I personally think that van Gaal will be announced in the next three or four days and we will also announce at least two signings before the start of the World Cup - probably Kroos and Shaw who we are apparently in negotiations with. After them I think van Gaal will 100% go for Strootman and will go for Reus as a priority but if not Lucas Moura or Pedro - both of who are attacking pacey players that he will need to play his 4-3-3 system. After all that we would still need a centre back and to be honest, don't know where we would turn to to get one - but that's the managers problem not mine!

Think my problem with your posts Fresh is that 'you think' different things every day depending on what you have read in the papers etc.

Sometimes less is more.

What about griezman

Bang on GDS!

Come on chaps, leave Fresh alone. There are far worse on here

I'd say I'm fairly consistent these days.

AJH

That was below the belt mate :)

AJH

That was below the belt mate :)

I think we do already have 2 players in place but I don't think its the 2 you say lol, kroos won't be signing for us, he is first team at Bayern and will get a better contract, neither will shaw as I don't think utd will want to spend 30 mil on a left back when so much work needs to be done all over the team, the 2 signings I think we have in place are william carvalho and Ezequiel Garay that's my 2 cents worth :P

30 Apr 2014 09:08:31
Yesterday I said I wouldn't be surprised if LvG (if appointed) made RvP captain. I also said it would no doubt upset Rooney. This was met by someone as having a go at Rooney. Today the Daily Star are running with:

"Wayne Rooney set for Man United captaincy snub as LvG eyes RvP"

The Daily Mail are running with:

"Wayne Rooney worried Robin van Persie will be Manchester United's No 1 striker if Louis van Gaal becomes manager"

Obviously this is just paper talks at the moment, but is it not safe to say that this really could happen? And where would that leave Rooney? Would he again push for a move? Hopefully if this does happen, then Rooney gets his head down and works hard, I couldn't cope with another Rooney saga this summer.

Firstly the Mail and the Star are well known for their made up stories and personally I don't care who our captain is or who gets their ose pushed out of joint as long as we get back to winning ways.

Cue jred :-) tbh I more than possible imo. If lvg is appointed rvp will be the main man, hopefully will be allowed to manage his own body again and we will see a fully fit rvp more than this season.

Cavani has told friends that he is ready to take the plunge and join United this summer, even though the identity of David Moyes' successor is still to be confirmed.

One source said: "Edinson believes he will be a perfect fit in England. He knows that United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all interested and would be happy to talk to any of them. But he also knows United seem the most keen and that is a factor."
Seems a bit strange to me but I never thought we would buy Mata

I don't think Rooney has a long term future here if Van Gaal is the manager.

van Gaal is a big believer in " the system " and will not sacrifice it for anyone. It's a 4-3-3 with a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder and a slightly more forward thinking midfielder. In attack you have two inside/ inverted pacy wingers who cut inside, and a striker. Now Rooney is obviously no pacy winger, and will not be chosen as a striker ahead of Van Persie, so he probably has to drop into midfield.

Now his competition for the more advanced midfielder are mata and Kagawa. Rooney is a better player than Kagawa and all things considered, might be a wee bit better than Mata. But Mata and Kagawa have a significantly better technique and passing ability, so they are more suited for " the system" . I'm actually hoping Van Gaal would be able to coach Mata and Kagawa to be our own version of Xavi and Iniesta, with Carvalho for example behind them. Not going to be easy, an probably would not happen, but how magnificent would that be? He managed to turn Schweinsteiger from a winger/ attacking midfielder to a defensive midfielder, maybe he change an attacking midfielder to a central playmaker, Xavi and Iniesta are hardly bigger than Mata/ kagawa.

It has nothing to do with the captaincy, but unless Rooney manages to make changes to his playing style he will be sold by van gaal ( eventually ).

{Ed004's Note - Who would our wing options rb though? Januzaj on right and a new signing on the left}

The Star and the Mail? All we need is the Sun now! Why worry about such things Sydney? These rags are rarely right anyway! If it happens, it happens. Worrying won't change a thing. Enjoy an exciting summer to come and hopefully, a bright new season for 14/15!

Carloto, I agree with all of that. I just thought it was strange that Danny and myself were talking about this scenario yesterday and today the papers are discussing it. I am by no means saying the stories are true, but other people are thinking the same. That was my point.

Jred, I agree, there has to be some sort of truth in this. Perhaps Cavani is someone MU will look to if Van Persie wanted to leave and no doubt under Moyes he probably considered it. I would think that if LvG gets appointed, then Van Persie will stay. Cannot see us having both.

It's not unreasonable to think that van Gaal would want the captain of his country and fellow countryman to be his club captain. If it is LVG I think it's light a fire under RVP which can only be good for United and Rooney will have to stop throwing his toys out of the pram! If it did come to a choice I'd like to think RVP would be the one to stay as he's obviously the better player.

Januzaj needs to improve physically, and he would be a great inverted winger. I see a bit of Robben in his close control, but he does need to get a bit quicker.

On the left we have Welbeck, but he is hardly ideal as a wide forward/ inside winger. Reus would be magnificent for the role, as would Draxler considering their pace, and vision to come inside. Pedro is an outside shot, and I think he would be good, but not great.

I think Jesse Lingard would get some chances under Van Gaal, as would Wilson and possibly even Lawrence ( highly technical players ). They will most likely be blooded in on the wings as cover.

I really have no idea what Van Gaal would do in midfield, only Cleverley in central midfield fits " the system " but he is hardly good enough now is he?

he might try to convert Kagawa into a Xavi ( might not be the worst idea seeing how much he has improved the defensive side of his game recently ) but it would leave the midfield a wee bit too light weight, unless we get Carvalho and play Fellaini when needed ( another player who does not suit " the system " ).

We're going to be making a lot of changes, that's for sure.

If we are going of what's in the newspaper where would cavani and rvp fit in to gaals 4.3.3
Got to say at 27 with pace and power cavani would be a great fit.
I posted yesterday about v gaals system 4.3.3 with the cb stepping up into cm to allow the attacking cm to step up and make the front 3 a 4
The attacking cm would need to be able to score and make goals but also put the effort in and play a defensive role when the other team has the ball

Mick, I wouldn't 100% discount Rooney playing as an attacking midfielder. Especially if we fail to sign a Kroos type midfielder this summer. Could we not have Rooney and Mata playing as attacking midfielders protected by Carvalho? Then with two quick wingers and Van Persie up top? I really don't know and will be looking forward to preseason.

I personally think that one of Rooney or Mata will probably leave. I think van Gaal would probably ideally like to have Strootman as the deepest, Kroos ahead and then either Mata or Rooney as the most advanced midfielder - Mata is better suited to this role because he keeps the ball much better. Then Januzaj to one side and either Lucas Moura or Reus to the other side of RVP. That's how I expect we will line up anyway. Maybe he will give Rooney a go on the left or something like that but I'm not sure if he would like it or if it would work.

Jred, the only issue with that theory is the Cavani rumours predate LvG.

Also is Cavani fast? I always thought he was a bit sluggish. I could be wrong.

Sydney the "Rooney-hater" is back again!
I had you down as an intelligent person Syd.
There was actually a Dutch Reporter on this morning who knows LvG and he said that he wouldn't even think about doing anything that would upset the players at United and his main focus would be on getting the team right not petty things like who's going to be the captain.
The paper make up so much shi*e it's laughable!

I don't understand the Cavani rumours at all. RvP will be the main striker, Rooney second choice and Cavani is no winger, that is his biggest complaint at PSG.

Simmo, firstly I don't hate Rooney. I have clearly said that I wouldn't sell him.

Secondly, where have I said the papers are accurate? I wish people would actually read what I write instead of jumping on what I write like some uncontrollable baboon.

Syd
The same as yesterday and my point above .
A deep play maker ( kross) a defensive cm (carvalho) and an attacking cm (rooney)
A ball playing CB (hummels/ garay) who is comfortable stepping in to cm when we have the ball to allow the attacking cm ( rooney) to play off a central striker (rvp ) with two quick wide men ( reus/ valencia)
Its 4-3-3 with the tactics I have seen van gaal play.
Add a left back like shaw and it looks a hood team imo

Jred, I actually agree with your post very much, but to be fair you have shot me down every time I have said Rooney could play midfield next season. I also mentioned us going for Garay because he pushes up into midfield, something we have missed since Ferdinand last his legs. It all makes a lot of sense to me to be fair and I completely agree with that this could happen. Do you think we will go for two new Wingers/forwards? Ones with speed? I think Valencia lacks ball control and is very one footed. A great back-up winger/forward, but I think we will need someone better.

{Ed004's Note - I reckon we need one winger only. Valencia, Lingard, Kagawa and Welbeck can cover wings with a main 2 of Januzaj and a quick right footed winger Sanchez, Pedro, Griezman (left footed tho), Moura. Januzaj could be the player LvG works with like muller alaba Schweinsteiger Xavi Iniesta etc}

004, no doubt Adnan could play ahead of Valencia. In fact I have done a team on the teams page which I think could really work. It's very similar to the teams I done a month ago.

{Ed004's Note - Submitted before I could comment under it. Surely that team is complete if Rooney is sold and a player like Fabregas or Kroos is signed?}

Syd
Im not a huge fan of garay but if you are looking for a cb to step out there aren't that many more out there. i'm not sure moyes or fergy would of employed that tactic so under them I would of gone for a "a proper defender " some one like vidic maybe subotic.
For this role I would of loved martinez or hummels but both are unlikely imo .
On rooney again I don't see him as a cm in a moyes or fegy team but van gaal played bergkamp and litmanen in the same role, its more a deep 10 than a cm but your right and I may be splitting hairs. If rooney was to move fabergas would do well there imo.
But I tried to stick to players we have been linked with as well

004, I guess that could depend on what Rooney wants to do I guess, and of course what LvG (if appointed) wants to do.

{Ed004's Note - Would you expect that team to win the league if we had no European distractions and avoided many injuries we would still have good back up options like Kagawa, Hernandez, Carrick, Evans and jones etc}

I do not know where this notion of a 'CB stepping into midfield' is coming from JRED. Please explain to me how that works and doesn't completely throw the balance of a side and leave the remaining centre back completely exposed? I have never seen a team adopt this 'approach' and for good reason. So you are essentially saying, the fullback push forward to offer width and an outlet to the midfielders and defenders and a CB steps into midfield. So what then? We would be left with one CB, left 1 on 1 with Suarez for eg? Or does the DCM step back into defence? Obviously making that theory ridiculous as he should stay in midfield and the CB should stay in defence? You keep mentioning it too, I think you are in cooko land

{Ed004's Note - Dortmund use it with hummels quite often same with Ramos at Madrid and pique at Barcelona. Martinez also at Bayern}

Jred, we will know a lot more when the likes of Van Persie/Rooney etc join up to preseason at the end of July. Also we should learn a few things with the early signings we make. I am really looking forward to it to be honest.

MAN, we used to do it with Ferdinand. Ferdinand was always up into the midfield area because he is exceptional on the ball, but when his legs went, he couldn't get back quick enough so he needed to adapt his game and stopped venturing so far forward.

Ed004 is right.
It can also work in reverse the full backs push on cbs split and the defensive cm drops in to make a back 3

Syd
It should be a good summer I think its long over due

Jred, that's right. The fullbacks bomb forward giving us more width and more players centrally in an attack because Adnan and Reus (example) wouldn't have to drift so wide. Carvalho (example) would fall back with Garay (example) and Jones to make a solid back three.

I think because we are so low at the moment, so down in the dumps, it can only be up for us now. Things can only get better so I am really looking forward to this summer and next season.

{Ed004's Note - I agree I also think a rb isn't needed as this formation will suit Rafael. I think he needs a settled back line and cover for when he goes forward. However is it true that LvG doesn't like South American players? The only rb out there I would sign to replace Rafael is coleman and we'd be taken to the cleaners again}

004, I think we will need a RB regardless, simply because Rafael struggles with injury.

{Ed004's Note - Varela, Janko, Valencia, Jones and Smalling can all cover there even Vermjl. It's the least of our worries IMO}

If we are going to go with a certain way of playing, then you need the players to implement it. It's no good needing a Rafae type fullback and then using Jones or Smalling. You need two Rafael's in theory. Rafael misses many games a season and MU will not want to line up a different way simply because we do not have a suitable RB. We need the right RB and we need a cover for that type of RB so we do not have to change our line-ups or tactics. It's too early for Varela and Janko, Valencia could work, but really lacks defensive qualities needed and Smalling and Jones are not fullbacks. I would use Buttner and Shaw on the left and Rafael and someone like Coleman on the right. They will be doing so much running they will all need rotating anyway, perhaps not next season though without Europe. 004 aren't you fed up of seeing Smalling or Jones at RB? It's time to solve this problem and buying a RB will do.

Gary is also South American. So would lvg not be interested?

{Ed004's Note - In response to Syd yeah I am. However I'm more fed up of watching our midfield get walked through, our left side being raided every game, a lack of passing from the back and speed on our wings. I assume you mean Garay*?}