Manchester United Banter Archive December 31 2013

 

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31 Dec 2013 19:20:45
I hope all the posters on here have a great NYE, thanks to the eds and regular posters Sydney, GCU, moon etc! A great 2014 to everyone. I couldn't dodge nights this year, so a big shout to anyone else having to work in the NHS, emergency services. It also means I'll be like a spaceman tomorrow!

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31 Dec 2013 16:13:06
Afternoon Gents,

Wishing you and your families a happy new year and all the best for 2014, although not too much lol.

PS, i'm glad to see you paid attention to my post from 6 weeks ago and are being a little bit nicer to David Moyes, lol.

All the best gents, have a good one.

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Thanks Dags u too mate, keep safe :-)

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31 Dec 2013 14:53:07
Twas the night before Christmas, Old Trafford was bare.
The staff all gone home, there was nobody there.
The lights cast a shadow, a soft glimmer which
lit up the soft green grass on the pitch.

Just as the clock gave out its twelfth chime
An old man appeared, as if frozen in time.
He gazed at the tunnel, then broke out in voice
"ITS TIME TO BEGIN. let's HAVE YOU MY BOYS"

Out from the tunnel appeared a lone figure
Same as in life, only infinitely bigger
The old man called out as he slowly drew near
"good evening Duncan, are the rest of you here"

The figure broke out in wide open smile
"Good Evening Sir Matt, it has been a long while
The rest are all coming, they'll be here soon, "
As seven more shadows were cast by the moon.

Whelan and Bent, Pegg, Taylor and Byrne,
Jones, and Colman, they came out in turn.
He greeted each one, just by calling their name
then proudly announced "do you fancy a game"

They took to the pitch, and the still night was broken
By leather on leather, not one word was spoken
They played once again, like they did long before
And imagined the sound of the Old Trafford roar

Edwards called out "come on lads let's pretend
That we've just scored a goal at the old Stretford End"
As they ran to the edge of the pitch by the goal
There in the stands sat a solitary soul.

His eyes were all puffy, his cheeks wet with tears
As his mind wandered back to those wonderful years
"come down and join us" they cried all as one
"yes come down and join them" said Matt "go on son"

The lonely man stood and with much pain he said
"I'm afraid I can't play with you, you are all dead.
You are all ghosts, and I am alive
That was the price that I paid to survive"

My role was to go on, inspire the team
And finally realise Matt Busbys dream
To tell of your greatness, and as I get older
To burden the weight of your life on my shoulders."

The ghost of Sir Matt then raised up his head
Giving out a loud groan, he finally said
"Bobby, You survived, that much is true
But we wouldn't be here if it were not for you

For you are the one who has kept us alive
That was the reason you had to survive
If you were with us, all we have would be gone
And the game that we play could no longer go on

If you can't understand why it happened this way
Then come here and watch when United play
They sing about us, they remember us all
We live and we breathe with each kick of the ball

The legends that live here, Robson and Best,
Cantona, Law, Giggs, Scholes and the rest
They are us, we are them, we are all here as one
And that is the reason United goes on

So come down and join us, we're begging you do
You are still one of us, and we're still one of you"
And then Bobbys face rose and he gave them a smile
And he said "I would love to come play for a while"

They played and they played, as they did in the past
Only not quite as skilful, and not quite as fast
And when it was over, and when it was done
They'd defeated Benfica by four goals to one.

Then Sir Matt said "lads, its been fun you know
But It's now Christmas day, and we really must go"
They walked to the front of the stadium and turned
And Sir Bobby said "there is something I've learned"

"You did not die, on that February night
You're still here with us, as you're with me tonight
And you'll live on forever as long as we play"
As the ghosts disappeared down Sir Matt Busby way.

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{Ed007's Note - I seen this earlier on the FB page John, a very poignant piece of work.}

By far the best post this year John, loved it, thank u!

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Brilliant work, absolutely fantastic. Tear in my eye reading it though. My dad was only 8 when that great team perished and I wasnt even a twinkle, but it still makes me so sad that such a great team and great guys died so young. RIP the brilliant babes, never ever forgotten.

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Class, mate.

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Brilliant piece.

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Quality, thankyou, agreed one of the best posts for a while.

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Quality

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Post of the year thank you johndenton

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Absolutely top draw post.

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Proper moving poem

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Whats the title of the poem?

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{Ed007's Note - I can't help you with that, sorry. I seen it on the In Memory Of the Munich Air Disaster FB page.}

Cheer ed for that

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{Ed007's Note - No probs mate.}

What a fantastic post. Very emotional.

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Very good indeed but perhaps fellow survivor the late Bill Foulkes deserved a mention as he trod the same path as Bobby.

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More than likely wrote before bills tragic passing recently redman

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Superb post and very sad.

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31 Dec 2013 14:59:16
Happy new year to you all and keep safe in 2014

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31 Dec 2013 14:54:22
Hey guys, not posted in a while. Hope everyone had a good Christmas and has a great time tonight for New Year.

I was just wondering if anyone could give me a little insight into Alberto Moreno? Moon, Mick, I know you guys watch a lot of Spanish football? I have honestly never seen him play and that's probably why I hold Alex Sandro in a little higher regard right now. Not a massive fan of Coentrao if I'm honest, although he would be a vast improvement on Evra.

Cheers to anyone who can help.

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Ah the good old Moreno vs Sandro.

I don't think they're in the same league in terms of talent. Sandro is significantly better in every single aspect but one: positioning.

Moreno is tiny, and not strong at all. He is not a good tackler and rarely gets stuck in, as opposed to Sandro who's like a terrier. he's also not a very good passer, which is quite curious for a young spanish player.

But technically speaking he is superb. His dribbling and ability on the ball are those of a winger, and is his passing and crossing were a bit better he would have made one hell of a winger.

As I previously mentioned his positioning is impressive despite him being very attack minded.

All in all, I'd rather have Sandro, who with a little bit of coaching, will become a more technical just as tenacious version of Rafael

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31 Dec 2013 14:49:51
Rooney didn't train today RVP out for sure, would like to see Adnan behind Danny, Kags just hasn't been sharp. Paulinho out for Spurs. Massive game for both sides, Happy New Year and be safe whatever you do.

Cheers from Costa Rica

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I wouldn't be surprised if RvP is on the bench and Rooney misses out with injury. I was hoping we would have these two back for this game :(

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31 Dec 2013 14:06:22
Eds, firstly happy new year, secondly, are Manchester United likely to go for Barkley and can you see the player wanting to move there. Especially because of the vast amount of young British talent at the club, perhaps this could play a part in his decision?
Thanks.

KingGiggsy

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{Ed004's Note - No and I dunno Barkley so can't say if he would want a move here or not}

31 Dec 2013 13:54:32
We need to strenegthen the squad and also let a few go, however, will Moyes do any of this in Jan. Obviously one will effect the other as far as finances are concerned. I think Buttner could go but only if we get a LB in, Coeantro perhaps. Evra will be back up and leave in the summer and Fabio in reserve. We won't go for a winger unless Nani leaves (hopefully) or a decent bid comes in for Young. However, I think he will keep Young as a squad player which he will probably be happy with. Zaha will go on loan. I'm not sure what Moyes plan is for CB. I think he will address this in the summer when Rio will defo hang up his boots and I think Vidic may also leave. We will then have Jones, Smalling, Evans and a new signing to fight for their place. As for the forwards Wellbeck will be quality in years to come and Rooney will stay. I think Hernandez will leave in the summer and RVP may even go if we get a very good offer and we will bring in a quality signing and develop a youth player. As for the CM! This is the only position I think needs to be addressed now. I think we will bring one quality player in now and another in the summer. I think Anderson could leave in Jan but defo in the summer. So to sum it up I think we will only bring in one player in Jan in the form of a quality CM unless we have our eye on someone and another team makes a move. I could also see the signing of someone not on every teams radar but who will be bought cheap prior to them having a good world cup and their price rocketing. The only players leaving could be Nani or/and Anderson and Zaha on loan. HAPPY NEW YEAR. Back Moyes for 2014 and beyond, he will get it right!!

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31 Dec 2013 13:30:33
Does anyone think we may make another push for Modric in the Summer? I think he fills the need we are looking for and he is Prem proven.

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31 Dec 2013 13:00:56
Shall we have a little prediction each going into the new year. Who will be the main ins and outs of our senior squad next month.

Out: Zaha (loan), Buttner (loan).

In: Coentrao.

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Out Nani to Juve
Buttner and zaha (loan)

In Alberto Moreno and Koke

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Do u not think we will get a midfielder in syd?

Agree tho, zaha out on loan same with Buttner.

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That's a good shout Syd, however I think Anderson goes as well. If that happens I think it's clear sign the we will bring in another midfielder in the window.

Out: Zaha (loan), Buttner (loan), Anderson (loan with option to buy)

Ins: Contrao, Herrara, Morrison

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Anderson out. Zaha on loan, Butnner on loan.

Ins

Anders Herrera
Moreno or Coentrao

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Agree with the two loan outs Syd, I would also think we might see Anderson getting moved on. Conte seems to be keeping Coy on Nani, wouldn't be surprised to see a late bid from Juve for him.

As for the Ins. I'm not entirely sure Coentrao is still on the table, I read some comments recently from him saying how his head was in a much better place now and wanted to focus on Madrid. I'll take a gamble and say Ins of Sandro and Konoplyanka.

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I think Anderson will be sold if we buy a midfielder. I think the midfielders may be difficult to get in January unless mega bucks are spent on acquiring them.

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This is what I want to happen!
Anderson, nani, young out.
Fernando, koke, coentrao in.
What might happen, anderson, nani out if anyone wants them. Butter and zaha loaned out. Herrera or koke in.

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Out: Anderson (Loan), Buttner (Loan).

In: Coentrao, Koke.

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Out: Zaha(loan), Büttner(loan), Anderson.
In: Coentrao, Herrera.

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Out; Zaha and Buttner on loan. Anderson and Nani sold.

In; Garay, Davis (Swansea) and Konoplyanka

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31 Dec 2013 12:52:00
Just my early Happy New Year wishes to everyone on here. Whether we agree on everything United or not, have a good one. We are all reds and in my eyes lucky to be fans of THE greatest club in the world no matter who owns/manages us. We will be top 3 come May and Moyes will bring in and ship out the players that need it. let's all get behind him and the team in 2014.

Whatever you are all doing tonight, enjoy but stay safe and I look forward to coming on here in 2014 and beyond and having some great banter and debates with you all.

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Best wishes to you too Brendan and to all the other posters.

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You too NM, hope you can change to QualityMidfield soon fella :-)

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31 Dec 2013 12:19:26
Some reasonable players available for free transfer in January: Tito, Bartra, Valdes, Lewandowski, Kehl, Pizarro etc.

The big question though is about Lewandowski? Could we still possibly be interested? There are still rumours that Pep doesn't want him - could he be available? With RVPs increasing injury problems he is a no brainer as he alongside Rooney with Januzaj and Kagawa or another winger would be incredible.

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Lew will end up at Bayern I believe. Maybe Real or Chelsea might do a headline deal but doubt we will be in for him unless one of the big 2 is leaving as he is no impact sub and will want to start every game.

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Appears he has agreed to join Bayern and will sign 2nd Jan

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31 Dec 2013 11:44:01
Fabian coentrao could possibly be our signing guys!

good lb but can also cover cm as well in the defensive role

personally coentrao and Herrera I would be happy with for our january dealings

Happy new year and enjoy the game tomorrow

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Buttner to Spurs
Moreno to Real Madrid
Coentrao to MU?

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I don't think we will get Herrera, but Coentrao is the left back I think that we are most likely to sign in January.

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In fact, it wouldn't even surprise me if at times we started Coentrao as a left winger with Evra still at left back.

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The main two LBs we should be after are either Alberto Moreno or Luke Shaw even if he is destined to go to Chelsea. Coentrao would be decent short term fix but Moreno would be much better for the long term.

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It'll be really interesting to see what (if anything) happens. Looking back at the way Moyes came in, it feels to me he was a bit arrogant (getting rid of back room staff, 'no major retooling etc) but I can't believe he thinks we can make a serious dent on the top 4 with current midfield. Anyway, we will know before long. probably last 10 minutes before window shuts.

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31 Dec 2013 11:41:31
Happy new year to the best fans in the world :-) hope u all have a safe night :-)

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Aw shucks, cheers CTR,
I always knew u were a closet scouser lol, av a gud un mate
JFT 96

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31 Dec 2013 11:29:44
Morning all, papers saying we are linked with Baines and Luke Shaw.Who would you prefer? I would rather have Shaw.Really hope we sign a CM.
Happy new year to all.

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31 Dec 2013 10:39:17
Buttner is attracting a lot of interest from other teams. I can only imagine it's because we are signing a LB next month.

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I expect moyes to make a final bid for baines and have coentrao as a back up if the baines bid fails

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Hope your right Sydney. I hope he is loaned out though, as I feel he has a lot potential if given a good run of games in a competitive team.
There's certainly no hiding it's a weak spot for us there, which is why I think Baines is ideal because he can defend very well on top of attack. I wouldn't complain about signing Coentrao or Moreno at all, but feel they may be too much about the attack. But of course it's entertaining, and especially great if they can get back if countered. There's also a lot more value in these acquisitions too due their ages (Moreno especially at 21)

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I agree Trumours.

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One would expect that its either Baines or Coentrao. Hopefull Coentrao - he seems to have the passion to play for this club.

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I hope it is Coentrao as I can't stand the noise and the bs when it comes to dealing with Everton.

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I thought the main reason the Coentrao deal fell through was because RM couldn't get in the replacement they wanted? A lad from Benifca or something? Maybe i'm wrong.

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Totally agree shahram. We've been ripped off once and let them keep baines. I think there are a lot of lb's out there who would be as good but won't cost as much.

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31 Dec 2013 10:19:52
A very happy New Year's Day celebration to all of ngiak's fellow Manchester United fans.
And a very prosperous and happy 2014 to all soccer fans in general
Ngiak kinda has a tremendous affection for the site, the editors and the Neanderthal humans on the site
From the penguin world.
Let's get this new year going and the new Manchester United as well!
A new beginning on all fronts. What a year it's going to be!
Ngiak can't wait . And can't wait to share it with you guys!
gan

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U have a good one my feathered friend :-)

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You too Gan, and not forgetting Ngiak :)

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31 Dec 2013 09:55:43
Hi everyone

Just want to get some oppinions? Am I the only one who doesn't want Ross Barkley? I think he's really overrated and wouldn't even fit in to our team. His position is behind the striker and we are well and truly over stocked in that position.
In my opinion, Januzaj is a far superior talent to Barkley and will eventually be playing for united in that role in the future, rival fans will probably slate me for this but I honestly believe that januzaj will b up there with the likes of ozil in a few years time, if he was at somewhere like Barcelona he would be seen as one of the future greats.
So for me, Ross Barkley is an absolute no considering what he would cost, I'd much rather see us buy Reus but I can't see that happening (not in jan anyway) at this time I'd take cabaye and maybe Fernando from Porto? Plus a lb. I have a friend who lives in Madrid, he's English but follows his football and he says that koke has said he's not thinking about leaving and his buyout is €60 million? So I doubt that ones going to happen either

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I don't want Barkley either purely and because because we don't need him. Powell will become a similar player (maybe not quite as good or maybe better) and then there is Januzaj who in my opinion will be in the top 5 best players in the world within 5 years. I really rate him that highly.

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No ure not mate, I dnt want him either, but it is fun watching all the Everton fans come on here and whinge whenever he is mentioned :-)

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Imo Powell will be a 10, Adan will be an Ozil type who can play anywhere across a 3 and Barkley will be a cm.
I would play Barkley in cm before cleverly or Jones now although a barkley Jones partnership would work very well in a 4-2-3-1

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I'd only want him if he was a fair price (£15m), I too would rather promote our own talents. Like Ekangemane for example.
If we're to spend a ridiculous amount then I'd rather it went on a proven European force, like Vidal. £40m would get him and he is EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED. Although I really like the look of Carvalho too

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I don't think Everton fans are whinging, most come on here to read all the posts from you guys whinging about your own team, it put a smile on our faces. You would be hard pushed to find a Blue that wasn't filled with optimism at the moment. We've got an exciting young team that are only going to get better, the likes of Barkley, Coleman, McCarthy. We've also got a young progressive manager in Martinez who encourages his team to play exciting, intelligent football, something Utd certainly haven't got in Moyes. Martinez can also attract the players to take us further forward, again something Moyes lacks. I can honestly say that there are not many Everton fans worried by the prospect of Barkley going to Utd. let's be honest, Utd are a team in decline that will struggle to sign any 'top' players.

P.S. Enjoy Europa League football next season (if you's are lucky)

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I agree that Powell will be a number 10 like Rooney who plays just in front of the midfield, and I also agree that Januzaj will play anywhere he damn well puts his mind to - he's that good. Barkley though will be a number 10 too in my mind.

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Patzi

I completely agree. I would put Pogba in that group as well if there was any way we could mend fences with the guy and willing to take the abuse from media and fans for paying a large fee for him after having missed signing him to an extension for a fraction of that amount.

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Martin EFC

Surely u can't be that deluded to think Everton will finish above us?
And to b honest, I don't think there will b many united fans sweating over Barkley not being bought. He's simply flavor of the month that's it. Not even united standard

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Martin EFC

When you have won 20 league titles European Championships, Club world, Fa cups, league cups, cup winners cup etc etc the expectations are obviously different and don't confuse that for your sad lot hanging on to a prayer of making top 4 LOL.

What we spend on watering Old Trafford is probably half your wage bill so behave yourself and go play with people your own size.

In terms of ability to sign players mate, I can only laugh as you must be 12 and your parents should take your internet privileges away.

Run along now and happy new year and enjoy it whilst it lasts.

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31 Dec 2013 14:05:04
Sorry but I can't remember the top players beating down the door in the last window, apart from the Wig, (good bit of business that don't you think)

Listen, I'm not saying Utd are not a great club, but football works in cycles, you's are on the wane. Fact!

And as for Barkley not being United standard, ha. ha, Your totally embarrassing yourself. And you call me deluded. Ha. Ha

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Martin, you are entitled to your opinion even if it is bizarre, but answer me this. How can a club who will be turning over £500m+ in a couple of years time be on the wane? Clubs with no money go on the wane, not money making machines like MU. Debt dwindling down and revenue streams significantly expanding means more money for better players. Moyes is going to be in charge of this next team build and if it takes one, two or three years, sooner or later MU will be the team to beat again. Sorry to disappoint you, but the only way teams go on the wane is when they do not have a good academy and they have no money. We have a great academy and plenty of cash. I'm sure spending £30m on Fellaini and sitting him on the bench proves that.

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Of course Barkley will be an improvement. But we have a poor midfield, so anything will be an improvement.
But what is quite amusing, is that Everton and other fans actually believe we're just to lie down and die. Of course, we are in need if reinforcements, but we're far from being down and out.
So sorry to disappoint you mate, but we're going to be here after you and I have long gone.

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I'm sorry Martin but you're talking out of the place the sun don't shine. Last year we won the PL but a fair margin, this season we're unbeaten in the Champions League, and 8 points off the top of the table and 3 points behind Everton.

It makes me laugh, you're saying we're having a bad season and in decline, while you're supposedly having a fantastic season playing some good football yet all that separate us is ONE WIN. Not to mention we're still in the Capital One cup, remember the cup you got knocked out by a struggling Fulham side? Makes me laugh when everyone says United are having a bad season purely because we're not at the top of the table.

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Martin's totally right. You are a team in decline and don't delude yourselves in believing in your "chosen one". He might have been whiskey noses' choice but he wasn't the choice of the rest of you. We now have a far superior manager in Roberto Martinez. He has real vision and an eye for spotting talent as seen in the last transfer window. You spent 27.5m on Fellaini and we replaced him with McCarthy for 13m. Which was the better piece of business I wonder?
Onwards and upwards. "He's the right one, he's the bright one, that's Martinez"

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31 Dec 2013 09:41:53
Happy 72nd birthday to the greatest manager that's ever been. And a happy new year to the eds and everyone here, great banter great site. Hopefully a good 2014 for us. Have a good one folks

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30 Dec 2013 21:06:43
ppl keep bringing up griezzman or reus as a winger to come in but what about douglas costa?. wanted him while he was at gremio, such a gifyed player with such quick feet, good strike and can actually cross.

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I think costa would be a great signing, we were in for him at 1 point to.

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Yep, I'd like him too, can play right or left or even behind the main striker. He'd certainly be an improvement on our left side. I thought Taison looked good too when we played them.

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Iturbe will turn out to be a great left winger in the next 24 months.

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The problem with most wingers is that they are generally inconsistent. Douglas Costa is just as inconsistent as Nani where as Reus is a more consistent performer. Griezmann too seems to deliver given his impressive goal and assist tally for this season and last.

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He will also be available for the champions league which is a bonus.
Taison also played very good vs us but I feel costa is more what we need

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Haven't they been saying that about Iturbe for years now mate, last I heard he couldn't get in the Porto team.

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Alex Teixera was the stand out Shakhtar player for me - he had that spark that only a few have.

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He is playing on loan for Hellas Verona and I have watched him a few times this year and must say he has been very good.

They are doing very well given where they have come from and he is one of those guys who is coming on and I expect porto to ask for a kings ransom in 2 years for him.

Watch that space as someone will do some great business if they get him now. He is only 21 and they develop at different times. Everyones love child Barkeley was at loan last season to leeds and another team if I remember correctly and was nothing special in championship level.

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Iturbe hasn't developed like expected but GCU is right with the fact that different players can develop at different times in the beginning of their careers. When Iturbe was at River Plate he hardly stood out. Always looked promising with the international team through the different age groups.

I think he does look like he could one day be a class player. Would welcome any interest we had in him but unlikely at the moment.

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