Manchester United Banter Archive July 31 2014

 

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31 Jul 2014 22:13:14
Hi Shahram

Thanks for the reply to my earlier post.

You mentioned about Fergies scouting and him missing out on several targets.

I think Ferguson’s biggest mistake is his attitude to the transfer market, or at least the attitude he portrays. Ask any United fan what area of the squad we needed to strengthen and they would nearly all say central midfield, and probably would have done since 2009. Yet Ferguson has almost ignored this issue as he feels there was no value in the transfer market. The issue of value in the transfer market is partly down to the Ronaldo sale to Real Madrid at a world record transfer fee of £80 million – it set a new benchmark for all top class signings and at the time alerted all clubs we were looking to do business and that we had a lot of cash to spend.

Fergie also had an ego that matches no one bar few managers in the game currently, but all successful individuals have a bit of ego because of what they achieved in their life.

In recent years fergie did try to buy few players but he wasn't wiling to pay over the odds for a player just for the sake of it and why should you anyway.

Would we go into a shopping mall and buy something double the price, knowing that we are getting ripped off, this also works in the business world.

I also believed if fergie knew he would stay on for another few years he would've bought new players in but he looked tired towards the end just wanted to enjoy rest of his life without day to day pressure hence why he quit.

Who could blame him he still won titles with the so called (average squad we have) in his eye the squad was sufficient enough to win titles.

In relation to few players not turning out to be what they should be e Nani and Anderson, it was the players fault for not fulfilling their potential.

There is a limit to what you can control in a player or what you teach them at the end of the day they have to use their own brain on the pitch whether its to pass or shoot ( Nani ) or whether to train or think your already Ronaldinho (Anderson).

The reason Chelsea continuously buy good players is because of their business model to buy players and sell them if they don't need them, they get sold for a good price because they are either good or excellent players.


I also believed he did the right thing by not buying players in the last year because imagine he did and the players he bought wasn't to be the new managers cup of tea, it would've been a disaster and we all would've said that Fergie should never have done that.

Fergie always thought one step ahead and he left us a lasting memory of his achievement maybe not one of his better squad or team.

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01 Aug 2014 08:33:06
You asked "Would we go into a shopping mall and buy something double the price, knowing that we are getting ripped off, this also works in the business world".

Not normally but were my roof leaking and I could loose a lot of valuable items ( CL and home trophies) then yes I'd pay over the odds for felt and nails were they in short supply.

I posted, over 2 years ago now, that we needed 8 players I've always qualified that with "hopefully some will come from our youth team". So if we take Janu (from youth) Shaw, Herrera and Mata. We still need 4 (I had not counted Vidic leaving) so maybe 5. I still stand by that assessment.

Would I want them all in window? no but we should have been further down the road by now. Should have been and Ifs count for very little. I'd be delighted with 2 more this window and happy with 1 if it was Vidal. I'm still very hopeful of him coming but time will tell and as Ed002 says Vidal transfer is time sensitive let's have some good news soon.

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SAF ruined his reputation in the market with the ludicrous signings of Nani, Anderson & Hargreaves in the same window. I don't think he trusted himself after that.

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Singh

I think it was never paying over the odds but generally poor purchases. We have spent money but most of them have turned out to be average/good players but no world class players added to the squad in the last 5 years with the exception of RVP.

If you look at what we have paid for players you realise the scouting has been poor.

Now we are being held over a barrel to sign players and everyone knows we need them and reading yesterdays stock issue disclaimer/warning it is obvious the financial impacts are significant should we miss out on CL qualifications, which is ridiculous when you think about the size of our club.

I never questioned his ability to win titles but he also was very fortunate unrelated to him that we had a wealth of talent come through our academy just at the right time and he could go out and buy a few players here and there but the core was the academy.

In his last 10 years we did not produce much from within and couple that with poor selections in the transfer market and we have gotten ourselves into this pickle.

Remember we lost too many quarter final/semi finals in CL where I thought we were the better team and we should have more CL trophies. His domestic success was incredible.

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31 Jul 2014 21:32:17
Juve have again stated Vidal not for sale, we should just go and buy carvalho, younger and cheaper, get him in now and get the team together.

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Manchester evening news reporter claim Manchester United have no interest in Vidal .he says players agent making it up.
gutted

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01 Aug 2014 10:34:52
However Ed002 already advised us a bid was imminent although no news after that. depends who you believe. I know who I put more trust in

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That may be true, but remember most reporters don't know what's going on and have an extra gene that makes them liars.

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31 Jul 2014 21:03:52
We are all looking at the headline transfers however since LvG came on board has there been a small but deliberate shift in United's pursuit of young players around 15 or 16?

We have previously gone for players like Pogba and Januzaj but in the last few weeks I noted the two young lads from Sporting arrived for a trial including one they referred to as "the new Ronaldo". Another Ogo Obi from Watford and recently Oscar Borg from West Hams academy. The Oscar Borg clips do show a powerful runner for his age but as we know with all of them it will be a huge step to the first team.
The LvG influence could run deeper than just the first team and something to keep an eye on. I Recommend watching the Oscar Borg clip.

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31 Jul 2014 19:19:11
Ed002 any real news on the latest targets in midfield and defence? All we are hearing is paper talk and the eds have been very quiet recently.

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{Ed002's Note - There is nothing worth mentioning at this time.}

31 Jul 2014 10:25:37
002 apologies in advance for annoying you but is there any truth in the rumour that Vidal passed a medical for us? probably complete rubbish just read he had a medical in Chile.

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{Ed002's Note - Where do you get this stuff from?}

31 Jul 2014 08:56:33
Hello Ed002.
Do u think. United could reegnite there interest in William carvalho should all the efforts to bring Vidal to it fails?
Or they have identified other midfielders above him?
A certain and 15 times scouted player in Moyes time has totally gone absent under transfer targets of lvg.
Or club is waiting to see some players getting sold to have space?
This midfield situation is getting strange. please put your input to this

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{Ed002's Note - I really don't know. The price is a big downer on the player.}

Vidal or not, I hope we get Carvalho or Strootman.

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31 Jul 2014 19:57:16
Just heard the delay in signing Vidal is down to him trying to grow a massive Afro style hairstyle. He is concerned how much money was wasted on silly wigs 12 months ago and thinks will help him bond with the fans. Heard from my Mum's, dog's, auntie who owns a kebab shop near Carrington.

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31 Jul 2014 18:59:23
Anon

I've grown the beard as for the first time I'm allowed to grow one. Swimming and the RAF stopped me but no more! I'm going to keep it going till we sign Vidal and even then I won't shave it off I'll just replace my photo with one stroking the beard in a 'I knew he would come!' Pose

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Jono,

I think you mistakenly uploaded your YMCA tribute band - application photo.

:0)

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Good work, carry on stroking!

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Jono

Fair play on the beard mate, good effort. But why no shirt? I getting faintly aroused

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Brilliant jono, imagine if we don't sign him, you'll end up looking like Forrest Gump when he went for a run

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31 Jul 2014 20:51:56
Young man! There's no need to feel down :)

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AJH, you aren't wearing a shirt either and that cookie looks nice.

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Jono that's a great pic :) just wondering could you not fit the rest of the village people in?😉😉

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Jono, is that a jim'll fix it medallion around your neck!

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Sam

It wasn't a mistake, this was the YMCA audition photo and no top and in the toilet was to add to the George Michael-ness of it all :)

AJH

Toplessness see above

Anon

I'm more like Rooney with the pot of bean in his caravan, except I'm better at football ;)

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Deano

They took the photo

CFC

It's actually a drawing of a Jim medal that Rolfy did

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31 Jul 2014 18:53:51
Will always argue that united are the worlds biggest club. Our history is 2nd to none. Weve a bigger fan base than madrid barca and bayern. Look at our addidas deal. Its worth twice as much as the deal madrid signed with addidas just last year. But why oh why can't we dominate the transfer market with the power and pull like madrid. You have to admire them.ronaldo for 80 million. Deal done. Bale 85 mill. Deal done. Rodrigez 63 mill. Deal done. No messin around. In and out with ease. I know at times madrid are like a circus.but you have to admire their transfer power and pull. They always get their man. Come on united sort this vidal deal out. If madrid wanted him he'd be wearing the white 3 week ago.

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They had to wait over a year to sign Ronaldo and paid well over the odds to sign Bale. It's true they eventually get their man - but it's not quite as easy for them as you make out!

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It's a good question and i'm sure everyone will have a different opinion. You have to admit that Real have a tremendous history of their own, play their ball in a great city with a great climate, and more importantly, they're a club who don't mind paying whatever it takes to wrap up a deal. I mean they've bought 5 or 6 players down the years for more money than our own transfer record. I think Ed Woodward overseeing our deals is going to to ultimately cost us as well. Lack of experience in the role and perhaps trying to get the best deal possible inhibits us a bit. Hope i'm wrong and he comes up trumps with a few top top signings but its looking a bit dodge at the moment.

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Chilly, great rant mate, but to answer your question, we are owned by a bunch of Americans who see us as a business.

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31 Jul 2014 17:46:26
Every year I Promise myself that I will take a three month sabbatical from this site as way of coping with mental anguish that comes with being an United supporter during the transfer window! But I just can't stay away! I think we are all sadists, to be honest

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To be honest, I was made up when we signed shaw and Herrera. In my mind, anymore signings are a bonus.
I would be surprised if we didn't see anymore players' sign though.

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31 Jul 2014 18:05:01
Maybe the Eds have some grand scheme which makes us check the page every hour. I'm switching to bottled water to be safe.

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Every damn advert break for the past month I have been on this website, too addictive.

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Hmmm, perhaps your are all unfulfilled? Checking every hour does smack of desperation. Chill out, everything will be fine, find something else to do, have a beer, take a walk, read a book, watch a movie. There's over a month to go

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{Ed007's Note - Hoi less of that, don't you come on here encouraging people to get a life. There's nothing wrong with being on here 24/7.}

Obviously Bond, when I'm reading a a book, taking a walk, watching a movie, if am thinking about you. X

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31 Jul 2014 23:49:36
Maybe I am desperate. Maybe I should become one of those yoga guys.

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31 Jul 2014 17:45:05
For some reason I had a good feeling that we might hear some good news tomorrow. That must be my heart. Now my heads thinking that LvG may be leaving it until after the tour so as not to disrupt the preparations of the squad seen as he has worked hard trying to build up their confidence and has started getting them playing how he wants. I think the players would be better off winning the tournament so they're all on a high, then announce signings so they don't feel as threatened for their places and their all up for the fight. I just think by announcing big named signings whilst they're on tour might kill the confidence of some of the fringe players before the seasons even started.

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I'm guessing you have wind

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31 Jul 2014 16:06:50
Where's Mumbai Boy disappeared to :)

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He posted the other day about the commercial value of Kagawa, pretty sure he's about.

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Gilly, I believe Syd posted this because England beat India in the third test today.


Syd, credit where its due mate. England deserved to win this one they were the better side ;)

The Ice under Cook's feet just got a bit thicker :P

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31 Jul 2014 18:32:19
We may have lost, but we'll comeback after all MSD is UTD fan :P :P

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Oh dear, and I call myself a cricket fan. Ironically I had only just got through mocking the one Indian players my cricket team has about the result, and India's inability to play Moeen Ali.

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Yep Gilly, Moeen was good.

He even got some important breakthroughs in the previous games.

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Very true Mumbai Boy. He has a great knack of getting wickets at crucial times, often very good batsmen.

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31 Jul 2014 16:53:36
Read just now (not on Twitter) that Januzaj and Fellaini have joined up with the squad in the US a day or two ago.

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It was a few days ago Januzaj posted a picture of him and Fellaini with their training tops on saying something along the lines of happy to be back. Just waiting on Rvp who will be the last back due to being in the world cup the longest

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Weren't they on their way to Carrington yesterday? I imagine they are working on fitness at home.

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31 Jul 2014 15:44:20
Patrice Evra's unveilling at Juventus today and a few interesting comments came out. One was that Van Gaal wanted him to stay and him leaving had nothing to do with United signing another left back (Shaw). He put his decision down to personal reasons (with a smile).

A Juventus official, Beppe Marotta was then asked about other issues. He confirmed that Juve will sign another player tomorrow, Romulo, who plays rb, cm, or rm. Then he was asked about Vidal having a medical in Manchester, his reply was "Yesterday he was here". Nothing more than that was said. No refusal, no admission, just a quick sentence. Also Vidal has not been included in the 25 man squad for their friendly this weekend although he did only start training again this week.

I'm starting to buy into this theory that Juve are completing their transfer business before Vidal is sold. This way they can get their deals done on the cheap without teams knowing they have 40 or 50 million to spend. Time will tell.

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31 Jul 2014 16:03:26
I've seen quite a few reports now stating that Vidal will hand in a transfer request if Juve try to block the move as he is very keen to move (makes sense baring in mind how much more he's likely to earn a year, also his agent will bag a fair few quid). But with Juventus making all these signings recently it does look as if they have money to spend from somewhere as they weren't in a strong state financially at the beginning of the window.

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I think they will have to sell to recuperate what they have spent. They couldn't wait for a big deal to get done before conducting their business.

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I really want all of this to be true about Vidal. It would be a midfield to reckoned with with him, Herrera and Mata in. All the signs are point to it; Juve do not have the money to splash around. They were flirting with the borders of FFP last year so need to remain neutral to positive this year on the books. They’re buying players. Their stance and approach seems weaker (if what said above is accurate).

I did post up about Utd being in on the medical the other day and it got shot down…but a few more news sources seem to agree now (at least).

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31 Jul 2014 15:23:21
One thing is clear this summer that the media (particularly the English media) are getting absolutely nothing transfer related from United's end. Journalists were caught completely off guard with the Herrera transfer. And there has been nothing given to them regards Vidal/Hummels. There has been incredible secrecy. Whatever has been reported in the English press has been piggybacking off the foreign media reports.

The club seems to have learned from the PR disaster of last summer's transfer window and that can only be a good sign. I think we may see a surprise face arrive by the end of the window, somebody we may not have expected.

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We have acted much more professionally this year and have kept our cards very close to our chest. We are fairly sure that Hummels and Vidal are targets but nothing has been confirmed and the media don't even seem to be allowed to ask questions about it.

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Yeah apart from wooden top saying we have bucket loads of money and we can break the transfer record if we want!

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31 Jul 2014 15:21:52
Quite interesting what Zaha had to say about Moyes and LVG with the latter being much more direct and not "beating around the bush" when it comes to telling you what he wants and what part of a players game needs improving.

Also encouraged by the fact he said he "I just need to keep it simple. I have just tried to over elaborate then I lose the ball and that doesn't help anyone".

He looked like one of, if not thee most promising young English wingers when he was at Palace. Really hope LVG can turn him into a top player this season.

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I hope it happens for him. He's a quick and strong young lad who could have the world at his feet. SAF saw something in him so therefore I think there must be something, Moyes thinking otherwise shouldn't taint anyone's vision of him as we all know what he was like with his lack of skill and hit and hope passes / crosses.

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The one thing we can guarantee, Fresh, is that no one will taint LvG's mind!

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Moyes' is like a bad nightmare. How he didn't see the potential in Zaha is beyond me.

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Yeah, it was good to see his quote about keeping it simple. Zaha certainly has the physical tools. I still see us playing some 4-3-3 and he would be a good one to bring off the bench and go at players.

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Seemingly the problem with zaha is not pottential but attitude and professionalism. Time keeping etc.

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Chilly76

I've tried posting in the past, info my mate (Cardiff fan) was given by a Cardiff player re: Zaha.

It very much is an attitude problem.

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31 Jul 2014 20:58:34
Does seem like his attitude might be hampering his career at the moment but for that you need a manager who offers good guidance. LVG is a great man manager as well as a clever tactician so hopefully he can sort him out.

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If Ravel was about think LVG could straighten both out.

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31 Jul 2014 14:57:18
With us very likely to play 3-5-2 now,
The wing backs are the most important players on the pitch.
With such fitness levels required I think we must have atleast 5 players who could cover there.
Rafael( gets injured a lot)
Valencia
Young could cover both flanks
Shaw
We genuinely lack another player here, Reece James is an option but can't see him play as much.
Signing Blind solves our cm and lwb problem.
And signing vermaelen solves cb and lwb.
I'd love if we get them both.
Hummels won't join us.
Vermaelen and Blind.
Get either of Carvalho, Vidal, or Strootman and we would be a tough nut to crack.

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31 Jul 2014 15:11:08
But do you honestly think Vermaelen could cover the LWB position?! No way does he have the fitness levels for that. Blind would be a good buy if he's content with being a squad player.

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Vermaelen's body wouldn't stand the test. Valencia and Rafael for the right side and Shaw, Young, James can all cover the left backs spot. If we could I'd like to see Dani Alves to come in for the right hand side but can't see that one happening myself.

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Fresh, Dani Alves would want enormous wages and we don't need a first choice right wing back. In reality we need a second choice to Rafael, which would give him both confidence and competition. A player like Santon would be good as he could cover left wing back and right wing back, plus unless Alves he can play traditional right back and left back without being exposed too far up the pitch. Then in a couple of seasons time Varela, Vermijl, and Saidy Janko can step up to the first team, and they can rotate with and challenge Rafael, potentially replace him further along the line.

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31 Jul 2014 14:05:19
Anybody else completely bummed out by the cataclysmic news that we have been rejected, yes rejected, by Cavani, a player who my guess is was never even close to the club's radar?

I used to be a happy person, but the daily blows the press have invented and then inflicted on my fragile psyche are more than I can handle. They need to be sued for fabricating all this distress. People are turning into babbling fools.

It's a disease. It's called rumourtoid discombobulitis. It is a media born virus that attacks its victims through open windows.

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Sydney will be distraught.

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Fresh, I want Hummels and Vidal. I said it on the "other posts" page. If we signed Cavani I would have been over the moon as the more worldies the better, but Hummels and Vidal are needed far more at this stage.

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There is no cure for it, as Sydney's repetitive posts about Vidal and Hummels attests.

Being here in the US I thought maybe watching baseball would help to distract, but no, that is a game so dull that it just impels you back into the addiction.

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31 Jul 2014 13:19:07
A question here for anyone who wants to comment. It is clear that Van Gaal is going to start the season with the 3-5-1-2. How long will this last? I can personally see it working, we will have lots of possession and play good attacking football. It will also allow younger players to develop with more support around them. Now, will this be the formation that lasts the course during van Gaal's reign? He will no doubt bring Strootman in at some point so that could give us midfield options of Vidal (if signed), Strootman, Herrera, Fletcher, Carrick and Cleverley. Will be drop a centre back for an extra midfielder?

Also, will Giggs stick with van Gaal's formations, practices and philosophies once he takes over in a few years?

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{Ed008's Note - Do Utd fans not know how many outfield players are allowed on the pitch?

I'm definitely all for sneaking an extra player on the pitch in the big games, but won't people notice?

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Apologies haha, 3-4-1-2 :)

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Fresh is counting the opposition playmaker in our team, because when we sign Vidal he will be owned every game!

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Well if LVG played a 3-5-1-2 I would be shocked as that is 11 players, so would he be playing without a keeper. Doubt he will stick to this formation throughout the year. But I imagine it ill change depending on who we face and which formation is likely to break them down while providing a suitable defense.

Personally I like the 3-4-1-2, It can be weak against the counterattack and currently we do not have the sufficient players to play in the back 3 as inexperience as well as an injury crisis (which we seem to face every season) which would leave us even lighter at the back. So 2 CBs (one for over and one for First team), a RWB (Challange Rafael or Valencia for the first team spot) and a CM (Vidal, Carvalho) and then the formation would work.

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It stemmed from Moyes' reign ed008. where we clearly needed an extra man!

Fresh I would not say that he will ''no doubt bring Strootman in at some point'', LvG obviously rates him but as we know we can't just click our fingers and a transfer appears. We will see the 3-4-1-2 for the first part of this season I think, and most likely all of it. I believe the long term aim is to play the 4-3-3, which means another CM, another CB and a winger, which we won't get in this window. LvG played the 3-5-2 for Holland because he didn't have the players for a 4-3-3, and it's the same story here. Over the next two windows (not including this one) if we see a CB like Hummels, a CM like Strootman and a winger like Reus (all just examples), I think we'll move towards a 4-3-3.

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31 Jul 2014 14:17:11
Ed008, last season was unfair on us so the Premier League have allowed us to field an extra player this season to make up for it!

Fresh, I agree that the 3-5-2 formation is an exciting prospect that I believe will be successful. Most teams opt for 1 striker up top currently, so to keep 4 defenders at the back doesn't seem to make sense but playing 3 now allows the full backs to become wing backs and push forward a further 10/20 yards. I also think the players we have, 3-5-2 suits us, with Valencia, Rafael on the right and Shaw on the Left and also, Nani and Young being able to adapt to that role although I expect one of them to leave and potentially a stronger left sided player to come in, Blind I would of thought being favourite.

I think Giggs would carry on the philosophy is successful, it would be brave to revert back to a 4-4-2 if we are successful and trying to change the players mindset again.

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Fresh. your posts are clearly stale! I suggest you sit back, relax and wait to see what happens! Get a good nights sleep and try counting to 11 tomorrow!

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What's your idea, are we playing the goalkeeper in the midfield 5? Or we going to try and sneak an extra midfeilder on?

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31 Jul 2014 14:16:47
Haha 3-5-1-2? That'd be nice

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The 3-4-1-2 has shown promise for now. Van Gaal will have the 4-3-3 ready to switch to when we struggle to break down the opposition.

Even he won't know the answer to the question until the season gets going - very common for a manager to experiment until he finds the best system. Case in point, Real Madrid last year going to a 4-3-3 with Isco dropped and Di Maria becoming a CM.

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Andy, I totally agree LVG will be happy to alter formations from 3-5-1-2 to 4-3-3 if we have the right personnel in the squad.
If we manage to sign one experienced CB and one quality CM player then we can see out this coming season with 3-5-1-2 formation as with the young players coming through we would have 6 CB's and when you play with 3 then it easier to have a less experienced CB playing as you have a bit more of an insurance policy at the back.
We also need to hope that this season LVG develops the likes of Januzaj, Zaha, Lawrence, Wilson, Blackett, M Keane and Janko so that he can take a view as to which of these are good enough for the first team. Then it will be easier to assess who we need to bring in long term.
Utd have a big squad albeit that one or two players are not good enough and we are overloaded in some positions and lacking in others. However with no european football we don't have to have a squad the size that we would normally have. If we bring in the players as I have outlined above and then get rid of the players that are not good enough or will not get a game such as Nani, Young, Hernandez, Kagawa, Fellaini and possibly Cleverly then we can get in the few quality players we need and give some of the younger players a bit more game time from the bench etc.
The pleasing thing for me is that LVG knows what style and formation he is going to play and so do the players. From the pre-season games already played what I am pleased about is that I can see that in this coming season we will be hard to beat. So even if we aren't good enough to win the title and lose to Chelsea and City we are unlikely to drop points at home to the likes of West Brom, Newcastle, Everton, Fulham, Spurs etc. We easily dropped 15 plus points to these teams last season which I don't believe will happen this season. Those points alone would put us into a CL spot albeit only just.
Zaha has been told by LVG that he is a forward player, this is because he knows that he is really good going forward but is not so good at getting back and defending thus he could play in a 4-3-3 formation. Whereas under Moyes Zaha was probably seen as a wide man in a 4-4-2 formation who didn't do the tracking back. It's a case of LVG is not trying to put a square peg in a round hole. I think t will be interesting what he decides about Januzaj and where he can and can't play.

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31 Jul 2014 13:02:52
I disagree with samthered.Vidal will be a very good addition.He could play as DM, CM OR AM.If he comes am sure he wld play as a CM in front of CARRICK/FLETCHER, He and Herrera wld compete for that slot.I would pick Vidal over Herrera as he is young and wld fizzle out as the season progresses.he doesn't have the strength to engage players like Yaya Toure in the midfield battle.Vidal guarantees goals.Both are very good players and there is nothing wrong in having both as big teams have good back ups for players.

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Vidal will be brought in to play alongside Herrera without a doubt.

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31 Jul 2014 13:20:23
i don't think Vidal and herrera will play anything but together.

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31 Jul 2014 13:36:17
Vidal would play behind fletcher and Carrick. More like Mata and herrara behind Vidal.

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The only way that the water will be muddied is if Strootman comes too.

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Herrera is to quick for yaya toure and will just run round him!
Vidal and Herrera will play together.
And I can garuntee Herrera won't 'fizzle out'.

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Vidal will not be coming to Old Trafford to sit on front of the back four.

3-4-1-2 Vidal and Herrera
4-1-2-3 Carrick or Fletcher behind
4-2-1-3 Mata in front

Vidal and Herrera will always be first choice. They will only for injuries or a rest, in my opinion.

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31 Jul 2014 12:56:51
Some are saying Vidal verbally agreed a deal, some are reporting he already passed a medical, some others are saying Juventus accepted our offer of around 47 mill and according to Ed002, we are yet to launch a bid.
Total confusion

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And others are saying Strootman will be the one haha. Such conflicting reports.

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I think its all come from a website, which have a reputation for the fantasy.
People are so hopeful of this transfer happening that they are believing irrational things.

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I think you're a bit obsessed with the Vidal stuff, what will be will be.

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I don't think Vidal's coming, sadly.

Personally, I think LVG wants Strootman. He'll hold off signing another CM til January (Woodward will probably tell us, boldly, that we're going for Strootman in Jan). but Kevin won't come.

a) because it's January and few teams sell then and
b) because Roma are likely to be doing very well in all comps.

So we'll end up doing another season with what we have.

I used to be convinced Daley Blind was LVG's choice but if he wanted him, he'd be here by now. Affordable, available at right price and nobody else sniffing around him.

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31 Jul 2014 12:49:14
Re: New Captain

I don't think that there is really a case for Wayne Rooney being made club captain.

I think there are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, from the captains LVG has used so far have all been mid fielders or defenders.

Secondly, this fits with the generally held opinion that in order for a captain to function well, they should lead from the back or in the middle - it is hard to shout and motivate people if you are up-front or on the wing.

Next, although LVG gave the arm-band to RVP at the WC (breaking the above assumption I made), I don't think he would play favourites and give it to him. although there is a chance. Someone mentioned here previously that they don't think RVP would be given the arm-band as he hasn't been at the club for long enough. I don't think that matters.

Finally, To get the best out of Rooney again, I think he needs less responsibility, less lime-light. Obviously, club-wise, he has brought some of that upon himself in recent seasons, but I think it would be better if Rooney wasn't subjected to leadership and instead be given the challenge of stepping up again to the challenge now he has been given the more favoured role as part of a strike partnership with RVP. (Target 20 goals minimum).

So, that leads to the question, who will take the arm band?

My feeling is Fletcher. I'm surprised Evans hasn't been given it yet during the tour (He'd be my next guess and probably the dark-horse), RVP would be another option but not an easy choice (which makes me think it will be him as LVG loves to make the hard choices and wouldn't shy away from the criticism of playing favourites with someone he already trusts to run his system and methodology.

P.S. I reckon we will get Vidal and if not Hummels then two defenders - one versatile (Blind) and one sturdy (Vermaelen).

No Cavani, No Di Maria, No Cuadrado.

Surprised there have been no shouts for Jan Vertonghen.

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Vertonghen would probably be a good signing, he could play the left centre back in he 3-5-2, and cover centre back and left back in the 4-3-3, much like Vermaelen. However I think he has said he is staying.

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I've been wondering about Vertoghen too. Left sides centre back who can play at left back in a 4. Wouldn't fancy trying to deal with Levy (and get charged well over the odds for him) though so would probably look elsewhere.

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31 Jul 2014 12:44:24
Given that we are apparently bidding for Vidal and that LVG has some serious man love for Strootman I'm wondering is this united team formation what we are looking to do?

I can't see it happening myself it seems a little narrow just a thought tho :) opinions? thanks

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That is exactly what I can see happening when he has completed his squad build. Perhaps that will be the way forward from January onwards. It would be an easy change, sacrifice a center back for a central midfielder.

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Exactly what I want

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Strootman or Carvalho would be fantastic. That would allow your diamond MF or 4-3-3 with wingers.

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31 Jul 2014 12:19:43
One thing is for certain that we will sign a CB. I can't see us starting the season with only 4 CB's(including Keane) with the kind of formation which we want to play.

Hummels, Benatia, Mangala are unrelistic options.

I would've thought De Vrij was our safe backup option but he's gone too.

Question is how long will LvG wait for his prime targets(whoever they may be) before he decides that we will have to sign a CB because its too late.

I somehow get a feeling that we might end up with Vermaelen or Vlaar.

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31 Jul 2014 11:57:58
This is the perfect Manchester United team, folks.

http://www.manchesterunitedrumours.co.uk/formations/JohnRambo.php

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Why does Blanc make it into this team?

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31 Jul 2014 11:25:53
Just wanted to say congratulations to Fresh! on his apparent promotion to "head boy". After yesterdays public humiliation of Sydney!, Fresh! must now surely be the Heir apparent.
I must say that I was bitterly disappointed in the cowardly way in which all the "Syd groupies" abandoned their posts in their masters' hour of need. Shame on you all Sydmeisters.
Keep your friends close Fresh!, an your enemies even closer. Trust no-one. They will abandon you in a heartbeat :)

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I shall wear the badge with pride haha.

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My advice would be to start bickering with jred ASAP. You need to lock that power couple down if you want to stay the course. Also pick a random youth player and maintain that he will the centrepiece of our squad for the next ten years, keep saying this until he is sold to Everton or Sunderland, then say that you always knew he wouldn't make it.

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The King is dead, long live the king

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I'd like to give my support to neither Syd or fresh, both if you are unworthy.

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Ngiak supports gan

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31 Jul 2014 11:09:43
Looks like we could get Liverpool in the Final of the Cup on Monday. That would be quite an exciting end to what has been a good tournament - all that stands in the way is a very poor Real Madrid side (but one that could welcome back Ronaldo).

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31 Jul 2014 10:50:28
Agree with Sydney, although for me Cavani is no where near world class, he's still much better than Welbeck. Don't understand all this love for Welbeck, yes he's a local lad, is that all the quality u need now to play for united? He has poor control and his finishing is abysmal. Anyone remember the one on one against Bayern last season? The reality of it is if we made him available for transfer none of the top 4 clubs in Spain; England or Germany would be interested. Squad player at best! As for Cleverly? He's as bad as they come for me

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31 Jul 2014 10:10:29
Reading through football pages and coming across 'Cavani turns down Man Utd' has to be one of the most annoying things. We don't even need him, most fans don't want him and personally I don't rate him. One thing I always wonder is why soooo many players get linked to Utd. Seriously, does someone just sit somewhere and decides, which player hasn't been mentioned, then comes up with something dumb like Mertens. Even clubs with a serious fan base like Barca or even Liverpool don't get linked with half as many players as we do. I think British press is just full of she!t.

Anyway just want to add that the team has been pretty impressive thus far. I haven't been able to catch any of the games but I took some time to watch highlights of the LA Galaxy goals and that one awesome passing which almost resulted in a goal against Inter. With the two signings done and possibly two from the Reserves, even without further signings am fairly confident we'll make top 4. LvG though is more ambitious than that and will probably want atleast 2 more signings so that we'll have a go at the title

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31 Jul 2014 04:24:52
hi if anyone has been listening to lvg interviews about his plans he keeps saying he needs to asess his squad before he signs anyone surely he knows he needs defenders after letting go of 4 defenders and needs a midfielder a maybe a winger if he adverts bk to 4-3-3 .

in your opinions how many players u think wil come in? I think we need 2 defenders and a midfilder we can wait till january if we need a winger if we go back to 4-3-3 your feedback would be gratefull

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Hi Fireman,

Not an expert but I will try, Van Gaal is a top man manager hr might upset few people but he will be straight up and say what's need to be said.

Last year Mr Moyes spoke a lot to the media saying we need X amount of players to compete and that really took all the confidence left in the olayers we had at the time. Even though Moyes must've been right but just didn't use the right way of getting his point across.

Van Gaal knows we need players but he won't mention anything to the media just incase the deals fall through and he wil cause discomfort in current players mind.

I believe we will sign players a mf I hope (Vidal) and a cb don't know who.

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Van Gaal is very much in the Fergie mold. He isn't going to say the squad is rubbish. Moyes said that we needed 6 new World Class players - this immediately put everyone against him. Van Gaal will know what we need but will still be undecided on one or two - probably Zaha, Nani.

I have no doubts that one way or another we will at least get a new centre back Hummels or Vermaelen as well as another central midfielder who we all hope is Vidal but if not maybe Strootman.

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31 Jul 2014 08:45:47
What would everybody think of Ignazio Abate for RWB? Have a look at the team formation fellas.

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Would work well

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Not been someone I have thought of. If we are going for an older head, I would take Dani Alves if Barca don't want him.

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31 Jul 2014 08:22:56
Just wading into the Welbeck/Cavani argument and I have to say its Cavani for me all the way. Welbeck works hard yes, but at this club you need more than that. Cavani brings a lot more to the table, and he would be worth an awful it more to the club in terms of commercial stuff. He is a world name and the share price etc would boom.
Don't get me wrong, I am not sure if he would fit in with current system and players. I have a feeling that Rooney might be on his way though. I don't pretend to be an ITK but RVP is Van Gaals man and Rooney is not the player he was 3-4-5 years ago. Nowhere near.
So I would say that Cavani would be a replacement for Rooney and Chicharito. Not Welbeck.

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Rooney has looked sharp though and won't be leaving anytime soon - Van Gaal will know this.

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I would say Rooney, Cavani and RVP and then who cares what we do with Welbeck keep him or sell him for all I care.

He is another Nani, we will all die of old age waiting for him to come good.

He reminds me of people you see trying to dance and look like they can dance and they are really bad and you are embarrased for them even if you don't know them.

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Gcu I love your posts loll the post of the month has to be 'Evans is like China'. still can't get over it .

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Singh

Thank you mate. I just see it for what it is unfortunately many here are blinded by their support of the club and overrating our players. I think fergie and our scouting department for a club of our size have been beyond poor in terms of what we purchased the last 5 or 6 years.

People criticise clubs like chelsea but one thing for sure I will take their scouting over ours. They seem to be able to do their business fast and even when they get it wrong with a player they sell them for a hefty profit. We on the other hand can't sell have these duds for half of what we paid for them.

RVP purchase is not in that list as there was never any question what we were getting.

Bet 1 or maybe 2 CB will be injured and not available for selection come first game of the season. My money is on Smalling or Evans. Jones will do well if he does not injure himself or someone else in training before the swansea game.

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30 Jul 2014 22:31:32
So whilst the US tour continues, the share price rises to over 19dollars, whilst we are all discussing transfer targets the Glazers are apparently floating another set of shares to raise 150m dollars. I wonder where the money will go? Reduce the debt, players? Or to the owners? Yes it is their club to sell shares but let us see where the money goes.

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{Ed002's Note - It is there club, they can do what they want with the money.}

Read somewhere that the $ raised WON'T go to Manchester United. I personally hope they keep selling their shares all the way

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It's going into their pockets as usual! Unfortunately they own us at the moment so can do what they want.

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31 Jul 2014 11:16:19
Edd002

It was also their debt but it doesn't change the fact that the club are effectively repaying that.

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{Ed002's Note - It is their club, they can do what they want.}

31 Jul 2014 02:21:02
Biggest Lollllllll of my lifeee, I was away for at a Interview todayy. Just got around to reading all the posts .

My two cents on the situation is i'd have bith Welbeck and Cavami in a team but if it comes to a situation where I can only accomodate one player that has to be Cavani.

We have given Welbs enought chances but I don't think Welbeck is intelligent enough to make the right decision or is not confident enough at the moment to score them vital goals .

So at present i'd chose Cavani over Welbeck any day but if I had the choice i'd keep Welbeck for another year and see what he does.

You also need to realise in football there is no sentiments it has become a results orientated business and now we have more competition then ever before.

Good night guys.

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{Ed007's Note - I hope your interview went wel buddy, good luck.}

Thank you Bond I think I smashed it.

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30 Jul 2014 22:42:56
http://www.manchesterunitedrumours.co.uk/formations/BIGV.php

Check out my formation for our game against Swansea

Also eds I see the glazers are selling more shares, Can any of you provide some information on the possible reasons why?

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Yes I can, the Glazers want some spending money.

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Well I think that Evans is better as the left of the center backs and Valencia is probably a better wing back than Rafael. I also think we will have a couple new players in by then - but if Fletcher has recovered then he will have a part to play this year.

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30 Jul 2014 21:15:57
Well, Everton have used our money well in buying Lukaku for £28 million - I bet they even have a bit of small change left over!

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. and Chelsea have done well too. In this window they have pretty much swapped Luis and Lukaku, who they weren't playing, for Fabregas and Costa.

Rumours are that Arsenal will sign Carvalho.

I think it's going to be another interesting season.

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I for one can't wait. There are a lot of teams going for very few places, all of whom are good teams.

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