Manchester United Banter Archive June 04 2013

 

Use our rumours form to send us manchester united transfer rumours.


04 Jun 2013 23:41:45
Ed, why are there so many more rumours about Ronaldo today? Cheers in advance.

Coombesy!

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Journalists Choice likely, remember 95% of what is heard is rubbish.
DHK

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04 Jun 2013 22:51:46
Mourinho to sell Torres & Mata! He has no plans for them in his team he's building! - I'd take Mata any day of the week

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Torres I could understand, but Mata has been their best player over the last couple of seasons. If he's up for grabs then we'd have to seriously consider signing him. {Ed004's Note - I really can not see it tbh I reckon between him and Bale would be my picks for best players in the Premiership}

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I can't either Ed, but if the special one wants to ship him out and we can pick him up, who am I to complain. lol.

If we got Strootman, Thiago and Mata that would be an awesome summer.

4231 with Carrick and Strootman in the middle then an attacking three of Thiago, Kagawa and Mata with RvP upfront. That would be one hell of a team.

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Typical Jose.

Puts the spotlight on a big name player and everyone will be talking about that and he can cull the rest without much press coverage because there a few tweaks needed to them to make them great again and I'm sure this time he will have the full backing from roman after his real/Perez/player power debacle.

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He's maybe making room for ronaldo

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Jred, you seriously think Ronaldo will sign for Chelsea? Ronaldo and Jose are not best of friends.

Sydney!

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Syd
No, I have always been convinced he will sign a massive contract with madrid.

I think there is about as much chance of ronaldo leaving Madrid as Mata leaving Chelsea.
None

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Couldn't agree more Jred.

Sydney!

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04 Jun 2013 22:49:03
Eds, who do you think will be joining is this summer and who will be leaving? Thanks {Ed004's Note - Ins; Baines, Strootman, Di Maria and Outs; Evra, Nani, Scholes}

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Ed

Do you not think Garay is a 'in'?

I've been out of the loop for a while but seems allot of info is pointing to him joining (not needed in my opinion yet).

Also don't think Di Maria is a good option, too much of weak link IMO. {Ed004's Note - Yeah forgot him}

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04 Jun 2013 22:26:30
would people be happy with garay, strootman, thiago, zaha and sanchez,

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I would be happy with that as long as it is di maria over sanchez.

1redarmy

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04 Jun 2013 21:58:13
Apparently Radio MARCA have reported that Mourinho has informed Abramovich to listen to offers for Mata and Torres. Not sure how reliable they are but if Mata became available we should go flat out for Mata, can you imagine Kagawa and Mata feeding RVP.

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Letting Mata go would be foolish - even for Roman. Can't see it happening.

redseven

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04 Jun 2013 21:43:48
Ed, I've jus seen an interview from one of the Spanish expert journalists saying if Madrid we're to give Ronaldo a new contract and make him the highest payed player in the world they wouldn't have enough money to sign Bale, Suarez and there other targets with there own money. Is it true and do you think rumours will pull through? I personally think we will bid for one of Ronaldo or Bale. {Ed004's Note - I doubt it}

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Probably one of the most far fetched rumours on here, absolutely no chance!!!!

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I bet you would have said the same thing last season about the RvP rumours wouldn't you? All I'm saying is if there's one team Ronaldo would want to play for its United again, and speculation he's put up his villa for sale and reports saying he's rejected a new contract just makes you believe a bit.

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04 Jun 2013 21:35:59
Nothing much has changed regarding Ronaldo, he hasn't rejected or accepted a new contract. He has however asked his advisors numerous times if a dream move back to Old Trafford is possible.

The ball is now in Manchester Uniteds court, its up to the club if it happens or not.

Andyp MUFC

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I wonder where you heard that.

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05 Jun 2013 09:29:56
twitter for sure. I follow that 'source' too. It's the exact verbiage. With the amount of people reporting it, it does tempt you to half believe it.

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05 Jun 2013 14:28:25
I wish people would just admit their source is twitter though rather than state is as their own info. in a bid to look ITK. It really muddies the waters and leads me to disbelieve most rumours.

HB

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04 Jun 2013 20:56:11
I have a reputation here for being negative. I predicted we'd struggle this past season, wrongly.

I wanted Klopp, no question.

BUT.

I'm giving Moyes time. He;s a good bloke, no nonsense attitude, I love that. He managed a good team. Nobody liked playing Everton.

If the board supports him financially, I'm going to say it - Moyes will succeed. I had to swallow hard to not be negative and I see why others are down on this managerial decision - but Moyes will stay long-term and we need that. Let's get behind the guy and if the board puts up the funds (which i'm not convinced they will, of course), he'll crack on.

It took me some time, but I think if the money is given for Moyes to buy quality, we may well have some long-term success. If not, we'll bitch and moan in my tried and tested manner!

Strootman, Garay seem nailed so let's get a quality winger and maybe another CM, perhaps a forward if Rooney leaves. which I hope he does. He has been average this past season and if your heart isn't at OT, do one.

RED_SKY

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Top post mate, Moyes was far from my 1st choice either but I'm right behind him. If a few things go right for him - like success in the market and a good start in terms of results - I can see him doing well over time. Fingers crossed.

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04 Jun 2013 22:10:57
I think once you get over the initial shock and think about it then it makes sense. Of course he needs backing in the market. But three or four sensible buys and a mini clear out and we could be in business.

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RED_SKY, welcome to the light :)

I'm sure if it all goes tits up, then we can all gurn about things.

But maybe some of our supporters are a little spoilt of late.

If we end up like Liverpool, then we can all come on here and moan, but in the meantime, let's just enjoy the ride.

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04 Jun 2013 20:12:20
Hi eds, I wonder how exhausted u are with all the responses u are required to answer to. Pls eds, I am with the opinion and belief that Ronald is coming back to the REDS. My points are:
1. Fergie, before his retirement he stated that everything is place for a big name signing.
2. Before the confirmation of Fergie's retirement David Gills rushed to Madrid with a mission of giving hope to Ronaldo not to discouraged and have a U-turn over what was agreed on.
3. After the Champions League second leg tie, after the match CR7 was talking to Fergie and placed his hand on his mouth so that no one knows what he was talking.
4. He is not loved by the Spanish players and for that he is not happy.
5. His mother once said that if she dies without CR7 playing she would not be happy in her grave. So he was like gone to Spain to satisfy that.
6. He is certain with his coming Bach that will allow him to challenge anyone for the world best player awards. In United, he believes every player is supporting him which is not the case now at Madrid. He is also thinking about his age and is the only time he can compete for such awards.
7. He has no intention and has reiterated this several times to the Madrid hierarchy about him not renewing or extend his contract.
Pls everyone can believe these points and rest assured that CR7 is certain to come back sooner or later.

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Mate, I think this should have been put in the dodgy rumours section. You have added 2 and 2 and come up with 8. I get you want him back but come on, there's an awful lot of your opinion stuffed in there isn't there?

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Point 1. Ferguson also admitted that while he would love to see Ronnie back at United, he thought it would be impossible considering what he is now worth. Can you see United outbidding the likes of PSG etc. even if he comes up for sale?
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Point 2. Gill was in Madrid to discuss Di Maria, as confirmed by one of the eds.

Point 3. Ronaldo covers his mouth when talking to anyone after a game. I seem to remember him doing the same with Evra when chatting to him after the Madrid game. It means nothing other than he doesn't want his conversations to be lipread by others.

Can United afford to pay his transfer fee and wages which presumably are going to be in excess of 330k a week, considering that Perez says he wants to make Ronaldo the highest paid player in the world, and I believe that is currently Samuel Eto?

If you look at United's signings in recent years (with the exception of Van Persie's) they have all been young players on average wages. Jones, Smalling, Hernandez all started on relatively modest wages of 40k a week apparently, although some were rewarded with better contracts afterwards). These signings are probably to ensure they comply with FFP regulations etc. Ronaldo's wages would cost more probably the 3 players mentioned already as well as Evans, Rafael, Welbeck as well.

I'd love to think we could re-sign Ronaldo but listening to people saying that because his house is up for sale or he never sold his house in Manchester that this means he is coming back is fairy stories. His house in Manchester was for sale, it's just nobody ever bought it.

Let's get real and hope that United uncover the next young world-class winger rather than living in the past. My prediction is Ronaldo is toying with Perez and Madrid, where in the end he'll sign a new contract where he'll be the best paid player in the world.

Jomu

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04 Jun 2013 19:16:37
At the academy level following players are now released :Luke McCullogh, Veseli, Gorre and Wilkinson. Quite a clear out.

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I am not surprised by any of the released.

Sydney!

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Fornasier, McGinty, Hendrie, Cofie, Giverin & Reece Brown gone too. I fully expect Bebe, Kiko, Wootton, Amos. I wouldn't be amazed if we accepted offers for Petrucci and Tunnicliffe or gave them season long loans.

Sydney!

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We desperately needed to move on quite a few. This should allow us to bring through a few younger players into the U21's and hopefully a similar knock on effect on the U18's.

Good luck to all the released youngster's in their futures.

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04 Jun 2013 19:03:22
I love Manchester United.
Will always do.

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I love you no name,

I love YOU!

Sydney!

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I love cider :/

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I love Sandra Bullock :)

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I love my mum!

Brendan81

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I love holly wiloughby too, I want to marry her. don't tell the wife.

Supasub

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04 Jun 2013 22:23:52
i love fishfingers and custard

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Ah Holly Willoughby
DHK

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No, Holly Willowbooby :)

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'Will always do' Come on! Point taken though

Ste.

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I love Kloot. There I said it.

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Supasub,

Don't worry,

I won't ;)

Sydney!

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I love Brendan's mum too!

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Awww thanks Stringer I'll let her know, not too much though I hope :)

Brendan81

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I love Brendan's mum and Supasub's wife - often at the same time! ;)

Sorry guys but seeing as we're all being so open with each other, haha.

HB

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04 Jun 2013 18:45:51
Zaha in the bag, rumours are strong about Garay & Strootman signing. Thiago is a strong maybe and a possibility of Baines. If all those come off, I can't see us signing anybody else.

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04 Jun 2013 18:41:22
Question for everyone

If you had to pick one of these who would you pick?

A fully fit Ronaldo (Believeable)
A fully fit Rooney (Unbelievable)

I would pick Ronaldo all day long {Ed004's Note - Ronaldo though Rooney isn't far off}

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For me there is no question. When both are on form, Ronaldo is the superior player by far.

TK-Red

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Obviously Ronaldo given he is the 2nd best player in the world. However, if we're factoring in price (transfer fee + wages) that changes things completely. Not many teams can afford a fully fit Ronaldo and I doubt we can.

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Most rediculous question of the day, they're on different planets! Ronny best in world for
Me, Rooney not even world class!

Alex Fergusons Condom

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Honeybadger for me Ronaldo is the best player in the world when it comes to the prem

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Alex Fergusons Condom - Top marks for best moniker on this site

Andrew B

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Pardoe that's probably true but I doubt we'll ever get to find out. Unless we play them either side of RvP? ;)

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04 Jun 2013 18:38:03
Guys. Any chance of a young Cm coming in like Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley, Will Hughes or Ever Banega?
Thought I read before that Moyes was a fan of Hughes and we all know about Barkley!
Thanks Mac

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04 Jun 2013 18:37:48
PASO you have gone to the top of my list of clueless persons. Your comments about George Best single you out as a clueless Baffoon. I just hope you take some time away from this site think about what you have said then come back and apologise for talking sh1te.

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Yeah I actually agree, you can't measure pele, cruyff etc against best as Best played for a historically poor performing country at the time and was never going to do anything in high profile international tournaments. Had he been English or Brazilian then he would be held worldwide in the same regard as other mentions players. And paso even Garincha is considered a better player in Brazil's history than pele.
If your going to mention off the field antics then I presume Maradona wouldn't make your all time 11?
Go watch some older footage of these players and educate yourself.

Supasub

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Guys I am well versed in the history of football and have been an avid watcher since the 88 Euros. I have my own opinions upon footballers and nothing you say or no amount of name calling will change that.

I believe there are better footballers out there than George Best, with 2 of them plying their trade in todays game. Shoot me down if you want but I have an opinion and there is infact nothing that will change that.

When we talk tactics then if I am wrong I can be corrected, but as I have said before this is a subjective issue.

Supasub, off field antics were brought up in the context that Best would not be able to forge out a career in todays game. I also feel Maradonna wouldn't have been able to play in Europe and that Gascoigne wouldn't have got a contract. On a sidenote I also feel the average ability of players in any position has improved dramatically since the 60/70s.

RFT I am surprised by your comments, normally you are the voice of reason on this site.

As always I welcome any intellectual debate on the matter.

Paso

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An avid watcher since 1988, Paso?

Then why in the hell are we even having this conversation?

StevieK

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04 Jun 2013 18:09:47
I'm going to put it out there right now with regards to Zaha, a couple of months ago some put up Ronaldo and Bales stats after 99 premier league games.
Ronaldo - 19 goals, 8 assists
Bale - 21 goals, 13 assists

I said at the time and reiterate that I believe Zaha's stats after 99 Premier League games will be better then these!

I'm not suggesting Zaha will be better then Ronaldo but I do believe he will be a better Footballer then Bale. I see some people suggesting there may be to much pressure on him but great players strive on such stages and I think Zaha is going to enjoy playing in a Manchester United shirt. I truly believe we have an exciting player on our hands, I appreciate I may end up with egg on my face :) but I think Zaha will shock a few people next season if Moyes gives him the opportunity.

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Ports I hope nobody tells you that Santa isn't real. Your child like innocence is great

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04 Jun 2013 18:47:39
Well if you end up with egg on your face then I will also. I completely agree with you. As for dealing with the pressure? I don't think it will he a problem for him, he went back to Palace in january fully awear that he was carrying the expectation of promotion on his shoulder. And at first he may have struggled with that expectation, but by the end of the season he had learned to handle it. With his showing in the play offs a testiment to his ability to step up on the big stage.

I think he will suprise many on here next season. I think that by the end of the season he may have made himself a key member of the first team. I'd expect him to get around 30 odd games next year and I think he should be able to get 8-10 goals and around 5-8 assists in those games which would put him on course to break those stats set by Ronaldo and Bale.

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Good banter KLOOT, do you not believe in Santa because he's not from Manchester or lives in the shadow of OT?

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I fully agree.
I feel Zaha is the next Ronaldo.
You can mock all you want. And even call me deluded like a Liverpool fan. But none apart from Zaha have the burning desire to be the best and the raw ability we know Ronaldo used to have. If Zaha wants, he can be Ron.

-Saad

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Ports who said Santa doesn't have a grotto under the Theatre of Dreams

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Yea but if you wanna check stats check ronaldo and nani's after 99 games. Nani's better on paper!


Stimo

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Bale played a lot of them 99 games at left back

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Stats don't mean sh. t. if you are insinuating that zaha is in ronaldo's class you need to get off the booz mate.

Shahram

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Saad, I dunno if Zaha can be as good as Ronaldo. I expect it will be a long time until we see another player on Ronaldo's and Messi's level. But Zaha has all the atributes to become a top player, dare I say it world class. But it will take a lot of hard work and the right training and attitude for him to get there. So far the signs are encouraging. Zaha shouldn't be aiming to be the next Ronaldo, he should be aiming to be the best he can be so that players who follow him aim to be the next Zaha.

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True Shappy.
Only if he works hard.

Saad

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04 Jun 2013 17:17:23
Garay and strootman in so far. Nani and Rooney look to be going. Who is next? Baines gaitan ronaldo? Evra anderson vidic young

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Pray tell how you know this oh wise one

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04 Jun 2013 16:49:31
There is no point in comparing Best with Ronaldo or Messi because we just don't know how he would of coped in todays game, it's all guess work and opinions.

What I find strange though is why isn't Best mentioned with the likes of Pele or Maradona when pundits mention the greats?

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I think it purely comes down to the fact that there was far less coverage of football globally back in those days. Maradona and Pele got loads of exposure in World cup's etc. and are looked favourably upon because they both won that tournament (Maradona almost single handedly according to some). Best had less exposure but still many British fans would class him in the same bracket as the other 2.

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04 Jun 2013 17:54:45
When they mention the greats they generally tend to think of performances on the world stage. As Best never played at a world cup it counts against him. Remember Pele only ever played on the other side of the atlantic, if Brazil didn't qualify for the world cups during his time he would have never been noticed this side of the atlantic.

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No name,

Best would of excelled in today's game, the question you should ask is how would Messi and Ronaldo cope back when Best was playing on heavy pitches, heavy boots, heavy footballs, tackles around the knee caps.

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04 Jun 2013 17:03:31
Eds do u think ronaldo himself wants to return to Manchester United and leave real? {Ed004's Note - I don't know him personally so I can not answer that question}

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04 Jun 2013 16:58:31
Imagine if Ronnie actually came back though.

Coombesy

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I did but then I woke up, best dream ever

Brendan81

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We can all dream though pal

Coombesy!

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Bloody hell Brendan. You need to get on the cheese before bed if that's the best dream ever ;)

TK-Red

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Which variety tk? Don't say knob

Brendan81

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Cheddar mate always the best :)

Coombesy1

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04 Jun 2013 16:46:37
Ed004 if we got Ronaldo back (which I think is highly unlikely) then I would like to see him wide left with kagawa behind RVP and zaha on the right.

Strootman and Carrick in the Midfield with a back four of Rafael Jones/Rio Garray and a new leftback.

obviously DDG in goal.

I would sell Nani and Hernandez (Ronaldo can be used as a striker)

If Rooney was to play i'd have ronaldo RAM, Kagawa LAM, rooney behind RVP. {Ed004's Note - Yeah I agree with what you are saying but I disagree with your Zaha comment. I do not think he will be a regular for us next season and that is putting too much pressure on the lad imo}

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Then the second option looks better, with zaha, young, valencia on the bench.

surely one of Valencia or Young would have to go? {Ed004's Note - Currently either could go without me worrying about it}

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I always thought Valencia would stay under SAF but I'm not sure he fits in with Moyes' usual narrower 4231 formation. He does offer an alternative option though so will be interesting to see where he stands under the new manager. I've not been impressed with Nani or Young recently but at least they can 'mix it up' more by coming in off the wing - which Moyes tends to favour in a wide man.

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04 Jun 2013 16:44:33
Edds Do you beleive either ronaldo or bale will be bought by united in the summer or do you think its a load of nonsence. in my opinion I think we will sign garay, strootman, thiago and dependent on rooney going a striker but I think rooney will stay what are your thoughts {Ed004's Note - I don't think we will sign either of them though I would add Di Maria or another winger to your in list such as Gaitan (Hopefully not him)}

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04 Jun 2013 16:41:56
Eds do u think real madrid want bale as a replacement for ronaldo? {Ed004's Note - I think they want him to partner Ronaldo}

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04 Jun 2013 16:41:23
Don't think they will sign just one player to replace Falcao.

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04 Jun 2013 16:33:52
DDG, Raf, Evans, Vidic/ Garay, Evra.
Carrick and Strootman with Kagawa infront.
Now get this.
Bale next to Ronaldo behind RVP. My mouth waters. My eyes swell with tears of joy. my heart races watching us counter to our 9th goal to the game against City. Then I wake up and stop dreaming.

Some of you may need too as well.

Sorry for being a bit negative but have you seen our rumours page at the moment! Even the Scousers will be laughing.

1redarmy

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04 Jun 2013 18:09:39
you obviously haven't been on the scouser page lately.

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04 Jun 2013 16:16:30
A few reports starting to surface online etc that United may be closing in on securing Ronaldos return to Old Trafford this summer. Few stories saying that he has knocked back a 3 year extension from Madrid and has also put his £5.4 million mansion up for sale. The move would see Vidic go the other way - which may be why we're being strongly linked with Garay. It all seems a bit too good to be true but who knows. Any thoughts guys?

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Footballers, like other people, do sometimes move house without moving jobs. No chance of Ronaldo or Bale IMO.

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Perhaps he's bought a £10m mansion and is moving up in the world?

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05 Jun 2013 01:12:05
I wish I could believe it - but at the moment I don't.

There have been rumours floating around on twitter about him putting his house up for sale for a few weeks now - but from what I could tell when they first began popping up they were started by a fake tv account.

Even if he were selling his house - that would not necessarily be an indication that he is coming to OT or even leaving RM. He could just be moving up the road to an even nicer mansion purchased with the proceeds from a new deal.

I imagine our interest in Garay is down to Rio being the age that he is and the fact that Vidic has been injured a fair bit over the past few years and is also getting on a bit. I suppose Garay could be being courted as a Vidic replacement - but would RM really be interested in a player who will turn 32 in October to the extent that they would give up the best player in the world for him (and cash)?

If any reported deal for Ronaldo included a striker (he is their main goal threat and they also look likely to lose Higuain this summer) and a large sum of cash (they will need this if they want to sign Bale) then I would be a little more inclined towards believing it - but unfortunately I ultimately do not see us stumping up the kind of money it would take to bring him home.

I also think he will only leave RM if a deal for Bale can be struck.

redseven

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04 Jun 2013 16:09:47
Apparently in the past 15 months the glazers have spent $275 million on the Tampa Bay Bucaneers which apparently is huge news in the American Football world. I'm pretty sure there are no transfer fees involved in that sport so that money goes directly to the players in wages I think. Tampa fans had been p*ssed off for 5 years as the Glazers continually cut costs and failed to improve the squad sufficiently to make them contenders, that was until 15 months ago.

Now you can look at it in 2 ways. The sceptic in me says they have maybe used money from our great club to help fund this apparent spending spree. But, I would like to think it shows the Glazers are willing to put their money where there mouth is if it is needed and maybe we will see a marquee signing that people are crying out for along with the other players needed to improve the 1st eleven.

Time will tell but I would love Ronaldo back as unlikely as it is. We are a huge club and since Rooney signed all those years ago the only signing I got genuinely excited about was RVP last year. We have seen City, Chelsea, Real, Barca and Bayern make huge signings in the recent past and it gives the club and fans a huge boost. I think this is needed in the wake of SAF retiring. It might make the City's and Chelsea's a bit less confident going into next season.


We can dream eh?


Brendan81 {Ed004's Note - I have a question for everyone on here. It is widely agreed on this site I think, that everyone knows our wingers are awful and that's putting it kindly. Our full backs have more assists and goals. If signing Ronaldo meant we could only get one winger would people take him back? I would but only if we kept Rooney tbh or had Rooney replaced. I feel signing Ronaldo may limit us slightly as we will still have either Zaha, Welbeck, Young or Valencia and none of them would get in any of Europes elite whereas if we kept Rooney and got him fit or got a replacement we could play Kagawa on a wing or behind 3 strikers of Rooney, Ronaldo and RVP basically RVP replacing Tevez from a few years back}

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A question to you ed 004.
When u or any1 say rooney to be replaced? Who can replace rooney realistically? Considering the fact that lewy is almost bayern bound and we don't spent more than 25m on a single player mostly.

Please can yoy name any1?

Rodio17 {Ed004's Note - The players I think could would be Bale, Ronaldo, Gotze, Ozil, Lewandowski. Now if we did sign Ronaldo then I don't think a big player like that would be needed, we could easily then go for someone like Di Maria, Lamela, Sanchez, Isco, Jovetic etc as Ronaldo more than replaces Rooney. It means we would be play a 4-3-3 which can easily change to a 4231 imo. So a midfield of Carrick, Strootman, Kagawa and a front 3 of one of the name mentioned above, RVP and Ronaldo. Though I do not think this is likely at all}

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Ed I would personally carry him back from Madrid and I am hoping Rooney moves on with a replacement striker coming in. I personally would take Jovetic even though a lot on here wouldn't be happy with that. I'd be happy with Ronaldo Kagawa Valencia/Zaha in that order behind RVP who would interchange with Jovetic up top depending on the game.

We would then have Welbeck, Young and Hernandez as back up to the above 6 players. This I believe would be a very strong forward line. We would then need Strootman for CM alongside Carrick and I would love Thiago to interchange them all and he could play number 10 in place of Kagawa too at times.

The only other change would be to bring in Shaw at left back to interchange with Evra for a year before selling Evra next summer.

Selling Rooney, Nani, Anderson would raise £55m, buying Ronaldo, Jovetic, Strootman, Thiago and Shaw would cost about £120m so a £65m outlay in total which is very doable and I would be hugely happy going into next season even without the great SAF.

Brendan81 {Ed004's Note - If we signed Jovetic I think a front 3 of Jovetic, Ronaldo and RVP would work perfectly as all three can play anywhere up top but RVP would mainly stay wide but he does drift to the wings, Jovetic has played wide left before and cutting in as had Ronaldo}

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Ed004 -

Personally I'd consider us dropping 'wingers' from our play all together and setting up a little like Chelsea with a line of three attacking mids lined up behind a striker. They'd obviously push wide when needed - but would be able to interchange fluidly. Something like -
----------RVP-----------
-Kagawa-Rooney-Ronaldo
----Carrick-Strootman---
would terrify other teams and make us a very tough team to defend against. Having Carrick and Strootman in front of the back four should also protect them little more - although I'd worry about us being vulnerable down the wings (especially Evra).

We'd still have Valencia, Young, Zaha, Welbeck, Ronaldo and (to an extent) Kagawa and so could switch between a system with conventional wingers and the one I suggested from time to time depending on who we were up against.

If we signed Ronaldo, Strootman and Baines (as a short term solution) I would be thrilled - but I don't see Ronaldo coming home any time soon unfortunately.

redseven {Ed004's Note - That's the formation I was thinking we could use but when I said if we sold Rooney we would need a replacement basically Kagawa would be playing were Rooney is and we would sign someone for Kagawa's position. I would be thrilled to have that as our attack next year. And then the following season start replacing Vidic/Rio, Carrick and Rooney gradually. That would be my ideal scenario this window as long as Rooney gets into good shape and to a standard were he can play at a high pace all game long. There was a video put up of Strootman vs Feyenord today and it shows how Strootman likes to get the ball forward quickly so he will hopefully speed up our attack}

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To be honest ed004, I think a perfect summer for us would be Strootman, Ronaldo and a quality left back. I'm also in the keep Rooney camp too. I can see Strootman and Carrick being a strong midfield two, and I'm also of the opinion that Kagawa could be played in a midfield 3 as the most advanced.

Rafael will bomb up and down that right wing all season, guaranteeing us a few assists at least, if we could get a similar player for the left we could actually have a very versatile squad with 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 all viable options. Ronaldo can play on either wing, Kagawa can play as a CAM or LAM, Rooney can play up front or in a slightly deeper role. I also think we'll see a lot more of Zaha this season than people may think. I honestly think he's much better than most of the wingers in the bottom 12/13 teams in the EPL, so people saying he isn't ready is wrong IMO. I think he'll adapt incredibly well. {Ed004's Note - I would like to point out I'm currently in the getting Rooney 'out' camp unless Moyes can get him fully fit over pre season and that means a stone or two lighter, being able to play a high tempo game like Dortmund and hopefully regaining some speed and form. However, if he does that a front four of Ronaldo (Right), Rooney (Behind RVP, in the hole), Kagawa (Left) and RVP up top and we would have the best attack in the league. In the Norwich game we saw how well Kagawa and Rooney linked up as well as RVP but those 3 along with a capable right winger and there are none better than Ronaldo (possibly Messi but he plays as a striker) we would be a force to reckon with}

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I think what Ronaldo would bring to the team would more than cover what Valencia, Nani, Young, and Cleverley have contributed this year. Ronaldo scores 30 a season guaranteed and his assists are up there too. He may well limit us as you say ED, but I think the aforementioned players limited us more. Give the ball to them and it was end of move. If it wasn't for RVP getting us out of sticky patches time and time again we would have struggled. So Ronaldo coming to us, may be like Neymar going to Barca. Gives opposition more than one focal point to defend against

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Ed

I'd go with that. Kagawa behind Ronaldo, RVP and a fully firing Rooney would be potent stuff.

Add carrick and Strootman in midfield with a pacy new left back who can overlap and get a cross in as well as defend and I think we're in business.

Andrew B {Ed004's Note - I reckon we would be competing with the best in Europe again I reckon the front four would be better than Bayern's but Bayern's midfield is the best in the world! and there isn't much in the defences though Bayern's full backs are phenomenal, I reckon they have the two best full backs in the world!}

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Ed004 I don't think we'll be signing 2 wingers (on top of Zaha) any way so it's a no-brainer for me - yes!

Another point on this is if we change to a narrower 4231 under Moyes (which I think we will) then Kagawa is more than capable of playing wide left in this formation, cutting inside.

However bad Valencia & Young have been we have relied on players of their calibre in recent seasons so adding Ronaldo to the bunch would be an instant and major improvement. I could cope with seeing Valencia/Young on the right for one more season then hopefully Zaha would be ready to take over.

It wouldn't make sense to buy 2 winger's right now IMO because of the numbers we have and Zaha's progression (hopefully). {Ed004's Note - Or we could sell Young and keep Welbeck and Valencia to cover two wingers though I would be happy seeing Ronaldo right and Kagawa left as long as we have a good player in the hole or a fit Rooney in the hole behind RVP}

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I'd be delighted with that personally Ed004 and that's the best we can hope for IMO. Don't think we will get Ronaldo though.

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Ed004

Agreed, but Rafeal is quality as well and is getting better. Given our centre back choices, a seriously good left back could complete a really top quality back 5.

Total cost perhaps £70 mill for Ronaldo, say £15 mill for a LB, strootman £17 mill = £102 mill. I'm sure we could generate £40 mill from Sales (Nani, Anderson, Young, Bebe, Macheda and some youngsters who aren't up to scratch). Net outlay is about £60 mill - totally do able.

All we need now is a certain Portugese to be missing those cold, dark, rainy winters in Manchester. ha ha, not likely!

Andrew B {Ed004's Note - I reckon if we sign a left back we will have one of the strongest defenses in the world. I reckon eventually Smalling will be the perfect partner beside Vidic and Rafael along with Baines (probably one of the best left backs in the world up there in my top 3 atm) and we would be up there with the best and only Bayern's would be better except I reckon Vidic would walk into their backline}

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04 Jun 2013 21:46:15
http://www.eplindex.com/31232/fluidity-key-european-success-manchester-united-analysis.html

might encourage a few thoughts talks about the fluid style with Ronnie roo and tevez
kyhyghes87 {Ed004's Note - Brilliant read I'm just thinking of how many signings it could take to get to that style of football again and that level tbh}

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Kyhyghes87 & Ed004, that is a good article.

I think we could play the system he shows in the final diagram - which looks like a 4231 with an interchanging front 4 - with Kagawa, Rooney and say Di Maria/Sanchez behind RvP. All 4 of those would be happy interchanging and Kagawa & Di Maria could provide the runs in beyond Robin when he drops off.

If we're assuming Nani is off - Zaha, Welbeck and Young are all suited to either wide role in this system but particularly Zaha, given time. Valencia is not suited but there may be games where we choose a more rigid approach? Otherwise he'd be of little use in this system IMO.

Rooney may not be as agile/quick as he used to be but is still easily capable of running into spaces and changing positions swiftly in behind the main man. 2 runners either side of him will hopefully help.

With Carrick & Strootman in behind our fluid front 4 I think it could work. Both are probably classed as 'passers' more than 'runners' but from the little I've seen of Strootman he does seem to have the ability to bring the ball out at his feet, even if with comparatively little skill/technique. This should allow him to pop up into spaces left by the interchanging forwards where he has the ability to pick out a man or shoot. Carrick would remain the DLP, the job Scholes did for us back in 2008.

In other words I honestly can see us achieving this 'fluidity' without too many incoming/outgoing transfers, just a select few - CM and fluid winger especially. I guess it's down to Moyes as to whether he likes it 'rigid' or 'fluid' ooh err! {Ed004's Note - I reckon if rumours are true and I don't believe them for a second with the signings of Strootman, Alcantara and possibly Ronaldo and thats a massive 'possibly' those 3 along with Carrick Kagawa and RVP and we could play an incredibly flexible attack I'm not even sure what formation we would play during the game but I guess it would be a 4231 at the start with Carrick Strootman, then Ronaldo, Kagawa, Alcantara and then RVP up top. Ronaldo and Alcantara and Kagawa are all quick so can provide a direct attack and all our brilliant on the ball. Alcantara has over 92% pass completion}

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Ed we'd be amazing with Carrick and Strootman, then Ronaldo, Kagawa, Alcantara and RVP up top. I'd be so happy.

Brendan81

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Hmmm as much as i'd like Ronaldo to return I just can't see it. And personally I think for the money he would cost in wages and transfer fee that it would make more sense to go for Bale. He'd cost 10-25m less and would only cost around half the wages. But Bale imo is just as unlikely as Ronaldo.

I think we will play a 4231, with Carrick and Strootman in midfield, with RvP up top then Thiago and Kagawa behind him.
The LAM slot is the one that has a question mark over it. Young isn't good enough to make that spot his own.

Cleverley could play well there, he is more suited to playing higher up the pitch. But he may lack the cutting edge to create enough goals.

Zaha would certainly provide that cutting edge with his pace and trickery, but he would leave the left back exposed when we lose the ball.

Welbeck may be the best option there. He has pace and strength, plus the ability to cut inside should encourage him to shoot more. But he is also defensively aweare so our left back wouldn't be as exposed.

The outside bet could be Anderson, this was the position he played at Porto which encouraged us to part with so much money for him. Plus taking him out of the battlefield in the middle of the park means he would have to cover less ground so he won't tire as quickly and he won't be roughed up as much so he may find it easier to avoid injuries. One things for sure, if he's still here by the close of the window, Moyes tough training plans will have him a few pounds lighter and much fitter.

With so many options all deserving of a chance to prove themselves in this role I doubt we'll see anyone else join to play this role.

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing us take a gamble on Bernard of Atletico Mineiro, he looks a hell of a talent from the few games i've seen of him. Maybe send Anderson the other way.

But if we played a 4231 with Carrick, Strootman, Thiago, Kagawa, Welbeck and RvP then it would be very fluid, it could easily become a 4312 with Thiago dropping slightly deeper and Strootman moving to the left and Welbeck pushing up along side RvP with Kagawa playing between the forwards and the midfield in a free role.

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05 Jun 2013 01:11:51
@Ed004

I don't think he will come back. Monaco or PSG I think.

If he does come though, I think we will switch to a 4 3 3. Wont eriksen be a cheap and shrewd option to play with rvp and cr7? Kagawa, Carrick, Strootman, Thiago, Jones, Cleverley. 3 from those 6 in midfield. Could be interesting.

I still think Valencia will regain form though.

REDFAITH {Ed004's Note - Or Alcantara for the same price if not less}

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04 Jun 2013 15:52:20
a sad day today as brian greenhough was laid to rest. god bless and thanks for the memories of those crazy days in the 70, s
johndenton

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Here here John, rest peacefully with all our departed reds, thank you for the great service you gave to our club.

Brendan81

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04 Jun 2013 15:34:46
"StevieK Best wouldn't have made it onto a field today, his off field antics would have scared any side off from actually developing the player no matter how talented they are".

Paso

Paso - he wouldn't have been allowed to carry on like that today - he was the first footballing 'pop' superstar, and as a young lad, he just wasn't able to handle it.

No footballer had ever been in his position, plastered across all the magazines and tv, and he was just a kid.

Nowadays, he'd have been given a bit of protection, and been helped to deal with it.

Like I said earlier, defenders wouldn't have been able to get the ball off him for fear of bringing him down. His balance was the best I've ever seen - he would have been unbelievable today.

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The greatest player I ever watched in a utd shirt
johndenton

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Georgie Best was ahead of his time. There's not a player around today that comes close.

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StevieK

there are players every year who are regarded as the next big thing - ie Ravel.

When they mess up they are regarded as being personic and foolish, slated for throwing it all away. Put Best into the equation and he would be protected? He would be advised away from the temptations a young man with serious amounts of money can face?

Most peoples stance on this is that if Best played today he would be better than everyone else. However no one accepts the fact that he wouldn't get on a pitch due to his personic behaviour.

People say he was the first footballing 'pop' superstar, but was he really? Maybe in the UK but there were bigger and better players already playing before Best arrived in our Red shirt.
Pele burst onto the scene about 5 years before Best and we all know how big his name got in such a short time. Di Stefano moved to Madrid almost 10 years before Best started playing. Yet these are not the first superstars?

Maybe because they didn't spend the nights before games with miss worlds and champagne they aren't regarded as 'pop' superstars. Well to me Best is in fact an person for doing these things, yes it makes his story all the more memorable and remarkable, but he wasted a large amount of talent by not being professional.

He played for United and we all love him for what he did on the pitch but people who claim he was the best are blinded by our colours. He could have been so much better.

Paso

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Johndenton

He may have been the best player you have seen in our shirt but imagine what he could have been if he decided to be a footballer rather than a celebrity!

Paso

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He WAS the first 'pop' superstar, Paso. The likes of Pele, Di Stefano and the rest were strictly back page.

Georgie was a handsome devil with charisma oozing out of his pores, El Beatle - he was the first to get on the front pages, the middle pages, the bloody supplements too. Regular on tv ads as well, which I don't think any footballers had been asked to do up to then. The rest were top footballers, but hardly an ad man's wet dream.

You cannot compare the fame that was put on his shoulders at that time, with the likes of Morrison. George was easy led, but he didn't have a bad bone in his body except when the drink started to take hold of him, unlike some of the 'gangsta' boys around today.

With the professionalism that exists to a large degree amongst young footballers now, and the way they have to live their lives if they want to succeed, there's no reason why George couldn't have done the same.

Comparison's with now and then aside, he was still the best player I've ever seen.

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Fair play StevieK.

I don't agree with you but appreciate you can put forward a well rounded argument.

I don't think Best was as good as most people claim, at least those who support United.

I feel he also wasn't the first popstar of football, just the first for the British press.

Finally I feel a comparrison with Ravel is in fact very fair. Both had tags of being brilliant long before they made an appearance. Best at 15, Ravel closer to 16/17. Both have made stupid decisions and not been as professional as they could be. The only differences I can really see are obviously the gulf in quality between the two players, and how much money Ravel earns in comparrison to Best at that age (even taking inflation into account).

All in all If I had to choose 2 football legends to play wide for me today, Best would not have made my team, but Ronaldo may do (although would prob be on the bench behind Gullit/Cruyff/Jinky)

Paso

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04 Jun 2013 18:01:51
I think Best's off field life style was much closer to that of Beckhams than Ravels. And Beckham still made the most of his career.

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Paso - your point on his 'off the field antics' is not that relevant IMO because we are talking a totally different era and even sport back then.

You could get away with things back then that you just couldn't now, the game has moved on to a far more professional level.

Like Stevie said he would have been given far more protection and support these days and probably things would not have been allowed to get to the stage they did, as easily as they did.

A totally different era so unfair to use that as a reason to say he is not one of the greats IMO.

In fact it's like saying - Ronaldo would have been crap back then because he'd have been diving all over the place (and wouldn't have been given anything) and worrying to much about his hair :)

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George Best would have excelled in the modern game. Given the right mentoring (the way Fergie mentored Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Ronaldo etc) Best would have gone on to become twice the player he was back in the 60's.

LFC fan.

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Best had a disease. the closest example in 'modern' day football is gasgoine and he couldn't help himself either and still can't.

both cases are a bloody shame

Andrew b

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I can't believe you're comparing Best to Ravel, even in the context of their lifestyles. Ravel is a chav with aggressive antisocial behaviour that is unacceptable in any walk of life, Best was a playboy who partied a bit too much, unfortunately for him the booze ruined his life. Ravel Morrison is a nobody and deserves to be a nobody its a bit bloody rude to come on here and compare a legend like best to that jumped up little sh!t.
snakey

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04 Jun 2013 15:28:14
a website reporting that united are (along with arsenal) interested in jovetic. this is the first i've heard of it, haven't seen anyone post on here concerning him, could he be a potential replacement should rooney leave? any thoughts edds? I wouldn't mind. although roo did impress me for england against brazil the other night. he was clearly out to silence the critics, not sure how silent they are though. {Ed004's Note - The more I thought about that today the more I think it would be a good move. Saw the article earlier. Jovetic is young and technically very good. He seems hard working and he is versatile. I reckon he could comfortably play in a 3 of Di Maria, Kagawa and himself behind RVP}

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I've always rated the guy - flexible as to where he plays across the front, which would be ideal for the type of football we're looking to play, and like you say Ed, very good technically.

I think it would be a toss up between him and Di Maria, with Di Maria being the more experienced, but Jovetic with the potential - though he has been a regular in Seria A for a few years now.

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Ed004 - Not sure I want Rooney gone and TBH Jovetic doesn't excite me that much BUT I have to admit I think that front 4 could be very effective.

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I love this site, I posted 6 months ago how I really like this guy and everybody goes on about overrated an not united quality. Now that supposedly we are interested everybody loves him LOL.

I don't believe it until I see it, it sure is an indian summer and you boys are in heat for any signings lol.


Shahram

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04 Jun 2013 15:26:31
Totally speculative, BUT. Loads are saying that we are doing a deal for Ronaldo, could we realistically include Vidic in it. Could Vidic be being used in a deal for a player? Is this why we are going for Garay? {Ed004's Note - Garay is the complete opposite of Vidic though he is the perfect partner for Vidic imo and if Vidic goes we would have to put our trust fully in Jones and possibly Evans to replace him and I'm not sure I would be confident in doing that yet}

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ED004 - why would you not trust Jones yet? Do you not feel that over the last few months he has shown he easily has the talent to be nurtured into the next vidic, with a touch more pace. I think him next to Garay or Rio could see him turn into one of the best centre halfs in the world, and tp do that he needs games. So I would start him and leave evans on the bench to cover for the other three mentioned. {Ed004's Note - I'm not sure he doesn't have the required experience yet and is very injury prone. Can also dive in a bit too much and isn't as good in the air as Vidic}

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04 Jun 2013 13:19:16
ezequiel garay and kevin strootman are all but done
its now the matter of who is going to be moyes' first signing

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Surely one of the two named will be his first signing then ;)

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04 Jun 2013 12:45:22
The more I think about Moyes the less I dislike the decision to hire him. Maybe it's wishful thinking but I'm beginning to believe he could be an excellent manager for a number of reasons.
1: If he was not at Everton where would they be in regards to a league position - probably bottom half. What he has done with little or no money really has been outstanding. Yes, he played tough, combative football, but this was a requirement with the resources he had. His remit at Everton was not to win the PL, because this was impossible with their resources, it was probably to stay in the top 6/7 and to get into Europe as often as possible. He achieved this. (It'll be very interesting to see where Everton are in 3/4 years from now without him!)
2: He has the ability to get his players to fight for each other and their club. This is not an easy thing to do. SAF has this ability, but saying that, I do not see Moyes being so tolerant with he likes of Anderson, and currently Rooney. He is reputedly a very hard taskmaster and will not tolerate any player slacking off.
3: From reading various reports and peoples personal dealings with him, he is apparently a hugely driven and ambitious man - he will only accept the very best from himself and others around him. I don't think for one second that he, as others have stated, will accept nothing less than winning every trophy next season. This is exactly the standard required at this club.
4: He likes to play 4231, which I believe is currently the most effective, dynamic formation in football. As a student of the Bundesliga, he has seen the rise of Bayern, who are a class above everyone else this season. I honestly believe that if he had had unlimited resources at Everton, with the quality of players he would have been able to purchase, and with the formation he uses, they could have been unbelievable. For this reason I have great hope for the future.

J Bones.

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Yet Wigan and Birmingham won trophies with less money and Moyes won nothing in 11 years at Everton.
That is worrying.

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Win a cup and eventually get relagated or stay in the premiership I think I know what I would pick.

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Wigan and Birmingham were also relegated in that time, Everton were not.

TK-Red

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Both were also relegated, so I think Moyes gets the vote between those 3. :)

Kuala

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Is that the same wigan and birmingham who are now in the championship?
Iv said before that moyes wouldn't have been my first choice but he did relatively well at everton.
Its not easy to win a trophy so I don't see an issue there its what he wins now that concerns me so let's judge him when he's built his team not now. remember the 'fergie out' banners in the late 80s? Thank god he was given a chance eh?

BABY FACED ASSASIN

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This is a sensible attempt to whitewash a decision to appoint that has nepotism and lack of ambition written all over it.

1. Moyes has won nothing, and has got nowhere close to winning or achieving anything remarkable as a manager.

2. He has no experience of managing a top team, nor of managing in Europe in any meaningful way.

3. His player purchases are for the most part cheap ones. Shopping at Primark does not prepare you for Harrods.

4. He has no experience of valuing and judging top-ranking players.

5. He has no experience of training or working with top-ranking players.

6. He has no big club experience.

7. He is regarded by his peers as hard-working and diligent - something that his record attests to, but no more.

8. He demonstrates no capacity for innovation, or any of the (sometimes gruesome) ruthless cleverness that was the core of Ferguson's skill-set.

He will last for two years before we and our sponsors find hanging onto 4th place to be demeaning. Then we can try again for someone better - maybe Guardiola.

Aesop

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Aesop

All of them points applied to Fergie when he came from Aberdeen.
Fergie didn't do to bad in the ened did he?

Simmo

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Moyes may possibly have his first trophy come August. To which there'll be more to follow I believe that. I don't think we're the type of club to panic and chop and change

GD

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Aesop -
1. Constantly being in the top 8 for 9-10 seasons IS a remarkable achievement for anyone in the premier league, on top of that, with little or no money.
2. Pep Guardiola wasn't exactly 'experienced' at managing a top club, nor was Jurgen Klopp, they were given chances, and that is what we are doing with Moyes. You cannot go to a top club straight away (unless you're playing FM), and there is no better stepping stone for a young and talented manager than a club like Everton. Also the new manager HAD to be British as only a british manager could fully understand the heritage of the club. For a foreign manager, United would have been a 'project', and United isn't a project, Manchester United is an institution, the only club in England that knows how to do things the right way.
3. Park Ji-Sung, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Hernandez. need I go on?. It's was not always about the big signings with Sir Alex Ferguson, it's about finding the hidden gems, and no one is better than Moyes at doing that.
4. Neither did Sir. Alex when he first took charge, nor did Mourinho, Guardiola or any other coach, it is something you learn with time.
5. Point 4, same thing.
6. Refer to point 2.
7. His attention for detail, tactical knowledge and his willingness to learn has also been highlighted by his peers, no one is perfect. Sir Alex was not perfect, but he was the closest, and currently, Moyes is the closest to Sir. Alex.
8. Let's face it, there is never going to be another Sir. Alex Ferguson, Moyes might not be as cunning as Sir. Alex but he has his hunger, and will to learn different aspects on the game and the adaptability which you need in order to become a top coach for a long time.

And unlike you, I reckon Moyes will be a huge success at United, he may not win the league in the first season, but there is no manager that suits the club better than David Moyes, classy, elegant and hard working.

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Aesop


All your points I agree with but 6 of them couldv been applied to klopp when at mainz but most clubs would love him as manager now.
2 years then someone better like guardiola?
Hes only ever managed a barca side that he played for, coached and was a club legend so it was a well known set up in comfortable surroundings so let's not pretend he's some kind of super-manager who would do better than moyes because nobody knows.
Lets see what moyes does before planning his successor. get behind him and give him a chance

BABY FACED ASSASIN

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Simmo

He came from Scotland where talent is as rare as excellent calvados. But he did win, upsetting the duopoly of Rangers and Celtic. That is why he was appointed, because he was a winner, with a distinct edge and discernible talent.

Moyes, a hyper-thyroid ranter, has been in our top division for 10 years and is as distinguished as a gnat.

Aesop

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To add to the birmingham part there nearly in league two not only the championship

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Aesop, to say he got nowhere near to winning anything is a ludicrous statement considering everton lost an fa cup final against Chelsea in a game not only competitive but a game they scored first.
United we Stand

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Aesop
The point is he came from a small club to a massive club which is what your refering to.
Everyone has to start somewhere and managing a decent size club like Everton for 11 years has put him in good stead.
Stop whinging and get behind him, the season hasn't even started yet.

Simmo

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04 Jun 2013 15:48:07
Aesop, could you tell me what kind of top level experiance Pep had before he took the Barca job? Or Klopp at Dortmund? They seem to have been most peoples favourites to take over from Sir Alex and both of them only proved their worth when a top team gave them a chance to manage at a higher level.

If you look around at the top clubs who always are challenging and most appreciated amoungst fans its the teams that always stay true to themselves. Your Barcelona's your Bayern's and your Juve's. These teams always have a special place in the hearts of their fans and the neutrals because they don't sell out. And they always are there or there abouts at the top of their respective leagues. Of course now you have teams like PSG, City, Chelsea and to a certain extent like Real Madrid who have sold out, they just throw money around and rub people up the wrong way. Sure they achieve success but at what cost? They have lost the very soul of their club by chasing quick success.

Bayern lost two titles to Dortmund while they slowly and diligently rebuilt their team in a manner which will bring them long term success and keep the essence of the club undamaged.

City, Chelsea and Real Madrid lost the league in their countries and will now no doubt throw money at it to try and fix it. They will buy the biggest names of the moment from around the world to try and stick a plaster over the gapping wound caused by the short success model they now live by.

We could try and beat them at their own game but in doing so we will have to turn our back on everything that Sir Matt and Sir Alex have worked so hard to build at our club. Playing a certain way and bring players through our academy so as they actually have some attachment to the club.

Do you remember when Leeds and Liverpool were our main challengers for the title? What about Blackburn and Newcastle? Arsenal even? Where are they now? Two of them in the league below and the other two stuck in mid table. And now the challenge comes from City and Chelsea, so do we change our approach that has dispatched four would challengers for our throne? Or do we stick to the method that has brought about so much long term success?

Liverpool used to be run in the same way we are now, but they paniced when they saw us baring down on them and they changed the way they ran the club, they sold out and tried to buy the success and have not challenged for a title since. Should we follow Liverpools lead? Or should we plough on in our steadfast belief in what were are doing is right?

David Moyes may not be the flash shiney new toy that some may have wanted but he is a man who's footballing philosphy is in line with ours. He will not rip the club apart looking for instant success in the name of improving the look of his cv. He will continue the work started by Sir Matt and reinstated by Sir Alex, and he will do so in the name of Manchester United and not in the name of David Moyes.

Some people may point to the fact that he may be tactically limited, or that he hasn't managed big name players, or handled a large budget. But why can't he learn to do this? He can and should as a manager be constantly looking to improve his tactical knowledge, he should as a manager be looking to improve himself to become the best he can.

What David Moyes does have is respect and ambition. And the key to success at our club is how do you balance that ambition while being respectful to the history and the principals the club are built on.

And personally I think there was only three real candidates for the job who could do that. Pep, who went to Bayern and was there for unavailable, Klopp who is the best tactically but the least proven in his ability and Moyes who was in all fairness the best fit for our club at this time.

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J Bones I agree with some of your points but particularly point 4. Moyes is also keen on pressing high up the pitch and a fast tempo which I'm looking forward to seeing with a higher calibre of player at United.

Aesop & noname, cheer up!

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06 Jun 2013 11:30:38
@Simmo

Sir Alex had won things before he came.

That said, all of the negativity surrounding Moyes is way over the top. Getting Everton into the top 4 and keeping them consistently in the top 8 was a great achievement. People will see where Everton end up next season to realize what Moyes did.

He already has shown that he isn't going to be some yes man by changing the coaching staff.

He seems to have identified midfield as an area to strengthen.

I just hope he displays some more courage by letting rooney go. Ed002 has said that nothing is done with lewandowski so I still hope we can replace rooney with him. Or if fabregas wants to leave get that deal done.

Moyes will do well imo.

REDFAITH

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04 Jun 2013 10:18:42
Guys, I happen to view some leaked home and away kit for next season. Any idea if these are the confirmed ones? The home kit has a black collar and the away is dark blue tartan design.
Mancunian dream

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I like it but I don't the collar. I rather prefer the collar of the 12/13 kit than of the 13/14 kit.

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04 Jun 2013 10:16:47
According to reports in spain - Ronaldo has rejected a three year extension to his current contract.

Interesting to see how much they offered him - this might ever so slightly open the door to him leaving

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Very interesting, this may force the clubs hand to sell him this year.

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04 Jun 2013 11:50:10
I would say its just normal contract talks. Maybe he did reject maybe he didn't. But I still fully expect him to be at Madrid next season.

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I can't see it happening but if it did I would be so f*cking happy. I think you would see crowds at OT for the unveiling that you see at Real/Barcelona. I'd take my 2 year old daughter for her 1st visit and we could both get our Ronaldo 7 shirts even though I haven't bought one in years :-)

Just a shame I don't think it will be happening.

Brendan81

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04 Jun 2013 04:38:00
Anybody else wondering whether moyes will actually sign someone like thiago who plays football the right way (passing football). I can't help but think this isn't moyes style of playing the game. Although he was on a limited budget at Everton he still made that team his own over the years and look at how they play the game. Long balls down to Fellaini and jelavic. I for one think thiago is never going to happen. Strootman however is a moyes type of player and therefore looks very likely to sign.

Taking into account the above I feel we could make a move for Michu. As daft as it sounds he would suit the moyes style of playing the game behind rvp.

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Moyes has usually played some derivative of the 4231 formation with an AM or no. 10 behind the striker. Right now that player is Fellaini but in the past he had Cahill (bit like Lampard IMO) and Arteta (more of a Fabregas type). I'd like to think Moyes is capable of playing different ways and will adapt to the better calibre of player at United. I think the AM/no. 10 often defines Moyes strategy for his team so it will be interesting to see whether he opts for Rooney, Kagawa or a new player as I think this will be a good indication of how we set up.

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Strootman & Carrick in CM with a front 4 of Kagawa (left), Rooney, Di Maria (right) & RvP (up top). Not the most inspiring o 'wishlists' I know but it answers 2 of our main issues i. e. pace/danger down the wing and more solid in midfield.

HB

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Dont be silly Manchester United play Attacking football Moyes will know this if you think we will become a long ball team your an person


ms85

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As ms85 said I think DM will play football the right way the Utd way, I cannot believe that the club would say ok Dave you the man then say to him don't worry about Utd football just hoof it

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04 Jun 2013 11:53:04
Moyes will do what any decent manager does and set his team up to play to their strengths. He set Everton up to play with Fellaini up top due to lack of other quality options.

We only really have Welbeck who could play as a target man, but I don't see that happening.

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03 Jun 2013 23:47:35
Looking at the rumoured targets, and piecing things together it seems the mostly likely to sign are

Thiago, Sanchez and strootman

Thiago wants first team football, and he won't get it at barca, he is in a unique situation where as good as he is, he is still 5th choice behind xavi, busquets, iniesta and fabregas. Amazing considering he could walk into our midfield.
Sanchez is surplus to requirements after arrival of neymar. They will keep tello as backup, no way they will keep a high earning £25m asset on the bench for a second season.

The other names mentioned regularly don't seem particularly likely. Bale, Ronaldo are pipe dreams. United don't do that kind of business. Not sure why di Maria is mentioned, and certainly not for the prices being mentioned he cost Madrid a large fee, I don't see how his value has dropped. Fabregas again, clearly loves barca, has a lot to prove why would he give up on his dream after only 2 seasons? Answer is he won't. Lewandowski, forget it! He has bayern written all over him, the only club I can see beating bayern to his signature is Madrid.

And just to chime in on the Rooney scenario. United will cut off their nose to spite their face I believe, by not letting him move to a rival team. We will therefore have to watch a better player sit on the bench while Rooney continues to underperform for a ludicrous wage. United will think this is a triumph because Chelsea don't have him, I say Chelsea are welcome to him. The fact he is still here makes us look weak. I would give him at most 6months to prove he can justify his wage. But hopefully we will just sell him asap along with nani.

Norts

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Chelsea do not want him

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So why buy Sanchez when he's done nothing at barca. And yet Rooney has had one season where he's underperformed by his standards and you have written him off?!
I do agree with you on di maria, totally over rated. While I I think united have no longer got the financial clout to buy top players of the quality of Ronaldo, bale or lewindawski.
I think strootman and one other player and that's it.
In the meantime, Chelsea will strengthen, city have already bought an excellent winger in navas. Barca, Bayern have already strengthened.
The fact that thiago as you say, is fifth choice at barca, yet he'll walk into our midfield is shocking. So don't hold your breath for major top signings. Saf would have told Moyes there's no value in the market!

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How is Thiago being 5th choice shocking when probably 95% of the midfielders in the world would be 5th choice, they simply have the best players in the world in those positions of the last 5 years
Invisible STuey {Ed004's Note - The only players IMO good enough of getting into that midfield would be Schweinsteiger, Martinez and possibly Gundogan at a push and I doubt he would}

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I say buy Sanchez because, I think he would fit like a glove at united and in the prem. he doesn't suit barca's tiki taka slow build up play. His fee wouldn't be crazy either, €20m would probably be enough.
And the difference between him and Rooney is Rooney earns more than double that of Sanchez. I've said before on here that when you earn that kind of money, under performing for a full season just is not acceptable. Messi and Ronaldo don't do it. Wayne earned the comparisons to those players when he demanded the big money to stay. Unfortunately he has started going backwards whereas the other 2 have improved. So for me either start improving and quickly, take 50% wage cut or goodbye. Is what I would be saying to Wayne.

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Hiii guys long time no post. edoo4 a question for you. Do you think kagawa could get into barcelonas midfield? I think he'll be great in their set up.

Singh {Ed004's Note - He would suit their style of play but he is not better than there main playmaker Iniesta so no but he wouldn't look out of place in their style of play and I suppose he could play left wing}

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04 Jun 2013 11:58:54
Ed i'd include Vidal in that as well. But the point us still the same. Xavi and Iniesta are the best two midfielders in the world. The only chance you have of getting into that Barca midfield is to replace Busquets. And the only players imo who could be better than him in his role are Schweinstieger, Martinez and Vidal. Gundogan is a possiblity but maybe wouldn't have the defensive discpline to play in Busquets role at Barca.

So for a player like Thiago who is a top talent, he will always be second best to players like Xavi and Iniesta unless he moves away and get the game time he needs to improve and become one of the best midfielders on the planet. {Ed004's Note - I agree}

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Cool cool ed004. thanks for the reply.

singh

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We have a crap midfield but Barca o not have the best four in the world, what about Silva and Toure at City, what about Mata and Hazard at Chelsea, What about Gundogan and Reus at Dortmund. Of course you also mentioned Bayern. But the midfields at Juve and PSG aren't that bad either.
We simply do not have the right players in this area of the park.

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