Manchester United Banter Archive August 05 2015

05 Aug 2015 23:24:38
It seemed lvg wanted his business done before American tour and we signed nearly everyone the few days before! it would be very strange to suggest we are still in the market for 3 or 4 players this late after the deadline set and the week of the season. Strikes me as something clearly hasn't gone to plan in this market ie losing di maria and chasing a ghost last like ramos. Pedro seems a cert

06 Aug 2015 00:00:31
The issues surrounding Valdes & DeGea makes me believe we will go in for Lloris after this weekends game before the window closes. Pedro looks set to replace slither.

So that just leaves a CB and ST.

3/4 more signings coming in wouldn't be a surprise to me.

Just hope it's the right ones.

06 Aug 2015 06:22:14
Transfers are not always straight forward, even for the teams that have huge resources. Just look at the Madrid Bale saga from a few summers ago.

06 Aug 2015 10:21:28
Seeing as Chelsea, City, Arsenal still have work to do on their squads I guess that means things haven't gone to plan for them either?

Or perhaps here in the real world its not just as simple as slapping down the cash and demanding a player is signed? There are 3 parties that all must agree - the buying club, selling club and the player. You can't force the other parties into anything and sometimes the selling club will drag things out looking for the best price which is fair enough.

We've made 4 great signings and I'm confident we will make more. Plenty of time in the window too.

06 Aug 2015 13:23:37
I completely agree with Beast, but would like to add that Rooney has to be the most frustrating player we have (for me personally)

He hasn't the right Aura for captaincy.

But unfortunately before Schweinsteiger, we literally had limited choices for the post. RVP, Herrera, Valencia and maybe even Rafael were the only guys who possess that little spark of dictatorship for me. I believe Jones was purchased largely due to his potential in leadership too.
Rooney has lost that spark we saw in the days he argued with ref, and then banged in a beauty out of frustration against Newcastle all those years ago.

It's hard to be fair to him, but the press done their best to take that wildness when he got anihilated for swearing after scoring an important goal.
I miss that granny adoring Rooney, he should have been captain. Not this pretender who held our club to ransom.

SEEEEEE I don't always sit on the shelf!!! Lol

😎😎😎

05 Aug 2015 20:18:31
Who do you think will end up being signing of the season so far?

I'm going with Obiang - he'll be at a top 4 club within 2 years, Darmian - I'm not sure why it's just a feeling, Milner - a very under rated player & Delph - I've got a feeling he'll be a completely different player at City.

I also think that surprise manager of the year could be Steve McLaren - I don't think that's a popular opinion though.

Any one have any thee suggestions?

05 Aug 2015 20:31:53
Think mcclaren is a great call moon think the guy still has a lot to offer.

I'm loathe to admit it but I think Sterling will have a good season and score a bag full of goals .

05 Aug 2015 20:38:24
I think Depay will be having seen him pre-season. For others Ayew or Mitrovic. Out of the well known domestic deals, Cech is a key one of course.

I also think Steve McLaren will do well - I think Ranieri won't.

05 Aug 2015 20:39:00
Signing mitrovic, manager Monk, both young and hungry. Think Mitrovic will thrive at Newcastle, just hope he isn't starved of service and I'm a huge admirer of Gary Monk, great coach.

05 Aug 2015 20:43:39
Cech will be signing of the season. With a top quality keeper and organiser, Arsenal will finally have the makings of a decent defence.

Arry will obviously the surprise manager of the season when he takes over at City and leads them to a quadruple.

05 Aug 2015 20:44:03
I do think sterling will do well, but how would you justify the price tag to consider him a success?

When you take away the premium he's a £40m player, for that money I'd expect 25 goals minimum and although I can see him getting 10 goals and a similar number of assists yet for me that isn't worthy of £40M

05 Aug 2015 20:57:58
Benteke for me , I think he'll score plenty and McClaren for manager

05 Aug 2015 21:05:26
For me the signing of the season so far for us will be depay or schneiderlin. There has been some amazing signings made this summer though for a lot of teams. Both the ayews will be good. So will payet

05 Aug 2015 21:09:26
I have my reservations about Mitrovic, talented player but his attitude is very Ravel Morrison/ Balotelli-esque and I wonder whether the increased media attention of bath being in the UK and at a club with a huge following will do him any good. Only time will tell though.

I don't think Cech will make a lot of difference, brilliant but I can't remember Arsenal conceding through keeping errors last year, Ospina done really well in my opinion.

Monk is a good candidate for surprise manager, he hit the ground running in his managerial career no doubt, I doubt whether Swansea have a good enough squad to fulfil their managers potential - he's certainly a candidate though.

05 Aug 2015 21:21:03
However moon you say you'd expect 25 goals + from a £40m player but Hazard seems to get plaudits from 10 G's/A's a season, "big game player"? I think he's hugely overrated but I seem to be in the minority, so if Sterling replicates Hazards stats from last year would he too be a success?

05 Aug 2015 21:25:38
Might seem biased of me but I think signing of the season will be schneiderlin. An area we've struggled in and I think we will see a massive difference.

05 Aug 2015 21:42:10
Keeping United signings aside, I'd like too see how Wijnaldum will play his season with Newcastle, as I think we could've sign him as he is a quality midfielder, whatched him since he was at Feyenord.

05 Aug 2015 21:54:32
I think 1) Cech 2) Cabaye 3) Obiang

05 Aug 2015 22:55:54
I really rate Sterling, and think he will shut a lot of the "haters" up this season. Also Benteke will do well at Liverpool. Our stand out player I think (even though he's not a new signing, but if he stays fit it will be like one) is Luke Shaw. I love the guy, great in the tackle, quick and seems to have a good understanding with young down the left flank.
On a side note, it will be interesting to see how Zaha does this season.

05 Aug 2015 23:05:03
Wijnaldom , Allefay for best value for money Hughes for manager stoke to be in top 8

05 Aug 2015 23:18:45
Anon, you would be correct, I would expect more but I'm sure that would justify it in today's market.

Dave, he is a good should but I think he's going to be like carrick and unnoticed for years on end.

Ziko, I think Wijnaldum could be impressive but I think he also needs mitrovic, etc. to bury the chances he creates.

Stand, cabaye is an interesting one, I'm not a fan but back with Pardew, Palaces main man, etc. could work in his favour

05 Aug 2015 23:30:52
I just feel Cabaye is a good player for place to sign. Not a top 4 side player. But he's good enough for EL. Think he's a good signing for them. I too think sterling will have a very good season but like you say for £50m so he should.

05 Aug 2015 23:48:09
Depay for best signing, I really rate him as something special.

Sanchez for best player/ top scorer he is quality and Arsenal will have a fight for the league.

Flop may be Delph even though cheap I don't think he will get the games he thinks he will.

Manager I am going to say Wenger because although I dislike him he has finally caught up with the modern game to go with the tactical mind.

Of the lesser clubs Stoke will finish highest with Palace pushing them and West ham just behind them.

06 Aug 2015 00:46:23
1)Schneiderlin 2)classie 3)cech manager of the year Eddie howe i think Bournemouth will surprise a few people next year and give most teams a run for there money,kind of how blackpool did a few years ago.
Flop signing I'm going to go for Sterling big price tag and a bad attitude, the lads had 1 good season and thinks he's Messi/Ronaldo quality already. give it 4 years and he'll be playing for someone like villa

06 Aug 2015 10:45:33
Depay, either of the Ayews or Wijnaldum

06 Aug 2015 12:49:44
Cabaye, Schneiderlin or Firmino

Manager: Pardew or Eddie Howe

06 Aug 2015 15:07:51
Depay, Ayew (the one from Marseilles) and Cabaye. Pardew to solidify Palace's premiership place, with a shout to Mark Hughes. Think Stoke could be a good outside bet for a European place.

05 Aug 2015 19:18:30
Im going to attempt to start a discussion, based on a thread down the page. Assuming we will play 4-2-3-1 this season, who would be your first choice DM pairing be? I would personally go for Schneiderlin and Carrick. Carrick is the calming influence in front of the back 4 and is vital at linking up defence with attack, and his passing, long and short range, is second to no one in our team and perhaps the PL. Schneiderlins a much more dynamic player, with energy and likes to drive further forward, so that pairing for me would be my first choice.
But where does that leave Schweinsteiger? IMO we will use him sparingly as Bayern did, mainly being used as sub or starting games when Carrick or Schneiderlin are injured or need a rest. There is no doubting his calibre or ability, but I think a lot of people will be dissapointed with how much he is used this year. However in the CL I think Carrick and Schweinsteiger could be vital, and can see him starting more CL games than in the league.

{Ed004's Note - It would be one of Carrick or Schweinsteiger beside Schneiderlin IMO. That's why ideally we will play 433 as I think we would control games easilier and Herrera adds a lot to our team}

05 Aug 2015 19:31:02
but what would lvg play.
i have a feeling it could be schweinsteiger and carrick.

i hope its 4 3 3 tho

05 Aug 2015 19:37:48
@ed004 do you think lvg rates herrera and see what he brings to the team

{Ed004's Note - I don't think LvG does unfortunately and Schneiderlin has been bought to replace him}

05 Aug 2015 19:51:26
ed i would agree with , gutted i'm a big fan of herrera

{Ed004's Note - I think he intends to play 4231 against teams that will park the bus as we can commit more forward however against the top teams we will pack the midfield}

05 Aug 2015 19:58:14
Lvg should seriously be looking to play herrera in a 4-3-3 system. He will be the one attacking out of the 3 cm's. He already did well for bilbao in a similar position.

05 Aug 2015 20:01:17
I fail to see us playing anything but 433.

I think Blind is pencilled in as being the ball playing CB alongside the more established defenders in Smalling, Shaw and Darmian.
Carrick and Schweinsteiger will rotate given their ages to play the midfield playmaker role.
Schneiderlin and Herrera are both at their best as box to box midfielders.
Depay and when he arrives Pedro giving some serious speed on the wings in support of Rooney up top.

I do think our form could take an alarming dip given relative lack of strength in depth but as a first 11 I think we will have a real tilt at the title this season.

05 Aug 2015 20:03:42
Unfortunatly I think the same, I don't think LvG likes Hererra . It's a shame because I really really like him. Will be gutted if he's on the bench all season

05 Aug 2015 20:05:17
BS will start all the big games for sure when fit. He would be 1st choice in every midfield in the country and rightly so.

05 Aug 2015 20:40:28
I agree with Ken. From watching Carrick in pre-season he seemed a bit lost with another midfielder so close to him. I think we will be seeing a lot of Schmidfield and Carrick will be on the bench after 3-4 games.

05 Aug 2015 20:44:38
As an example of what he brings to the team, here's his contribution to our game last year.

05 Aug 2015 22:19:14
Personally I would prefer 433 bs ms and ah behind Mata depay and Rooney. Carrick to rotate with bs and fellaini and Pereira to rotate with the other 2

05 Aug 2015 22:39:10
I think Carrick is entering his last season as a Manchester united player, he will level as a united legend IMO. He will play an important role as back up to BS and in a 55 game season can expect 2025 starts.
IMO a midfield 3 of bs Ms and ah is as good as any midfield 3 in the epl and would not only compete but could dominate for periods in games against most of Europe best. Backed up by Carrick fellaini who can create his own brand of havoc and Pereira I think we are in great shape and to me on the outside it looks like the best way to make the best use of the great midfield options we have. The issue I have with 4231 is that we can only get 2 of mf bs Ms mc and ah into the team.

05 Aug 2015 22:42:37
I hope we do play Herrera more this year, but I just can't see it, especially if we sign Pedro, he was a highlight in the latter stages of last year, but it seems LVG doesn't see him as a regular starter, which is a shame.

05 Aug 2015 22:46:42
Beast you must have been watching a different pre-season to me as I thought Carrick was on of our standout players.

05 Aug 2015 23:31:33
Jade why would pedro hinder Herrera s opportunities?

06 Aug 2015 01:33:45
Because it would mean Mata would be moving to a more central posistion, and I think LVG rates Mata over Herrera. Just my thoughts however.

05 Aug 2015 18:50:44
With it being about 50/50 on if we're going to get a new CB before the season starts would people be against us getting beat off tottenham with smalling and blind having a nightmare.Which means van gaal would have no option than to buy a new CB or us winning comfortably and smalling and blind playing well therefor no new CB opinions please

05 Aug 2015 18:57:12
Why don't we just try and lose every game as that means we will get Messi next year.

05 Aug 2015 19:40:11
Yeah, let's lose every match and when we're playing min the championship we can go after ronaldo and Messi!!

05 Aug 2015 19:42:55
You really do read it all on here

05 Aug 2015 22:34:37
Say what?

05 Aug 2015 22:59:01
Where is ed007? that has to be a straight red card. totally bonkers!

{Ed007's Note - It was Ed004 that dealt with the OP, I'm surprised he didn't reply on it because that's just like the kind of stuff he comes out with to us.}

06 Aug 2015 13:02:18
Ramos might see us lose to Spurs and think ' hot damn, that's the team i want to join!'

06 Aug 2015 16:03:47
I hear ya 007

05 Aug 2015 18:21:30
I keep hoping we sign a world class cb because we obviously need at least one, anybody think we will get one and if u do who? Everyone we seem to be linked with either have new deals in place or we ar apparently not intrested in so I I can't help think we ain't going to be getting one because tbh there ain't loads available out there that would be fit for the prem.

05 Aug 2015 18:40:17
There are plenty out there who are better than what we have its just a case of offering the right package.

05 Aug 2015 22:37:02
Herbie, you can't just go around offering your package to people or you'll get a bad rep.

05 Aug 2015 16:32:26
Ok i am a bit worried right now.

All the transfer news related to United is a bit negative right now

DDG leaving, Lingard leaving, Herreras role uncertain, ADM leaving, Januzaj being loaned, no striker apparently, no news about CBs

The only positive being Pedro looks set to join and don't get me wrong, i am fan of Pedro but surely we would prefer a Gotze or Reus right?

Hope we have something going on in the background

05 Aug 2015 17:22:55
Gotze over Pedro in our current team? U are right you should be worried.

05 Aug 2015 17:36:13
mbd Gotze can play wide and as a striker(not a conventional one) as well. So yea I would take him over Pedro.

Obviously I would prefer the likes of Lewandowski, Benzema etc but none of them seem to be available.

Again I would obviously prefer Bale, Ronaldo etc but they aren't available either.

So if we are not signing an out and out striker then I would rather go for a player who can play as a forward. Pedro has only played wide all his life.

However if we do sign Pedro it will be a good signing but an injury to Rooney would mean we have only Chicha (who is also linked with a move) and Wilson (who doesn't look ready) as the only options.

At that point if you ask me do I want Gotze or Pedro, i'd say give me Gotze.

05 Aug 2015 17:46:04
I think we are feeling the effects of that amazing weekend with 3 coming.in. If these had been spread every week and half to 2 weeks we would be feeling up beat.
Still areas to address but would feel like we were addressing them.
Now it feels like nothing is being done.
Saturday will be the test. play badly/ lose. We will all be panicking. play well/Win then we will settle down again.
Still over 3 weeks of the window left

05 Aug 2015 22:39:00
Brad76 excellent post, you've just summed up the recent panic/misery on this page.

05 Aug 2015 15:34:21
Pedro will be here on Monday for a medical then we will sign Ibrahimovic and one of Otamendi, Savic or De Vrij on or just before the deadline day.

That is what I see this window building up to anyway.

05 Aug 2015 15:55:07
1) My info is that unless something drastic happens the Pedro deal will go through within a week (by next at the latest Wednesday I have been told).

2) Savic signed for A.Madrid 2 weeks ago so cross him off your list.

3) My info is that Otamendi has never really been considered. Looked at certainly but the club were focused solely on Ramos and there was not a Plan B. That could change and my source says Utd do like Stones but don't expect Everton to sell him this summer for any price.

4) No idea on De Vrij

5) Utd could sign Zlatan any day they liked (PSG want him off the wage bill) but he would be a transfer deadline day signing if it happens at all. His age, wages, personality and what it would mean for Rooney's position on the pitch mean that his signing is unlikely.

05 Aug 2015 16:10:20
Didn't savic just join atletico de Madrid.

05 Aug 2015 16:37:23
Sorry didn't know about Savic, I do think the others will happen though based on how the window has already gone and what I have read.

05 Aug 2015 15:20:17
I think everyone starting to panic needs to relax. We still need a centre half and an attacking player, preferably a striker but we're not far away from having a very solid squad. We will put out an 18 on Saturday that will cause Spurs a lot of problems and there's still time left in the window to address our current weaknesses.

LvG knows if he doesn't have a good season this year, him and the wife will be off to retire a year earlier than expected. This is a guy who's not afraid to splash the cash. Just because we have a couple of positions to upgrade doesn't mean the hard work bringing in some quality players is gone. Our poor start last year cost us big but we're in a much better situation this year.

Our poor start last year was down to horrific injuries, poor tactics and LvG being naive to how competitive the league is. All three factors aren't in play now. He's improved our midfield dramatically, with our full backs looking sharp that's a huge improvement and Depay looking like a live wire we are in good stead. There's youth coming through that have a crack and making a dent in the squad. Sure we need a couple more but the major surgery is done and this year compared to last we look a lot more prepared.

05 Aug 2015 15:30:48
I am confident we can win every game next season if we put out an 18. I'd like to see a 5-6-6 formation.

05 Aug 2015 15:18:09
So, looks like Rojo ate Di Maria.

05 Aug 2015 15:12:52
RE: My previous post.

It isn't about people not having opinions, it's about people understanding why we may not sign this player or that player.

How many times, as fans, have we been wrong over the years? A LOT.

We had one of the best defences in the Premier League last year and that includes going through the season playing 3-5-2 at times.

have all the opinions you like, I'm of the opinion that we're looking towards building the best passing team in the Premier League, possibly Europe and if our aim is to keep the ball then we don't have to worry about the opponents in possession.

If we do our job of hounding the opposition, and keeping possession then on paper, it doesn't really matter who is in the defence.

Everyone knows my views on who we should bring in. And if I were in charge I'd look at Cillessen, Pedro & Chiellini.

Moving on further, do you not think there is a good reason why we're not signing Otamendi? or Ramos? etc. there is obviously an aspect of the deal that the club is unhappy with and we won't be forced into the signing like I believe we were with Di Maria.

But my point is simple, whatever we choose to do, try and understand the manager's reason for doing so, accept that Van Gaal understands the players, the game and the system better than anyone of us and that he more often than not is correct.

As for someone saying I have red tinted specs, have a word with yourself mate.

about 4 years ago I was absolutely battered for calling myself a football fan before a United fan and let's not forget that United are my second club, behind Getafe (my home team).

Stop taking everything I said so personal, try and understand the managers point of view, don't state your opinion as gospel.

They are my points.

It's getting rather boring coming on here to the same debates, with everyone having the same opinion.

05 Aug 2015 15:19:32
moon
in theory moyes knows far more about football than any of us.
i don't get your point really football fans talk about football its not a case of knowing more than lvg its just fun to discuss .
thats why there are sites like this

05 Aug 2015 15:22:13
Oh I have missed your posts moon, I agree completely, I've said before I don't think it's urgent that we need a centre back and imo Blind is more than capable bar the odd person saying he's too short, he's 5'10, that's more than tall enough, Canervaro was only 5'8. He's brilliant on the ball and I think compliments Smalling perfectly.

05 Aug 2015 15:58:04
I'm sorry but if you think Blind is the CB we need/want then your more delusional than the Pools "this is our year" brigade.
Just saying.

05 Aug 2015 16:52:54
You've just misread my post completely, I never said he's what we need/want, I'm saying he's what we've got and it's silly going out and buying someone for the sake of it when there's no one available, try not to be an idiot.

05 Aug 2015 17:06:11
Love you too Anon.
He is not good enough to lead our defensive line simple as, doesn't matter which way you look at it, it still the same outcome.
Idiot??? I didn't know you knew me. :-)

05 Aug 2015 17:11:15
Don't open your post declaring your love for me and close it with the cold shoulder, it reminds me of every Friday night.

05 Aug 2015 17:51:52
Most of us have watched every Utd game for the past God knows how many years, from what I can tell LVG wasn't even watching us last season!

Just because some people with power decide to hire him it doesn't mean it's correct. Flip it over, how about ADM & Falcao, did the manager get it right there?

He is our manager and he should get all of our backing come match day - but there are literally 50-100 other managers that would have done a better job with the resources. The pointless gambles he is taking now will come back and bite us!

Too many yes men and we are too tolerant of rubbish. No more excuses for the man, he has had far too much rope already.

05 Aug 2015 18:48:12
Anon you should come to my home town, the girls here will give you more than a cold shoulder.
Might be a little uncomfortable though.

05 Aug 2015 19:57:43
Try growing up in Rotherham herbie

05 Aug 2015 13:54:53
Nothing new in this, but I've spoken to a couple of serious Utd fans and this is the general feedback:

1) Pedro coming (although United initially bid far less than is being reported).
2) No new CB has even been considered (apart from Ramos). Thinking is that the back 4 is strong enough and that it has been the midfield letting us down defensively- new signings should rectify that.
3) No new striker.
4) Next summer there will be serious attempt for Bale.
5) 'Apparently', earlier in the summer we were close to Goetze, but he didn't want to come to the EPL.
6) No serious interest in Harry Kane - it's media guff.

My only thought on the CB situation is that it may be a blessing in disguise. Remember reading lots of comments on here about wanting Mangala to sign - look how that ended up!

05 Aug 2015 14:12:44
I think we do need a CB and I would settle for someone better than what we have like an Ashley Williams, Vertonghen or even Fonte from Southampton to bring some leadership and experience to the back four. It doesn't have to be an expensive flash name.

05 Aug 2015 14:19:14
Twitter?

05 Aug 2015 14:35:33
CUF,

We are all 'serious united fans' on here mate so could just be repeating what we are saying. I generally think if something makes no sense, its probably not true.

05 Aug 2015 15:01:26
I'm pretty sure we all share one thing in common and that's we're all serious Manchester United fans, Thanks for sharing though. Good to hear what people have heard and fully believe we are very interested in bale whether it be this season or next

05 Aug 2015 13:27:58
Does anyone think if we don't buy CB this window we'll leak goals? Our defence wasn't as bad as everyone makes out last season apart from a few shambolic turn outs. With a settled defence I.e shaw and Darmian in the full back positions Maybe a rojo smalling partnership?? With a strong midfield and well Organised unit we should be fine. People hear a name and instantly think he's top drawer without knowing to much about the player really. If Ramos did want to come then fair enough go get him but people are acting like we'll be lucky to see top 6 without a CB

05 Aug 2015 13:39:21
for me it depends on ddg.
i think we conceded a lot of chances last season but not a lot of goals due to ddg.

ddg was by far our player of the year last season which says a lot about our defence

05 Aug 2015 14:38:08
But we wouldn't replace DDG with a post, we would replace him with someone who can also make good saves. Yes, DDG made amazing saves last season and was our best player, but some of the things I read about how without him we will be stuffed goes a bit far.

With a better midfield we should concede less chances than we did last year, on occasions the midfield was walked through last season leaving the defence to cope with 3-4 players running at them which isn't easy.

05 Aug 2015 14:59:12
gds
who said we would be stuffed?
was my above post a bit negative ?

the op made the point that our defence wasnt that bad last year .
i think it was pretty average we maybe didn't let in loads and loads of goals but we looked very suspect at the back.

of course any keeper we buy will be great after all we have never had a problem before . bosnich etc.

and a better midfield will help.
but that doesn't change the fact our back where suspect last year .

tony isn't a rb , we never had a cb that could stay fit , we never had a decent partnership and shaw struggled to be honest .

that might all change this season but that won't change the performance of last year

05 Aug 2015 15:04:40
I don't think DDG is the be all and end all of next season as I said a settle defence will be better along with a more solid midfield. Thus not conceding as many chances, I'd love for David to stay but not if his heads not in it

05 Aug 2015 12:38:58
After hearing the quotes from Gotze regarding his apparent unhappiness at Bayern, any thoughts of bringing him in?

05 Aug 2015 12:50:05
I would love to see Utd sign Gotze. Great player who can play wide left or right as a front three or in the number 10 role.

If we could sign him, as much as I like mata, I would try and use mata in a swap deal for Otamendi.

That just leaves a striker and a goal keeper on the wish list.
Ciilesen and lees doeskin would be my first choices, but if bayern sell gotze there would be no chance of them selling the big pole.

05 Aug 2015 12:59:23
I like Goetze but I think we are looking for someone with more pace than him at the moment. He is a great little player on his day but I think Pedro (even though I am not his biggest fan) is the type of player we need as he is fast and direct.

05 Aug 2015 13:06:24
Bloody auto correct. That should be lewandowski.

05 Aug 2015 13:21:17
Cillissen and who?

05 Aug 2015 11:54:24
The need for a quality centre back is clearly evident and I must say I'm very surprised it hasn't been addressed. Now I'm not saying buy a central defender for the sake of it we obviously want the right player. Perhaps a lack of great central defensive options is the reason we've yet to sign one. The management must of had a shortlist of potential players who would improve the selection. Hummels,Otamendi,Garay,Howedes,Martinez,Varane,Godin. That's just a few of the top of my head who'd be better than what we have. Yes some would be hard to get but I'm sure some at the same token could be negotiated. As we go into the season I look at the squad and conclude we need 3 more playersb to challenge. Pedro looks likely and is a decent addition so presuming he comes in that leaves us needed a forward and centre half. Say Garay or Otamendi and lacazette or berahino along with Pedro. Wouldn't be bad. The media expect a big galictico style signing but I'm not so sure. Just on ddg will he start Saturday??? Find the story he's unhappy with hoeks training style very strange. Also Saturday I'd be starting Mata and Herrera. Wouldn't like to see young Adnan going out on loan to Sunderland either if I'm honest.

05 Aug 2015 09:37:44
In terms of United style, what I hate under Moyse and LVG is that they both wanted United to be very disciplined and pressure the opposite teams when they reach the half line. I like United when they play a pressing game all over the pitch starting from the opponents keeper and defenders. that's what SAF's United did all the way. Under SAF I loved when the opponents lead us by a goal or two and then they couldn't escape from their own penalty area. On some occasions in the beginnings of the friendlies I saw that pressing game I like. I hope we play like that next season as the front 3 will do damage when press. What's your preferred style ?

05 Aug 2015 09:51:00
Attack, Attack, Attack :)

05 Aug 2015 09:54:14
I agree with you Ziko. We have looked very unfit which could be why we don't press as much, I hope the new signings bring much needed energy and the whole tempo of our game increases, both with and without the ball!

It would be interesting if anybody knows the stats for league games on distance covered for the whole team comparing SAF (last season), Moyes & LVG's teams. But on the eye everything seems far slower and less mobile now.

05 Aug 2015 09:57:03
When Pep was at Barcelona he used to use this triangle of players to rampage towards the player who was in possession of the ball and it was unbelievable to watch. Teams would turnover possession time and time again but to make that work you must have players who are committed and have natural work rate coming out their ears (Rooney, Herrera or similar).

LVG's problem for me is that he is trying to control too much. He needs to let the team know to follow his most valued principles but then he must relent and let them play to their natural strengths and abilities.

05 Aug 2015 10:07:21
Completely agree ziko. The '94 team was full of pace and power and attacked endlessly. The treble team seemed to think you score 4, we'll score 5 which I love. Fast paced and dynamic works for me every time. Odd as it might sound, I have often found Barca boring in recent years,

05 Aug 2015 10:44:53
its easy to get nostalgic about the good times but go back to our team around 2004 to 2006 and there was a lot of average signings and average football . Likewise the team in Fergies last couple of seasons waa effective in getting results but a lot of the time the football was far from vintage United

05 Aug 2015 11:27:38
I think that possibly our best performance last season showcased the high pressing and hunting the ball back in triangles that was against City, I think (and hope) that now more of LVG's players have come in we will play like that more regurlarly.

05 Aug 2015 11:32:17
Around 2006 to around 2009 that team was entertainment.

05 Aug 2015 11:44:05
Rooney and Pedro absolutely will press like they did before. Depay has the pace to do it too, just needs a little push from LVG and Rooney on the pitch, to do it. I'm getting excited even without a striker and a CB. As ProgrammerFan said "attack, attack, attack! "

05 Aug 2015 07:39:28
Morning all, thanks to the Eds as always for the site.
Do you remember the statement of intent made by the club regarding the £150 million available to spend this Summer. So far, assuming Angel De The Clanger is sold, our net spend as Ed has already mentioned is around £20 million. Fantastic business but this is yet another indication that we could yet still make another signing, one of world class quality. I've said it more than once but I seriously believe we will get someone. Hopefully one of Lewandowski, Bale, Ronaldo. It could be a right to the wire deal as it looks more and more like Pedro is next and we can begin the season with that squad quite comfortably. Each one of the potential signings I've mentioned is to provide competition in the final third including Rooney.

Source: Agut Feeling

05 Aug 2015 07:49:25
I don't think we should spend just because we have the money though. It must be the right player. I really hope to see a lot of Januzaj and Parreria or someone else from our academy this year as we are slowly turning into one of those spend for success teams we despise.

05 Aug 2015 09:13:38
True MAZE. But, I would rather we bought a top striker. I love Rooney and I know he will deliver the goods this season, but, it never hurts to have competition up front.

05 Aug 2015 09:38:28
Like I said PeeB I am all up for spending the cash if it is for the right player but not just going in for someone for the sake of it. For example we shouldn't be looking for a striker to play second fiddle to Rooney, we should be looking to bring in a WC striker to give Wayne and LVG something to think about.

05 Aug 2015 10:11:11
Pedro and a CB and most would be happy. A replacement for de gea if he leaves. A striker next summer for me give wilson a chance januzaj and depay can cover.

05 Aug 2015 11:40:40
If we're to go down that root of you score 4 we'll score 5 then if rumours are true about no CB coming in, ok we have goal scorers in the side but I'd like to think we really push for a quality striker with pace? I would love to see Lacazette or Lewandowski banging in the goals along with Rooney and the the rest of the team! I think Memphis will be a live wire and cause havoc for EVERY prem side! Also, Felipe Anderson although in Italy looks another top talent should be shown on world stage in the colours of Manchester red!

05 Aug 2015 00:58:55
Neymar has more red cards than Pepe in the last 5 years. so, if we were linked with Neymar would people say the same "red card waiting to happen" like they did with Pepe???

(i wouldn't want Pepe by the way lol. but still interested to see what you think.

05 Aug 2015 03:45:47
I wouldn't want either, I can't stand Neymar for his cheating antics, same goes for Pepe, he's a dirty cheating *expletive*

05 Aug 2015 03:49:42
Think they're on a different level anyways bud. Pepe is a dirty ba**ard, but Neymar no matter how bad his disciplinary record is, would be worth buying. Pepe, however, isn't world class so to say.

It's like saying you shouldn't sign Suarez because of his disciplinary past, although once a job-seeker, always a job-seeker.

05 Aug 2015 06:46:49
Number of red cards is relevant. He will always be the football who twice tried to boot a player who was already down. Awful human being.

05 Aug 2015 07:54:09
I think to question anyone's credentials who has held aloft the CL trophy is quite demeaning.

Pepe is a good player, yes a little rash at times and maybe he isn't the best human being but the same can be said for that of Luis Suarez who almost single handedly gave Liverpool the league title.

Pepe is head and shoulders above Smalling, Jones, Rojo and Blind.

05 Aug 2015 09:02:39
We could all probably name 50 CB's better than our best one. Pepe is better without a doubt, but personally I wouldn't like seeing him play for us.