Manchester United Banter Archive June 08 2012

 

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


08 Jun 2012 21:50:22
After reading through most of the posts regarding Modric id be suprised if some people had ever even watched him play! He's a great little player, all this about him not scoring enough or having enough assists is crazy talk. Spurs have lennon and bale to provide from wide and play with vdv just off a striker so the assists come from these areas. Modric runs the games though, he dictates the play, he sets the tempo. Remind you of anyone? Scholes? Oh and he can tackle, and he can shoot(screamer the other week). The money being talked about in football these days is mad and yes 25-30m for any player is nuts but at least he's proven in the prem unlike the m'vilas or the strootmans, why any utd fan would want us to take a risk by spunking 20m+ on a player such as these two yet moans when we are linked with Modric is beyond me. Rant over.

Parks

Believable7 Unbelievable2

Parks

Completely agree with you. I see quite a bit of Spurs and he is head and shoulders their best player. His work-rate and positioning off the ball is amazing too. Half the reason he didn't look as good last season was that Parker was playing in Modric's areas - so Modric was forced wider to find space. He is a superb player.

DarkLard08

Agree1 Disagree0

Think modric would b class for utd. just what our midfield needs

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 21:22:36
Wooooo I have Dzagoev!
SqueakyBum

Believable2 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 20:41:35
Since Javi Martinez appears to be a no go id like to see us bid for M'villa then in addition id love to see some of the following:

Jetro Willems
Viktor Fischer
Nick Powell
Kevin Stroodman
Luuk De Yong
Angelo Henriquez

Im happy with a bid for Modric it can only improve us but if i had to choose just one of Modric of M'villa i think id choose M'villa all depends what funds we have. Lets say we get Kagawa / M'Villa / Modric id be really pleased then if possible a couple hot prospects from the above list would be great, I like Willems im looking forward to watching him this weekend (youngest player in the euros this year) and he plays left back a position which we need to strengthen in my opinion. Please dont sign Baines, Willems has bags more potential and wont cost as much!

Does anyone agree?

LUKE CHADWICKS LOVE CHILD

Believable4 Unbelievable0

Do I agree of buying M'Vila, Modric and Kagawa?.......who the hell wouldnt lol....I just cant see 3 coming In tbh. 2 of these maybe. I would take M'Vila but Modric is more likely imo

lewis.no.9

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 20:17:54
we have a few big numbers to fill this year..a number 7 and a number 9..two big shirt numbers in Uniteds history..weather kagawa gets number 7, i dont know or lewandowski number 9..but i think we need 1 more big signing and i think we can get our trophy back

Believable1 Unbelievable1

Our trophy dream on the only trophies youll see in the next ten years will be cc and league 1 play off
y.n.w.a

Agree1 Disagree6

Liverpool fan?

Goodbye

GDS

Agree1 Disagree1

Im guessing the abbreviation stands for your never walk alone? May i suggest you prioritise your concerns, have you stopped to take note how S**t your team have been recently?

In Europe this year? Thought not!

Finish 37 points behind us did you? Thought so!

Lets put this in to perspective next year we would have to loose and extra 13 games just to finish in the same position you did this year; and the irony surrounding the CC comment is laughable, tell me who are the current carling cup holders? plus you must know very f**ing little to assume anyone would win the CC next year as its now called the Capital One Cup!

LUKE CHADWICKS LOVE CHILD

Agree3 Disagree1

Really? How old are you second poster? 10? I didnt realise banter could be so poor. No go away.

TK-Red

Agree2 Disagree1

LOL Liverpool will be lucky to finish in the top 10

Agree1 Disagree1

Who's this Liverpool clown? Newsflash! You're not famous anymore!

G.A.G.U.S

Agree1 Disagree0

Let's not get too jealous of him guys we all know it's guna be Liverpool's year 'next season'. Or was that this season? Or last? I lose track..........

Gav

Agree1 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 20:11:59
Why the fecking hell is Akinfeev not playing?

Nonsense!

Least Shirokov burst the net for me!

Jono

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Akinfeev is just getting over a very bad knee injury.

Lewandowski has done well for me today :)

G.A.G.U.S

Agree1 Disagree0

There was talk of him being injured

redboy

Agree0 Disagree0

He has been back for a while and has played in games pre tournament so had hopes but obviously not ha.

Jono

Agree0 Disagree0

Oooops ;)

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 20:09:21
Is there any chance of us getting thiago alacantra? If so how much do you think he'd cost?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

There is a 67.476% chance.

Agree4 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 19:59:54
I have mixed feelings about the Modric rumour, his totenham stats are was below what a decent midfielder should, 13 league goals in 125 games!? No more than 3 a season!

Believable0 Unbelievable3

Hes not an attacking goal scoring mid like kagawa

Agree4 Disagree1

He is not an attacking midfielder in the slightest. Is all you look at for every player his goalscoring record? Vidic is one of the best players in the world, he doesn't bang in too many.

Modric pops up with the odd goal but the amount of possession he gains the team he plays for is perfect for what we need.

GDS

Agree3 Disagree0

OMG he's not a striker why are you judging him on goal scoring stats, you crazy fool

Gav

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 19:43:04
Not sure I believe the ledwinski romour, a cant realy c us going for a striker, and if I'm honest ad much rarther c Mvilla join, We have Rooney, wellbeck, Chico, we are all thinking that kagawa is going to play of Rooney but maybe SAF has over ideas, at least it looks like where trying to make a statement this summer, I believe we will look summet like this


De gea.

Smalling. Jones. Vidic. Bains.


Valencia. Modric. Mvilla. Young.


Kagawa.


Rooney


Wat you think??

Believable0 Unbelievable6

Very worried about all this talk of Mvilla he's been poor this season had issues off the pitch and not in same class as Carrick who showed his class back end of season
Fergie is not interested in a player who will not improve us and who is not in same class as Pogba who will be staying!!

Agree2 Disagree6

08 Jun 2012 19:39:59
So, I see Lewandowski scored for Poland earlier on. I don't know what all the hype is about this lad... he doesn't look 'all that' to me.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

Well, considering the quality of the Poland side, no disrespect at all to them, compared to that of Dortmund I think you're being very harsh on him. At Dortmund he has (had) the likes of Kagawa, Grosskeutz and not to mention one Mario Gotze supplying with the ammunition. Although I feel other area's are the priority I think he would be terrific signing for us.

Agree2 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 19:38:09
I'm Shocked Arshavin Left Wing...

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 19:12:00
I think Man u are going to use Kagawa as a central midfielder next year with Carrick holding midfield and Rooney and Welbeck up front. I cant see him drop Welbeck when he's progressing so well. I dont think we'll go for Modric and all we really need now is some full backs.
( I know Carrick isn't great but Fergie likes him so I don't think we'll go for a ball winning midfielder even though we could do with one)

Believable0 Unbelievable7

Carrick holding midfeilder i dont think so hes probably one of the best passers in the league but he isnt an holding midfeilder

Agree1 Disagree0

But we have already gone for Modric, whether it materialises or not is another question, but we are in for Modric.

Sydney!

Agree5 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 19:01:55
Just reading the Rooney to psg stuff to pay for players I would not care who we got in apart from messi and ronaldo I would be so disappointed to see him go such a class player can't loose Hume Gta build a team round him. Just can't see him going

Believable7 Unbelievable2

08 Jun 2012 18:49:39
RE: lewandowski

Firstly the interview with the Poland manager was taken out of context. If you read the full thing he mentions 2 or 3 of his players, one going to United, the other to Madrid. Its a translation error and he simply means his players including lewandowski have the ability to play for us.

SECONDLY, Dortmund are also losing Lucas barrios this yeah so lewandowski is their ONLY senior forward, they will 100% not let him go this year unless they buy 2 or 3 forwards before hand.

Mark my words, lewandowski will not be a United player next season unless BvB buy a couple of real quality forwards.

Believable10 Unbelievable0

They've got marco reus I think?

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 18:46:26
For all of those saying they would like lewandowski at united because he is a great finisher i would like to suggest a different opinion.

I feel that he is a good striker and could be a better option than some, however my main issue is after watching a lot of dortmund and all the highlight clips on youtube etc i would like to know how many goals would have been scored by rooney or van persie or aguero in that dortmund side?

I would guess that each of the above mentioned strikers would get around 40-50 goals a season with the creativity that he had behind him. I also feel that hernandez or welbeck would have a similar total in the dortmund side.

With those thoughts in mind i feel that for the prices being quoted and the obvious price increase due to playing at the euros i feel that it would be better spending our money on other positions.

Paso

Believable8 Unbelievable1

Good point i do think hes slightly overated

Agree4 Disagree0

I dont think he is overrated as most are saying about how well he links with kagawa and that he scored 20 in a competitive league etc rather than he is 'world-class'.

But for me we have 2 strikers already who are as good who cost us a total of 7-8million and are both happy to sit on the bench if we play 1 up top whereas i feel lewandowski will expect to play almost every game if he is secured for the 15-20m prices being quoted.

Paso

Agree2 Disagree0

Tend to agree he is overated slightly like to see him up against world class defenders then i would change my opinion does look a good player though holds ball up well good controll good in the air and only 23 if the moneys right could be good signing

Agree1 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 18:34:32
The Poles have imploded

Pardoe

Believable0 Unbelievable2

The Poles have surrendered.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree1

Nothing new there then

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 18:23:13
samaras to sign for manchester united. fergie has always been a fan and his performance against poland have helped to assure fans he is what we need... a laugh.
sparky

Believable4 Unbelievable6

08 Jun 2012 18:07:00
That'll be another £5 million on the price tag for lewandowski now

Believable2 Unbelievable2

08 Jun 2012 17:49:36
People seem to forget that Berbatov and Owen are leaving this summer, and Will Keane has suffered a bad injury. So we're going into the season so far with only 3 strikers, and only 1 of them is top quality. Lewandowski makes perfect sense.

G.A.G.U.S

Believable9 Unbelievable1

Couldn't agree more!

Agree5 Disagree0

I do agree Gagus although Kagawa,Modric,Lewandoski plus a DM is rather asking a lot
So if we get those 3 would everyone be happy if we got no more?

Pardoe

Agree2 Disagree0

I think if we get modric a dm and a strikerit will be good buisness id like to see a left back and a left winger but more than likely this will be the season after. the good thing his it looks as though weve got a few pennies to spend

d edwards

Agree0 Disagree0

Do ppl think that fergie wud waste £15-20mil on a new striker when we need a mf enforcer badly also we have 3 1st team strikers in rooney chicha and welbz. rooney will prbly start and chicha and welbz will rotate. and if its true were gna change formation and only play with 1 striker do u think were gna have 3 strikers on the bench no chance. we might buy a young striker like that chillean and play him in the carling cup and incase of injuries which wud of been will keane if he didnt get injured. so no chance we buying lewandowski think his agent and national manager tryin to get him a better contract something like what happened with vucinic

Agree2 Disagree0

I think Lewandowski is more likely than Modric... I can see Spurs pricing us out of signing him

fearny

Agree0 Disagree3

Can anyone tell me how many apperances both owen and berbatov made last season

Agree1 Disagree0

I don't know that Lewandowski would enjoy being on the bench at United. Not to mention Dortmund are getting rid of Barrios this summer. What other senior strikers do they have? Why would they sell Lewandowski? I think if any striker comes in, they will be young and relatively unknown, or another older Michael Owen type buy.

Ruudinthemood

Agree2 Disagree0

Will Keane's injury is bad, but I am sure he is still in our future plans.. and if we are to only play one up top (e.g. Rooney) with Kagawa behind him then I can't see a striker being brought in. I don't know how they all fit into a squad. Just seems too much for me. I could be wrong, just my opinion.

APC

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 17:46:23
Not surprising to see the refereeing is still sh*t at the Euros.

G.A.G.U.S

Believable11 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 17:44:06
Lewandowski took his goal well!, wouldn't mind him linking up with united after the euros?

Macca!

Believable3 Unbelievable2

08 Jun 2012 17:42:03
Papers say poland coach said lewandowski on his way to old trafford...go read manutd.com gossip...he sai he thinks lewandowski might join man utd big difference

Believable0 Unbelievable1

He's sort of in the middle of something...

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 17:39:53
Lewandowski just scored first goal of euros. He's deadly finisher and for what I've seen works brilliant with kagawa. Bring them on

Believable2 Unbelievable2

Deadly finisher?

Agree3 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 17:34:09
If we were too land both Modric and Lewandowski, along with Kagawa, does anyone think a 4-3-3 for certain games could be looked at? I know United have never really changed formation...but with Kagawa, Rooney and Lewandowski up front, Modric, Valencia and Young as the midfield we'd be pretty formidable in the top half of the pitch. A 4-3-3 can be risky defensively...but im not sure there are many other midfields in the league that could contain the 6 above mentioned players! Any thoughts guys?

Believable0 Unbelievable3

Well the good thing is that Utd always have grafters in their team that don't mind doing a shift defensively even Kagawa and modric do atm

Pardoe

Agree0 Disagree0

Utd always play better as a 4 4 2 because theyve always had great wingers fergie changes system away in europe and i dont think there as strong maybe try the formation against the lesser teams in the league, maybe liverpool away
d edwards

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 17:32:33
kawaga scored today in japans wc qualifier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj2VycSCt54

Believable1 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 17:31:40
Thank you Lewandowski. A great start for me.

G.A.G.U.S

Believable3 Unbelievable0

Same as gagus buddy. Let's hope for a couple more.
RomanRunner

Agree0 Disagree0

Lol have we all had him in the dream team?

Agree0 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 17:24:27
Lewandowski already scored in the opening games of the euros,that's why united want him.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Yes we wanted him because of a goal he hadn't scored yet!

GDS

Agree5 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 17:23:02
That is the reason i love Leewandowski he is so good feet hea the lot chucks himself about links play he is top class his price will sky rocket at this tournament sell chicharito sign lewandowski all day long !

Believable1 Unbelievable10

Y not have both

Agree2 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 17:22:47
Lewandowski just scored in the 19th minute of the opening game against Greece, good goal :) maybe all this hype has motivated him lol

LUKE CHADWICKS LOVE CHILD

Believable1 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 17:22:44
Lewandowski scores, FERGIE SIGN HIM UP FERGIE FERGIE SIGN HIM UP!

anon

Believable1 Unbelievable4

08 Jun 2012 17:21:52
Well Lewandowski's price is going up, people will be taking note of him now. On a side note I have both him an Piszceck in my dream team so I think I got an assist and a goal!
SqueakyBum

Believable2 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 17:19:08
Lewandowski scores with 17 minutes at a major tournament, what more is needed?

Believable0 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 17:19:04
lewandowski shows why sir alex wants him

Believable0 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 17:18:47
OK I've JUST changed my mind - let's buy Lewandowski ; )

LOL not sure where the keeper was up to

Gav

Believable0 Unbelievable3

Thanks for the 'disagrees' I was jonking of course so I will take them to be 'agrees'

Gav :)

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 17:18:21
Lewandoski scores within 17 minutes, what more can I say...

Believable0 Unbelievable1

Beautiful cross and the keeper was off his line. Sea of Red and White cheering. Awesome stuff.

Agree1 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 17:12:41
Just a thought, with the news coming through that the polish coach said that Lewandowski is on his way United, I assume he won't cost less than £20m, coupled with our acqusition of Kagawa and yet we are still being linked with Tiote and Modric.
Now if we are to get all of them, I assume fergie will be playing a 4-4-1-1 formation next season with Kagawa playing as the supporting striker. Which leaves us with four strikers now I assume Lewandowski will not sign to sit on the bench and I don't see fergie selling one of chicharito or welbeck which makes me to think maybe the story about Rooney leaving is actually true and the club is just trying to buy his replacement before dropping the bombshell. Otherwise I don't see us really needing Lewandowski. Opinions please?

Believable4 Unbelievable2

08 Jun 2012 17:02:09
Sorry to be a pessimist but

Kagawa - potentially £20 million
Modric - potentially £30million
Powell - £6 million
Henriquez - £3 million
Lewandowski - £15-20 million
Baines - £20 million

These are just the 'guaranteed' signings, adding up to £99 million. With interest still in Asamoah, M'Vila or Tiote. Potentially another £20 million. Where are United getting £120 million to spend on players, before wages? Can't help but think something's got to give. Who are they gonna sell? Park? Berbatov? Anderson? Combined price of £20 million maximum. I'm starting to think there might be some truth in the Rooney to PSG rumours. Or maybe there's new money? I really hope we get all of these players without losing Rooney but I can't see it.

Matt

Believable2 Unbelievable1

Only Kagawa is a guaranteed signing my friend.

Sydney!

Agree3 Disagree0

I was only thinking this today. I think we'd get bit more than £20m for them 3. Add in maybe kiko £4m and nani £25m and few reserves could see us having to splash bout £60/70m. Or maybe fergie will use Rooney to pay for all these players. Personally I don't think Rooney will leave but I've yet to see any player get the better of fergie even though it's 18months ago,but fergie never forgets. We can all wonder and guess what's going on but at the end of the day only a hand full of people really know what's going on.

Agree0 Disagree0

Syd, I know that only Kagawa is guaranteed but people on here seem to think that all of the others are definites. Just a bit of a reality check post.

Agree0 Disagree0

Nani, Anderson, Kiko, Park, Berbatov and the kids would get us £40m minimum. If we spend £90m then we have only spent what we did last summer (£50m).

Sydney!

Agree3 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 16:55:34
I would be over the moon if we signed Lewandowski, he and Kagawa formed a brilliant partnership last year and it would be good to see them together for us!

But I don't want him to take playing time off Welbeck, we have a real gem in him. Hes quick, good touch, good finishing and has a good physical stature. That goal that he scored against Belgium for me is the sign of things to come from him. Just imagine of Hazard scored a goal like that, he'd be instantly worth that 30 odd million pound that Chelsea paid.

If Lewandowski isn't signed, next season will be Welbeck's break out season.

Hoppy

Believable3 Unbelievable1

I agree, Welbeck is about to kick on I think, just hope Park/Giggs don't keep players like Welbeck, Chicho, Ando, Clevs, Kagawa etc from coming through.

DodgyBanter

Agree3 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 16:41:07
Dream team:-
Hart
Lahm Chiellini Koscielny Coentrao
Schweinsteiger M'Vila Fabregas
Ronaldo Van Persie Young

Believable2 Unbelievable9

Koscielny Really?? he's garbage.

Agree1 Disagree2

Yeah I would bench Messi also.

Agree0 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 16:40:29
Hi All


IMO i do not feel we should be looking at buy Lewandowski......

My reason as as such:

He is a Ruud style player and goal poacher much like Chica.

He only scored the amount of goals he did due to the service he was getting from Kagawa and the rest of the team.

Now we have Kagawa i reckon he should be working with Chica to create the same partnership as Chica can play in the same way Lewandowski does.

Lewandowski probabley won't appreciate being rotated often as he would at OT and we could do without an unhappy bench warmer.

Hence we do not need Lewandowski for we have Chica

We have signed a young mexican and we have will as back ups. Why waste a place in the 25 man squad if not needed.

M'villa is who we should be on at or if the gods (not religous at all like) permit Martinez!

Steel, retention and creation as covered wth purchasing M'villa, modric and kagawa!

Ed's what is your view on the above?

MONK {Ed004's Note - I agree 100% with what has been said. I would probably prefer a winger like Muniain to Lewandowski. Surely you could get Muniain for around 20-25 million and a cheap left back along with those 3 I say we would have a strong team for Europe let alone the league}

Believable3 Unbelievable0

Agree Ed004. Would prefer Muniain to Lewandowski. Don't think we need him. I'm not so sure about these rumours linking him to us. It doesn't make any sense for Dortmund to be selling two of their best players, in the same window to the same team. Is he in the last year of his contract or something?

REDFAITH {Ed004's Note - Nope think he has like 4 years left}

Agree0 Disagree0

Lewandowski has two years left on his existing contract. This is why I wouldn't rule him out joining next summer.

Sydney!

Agree3 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 16:19:49
which team site is the most popular? {Ed004's Note - Liverpool by far...}

Believable0 Unbelievable1

They have a lot to moan about ;)

GDS

Agree5 Disagree0

Probably all yapping on about the new king of an field and how next season is deffinately their season

RR

Agree5 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 16:19:13
As a UTD fan I'm glad to see the Utd of old back! We need to strengthen this summer and it seems Fergie is pulling out all the stops to get UTD back to the top by splashing the cash...

I think we struggled in Midfield last season so I'm glad to see Fergie has noticed this.

Kagawa for £12M - Good signing, hope he can handle the speed and physical aspect of the PL.

Modric £30M I think this is the player Fergie wants more than any, he's been linked with him for some time and maybe this is the time it finally comes through, Spurs failure to seal a champions league spot may come back to haunt them. Modric is all about possession and creating chances and I think he will be a great signing and for £30M is only £10M more that Downing so not that bad of a deal is it

M'Villa £17M - I would prefer Javi Martinez as he can play at CB and with the fitness of our defence in question would of fitted in perfectly as cover as well as giving us a box to box midfielder but I can't see us persuading him to leave spain so M'Villa is a close 2nd choice.

Lewandowski £15M + Berbatov - As I've seen on numerous sites his Polish coach has stated he will sign for Utd, I think he would be a good addition, he is a strong striker with good finishing ability similar to Llorente but has the experience of playing with Kagawa where he scored 30 Goals last yr in all competitions inc a hat trick against Bayern Munich. £15M + Berba seems a good deal.

I hear us being linked with Baines who I respect as a player but I feel he has not got the quality to push Evra out of the team and at 27 is not going to take over from Evra in the future on top of Everton's asking price. I think Jordi Alba is the best target as he is 22 with yrs ahead of him to take over from Evra when it's Evra's time to move on in the future. He will be Spain's LB in the coming Euros and for £16M is seen as a bargain compared to Baines. I hear Barca were favourites but may be stalling due to the asking price so maybe Fergie should pounce.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 16:17:01
If any body wants a good laugh go and check out the Liverfool pages. Brendan Rodgers is the new messiah, according to the scousers he'll have them playing like Barca.

Believable5 Unbelievable1

Who?

Lets not stoop to their level, we are better than that. It will be always be their year 'next year' while it is generally our year most years!

GDS

Agree1 Disagree0

They'll have to buy a full new team that can pass then if they're going to be playing anything like Barca

Agree1 Disagree0

Footballs about history as well as the future and unfortunately you will never be compared to this great club of ours as we dominate the other team on merseyside it will be like wise with man city they will be talking about the great rivalry between liverpool and man city in the years to come the signings in the pipe line are going to blow other teams out the water some world class players not your overhyped mediocre kagawa 3rd choice signings we will get our 1st choice because of the great history of this amazing club
y.n.w.a

Agree0 Disagree0

What great history - Shankly made your club - and you shafted him.

You are not even the best team in the area - I think Everton - with none of your massive spending did better than you last year.

Only time you will make the top 4 is in the Championship - and then you will be lucky.

Liverpool todays version of Leeds.

Have a nice day

Mike {Ed001's Note - I think you will find Houlding made the club.}

Agree0 Disagree0

Liverpool fans are so blind aren't they? Whilst United are looking to buy the Hazards, Kagawa's & Modric's of this world, Chelsea looking at Hazard's, Hulks, Higuain's etc, City in for Hazards, Van Persie's, Martinez' etc, Liverpool are looking at nobodies because they can no longer attract the top talent. Keeping their top talent is unlikely to happen this summer. While we are challenging for top spot, they will be challenging for Europa places. Still declining. 7th, 7th, 8th in the past three seasons, perhaps 9th or 10th next season? Still, they always have their history ;)

Sydney!

Agree2 Disagree1

Another disalusioned utd fan your in decline fact, you cant attract top players fact, you cant pay the top wages anymore fact, fergie should of gone 5 years ago fact you are not guaranteed to win league any more too much competition i know it hurts but get over it whats up dont you like the competition it may improve your mediocre teams performances haha
y.n.w.a

Agree0 Disagree3

Its fine throwing names out there it just makes the club a laughing stock when they turn em down keeping throwing the names out and ill keep laughing when they turn em down siders. we have the best up and coming manager in the country who turned a team like swansea into a mid table team on peanuts i would be content with top 4 this coming season and challenging for the title season after youll be lucky to get into top 4.thats reality you keep living the fairy tale live the dream
y.n.w.a

Agree0 Disagree3

Soooo Delusional

Sydney!

Agree2 Disagree0

BR wont have much work to do then will he? You are already a mid-table team.

Sydney!

Agree2 Disagree0

United in decline fact??.... The last 6 seasons, won the league 4 times, second twice. both times we were 2nd was on the last day of the season by one point and by goal difference..... I can put up with this kind of decline!!
Mitch.

Agree1 Disagree0

Get use to finishing second best then because its no longer a two horse race and everyone knows you crumble under pressure utd cant take the competition and fergie cant take the pressure any more hes past it fergie thinks hes king of the mind games but mancini put him in his place he should do what he does with his horses when they get passed it put em out to grass
y.n.w.a

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 16:07:43
Just wanted to say good luck to Stevie Bruce...united legend

Believable4 Unbelievable0

Whats the good luck for?

Welsh Dragon

Agree0 Disagree0

I expect King, possibly Brady (Loan) & Tunnicliffe (Loan) to follow him.

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree0

Sydney

Do you think there is any chance of Brady or Tunnicliffe getting a loan move within the PL next season? Even if it's 6 months only. Didn't see much of either on loan last year but heard they both did relatively well, without setting the world alight. Would like Tunners especially to gain some experience in the PL at some point

Oh and yeh - congrats to Brucey! He can have King if 'the price is right'

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

I would like to see both Tunnicliffe and Brady in the EPL, but perhaps a loan move to the Championship til Christmas and a move to the EPL afterwards is more likely?

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

So brady at hull city last season dont think hes ready for pl just yet needs another season in championship good potential but needs to put consistent 90 min games in
d edwards

Agree2 Disagree0

Yeh I'd be hoping for something like that too, Syd. If either is going to be ready for us in the 2013/2014 season it would be nice to see them get some PL action after Christmas next season. Of course the other way to try and attract PL interest in them by Jan would be to keep them in the squad and play them in CC and FA Cup games until then. That is particularly unlikely with Brady though I would imagine but we shall see

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 16:00:42
I really don't want Baines at united. Yeh he's good, but he certainly isn't class. Theirs much better, younger and cheaper options out there. Also, what are our chances of signing M'vila? I would love to see him at united, but I'm not sure weather we are actually looking at him. Can anyone shed some light? Eds? Fans?

RR

Believable2 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 15:48:13
With all the rumours going around, there is one thing for sure the mighty band of brothers, which we are we will never be far away from the truth. Although i have nothing to add to which players might be running out onto the hallowed turf of OT, i for one look forward too reading everyones comments from what is surely not only the greatest fanbase in the World, but the greatest source of information. You're the Best!

TheBear

Believable3 Unbelievable1

Wipes tears from eyes =0)

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 15:39:14
Lewandowski coming to United. Good signing if true with Berba and Owen leaving and Keane injured.

Believable0 Unbelievable2

08 Jun 2012 15:26:34
Even SSN are nw reporting the comments made by polands coach(franciszek smuda) about lewandowski joining man utd this summer.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 15:14:45
Maybe someone can clear this up for me, did the polish coach Smuda say that he thinks Lewandowski is good for Utd and should go some place like that to grow and did he say that he is going. I've read a few sources and the Daily Fail gives the impression its set in stone while other sources say that he may go.

The comments kind of came out of nowhere anyhow, could be just to boast Lewandowski's profile ahead of their first game ahead and on the back of a great season for Dortmund.

What about the comments that Kagawa made about him earlier, that he was selfish and that he could afford to pass the ball around more, we already have a player in Nani who is that little bit too selfish.

Barca Devil

Believable0 Unbelievable0

The meaning of kagawa's comments were lost in translation. Kagawa would never say it on national tv, his words were translated in a wrong way.
Mick

Agree0 Disagree0

No surprises there then, not like the media to twist people's words around.

Barca Devil

Agree0 Disagree0

I dont think we should read too much into this Lewy link yet TBH. Who's to say the Polish coach wasn't just getting a bit excited and carried away with rumours ahead of their big first match. Coaches and players have been known to come out with some strange quotes during bid tournaments in the past and the media will be buzzing around everywhere

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 15:05:39
do ppl think that fergie wud waste £15-20mil on a new striker when we need a mf enforcer badly also we have 3 1st team strikers in rooney chicha and welbz. rooney will prbly start and chicha and welbz will rotate. and if its true were gna change formation and only play with 1 striker do u think were gna have 3 strikers on the bench no chance. we might buy a young striker like that chillean and play him in the carling cup and incase of injuries which wud of been will keane if he didnt get injured. so no chance we buying lewandowski think his agent and national manager tryin to get him a better contract something like what happened with vucinic

Believable3 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 15:05:12
like i said few days ago modric is on the list of players we are interested in.
we are interested to an extent, but it is far from a done deal.
not sure where the press getting there details from saying its done, that is defo not he case at present.
Jenny

Believable4 Unbelievable0

Well said! According to some dubious 'sources' we have already signed Modric and Lewandowski, let's just wait and see isit

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:51:44
Not saying this will happen but just imagine it

Ins...kagawa, modric, lewandowski, tiote, baines

Teams all over Europe would be s**tting themselves

Discountdave {Ed004's Note - Would rather M'Villa and Izaguirre instead of the last two and it would probably cost a lot less...Would be an unbelievable summer..}

Believable1 Unbelievable2

Baines will have them all quaking in their boots!

T0MB0Z

Agree4 Disagree0

I have to agree with Edd I'd rather not get Baines and Tiote

LUKE CHADWICKS LOVE CHILD

Agree0 Disagree0

Tiote is a solid cm or dm tough tackler , prem proven doesnt try anything fancy just lays it on for the more creative players exactly what we would need especially if modric and kagawa signed.

as for baines hes better than evra in my opinion but i expect you would prefer cissokho (who i believe has some medical problems. not 100% though) or jetro williems who is what 18 yrs old and wouldnt get straight in the 1st team.

yann m'villa who i cant comment on too much as i have hardly seen him play the only thing i know is hes good on fm12 :)

izzaguire not to sure on never seen him

not arguing ed004 i wouldnt say no to your selections id just prefer mine :)

T0MB0Z

Im not sure where i put baines will have them quaking i meant the signings in general thanks for trying to be funny though nearly worked

Discountdave

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:44:25
If united get modric maybe chelsea winning the CL may of been a good thing after all
jred

Believable5 Unbelievable0

I agree jred. Modric has been on my most wanted list for a couple of years now. :D

REDFAITH

Agree5 Disagree0

Mine and yours Redfaith.

Sydney!

Agree3 Disagree3

This time last year you were saying how you'd much rather have Sneijder than Modric?!

T0MB0Z

Agree1 Disagree0

I have never been a fan of Sneijder so you cannot be talking about me? Modric has always been Redfaith's first choice out of the two too.

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree1

Tomboz
was that at me if so your right i would of preferred sneijder to modric last year as they are 2 different players and i felt we needed a sneijder type player more than a modric type if that makes sense but we have signed kagawa to play that role.
Even tho his had a poor season i still rate sneijder highly
jred

Agree0 Disagree0

@Sydney! I was dreading the possibility of him joining Chelsea last season. You could see that a Modric type player was exactly what was missing at Chelsea. I think if we can get him and even if we have Carrick beside him with Kagawa as the AM we will dominate most of the games in midfield and will be extremely creative due to great movement. I rate Carrick as a holding midfielder.

Everyone is going on about signing the likes of Martinez and Mvilla, why not add steel to the midfield by promoting Ryan Tunnicliffe? I tipped him to be the first ahead of Morrison and Pogba to be a regular in the first team if you remember.

REDFAITH

Agree0 Disagree0

T0MB0Z

It's not really an 'either or' as they play in different positions IMO. Now we have Kagawa, Sneijder should not even be considered as he does the same job, just at 2-3 times the cost (of Kagawa). Modric would be sat in the heart of CM

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

RF, Tunnicliffe said on Twitter a few months back that he would sign ANY United contract offered to him. That is why he will make it. Great attitude and wants to play for Manchester United.

Sydney!

Agree3 Disagree0

Totally Agree Sydney!

Great attitude from Tunnicliffe.

REDFAITH

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:41:07
I would be delighted to have Modric at the club as long as the initial fee is no more than £25 mil with a possible £5 mil in add-ons. However, I think the general scepticism about the the possible signing stems from the universal acceptance that we need a quality midfield enforcer.The fear is, if we spend top dollar on a player who pulls the strings from the middle of the park, will we have enough for a string cutter?

BornInToIt

Believable1 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 14:39:48
after watching this video just to check lewandowski out , aswell as reminding me of a tall chicharito due to his positioning but also the great link up play between him and kagawa. anyway make your own minds up...
youtube.com/watch?v=_72W5EdRgD4
sparky

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Youtube clips of players can be guilty of false advertising;Should be treated with the same hesitation as trailers for films.

BornInToIt

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:35:54
Modric: "I will decide about my future after the Euros, I will make the decision where to continue my career. I’m ready for the big tests."
Im ready for Big test ?Does this mean he is ready to move do u think he will join muFc ?
United are Also INtrested in
Powell
Lewandowski
Kwadwo Asamoah
Victor FIscher

Believable0 Unbelievable0

It sounds like his ready to move, it also sounds like his going to wait and see what offers come in.
jred

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:30:47
Im not sure how much of this Lewandowski thing is true, but with his 20+ goals a season, Rooneys 20+, Kagawas 15? Plus goals from young, Nani, Valencia, young and modric then I very much doubt the league will be decided on goal difference. IMO Lewandowski could be the new Ruud Van and would be more than happy to see him in red shirt.

Anyway, enough transfer goss! Let's see who you all have in your dream teams. Here's mine:

Neuer

Arbeloa
Lescott (bargain now Cahill is out)
Hummels
Alba

Ribery
Parker
Gotze

Robben
Lewandowski
Benzema

RR

Believable2 Unbelievable1

Sydney's Sea Monkeys.

_____________Cech
Johnson__Lescott__Boeteng__Willems
___Ribery_____Oezil_____Affelay
___Benzema___Gomez___Van Persie

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree0

Lewandowski was terrible for Dortmund the season before last. Why now after one good season is everyone treating him as a proven 20+ goals a season player?

T0MB0Z

Agree1 Disagree1

Tomboz
because his been linked to united
jred

Agree0 Disagree0

The penny has to drop at sometime for a player so why not get them before their value rises too much? When did RVP first have a fluent season? Last season? Season before? 26/27/28? It wasn't til 23 that David Villa played his first game for Spain. Same goes for Llorente.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree syd but also as soon as a player is linked to united he does get bulled up a lot on this page.
He also becomes average if he then signs for someone else
jred

Agree1 Disagree0

Jred. Seems to be the case.

Sydney. A valid point, I suppose - but only to a certain extent. Llorente was not really on anybody's radar until a few seasons back and that was after 3 great seasons back to back.

Villa was class at youth level and has scored 20 or more goals every season since being promoted from the Gijon B team (excluding this season as he's been injured for the vast majority of it). I believe he too was 23 when he got his first big move (I'm not counting Gijon to Zaragoza) and at that point he cost Valencia just 12 million. He'd scored 20 goals 4 seasons on the bounce and was still cheaper than Lewandowski who has had one good season.

Perhaps the penny has dropped, so to speak,or perhaps he just had a good season and will go back to being a mediocre player again come the start of next season? Nobody can say at this point - but having watched him play a good number of times over the past few years I don't see him being much better than Chico nor better than Welbeck at all. Why spend £15m on such a player when there are other areas of our squad which need to be strengthened more (rb/lb/cdm)?

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

T0MB0Z, I agree, I would prefer to see a LB, RB and two mids bought first.

Jred, couldn't agree more it does happen on every page though, not just this one.

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree0

Who is to say lewandowski won't have another good season? In wich time we wouldn't want to buy him cus is price is too high and all of europes top teams would be after him. To be honest I don't know much about him apart from he's just had a good season, but I have faith in Fergie and if united want him now then that's good enough for me (I'm not saying that united do actually want him)

RR

Agree0 Disagree0

Syd
yer im sure thats the case
on lewandowski im not sure how much truth there is to the rumour.
would we of not done a double deal when we tied up kagawa
would dortmund sell 2 of its best players.
would the poland coach be telling the world about which of his players were moving to other clubs just before the euros kicks off, would that not start a bit of tension if he was letting secrets slip.
just sounds to me as if he is trying to raise the profile of the team and players a bit
jred

Agree0 Disagree0

By the way, good team Sydney, but I think I might just pip you to 1st place haha..

RR

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:22:26
if lewandowski does come to us, im not saying sign him but does that not leave goetze in a difficult situation. two of the clubs star players leaving would surely make him think about his future. i think dortmund will do their upmost to keep lewandowski to keep both the fans and players happy
sparky

Believable0 Unbelievable1

I don't think Götze is ready for a big move just yet. I don't expect Lewandowski to leave Dortmund this year - but even if he does he wont be too hard to replace. If they get £15m or so from both him and Kagawa they'll have plenty to invest in new talent. Unlike us and the rest of the big teams Dortmund have a talent for aqcuiring quality players for very little.

People on here keep saying how us getting Kagawa for the amount we did was a steal - but when you consider he cost them just 350,000 two years ago you have to wonder who has really been robbed.

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 14:15:05
Lol check wikipedia, says lewandowski is a polish footballer who plays for manchester united, bit premature i think, first time post but a fan of the site

Believable0 Unbelievable3

08 Jun 2012 13:39:30
gds

fellaini is better than carrick, park and anderson.

modric is average compaired to scholes, flech, clevs

stop playing ya FM2012 and do sum work.

red squaddie

Believable1 Unbelievable6

Why are you comparing Fellaini to Carrick, Park and Anderson but comparing Modric to scholes, fletcher and clevs? The comparison means nothing at all.

What about comparing Modric to Carrick, Park and Anderson? I know who I would rather have.

Add to that that Cleverley is still learning, we don't even know if Fletcher will play and Scholes is on his last legs, how you can think Modric is average is beyond me, is it just because he plays for Spurs? As you called Modric an attacking midfielder further down I am assuming you have never seen him play. He does everything Carrick does just quicker and more directly, would improve our 1st XI no end and the squad amazingly.

GDS

Agree4 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 13:36:52
To correct you all. The poland coach thinks 3 polish dortmund players on the move. HE THINKS lewandowski MAY move to united. Dortmund issue a not for sale warning. So dont get your hopes up. I wouldnt be suprised if you only see one more new face on top of kagawa. I must say..... I never knew so many of you read the BS in the papers

Believable1 Unbelievable1

He also never states when, I think he could sign next summer.

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree1

I'm not convinced we will sign a striker this summer, but next summer defininitly is a possibility.

RedDevil19

Agree1 Disagree1

2 years ago we had Paul the octopus and this year we have this guy.

Either the players he's mentioned will be moving this summer or he's chatting rubbish.

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

Yeah, Dortmund stated already that he isn't for sale. I can't see them letting go now but I can see this as another signing for the future. You'll hear more speculation over the next yr.

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 13:34:08
I still don't think we will sign a striker. Possibly this Henriquez, who will then probably be loaned out, but not a bigger name like Lewandowski. I just can't see it working. On a side note, I thought we were rid of all the failed attempts at spelling last season with Sneijder; (Snijder, Shneider etc), and then we're linked with Robert Lewandowski. God help us.
SqueakyBum

Believable3 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 13:31:02
Oh my days we are not even in to the transfer window to sign players from abroad and if we have half the summer as reported then the Glazers are in a happy and generous mood this summer.... I for one am definately complaining .

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 13:27:11
Its interesting to see how these rumours in the press correlate with squad restrictions, this is a 25 man named squad with likely additions/ommisions:

1. De Gea
2. Lindegaard
3. Amos
4. Rafael
5. Evra
6. Vidic
7. Ferdinand
8. Smalling
9. Evans
10. Baines
11. Scholes
12. Giggs
13. Carrick
14. Fletcher
15. Cleverly
16. Anderson
17. Nani
18. Valencia
19. Young
20. Hernandez
21. Rooney
22. Welbeck
23. Lewandowski
24. Kagawa
25. Modric

Thats with the registerable additions of Baines, Kagawa, Modric and Lewandowski. That is also leaving out Park and Berbatov who are likely to be sold i think. Jones, Powell and Henriquez don't need to be registered for 2/3 years depending on each, Petrucci, Keane and Tunnicliffe are in a similar boat. If we want someone like Tiote then we have to sacrifice another player, possibly Anderson? I'm not sure. But i think 4 registerable first team additions are likely, and it potentially could be those four.

Next year I think that there could be 5 or 6 places up for grabs: Evra, Amos, Anderson (dependant on performances), Giggs, Scholes and Fletcher might all of left for one reason or another. There will certainly be Giggs and Scholes' places available at the very least. Fabio of course will need to be registered, Jones i think may need to be registered dependant on his birthday and possibly Petrucci.

I just wanted to post this to show people the squad restrictions and the potential options that we have. As you can see numbers are tight, but places will be freed up, a lot has to be considered, but that 25 man squad looks good to me.

RedDevil19

Believable1 Unbelievable0

It has been widely reported that united will listen to offers for anderson so that may free up another space for someone like mvilla or asamoah

Agree0 Disagree0

It hasn't been widely reported, its hardly every day news.

RedDevil19

Agree0 Disagree0

"...widely reported" by whom?


and can we cut out the Baines stuff - that chap from Celtic is much better and I suspect a little cheaper.

Mike

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 13:27:02
Lewondowski is a great player, but I'm not convinced by the speculation, I've cin the interview, itl probz start off a bidding war for him, but we Shal see

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 13:26:54
With the signing of Kagawa and heavy links with modric and now Lewandowski do you think Saf is planning the reverse arrow head formation, it only works if you dont go wide until your in the final third. This could be the line up from midfield to attack, my only worry is the point of the arrow

_________________Carrick_________________

____________Modric_______Scholes_________

______Nani_______________________Kagawa_

With rooney and welbeck and chica rotating upfront.

and with squad rotation obvs.

similar to barca

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Are you trying to say that Rooney will be rotated? Not a chance, he will start all the EPL games when fit and will get the odd rest for CL group stage and Cup games.

RedDevil19

Agree0 Disagree0

I think having watched the likes of napoli and bilbao i believe a 3-4-3 may suit us well.

____Jones______Vidic_____Smalling_____
Valencia____Modric_____Scholes____Evra
____Young____Rooney___Kagawa

and with the likes of welbeck, nani and hernandez on the bench the front 3 can be very fluid and interchangeable and in the wide areas we will have a lot of pace and energy whilst having solidity at the back. IMO this is the way forward for united. {Ed004's Note - Not enough protection in midfield. Didn't Napoli has people link Inler covering in midfield. I think it was Inler?}

Agree0 Disagree1

Thats true, but then i also believe that united should sign someone like mvilla rather than the reported transfer rumours of lewandowski as we dont really need him, yet we need bite in our midfield. {Ed004's Note - So do I..}

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 13:22:21
Not saying I don't believe lewandowski will be coming to OT but would we be believing that a transfer would deffinatly be happening if Roy hodgson said in my opinion ashley cole is going to real Madrid ?

Believable2 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 13:18:39
Ed Can you give a perspective team for next season id like to see your opinion {Ed004's Note - I would love to see, De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Izaguirre, M'Villa, Modric, Nani, Kagawa, Young, Rooney. In a 4231 formation.}

Believable1 Unbelievable1

I like that team but i just cant see Nani being here next season i think Fergie's patience has worn thin... {Ed004's Note - I don't and I hope he is here next year}

Agree0 Disagree0

That looks a good team ED, Modric and Kagawa are the only likely additions to a starting 11 though as Carrick and Evra are valued by SAF.

RedDevil19 {Ed004's Note - Yeah I know, I rate Carrick I just think we need someone that will add a bit of steel to the midfield as in some games that will be required..}

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed004, no Valencia? I'd switch Nani out left, and play Valencia on the right. i thin Young plays better through the centre, excited to see what Kagawa can do though, I haven't seen much of him {Ed004's Note - I like Kagawa a lot he is a brilliant player and a steal in todays market. I opted for Young and Nani as those 3 can alternate with Kagawa.}

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 13:10:34
with all these rumours imagine a team like this

_____________________DDG__________________
Rafael_________Vidic_________Smalling_____Alba
______________Modric_______Asamoah________
Valencia_____________Rooney_________Kagawa
__________________Lewandowski____________

Or

_____________________DDG__________________
Rafael_________Vidic_________Smalling____Baines
______________Modric_______Carrick__________
Valencia_____________Kagawa__________Young
____________________Rooney________________

I wouldnt mind either they are both huge improvements on our team from last season

Believable0 Unbelievable0

IF we do sign modric, kagawa and lewandowski then i think we will play either 4231 or 352.

----------degea---------
toniV---ferdy-vidic---evra
------carrick-modric------
nani------rooney----kagawa
--------lewandowski------

or

-----------de gea---------
---smalling--vidic--ferdy---
-------modric--carrick-----
valencia---kagawa---young
-------rooney-Ldowski

JK92 {Ed004's Note - All you need to make that any better would be to get M'Villa or maybe a left back for the first team. Someone cheap like Izaguirre.}

Agree2 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 13:03:47
Guy's the Poland coach was misquoted he said in his Opinion he think Lewondowski may end up at Man Utd remember this is the poland coach who last week said Kuba was somewhere in England and Piczeck was in Madrid hold fire for now.

RED87

Believable1 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 12:56:20
so is luka modric really going to man united not sure about him doesnt really shine in the big games

Believable0 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 12:55:47
If Lewandowski is signed iv'e come up with a solution we would play but i really doubt it.

____________Dea Gea_________
Rafael______Vidic___Jones___Evra
____Modric___Carrick__Cleverley__
____________Kagawa___________
______Rooney__Lewandowski_____

4-3-1-2.

Lewis. {Ed004's Note - That there formation doesn't utilise our strength out wide and I can't remember the last time we started a game without any wingers...}

Believable0 Unbelievable1

Just a thought ed, with us set to sign Modric after euros and Lewandowski i wondered how we would fit them all in. {Ed004's Note - I have no idea but we have to remember it is a squad game and we will play a lot of games hopefully next year...}

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:55:14
We lost the league by goal difference. Fergies biggest fear.

Rooney sat behind Welbeck and Chicharito coming off the bench when needed was good and we scored a lot of goals.

Now with the German Champions winning front line attack added. Kagawa and possibly Robert Landrover-ski we have an unbelievable squad of options to rest players & to mix it up.

Thanks for the Villa goal Macheda but it's choi for now.

What about Powell & Henriquez if these two 18yr olds are signed? Will they be loaned out to any of these?

Henriquez will he stay at Uni Chile or head to Europe with FC Twente or in England with Crewe or Peterborough maybe?

Powell Crewe or Bolton or tested at United.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 12:50:32
Ed do you this may signal that Rooney is playing in the hole with Kagawa outwide and Lewandowski up top if it happens as theres no way hed join to sit on the bench {Ed004's Note - No I don't... I will stick to my guns and say I do not think we will sign a striker...}

Believable2 Unbelievable0

I am very sure that we won't sign a striker, but if we do then I think Nani is gone and we will play one of Welbeck, Kagawa or Young on the left. If not we would have Kagawa in the hole wit Rooney up top with three class strikers not starting, it wouldn't work.

RedDevil19

Agree2 Disagree0

Based on the other players we are being linked with - part of me is wondering whether a bid from PSG has indeed been accepted and Rooney is on his way out. It seems unlikely - but so does us signing another big name striker.

I fully anticipated another striker being brought in a few weeks ago but am now thinking we'll be playing with one up top next season which would make signing another established striker pointless. Unless Kagawa's going to be played on the wing (which, although not his preferred position, he can do) I can't see us playing 2 out and out strikers very often next season.

T0MB0Z

Agree3 Disagree0

This is a squad game, not all have to fit in the first XI, they have to fit in the match-day 18.

Sydney!

Agree2 Disagree1

Of course, this is true - but what's the point in having 3 strikers on the bench to fill one spot in the team? Granted having strikers on the bench gives us the option of switching to 2 up top - but even if we were to take Rooney off in doing so we'd still have an extra man left on the bench?

If Lewandowski was significantly better than Chico or Welbeck I'd perhaps understand - but IMO he really isn't and will only hamper their development / lower their moral. It's one thing being bumped for one of top strikers in the world - but to be replaced by somebody who is the same age and at the same point in their career would be very demoralising to most.

T0MB0Z

Agree2 Disagree1

In the past two season's we have had Owen, Rooney, Welbeck, Kiko, Berbatov, Hernandez, Nani & Diouf. I do not see an issue when swapping Diouf, Berbatov, Owen & Kiko for just Lewandowski. He will be playing two strikers in the FA Cup/League Cup/some CL group games. And we will be playing two strikers in CL & EPL games. So four strikers is still doable IMO. What if one of Lewan, Hernandez or Welbeck get injured? Then there is two strikers on the field with one on the bench. Lets wait and see anyway, we may well not get Lewandowski.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree1

The past two seasons we've played 2 up top. Kiko and Diouf weren't at the club last season and Owen spent most of the season injured so we effectively had 4 strikers for 2 positions. If we're to shift to having a lone striker I don't see any way of justifying 4 strikers to fill a single position.

T0MB0Z

Agree1 Disagree0

I don't see it that way. Last season we played with two strikers and this season I think we will too. I think we will see Rooney plus one of Danny/Hernandez/new striker in the same line-up in 99% of games next season.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

Kagawa's favored position doesn't really allow a team to play 2 up top and wingers unless there is a strong holding midfielder on the pitch behind them. There's not a chance we would sign Modric and not play him and so the only logical formations we could play which still incorporates wingers as well as Kagawa and Modric would be 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-2-2-1. There's a chance Kagawa will play on the wing but I can't really see it happening.

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

T0MB0Z, I agree with most of that, but I do not see Nasri and Silva as traditional wingers, I see them as central attacking mids that drift out to get the ball. I think Kagawa would play in a similar fashion to these two on either side of Rooney. When the game is in full flow I think everyone will be versatile in attack anyway, it will be very fluid and perhaps positions will not be a strict instruction put on them.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:48:51
Its okay all this talk about formations etc. And in every team scholes has been left out... All im pointing out is after scholes signed on for another year, Fergie said hopefully he can play around 30 games next year....
What if we dont sign another midfielder and thats it?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Scholes will be playing next season - but I think it's difficult to leave out any of the potential new signings as you'd expect them to be playing a fair amount of games next season.
T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

I know, but i was just stating that if Fergie is planning on playing Scholes for 30 or so games, does that really leave room for another midfielder considering the options we have already?
Joel

Agree0 Disagree0

I wouldn't be surprised if Fletcher isn't back this season (and even if he is he may not be the same player) and can see Ando leaving...

That would leave Scholes, Kagawa (who for all we know will be played on the wing), Cleverley and Carrick to fill 2 or 3 central positions. I think we could do with signing 2 new central players and fully expect at least 1 to be signed before the season begins.

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

See, i just cant see Anderson being sold off. I still have faith in the guy, ive always liked him as a player. What about giggs as well, Fergie loves deploying him in the middle. Buying another midfielder will drastically reduce the chances for any more kids to come through and i really dont want that to happen. I was proud of us last season when we stuck with Welbeck, Cleverly and Evans. Separates us from City and Chelsea {Ed004's Note - I don't think Giggs will feature as much this year and I think Scholes will have limited game time. So we would have Kagawa, Modric, Carrick, Cleverley and Anderson going for 3 positions. Bare in mind playing in midfield is a very demanding role I can easily see another room for another midfielder but I doubt Fergie will sign one.}

Agree0 Disagree0

Part of me wants Anderson to be given another chance but at some point a line needs to be drawn. He's had issues with injuries and his weight since signing and has had ample opportunities to establish himself in the starting 11 - none of which have been taken for one reason or another.

I agree that it would be nice to bring through more youth players but feel that football has evolved since the 90's to a point where to compete you need to have top players on the field week in week out. The only upshot of the change is that the bigger clubs are now prone to loaning their up and coming players out to top flight clubs which is where I see the future of youth development.

I confess, I forgot about Giggs but truth be told felt that he was nowhere near as effective this season as he had been in the ones proceeding it. He'll play - but I can't see him playing much.

T0MB0Z

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:46:40
Further to my previous post about Googling Lewandowski, it has changed to 'plays for German Budesliga club Borussia Dortmund'.
Mischief abounds in cyberworld.
Mr Q

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 12:43:32
Ed! If there is any truth in Lewandowski signing I think we may well be resorting to 3-5-2 formation with

De Gea/Lindergaard

Rafael/Jones Smalling/vidic/Ferdy/Evans Evra/Fryers

Scholes/Carrick/Modric

Valencia Kagawa/Cleverly Young/Nani


Rooney/Lewy/Chicharito/Welbeck

Victor J. {Ed004's Note - Way to open. I can not see that working you would need someone like Martinez or M'Villa in defence}

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Even I considered that but since SAF has a lot of faith in Carrick and may be pogba is staying u never know.

Ed! with this formation do you think with these formation role of LB/Rbs would be cut out and we may not need to spend on LB

Victor J. {Ed004's Note - Possibly though I can still see Clyne being signed on a free...}

Agree0 Disagree0

Never.
T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

T0MB0Z

Why don't you elaborate your never. We may well be enlightened by your thoughts if u could share ur precious time.

Agree0 Disagree0

Apologies, no name. Nine times out of ten I will explain my opinion - but in this instance didn't feel the need as I think it's quite obvious.

3 at the back with only one player in front of the defense would get torn apart by most EPL and European teams. We then factor in that the one player being suggested is one of Scholes, Modric and Carrick, none of whom can really tackle apart from maybe Carrick and thus he would be the only player able to provide anywhere near the ammount of cover that would be required. Would we really spend £30m on Modric to place him behind Carrick in the pecking order?

The defense itself is questionable. Everybody on these forums seems to think Evra is 'past it' and Fryers only has a handful of first team appearances. Would anybody really feel comfortable with him making up 1/3 of our defense week in week out? I know I would not.

I could perhaps have saved myself the time of writing the above and simply justified my original statement by pointing out that this team only has 10 players - but thought I'd elaborate a little more. I hope my response is to your satisfaction.

T0MB0Z

Agree6 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:39:49
If you Google Robert Lewandowski the listing for Wikipedia states 'Robert Lewandowski is a Polish footballer who plays for English club Manchester United as a Striker'.
When you click on the link the Wiki page says nothing of the sort.
The internet is a weird and wonderful place.
Mr Q

Believable0 Unbelievable0

It said current club:Manchester United on Hazards wiki page as well

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:37:42
i hope the recent rumours are true about certain players, but im not getting my hopes up yet, isnt it the final day to renew season tickets? just putting it out there :/

Rouge Diablo :)

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 12:28:37
I think the press are going to town on us at the moment, basically these are the deals so far that are allegidly almost done:

- Shinji Kagawa £12 million
- Luka Modric - £25 million
- Robert Lewandowski - £15 million
- Nick Powell - £4 million
- Angelo Henriquez - £3 million

Also on the cards allegidly are Tiote and Baines, you won't get much change out of £30-£40 million for the pair. We are looking at a spend of nearly £100 million if we sign the 6. Some porkies are definatly being told it seems.

RedDevil19

Believable1 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 12:25:42
I am so confused by Fergie's thinking surely a defensive midfielder like M'Villa/Strootman/Bender/Defour/Witsel/Felliani is needed just as much or maybe more than a ball playing centre mid as we have Carrick/Anderson/Cleverley/Scholes/Giggs true that they are injury risks and they are ageing but we have no enforcer that can hold the back 4 and sit all game releasing the forwards.

Obviously i would love to see Modric and M'Villa sign for us with Izzaguire that would be a great summer one of the best in a long time

Believable1 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 12:22:14
Come on guys, how can you be excited we are signing Lewandowski. He is not United quality. I have watched him play, Danny Wellbeck and little pea are better.

Believable2 Unbelievable4

Agreed.
T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree1

There is no certainty we are signing the Pole, but he is a very good striker and I hope we get him. Watch how Kagawa and him work well together.

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree2

I seem to recall reading recently that Kagawa and Lewandowski did not get on very well on a personal level?

T0MB0Z

Agree1 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 12:11:17
If we sign Lewandowski then I for one am baffled as to what we will play next season. We are going to go from not having enough quality to almost too much. The only think i see us doing is selling a winger, playing Kagawa on the left perhaps, Rooney in the hole and then Lewandowski/Welbeck/Chicharito up top? Its a very confusing one if Lewandowski does come in, i for one don't see the point.

RedDevil19

Believable4 Unbelievable1

It will give us plenty of options and I for one can understand us not wanting to break up Kagawa and Lewandowski. They are immense together. I think Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Park & Berbatov will all be leaving, Scholes and Giggs will be gone next summer so why not try and get the transition completed in one go? Lets see what happens, but there will be one or two red faces if we do make this many improvements.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - So who is replacing Nani as we failed to sign Hazard..}

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree Syd ! If you see the Dortmund games Kagawa ends up on the left in most roaming around so i would love to see a front 4

Valencia______Rooney_________Kagawa
___________Lewandowski__________

I cant see Rooney being played as the top striker he doesnt get involved enough

Agree0 Disagree0

Young, Valencia, Kagawa, Welbeck, Cleverley can all play on the wings. Even Rooney can play on the left side of a front three. Lewan is 23, look at RVP now, was he as good as Lewan at 23? There is a lot of potential to work with and he will rotate with Danny if signed.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - I still think we need a recognised Left winger if Nani leaves}

Agree0 Disagree0

I think Young will do fine from the left hand side. We certainly will not be buying these players without balancing the books so Nani is almost certain to leave IMO.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - I don't think Young is good enough and would prefer to see him sold tbh. Wasn't there rumours he was unhappy?}

Agree0 Disagree0

If you watch the Dortmund games Kagawa actually goes through the middle more than any where else on the pitch. He can drift out wide and does it for his country regulary to accomodate Honda but otherwise he is one of the best CAM in the world so why force him out wide when he could have young and Nani/Valencia either side of him?

Paso

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:05:59
Just posted about Lewandowski but came to my mind... Maybe Berbatov will go to Borrusia Dortmund as part of the deal. They will need a striker since Barrios has gone aswell.

Thats if it is true.

fearny

Believable1 Unbelievable0

From what I believe, Dortmund don't want Berbatov

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:01:16
am i the only person not wanting modric at UTD?? theres plenty of AM's out there. how old is he now 27, 28? we could get fellaini for half the price and he younger!

i cant think of many left backs other than leighton bains.(have you noticed the letters in his name LB !! OMG

red squaddie

Believable0 Unbelievable3

Red squaddie,

Read the page, you are not the only one but you are the only one who thinks he is an AM lol. Modric is better than Fellaini and I doubt we could get him for half the price.

There are plenty of left backs better than leighton baines, I am unsure your name technique would work very well, I never saw Danny Mills playing very well in defensive midfield!

GDS

Agree1 Disagree0

I would take Modric over fellaini any day of the week - doesn't do enough for everton imo, Modric i believe could be brilliant for united - he is a great player in a very good spurs team but playing for united is completely different he'll be surrounded by better players which will make him better - i'm not sure what tactics fergie will play having Kagawa, Modric and lewandowski all coming apparently

Agree1 Disagree0

Hes not an attacking mid. He plays where Scholes did at the end of last season, giving passes that either set up someone or put someone in a position to put in a cross, hence he doesn't get many goals or as many assists as an AM. Kagawa is the AM we have signed. Also, if you are going to post about his age then do a simple internet search and get it right. He is 26.

Welsh Dragon

Agree1 Disagree0

He'll be 27 in September - but I suppose that still offers us a good 4 years from him if he does sign.

For £25m it wouldn't be the worst signing in the world and he certainly fits SAF's criteria of having EPL experience. There aren't many players better than Modric when it comes to passing the ball forwards - but part of me would have preferred somebody a bit younger. I'm sure Modric would only improve at Manchester United but I can't see him becoming much better than he currently is. Some of the younger players out there look like they could be better than Modric in 2-3 years time.

That said - I'm not going to believe it until I hear it from somewhere a little more reliable than The Sun. As a journalist I know better than most how little truth is in some of their articles!

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

Modric is 26/27, Scholes is 37/38 so why would we only necessarily get four good years out of Modric?

Sydney!

Agree1 Disagree1

Giggs and Scholes are rare cases. Of course, it's possible that we get longer out of Modric - but most players seem to retire around 32 and more often than not those that don't are nowhere near the players they were in their prime.

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

Very true T0MB0Z mate, but 30/31 is still very young in this day and age especially for small, lightweight players like Mods, Scholes and Giggs. I think we would be looking at Modric past just the four years. I also think if it is a four-year deal it will be very similar to Berbs where the club could extend it to five years if we wished.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

Only time will tell. Perhaps I should have said that we should expect AT LEAST 4 good years from Modric?

T0MB0Z

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 12:00:24
i think united should just go for falcao or llorente we need a 4th striker since berba n owens gone.

LB Jordi Alba
Mid Modric, Kagawa n Kwadwo Asamoah
ST Falcao

Would like to see Douglas Costa at United

Believable0 Unbelievable2

I'd like us to sign Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta. Not going to happen though.

Falcao would be a great signing but would probably cost us around £50m. Can you really see us spending that amount on one player?

T0MB0Z

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:57:58
Can someone source me a link to where the poland coach has stated this information about lewandolski *spelling*

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 15:34:11
Lewandowski is going to Manchester United

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/154434.html

Giants14

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:56:54
The only way I can see both Kagawa and Lewandowski coming to United is if we've offered Nani or Anderson plus cash. Dortmund would be foolish to let two of their biggest names go without something in return, and Nani would be an adequate replacement for Kagawa I guess!

Andy

Believable0 Unbelievable0

I think Kagawa refused to sign a new contract and Dortmund didnt want him staying in Germany, whilst Lewandowski from what im told there is a clause in his contact that says he can listen to offers from abroad trust me when I though he isnt that great and personally dont think he will do well in the premier league
dan

Agree0 Disagree0

I'm 99% sure that we won't be signing Lewandowski, its all a load of rubbish. Where in the squad would he fit in!?

RedDevil19

Agree0 Disagree1

Never in a million years would Nani join Dortmund in a part exchange as we would then be short on a winger and i do not think they are a big enough team granted they have won the bundesliga 2 years in a row still...... Anderson imo may go back to portugal that is why im hopeful that we are interested in James Rodriguez so we could do a part exchange with cash

Agree0 Disagree0

Berbatov... They need a striker he loved his time in Germany, and he is still top class... seems a no-brainer

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:46:49
HI Guys
Arsenal fan here, just a quick question, what do you think your formation and starting line up will be with Kagawa and modric in?

and who else do you think you may get, i think you may need a through and through DM as Fletcher future looks uncertain with reoccuring injury? also i gues another world class ST to play infront of rooney wont hurt you (as long as its not RVP lol)
dan

Believable1 Unbelievable0

Best formtion with just those 2 signings IMO:

RB_______CB___CB________LB
______Modric___Carrick______
Valencia___Kagawa____Nani
__________Rooney________

If we got more defensive minded CM too that would be even better, he would slot in alongside Modric with Carrick used in rotaion for both CM slots

Using the above formation we probably don't need a 'top' striker to come in, with both Wellbeck & Hernandez needing game time. Perhaps a youngster though

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

Do you worry about your back 4 at all as they are not the rock they once were?
would you want any defenders?
dan

Agree0 Disagree0

Dan

Not worried one bit about our CB's if Vidic is fit again next yr we will have the best CB squad in the league IMO - Vidic, Rio, Evans, Smalling & Jones. Full back areas have been a weakness for us in recent times so I wouldn't mind replacing Evra with a LB who's more sound defesively. Rafael should continue at RB, he is not the finished article yet but could well be great given time, we shall see

So just a LB for me. Although Clyne (Crystal Palace) would be a steal for additional cover at RB

What about Arsenal's defence dan? Do you need to strengthen? or do you think if you manage to get M'Villa as well as Podolski your squad will be sorted?

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

Depends on formation i would love 4231
shez
sagna kos TV Gibbs
M'villa song
walcott wilshere poldoski
rvp
with OX and Gervinho as impacyt subs
or if we play we 433 as usualy
same back four
with m'villa song wilshere middle three
lot of rumours song will leave and TBH i am gutted but would prefer a more solid DM like M'villa but knowing what Wenger is like well properly end up with N'zonzi
heres to you next year i would much rather you guys win it than city or chelsea as they have brought the league and city mainly have brought arsenal
DAN

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:35:13
What does every1 on here think about a bid 4 sandro from spurs? Hes young powerful and had plenty of room 4 improvement? Re-newed my ticket today and watch pl years atm really cant wait to the season gets goin again!

Believable0 Unbelievable2

If Modric and Parker are fit he doesn't make their starting 11, we need immediate quality who is proven. Sandro doesn't cut it in that respect regardless of his potential.

RedDevil19

Agree0 Disagree0

I'm actually surprised Sandro hasn't played more at Spurs he looked great when he first emerged. If Parker hadn't have signed I think he would have played all last season and probably done well but until we see him play well on a regular basis it would be a bit of a gamble IMO

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:22:46
If Pogba and his agent had any sense, they would've realised that we are crying out for a physical presence in the middle of the park. There is a very good chance that he could've got a lot of game time this year. I know he is probably going, but if he had have stayed, what's woud people think to this:

_______Pogba____Modric______

__Valencia__Kagawa__Nani/ Young/Welbeck

__________Rooney__________

#ags

Believable4 Unbelievable1

What most poeople dont seem to understand is that pogba is a ball player. He is not a defensive midfielder and the defensive side of his game is very weak. He cant make a proper tackle: pogba needs a defensive midfielder next to him should he play for us next season.
Mick

Agree2 Disagree1

Has he actually gone though ?

Agree0 Disagree2

Mick, I know on paper it's looks a very restricted role, but I'd have liked to see him play there as a box-to-box CM, dropping deeper when we haven't got the ball, but joining up the play and bursting forward when we do have it. IMO Pogba is great at breaking up opposition attacks as well as winning balls in the air. His sheer presence alone would add some steel to a creative but lightweight midfield. I agree he is a wonderful player of the ball too, and this role wouldn't mean that he couldn't do that. Look at Yaya Toure who lies deep for parts of a game, then explodes forward at other times. Also, with his good passing, playing him there with Modric would allow us to move from defence to attack so quickly, something we don't always do. And 'no-name', from what I hear nothing is finalised but it's looking likely. We can all hope though!

#ags

Agree0 Disagree0

#ags

I could see that partnership working well and I've often drooled over the prospect of keeping Pogba as well as getting Modric - I'd be well happy! Anyway, I would see it that neither one of them would be a 'defensive' midfielder as such but they would both muck in between them. Both good allrounders - they would naturally take it in turns to be on the ball creating OR adding defensive cover. They both have the ability to break forward too whilst the other could drop in behind, again to cover

Also, if we do switch to a 4231 formation I think that in itself will improve how well the team will defend as a unit i.e. the bank of 3 in front of Pogba/Modric could apply pressure further up the pitch leading to us winning back possession there at times, especially with our wide men tucking in a bit more than in a 442

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

I have to say guys that even though i am a huge fan of modric and feel that he wilkl be a great signing for us )if it happens) that formation would leave us really open. I feel you would need some one like Carrick or best cased scenario M'Vila, to hold the midfield together. Modric isn't disciplined enough to hold back if pogba has burst forward and vice versa and so would leave huge gaps in front of our defence very similarly to how anderson an dcleverley were at the start of last season.

Both could however play infront of carrick and would be a devastating midfield.

Paso

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:14:43
Appreciate a lot of the Modric signing is conjecture however once transfers start to be reported by 4 or 5 sources including the BBC they are normally correct. Notwithstanding a certain Mr Levy will demand his pound of financial flesh.

Our team options thus far, assuming Scholes and Giggs as squad players only now and assuming Fletcher in that category also, would look to be (preferred team in bold):

DE GEA / Lindegaard

JONES / Raphael
SMALLING / Evans
VIDIC / Ferdinand
EVRA / Fryers (assuming Fabio does go on loan)

CARRICK / New Defensive Midfielder - poss Asamoah but preferably M'Vila
MODRIC / Cleverley

VALENCIA / Young
KAGAWA / Rooney
YOUNG / Nani

ROONEY / Wellbeck or Little Pea

I still think Left Back is our weak spot though £20m for a 27yo Baines would be laughable. I suspect Fergie will stick with Evra for another season though.

A Defensive Midfielder is a further much-touted position we need cover for though I think Carrick's defensive duties are much under-rated. Also does Uncle Fergus think Jones can do a DM job ?

This formation gives us a greater goal threat than our 2011/12 team though there is an obvious question mark over Modric's ability to track back.

Modric looks a straight swap for Scholes to me but its the Kagawa signing that is the step-up for us.

Expect Berbatov to leave and be replaced by the potential of Nick Powell from Crewe.

Fergie likes Park though I think we've lost last 9/10 games he's played in or something daft like that! Always rated Park - I think our losses are tactical slip-ups more than him as an individual. For me he stays though.

Anderson - less sure of as he was alledgedly being touted in player + cash deals and think he's too injury prone.

I would not be surprised if Nani goes given there looks to be deadlock on a new contract offer. If we get £20m that part finances the Modric deal and, accepting that on his day he can be fabulous, those days just dont come around frequently enough to merit his continued inclusion in the first team. I think if we had signed Hazard he would have definitely been off btw.

So Kagawa and Modric gives us more attacking threat and would look to signal a move to a very free-flowing style of attacking play which is obviously much encouraged. I think we may be in the market for a Defensive Midfielder still or a Left Back but not both.

You have to remember Uncle Fergie treats his team as a family, as children. And whilst he can be and has been ruthless in the past I think the close-season will be a case of say 3 in 3 out. For those of you thinking we need more radical overhaul than that I would remind you of FFP and its wage bill requirements!

Thoughts of my fellow Newton Heathites are as always welcome.

Halesini {Ed004's Note - Everything you said made perfect sense until you suggested selling Nani for 20 million... I can't think of any left winger that will score 10+ goals and assists each season even though he was injured for a bit of the season. An interesting point you raised was playing Jones in CDM. He would add physical presence in midfield that I feel we are missing but I do not know if he has the touch, composure or positional sense capable of playing in there vs the top teams}

Believable1 Unbelievable0

For me Jones can cover at CDM but I don't see it being his long term position for the reasons Ed4 mentioned. His composure and close control aren't up to scratch for a midfielder in the modern game, against high-tempo, technically gifted teams in Europe especially. I still believe Jones will become a top quality CB though and if he needs game time in other positions until then, fine

Gav

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 11:05:04
If modric actually wants to leave then spurs and also modric himself knows that nobody is gonna pay 40 million for him.

So i think spurs will be forced to accept a bid of around 25-30 million, and we'll get him anytime soon.

Plus, eds can you tell me about powel's situation? Are we still interested in him? {Ed004's Note - I assume we are still interested in him, but I don't know for sure...}

Believable0 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 11:05:00
Hi Guys
I'm finding all this criticism about Luca Modric a bit confusing.We've all been screaming for a more creative midfield for about 3 seasons now and along with Kagawa we have that.I accept that it looks a bit light weight and we need a ball winner in there and some of the suggestions are good ones but we seem to have forgotten we already have someone that fits that bill in Darren Fletcher.I know theres a doubt about his fitness but if he gets fit again he can do a very good job and is United through and through.

Bazza The Red

Believable2 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 10:59:23
Team for next season


De gea.

Smalling. Jones. Vidic. Baines.


Valencia. Modric. Mvilla. Young.


Kagawa.
Rooney

Strike fear into most premier league teams and put us up there with the best once again,

Believable4 Unbelievable1

08 Jun 2012 10:42:09
Why is it so unlikely that we will sign Modric AND Mvilla? The kagawa transfer fee will most likely be covered by player sales so we still have our full budget to spend. If SAF wants them both i think deals can be struck.

REDFAITH {Ed004's Note - Just can't see where they all fit in. Carrick, Cleverley, Modric, Anderson, Maybe Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Kagawa and M'Villa, along with Jones and Rooney can cover there... Along with reserves that need game time such as Petrucci and Tuncliffe}

Believable2 Unbelievable1

Its what the ed says, there would simply be far too many central midfielders. We would have to get rid of a good few. Without Pogba we have essentially 6 first team choices, two or three of which will/may retire after this season. So for now, Modric or M'Vila would be suitable. That will leave us next season with 4, so expect more action then, maybe we will see Barkley or Rodwell depending on many factors. Tunnicliffe and Petrucci will also hopefully be sufficiently established to have a greater role. This season i think is the beggining of the central midfield rebuild.

RedDevil19

Agree0 Disagree0

Ed004, Carrick has perhaps 1-2 season's left, Giggs and Scholes will be gone next summer, Anderson will be sold this summer. Fletcher is unlikely to return. Tunnicliffe and Petrucci need 1-2 years worth of loans. There is plenty of room for midfielders. lets look beyond this season and we could have:

Modric
Carrick/Tunnicliffe
M'Vila
Cleverley
Kagawa
Petrucci

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - I agree in what you are saying and I would love to see it happen, however I can't see Fergie making those drastic changes but I am hoping he does. I also can't see Anderson being sold this year. If we are moving to a formation that allows more freedom I can see him being kept...}

Agree0 Disagree0

I think it's more than possible we will sign Modric and a ball winning midfielder this summer. I also think Park and Anderson will be sold with perhaps Nani too. I guess we will see soon enough mate.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree1

You have to remember that Scholes and Giggs are probably in their last season. Also, i think we may offload Anderson as there have been a lot of rumours about it. Pogba is on his way. So I think we would have space for M'Vila for example.
Having said that, I don't think Fergie will sign so many new midfielders. He does not like to disrupt the core of the team too much, which is probably right. You never know if M'Vila, Modric, Kagawa would work well together, and they may need time to blend.
SqueakyBum

Agree0 Disagree0

I agree Sydney that Park will be sold, but as for Anderson? SAF has recently said that last year Anderson was considering his future, but was convinced to stay and now is much happier. Fergie is sure that Anderson will become a great player here once his fitness is sorted. He's going nowhere yet.

RedDevil19

Agree0 Disagree0

We will see.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

@Sydney! You forgot to write "To Quote Ed002" before the "We will see" ;)

REDFAITH

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 10:30:49
Modric deal looking more likely now. I'd actually like him in our squad. With him in a more holding midfield and then Kagawa just behind the front 2 with Rooney supporting the midfield.

Brooksy

Believable1 Unbelievable1

Modric in a holding midfield position? ermmmm no thanks.

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 10:21:57
Love Utd through and through but how are we going to attract big name payers this season when they are being asked to wear the worst home/away kit I have ever seen the club come up with. Who designs this rubbish, I certainly wont be buying one this year. Sort it out Utd!!

Believable3 Unbelievable4

I only care about the badge. You really should grow up if all you seem to be bothered about is a kit design.

G.A.G.U.S

Agree6 Disagree1

G.A.G.U.S

Give the guy a break this is a United page and the kit design is something he should be able to comment on without receiving grief and being told to grow up.

Devil Dust.

Agree5 Disagree5

Devil,

To be fair if the guy has major problems with the kit (which actually looks pretty decent when worn) then he possibly should be on a fashion site. Maybe G.A.G.U.S was a bit harsh but it is just another person suggesting we will not sign players for a stupid reason. You seriously think top players won't sign for us because of the kit? It is a Manchester United kit, that's all that matters.

GDS

Agree2 Disagree1

Best kit in a while is the 08 home shirt when we won the champions LEAUGE.

Should do a retro all red like the 70s

MUFC1990

Agree1 Disagree0

GDS

No of course I didnt mean anything about players not signing because of the kit I just meant the guy posted his thoughts on a United related subject and got told to grow up for it.

Devil Dust.

Agree0 Disagree0

Sorry Devil,

Last bit of my post was aimed at the OP, I knew you didn't think people wouldn't sign because of it, you have more brains than that!

Agreed no need for abuse!

GDS

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 10:06:59
What about this team in a staggered 4-2-3-1 formation, obviously there's room for changing Carrick with a new CDM and room for rotation with Scholes, Young etc

_________De Gea_________
Rafael_Smalling_Vicic_Evra
_______Carrick____________
_____________Modric_______
Valencia___Kagawa____Nani
___________Rooney_________

Believable2 Unbelievable0

Thats the team that I would basically go for, Carrick sitting deep breaking up player, holding the ball and then Modric is the man in between Carrick and Kagawa.

RedDevil19 {Ed004's Note - But does Carrick offer enough in that role?}

Agree0 Disagree1

Someone like M`vila or Martinez instead of carrick and we are good

Agree3 Disagree0

The stats that i posted yesterday ed would show that yes, he does. We should be playing posession football, he and Modric are past masters at doing just that. Carrick is only second to Parker in terms of breaking up play in one shape or another. Modric and Kagawa are also hard workers and you will always see Valencia tracking back to help out. So it would be an industrious team who are very slick on the ball which is what we really do want to see.

RedDevil19 {Ed004's Note - But as soon as we play Man City, Yaya Toure would just run straight through the middle of our midfield again... You can not tell me a dominate powerful midfield who is good on the ball will worry all the other teams we play in midfield.}

Agree2 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 10:04:43
Last chance!

www.dreamteamfc.com/fantasyfootball/euro2012/

Password: Disney
PIN: 106178

G.A.G.U.S
--------------------------

just join mate, thanks.

J Hart
D Agger
A Cole
J Alba
M Debuchy
Y M'Vila
M Ozil
B Schweinsteiger
A Iniesta
R van Persie
A Young

JK92

Believable3 Unbelievable0

That sides poor haha

Agree1 Disagree5

Here's my team. I think I'm on to a winner with this one.

Neuer

Arbeloa
Lescott
Hummels
Alba

Ribery
Gotze
Parker

Robben
Lewandowski
Benzema

I was looking at Gomez instead of Benzema, but I'm not sure that he's gauramteed a starting place. Also I believe M'vila is injured?

RR

Agree2 Disagree0

How old are you 10?

the only bad players in that team IMO are agger and the England players because both Denmark and England will probably go out early..

JK92

Agree3 Disagree0

Can we still make transfers?

Agree1 Disagree0

No, transfers ended lastnight

RR

Agree0 Disagree0

Nightmare! i've got Ranocchia in my team and on the squad list its showing 'N/A' next to him so i'm guessing he's out?

Agree0 Disagree0

Just signed up team denton dynamo
p.cech
gregory van de weil
g.chellini
m.hummels
m.debuchy
f.ribery
k.strootman
m.ozil
t.muller
k.benzema
n.jelevic

johndenton

Agree0 Disagree0

JK92,

Not sure what points M'Villa will get in a fantasy football game to be honest, rest of the team looks sound though.

GDS

Agree0 Disagree0

GDS, i was just thinking the same, too late now though.

JK92

Agree0 Disagree0

H.Lloris

P.Lahm
P.Mexes
J.Lescott
J.Alba

B.Schweinsteiger
X.Alonso
Y.Cabaye

D.Silva
R.Van Persie
W.Rooney

I like my chances.

LesDiablesRouges

Agree0 Disagree1

Neuer

Chiellini
Pique
Lescott
Hummels

cabaye
Schweinsteiger
Strootman

Balotelli
Van Persie
Mata

It will be nice to beat you all ;)

Paso

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 10:01:23
Hi I'm a Chelsea fan, just wanted to say that its funny how you lot go from slagging off Modric to praising him when you find out that he might actually be coming to you! If you do get him I believe that you'll have another very good player! But trust me, Daniel Levy won't accept only 25million!

Believable1 Unbelievable2

Really? Everyone here seems to think he isn't worth it. What site are you reading?

G.A.G.U.S

Agree1 Disagree1

08 Jun 2012 09:11:54
Morning guys,

I imagine by now we are all aware of the Modric story being ran by the majority of the press today. I am being told this is 100% true & to expect a transfer to be complete as soon as Croatia are home.
I for one will be made up if this does happen, however I do have one fear - Modric & Kagawa are both very small in height. (Kagawa is only 1 inch taller than Shaun Wright Phillips) I'm now assuming our formation will change to 3 in the middle (one being very attacking) but with Kagawa & Modric starting, we will need to go out & buy a big, tough tackling midfielder to protect the back four. Maybe this is why there is a lot of talk around Tiote? thoughts?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

Tiote is only 5'10" so he doesnt fit your profile however he is tough but Im sure you mean height wise seeing as you mentioned Kagawa and Modrics lack of height. Mvila Strootman or Martinez are all big strong players over six foot (I think)

Devil Dust. {Ed004's Note - So is Carrick....}

Agree0 Disagree0

Carrick might be over 6 foot but he aint big or strong!

Agree4 Disagree0

004

Carrick does not put himself about or impose himself on a game however I fear that if Modric is signed then Carrick will be his partner and to me thats not going to improve us that much IMO.

Devil Dust. {Ed004's Note - I didn't say he did but he is over 6 foot and didn't Fergie say he would play a big part next season?}

Agree1 Disagree0

Exactly 004 do you feel Carrick and Modric would be a good enough partnership for us to seriously compete in Europe or against city ?

Devil Dust. {Ed004's Note - No I don't but I just can't see Fergie signing someone else. I think we need a physical presence like M'Villa or Strootman}

Agree1 Disagree0

They ought to send carrick back as part of the deal and get rid

Agree0 Disagree1

I really feel Modric with either of them would be a serious MF and then we could certainly compete with anyone (Barca included)

Devil Dust.

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 08:18:06
i thought we needed a tough tackling midfielder, modric is a girl so hopefully more players are coming (if Modric rumours true which i hope not)

ms85

Believable1 Unbelievable4

Modric is a different class to the other centre midfielders we have (other than Scholes, but how long can he carry on for?).

I think the people slagging Modric off have either not seen him play or will just moan whoever we sign?

GDS

Agree1 Disagree0

Stop talking sh*t!
Modric is a good tackler, he isn't renowned for it but he can put his foot in when he wants to.
I think it's a top buy if its true for 25 million pounds, he's great on the ball and hardly wastes passes and i think he will score more goals at United than he did with Spurs.
Barcelona have showed that you don't need a tough tackling midfielders, if your ball retention is good.
Some people are never happy...if the Modric deal is true i am really excited already about him and Kagawa coming in.
Stop whinging about it and support the new players that are coming in.

Simmo

Agree4 Disagree0

Not im not happy with him, just feel with kagawa the creativity is there and a hard man is needed IMO

ms85

Agree0 Disagree2

Simmo

Modric is a good tackler ? where did ya pull that out of ?
Modric has many strings to his bow but tackling is not one of them.
However put Mvila or someone like that beside and we would have a brilliant MF.

Devil Dust.

Agree1 Disagree0

He is as good as Scholes at tackling !

Mike

Agree3 Disagree0

Devil Dust

Have a proper look at Modric last season...he can tackle. Like i said he isn't renowned for it because Parker does that for him.
His main asset is his passing and ball retention but he can get stuck in when he needs to.
I also think that if he comes to United he will score more goals than he does at Spurs because of the better quality of players he is gonna be playing with.

Simmo

Agree0 Disagree0

Simmo, you are right he isn't renowned for tackling but he can do it, but more importantly he is great at closing down the opposition and intercepting passes. This is the way the game should be played in this day and age. The days of going in rough are long gone and will only see a player injured or sent off.

Sydney!

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 02:54:21
People never learn do they? Haha....

Last week everybody was raving about Hazard coming when the Newspapers reported he was joining us...then they got VERY angry when the Newspapers said City/Chelsea...and back to raving when they said he's joining us...

BUT THEN..he signs for Chelsea.

Now the Papers are reporting Modric to us and e'rybody is raving about him....not to mention the Paper is the SUN...YES THE SUN...(Superbly Unintelligent Numptys).

Take for example, you are standing 30 steps away from tge edge of a cliff, and a Paper reports saying it is 31 steps...you take those steps and fall to your death whilst looking a person for believing a load of sh*te.

Ps. I will be the first to admit how much of a twit I look if by some random chance we do sign Modric soon...oh, and also my example was the best thing I could think of at this time of morning, so cut meh some slack ;)

MPez

Believable2 Unbelievable0

Mpez

The point is though that originally it did look like Hazard was going to join us but then Chelski won the UCL and that turned his head.
Usually when every paper is running the same story then I think you can take it there is at least some truth in it.
That doesnt mean its nailed on cause Levy wont want to let him go unless he gets silly money.

Devil Dust.

Agree0 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 01:34:36
Lets be honest, Pep will be no.2 to nobody. He's above that in fairness.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

08 Jun 2012 00:49:30
heard from a friend in Manchester (no more in the know than anyone else just what the pubs are saying supposedly) this will be next years 1st team and if so whats the feeling fellow reds
De Gea
Jones Smalling Vidic Evra
M'Villa
Valencia Modric Kagawa
Rooney
Welbeck

seems overly attacking to me but then maybe thats the point, we lost after all on goal difference alone and Valencia, Modric, Rooney and what I understand of Kagawa all willing to track back

Believable2 Unbelievable2

Danny W wont be first choice although he will play his fair share of games imo. I dont think Fergie has bought Kagawa to play him as a winger and I think he will play behind Rooney with Toni and Young out wide. Would love to see Modric and M'Villa in the middle with TC and Carrick also getting their share of match time.

Agree1 Disagree0

08 Jun 2012 00:18:59
Udinese have confirmed the signing of Flamengo defensive midfielder Willians for an undisclosed fee.

The move was announced on the Zebrette's official website on Thursday night, but the club did not reveal any details relating to the transfer or the length of the player's contract.

The 26-year-old's arrival at Stadio Friuli is significant, though, as Udinese are said to have agreed to sell midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah to Serie A champions Juventus.

Looks like we lose out on to Juve

Believable0 Unbelievable0

That's if we were ever interested which i don't think we were!

Simmo

Agree2 Disagree0