Manchester United Banter Archive August 09 2018

 

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09 Aug 2018 23:49:59
Alright boys all is calm now.
The boat now is sailing so all we can do is sail with it
We have good players so now Jose it's up to you give them a bit of freedom and let them play, if we are not in a good position by the end of next season then Jose you can leave Manchester and go to a sunny climate
Now come on United get us off to a good start and 3 points tomorrow nite.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 23:37:04
Good evening gents

Liverpool fan in peace here.

Firstly I got to say I have a lot of respect for your city, I probably spent most of my mis spent youth in Manchester as a scouser either in the hacienda or bowlers, or going back earlier in the twisted wheel nights as the music scene back then in the 90's bossed the country like your team did at the time. Then I had a liam Gallagher hair cut, ray bans, and a parka. Didn't everyone?

Then I got married, my life fell apart, my wife had an affair with a manc, got divorced, and all I had left was footy

Its the first time I've been on your website and I must admit I can't get over the negativity you lads have the transfer window after finishing a strong second place last season

Then I read the Brendan Rodgers comments. please tell me you can't serious?

Ive seen some mad rubbish in bowlers at 6am on a Sunday morning

But. BRENDAN RODGERS

you have a top manager in JM, it's Edwards and his annual bonus you need to vent your anger on

Anyway, good luck for the season, looking forward to seeing you in the away end at Anfield

Let battle commence.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

10 Aug 2018 00:27:00
Cheers mate, I don't buy into all the hyperbole, we are what we are and I will go into next season in a positive frame of mind. MUFC forever.

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09 Aug 2018 22:33:00
Not posted on here for a long time, a mix of a now 5 month old daughter, being bored silly with the football since the new year and the constant whining on here.

Just going to post this and then disappear again for a bit.

In my eyes, we have a team, and squad, capable of challenging this season, if Mourinho let's the players play. I didn't want him as manager, and still don't, but he is here and I'm not going to waste my time whinging about it. I don't see him being here past this coming season to be honest, but who will replace him is anyone's guess.

We could have signed another CB, LB and RW, but why can't the players we have do the job required? They are more than capable.

We have, arguably, the best GK in the world, and Real have now moved on, which is a huge bonus. Our backup GK is Argentina's number 1, and we have an excellent young GK out on loan in his home country getting great experience.

Are two of Bailly, Lindelof, Rojo, Jones and Smalling really not good enough? They may not be one of the 10 CB's that people wanted on here, as a shiney new toy, but they can all do the job perfectly well, if they play to their potential.

At RB we have Valencia who is still capable, Darmian currently, plus a young, very promising signing who will get chances this season, and could be seen as a great bit of business in the next season or two.

At LB we have Young, who like Valencia, is still capable, plus Shaw who has all the talent, if he can leave the burgers alone and knuckle down and get his head sorted. The talent is there, he just needs to work at his game a bit and stay in shape.

In CM we have Matic, Herrera, Fellaini and McTominay who can all play the defensive side. Fred, who I think will be a revelation for us, and Pereira who can link defense to the forward line, with a bit of energy. Pogba who should be given the freedom to play his game. He has the talent to be the best, he needs to show it regularly and stop dancing like a t*t. We also have Lingard who has improved hugely and can do a similar job to Pogba for me, although not at the same level if both play to their true potential.

Out wide we have Martial, Sanchez, Rashford and Mata who are all hugely talented and can do the job required, again if they get their heads down and play to their potential.
Up top we have Lukaku, who scores goals and works hard for the team. Sanchez, Rashford and Martial could all help out up top if needed at times.

For me, before a new CB, LB or CM was signed this summer, I would have preferred an experienced back up striker to help Lukaku and allow the other players to concentrate playing wider or just behind them. Putting the ball in the net was one of the main problems for us last season, in my eyes.

All things considered, I'm not too depressed going into the season with our squad, with the two main additions, not counting a GK that is unlikely to play.
A team of DeGea, Valencia, Bailly, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Fred, Pogba, Sanchez, Rashford/ Martial, Lukaku is good enough to beat anyone for me, if they play to their potential and are allowed to do so by the manager. It is also, good enough to challenge in the league.

For me, it is much more important that Mourinho gives the players the freedom to play, than it was to sign another player at CB or RW. If he relaxes a bit, stops with the 'woe is me' nonsense and let's the team play, there is no reason why we can't have a very good season.

Anyway, back to the shadows for me. Take care people, let's hope we get some better football and less moaning :-) .

Believable10 Unbelievable0

{Ed025's Note - very good post that brendan..

09 Aug 2018 22:52:55
Congrats on the little one pal. Hooefully the season goes better than we all thought and we can all have a laugh again soon.

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09 Aug 2018 23:28:56
Brendan, as a visiting scouser to your page, just wanted to say that your post was one of the best thought out and articulated I've read on any of the rumour pages in quite a while. I agree that you have a very good squad. You finished second last year and at times didn't even seem to be trying to be honest. You haven't had any players poached and have made a couple of signings (Fred is in my fantasy team) . Agree fully with your view on Jose. If he let's Pogba off his leash then anything is possible this season. Remember your start to last season? Looking at the fixture list, no reason why this season can't start the same.

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09 Aug 2018 23:32:05
@brendan We have everything but a manager, so its like we don't have a team. I hope we beat Leicester because if we don't this site is going to explode.

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09 Aug 2018 23:37:56
Brenden81. Great post :-) . I'll admit that I think we could do with 1 Or 2 more players but we still have a good team that can beat anyone. Your right about Jose. He has improved us over the last couple of years and the stats do back it up. It's not all doom and gloom.
WE ALL FOLLOW UNITED!

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10 Aug 2018 00:06:35
Good post bren. Congrats on your new addition. I posted earlier i'm hopeful but not confident. I think we have a coach with a burning desire to win. Its essential that we get a good start. He has to find a way to get the team playing with the same desire.
Jose is in a hole. He needs to find the answers.
We are going into the season with less expectation than any united team for 25 years or so. If they can get on a roll early then with this manager anything is possible.
If we don't then only one thing will happen and that's not a road anyone wants to go down.
Its up to him now to work with what he has and find the impovement required.
I can't wait for tomorrow night.
3 at the back?

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10 Aug 2018 06:55:05
Congrats been hope all are well šŸ˜.

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09 Aug 2018 22:27:52
I'm not an advocate of shiny new signings every year, so in many ways I'm glad we have just added a promising, young right back and quality midfielder. Time for Jose and his team to earn their corn and coach.

Lindelof looked great in the world cup and back end of the season, and Bailly is a machine. Midfield of Fred, Matic and Pogba is very strong in my opinion and I think Andreas could be a good player if given a chance.

Left back is a glaring weakness, as I don't think Young or Shaw cut it. RW can be filed by the world class Sanchez, Martial or Rashford if we don't go with a 3-5-2 which I actually think we should.

There is a good squad in there - the second best in the country in fact right now, but I also think Jose will leave in the summer at the latest and whoever comes in can really fine tune them to a style we fans want to see.

I for one am glad we did not go any wate millions on the likes of Bale, Sandro etc. It's not the way things should be done.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 22:27:52
I'm not an advocate of shiny new signings every year, so in many ways I'm glad we have just added a promising, young right back and quality midfielder. Time for Jose and his team to earn their corn and coach.

Lindelof looked great in the world cup and back end of the season, and Bailly is a machine. Midfield of Fred, Matic and Pogba is very strong in my opinion and I think Andreas could be a good player if given a chance.

Left back is a glaring weakness, as I don't think Young or Shaw cut it. RW can be filed by the world class Sanchez, Martial or Rashford if we don't go with a 3-5-2 which I actually think we should.

There is a good squad in there - the second best in the country in fact right now, but I also think Jose will leave in the summer at the latest and whoever comes in can really fine tune them to a style we fans want to see.

I for one am glad we did not go any wate millions on the likes of Bale, Sandro etc. It's not the way things should be done.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 22:05:52
Just to give a different perspective, after the transfer window we had as compared to Liverpool and City (added Mahrez to an already strong squad) the pressure on Mourinho to win the league is less than what it was last season.

I don't think any of us fans expects to win the league, yes we want us to challenge but I don't think any of us fans thinks we can win it this season. Mourinho has a clear fall guy in Ed Woodward/ Board who he can blame at the end of the season.

Right now I just want Mourinho to get the best out of the squad and not moan/ say negative things. Just play with whatever he has and try to bring out the best in them.

I really don't want him to unleash his 3rd season syndrome even if he hasn't been supported in the market. I want him to be positive work with what he has and entertain us.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 22:18:16
Mumbaiboy

You are not asking for much in the grand scheme of things but i don't see jose cheering up much this season.

On the flip side to that negative point, i also don't see him having his typical 3rd season meltdown now, because as u allude to, the pressure is off somewhat and nobody sees us winning the league.

So for me (and hopefully jose) i'd be looking for a strong epl campaign - top 3 but 2nd wpuld be a very good result. But more importantly, decent cup runs facup final and a decent showing in the CL - qualifying from the grp stage.

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09 Aug 2018 22:19:28
I think we can win it.

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09 Aug 2018 22:37:19
And me Tony.

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09 Aug 2018 22:47:27
Apologies gents,

I also think we can win it - we have a team on paper that can and we would have last season if city hadnt upped their game to levels never seen b4.

Unfortunately, a team 'on paper' needs more than that, and ultimately i don't think we have the glue to take us to the top this season.

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10 Aug 2018 09:07:55
Iā€™m half hoping he stands on halfway line ala Chelsea hand over his mouth having a inquisition after a bad result.

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09 Aug 2018 22:01:29
Frustrating as our window has been, I'm glad we didn't sign anyone for the sake of it. We all know our weak areas, but maybe the players we actually wanted just weren't going to happen. We are always linked with hundreds, yet based on what's happened this window, no one really knows what United are doing. I'm sure we will sign in Jan anyway, especially with the new player rules in the CL/ EL.

Looking forward, I just hope it comes together, I'm done with all the negativity and doom and gloom. So let's just get over it, move on and hopefully have a successful season, because despite what people might think, we do have a a lot of good players and manager.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

{Ed0333's Note - your manager is the catalyst of the doom and gloom. This siege mentality bollox is boring and annoying. You have a decent team who should be challenging but all we here is petty excuses and mundane mind games. Itā€™s getting so old that your fan base is gradually seeing through it.

09 Aug 2018 22:13:50
Ed033, you've got it spot on.

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{Ed0333's Note - thankyou mate. I have no problem with United itā€™s just your manager is annoying as F***.

09 Aug 2018 22:27:16
"your manager is the catalyst of the doom and gloom. This siege mentality bollox is boring and annoying. "

Ed, you say this as if us United fans have bought into this siege mentality. I don't think any of us have. Whenever Mourinho talks negative and $hit most of us haven't been supportive of it. None of us like our gameplay much. As I said in one of my earlier posts, this siege mentality works only if you are dominating or winning. Otherwise it just looks petulant and arrogant.

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{Ed0333's Note - absolutely and I think more importantly that the players are not buying into the siege mentality crap.

09 Aug 2018 22:44:03
Yeah but when you looks at when his siege mentality was at its peak was during his first Chelsea stint.
He came in and Abramovich showered him with signings, he got every player he wanted and he won things with that team and dominated the league. At this point the siege mentality worked and his players and fans bought into it too.

We just have a Europa League (not what we aspire for) and Carling Cup to show far and we barely score any goals and OT goes to sleep every time we play. So United fans have no reason to buy into his siege mentality.

Sad part is despite the relatively low pressure to deliver (since Liv and City are frontrunners) I still trust Mourinho to turn more negative (gameplay and behavior wise) than positive. And this will affect the team and therefore the results.

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09 Aug 2018 22:27:16
"your manager is the catalyst of the doom and gloom. This siege mentality bollox is boring and annoying. "

Ed, you say this as if us United fans have bought into this siege mentality. I don't think any of us have. Whenever Mourinho talks negative and $hit most of us haven't been supportive of it. None of us like our gameplay much. As I said in one of my earlier posts, this siege mentality works only if you are dominating or winning. Otherwise it just looks petulant and arrogant.

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09 Aug 2018 22:29:30
I do agree Ed, but it's also a mix of things that's happened even before JM. So despite it all, I'm just genuinely done with it and just want to support the team, not get caught up in all the BS that surrounds it. It's draining and makes you forget why you fell in love with football in the first place. Know what I mean?

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{Ed0333's Note - I do mate I do. I lived through the Roy Hodgson era.

09 Aug 2018 23:32:04
Ed033, I think "lived" is a bit generous.

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{Ed0333's Note - ha ha youā€™re right...maybe I should have said endured mate.

09 Aug 2018 21:05:13
The arrogance, naivety and complacency have returned to haunt us once again.

This windows spending has been significantly curtailed just as we started to build some momentum towards assembling a side capable of challenging for the title. This was the window to profligate not consolidate.

I've maintained all along that the board are only interested in top 4 finishes and don't see the need to overspend chasing titles when the brand is doing just fine without them.

The irony to this sad story can be seen shining like a huge beacon of hope twinkling like the North Star high above Anfield. Mr Kloop, the self proclaimed saviour of football
once ridiculed Utd for signing Pogba and accused us of ruining football. He said he'd call it a day before paying such extraordinary fees and stated he longed to do things differently. In fact he professed he wouldn't spend the money even if it was available. Strong words indeed. A man of honour and principle in a world of sharks and obscene extravagance. Since his philosophic scripture he's broken the transfer records for a defender and a goalkeeper in less than 6 months. Just let that sink it. It would appear the penny has finally dropped with Mr Klopp. Honour and Principles do not win titles. Maybe he is the one now ruining football? Of course not he's merely changed his mantra. If you can't beat them join them. Liverpool have built on their success of last season we've just screeched to a dramatic stop.

Don't be fooled the team that spends the most money predominantly wins the titles. An man even as principled as Mr Kloop gets it, why don't our board or even some of our fans?

No doubt I'll get some stick for this post, be told we've spent millions but I say to those people WHY shouldn't we and if we want to WIN it's an absolute necessity. Has Pep transformed City using charisma alone? I reiterate If Mr Kloop now gets it why don't we?

We are the second most valuable sports brand in the world. We have the highest turnover in world football. This money is generated by our fans why shouldn't we expect for it to be invested back into the Club?

The Glazers will not bring the glory days back to Old Trafford. We now await the next messiah, the next genius, the next great man capable of doing what others can't. Guess what we could be in for a long wait.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 22:26:30
One dodgy window and weā€™re doomed. Pogba was a world record, Sanchez is probably the top earner in the EPL, big money has been spent. If weā€™d bought Sandro would that have made things OK? I think heā€™s dodgy. How about Maguire? Ā£50M for a defender who canā€™t defend. The club coughed up for Bailly and then Lindelof, both of whom it seems are now not good enough. How many CBs do we buy before we thInk about developing the ones we have.

The odd decision here was giving ajose a new contract. There are clearly issues on both sides so why on Earth did we give him a new deal?

As for the League, City will be strong and if Liverpoolā€™s new signings settle (no guarantees) they could challenge. Spurs have signed nobody, Arsenal were a long way off last year, and Chelsea have a new coach and a new style to adapt to.

We may not win the league but we will be up there and if Fred settles well, Pogba steps up, and Sanchez shows his form, then we will be in there.

DLIB, I enjoy you your osts, they are well thought through and quality but in this case, you need to get over it mate.

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09 Aug 2018 22:26:30
One dodgy window and weā€™re doomed. Pogba was a world record, Sanchez is probably the top earner in the EPL, big money has been spent. If weā€™d bought Sandro would that have made things OK? I think heā€™s dodgy. How about Maguire? Ā£50M for a defender who canā€™t defend. The club coughed up for Bailly and then Lindelof, both of whom it seems are now not good enough. How many CBs do we buy before we thInk about developing the ones we have.

The odd decision here was giving ajose a new contract. There are clearly issues on both sides so why on Earth did we give him a new deal?

As for the League, City will be strong and if Liverpoolā€™s new signings settle (no guarantees) they could challenge. Spurs have signed nobody, Arsenal were a long way off last year, and Chelsea have a new coach and a new style to adapt to.

We may not win the league but we will be up there and if Fred settles well, Pogba steps up, and Sanchez shows his form, then we will be in there.

DLIB, I enjoy you your osts, they are well thought through and quality but in this case, you need to get over it mate.

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09 Aug 2018 22:30:16
Excellent post DLIB. i think the football passion of our owners is next to zero and that shows. They have lacked leadership and although they have achieved their financial goals, i can't help but think that they would have achieved even more had they had a clear direction on the field that would've enhanced the brand even further.
I said recently that the millions of fans around the world can support who they want, and they normally choose successful and entertaining teams, if that part of the equation is removed, then they will soon find out how fickle they've been in not taking the footballing side seriously.

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09 Aug 2018 22:31:52
What a load of nonsense. Shining like a star? Never read so much rubbish.

I sound and feel like Roy Keane after responding to this tripe.

Go and support your flavour of the month the amazing and trophy less Herr Klopp.

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09 Aug 2018 22:56:41
DLIB u talk a lot of nonsense mate. Ed2 has said numerous times glazers have spent HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY AND STILL ARE WILLING TO SPEND.

Problem is your manager is bent on spending on ageing players where in 1/ 2 yrs time you'll need to spend again to replace them.

Even the likes of city w/ all their spending power are still spending sensibly.

No business/ club including utd w/ all their financial mussel can afford to spend 300/ 400M every couple of seasons on ageing players.

It's seems your board have drawn a sensible line and they know the squad isn't as bad as your manager wants people to believe. U don't need to beat city or Chelsea or LFC directly to challenge/ win league tittle. It's midtable teams where u need to beat them and your squad is super strong compare to them.

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09 Aug 2018 23:32:29
AJH - I was just trying to illustrate a point about ambition. I even posted earlier in the summer that I was relaxed about the window and didn't think we needed to spend just for the sake of it, that Jose needed to get the best out of some talented players that had underperformed and I stand by that. Having said that there are obvious deficiencies in the squad which haven't been addressed for which I am disappointed. Forget CB, Jose has signed two and I believe both are good players and deserve a chance. We needed a LB and above all a RW in my opinion to bring some balance to the team. These positions have not been strengthened and if they had we'd have a better chance. I'm not asking for them to break the bank I am realistic. It was hard to invest in those areas when we spent big money on Pogba and Lukaku in previous windows but this was a chance to improve those areas. Don't forget between 2009 - 2013 they invested very little in the squad.

Eric - Bit harsh mate I was only trying to describe the irony of Klopp's words but fair enough.

AAA - I agree mate.

Kopitef - Your entitled to your opinion mate. I'm not advocating that the Glazers break the bank just spend as much as you have pal.

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09 Aug 2018 20:51:38
Very disappointed to see TFM go out on loan again, thought he should have been given a chance this season.

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09 Aug 2018 21:12:04
We all wanted a new centre back and have lauded the signing of Dalot so where was TFM going to play regularly? Bailly, Lindelof, Jones and Smalling all ahead of him as would new signing have been so he prob asked to go out on loan rather than play the odd game.

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09 Aug 2018 22:27:11
Welsh, TFM along with Tuanzebe is the Messiah, itā€™s outrageous that we have lived and them out. Jose out.

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09 Aug 2018 22:27:11
Welsh, TFM along with Tuanzebe is the Messiah, itā€™s outrageous that we have lived and them out. Jose out.

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09 Aug 2018 22:33:31
Good move for the lad. Heā€™ll get 30+ games so we can assess just how good he is. If he doesnā€™t, weā€™ll know that he is just another above average player produced by us.

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09 Aug 2018 20:34:58
Reading the windows posts these last few days has been a bit bizarre. I was listening to Talk Sport today and Durham was berating Spurs for not signing anyone, his view was they should have signed somebody, anybody, and that seems to be the view of many of our fans. I donā€™t agree.

Maguire scores a good goal at the World Cup and suddenly he is worth Ā£50M to Ā£70M. He may be rugged and good on the ball but heā€™s pretty crap at defending so I think we swerved one there.

Mina has gone to Everton which is probably the right level for him, Sandro stays at Juve, based on his form last year another good decision for us. Boateng? Thank God no. Godin was interesting, short term fix and experience which would have been a coup but alas no. Toby is an odd one, Spurs didnā€™t really play him last year and he is available for Ā£25M next year. If e did want him then Iā€™m amazed the 2 clubs couldnā€™t find a sensible price to settle on.

No idea about wingers but I didnā€™t see Perisic as the answer either. Opinion on here was split on Bale and so many names were Nadeem about that itā€™s hard to know what was real and what was made up.

However, I suspect we didnā€™t sign players for one of 2 reasons. Clubs refused to sell, or put too high a price on the player we wanted. Iā€™m cool with that. Like it or not, clubs are richer and donā€™t have to sell any more. That puts the onus on developing the players you have and the ones coming through.

I think the doom and gloom has come from Joseā€™s sour conferences where he bemoaned the lack of activity and dissed the team he has. Letā€™s pretend he had said the following:

ā€˜I am looking forward to the new season, we have a couple of targets but I am relaxed about whether we get them or not. Fred has joined, we have signed one of the most talented young full backs in Europe, and Alexis is like a new signing. We have a World Cup winner and some exciting youngsters ready to take the next stepsā€™

Alas he didnā€™t, but none of that is wrong or inaccurate. What it does is focus on the opportunities and not the negatives. Itā€™s up to Jose now to focus everyone, build bridges with Pogba and Martial, and earn his money.

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09 Aug 2018 21:05:19
Post of the day.

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09 Aug 2018 21:20:44
Still a chance of Real or a European team coming in for Toby before the end of August.

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09 Aug 2018 21:38:53
Tony, the truth is the club have backed managers since Fergie to over Ā£700 million i read. So many decent players, that should be challenging for every trophy. When i look at the team and then at others, i wonder who i would swap? De Gea a massive no against any other keeper. De Bruyne or Hazard? I actually prefer Pogba. Sterling or Mane? Martial, Sanchez and Rashford are just as good. Fernandinho and Kante, i like Matic. Aguero, Kane and Salah or our Lukaku. I think we rival all teams in our lads, seems we can't get the best out of them.

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09 Aug 2018 21:41:38
Well said AJH. I'm really hoping Fred injects some energy in the midfield and frees up Pogba to play a more advanced position. If that happens, I'm hopeful of Alexis playing to his full potential. The thought of Pogba, Alexis, Lingard and Lukaku linking up and playing attacking football is quite exciting. Hopefully, it'll happen.
It's not all doom and gloom peeps.

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09 Aug 2018 21:58:45
Ajh top post.

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09 Aug 2018 22:43:15
Tony. I think McGuire is a good defender and he's improved year on year. I hope he doesn't play tomorrow, because i can see him scoring against us in a free kick situation.
The fact that Mourinho has made it clear that our cb's are not up to the standard required, we are left with the same personnel again and they all know our manager doesn't rate them. This is not a confidence boosting situation.
On the winger situation, Perisic is head and shoulders better than martial and Rashford on the wing. But i would like us to give Chong a go, why not? Also, maybe recruit pulisic as he has bags of potential. I also think julian brandt will be the next superstar, and i would love us to have him in our side.
The world will not end because we didn't buy anyone today, but we are not of the level of City, and liverpool are a better "team". It is up to Mourinho to turn excellent individuals into an excellent team.

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{Ed0333's Note - Brandt, Bailey and a commanding center back and your golden. This managing Man Utd lark is easy.

09 Aug 2018 20:12:34
Watched Denzel Washington on the one show for The Equalizer 2. He replaced Edward Woodward in that, any chance he could replace him on transfers.

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09 Aug 2018 22:11:06
Haha, nice.


I reckon Denzel would be great.

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09 Aug 2018 19:53:21
The window closed, the board declared their ambition for the football side of the business and also showed their real acumen with a new sponsor this week. Maybe they have John Terry lined up to ride to our rescue as a contractless free agent.

As to the window, to make it effective shut it even earlier and extend the deadline to buy or renew Season Tickets until after the transfer window closes, that might make the board do something.

The good news is the expectation, almost a free pass, which will now be very low, City and Scouse to take the big prizes, backs against the wall, circle the wagons. Now will Jose take it and stay or will he walk away. The board probably think he won't walk as he would lose his pay off and show everyone is right about the third season scenario. Big decision because those hollering for a fancy manager might well get a big bite of reality.

Now with the free pass, will JosƩ try to do the best with the established players or mix it and give the young players time, give Chong, Garner, Greenwood and Gomes a chance. If it goes wrong the pressure will and should now be on Woodward and the Glazers. I hope we see youngsters from tomorrow, stuff the owners now, finish10th if needed and give the kids a go. We cannot put full blame on the manager after this window, he needs to make use of that.

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09 Aug 2018 20:45:02
There's no free pass to be tenth redman you wouldn't tolerate Moyes being tenth . The team were runners up last year and have added a brazillian international, Jose will be able to make an argument why catching city and Liverpool will be difficult through lack of player investment but spurs added nobody and I'd have our squad over arsenal's every day . Jose may be underwhelmed at our recruiting but he's paid well for his skill and expertise he's not exactly going into battle unarmed . Young players should play when they deserve to and not to make a point .

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09 Aug 2018 21:37:03
Iā€™d also argue we have added Sanchez as he was pretty crap last year. He looks refreshed and could be like a brand new signing.

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09 Aug 2018 22:09:01
It could be a difficult season, hard to watch our two main rivals have a far better approach than ours. Perhaps 10th was too lenient, that I agree, but are Manchester United about playing for 3rd? Is that what itā€™s come too? I think 3rd is probably where we will end up. Will top players come to us in future if that is the extent of our ambition?

I think we over performed last season to get second but it was time to invest heavily this summer and the owners didnā€™t, despite pleas from the manager. It is inexcusable unless the financial bottom falls out of the football market.

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09 Aug 2018 22:50:41
RedMan, i agree entirely on giving our young players a chance. I would rather see them playing with passion than pogba and martial going through the motions because they don't feel our club is worthy of them. We are NOT winning the PL this year, so might as well play one or two younger players and give them experience.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 19:06:08
I hope everyone is ok. Don't panic; there's an actual football match on tomorrow and we will have eleven players out there. It'll be ok. 3 points and this will all seem like a bad dream.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 19:05:30
Can't help but think; is our lack of transfer activity a board level 'ploy' to enforce Jose to utilise the youth that he has? With the lack of transfers brought in, this surely means an better opportunity for the likes of Tuanzebe, Pereira, TFM and possibly even Gomes and Chong?

Add onto that, Jose seems to have a knack of upsetting the most valuable players (assets, if you're looking at it from a board perspective), why would you fork out Ā£70m on a player that Jose is likely to upset at some point, demand a move away and force us to sell on the cheap just to get this 'toxic' player out of the dressing room.

Believable1 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 19:39:26
Stop with the conspiracy theories and concentrate on the football. In the last 48hrs weā€™ve apparently made bids for Maguire, Mina, Boateng, Zouma, Alderweireld and Godin. Absolute garbage!
Tuanzebe has gone to Villa, did you miss that transfer amongst all the nonsense that was being ā€˜reportedā€™?

Agree3 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 20:14:10
TFM to Fulham as well!
We have got what we have got. Now let's pull together and get on with it.

Agree3 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 18:32:38
Well now that nonsense is over and done with on to the serious stuff šŸ˜ I caaaannnnooootttt wait!

Believable9 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 16:54:21
Thanks a lot for all the updates and info Eds and fellow posters.
Now let's support the team. Hope we finish top 3 :)

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 18:59:15
Liverpool fan in peace, I promise! :) .

Just wanted to say good luck for next season! many would say at this point 'you're going to need it' I won't because I still think you'll be up there despite all the bad press etc, probably best I don't go there! . If there's one thing for certain with Utd is you'll always be up there competing. Rivalries aside I hope you can all enjoy the season ahead so again, good luck!

Believable6 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 19:15:00
Our start is key, I am unsure if Jose can motivate them considering he's a grumpy depressant and he's upset so many. However a good start, Sanchez is like a new signing and then there's Fred. Bailly staying fit is key also. I think it will be a tough season due to Jose. But a good start may change that. We'll see.

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09 Aug 2018 19:16:33
Good man Salah and best of luck to you too.

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10 Aug 2018 09:03:46
Hi Syd . Nice to hear from you. Hows thingsšŸ˜†šŸ˜†.

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09 Aug 2018 18:56:27
Was that really as bad a window as most makes out? We have bought a young RB (Personally have never seen him play) who could potentially get Valencia out of the team (hoping) this season and a midfielder that, if played with Magic, would allow Pogba to do what he did at the World Cup. Freeing up Pogba from protecting the back 4 should have been and was the priority this window.

Obviously we would all like a new CB, LB and RW, but how much can we change a team every season? for me he just needs to pair Bailly and Lindelof more. A fit Shaw should start LB every week. Then the only issue area is RW. Why Sanchez isn't played there all the time is beyond me. Martial was going well LW up to January, why not leave him there and play Sanchez where he had at Barcelona.

Best bit of news was Courtois to Real.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 22:27:01
I think the main concern is that we were hoping for signings that would change our style of play and allow our so called star players to have an actual influence on games rather than them pass them by. Unfortunately we still have no width our wing backs offer little defensively and nothing going forward and we will be stuck playing that turgid 4-3-3 formation which we are lucky to get a shot on goal per game.

Agree0 Disagree0

{Ed0333's Note - I would have gone for Bailey if I were you guys.

09 Aug 2018 22:27:01
I think the main concern is that we were hoping for signings that would change our style of play and allow our so called star players to have an actual influence on games rather than them pass them by. Unfortunately we still have no width our wing backs offer little defensively and nothing going forward and we will be stuck playing that turgid 4-3-3 formation which we are lucky to get a shot on goal per game.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 18:55:55
I might be mistaken but didn't a few people say that the Sanchez deal was a summer deal that was done in January purely as it was then or never. So whilst the window is frustrating we have a full flowing Sanchez which is in effect a new signing.
Just remaining positive.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 18:18:25
Liverpool fan in peace. You boys will be top 4 as always. So you haven't signed anyone for first team bar fred (good player btw) . And you've lost who. Carrick? Appreciate brilliant player but was ageing. Another season of players playing together and you will grind out results in mourinho style. If your noisy neighbours don't tip everyone a new one again then any of us 3 could win title (we are a little overdue) .

You're complaining about glazers (we had hicks gillett) . They run it is a business and have stumped up more for you than almost every other team in the world has had over the last ten years.

You've got an extra 10-15points this year as de gea ain't leaving

Just get some perspective boys. I'm on verge of calling Samaritans for some of you (remember it is a GAME) .

Believable5 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 18:17:34
Just noticed United launch a new app today. really do we not think there are other things we should be concentrating on today? I know some might say they are different departments but surely both would go through marketing does this show we were never going to sign anyone today?

Believable0 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 18:15:57
Is it just me or should we be focussing our frustration on Woodward the guy has proved season after season he is a total plonker and inept at getting things done in the transfer market. Reminds me of the kid in th playground who wants to be friends with everyone but all the bigger kids just use him then laugh behind his back. People can say what they like about the last three seasons but the only correlation is the poor transfer markets, poor performances and Woodward!

Believable2 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 17:29:19
Not everything is over guys. players can still leave remember šŸ˜‰.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 17:48:32
The good news keeps coming in haha.
Also, nice to see Pogba with a shiny new haircut. It disappeared with France, but it came back. Concentrate on football you plonker.

Agree3 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 18:01:33
Whys everyone so obsessed with his haircuts and dancing? Geroge best Bryan Robson and plenty of others were doing much worse. Let's be honest what we care about is him putting that effort in in the pitch.

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09 Aug 2018 18:02:51
We were not able to get the targets. I believe atleast we don't lose Pogba martial without replacement.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 18:04:12
George Best and Bryan Robson did their stuff on the pitch.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 18:05:20
George Best won the eurooean cup for us and the league title. Pogba has done nothing with us so far. Its amazing how he just knuckled down with France and as soon as he's back here, he's back to his old ways.
Bryan Robson, haircuts? Everyone's hair looked like bryan robson at the time.

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09 Aug 2018 18:30:17
But the point is what's his hair got to do with anything? Your complaining about a players personal life he's entitled to do whatever he likes complain about his performances because as I said he could be doing a lot worse things than getting haircuts.

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09 Aug 2018 18:57:09
So does this mean that if pogba doesn't colour his hair, he's automatically knuckling down?

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09 Aug 2018 19:03:08
Perhaps the board have had enough of Jose wasting millions on players that have been rubbish. Out of the signings heā€™s made only matic and Lukaku performed. And matic for only 6 months. Heā€™s either sold his signings or fallen out with them. Yet the board are to blame for lack of funding.

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09 Aug 2018 19:04:32
Back to his old ways? What, getting his hair cut?
Let the bloke kick a ball before we hang him.

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09 Aug 2018 17:24:31
Well that was disappointing.
Either Ed Woodward is totally incompetent in transfer dealings or the Glazers are not stumping up the cash to compete with our rivals, or players do not actually want to come and play for our club. Whatever the truth it is a sad indictment of the current state of our wonderful club. The people in charge should hold their heads in shame.
And to think we were made to stump up our Season Ticket money before the end of the season. One day they will realise it is football that matters and not sponsorship deals.

Believable3 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 17:38:47
I'll be happy with no signings providing Ed Woodward does us all a favour and resigns.

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 17:40:58
Maybe we tried but the deal just wasn't acceptable agent fees wages a lot more than saying here's the money he's our player now. Did levy agree only to say he wants a player this morning (that's the rumour) and change the deal? Who knows.
The squad has good players in it, let's hope the manager earns his coin and gets the best out of them.

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09 Aug 2018 17:53:01
My time came and I sold my tickets a couple of weeks ago when it was clear we were doing nothing in the window. I have had a season ticket for 48 years. But I will not give the Glazers another penny. Sorry, but they are taking the piss.

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09 Aug 2018 18:41:24
or Jose gave a list of players of the ilk of Jerome Boateng. personally think we want Maguire and will sign him in January as he will still be eligible for CHampions League.

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09 Aug 2018 17:05:03
Well that was an awful window. Now we have to support the team as there is nothing else that can be done. Ed002s sharkopod shall be interesting listening in the next couple of days.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 17:15:39
Whats the Sharkopod for mate? Summary of the window?

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09 Aug 2018 17:17:18
And everyone says I am negative. I personally thought you guys had a brilliant window. All the best negativeredwalter x.

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09 Aug 2018 17:32:01
I'm assuming another big roundup of things clubs are looking to do as always. I'm sure we'll find out if anything was attempted in there. Unless it's more of a European roundup of course.

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09 Aug 2018 17:01:09
Annndddd we are done. let the season begin.

Now back the players, back the manager, back the team.

We are UNITED.

Believable3 Unbelievable4

09 Aug 2018 17:05:38
Good news, what a long and painful farce it was.

We will always back them, now we need them to back themselves, especially the gaffer.

Massive game tomorrow. Must start with a win. Come on lads.

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09 Aug 2018 17:07:12
I will back them fully, but I haven't approached a season as worried as I am now. Scary times.

Agree4 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 17:08:57
Well said, I just wish the owners would back the players/ manager and team a little more.
Football has moved on, we need to move on with it.

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 17:09:03
Cue the meltdown in 3 2 .

Agree2 Disagree4

09 Aug 2018 17:00:01
I imagine there are those that will berate the fact we have not signed at CB, personally I'm not that bothered, last season we had the second best defence.
The issues up front and not scoring enough goals, Jose has to work on this area, push Pogba forward and get the front four working as a unit.
On paper it is a relatively winnable start, if we can get some momentum going then I'm hopeful of a good year.

Believable3 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 17:07:32
We had the second best defence because

1) we have the best keeper in the world thankfully
2) we play with 6 at the back most the time because were terrified of conceding, thus our non existent attack

Reason being our defence is dross.

Agree6 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 17:36:57
I have no problem with six in defence, Jose needs to get the front four working, which considering you have options of Lukakua, Sanchez, Lingard, Rashford, Martial, Pogba and Mata should be achievable.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 16:51:02
I wonder how hard United 'Tried' to sign these players?
Toby Alderweireld? Wanted to join us, Spurs wanted to sell, not a word about it.
Boeteng? Jose 'wanted' him, board didn't He didn't want to join, then he did?
Maguire? Wanted us but his club wouldn't sell? Fair enough.
Mina? We were interested and he's signing for Everton?
Godin? Just another player looking for a payrise.
Call me a cynic but someones telling porkies!

Believable4 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 17:01:13
OT7 good player Toby if spurs are so keen to sell him why has no one else him?

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09 Aug 2018 17:27:35
I think other teams are happy to wait for his contract to run down jred. Don't forget the European teams can still go for him too. don't mind me i'm here in peace, just like to read opinions.

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09 Aug 2018 17:29:08
We only get the paper talk, how close any of these supposed deals were is only known by those involved.

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09 Aug 2018 17:33:03
Lfc
Nothing wrong with that 75 mill for a player you could buy for 25 mil in 12 month .
In fact you could prob get him for half that in January.

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09 Aug 2018 17:46:05
Hopefully we do jred. If the new manager wants him of course.

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09 Aug 2018 17:58:40
Jred, re Toby, a fantastic CB, the reason no one came in for him is Levy wanted Ā£70m and in a year's time, he can go for Ā£25m. No one had the money or the will to pay Ā£70m for him now (United had the money but not the will) . I can see why we didn't stump up the money. I think this one has backfired on Mr. Levy big style.

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09 Aug 2018 18:01:49
Mort
Hopefully lindelof and bailly step up .
Not all about signing new players.

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09 Aug 2018 18:21:20
Aaa
Exactly.
Rumour is we offered 60 mil for Maguire. Decent player Maguire but I wouldn't be paying 75 mil for him or Toby you have to draw a line somewhere.

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09 Aug 2018 18:42:54
The time for
Lindelof and Bailly is now šŸ˜Ž.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 19:01:49
Sice signing lindelof, i have watched a lot of his games from his pre-utd days.

If he can bring his 'A' game consistently, along side an injury free bailly (who i think is a fantastic cb) then we will be sound at the back.

Its all iffs tho.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 16:32:30
Fosu mensah to Fulham! Thoughts?

Believable1 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 16:46:45
Didn't know the day could get worse.

Agree4 Disagree1

10 Aug 2018 09:05:23
Loan or permanent?

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 15:51:31
An hour to go now and have to say, i have a feeling of disappointment towards our window. We all knew we had to strengthen a few key areas and we have failed miserably.

Having said that, will be backing the team throughout the season. Go United.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 16:13:03
Jose has had 5 windows to sort out RB and LB and done nothing how did CB become a priority when we have 5 two of which his signings. No ideas whatā€™s gone on this window but surely Woodward has to be removed from his role in transfers useless.

Agree7 Disagree3

09 Aug 2018 16:26:54
Its embarrasing that the club of the magnitude of United are struggling to get transfers over the line. Last year Perisic, this year its Toby. Jose obviously had targets but the club again failed to deliver. Its simple, if you don't want to back him, let him go. NOW.

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 16:28:22
jaimej,

We signed a full back in this window mate.

Agree2 Disagree4

09 Aug 2018 16:22:57
We know he's put forward his targets. Its not the managers job to make the signings. Blame those whose job that is.

Agree3 Disagree3

09 Aug 2018 16:34:57
Jose identifies he doesnā€™t negotiate so maybe chill on Jose. This squad was second last season, weā€™ve added an impressive Fred, Sanchez and Bailly have looked different animals in pre season and if Pogba has his head in the game all the potential is there to win this league. I feel we are on a cusp atm and things could easily go one way or the other, the players have the ability as does Jose so letā€™s get behind this team that isnā€™t as bad as being made out. I wish weā€™d signed Toby but maybe next season.

Agree1 Disagree5

09 Aug 2018 16:42:49
Pogba might still leave.

Agree1 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 16:49:19
If itā€™s true t f m is going to Fulham Iā€™ll be really annoyed I really rate him and he can cover 3 positions what is going on.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 16:53:34
Sorry not counting an injured prospect Valencia will play week in week out again as young will.

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 17:02:06
Jose must be happy with his RB options.

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 17:54:11
Maybe TFM wanted regular first team footy and will get it there rather than at United.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 15:24:13
I have it on good authority that Manchester United have finally reached an agreement with Toby.

They will be announced as our official Sunday Carvery partner before 5pm today.

Believable6 Unbelievable4

09 Aug 2018 15:28:46
Youā€™re wrong, official jugs of the ManUtd team.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 15:45:51
Danny, I already have the contract for Official Juggs mate :)

Agree1 Disagree1

10 Aug 2018 09:02:35
Wow another official Belgian partner in association with Aldi beans šŸ˜†šŸ˜†.

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09 Aug 2018 15:19:08
Why am I not surprise that there is no deadline surprise. I am prepared to eat my hat if we get one - I am not talking about an off loaded second hand elderly 'bargain' that no one else wants.
I am probably not going to be surprised by us playing much better than last year either, other than perhaps for the first few games until Jose knocvks them into his mould.
Onwards and upwards - there can't be much further downwards can there - Noodle sponsorship will tail off otherwise.
Let's support. I have my toes, eyes and finger crossed.

Believable8 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 15:33:33
Dont you feel a tad embarrassed writing posts like this?

Agree4 Disagree9

09 Aug 2018 15:47:08
No. I am a supporter as I said at the end of the post. Just depressed, if that's allowed.

Agree8 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 14:42:11
Look on the bright side.
The clubs profits will look good this year end!
I like to think the club are holding the money back for our new manager to splash the cash next summer!

Believable6 Unbelievable5

09 Aug 2018 14:49:37
Ed Woodward will definitely be getting his annual bonus.

Agree2 Disagree2

09 Aug 2018 14:49:43
So why did they offer Jose a new long term contract earlier in the year?

Agree2 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 14:52:36
If they are holding back on spending with Jose as manager then why did they give him a new contract?

Or maybe they've held back on 4 of the last 5 windows because there's no commitment to challenge beyond securing top 4.

Agree4 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 14:56:51
I might be wrong but there are huge issues with our sponsors if we don't make CL, as well as the other obvious financial ramifications and losing even more appeal in the transfer market. We are at grave risk of finishing outside top 4 with the way things look to me.

Much rather pay off Jose if we are waiting for the new guy than forsake another season and fall further behind. Wouldn't be surprised if you are right though mate.

Agree4 Disagree2

09 Aug 2018 15:20:43
Zizou isnā€™t available yet.

Agree0 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 15:23:14
Maybe the Glazers are saying hold on a second, weā€™ve spent hundreds of millions of pounds in recent years and we still need more? Let the coach get the bet out of them now!

Agree4 Disagree3

09 Aug 2018 16:15:00
In that case they should not be sticking with a cheque book manager.

Agree1 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 16:31:21
I'm sure under the terms of the nee contract he gets a bigger payout if he gets sacked than under the old one. 12 million isn't it. So it makes no sense for them to have put a new contract forward or for them to sack him. As for getting more out of them there's not much more he can get out of limited players like young, Valencia, Jones, Smalling and Fellaini. Before anyone says pogba and martial those sulkers don't want to be here.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 16:26:01
Every manager spends money it isn't just Jose.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 14:32:04
Worrying times 2 and a half hours to go can't see nobody coming in now poor transfer window.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 14:49:05
Mina and Andre gomez are both having medicals in Barcelona atm, both being observed by Everton staff. Good source
There is nothing to say we have staff there observing too but it's not impossible regarding mina.

Agree0 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 15:09:41
I couldnā€™t help myself.

Great oxymoron right there!

Agree0 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 14:23:39
This place has been very doom and gloom over the past 6-8 weeks. It has caused a very clear split. Now maybe those dissenting voices are the loudest and those contented people less vocal. However, there does appear to be more people unhappy than happy with our club atm.

Now on the surface there is little to be unhappy about, especially when we compare our situation with that of the majority of clubs. We spend big sums on some of the best players in the world, we don't finish outside of European qualifying positions in the league, and last season we finished second.

However, there is still a feeling of unease for many people. So where does that sense of discontentment come from?

Are our fans just spoiled? Too much of a good thing under Sir Alex has created a high level of expectation.

Maybe it was Sir Alex who was extraordinary and not the club. Maybe we were a decent club with a phenomenal manager lifting us beyond ourselves and now he has gone we can see ourselves in the cold light of day. Like the guy waking up with the worst hangover and looking in the mirror unable to recognise that awesome guy from last night.

I don't quite believe that, we had success before Sir Alex, and since he has left we have maintained a position as one of the wealthiest and most powerful clubs in world football.

However, we seem directionless, drifting with no real intent. The owners have their part to play. How them bought the club left a bitter taste in many a fans mouth. It probably stopped us from competing at a European level due to financial restrictions when the side was arguably approaching our peak, and it certainly restricted the rebuild of the 08-10 side that did so well in Europe. Great players allowed to leave and few great players coming in to replace them. No value in the market we were told, yet since then we have signed players like Shaw, Herrera, Mata, Di Maria, Bailly, Lindelof, Pogba, Matic, Lukaku and now Fred for fees in excess of 30m. A couple three times that 30m figure.
When "no value" was trotted out, what they meant was the clubs debts were too demanding to make such figures available for investment.

This caused a level of stagnation within the squad which has taken serious investment to clear out and replace.

This though, is in the past. The owners have shown intent to invest (albeit money the club has made itself) on players.

For me though, the biggest blessing with the owners is also the biggest problem. They allow the club to run itself, they do not interfere with footballing matters. Which we have seen from many owners is destabilising and damaging. However, this is also a serious problem as it leaves it very ambiguous about who is directing the club and in which direction. Woodward isn't a football man, he has learned quickly and done his best. Yet, he still lacks the contacts and know-how of the inner workings of the game.

This is why I am a big advocate of having a director of football, someone to build for the future of the club with a vision in mind and a level of continuity that gives a stable platform for growth. Someone who knows what the clubs footballing profile is, and who can match that profile with the kind of manager that is in touch with our footballing philosophy.

That brings be back to why so many of us have a feeling of dread this summer. Nearly everyone on this site was in agreement that last season we lacked quality in the full back positions, stability in central defence, someone to link midfield with the forward line while we also lacked creativity on the right hand side. So most thought we needed a LB, RB, CB, CM and RW. Jose himself has spoken about wanting five players.
So far the club has signed two of the five most think we could do with.
I don't think it is this in itself that makes people concerned, I think for most this is a sign that something isn't quite right behind the scenes. Jose has been very vocal in the media and he hasn't been positive at all. Whether he is trying to pressure the club to get the players he wants, or whether he is trying to engineer a way out of the club, or whether he is trying to create an us Vs the world mentality or just unhappy with life. It is not a good sign.

We have players who are reportedly unhappy, a manager who is reportedly unhappy and a board who don't seem to want to spend on Jose's targets for whatever reason.

All of this points to a tense and unstable landscape behind the scenes.

My interpretation is that the board aren't as confident in Jose as they were last summer, they don't seems to want to back him and Jose is kicking up his usual stink. This will only end one way. Either Jose will force our side (flaws in all) to win the league next season or it will all implode. Looking at the personalities within our dressing room I feel imploding a far more likely outcome. Especially if we don't see the unhappy players leave this summer.

It's a shame, I am normally one of the happy, optimistic posters. I have much to be happy about outside of football, with buying a house, getting married and starting University all happening or have happened over the next couple of months. Yet, I can't help but feel the unease at our club. And try as I might, I can't see a happy ending to the Jose saga this season.

Believable9 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 15:00:19
Couldn't have said it better myself shappy, great post.
We are a directionless club at the minute, with absentee owners and a chief exec who is not a football man. I know a lot don't like Jose, I didn't agree with him becoming manager of our club either but I fear that the same outcome may occur no matter who the manager, that being said the football may be better.
I cannot see any alternative to save (please don't pick up on just this word SAVE as I know we finished 2nd and got 80 pts last season but I feel there is something not right) our great club, other than to inplement a DOF type model.

I also just read something this morning showing how Liverpools transfer activity this summer has been a plan 4 years in the making. I wish I was reading these kind of stories about our great club.

Either way I will support this club until the day I die. GGMU!

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 16:29:54
Top post Shappy.

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09 Aug 2018 16:20:39
Excellent post Shappy. It is the way i feel at present too. I know some people think we are spoilt due to Fergie era, but I've been watching United when we were good in late 60s, then in early 70s when we weren't very good, then the gradual up and downs in 80s before Fergie came. But this is the first time i have felt no excitement at the season starting.
I think the general mood of the manager, and the lack of enthusiasm from our owners, is putting a dampner on things. I can't see light at the end of this tunnel, and i think a big shake up is required, and i mean in the shape of new owners with different ambitions for the football side of the club. Only then we will start to get back on track.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 16:49:53
What did we win in the 5 year before fergy?
How long did we go with out winni g the league?
People starting to see that we have no god given right to win things, that it's not as simple as they though ( ask any Scouser) .
Fergy was the difference.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 14:13:15
Looks like United are only going to sign players they actually want as opposed to just anyone .
Looks like Toby and Maguire are not available.

Believable3 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 14:53:09
Alternatively the pool of top players wanting to join us might be very limited. A lot of top clubs with money, not too sure how enticing joining Utd would be at the minute.

We must want fullbacks, RW and a CB. Plenty of options out there, even Felipe Anderson would have been better than another year of Mata on the right.

Maguire wasn't pulling up trees for Leicester, stood out in the World Cup on set-pieces, yet all of a sudden the club are bidding mega money for him. No way was he a target until the media circus around the World Cup, not good enough either. All smacks of clueless desperation to me. I'm disappointed and whilst it's good not to sign players last minute who weren't necessary, we are crying out for better players in many positions.

Agree4 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 15:25:14
Beast mate, are you seriously telling me people donā€™t want to join us? If thatā€™s the case they can sod off. All this doom and gloom is masking that we are the richest and one of the biggest names in world football. If people donā€™t want to join, itā€™s their loss.

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09 Aug 2018 15:37:14
We pay big wages people will want to join .

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09 Aug 2018 15:39:56
AJH do you really think when a foreign player states 'I always wanted to join the club I love' is because they always loved the club? Be realistic, players only ever joined united because they were guaranteed a big payday and guaranteed trophies and medals regardless of their performance.

Its about time people start to realise that the players are not making the big decisions right now and their agents are swaying for the money and united aren't the only team with the money anymore. Something people will need to come to terms with is that players don't automatically just chose united anymore.

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09 Aug 2018 16:25:27
Totally agree Seosamh. Most clubs are rich these days, and they don't feel the need to sell. Leicester with McGuire is a case in point. Few years ago, Leicester would've driven McGuire to United, but not any more I'm afraid.
So for us to secure best players, we have to give them good wages, but we also have to give them a chance at success, and a style of football that excites them. We also need to have a manager who can nurture and improve them. I don't see any of these at united at present.

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09 Aug 2018 13:40:21
I think itā€™s to late Iā€™m hopeful but not confident left it far to late we need to change our formation to suit all player that are out of position 442 now if we donā€™t get any further signings.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 13:57:44
442? We have no width lol.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 14:11:44
I like the idea of 3 5 2 with Valencia and Young playing as wing backs so they can attack more and we rely less on them defensively. Matic holding, Fred and Pogba as box to box midfielders.

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09 Aug 2018 13:39:20
Just a post to the eds. thanks a lot for all the info kept the summer exciting. The sharkopod was a very good listen as always. The banter from all eds is top notch and just a big thanks for putting up with a load of lads that ed up like whiging children during the window. Fantastic site keep up the good job and hope the last hours aren't as painful as they seem.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

{Ed001's Note - cheers W16 appreciate that mate.}

09 Aug 2018 14:14:30
Ironic the odd transfer window when we donā€™t get an Ed 02 info embargo and we donā€™t do any business šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚.

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09 Aug 2018 13:34:31
Liverpool: Perfecting their defence with the signing of Alisson.

Man City: Perfecting their attack with the signing of Mahrez.

Chelsea: Perfecting their midfield with the signing of Jorginho.

Man Utd: Perfecting the blend, with the rich taste of Chivas Regal Scotch.

Believable4 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 14:01:10
Jose wanted to sign Hennigans, the no smell no tell scotch.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 13:29:36
I still think we will get Alderwereld, maybe i'm an optimist. But god help this site if we don't sign someone and then we don't beat Leicester, it will explode.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 13:58:44
Weā€™re not going to get anyone from the EPL. Nobody is going to sell at this stage with no time for a replacement. We might get a player from another league, but thatā€™s doubtful now. I donā€™t think Jose is happy, and if we struggle over the next few weeks he will point the finger at the club for failing to sell players and bring in his targets.

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09 Aug 2018 14:03:13
With the kind of preseason we had and the number of players missing, I think Leicester will hit us bad on the counter and we won't be able to break their defence.

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09 Aug 2018 14:18:09
Exactly Jose has his excuse for leaving when the season fizzles out by Xmas. Glaziers happy for champions league qualification. Itā€™s going to be along season of taking rubbish from rival fans.

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09 Aug 2018 15:16:55
Jaime - don't worry about taking 'rubbish from rival fans'.

Quite clearly we get even more 'rubbish' from our own fans.
If I didn't know better I would think this was an Anti-United page at the moment.

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09 Aug 2018 12:48:01
A round up of reports,

- Mina is having medical for Everton
- Demeble has confirmed he is not moving.
- Dendonckar is at wolves.
- Atl. Madrid not willing to part with Godin.
- Puel happy to keep Harry.
- No reports about Toby.
- Also no reports about any player leaving us.

All are just reported in various press just consolidated can't confirm the credibility.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 13:30:34
Dendonckar would have cost us double of whatever wolves are paying.

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09 Aug 2018 14:19:59
The only possible positive outcome may be we have refused to pay silly overpriced money maybe us not folding and being held to ransom can benefit us in future windows. Just trying to convince myself we donā€™t have clowns owning and running and ruining our club.

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09 Aug 2018 10:03:34
Ed figured I'd try and make this easier rather than constant different questions. Are you aware of anything happening ATM that could lead to potential incomings or outgoings if possible could you provide any information? This is more to try and save my own sanity of checking the site every 10 minutes.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

{Ed002's Note - I have repeatedly provided information. I am not aware of any change in the situation this morning.}

09 Aug 2018 13:15:43
There is 4 hours to wait, why do you have to hassel people on things when you can wait just 4 hours and the day can be over.

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09 Aug 2018 13:32:45
Sorry Ed I know u have provided again and again, but just wondered if you could tell us whether you believe we will sign anyone before 5pm today.
Sorry but please if you can provide any bit of clarity either way, this crap is driving us mad.

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09 Aug 2018 12:46:33
Totally farcical transfer window. Liverpool realises what they needed, went out, and got them.

Alderweireld could have been signed, as could Alex Sandro if reports are believed. Rose is available and would be a big upgrade at left back when fit. Silly moves for players like Godin who would never move just further highlights how inept we are.

For me, a director of football has to come in and Woodward must be removed from the footballing side of things.

Believable3 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 13:43:29
Fresh, i have given up now, and i won't set foot at OT until the owners are gone. I am 62 and i have spent 48 of these years supporting United emotionally and financially. I have donated my season tickets to be used by whoever wants to turn up on match days. I'm done with the shambolic way the club is run and the apathy with which the Glazers treat the fans. Thank you but no thank you.

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09 Aug 2018 13:52:37
Have to agree Fresh. Ed02 recently said Juv would sell Sandro for the right price and the same with Alderweired.

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09 Aug 2018 12:26:56
What is the price spurs want for Toby is it 75m? Would people be happy if we just said b@lls to it and paid the full fee.

Believable2 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 13:00:37
i think the fact he will be free to go for 25 million next summer and his recent injuries is prob the main reason we have not bought him.

Agree2 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 12:25:48
Haha now ssn reporting god in. Bid rejected, how do they get away with such blatant lies.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 12:55:52
Just waiting for the inevitable Snubchester tag so beloved by the online editions and fans of other clubs.

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09 Aug 2018 13:08:30
Lol how does that get a thumbs down. If it's for grammar, sorry I have acrack on my screen.

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09 Aug 2018 13:46:09
Wonder if we could also bring Jesus in.

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09 Aug 2018 15:01:54
Haha very good mpez.

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09 Aug 2018 12:14:07
Anybody else a little concerned that we haven't been able to shift any of the players deemed surplus to requirements other than Blind? Players left in a purgatory where they aren't playing isn't usually a good recipe for a happy camp.

Believable3 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 12:35:18
we can still sell players past today. others window doesn't shut till end of the month.

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09 Aug 2018 13:43:44
Many of these players will move to clubs outside of the EPL. Darmian and Rojo will likely head to Italy/ Spain ect. Which means they aren't a priority to sort out their moves today. Any potential in coming deals will be priority today.

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09 Aug 2018 13:59:15
I am positive that sneidjer will join us this transfer window.

Agree0 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 12:13:04
Out of curiosity why does the window close at 5pm instead of 11pm like all the previous windows.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 12:53:05
Something to do with the phase the moon and sun are in.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 12:05:12
Well well,

I believe Mourinho has instilled an us against the rest mentality.

Godin or Toby would be great additions. All the others wouldn't.

Personally I think nothing will happen, and the media will slate us. Playing right in to Jose's hands.

It's great to be back.

Believable2 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 12:47:31
Disagree Jose will sulk employ the same horrendous four tactics and blame it on the lack of transfers to change style. I understand we may not be able to sign worldies but there are about 20 left backs in world football better than young similar with Valencia yet we go into another season with the same crap at the back. The whole club is in a pickle from owners to manger, imagine the ripping we would be doing if this was city or Liverpool. This is going to be a painfully long season back to square 1 again.

Agree2 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 13:59:10
I think Darmian, Shaw, TFM, Dalot, Valencia, Young, Borthwick Jackson provide enough cover for RB and LB. CB could do with one first team replacement. Other than that we should compete, bar us losing some players (Pogba etc) Yes the situation we find ourselves in isnā€™t my preferred option either. However, Jose is a serial winner and serial winners adapt to situations and use them to their favour. Whether that be to save face for him and abandon ship or to rally the troops and make something great happen (which isnā€™t far fetched) . Who knows?

I think itā€™s time for Jose to stop sitting on his reputation (the good parts) and start adding to it.

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09 Aug 2018 11:39:47
Godin is quality a true leader gives everything be a good signing if it comes off.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 11:55:08
It's not happening. Just some click bait news.

Agree4 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 12:23:01
Exactly my thoughts sailor.

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09 Aug 2018 12:27:20
Di marzio saying United meet the release clause Godin didn't want the move tho.

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09 Aug 2018 12:42:39
apparently. heā€™s about to sign a new contract, weā€™ll end up paying 100 million for a 32 yr old.
I can imagine Ed woodward with five phones on the go, fag in hand, offering Alex Fergusonā€™s old chair. All the while JosĆ© is outside the locked door saying, ā€œwhoo-dee, I want Varane and Bale by 5 oā€™clock, or iā€™m going to scalp Paul Pogba and drink santa rita wine in the standsā€

Nonsense.

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09 Aug 2018 11:14:30
Godin rumours lol I would give my left nut.

Believable5 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 11:21:59
32 so definitely no spring chicken but would add great experience to the ranks. Talk of a loan deal.

Agree1 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 11:25:09
Great for two seasons. Would really help the likes of Bailly and Lindi develop. One of the best defenders in the game today.

Agree2 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 11:29:09
Great player, definitely a massive bonus if we bring him in, genuine leader. But I'd give my left nut for a left back, right nut for a right back and my anaconda for a right winger.

Agree4 Disagree1

09 Aug 2018 11:36:32
Now there is a genuine fan ladies and gentleman. Well done Beast. that's called giving your everything for the club you love. :P.

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09 Aug 2018 11:43:12
Play one in each position Beast?

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09 Aug 2018 11:59:15
My favourite centre half for years. I'd give your right nut as well, Welsh.

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09 Aug 2018 12:13:32
Sorry Beast had to give that a thumbs down in case I started to picture it.

but. (dramatic pause) definitely need to bolster the positions you mentioned lb/ rb/ rw and a cb over the next few windows. It doesn't look like any of that will happen in this.

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09 Aug 2018 12:24:14
It was rejected immediately apparently.

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09 Aug 2018 11:12:56
And now it's Diego Godin, can't wait for the press to release their headlines and say we got rejected bt EVERYONEšŸ˜‚.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 11:49:19
Media agenda. Total bull.

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09 Aug 2018 11:11:59
Sky reporting we are after Godin now. Good short term solution?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 11:11:35
So it's look like we're going with what we've got!

From reading the posts not many were convinced by Maguire, Boateng or Mina anyway.

The key now is can Jose forge a team from what we've got or is he going to sulk and self combust?

What we need now is our manager at his sensational best. Maybe for the first time we go into the season as real underdogs with a stomach churning sense of foreboding and apprehension. Nobody including our own fans is giving us a chance. We've been written off many thinking there's more chance of Jose being sacked than winning the league. Even the Scouse mob have significantly strengthened and look a threat but with that comes expectation and pressure.

Maybe Jose has one last ace up his sleeve. Are we not entering classic Jose territory. Under dogs, written off, dismissed, no hopers, backs against the wall. Intentionally or not Jose has perhaps for the first time killed all expectations and if he's smart, like I know he is this presents him with an opportunity. Can we be the kryptonite to Peps Supermen, the antidote to Klopp's heavy mental, the wrecking ball to Chelsea's Sarri ball. It's time to get behind our manager and the team. If we have you play the villain so be it.

Rally the troops, beat the battle drums, bellow the war cry, we are Utd and we fight with everything we've got.

Over to you lads wear our shirt with pride and show us all your not finished yet!

Believable1 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 11:32:08
We are MANCHESTER "UNITED". Its Us against the world and Jose has ensured that the feeling is common and spread across all United fans, ala SAF. One thing Jose has done with all his moaning is turn off the attention from his players to himself. Nobody is talking about the players, its all Jose. He is at his bloody best at it.

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09 Aug 2018 11:02:55
So the great Gary Neville says to watch at 3pm, he reckons United will sign 3 players. I presume his twitter has been hacked?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 11:12:21
Think he's just bluffing mate.

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09 Aug 2018 11:20:54
Just saw it and it looks like fishing. The exclamations and the wink at the end say it all i think.

Hope its true though.

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09 Aug 2018 11:25:48
Neville be trolling.

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09 Aug 2018 11:26:03
What are his links like to United now? Could he know something? Why tweet it? Could understand it if it was a journo, but come on Neville don't tease us.

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09 Aug 2018 11:33:36
Says nothing about 3pm.

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09 Aug 2018 11:38:13
Stand corrected, nothing about 3pm. TOT66, does it matter about the timing mistake?

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09 Aug 2018 11:50:21
Does it matter that he works for Sky, ABSOLUTELY.

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09 Aug 2018 10:51:36
Best of luck to all the Ed's today, i'm sure you'll be in overdrive all day. Wouldn't want to walk 10 foot in your shoes today, never mind a mile!

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate.}

09 Aug 2018 10:41:40
Morning all. Listening to that Baz Lurman classic on the radio just earlier and thought I might re-do it for a bit of light entertainment. Maybe lighten the mood a little seeing as so many are clearly stressed. So here it is-

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '18
Take Valium
If I could offer you only one tip for the coming season
Valium would be it
The long term benefits of Valium have been proved by scientists
Whereas the rest of my advice
Has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience
I will dispense this advice now
Trust the ability and courage of youth
Jose does not trust the ability and courage youth and just wants to buy
But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of Luke Shaw
And recall in a way you can't grasp now
How much potential he had
And how fabulous he really looked
He is not nearly as fat as Anderson!
Don't worry about the future
And know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by asking Wayne Rooney
The real troubles in your life are the things that never crossed your worried mind
The kind that blindside you at 5pm on Transfer deadline day
Read one thing every day that scares you
like Jerome Boeteng for Ā£50 million!
Floss
Don't waste your time on jealousy
City are ahead, United way behind
The season is long
And in the end, Pep will triumph
Remember the good performances, forget the bad ones
If you succeed in doing this, please tell Beast how!
Stretch
Don't get angry about lack of spending
Just because a player costs a lot doesn't mean it will work out
Some of our cheapest signing have been our best
Some of the most expensive, the worst
Be kind to your knees
Like Roy Keane was to Alf Inga Haaland's
Maybe well sign a winger, maybe we won't
Maybe we'll sign a defender, maybe we won't
Maybe we'll get Ronaldo when he's 40
Or maybe we'll sign Wesley Sneijder on his 75th Birthday?
Whatever we do, don't over react too much
Our choices are half chance, so are everybody else's
Support the team
Watch them whenever way you can
Don't be afraid of it, or what other people think of it
They're the greatest team you'll ever see
Cheer them on
Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room
Do not read newspapers, they will only make you mad
Understand that players come and go
But there are a precious few we should hold on to
Dance (Not you Jesse! )
Accept certain inalienable truths
Prices will rise
Even for defenders
You too will get old
And when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young
Prices were reasonable
Goalkeepers were cheap
And players respected their managers
Respect our manager
Don't expect rivals to sell to us
Maybe they too have money
Maybe they have wealthy owners
But you never know when either one might run out
Pogba, don't mess too much with your hair
Or by the time you're 40, it will be permanently blue
Be careful whose advice you buy
You can't imagine how much Mino Raiola will charge you for it
Advice is a form of nostalgia
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, making
Spain look more attractive than Manchester, and selling you for more than you are worth.

But trust me on the Valium.

Believable5 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 11:29:08
Well done Betty brilliant what a fantastic read! šŸ‘

I've not been posting long and assume from other posters comments you've been on an extended break but welcome back I have no doubt you've been missed!

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09 Aug 2018 11:53:56
Betty, that's genius!

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09 Aug 2018 12:34:26
Nice adaptation sweaty šŸ‘ šŸ‘šŸ‘šŸ‘.

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09 Aug 2018 10:43:54
The thing I don't understand is that Mourinho kind of needs to win the Premier league this season.
I'm actually stunned that we haven't made more additions in this window at this late stage, I still think there will be at least 1 today but that's totally out of hope rather than knowledge.
To be honest I would rather not sign anyone than sign the likes of Boateng, Maguire, zouma etc, players not good enough for our club who will be signed for large fees/ wages.
I still believe we will do quite well this season, even with what we have I see us finishing no lower than 3rd and even still hold out hope that we will put in a challenge.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

09 Aug 2018 11:02:03
Iā€™d rather sign Manny Smith from Wrexham than Boateng. Tbf, jose identifies who he wants then itā€™s up to the negotiators to get it done, itā€™s been blidingly obvs weā€™ve needed a top centre back for a while and not many about so when Toby comes up and we wonā€™t pay what it takes I can understand jose frustrations.

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09 Aug 2018 10:02:43
DDay is upon us and let's assume that we get no new signings/ outgoings. I still think we can be positive for the season if a number of things happen:
1. Jose stops being miserable and engages positively with the players, Woodward and the media. Your at the greatest club in the world. enjoy it.
2. We move to a 3 at the back. I would be happy with Baily, Lindelof, and Rojo/ or as a stretch McTominy on the left side. Yes they could have a ricket in them but for me this would be our best version of a back 3 currently. No Jones/ Smalling for me.
3. Give Shaw a chance to be on first choice LWB. He may take 5-10 games but a good run will see his confidence and influence grow.
4. Make Pogba the captain. show him we want him to stay and make him take responsibility. He showed at the WC he can tailor his game. I still want the flair but do it with responsibility in mind.
5. Whilst Matic is recovering be brave to stick with Pereira as our CDM and allow Fred/ Pogba to push forward. This 3 in the middle have strength, energy and flair.
6. Give Sanchez a free role with Lukaku up front. Let them develop an understanding. By allowing Sanchez to roam he will naturally avoid being in Pogbas way on the left.
7. Trust our bench throughout the games/ season. Martial/ Rashford/ Lingard/ Mata/ Herera etc. can all fit into this format and play well as we saw in previous seasons. don't run the first team into the ground as it is a long season especially after the world cup.
8. Give some of the youngsters a try during the season. Players like Chong need to be nurtured but also given a chance without killing them if they initially fail.

If we do all of this the season can be fun and successful and we may re-engage with the club and team.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 10:30:30
Good post, mate. Unlikely, but I admire your thinking.

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09 Aug 2018 10:54:15
Your argument falls down straight away on point one unfortunately.

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10 Aug 2018 08:57:07
I don't understand the obsession we have with playing Pogba on the left, he played on the right at the world cup and didn't seem to affect his game. Maybe that's something that should be pondered by the staff.

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09 Aug 2018 09:35:19
'From what I read and hear it is difficult to believe we finished 2nd. You are capable of making people who finished 2nd look like the got relegated and people who finished below us look like serial winners'

Hear hear Jose.

Believable8 Unbelievable2

09 Aug 2018 09:42:14
I agree it is difficult to believe but it's mourinho's negativity in public that causes that. He never focuses on anything positive and always has something negative to say so Jose as your say we finished 2nd last year cheer up!

Agree5 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 10:03:57
not entertaining though. i watch football to be entertained.

Agree2 Disagree3

09 Aug 2018 10:06:56
New signing - my info is no says Jose.

Agree2 Disagree0

09 Aug 2018 10:13:22
His press conference today was pretty positive so you probably wonā€™t see much about it.

Agree2 Disagree2

09 Aug 2018 10:29:00
If you want entertainment youshould watch com3dy shows. Football is more of a business then entertainment now a days.

Do you think Real Madrid played entertaining football under Zidane, they just cared about winning and didn't really bother about how entertaining they are.

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09 Aug 2018 10:48:32
sorry singh but i don't agree! i don't pay to go watch business! fans want entertainment, i struggle to watch a full match these days as it's boring simple as that. does it make me less of a fan, i don't think so. i 've never been a fan who needs a shiny new player every ten minutes so i don't really care about signings in all honesty, but i do care what i see on the pitch and it's crap.

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09 Aug 2018 09:08:36
8 hours. 2 Signings? What are the chances, can any of the posters see them coming in?

Believable2 Unbelievable3

09 Aug 2018 09:17:36
I can see 1 signing coming in.

Agree3 Disagree3

09 Aug 2018 09:59:46
Dembele and Toby coming in if Martial and Pogba goes.

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09 Aug 2018 10:12:50
Scholes,

Surely ones coming in you welcomed Alderweireld the other day.

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09 Aug 2018 10:00:56
This morning MOU has said ā€œthe information I have is noā€ when asked if Utd would add 1 or 2 new signings in whatā€™s left of this window.

There you have it folks.

itā€™s disappointing that while we have strengthened the midfield (Fred, Pirreira) we wonā€™t be addressing CB or RW the two most pressing needs in our current team.

Time for him to move forward with what we have and use the resources he has most effectively.

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09 Aug 2018 10:26:32
Yes i did Dave, thinking he would as it looked quite certain that at the very least, Alderweireld will sign, which he still might do.

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10 Aug 2018 08:55:57
According to Mourinho, no one.

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09 Aug 2018 09:04:21
Alright pals, is Tony's prediction comp anywhere on here or have I just not searched far enough? Thanks Tony again for doing it btw, Sterling Work.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 09:22:40
Sent it mate, just waiting for it to appear.

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09 Aug 2018 08:12:32
I know the Ed's say that most deals are unrelated but with Leicester just agreeing to sign a centre back is could that be to replace Maguire? Getting the replacement in before selling makes sense.

Thanks.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Try asking on the LEICESTER page.}

09 Aug 2018 08:10:17
It is not often I ask a question of the Ed's but when ...........

Believable1 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - You are on the wrong page - this is the MANCHESTER UNITED page.}

09 Aug 2018 07:08:33
Personally, if we can bring in a CB and LB today I'd be delighted. I think we have the personnel to play down the RW/ forward position. Alexis can use both feet, Rashford was a winger, and Martial can beat a man too. Nothing to lose by giving that a go but strengthening where it is desperately required at full back.

Believable2 Unbelievable0

09 Aug 2018 07:14:49
Another season without a back up striker, an injury to Lukaku and we are in a pickle.

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09 Aug 2018 07:19:09
Surely Martial the saviour is that man?

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09 Aug 2018 09:06:13
Sanchez rashford and martial all can/ want to play up top, from an outside I think you guys are fine there. (I think lukaku is not the perfect solution for you guys but that's a different debate) Personally I think you lack the players for out wide and spread the game to give space for lukaku. The players (Sanchez rashford and martial) are capable but seem intent on wanting to drift centrally.

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09 Aug 2018 09:17:46
I think lukaku did a good job for us last year and if we can supply him with some decent service, he will be even better this year. By all reports he works very hard to improve his game and after watching belgium's last minute winner vs Japan, proves he is not the dumb battering ram some people may think he is.

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10 Aug 2018 08:51:52
If we play a 3-5-2, would a right winger be required, I'm sure that wing back position would get the best out of Valencia, with Dalot able to cover. Just hoping that if this is the formation we play, there's a rotation with Rashford and Martial getting time to adjust to playing up top.

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10 Aug 2018 08:52:10
Wow how far have we fallen. Getting formation information from teams who finished behind us in the league now. šŸ˜†šŸ˜†.

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09 Aug 2018 06:52:56
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 9th August 2018

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09 Aug 2018 03:54:00
Welcome to crazy day! I don't know about y'all but i will be on here every 10 minutes or so.

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09 Aug 2018 06:55:57
There won't be any signings and I can assure you that. Our primary targets are Premier league based and the teams don't have enough time to replace them if sold.
We have a good enough squad with plenty depth as well. The only concern is full backs and I hope Shaw and Dalot (when he's fit again) can be the ones to nail their place in the squad. Young and Valencia can do the job but they won't be any better than last season, that is the maximum we cab get out of them.

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09 Aug 2018 07:01:40
Its still a crazy day. I am still believing we would get a couple in today.

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09 Aug 2018 07:34:52
Sailor, shaw has done nothing in three years to warrant our fAith in him. Dalot, has huge potential. We desperately need an experienced left back and a centre back. We also need a right winger as neither martial or Rashford can play there. And if we're honest, we need another striker.

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09 Aug 2018 08:09:58
Between his injuries and manager not picking him Shaw has had very little to play. I'll be honest, he obviously hasn't been good but he gives atleast something when attacking. Jose has criticised his positional play and he's right. Sometimes Shaw gets carried away and when there is no attacking threat from us and leaves his position vacant. But going forward he's better than Young. Everyone knows he will cut in and even if he beats the full back and tries to cross with his left foot it's a very weak cross. Alteast Shaw creates confusion in the opposition defence and frees up space for others to attack. He gives us the natural width that full backs are there to provide.

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09 Aug 2018 02:47:42
Football is weird folks.

Maybe we will start well and all the negativity will be gone in a few weeks.

Maybe Mourinho is different internally at the club than to the press etc. very little of what we read has any real foundation.

Maybe other clubs bedding in multiple players or a new manager have a bigger challenge than we do.

Maybe having Fred to free up Pogba will result in better looking, faster football.

Basically as I say football is weird, atm i'm like most of you fearing the worst thinking we can't sign players and its an unhappy camp etc but perhaps its deemed not necessary to sig anyone unless a worldie becomes available. We used to moan about signing too many players that aren't god enough so now maybe we are waiting on a few and prepared to wait. I'm personally OK with that. Toby i Jan as opposed to Maguire now - yep please.

Also how many times has a totally left feirld massive deal happened with no real press run up? . could still happen and if it doesn't well then I doubt the world will end.

Just support the club, the team we have and wait and see what happens. Football is a funny old game folks.

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08 Aug 2018 23:59:28
Great to see Betty back. Can't disagree with his post below. I'm just glad I had that triple serving of coffee oreo ice cream at the local not-health food store this evening. If it's going to be the end of the world tomorrow night then at my age, having supported the club for 55 years, fat and sugar saturation is my preferred method of wasting away the final hours. Certainly better than following the doom and gloom prognosticators.

From a football perspective the club has been managed very poorly since the Glazers took over. Firstly we didn't replace our aging top players with like quality and, secondly, it would seem there was no succession planning to replace a dominating manager with a defined style. It is this latter factor that's all important. When SAF left so suddenly the club's identity went with him. There was no infrastructure in place to ensure the possibility of a continuation. The Glazers have done well to exploit the marketing potential of the club, but when it comes to the football side they are a sad lot. Woodward's comment that results don't much matter says it all. United is no longer a football club but a marketing company.

That said, reading the posts has been largely tiresome. The season hasn't started. Our top players have only just returned to the club, and yet we've already conceded the title to St. Pep or St Jurgen. If I were Mourinho and I had to listen to the whinging of our fans I'd be depressed too.

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09 Aug 2018 00:23:02
Shaw
What do you want the glazers to do?
I don't think they will have a lot to do with the football side of the club .

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09 Aug 2018 01:14:00
Shawthing, it is Mourinho who has been complaining for the past 5 weeks. It is Mourinho who told us all 5 weeks ago, that if we don't make new signings, we're in for a long and tough season. It is Mourinho who has been complaining for 5 weeks about Liverpool's spending.
So I'm not sure what you're talking about.

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