Manchester United Banter Archive July 09 2013

09 Jul 2013 22:44:02
Lewandowski has agreed to join Bayern Munich in 2014 not sure if that's January or in the Summer. Anyone know?

Another to take off the list, who's left now?

Andyp MUFC

This isn't fact and not sure he has been a target for quite a few weeks now so will hardly be ticked off any list. He came out and said he wanted Bayern, we don't really want him after that.

Every time we lose a target, you say they were not a target. Could it not be that these players are electing to go elsewhere? Or, are u scared of saying that they're rejecting us.
We're no longer the big draw we once were. Bayern barca and real are. and of course, the nuevo riche clubs are too.
so let's just get over it and just see who will agree to play for us!

No name,

Not a united fan I guess?

Do you think Lewandowski has been a target for the last few weeks then? I never said he wasn't a target, just that he was crossed off the list long before yesterday.

09 Jul 2013 22:36:25
Does anyone think david beckham is hanging around a bit, he could put himself forward as a player/coach no doubt he'd love to work with the united boys all over again, does anyone think he would suit this? It could be offered to him yet? Who knows?

Beckhams legs were gone when he left ludicrous idea

Hes too busy in the process of turning himself into a world icon, which some already consider him to be.

Coach, maybe! Player/coach, never!

09 Jul 2013 23:59:39
The best role we could find for Dave is like what zidane does for Madrid and tap up, sell the club, to players.

Would make a great ambassador for the club though,

No name, he is the closest thing to a world icon that England has had in a long time. Look at the reaction when he flies to any country, everybody in the world knows or wants to meet David beckham, not sure what more he can do to be a world icon.

I could see him being given a role somewhere at Old Trafford as moyes likes working with people he knows, and he's known David a long time since playing together at Preston during David's loan spell there as a youngster, also would be there to put an arm round Rooney and get the best out of him again.
Tookers

He would be a perfect global ambassador, the biggest club in the world with the best known player in the world, perfect match in my eyes. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want to be tied down to one place as would be needed if he was a coach. Getting to travel around would be ideal for him I think and he could stay living in the U. S if he so desired.

Brendan81

I would love Beckham to become a Manchester United ambassador. Although he kind of is already with the way he speaks about the club. The guy is an absolute club legend in my mind. He may not have had the skill of Zidane or Messi but he was still a world class player (I use that term knowing full well it is over used, but not in this case) and more importantly, even when he left, his loyalty and love for the club has never waivered.

TK-Red

He's already tied down to one place Brendan. His kids have enrolled in schools over here and while appreciate he will do a lot of travelling, I believe the UK will be his 'base' making a role with the club ideal if both parties wanted to.

TK-Red

TK

Completely agree with what you said. One of those rare ones who you would believe if they say "United will always be in my heart". Absolute legend.

Deeps.

09 Jul 2013 22:03:48
I've mentioned my liking for Morgan Schneiderlin before, and now with it looking like Strootman could be heading off to Italy maybe we should consider Schneiderlin more closely.

I know there is a lot of sceptical fans out there with him because he plays for an unfashionable side so i've found an interesting artical which makes some very good points.

bleacherreport.com/articles/1649192-tactical-twins-bayerns-javi-martinez-and-southamptons-morgan-schneiderlin

Well worth ten mins of your time.

I'm not doubting you shappy but if you were David Moyes would you sign him?

he'd be a brave man to make such a move considering most utd fans would be underwealmed to say the least. thinking about it, I'm surprised Liverpool aren't sniffing around him. oh, I forgot, they've got Joe Allen ha ha.

how much do you reckon he'd cost shappy? (not Joe Allen)

Victor Wanyama who Southampton are looking at looks a better player, not sure what happened to our interest in him.

Ozwald

10 Jul 2013 11:25:20
Andrew, if he was the only midfielder we signed then i'd agree that it would seem abit underwelming. But if we signed Thiago and Schneiderlin then I think most fans would be happy.

Ozwald, Wanyama is a talented but very raw player. A move to southampton would be a good move for him. He spent last season playing in the SPL with no decent competition. Yes he looked good in the few european games, but could he play twice a week at the highest level? He isn't ready for a top team just yet.

Schneiderlin has proven himself to be one of if not the best DM in the Premier league last season. As a DM only Sandro was as good as him but Schneiderlin offer much more going forward. Schneiderlin is much more rounded player and ready to step up.

Shappy, personally I don't think schneiderlin is a bad shout and I'd prefer a punt on him than sesame street boy from Everton who we know isn't good enough.

I'm just pointing out that it would take courage from the manager to sign him as the 'midfield enforcer' we need since he's unproven at the top level.

09 Jul 2013 20:52:12
Hearing strooman is off to Roma, moyes wants his own players which is kind of good. Fellani, with carrick and thiago? Sounds ok.

09 Jul 2013 18:41:24
a website reports thiago will begin pre season training with barca. I was hoping to have him for our pre season tour. Same old story with united and the targets.

What story is this? The story of kagawa or rvp?

It's unheard of that a contracted player will be going on pre season with the team he is contracted to, by your reasoning Rooney and Nani are 100% staying.

Just don't panic about transfers, what happens happens and everything will work out in the end.

Nani isn't going on tour! He's injured

The story of silva, lucas, need I go on

09 Jul 2013 17:19:18
tiargo stating pre season with barca

Unless a deal is agreed of course. Barcelona spokesman was just stating the obvious.

Sydney!

Just like RVP did last year with Arsenal?
Steve

09 Jul 2013 16:54:56
A question for everybody including the Eds.

If Fellaini was our only DM available to buy would you buy or make do with what we have?

Personally I would be undecided due to the amount he is likely to cost.

Mad Hatter

I like him personally,

people are focusing to much on how defensive he needs to be, the way I see it is that if we play 4231 he can play deep with carrick and together both will do well in shielding the back 4 and creating forward play.

for the £22M being stated I think its a good deal, especially when players like Strootman (who I also rate highly, although he's untested) are fetching £18M.

He would be my first choice for def mid anyway, 24 scores goals, box to box, tough in a tackle and is proven in the prem. him in cm with carrick and either thiago or kagawa in front of them.

He is actually a defensive midfielder, Moyes was forced to play him further forward due to a lack of options throughout the team.

Make do. no point in wasting the money.

09 Jul 2013 15:20:52
So far I think a lot of posts on here are fuelled by nerves since the window opened. Everyone is questioning where our signings are and why we are not getting some of the players we seemed to want.

Could it be most of the players we seemed to want were just targets Fergie had in mind and not Moyes? I think once Thiago gets through the door the nerves will settle and everyone will start to enjoy the window/banter again. We will Defiantly sign Thiago and Garay and I would put a fair bit of money on Baines coming in. I don't care what Everton say he won't be a £20m player so I think we will get him for £14m.

I don't want to see Fellaini brought in now it seems Strootman has gone, he may be a decent player but he is nearly as bad as Suarez in terms of image. I want to make the most out of Jones but I'm not sure if I would like to see him always next to Carrick. I think the three I have mentioned will be in before the tour or maybe just after the first leg, then any other signings will come towards deadline day as players all of a sudden become available.

1redarmy

It is possible that DM has passed on Strootman just because he bums up Fellaini so much he really does rate him I think so its distinctly possible he will go for him

Pardoe, I'm starting to fear this possibility as well. it would also suggest to me that Moyes hasn't quite grasped the quality of player he can and should be signing.

what he should be thinking is who in world football can replace roy keane and Paul scholes (we're still waiting) and what has to be done to sign them

Bayern paid 40 million for Martinez because he was the player they needed and that's what it took to get their man.

utd should be using its financial clout to get what it needs and right now that's two of the worlds very best central midfelders. anything less is just making do and it p*sses me off.

I swear, if fellaini signs and I see anyone at OT in one of them stupid wigs.

even his name sounds like a women's sanitary product.

so, you'll gather I'm not fan of his and what he would represent as a signing.

sorry to rant, I even forgot what the original post was about by the time i'd finished lol

09 Jul 2013 14:26:39
Can anyone be 100% certain that we haven't been bidding for both Baines and Fellaini?

Sydney! {Ed007's Note -

Syd, you've left Bond speechless, impressive!

RedDub

Sydney I can certainly see that happening mate, seeing as we don't appear to want Strootman

It seems the Strootman interest wavered when SAF stood down. It wouldn't surprise me if Fellaini was signed. He does lack the technical ability and passing range of Strootman and can be very cumbersome at times, but he is good in each box and when we are defending he is an extra defender, when we are attacking he is an extra striker. I just worry about the bit in the middle.

Sydney!

09 Jul 2013 22:28:22
Lets face it he's a bad signing. anyone fancy going up against Madrid, barca, Bayern or juve with him in the middle.

Sydney I think you sum him up very well there, but if he can pass the ball 5 yards to Carrick and Thiago then no problem. Plus, him, Vidic, and the other centre back attacking RvP and Rooney's corners is a massive threat.

Syd
Is that team same fellani you were slagging of last year
jred

My opinion on Fellaini has never changed.

Sydney!

Oh come on Jred.

I know Syd has his moments, but he's hardly showering Fellaini with praise in his post above.

Play fair :)

I personally wouldn't mind seeing Fellaini come in, he is well proven in the premier league and I think in a two or three man midfield with Carrick and/or Thiago he would be able to dominate games for us.

People need to remember Fellaini has been terrific this season, therefore it would be wise to buy the best players in the league?

09 Jul 2013 13:19:30
Who would you prefer. Lukaku or Benteke? Both top class imo, very much in the Drogba mould.
Chippy {Ed007's Note - Lukaku all day, every day for me. I think he is a fantastic player who could go on to be one of the top strikers in the world.}

Lukaku. Got everything and will only get better and better. It's frustrating that he'll probably be wasted at Chelsea!

OT Ghost

My thoughts exactly. All these strikers that Chelsea are apparently after and they have one in Lukaku that will probably be better than them all. If it was at all possible to get him in a deal perhaps involving Rooney would be great business.
Chippy

09 Jul 2013 12:42:13
Very happy to see us linked with some different players now DM has taken charge. Davide Astori (though I still don't think we need a CB ) Erik Lamella ( though I know we were reportedly interested in 2011) it really is what I have been waiting for, however spurious the reports may turn out.
Thiago seems a near certainty now, very happy bout that, though I suspect some of you are tired of hearing how good I think he can be. As one who would have liked Strootman its really good to see DM going after his own targets.

So we stick with a three man midfield then! Only go to a two man midfield where we're not going to be outnumbered. The principles of wing play have been ingrained over the years and I'm all for keeping tradition at OT. I used to go when Daly and Coppell were employed, but this tactical style seems less fashionable and in European games especially the need to keep retention is paramount.

I'm hoping the new manager tweaks things to offer a more structured, interchangeable style of play especially with the inconsistent displays of Young, Valencia and Nani who admittedly can still offer a solution for those plan B moments if needed.

The argument of whether Rooney can play with RVP and Kagawa is the one nagging doubt in my mind and therefore the question of cashing in on someone at the most valuable price needs addressing.

A Mata, Hazard style of player may be more appropriate

It's funny that Rooney handed a transfer request in a couple of seasons ago because we weren't investing big money in new talent and as soon as we spend big on RVP he wants out.

09 Jul 2013 12:17:18
So because United haven't confirmed a signing it means that nothing is happening?

I'll put my house on the fact that United are working their fingers to the bone with signings and sales of players.

I completely forgot the club was obliged to give you a running commentary of the latest on goings with transfers.

Yeah, an announcement would be great saying we've signed Thiago, or someone. BUT this isn't FIFA, or FM, its real life. Transfers don't really happen within a week.

Why hasn't Thiago signed yet?

Well, I don't think Thiago is stalling, I don't think Barcelona are asking for too much, I think that United, or in particular is assessing our squad to see if there is a need for a player like Thiago.

I think United have agreed terms, I think they've got an informal agreed price with Barcelona however nothing official has happened because the DM is simply looking at the squad.

All this is guess work though.

What I will say is just enjoy the summer lads, keep upto date, maybe check the site a few times a day, but really just try and enjoy the summer. when a signing is made you'll know about it. There really is no point coming on here with all this 'No Value' feeling for this summer.

It is July 9th! If we get to August 29th and we haven't signed anyone, well, then you can start to get agitated, Until then, get down the Pub Garden, grab a beer and enjoy the sun.

I was interested in reading the post until I read "United are assesing whether we need a player like Thiago in the team".
Please tell me you're not serious!?
Do you honestly think that our midfield is not in need of a player of Thiago's quality?
Pls look around you, City, Chelsea and even Spurs have got better midfields than us, and I haven't even mentioned the European teams, ie. Barca, Real, Bayer, Dortmund, Juve, PSG, who all have better midfields than us.
Of course we need Thiago, and if we don't get our finger out, we might lose him.
Nomidfield

I think there could be an issue with thiago wAnting something in his contract that says he has to play a certain number of games.
If he had that in his barce contract and that's why he's leaving I Would expect him to want something similar in his United deal.
I think we might push for baines.
And for reasons I've stated before I don't see us going for strootman
Jred

If Stevie Wonder was the manager he would know that we need a central midfielder, probably two. So 'assessing the squad' does not stack up at all.

Bazza

Nomidfield -

read it again mate,

I believe we do need him, however Moyes needs to look at the squad and decide for himself.

You don't go into a new job and change anything until you've evaluated the people you manage and the operations you have in practice, this is no different with DM at united.

I'm sure he's been given advice on who is and who isn't needed/at the standard required but he still needs ATLEAST a week or 2 to judge for himself.

JRed,

You could very well be right, but United will want him as a first team starter, so if he asked for this then I'm not sure why we would be holding back.

I mean, the only issue could be down to losing him on the cheap if gets a long term injury, but i'm sure that could be easily stipulated to prevent such a thing happening.

If he wants to play that many games then so be it. He is good enough, the only issue would be weather he settled in quick enough or not to actually play that number of games.

I think a summer of Thiago, Strootman and Baines would be all we need for now. A winger would be a bonus but we have players that can cover these areas depending on who departs.

We are playing a dangerous game if we do not buy a midfield enforcer. Jones is often injured and Carrick cannot play every game next season. We are short of these types of midfielder, even in the reserves. City have Rodwell, Garcia, Yaya & Fernandinho. Even Kompany is a defensive midfielder. Chelsea will have Ramires, Romeu, Essien/new, Luiz. Carrick & Jones is not enough and we will struggle if Carrick gets an injury. Perhaps Moyes will go all out for Fellaini? Or maybe we will buy a cheaper option like McCarthy? Not sure, but we are short in midfield and we could be in trouble next season if we are not careful.

Sydney!

Moon
what if in a couple of years time he wanted to go back to barce all it would take is a drop in form lack of effort, he gets dropped and barce get he cheap.

I really hope we sign him but no daft contract issues
Jred

So we'd agree terms for the player and a fee with the club then assess whether we need him or not after doing that? LOL

Ozwald

Sydney,

I completely agree, I do think Fellaini will be the midfielder signed.

Jred,

Well in any case, we can't stop him going back, the only thing we have going for us is that he's not from Barcelona and he's not a Barcelona fan. many players have come out of Barcelona's academy and never wanted to go back.

Ozwald,

Yes, this sort of thing isn't uncommon in football. What you'll find is that clubs enquire and talk to clubs for their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, choice targets in order to protect themselves.

Like I said, I think United have informal agreements with both Barcelona and Thiago. - Moyes will need to assess the squad and decides what he needs.

If you look at the squad currently, with Anderson looking in incredible shape in training. we have a midfield of Cleverley, Carrick, Jones, Anderson, Powell, Giggs, etc.

The one thing we're not lacking is passing and technical ability, so wouldn't it make sense for DM to look at the players here and decide we need a big, strong midfielder, A la Fellaini instead of a technical ball player like Thiago.

I think Thiago is a great little player, but I also think Carrick is too, both will occupy a similar position.

in other words why go for Falcao if you already have Van Persie?

Time will tell, and I really hope Thiago comes in, although I wouldn't be surprised at all if come September 1st we have someone like Fellaini instead.

Moon we can't stop he going back or moving to any club but at least we could get a good fee.
I would imagine barce are wishing he never had it in his contract right now

Syd we have Carrick and Jones how can play that role
Jred

Thiago will sign just wait. He's on holiday so nothing will happen for the next 5-7 days atleast. He's agreed to join United in principle just all needs ironing out and completing. There is an issue with tax at the moment it'll get sorted though. Chill

OT Ghost

Jred, I know mate, that's what I said. The problem is though is Jones is frequently injured and Carrick cannot keep playing so many games. Jones & Carrick is not enough. For starters Carrick is not a defensive midfielder. Thiago and Carrick in a midfield two will get overrun. Imagine there was no Jones and Carrick? Who then? We need one more IMO.

Sydney!

Jred, I know mate, that's what I said. The problem is though is Jones is frequently injured and Carrick cannot keep playing so many games. Jones & Carrick is not enough. For starters Carrick is not a defensive midfielder. Thiago and Carrick in a midfield two will get overrun. Imagine there was no Jones and Carrick? Who then? We need one more IMO.

Sydney!

I have to agree with The Moon. I wouldn't even mind a great deal either. I am happy if we keep everyone we have, rotate them and introduce a hard midfield enforcer. We massively underrate what we already have. I think a new direction (Moyes), could give new life to our team. I expect Kagawa to surprise people next season too. Actually, given the chance, I expect Anderson to make people eat their words if given a fair chance. {Ed007's Note - Well he seems to have eaten everything else on the go, so why not.}

Syd
I disagree pal I really don't think thiago and Carrick will get over run I can't be arsed going over it again but in short having possession of the ball and using that possession well, closing space as a team and having a fluid formation means you don't need two defensive cm.
But in short football has changed Thiago would run rings around strootman.
Look at the barce games or the bilbao games we could of played with 3 strootman in cm and still not got a touch of the ball
Jred

Patzi
If Anderson could stay clear of injuries he would be a top player I would take him over strootman all day long, but he is no use if he can't stay fit.
Jred

Can you tell that I got distracted at the end of my post! AAAAAAANDEEERRRSOOOON! lol

Jred, I never said we need two defensive midfielders on the pitch. My point is we only have one defensive midfielder in our whole squad and that is Phil Jones. Carrick is not a defensive midfielder. So if Carrick and Thiago are playing in a midfield two then there is no defensive midfielder on the pitch.

Carrick & Thiago will get overrun in midfield. It's not about when you have the ball, it's when you haven't got the ball and you are outnumbered. Carrick and Cleverley were fine in possession, it's when they are outnumbered in midfield and cannot get the ball back that's the problem.

It doesn't matter what two you have in midfield when you are up again four midfielders from the opposite team. That is why Carrick & Cleverley got overrun in the second half of games. They didn't change how they are playing, the other team just flooded the midfield so they were outnumbered.

If you play with two in midfield, one should be a defensive midfielder. Carrick isn't a defensive midfielder. He is no Roy Keane.

Sydney!

"Look at the barce games or the bilbao games we could of played with 3 strootman in cm and still not got a touch of the ball
Jred"

Is that right Jred? Did Bayern Munich recently beat Barcelona 7. 0 on aggregate? Am I correct in saying they played with Schweinsteiger & Martinez in a midfield two? Two defensive midfielders with great technique.

Sydney!

Jred, we struggled against Bilbao and Barcelona because our midfield was overrun. We could have done with a Strootman in our midfield. If you play with two in midfield one needs to be a defensive midfielder. Or in Bayern Munich's case, two defensive midfielders. Not no defensive midfielders.

Sydney!

Syd
You are talking rubbish again.
Martinez and schwein are far more than defensive cm so was Roy kean so is Carrick Alonso biscuits etc they are all footballers who play a disciplined role.
Makelele, mikel are defensive cm.

actually have a look at the role schwein plays he links up the play drives the team on he is technically great he started off as a winger.
It's not about having 2 defensive cm it's about the system like all good teams bayern are fluid they have 5 in the middle when the other team have the ball but then 5 up front when they have it, that's why they don't get overrun.
But this is the important part the players in the system have to be good enough.
Carrick and clevs as a pair simply weren't good enough.
I don't think Carrick and strootman as a pair are good enough.
I think thiago would run rings around strootman.
This time last year you were telling me clevs was going to be world class and we would build our midfield around him.
I hope we sign thiago and he proves you wrong again
Jred

I never said they were just defensive midfielders. If you can read I said they have great technique. I am well aware of their other talents, but they have what Thiago and Carrick are missing, they have steel, both can put in a hefty tackle and they are strong which is why they don't get overrun in midfield.

Sydney!

Syd
they don't get over run because of the system the team play, them 2are just a part of, your giving a very simplistic view of football.
The whole put a hard man in middle is finished football has moved on.
Jred

09 Jul 2013 10:30:10
We could still be in for Bale he done the new football kit photos for Tottenham yesterday but his body language looks like he was unhappy and he also tweets nearly everything he does but has yet to comment on doing the shoot ya never know it be maybe still on fingers crossed. Katef

Kate, "We could still be in for Bale", when were we in for Bale? I think Bale is highly unlikely/borderline impossible. I think you are clutching at straws.

Sydney!

09 Jul 2013 09:40:59
Utd will be sorry if Kurt Zouma goes
to another team he would be a hit in
Premier





bfro

09 Jul 2013 08:15:12
Well Garth Bale was at the official Tottenham shirt launch but I still think we have a chance to sign him and have two reasons firstly he looked miserable and secondly he tweets everything straight away normally and he ain't tweeted yet maybe i'm clutching at straws but I really hope we get him his talent would light up OT and make us a very exciting team. Katef

A tad farfetched mate but I agree he would be an incredible signing! Some people seem to forget he has won PFA player of the year twice in a row, which is no coincidence!

Wow a rumour based on somebody not tweeting anything, not sure we have too much to go on here katef!

Your clutching pal, just done an interview on SS and talks about helping spurs into the champs league

Definately clutching at straws my friend. He'll be a Real Madrid player by the end of summer 2014.

OT Ghost

You are indeed clutching at straws I would have thought
Invisible STuey

08 Jul 2013 23:54:00
Good to see all the arguing has stopped. This is by far the best site I've found and the Editors do a great job when you look at the poorly ran forums. Keep up the great work eds.

Red Frank