Manchester United banter 3

13 Apr 2024 07:39:07
{Ed's Note - Anonymous Woolback has posted a new article entitled, Is Jurgen Klopp Burnt Out At Liverpool FC?

13 Apr 2024 13:25:56
Hardly surprising if he is. His style and personality is full throttle, he holds nothing back. That can be draining, especially under the glare of the media.

He burnt out at Dortmund and he is showing signs of it again now. He knows he needs a break and I would expect him to take at least a year off. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him return to Liverpool at some point down the line (although I doubt a second spell will be as successful as the first, they rarely are) .

I think the issue is Liverpool's squad isn't as good as it previously was, meaning there is a drop off in ability when changes are made. While some of the key performers of the previous side either haven't been replaced to the same standard or have declined a little.

Mane and Firmino where phenomenal and while players like Diaz, Nunez and Jota have potential and some great traits, they do not offer the same level or consistency as the former players. While Salah looks like he's starting to drop a level (still a great player, but not at his unplayable best) . This has lead to Liverpool not taking their chances and leaving themselves open to dropping points due to not being out of sight when they concede.

which brings us to the other problem. The defence. VvD looks pretty close to his best form again this season. But then he's had to be as he's constantly covering for his teammates. Robertson looks to have declined a little and has suffered injuries, while TAA has been out injured a lot, as has Konate. Bradley and Quansah have done brilliantly as stand ins, but they cannot match the same standards or consistency of those they are covering for. Nothing against them, they are just young, inexperienced and are making the mistakes they need to make to grow and develop. When half of your regular back four are that inexperienced you will concede goals to silly mistakes. Gomez has done a good job covering at LB, but again this isn't his best position and he cannot be expected to play that position perfectly. He does make the occasional positional error, as should be expected when playing out of his natural position.

When you have forwards who are wasteful and a defence that will likely concede then you will drop points and find it hard to play at the consistently high level needed to compete on all fronts.

I actually think Liverpool's downfall this season may be that they didn't go out of a couple of the cups sooner. The extra games for an injury hit squad that are relying on young players meant the squad was always liable to run out of steam.

Klopp rotated the team for the Atalanta game, but it was probably too much disruption against a very well drilled Italian outfit. Unfortunately he will have to rotate the squad and rest players where he can, as they simply don't have the legs to play at the intensity his style demands for the number of games they have left to play.

Finally we shouldn't discount the mental and emotional strain on this group of players. The media have created a Klopp farewell tour narrative since he said he was stepping aside at the end of the season. The media have made this "win it for Klopp" story, which puts huge pressure on the players, added with the idea of a quadruple for Klopp's final season.

They've now seen their lead at the top of the table disappear, while the quadruple dream was derailed by the clubs biggest rival, all in the space of a couple of weeks. That pressure and disappointment will be weighing heavily on the minds and tired legs of the squad. A squad that doesn't have the same kind of "mentality monsters" that they could previously lean on to drag them over the line. This team looks like they could do with their best EPL captain (Jordan Henderson) to keep them going and get them across the line this season.

Sadly for Klopp, and less so for the Liverpool fans, I think the EFL cup will be the only silverware Liverpool win this season. I don't expect Liverpool will travel to Italy and over turn a 3-0 deficit. Which would leave just the league left. Yet Arsenal seem to have picked up steam since the turn of the year and are in incredible form. They are swatting aside potentially tricky games at a canter, seemingly in second gear. Much like the 3-0 win against Brighton. I wouldn't be surprised if they went the rest of the season unbeaten.
While City are City. They aren't at their best and a combination of a few key players either leaving last summer, being injured or just having a little drop off in form from last season. Yet they are a machine and will still grind out results right up until the final whistle on the last day.

All this as Liverpool seem to be running out of steam, and cracking under the pressure and expectation. Unfortunately for Klopp it seems his tenure at Liverpool will fizzle out rather than ending with a bang. For all the talk of this title race going to the wire, I don't think Liverpool will be in contention to win it on the final day of the season.

13 Apr 2024 00:18:05
ETH saying he definitely needs another striker next season, not new news I know but who do you think we will go for, Ivan toney would me guess.

13 Apr 2024 01:15:46
Does not matter a hoot if we are not providing service to them. First thing we need is someone who can and will cross the ball. Not someone who gets there and then turns and plays it back because he is on the wrong flank!

I don’t disagree we need a striker but there has to be a plan to utilise them properly.

13 Apr 2024 06:19:22
I think it’s a great idea. When he gets to his new club whenever that may be.

13 Apr 2024 08:46:11
KeefyT143

I agree we need someone who will cross the ball, too predictable with the inverted wingers.

13 Apr 2024 09:18:43
We do need another striker and people talking about service, Hoiland is very raw and some the runs he makes are poor so its not just about service and finding him, its also about clever runs into space where wingers can find you with a cross or a pass. He is work in progress imo and we need another striker to provide competition and something different as an option.

13 Apr 2024 10:02:26
Hojland is very raw, needs to be coached on his runs, finishing and controlling hold up play. He looked quick when he came but hasn’t looked it more recently.

We have people who can cross the ball, we have got rid of people who could cross a ball. It is tactics that are at fault. I saw against Chelsea, for probably the first time, Antony running the full back and not stopping turning inside passing back. We just don’t cross and it looks an instruction. We don’t move the ball through the lines back to front, we don’t cross, so it will be tough for any forward until the tactics change.

13 Apr 2024 10:39:58
Højlund will be our starting CF long term, but he is still very raw in some parts of his game. He can't be expected to start every game as he will need rest both physically and mentally. Sometimes with a young player you just need to take them out of the spotlight every now and again.

I think we aren't set up to create enough goal scoring chances, which is why Højlund hasn't scored as many as his talent and ability suggest he should. He just isn't getting a the ball enough. He actually makes some great runs, but most of our forwards play with their head down looking to shoot themselves. Only when that option is ruled out do they look to pass to a teammate. By which time Højlund is marked and not an option. Personally I'd scrap bonuses for goals scored and increase the bonus for assists. It might make a few of the financially motivated players play with their head up a bit more.

That said next season if we can solve the issues with our defence and midfield then we should have greater control in games and hopefully that will lead to creating more chances, and hopefully better chances. Currently it's very much a case of win the ball and attack, lose it, then try and win it back again. Rinse and repeat.

Ideally he needs someone with experience to come in and rotate round with him, take the heat off of him and guide and help him improve in those key areas.

The problem is finding someone who ticks all or at least as many of the boxes as possible without costing a fortune.

In the last few days I've mentioned on here that there is a lack of quality forwards available, and that even fairly average strikers are costing a kings ransom due to the lack of options on the market. Leading me to suggest looking for a flexible forward capable of playing across the front line so as to make sure we are getting better value for money. Maybe someone who has some experience and proven ability, but still with potential to be better and improve.

However, yesterday rumours surfaced that Ivan Toney might be available this summer for around 40m. If true then we absolutely have to be front and centre for that deal. Toney for 50m or less would absolutely be as near to a perfect signing as we could make. EPL proven, perfect age (just turned 28 and in his prime, would be looking to be replaced in 2-3 years time when Højlund would be 23 and ready to be first choice), stylistically a great fit, and would count towards our homegrown quota.

The real challenge is can we get him for less than 50m, as we really can't afford to be spending more than that. Not when we need a couple of CB's, at least one midfielder, and probably a LB as well.

13 Apr 2024 11:11:31
Won't be a concern for eth he won't be our manager hopefully.

13 Apr 2024 11:27:18
Ahmad.

It wouldn’t matter if Hoijlund was making good runs. Our wingers would not get the ball to him.

We would make a lot of top strikers look rubbish with current tactics.

The only way Hoijlund will improve is with service. Until he starts to get it can he improve his timing.

Yes he is raw but we ain’t helping him at all.

13 Apr 2024 15:39:39
Tumbleweed

If ETH is there or isn't next season we still need a striker, would also like to see Mitoma on our left wing and cash in on Rashford.

For me Toney and Mitoma are the types of player we need to be getting in both will run for ever and close down.

14 Apr 2024 00:17:08
No value in the market, reinstate Mason ?.

12 Apr 2024 07:39:11
{Ed's Note - BarnetNige81 has posted a new article entitled, Current thoughts on Chelsea FC

12 Apr 2024 20:55:15
Enjoyable read. Cheers.

13 Apr 2024 13:48:50
Chelsea feel like they are on the edge of dropping away from the top of the table for a while.

The turmoil and change since Abramovich left leaves a club that seemingly doesn't know who it is or have a clear identity.

This hasn't been helped by the massive squad turnover, highlighting the potential pitfalls of revolution over evolution of a football team.

The team lacks leaders, identity or style. Pochettino hasn't been able to create a clear team identity, and I'm not sure he even knows his best 11.

Literally it feels like that without Cole Palmer then Chelsea may have actually been in a relegation battle this season. He has 16 goals and 9 assists in the EPL this season, meaning he's played a big hand in 25 of Chelsea's 55 goals this season. Where would they be without him?

The thing is there is no one else who has even had a half decent season for them. Maybe at a stretch Malo Gusto, yet if Reece James was fit he wouldn't get near the team.

There are some very talented players in that squad, but I'm not sure how they can be pieced together to create a coherent team. It feels like you are still missing 5-6 key players, which after the amount of money spent and the number of players signed is utterly ridiculous.

It very much feels similar to what has happened at United, but on steroids and done in a fraction of the time.

I think the remedy is similar as well. Chelsea need footballing expertise in key roles and given the power to make real change. The internal appointment of the Director of Footballing operations, smacks of the same kind of poor thinking that led to United hiring John Murtough to be our first DoF.

They need someone to come in and work with the club to devise a clear plan and start actioning it. I'm not sure that is going to happen, at least not any time soon. Which probably means a few years in midtable at least.

While the way they spent the massive figures they have spent, hamstrings them from being able to easily spend their way out of trouble. They will need to sell players for similarly big fees to which they bought them. I expect to see Cole Palmer sold within three years, probably moving back north for a big fee to help Chelsea balance the books/ rebuild the team.

As a Manchester United supporter, I'd love to see us make a big move for Palmer in a year or two's time. He could slot in on the right-hand side while a well developed Garnacho switches back to the left with Hojlund though the middle. Those three players all between the ages of 21-23 hitting their peak together would be phenomenal.

13 Apr 2024 22:02:29
Shappy, there’s no one apart from Palmer who’s had a decent season and yet they could still finish above Utd sort of just speaks volumes as to how badly Utd are rn.

Pretty much only Garnacho and maybe Martinez gets into their team ? then onto Chelsea being unable to spend money to get out of trouble: they’ve indicated to Napoli they’re willing to pay Osimhen’s €130m buy out clause this summer. Have been heavily linked with paying Diomande’s €70m buy out clause too. That’s 200m at a minimum they’re apparently willing and capable of paying this summer. Also linked with Diogo Costa GK or the Valencia keeper for €50m and a host of wingers including Vini Jr or Rodyrgo etc. Pretty sure we can expect them to spend another big wedge this summer.

11 Apr 2024 22:14:24
Sorry sent too early.
As saying watched Atalanta, what a terrific team (were playing Liverpool) they went in 1 goal up, at half time, and should really have been 2 or 3 ahead, they scored again in second half for
0-3 and it could of been more.
They play very high energy and did to Lpool what they do to others, of players linked to us Ederson at defensive midfield looked very good, very skilful as well as aware defensively and Koopmeiners also looked very good.
A small town team with low budgets can do very well with right set up, their wages are about one third of Juventus. Second leg next week should be a good game.

11 Apr 2024 22:42:30
Gasperini is an excellent coach and has been working wonders with Atalanta for a few years now.

11 Apr 2024 23:44:59
He is indeed Tim and plays a pressing game with an extraordinary man marking system. It worked well tonight and they beat Liverpool convincingly.
Indeed they have won something like their last 9 or 10 away games in Europe, their last loss was at Old Trafford over 2 years ago.

12 Apr 2024 09:31:24
I watched the Westham game vs leverkusen and the score was flattering for westham. They are really good to watch and wirtz is such a good player. I would replace bruno with him in a heart beat, proper 10.

Tapsoda is also a top defender and palacios is very very good. Lots of quality in that team. They should win it.

12 Apr 2024 10:37:28
Can we poach that coach?
Eth is a fraud.

12 Apr 2024 10:37:48
Wonder if they'll remain undefeated this season? Getting close to that Arsenal invincibles record.
I wonder if another captaincy change next season might relieve Bruno of some pressure and help him do what he does best.

12 Apr 2024 11:08:28
They should have beaten us too if I recall…they should have been out of sight by HT but we rallied and got a result maybe more by luck than judgement. I just like Atalanta and their approach, they make the best of their resources and are a pleasure to watch.

12 Apr 2024 11:22:55
I'll get my coat. Was mixing up Atalanta with Leverkusen.

12 Apr 2024 12:41:19
What's that spenno? Give the ball away and whinge another ref?

12 Apr 2024 17:06:12
Wirtz was one of the players Ed002 told us Rangnick had recommended for the club to sign. As was Szoboszlai.

12 Apr 2024 19:35:18
We would be in a different place if we had appointed Ragnik as DF and had a competent coach working under him.

13 Apr 2024 07:55:49
Dodgy, yep, another one we cocked up. And not the only person we had in the building who we let slip through our hands due to incompetence.

13 Apr 2024 10:08:11
We brought RR in to be a consultant. One of the key points, vital for a consultant, is the support from the very top in wanting to bring change. Often a consultant will tell painful truths and look to make notable change to improve. The club felt they needed a consultant, but totally failed to understand what they brought in, or to support him. That tells you RR did not have support from the very top and was a shocking way to run a business. Shambolic.

Thing is RR shouldn’t have been made manager, not even interim, another awful decision. The club should have listened to him, but failed and it shows why there has been such a mess.

13 Apr 2024 12:56:20
Exactly redman, he was hung out by the club in a role with zero support and the press went for him. They have done the same with every other manager tbf. It is good for the senior teams and owners if a sacrificial lamb gets blamed every few years. The problems run much deeper.

Tony martial will leave for free this summer after Joel insisted he must stay. We have no ide how much j terfering has been going on behind the scenes.

Cant wait to have a dir football in place who is a football guy, not a banker.

11 Apr 2024 22:01:48
Decided to watch Atalanta tonight, thought would take a look at some of the players we have been linked with.

11 Apr 2024 22:13:10
Whats your verdict? The suspense is killing me.

11 Apr 2024 22:21:25
Didn't see it. I've heard a fair amount about Ederson, how'd he look?

11 Apr 2024 16:49:34
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Alexander Isak

12 Apr 2024 12:17:47
Good article Ed001, I like Isak but he does seem to pick up a lot of niggling injuries. Nothing that will keep him out for months, but he seems to play a few games, get back into form then picks up a muscle tear or he pulls something and misses the next 2-4 games.

I said this last summer but there really does seem to be a real lack of elite strikers around right now. At the time we were looking for a top striker and beyond Kane there were few others available, Osimhen was mentioned, but I'm not convinced by him. I don't think he'd make it in the EPL, he seems to pick up a fair few injuries in Series A. Not sure he'd handle the rough and tumble of the EPL. In the end we signed Højlund, a very talented youngster, but then there wasn't anyone else with the same potential who was more proven available last summer.

A few years ago you had scores of top strikers all plying their trade at the same time. But now there are only a few that you'd bank on scoring 20 league goals a season. Maybe the rise of goalscoring wide players has dampened or hindered the progression of strikers. Seeing Rashford, Antony and Garnacho playing with Højlund and constantly looking to cut in and shoot rather than create a better chance for the young Dane almost certainly isn't doing his development any good. Although Garnacho looks much better on the right, plays with his head up more and is less predictable as a result.

What's your take on the current striker market? Do you see many good options, and if not why do you think that is? Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - I agree with you, there is a real lack of top quality players. Even those at the top end, the Kanes and Haalands, have real problems with their way of playing. None of them seem to enhance the teams they play for, despite scoring huge amounts. I think it is because of the huge obsession with keeping possession at youth academy level, that is why the few standouts mostly come from outside European academies. Barca, for example, has never produced a top class striker through La Masia because of the way they train their entire group.

The only one I see that looks to have real potential is Boniface. I am sure there are others, but he is the only one I have seen play.}

12 Apr 2024 20:38:07
Is boniface that good?

12 Apr 2024 20:46:49
I really like Isak, he scores nice goals, good with his feet, and a finisher. What’s going on at Newcastle is interesting and I wonder what will happen with some of their players. I think Isak would score goals anywhere, but as mentioned he needs to be available for selection more than he has been.

Agree with the comments above that there are no complete strikers these days. Haaland is a goal machine and that is his job, but as an all round footballer he’s quite poor - of course I’d take him in a heart beat, but that’s not what this is about. I’ve always thought I’d rather have Kane than Haaland. I think Kane scores just as many goals in that City side, but offers them more in footballing terms.

13 Apr 2024 09:22:46
Isaak is a brilliant striker and very clever with his runs and bringing other players into theri attack. Newcastle have done really well with that transfer when you consider the numbers being quoted for the likes of toney.

11 Apr 2024 06:47:52
Apologies if this has already been done, but could I request one of the Eds for an article on Graham Potter as a manager/ coach. Thanks in advance.

{Ed001's Note - there is this from when he was in charge of Swansea: Graham Potter profile. Bit old now I know, but still might be useful until I get a chance to produce an update.}

11 Apr 2024 11:39:14
much appreciated Ed.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome.}

11 Apr 2024 15:01:02
Does it count as a trophy if rashford wins strictly come dancing?.

11 Apr 2024 16:13:41
???.

11 Apr 2024 18:44:46
No chance of that Ken, it requires a bit of effort.

10 Apr 2024 07:39:08
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Manchester United v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

10 Apr 2024 14:18:02
Ed001 - Fair assessment and even though Liverpool are an infinitely better team this season Utd do have individuals capable of moments of class if you don’t put them away!

it’s ridiculous to me that a Liverpool fan can diagnose our problems more clearly than some of our own supporters.

Many claim EtH doesn’t have a style of play but it’s obvious he wants to play a higher defensive line and press aggressively from the front. He wants to transition quickly, winning the ball high up the pitch. He also wants to try and dominate the ball in the final third that’s why he pushes so many players forward, trying to create overloads in attacking areas.

He bought a ball playing GK during the summer and whilst not perfect, Varane and Martinez can push that defensive line further forward. Martinez is also fantastic on the ball. He wanted KMJ in the summer, he probably knew Varane would get injured at some point but couldn’t have predicted he’d lose Martinez and Shaw for most of the season.

We obviously have a huge problem because none of the CB’s have the courage or pace to push that line higher, they drop deeper as the forwards press leaving a massive hole in midfield. Casemiro doesn’t have the fitness, mobility or pace to plug the gaps. In addition Rashford is a terrible presser and Bruno is often positionally indisciplined and has a tendency to jump out of position and press on his own making it incredibly easy for the opposition to progress the ball forward.

EtH has been left exposed by incompetent decision makers and negotiators that have outrageously overspent on several deals and failed to move players out. He’s also missed out on several key targets paramount to his philosophy.

Supporters must decide what they want. If they want to see more adventurous, modern football, this cannot be achieved over night especially with the majority of these players.

EtH could stop the team conceding shots over night. It’s not difficult and doesn’t take a tactical genius. Abort the high press, allow the opposition possession in their half, drop the team deeper and get players behind the ball.

The only way to implement a new style is to expose the players that can’t play the system and move them on. This is a process.

If Ineos don’t have the appetite to move most of these players on maybe a more pragmatic manager like Southgate makes sense. Drop deeper, with two holding midfielders and play percentage football. That would certainly suit the likes of Maguire, Lindelof, Evans, AWB, Casemiro, Mctominay, Bruno and Rashford but is that went we really want?

How do we want to play? Maybe that’s the most important decision Ineos have to make.

{Ed001's Note - thank you DLIB.}

10 Apr 2024 15:52:09
Good posts both and spot on IMO.

10 Apr 2024 16:15:49
Ed001 be interested in your view on Elliott's pen, whilst in full speed I 100% thought it was a pen when you watch the replay it seems Elliot wasn't contacted then initiated contact. a lot more subtly then sake. For me incidents like that and the dalot incident against Chelsea are exactly what var is for something that looked a certain pen but when looked at properly it isn't. I agree on Casemiro think he got away with it as it was so late in the game and he got some of the ball.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know on the Elliott one. At first I thought it wasn't, but then it depends on the angle it is viewed from as to what you see. But I would say at most it is soft, so wouldn't have complained if it wasn't given. It does look from some angles like Elliott initiated contact but in others it looks like he just got caught with a follow through. It really is impossible to know what is or isn't a pen these days. Look at the Mac Allister incident with the high boot as he was bursting into the box. If that is not a pen then I have no idea what is. So I just give up on trying to understand the laws of the game now as it seems the referees just makes it up as they go along.}

10 Apr 2024 17:12:31
Ed1 and DLIB - absolutely spot on. Great posts.

I know which camp I’m in for style of play. If I’m INEOS, rip it all up and get rid of the squad. I’d give ETH a chance, but don’t think he’ll get it.

10 Apr 2024 18:07:33
Great Post DLIB. I give credit to ETH for sticking with the high press when he is under such pressure to shore up and get results. I know not everyone will agree with that though.

10 Apr 2024 18:10:22
Definitely get rid of most of the squad.

But ETH has to adapt his tactics to suit the reality of what he has available.

10 Apr 2024 18:30:11
Interesting read. ETh was berating the defense when i was at the FA cup games againt liverpool to move up.

When you watch us all it takes is one dropping off the rest of the line has no choice to but drop back. Its nothing new and we have not played high up the pitch with our cb since vidic legs went.

When we decide to defend we defend in a low block, which brings its won issues and hard to do for prolonged periods without someone making a mistake.

10 Apr 2024 21:00:24
Great post Ed and equally good points DLIB. It's refreshing to see constructive discussion regarding the style of play and tactics rather than the usual ETH bash and debate we see.

I agree Ahmad, I think ETH wants us to play high but the defence always seems to drop off. Maybe it's to compensate for a lack of pace. But it's clear to see we aren't compact between defence and the midfield which is why teams have been able to play through us so easily. There is so much space.

10 Apr 2024 21:15:14
One additional thing that concerns me though is how bad we are at set pieces and in the air. We are so vulnerable at corners and free kicks. Why?

{Ed001's Note - maybe a lack of specialist coaching? Though a lot of it can simply be down to a lack of players actually attacking a ball played in.}

10 Apr 2024 22:00:07
Whilst I agree with a lot of what has been said I still think that Erik is culpable for a lot of what is happening.

If he is implementing a style of play and players are not conforming to that then why is he picking them? Why does he say we played well if they are not conforming to his style of play?

Plus he still rewards mediocrity by picking certain players who continually underperform and show little or no desire.

I spent a long time on the pro ETH bandwagon until recently when I have concerns over his ability to succeed and he is not doing a lot to pull me back onto it.

I would be happy if he stays but equally not too bothered if he goes. That’s kinda where a lot of people are I suspect.

10 Apr 2024 23:08:28
How do you think the senior team at utd would respond to rashford being dropped due to poor performance? Do you think EtH can drop bruno for mount? I wonder sometimes if he is free to make these decisions or not.

11 Apr 2024 08:59:16
Surely during the interview stage these are the things that any coach worth their salt are going to insist on. Will I have complete control over team selection? You read these stories on clubs where the president of the club gets to choose the team, like his plaything. Surely no club can run like that.

09 Apr 2024 16:25:02
Think Willy Kambala can be just as good if not better that Bratwaith, him and Licha have speed and bit of aggression about them. Hopefully Maguire, Lindelof, Varane will be sold, Evans released, so another young CB, maybe the lad from Nice. More money for a top midfielder, when Casemero, Ericsen Sancho, DVB are sold on. Then we had
Get rid of Martial too, plenty to leave, freeing lots of wages.

{Ed025's Note - i may be biased Recon but i dont think Kambala is anywhere near the standard of Branthwaite at this point but he certainly has potential mate..

09 Apr 2024 17:22:26
Kambwala looked assured and cleanly has all the tools to be a great CB, but it's far too soon to be measuring him up against someone like Branthwaite who has spent a year abroad and was one of the best CB's in the Eredivisie last season. He then came back to Everton this season and has been one of the best CB's in the EPL this season, certainly the best CB aged 21 or younger.

He has everything you'd want in a CB and he's putting it together and performing every week. Strong, quick, mobile, intelligent, great reading of the game, technically sound, great in the air.

I'd genuinely struggle to find a significant weakness in his game, obviously there is room for improvement, but there is nothing he really struggles with.

Give him a couple of years and he'll easily be the best English CB around. He's also left footed, which is a rare commodity for a CB.

I'd easily have him as our top CB target this summer, he'd nail down a starting spot with us probably for the next decade.

I think Kambwala will be a very good CB, and I'd either keep him as our 4th choice option next season or send him out on loan to play regularly.

For me Branthwaite and another (probably Todibo) should be the first two signings we make this summer. Sort the defence out and have something to build on for the next 3-5 years at least.

{Ed025's Note - he would be a great signing for Utd Shappy, the guy is class mate and with us having to sell before the 30th of June because of our commitment to PSR he may be a bit cheaper than you think..

09 Apr 2024 18:53:21
Ed025, you have a real gem of a player in Branthwaite, it's a shame you probably won't be able to keep hold of him for as long as most Toffees would like. Also that he'll probably go for less than he should given Everton's financial issues.

I think he should be United's first signing this summer, I can see a deal for something like 45m originally with 10-15m in add-ons. It won't be anywhere near the 70m being banded about in the press as I don't think there will be a massive amount of competition for him.

Liverpool can't really buy a player from Everton. Arsenal have no need with Saliba and Gabriel clearly first choice. City have the funds, but don't really have a need to spend big on a left footed CB having bought Gvardiol and Ake over the last few summers. Chelsea have bought Badiashile, Fofana and Disasi over the past couple of years, while also having Colwill and Chalobah. Which really just leaves us and Newcastle. Newcastle also have a few PSR issues and might need to sell to buy anyone for a significant fee. Which barring City just going crazy and buying a third left footed CB (which I wouldn't totally rule out) means United will have a fairly clear run at Branthwaite.

Which is utterly crazy given the talent and the potential of the lad.

Him, Mainoo and Højlund would give United a solid spine for the next decade. Get another CB and a top class CDM (both in their early to mid twenties with a few years top level experience) and United will have the base of a potentially great side.

We also have some really talented young academy lads who if nurtured well could become really top class players. It's been a pretty tough decade as a United supporter, but green shoots are starting to spring up. We aren't back yet, but we do seem to be starting to put the building blocks in place for a return to the top.

{Ed025's Note - i think he will go Shappy and possibly to United, but i feel it will be around £60m mate, we need to get £80-90m in sales before the end of june to satisfy PSR but i hope we dont get railroaded to sell on the cheap, you do have some fine young players and Jarrad would certainly enhance the United side but i still think you need to get rid of some dross you have before you can become competitive i feel..

09 Apr 2024 19:09:42
I'm really struggling to see what others are seeing in Branthwaite. Each time I've watched him I've seen a defender constantly on the floor. The last time being the fixture against Newcastle when he made a feeble attempt to tackle Isak, ended up on the floor again, and at fault for the goal.

I think he's had a poor season. Likely I'm in the minority here, and happy to be proved wrong, I just haven't caught him on a good day and Everton fans are far better positioned then me to pass judgement.

As for being one of the best CBs in the PL this season, not from what I've seen. Struggling to find a weakness? Going to ground too easily is certainly one.

{Ed025's Note - maybe you have not seen the best of him Wazza, yes he got done by Isak but hes young and bound to make the odd mistake, but let me tell you this mate the guy is excellent and whoever gets him will be getting a top top player who will improve even further and become a top international imo..

09 Apr 2024 19:42:48
Fair enough Ed like I say I haven't seen much of him, but when I have, he spent too much time on the floor for my liking. I'm sure I'm in the minority and will come round eventually, perhaps I've caught him on a couple of off days.

I'm not sure if the figures in the newspapers are true as they rarely are, but it sounds like there's a deal to be done for interested parties. I would assume if he's got that much potential we won't be the only club after his signature either.

{Ed025's Note - you certainly wont Wazza, but as Shappy pointed out you seem the right fit because most of the teams who can afford him already have decent options already on their books mate..

09 Apr 2024 20:35:16
One game. I remember Tuanzebe having a stormer against PSG and looked what happened to him. Willy had a great game, but it's just 1 game.

09 Apr 2024 21:10:54
He may well turn out to be a top top player but he is some way off that right now. Positional awareness not always that good and can be turned fairly easily. He is young and playing in a position where traditionally late 20s and early 30s is when defenders are really mature. Can Utd afford to wait for two or three years whilst he progresses?

09 Apr 2024 23:29:51
Salford I think that's exactly the sort of player we need to be looking at. Players that can peak in 2 years time.
Of course we can't ignore the here and now but when you look back at our cb signing over the years lots of huge fees at the time but very rarely the finished article.
Pallister stam Ronnie Johnson, rio vidic. We did spend big money on some flops too I'll grant you.
But in the main I would like to see younger hungry players that can grow together and a cb like him could be a regular fot the next 10 years.

10 Apr 2024 00:10:33
Not seeing the Branthwaite love-in myself. I admit I haven't watched Everton a huge amount but on a few occasions I have he's been well done more than once. But I get that his profile ie age, nationality make him appealing to a side looking to the future.
Common sense suggests we are not going to go nuts and simply clear out all of Maguire, Varane, Evans and Lindelof. We need at least 5 CBs. The debate for me should be which of Maguire or Varane go. There's this misconception that Varane is always injured, yet he's started more Prem games than any of those names. But he'll be earning more too and command a reasonable fee, and would be in demand.
I still get the shivers from SFA waxing lyrical over Phil Jones upon signing him from Blackburn. A future England and Utd captain, he said.

10 Apr 2024 02:10:41
Branthwaite would be decent. He poses the qualities of Maguire and Stone without their weaknesses.

{Ed001's Note - that is not quite true, he does have some weaknesses. He can be rash, his positioning can be suspect at times and he lacks a burst of pace to keep up with quick forwards. I don't mean he is slow, he is no slouch, but he can't accelerate as quickly as the forwards he faces most weeks. Very good player, but he needs a guiding hand alongside him still.}

10 Apr 2024 02:31:38
Is varane put of contract at the end of the year? If so I think we have option to extend, but not for a sale value, only to use him. So if he goes I think we get no fee, but save $300k a week in wages. McGuire is on over $200k a week, but would have a sales value. McGuire also doesn't fit the style of football we want to play. Maybe everton could take McGuire and give us braithwait?! ?.

10 Apr 2024 08:22:18
Where and why has this fashion come from? "Top top player". It's nonsense speak. Much like starting a sentence with, "So". Or ordering in a bar or restaurant, "Can I get. ".
Meh. I'm old, leave me alone. ?.

10 Apr 2024 08:22:22
Braithwaite has a really high ceiling he is really highly regarded by a lot of people and I totally agree that his season abroad accelerated his development. Still not the finished article but well ahead of the curve for a young cb.

@ ajh,
I'd like to see willy play from now till the end of the season. Varane is on his way so use if we need to but I'd like to see will given the opportunity to play his way into next season squad as cb no 3 or 4 or a game or 2 at rb to see how he gets on. I liked a lot of what I've seen so far from him. Strong in the tackle, brave on the ball, quick and eager to give everything he has in the tank. Confidence is not lacking in him either. Tuanzebe your right never quite made it always injured and perhaps struggled to deal with the mental side of the game.

Martinez is one of my favourite players out of the current squad but he can't stay fit for one reason or another and with the way he plays he and be missing games so it's essential that we have better cover at cb. 2 in 3 (varane Evans maguire) out ideally for me . Lindelof might hang around as we have taken the option of next season so he will leave for free at the end of next season. Martinez 2 new guys willy and lindelof would be deep enough.

New guys? I see names linked all the time and I know little about most of them but Braithwaite is one I'd love to see come in. Hard to see where the money will come from to get the fixes done.
Outside of mainoo we have no midfield at all. Cas erikson vdb hannibal amrabat all likely to leave. Leaving mainoo mount Bruno and mctom. 2 cm needed there.
200m for 2 cb and 2 cm that's brie you get to the attack or address the full back spots.

If Greenwood maguire cas vdb fernandez ericksen hannibal pellistri bring in 100m between them all be doing well. AWB mctom Bruno rashford are all players that could be sold generating profit on their book values (Greenwood and maguire fall into that category too) I would not be surprised to see one or more of those 4 sold.

Varane Evans amrabat Heaton all out of contract 500k pw saved on wages there it will take some time to get the hideous costs under control. I see credit cards and chauffeur cars withdrawn from the execs in 18 months time the running of the football side of the club will be unrecognisable and I mean that in a good way.
The holiday camp is closing down we are starting on the road to excellence we are at the bottom of the hill however with some really good youth players coming through I feel very confident for the future. Immediate term will be rocky perhaps but that's OK as long as we are making ground. I'm very confident that once we build some good momentum we will make big strides.

10 Apr 2024 13:03:59
I would love to see Kambwala get a proper run of games until the end of the season. We won't know just how good he is until he's given a chance, just like Braithwaite got at Everton.
Just look how Mainoo has evolved just because he was given a chance due to our injuries in midfield. Now he's the first name on the team sheet every week.
He's exactly what we need at the moment, fast, aggressive, 100% commitment in every thing he does and so what if he makes the odd mistake. Your learn from your mistakes.
On his last performance he should start at Bournemouth on Saturday.

10 Apr 2024 17:29:12
Fizz, I feel you, mate. Especially the 'so' thing ?.

11 Apr 2024 08:03:46
It is very irritating Noucamp.

11 Apr 2024 12:07:59
Nonsense speak? What does that mean I think there is a grammatical error there in that phrase. Particularly when referring to a written word.
Top top post.

09 Apr 2024 16:22:27


Shappy has written an article entitled, The Entire Manchester United defence needs to be rebuilt

09 Apr 2024 18:04:03
Shappy - Some supporters often talked about a ball playing GK being transformative last summer but I’ve always been of the opinion we needed at least two new CB’s.

I was absolutely gutted when we lost out on Kim Min-Jae. How you can go from him to Evans is mind blowing, two completely different types of CB. I’m not having a go at Evans, he’s done very well, but hardly the type of CB the Club needed if you want to play a higher defensive line.

If we want to play modern football we’ve simply got to get that defensive line higher. That’s a non negotiable. We need two physical, aggressive, mobile, fast CB’s that will allow us to push that defensive line 10-15 meters further forward and condense the space in midfield. They must also be comfortable on the ball.

The type of CB’s at the Club must change. Maguire, Evans and Lindelof just aren’t mobile or quick enough. It’s time they were all moved on.

We need a new No6, a mobile, aggressive, ball winner also comfortable on the ball and press resistant.

We obviously need a new CF. I often wonder if Hoijlund was the right choice of CF considering the way we play. Would a false 9 type be a better choice. Someone to drop off the front, a good dribble and passer, someone that could look to feed our wingers making runs in behind, whilst also allowing us to keep the ball better? We don’t really create chances for our No9, I expect Rashford, Anthony and obviously Garnacho to all be here next season so I don’t really see that changing. Maybe something a bit different to Hoijlund might give more options to the team.

Two new CB’s, a new No6, new CF, then a new LB.

09 Apr 2024 18:24:33
Thanks for taking the time to write this Shappy.

I agree with most of the article:

Maguire and Lindelof need to move on while they can still command a fee (and lower the wage bill)

Varane and Evans will leave for free

I think Martinez will stay, so long as he gets more protection from midfield. Still many doubts about his fitness and suitability for the highly-physical Premier league (woukd be amazing in a less physical league) . So, depending on what doctors think, maybe he might go as chance he’ll never recover to be the player he was last season.

Dalot will probably stay. Think AWB will be sold - not good enough for United.

Shaw’s injury record a huge concern, but maybe Shaw and Malacia can be rotated until Harry Amass bulks up a bit.

Thus only guaranteed remainder will be Kwambala, who probably needs a loan in a less demanding league for a season.

Possible defence next year:

Goalkeeper:

Onana
Patrick Schulte
Ben Mee

Left-back:

Shaw
Malacia
Amass

Right-back:

Dalot
+ incoming (Denzel Dumfries? )

Centre Back:

Kwambala
Possibly Martinez, depending on medical assessments
Incoming? (Branthwaite, Todibo, Silva, Inacio? )

As an aside, wondering if anyone with knowledge of the youth teams knows who the next break through youngsters might be? Obviously lots of excitement about Lacey, Ibragimov, etc, but seem a bit young at 16 years old.

Wondering if anyone has any insights who might be the next youngsters fast-tracked into first team contention?

09 Apr 2024 19:24:15
DLIB, I actually think Onana has had a very understated impact on the team. He's done much better than most give him credit for and unfortunately he needs more technically sound defenders who can receive a pass under pressure turn and move the ball forward.

Kim Min-Jae would have been a phenomenal and transformational signing for us last year. Unfortunately when we've been as far off the pace as we have been it will be tough to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich for top players.

As for Højlund I think he's been a very good signing, and to be honest I didn't see anyone else on the market who would have been better other than Kane. Yet we all know Kane would have cost us 40m more than he cost Bayern, that's if he would even want to join us over the Bravarians.

Osimhen for me will flop in the EPL, and there are so few other proven strikers. Maybe in hindsight we should have gone for Gyökeres, but could you imagine the fan backlash if we tried to sign a striker from Coventry for a big fee?

Højlund will be a great player for us, we just need to start playing for him. We have too many greedy wide players who would rather shoot themselves then give someone else a better chance.

Personally I think the striker signing is probably the hardest to get right this summer. We need someone who is good enough, can challenge/ rotate with Højlund but won't cost the earth. If they are capable of playing in the wide positions as well then that would be a huge bonus as I can't see us signing all the defenders and midfielders we need then signing a ST and a winger. One who I think could be a really smart signing if we can get him for the right price is Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

He's the really good EPL level player, has some room for growth and can play right across the front line. For 40-50m he'd be a really smart signing, unfortunately I doubt we could get him for that price. Openda has had a breakout season at Leipzig, but again would cost a fortune. Jonathan David could be an option, can play across the front line, and might be a little cheaper than some other options. Another who could be an interesting and potentially cheaper option is Terem Moffi from SJR's Nice. He's at that same stage Openda was at last year, done well in Ligue 1, however top clubs aren't quite yet convinced to sign him and he might need a year or two at a stepping stone club before a top side comes in and spends big on him.

Which means we might be able to get him for around 30m this summer, which if he kicks on would be a steal in the current market. But we might need to take more of a gamble on a forward as established ones have a starting price of 50m and EPL proven ones probably starting at 60-70m.

The No.6 position is so key as well as that position unlocks the whole team, they shield the defence, and allow the other midfielders to play to the best of their ability. For me I can't see past Florentino Luis, he'd be expensive, but I don't see a better option out there. His all round game and proven ability in being the foil for midfield partners like Enzo Fernandez and now João Neves makes me think just how good could Mainoo be alongside him.

Athletic, quick, mobile, aggressive, technical, with a top level passing range. For me Florentino is the guy who could get closest to Rodri as the best CDM in the world. 24 years old, 25 at the start of next season, just starting to enter his prime and has a great amount of top level European experience. He could be the guy to guide Kobbie and give him the license to get forward more often, and we've all seen what he can do when he's around the opposition's penalty area.

Dream summer for me probably looks something like Branthwaite, Todibo, Ait-Nouri, Florentino Luis and Bryan Mbeumo.

Three EPL proven players ready to step up a level, plus two great players with a good level of experience and just starting ot enter their prime from the continent.

Rebuilds the defence, solidifies the midfield and offer flexibility and quality in attack. The list might not be flashy as some might like, but all 5 in my opinion massively upgrade us and with a limited chance of them flopping.

09 Apr 2024 19:27:36
Wallace, I agree that AWB isn't good enough, but I can't see us replacing him this summer. Given that Shaw and Malacia have been out pretty much the entire season and we cannot even be sure they will be back for pre-season means we have to sign a LB this summer. I'd love for Amass to be ready, but as talented as he is I'd be stunned if he really was ready to play EPL football, he's only just turned 17. Literally only a handful of players have ever been ready to play EPL football before they were 18.

Two CB's for me is an absolute must, Branthwaite being my preferred top target, along with someone like Todibo.

09 Apr 2024 22:35:30
Like I said in an earlier post, new back 4 and a real No6. All of a sudden we’re back in the game.

Our defence is awful - Maguire, AWB, Linekof are all not right for our style of play. Varane is always out, and sadly Martinez is crocked too. Wonder if we played him as our 6 next season?

10 Apr 2024 00:12:14
Again, 'Varane is always out'. he's our most played CB in the league!

{Ed001's Note - that's not a fair stat to use as it is skewed. You seem to forget that he is the first choice, so he goes straight into the team when fit, while others that you are comparing him with might well sit on the bench for weeks while fully fit and available. How many of his appearances has he actually been fully fit for?}

10 Apr 2024 02:25:36
Branthwaite, Todibo, Ait-Nouri, Florentino Luis and Bryan Mbeumo.

Plus a backup GK and Frimpong.

Perfect window.

Shappy what do you think the outs will look like?

10 Apr 2024 03:03:13
Shappy

I'd be shocked if we got Branthwaite, Todibo and Ait-Nouri in one window.
Ait-Nouri will likely cost over £50m, Branthwaite £60-70m, Todibo maybe £40m.
That's a potential outlay of £150-160m in one summer for three defenders, I'd be stunned if that happened.

The consensus is that this summer we'll also need a CDM and a CF - that'll surely be another £100m+.

SJR is expected to bring a level of nous and shrewdness we've been starved of for many years.
I doubt very much that he'd consider paying over £250m on 5 players unless he can raise at least half that figure through sales.
Greenwood and Sancho could be easy sales, Casemiro would be, Rashford could be if PSG were serious.

Like yourself, I'd rather keep Maguire than Lindelof.
I know the latter has a little more finesse, but he's hardly Varane and possesses not a single standout attribute. He also makes Onana look uneasy by staying too close or moving to foolish areas that draw the press because he's scared of receiving the ball under pressure.
Maguire, for all his faults, never goes missing and can occasionally slip into a beast-mode level of physicality that few CBs in the PL could dream of.

Nice optimistic post mate.

10 Apr 2024 06:03:59
Be good to see how many games Varane finishes too. He can’t be trolled on as the back e if our defence. Time to go.

Ork - I agree if we have to keep one. Ideally I’d ship both out as neither good enough, but Lindelof needs to move to Italy where he’ll have a fine career. He gets bullied in the Premier Leagie, has little pace, and is prone to switch off too many times.

10 Apr 2024 08:03:09
Lots of good posts all.
It is tough to know who we will bring in as in reality we have potential holes and questions all over the park.
Defence definitely needs addressing in all positions but I doubt we will do that all in one go. CB is key and depending on how Martinez injuries look I expect us to bring in a top end player as well as someone younger with development. I would allow that second player along with Kambawala get some decent minutes next year. Right back can wait, whilst AWB is top quality is his good enough for year 1 of the new rebuild. Left back is more important and we can't go through another seasob like we have done. Shaw/ Malacia need more cover or replacement even if they both stay. Shaw/ Martinez if fit are able to cover the 2 positions so that would be a bonus next year.

Other than that we need Holding midfielder/ second striker as well as right winger depending on what happens with Rashford/ Antony once the hierachy is finalised/ potential new manager.

Probably all too much in one window so get a few key ones done, keep bringing through from the youth, clear out the dead wood and then go again in the next 2 windows.

10 Apr 2024 08:48:35
I think there is a stat around somewhere that varane and Evan's have been the most available ed. Evan's clearly not first choice these days, although we would have been screwed without him.

McGuire, martinez, lindelof and Shaw have all been unavailable for far more games.

Kambawala I'm not sure, and possibly he was available more but not first choice, as you say.

The real question is McGuire or varane. Often fitness is given as a reason to select McGuire, who over the course of his season has had a pretty good fitness record. Varane is more money, but younger and better and enables a higher line.

The brave choice is get rid of both and bring in the new. Can't see Ineos doing that though!

10 Apr 2024 11:52:19
Eric, I wouldn’t paly Martinez as a No.6 and I doubt EtH would either as he moved him from midfield to defence because he wasn’t dynamic enough to play in midfield in the Eredivisie. The idea that he’d then be good in the far more dynamic cut and thrust of the EPL midfield seems a bit of a stretch.

Spenno, while Varane isn’t quite at the same level as Phil “the crock” Jones in terms of injuries, he isn’t someone you’d bet your house on being fit and available for all the remaining games this season. He’s also out of contract in the summer and will only stay of he has assurances of being first choice. Which given that he struggles to play 180 minutes a week for a sustained period is just something we can’t promise. Let him go this some and bring in someone who suits how we want to play, is young enough to be a fixture for the next 5 years and someone who’ll be fit most of the time.

Ork, I’d be very surprised if we didn’t sign at least 5 players this summer. We are in the unfortunate position of being in need of players in multiple positions regardless of where we might lack quality. At centre back we will see both Varane and Evans leave on free transfers. Martinez is an injury concern having missed pretty much this entire season and the last couple of months of last season. Which leaves Lindelof and Maguire (neither good enough), both of which could leave this summer, and the young lad Kambwala. We need a minimum of two CB’s this summer and would be surprised if we signed less than two.
We’ve also spent the majority of this season without a special-ist LB, Shaw continues to struggle to stay fit, while Malacia is having an injury nightmare. Neither are guaranteed to be fit and ready for the start of next season, in fact its likely that at least one if not both won’t be fully ready for the start of next season. We will need to bring in a quality LB option.
Casemiro is declining and is our only special-ist defensive midfielder, he also could leave this summer. Therefore, we need at least one signing here, ideally two. I’d expect to see one CDM sign then either Casemiro stays another year, or he leaves and someone like Dan Gore is promoted to be a squad option.
Either way we are now at for signings, and this is before we address the issue of only having one striker in the squad (Martial will be on his bike this summer) . This is actually the hardest area to recruit this summer in my opinion. There are several reasons for this, from the typically high costs of forwards (and our limited budget to sign one), to the fact that there are very few great or even potentially great forwards available making it a very competitive market.
Finally, there is the chance that Bayindir might leave this summer, in which case another back up keeper will be required. This might be the 6th and probably final signing I see us making.
There are arguments that we need to upgrade RB, and they are valid. But I expect we’ll keep Dalot as first choice and AWB as back up next season. Likewise, there are valid arguments that we need another wide player, especially with Sancho and Greenwood almost certain to leave. Yet its highly unlikely we will sell Rashford due to there being no one who can afford him and his wages. He is a conundrum, as on form he is one of the best forwards in the league, we just need to work out how to get him back into form. Garnacho for me has nailed down the right-hand side position as his spot for the next couple of years. Long-term I expect he’ll switch back to the left-hand side, yet currently playing on the right is forcing him to play with his head up more and that is helping develop him into a far more rounded threat. He needs to stay there for at least another season or two. If both are on form, then we have more than good enough first choice wide options. The issue is that the quality in depth is questionable in Antony and Amad. The realistic solution is signing a forward who can primarily be back up for Hojlund, but also a rotation option on both flanks. The only other choice might be playing Mount wide at times (something he’s shown he can do to a high level at Chelsea) .
In terms of raising funds, I think we can easily raise 100m through sales, maybe more depending on who we sell. We will also massively slash the wage bill this summer which will help with PSR. Finally new owners are permitted to make a financial investment into the club in their first year, this can be used on signings if the club want. Which means the new owners have one chance this summer to boost the transfer kitty if they want, which I expect they will.

Utd Road, I think the outs will look a little like this:

Williams, Alvaro Fernandez, Donny, Pellistri, Hannibal, Shoretire, Greenwood and Sancho will all be sold, raising probably around 100m (60-70m for Greenwood and Sancho, 30-40m for the other 6 at around 5-10m each) .
Those eight will be joined by Heaton, Evans, Varane and Martial all leaving on free transfers. While Amrabat’s loan will not be made into a permanent deal.
Which means that’s 13 players leaving, raising around 100m and saving about 78m a year on wages. None bar Varane have played significant minutes or been a real contributor to the club this season.
We then have a list of players who could leave either because they want first team football, or because the club have received decent offers for them.
Bayindir may want to leave to play first team football. If he does it’ll be a minimal fee and the club will have to find a replacement.
I’d expect one of Lindelof or Maguire to leave, but not both. Neither are good enough to be first choice, but both have some qualities as a back up 4th choice CB. Really, it’s a flip of a coin over who stays and who goes. It most likely depends on what offers we receive.
Casemiro could well leave, he is declining and on a massive salary. The club could be caught in a situation where if they don’t sell him this summer and he struggles again next season or even declines further then there won’t be any takers for him in 2025 and the club might be forced to keep him until the end of his contract. He wants to play regular football, and if we buy a first choice No.6 this summer, he will be a back up player to them. SJR has bee outspoken in his criticism of signing Casemiro, which suggests he will be on his way this summer.
Eriksen could leave to play regular football, as could McTominay. Again, I’d expect only one of them to go and not both. This could go either way. Eriksen is technically the better player, yet its McTominay whose had the bigger impact. Eriksen would only raise a nominal fee, whereas McTominay would bring in a decent fee (20-30m maybe) .
Outside chance that Amad pushes to leave, but I’d expect the club to resist a sale given the lack of depth in wide positions.
Players like Antony, Bruno and Rashford who certain sections of the fan base want sold won’t be sold this summer in my opinion. Either because they are just too important (even if not in great form) or because the club will lose too much money, or because they is no interest from clubs wanting to buy them.
So, on top of the 13 leaving (Williams, Alvaro Fernandez, Donny, Pellistri, Hannibal, Shoretire, Greenwood, Sancho, Heaton, Evans, Varane, Martial and Amrabat), I’d imagine Casemiro will leave, maybe bringing in a 20-25m fee maybe. My preference would be for Maguire and McTominay as they would help raise another 40-50m between them, and I feel Lindelof and Eriksen are the better players. Yet I get the feeling it will be Lindelof and Eriksen who leave maybe bringing in 15-20m at most. Which to be fair Maguire and McTominay have contributed more this season, so I wouldn’t be against that. They just have to be squad player’s next season. Amad will stay in my opinion, while Bayindir will leave and be replaced with someone like Patrick Schulte if the current rumours are anything to go by.

10 Apr 2024 11:52:24
I don’t see why not dodgy. Just depends who the new coach will be and how they may fit into our new style.

Ps I’m fully expecting ETH to go now based on Ed2’s comments. Potter, de Zerbi or Nagelsman it is.

10 Apr 2024 12:04:14
Varane is out of contract and leaving in the summer DB.