Manchester United banter 3

11 May 2024 11:49:27
Just read that Spurs have been told Toney's available at £50m.

Chew down to the wrist I would.

11 May 2024 12:21:45
Would be a good signing if we could get him at that price.

11 May 2024 14:09:23
Add on the United tax to that.

11 May 2024 15:20:56
One of the laziest players you will ever see imo and will upset many fans if you think rash does not work hard enough. does nothing defensively all game.

{Ed077's Note - He'll have more goal contributions than Rashy this season, YOU CAN BET ON THAT ??

11 May 2024 16:06:13
Ahmad. So, apart from 20+ goals a season. ?.

11 May 2024 16:09:11
Ahmad

Toney is a Centre-Forward, and would be expected to apply more of his tracking and working into midfield.

Whereas, Rashford is primarily a Wide-Forward, and would be expected to apply more of his tracking and working down the flanks.

Don't give me the high-intensity sprints blither, Toney does far more grafting in midfield than Rashford does to support his Fullback.

If Toney's lazy, then Rashford is absent.

11 May 2024 18:33:54
Toney would be a good signing for anywhere between 40-50m. EPL proven 20 goal a season striker who can play across the front three and is very good at bringing others into play and creating chances for his teammates. While he's at an age where he's hitting his peak, but isn't such a big name that he'd push Hojlund out completely. He'd carry the attacking burden for a 2-3 years until Hojlund was ready to be our clear first choice and carry that scoring responsibility.

Any more than 50m and it just becomes unviable due to the need we have in other areas. While I also suspect there could be better value found in the market if we are looking foe a clear back up to Hojlund.

I'd even consider Welbeck on a free for a year to support Hojlund if it means we can get top quality first choice options in defence and midfield, rather than compromise in those positions to buy a more expensive back up striker.

11 May 2024 18:45:22
He’d expect to start and be the big cheese. I don’t mind having a main striker and there’d be plenty of opportunities for Rasmus, but I don’t think we’ll sign such a high profile player. Whether a younger Sesko type or older player happy to rotate I’m not sure. Don’t believe he’ll be that cheap for anyone though.

11 May 2024 22:45:44
He is a better all round player than Rashford and I have watched him many times tracking back.

12 May 2024 09:11:10
Spenno, I tend to agree with much of that, and given his age and pedigree in the EPL I don't think he'd be a big issue for Højlund. Toney would probably be first choice for the next couple of years, while Højlund would still get plenty of game time to develop. I. Two years time Højlund will be 22/ 23 and ready to step up and become our undisputed first choice, while Toney will be 30/ 31 and ready to take a step back and become the back up.

As for price like I said 50m is the maximum I think anyone should spend on him. He has one year left on his deal, so this is Brentford's last chance to make sure they don't lose him for nothing. While he's had half the season out banned and hasn't come back in great form. Maybe with a good pre-season he'll be back to his best next season. Yet for buying clubs why would you spend more than 50m on a 28 year old striker who has had a 6 month ban and isn't in the best form with only a year left on his deal.

I genuinely think it could be closer to 40m that he goes for in the end. Which would represent a bargain in the current market.

12 May 2024 10:43:08
Id only question his attitude. We need the right players with the right attitudes going forward. coachable people.

11 May 2024 11:05:18


Shappy has written an article entitled, Evaluating Potential Manchester United Managers

11 May 2024 11:57:32
Agree with most of that shappy, although I do think tuchel may be what we need at this moment in time. Up until after Christmas I would of been happy for ten hag to continue but I just don't think he has improved any player. His recruitment has been a massive let down and can't see him turning things around.
Interesting choice in the Bournemouth manager.
I don't know anything about the sporting manager but agree he should be high up on the list.
Southgate is a no for me but I've just got the feeling it will be him.
I wouldn't be against potter at all. I was impressed with how he built the Brighton team and he does have a good relationship with Dan ashworth.
Wants essential is if it's a new coach or ten hag, they need to be all in line with the new set up. A clear structure and plan and the team can go from there.

11 May 2024 13:12:47
Iraola is the interesting one of the list, probably a season or two too soon for him.

I don't think there is anything wrong with getting a 2-3 year manager like Tuchel. Let the new structure and staff settle in and get the players they want to suit the style they want to play, then getting in a longer term replacement who can coach that style.

11 May 2024 13:28:45
Shappy - I thinks that’s a pretty fair and insightful assessment pal.

Where do you stand on EtH?

I think when we consider EtH the most likely candidates should form some part of the discussion.

Southgate, Potter and Touchel are the names most strongly linked!

11 May 2024 13:43:37
Tom, I don't think there is any point in going for a quick fix "kick up the backside" type manager.

You can't rebuild while still trying to just skim a little plaster over the crack in a subsiding wall.

What advantage does hiring someone like Tuchel bring?

We don't have a squad capable of challenging so he won't win anything of significance in the short term.

He doesn't really have a record of developing and improving young players, so what happens with the likes of Mainoo, Garnacho and Højlund over the next couple of years?

He doesn't play entertaining or exciting football, or has a track record of settling the foundations for a long term playing style. He's fairly reactive and pragmatic as a coach, looking at how he can win the battle and not the war.

He has a record of falling out with CEO's, sporting directors and players. He hasn't got a record of really galvanizing a group of players and setting up clear standards or expectations to create a harmonious dressing room that are driven to work hard for eachother.

In which case what issue that we have does he solve?

When he'd invariably leave in 18 months time, he wouldn't have changed the atmosphere or issues in the dressing room.
He won't have won anything of significance.
He won't have set a clear and consistent playing style.
He won't have helped develop the younger players in the squad into the top stars. He may have even hindered their development with his negative, reductive approach (particularly as 2 of the 3 beat young players in our squad are offensive players) .

We'd be back exactly to where we are now, but just 2 years down the line.

Still needing the dressing culture fixed.

Still needing a clear style of play.

Still probably needing half the squad rebuilt to suit this new style of play.

Back more or less at square one, what is the point?

I'd rather have a young manager and 2 years outside of the UCL (if that was needed) to actually make real progress and to start to see our club turning around.

To have a culture at the club that demands excellence and has the highest standards. Players working hard and dedicated to becoming better players and a better team.

To have a clear style of play, ideally one in keeping with the Manchester United offensive, entertaining, style of football.

To have seen our young players develop into players on the cusp of becoming or even actually world class by that point.

To have been able to rebuild the squad in this image by steadily removing players who don't suit this new direction of the club, and by recruiting those that do.

Any new signings will struggle to succeed if they are being bought by the club to suit one vision, but are being asked to play differently due to a manager looking to constantly tweak the playing style/ tactics to win the current game and not embed a playing style. So even if the clubs recruitment is better under the new structure, if the manager isn't pulling in the same direction then the players will struggle to adapt to the club and perform to the best of their ability. Right players, right club, wrong manager.

If we replace the manager then it has to be a full reset, someone who perfectly fits the vision of the club, so everyone is pulling in the same direction towards the same goal.

11 May 2024 14:18:36
Problem is there is no obvious replacements at the moment, the English contingent, Potter would crumble under the pressure especially after his comments while managing Chelsea, Southgate would be more resilient, but is he the right choice, most seem to say no.

The others are all untested managing at club like United and could be chewed up and spat out during the transition period we see over the next few years.

Before we throw another manager to the lions, let's get our structure sorted, our backroom staff in place and the recruitment working.

11 May 2024 14:47:12
DLIB, at the moment I'd still keep EtH for next season. Give him a year with a proper set up around him and see what he can do.

Worst case scenario is he isn't up to it and you replace him next summer when his contract is up and you don't have to pay him 5-8m to leave.

While next summer, the new structure will all be fully in place, they will have time to assess what they want and who best suits that. Also they are probably in a better position to get the right guy in for the set up they have at that point.

It gives them time to plan it better and make any transition smoother, rather than rushed like it'd be this summer.

I'm not fully convinced by any of the options available, with some of the younger managers looking like probably the best option. Yet in a years time those managers will have another season under their belt, and a bigger body of work to judge them on, meaning that you can be more sure of who suits the project and who doesn't.

That said, the feel around the club is starting to get toxic again, the media and the online fanbase are starting to bay for blood. If things don't turn around quickly then it might be too late for EtH to be given a chance next season as the tipping point will have already been passed.

A heavy defeat tomorrow against Arsenal could finally put the writing on the wall. To be honest I don't see anything less than a 3-0 defeat at absolute best. Arsenal are arguably in the best form of the season, hardly conceding any chances and scoring for fun. While we just got humped by Palace and have absolutely no fit CB's to play.

I genuinely fear we could have a record defeat tomorrow, and if that happens it won't matter whether EtH has the ability to turn it around or not, the noise will become so deafening that it will become impossible for the club to give him that chance. He might not even make the FA cup final, possibly with McLaren taking over first team manager duties for the final game or so of the season.

11 May 2024 15:08:42
Problem is… THERE IS NO VACANCY lol :p.

11 May 2024 16:11:13
No spenno there isn't a vacancy. Oh wait on. Sorry he's gone and he knows it and so the players. ken has told them, and us multiple times. ?.

11 May 2024 16:44:24
Spenno and Fizz, while there is no vacancy atm, and personally I'm still in the give EtH another year camp, the reality is that the managers position is very likely to be available this summer.

Looking at how the new co-owners have started to clear shop with the backroom team it would be surprising if they happened to feel the current manager was the best man for the job.

While the current form of the team, the results and the general building of a feeling of unhappiness with the manager seems to suggest that it's highly likely that EtH will not be Manchester United manager come the start of next season. Whether you're for him or against.

11 May 2024 18:23:04
That's all fair points on tuchel. I just feel he would do a good job, don't know why just a gut feeling.
Like I say I was all for backing eth until after Christmas. I just can't see him getting a tune from these players.
My preference would be potter but has he got the personality for the job? I'd like to think he would grow into the job knowing he had time and the backing of the new football structure.
To be honest I'd be happy with a coach who got the best from the players available and had a clear vision which was in line with wilcox and ashworth and who ever else we appoint.

11 May 2024 19:00:52
You'd think SJR and his team would have gauged the feeling amongst the majority of Utd fans in being totally underwhelmed by the thought of Southgate being appointed.

I'm not saying clubs should be ruled by what fans think by any means, but you'd think if ETH does go then the new leadership structure would want to start off on the right foot with an appointment that the fans could get behind, or at the very least not be apathetic towards.

11 May 2024 21:10:47
Has EtH been sacked? .

11 May 2024 23:24:03
I don’t think any established manager would want the job realistically would they? Half the squad are pish poor and the likes of Zidane/ Mourinho/ Tuchel/ Conte etc usually prefer established players and wanting to compete for titles. Given recruitment is meant to be leaning more towards younger players I’m not sure any of them would get the signings they’d want in or the club would have to pivot from their plan from the start.

Then the younger up and coming managers, they might be tempted by the job if they feel like they’re sort of immune from the sack whilst the squad is turned over etc. Else why risk a promising career and potentially end up like Potter at Chelsea. Tainted by a job that was impossible and sacked despite being promised time to fix things and establish a culture.

12 May 2024 01:00:05
You can't keep EtH but not back him (extend contract, continue ue to buy players to suit his style of play) as the player power nonsense will not go away if they believe he is always standing on the presipice.

I would give him a 2 year deal and commit that the club is going to commit to the reset that is necessary and actually seeing it through.

If there is no improvement you can still pull the trigger on a new manager if the new management team have seen enough.

Whatever they do, I hope they can move quickly and efficiently. Sick of seeing the media feasting on our entrails! can't wait to have the club and fan base pulling in the same direction again.

12 May 2024 09:45:47
Tom, that's kind of the nexus of the problem any manager will have at Manchester United.

We have a disjointed, Frankenstein squad that isn't suited to playing any specific style of play.

That means the manager (whoever that is) has one of two choices.

1. They try to impart a style on the squad knowing full well that a large majority of them won't be able to play that style to the required standard. That means performances and results will be very inconsistent. The aim isn't to win in the short term but to develop a playing style. That will take a couple of season's while the squad is rebuilt to suit that style. That probably means taking a step back and a season or two of not getting top four while that new style in developed and the squad built to suit it.
I know some people will say other managers have managed to impart their style quicker at other clubs. Yet the reality is that they have a squad that is for the most part capable of playing their style and they have been hired because they suit the squad the club has.

2. The second option is to be pragmatic, to try and get the results by changing your teams style and tactics on a game by game basis to suit the players you have and to mitigate the strengths and take advantage of the weaknesses of the opposition. This will probably get you more consistent results in the short term but long term isn't improving the team or developing a specific playing style.

Looking at the club and the fanbase it's funny how things flip.

At the start of last season EtH tried to impart his style on the team, the first option, and we lost the first couple of games as he didn't have a squad capable. He then changed tac and went with the second more pragmatic option. We got results and finished 3rd and made two cup finals.

Personally I think EtH realised quickly that he needed to get results and he didn't have the squad to play his style in the EPL.

Yet the fans complained that we hadn't really developed a style of play, something they wanted and hoped for when we hired EtH.

This season there seems to be a change in approach, maybe the manager hoped with a few more signings he could start to impart his style more effectively. Either way he has chosen to stick to his guns this season and keep going with the project and trying to impart his style on the team. While we would have likely still been inconsistent as he doesn't have the squad to play his preferred style to the level needed, the injuries have had a massive effect, totally undermining any chance of getting a consistent run of games together with the core players he needs to play his style of play.

Here is where the fans impatience has caused a flip, those same fans who were crying out for a specific style of play to be developed in the team are the same ones now saying that the manager needs to be more pragmatic and play a way that suits the players he has.

It's a damned if you do, and damned if you don't position for the manager and why until the fans as whole fanbase wise up to what needs to happen.

If you want us to rebuild and become a power in football again then we need to strip it back. We need to start to impart a style, we need to rebuild the squad and that will take YEARS, not weeks, not months, not even just one season.

We will need at least two whole seasons of recruiting players to suit that new style AND attempting to play that style every week, in every game regardless of results or performances.

If that means two seasons finishing somewhere between 10th and 6th then that is what is needed.

It means as fans we will be the butt of jokes from other fans, it does mean we will have to watch many bad losses, inconsistent football and be okay with being frustrated.

It's a long road and we will need patience to see it through, we can't just abandon the project because we feel we haven't seen enough progress after a few months, or even after 18 months.

To be able to consistently play a specific style of play to a high level you need 14-18 players who are both well suited to play that style and of the right quality to play it at the level needed to compete at the top.

We might have 4-6 players currently that fit both those demands. If we get our recruitment right this summer then we might have 10-12 players capable, which means we will still be inconsistent next season. If we get the recruitment right the following summer then we might have 16-18 players that fit the demands for the start of the 2025/ 26 season.

Yet they will still need to bed in and find their feet so towards the end of that season you might start to see it coming together more consistently.

Like I said though that would require a near miracle in getting all of our recruitment right, 10-12 signings over two summers where every single one is a success and none of them flop or fail to live up to expectations.

That probably unrealistic, if 80% of your signings are a success then you will be the most successful side that summer. Which means it's more likely to take three summers to get the squad we need to play a specific style, consistently to the level needed to get us competing at the top end of the league.

Which means probably towards the back end of the 2026/ 27 season before we see us playing a good style of football, consistently to a high level.

Like I said it's going to be a long and hard road, and the fanbase needs to get on board with it. They need to learn to accept that, gain some resilience and patience. To support the club through thick and thin, and there will be a lot of thin over the next 2-3 years.

12 May 2024 10:02:02
Nou, the needs to strike that balance between keeping the he fans onside while also not listening (or taking to heart) a single thing they say.

Individuals can be extremely intelligent, groups of people are always stupid.

Listening to the crowd and is a sure fire way to failure.

There is loads of research into group dynamics. It's that mop mentality that kicks in in large groups, where the loudest and most aggressive voices rise to the top and the rest follow. It is in group situations where people often commit the worst acts. They do things in a group that they would never do on their own. That is why we get violence at football games and why decent, good people end up chanting about and mock the dead in the terraces. The vast majority of these people would never say those things when on their own.

Oddly we are seeing this group mentality even filter through online. Polarised opinions, and keyboard warriors. There is no middle ground, you have to pick between two extremes of opinion. If you try to stay neutral you get hounded out, if you are slightly to one side or the other you are put into the same category as the extremists of that view.

In terms of the current manager debate, it is practically impossible to back the manager and also accept or even discuss mistakes he has made without people trying to push you to one of he extremes.

If the club listens to or even tries to appease fans then the club is doomed. They need to hire the best people for the job and back them. The fact that most fans think they know more about football than the current manager or any football manager just proves the point.

If you'd listen to a manager tell you why they made a decision but then ignore that because John down the pub who once played Sunday league thinks he knows better so you'll sack the manager then you are letting the lunatics run the asylum.

The club needs to communicate better with fans 100%. They need to keep fans clued in as much as possible about the club so that the fan opinion is as informed as possible. That should stop a lot of the unhappiness and the misconceptions that fans have that drive that discontent.

Yet they should never listen to and act on what we say. As individuals for the most part we have common sense, intelligence and a decent grasp of our club. But as a group we are a pack of baboons.

12 May 2024 10:16:07
Fuser, I don't think it makes sense to hire an established manager. We are 2-3 years away from being in a position to actually challenge for major honours and none of the established managers will be willing to stick around that long without being able to truly challenge.

We need a project manager, someone willing to put the work in now without any expectation of a pay back for years.

We are better off with a younger, idealistic manager who wants to impart a style and build something for the long term. Because as a club we won't win anything of not until 2027 at the earliest I suspect, if not later. The manager needs to know that and the be the one to start building towards that. They will need to have personality and an unwavering strong mentality as they will have to deal with all sorts of negativity from the press and the online fanbase. They may even have to endure being booed in their own stadium. All without cracking or wavering from the plan. They will be called deluded and have their ability questioned time and again. They may even become a laughing stock, yet they will still need to stick to their beliefs and the plan.

Klopp was labelled "Flopp" during his first two seasons at Liverpool. Yet now he's regarded as one of the best managers in the world.

Arteta suffered the same, was made a laughing stock, mocked, questioned and derided. Yet he stuck to his guns and the club backed him and now he's considered one of the best managers in the league. Someone who can rival Pep through playing a similar brand/ style of football, on a smaller budget.

The next manager will suffer the same as EtH is suffering now, he'll probably have to suffer worse.

We need a young manager whose ideals match the clubs, and who has that gritty unwavering mentality.

I actually think EtH has that mentality, that ability to come out to the press and believe he is right and that he knows more than the journalists and fans about what is going on at the club and what is best for the club. That belief in himself and the project. Does his football philosophy match what the club wants who knows. If it does then he could be a success with the right structure. If not then it's best he and the club part ways and we find the right man.

12 May 2024 11:21:21
Shappy, pretty sure I said no experienced manager would want the job didn’t I? Also said a younger manager could be tempted if the higher ups will stick to their plan and not sack him if the results aren’t great initially.

12 May 2024 13:07:52
Fuser, it's not about whether they would want the job or not, I don't think that profile of manager makes any sense for us to hire at this stage.

12 May 2024 20:11:47
I am less concerned about the manager thn i am the structure above him being right. If the right people are running the show the will find the right man for their vision. I don't care of I haven't heard him, if we start moving towards an end vision I will be happy evening that means a step or two backward due to having to clear out dross and bed in youngsters who will eventually make it.

11 May 2024 07:39:08
{Ed's Note - CTR has posted a new article entitled, My Current Opinions On Manchester United

11 May 2024 01:41:53
Big spendy question.

All 3 below will probably cost more than their current worth, but all 3 bring potential.

Would you sign -
Jarrad Branthwaite?
Joao Neves?
Michael Olise?

Pick just one player and explain your reason for the player and his position being priority.

I'll start.
For me it is Neves all day.
Ten Hag has learnt the hard way that, in a midfield 3, two more attack-minded players won't work in the PL unless you have an extraordinary defensive player like Rodri or Rice sat behind an absolute genius like De Bruyne or Odegaard at No8.

My personal opinion is that the engine room of midfield is now the most important area on the pitch, for those players are the primary links between defensive and attacking phases in possession-based, high-pressing, modern football.

The only downside with the idea of Neves alongside Mainoo is height, but they are both incredibly gifted technical players with deceptive strength who could potentially create one of the greatest double pivot pairings ever seen in football - I am that confident about the potential of both players.

£104m is certainly steep though, there's no getting away from that.

11 May 2024 06:38:18
I still like Frenkie De Jong, and with Barcelona's problems and his wages increasing, there could be something there. There is also talk on interest in Mason Greenwood. Possibly some 30m and greenwood would be enough to get Frenkie.

I do not think our squad is as bad, but the managers tactics have been horrendous. I have never seen such an open midfield. We could easily get 6-9 points more by now if the manager was better.

11 May 2024 08:22:35
We’ll be fleeced on Branthwaite and Neves for sure. Olise has a realistic buy out clause of the low end of £50-55m. All improve the team. CF also. Where to begin?!
In terms of impact, I thoroughly agree with backpass that a player controlling the midfield was what ten Hag wanted initially so would love de Jong, but that’s gone quiet and there haven’t been too many rumours about the position. In his interview he stresses that de Jong and Casemiro could have played together, suggesting Cas wasn’t just an alternative.
Torn on Neves. That is a serious wedge of cash when we need so much work. We’re talking Rice cash, but then look at the impact he has had on Arsenal. But he’s the finished article, Neves is still very raw.

11 May 2024 08:37:22
I don't think any of them would want come.
Neves is neat and tidy on the ball but I think he's similar to mainoo same with de Jong. United need a holding midfielder to cover the ground and add some protection to who ever is playing in the back 2. That would allow dalot and hopefully a new left back to get forward.
Who that midfielder is I don't know but someone like kamara from villa would be the profile of player they should be looking at.

11 May 2024 09:18:57
I agree with Tom. I think Mainoo may have changed the type of midfielder we need. I personally would go for an athletic, combative CM to go in with Mainoo and Fernandes/ Mount. I think there are some French boys out there or someone like Douglas Luiz, although he’s unlikely with champions league most likely. A quick CB to partner Martinez and Olise on the right would be a strong starting 11 IMO. Unfortunately that is all dependent on everyone being and staying fit. I can’t see more than 4 signings if I’m honest and think we need to make a point in this window for future windows which may mean missing out of some players.

11 May 2024 09:48:08
We aren’t an attractive proposition at the moment. “It’s Manchester United” is no longer a strong enough pull. Other clubs have caught up and overtaken us. We have to buy smart, targeting players with potential who aren’t at the stage of their career where they have to be playing in the CL every season. But they want to get there. Players who are aligned with the journey the club is about to embark on. The next two or three seasons should be about development. We need to be looking at players between 20-24 who will be approaching their peak a few years from now. Adding 2 or 3 superstars will be repeating the same mistakes we’ve made over the past 10 years.

I have no faith in a scouting network that deemed Maguire, AWB and Fred as competent enough footballers to suit the Manchester United way of playing. But it’s time for them to earn their money. We likely can’t sign Frenkie de Jong, so where is the next Frenkie de Jong?

11 May 2024 10:28:15
Of those three it would be Branthwaite despite him being the least talented of the three players.

My reasoning is that he plays in the position of highest need, he is rarely injured, and while not having the same talent as the other two is still a top prospect and potentially the best young English CB.

I'd have Olise as the second choice by a hair. Phenomenal player, and supposedly has a reasonable buyout/ release clause this summer at around 50m, which if true based on talent alone makes him a bit of a bargain in the current market. He also plays a position of need, and would be a creative forward that we are missing. However, his injuries really are a concern. Lots of people complaining about the signing of Mount last summer and his lack of game time, but in reality he has been injured too often to get a run of games and demand a starting role (whatever that might be) .

João Neves is probably the most talented one, or at least the one with the highest ceiling. He also plays in a position of real need. Yet his cost (likely north of the 100m they got for Enzo Fernandez) and the fact that we would then have two 19 year olds with limited experience looking to play every week in the heart of our midfield. That just doesn't sound like a good idea. We have seen how Chelsea have struggled when they have lacked experience in key areas (defence and midfield) despite those players being significantly more experienced than both Neves and Mainoo. It feels like we would be spending 100m and stunting the development of one of our brightest young players. I think we need to sign a defensive midfielder who is 22-25 years old and has 3-4 years experience in senior football. Someone ready to step into more of a leadership role and who can take the strain while Mainoo develops alongside them. Not someone who has just as much developing to do.

11 May 2024 10:52:33
Shappy I think DM is more urgent than CB personally.

In that we have zero DMs (Cas cannot play at the level any more) . We have plenty of CBs, and I cannot see us having the same injuries next season as this. It would be beyond unlucky to have to field 32 different back 4 combinations again. Not impossible, but extremely unlikely.

Therefore I think we are crying out for a DM, and have been since before the McFred era.

11 May 2024 11:18:23
27 year old Ndidi from Leicester with loads pf PL experience would be a good squad addition - 12 months or thereabouts left on his contract -hardworking, steady player - would show Amrabat how its done in the PL.

{Ed077's Note - Ndidi is going to be a free agent in the summer (next month)

11 May 2024 11:27:34
Wazza

I agree a DM is a must but we will also need to replace Varane as it looks increasingly likely he will be leaving, we need to get both right as well we need to get a strong spine to the team something we have been lacking for a long time.

We need a winger that will run at defenders and cause problems and also need a striker.

Branthwaite/ Silva CB

Palhinha/ Neves DM

Olise/ Mitoma for winger

For striker I am really not sure.

11 May 2024 11:46:21
Is Joao Gomes a realistic target for DM? He's been filling in for Casemiro's at international level after all. Maybe we could steal Neto and Alt-Nouri while we were there :D.

11 May 2024 12:09:25
Reaper, I've not seen Mitoma on the right before where we're definitely going to sell one if not two players. I love watching Mitoma but we seem well placed on the left as it stands?

11 May 2024 12:12:29
Ndidi and Adaraybyio are no braines. Free agents and improve the squad. Must be one or two other freebies that improve the squad leaving funds for key areas? ( only about 9 key areas?)

11 May 2024 12:19:12
spenno

Would play Mitoma on the left and Garnacho on the right, Rashford needs to sort himself out to warrant a place in the side for me and that is if he is still here next season.

11 May 2024 13:17:53
Garnacho should play on the left, it's his preferred and best position.

11 May 2024 13:51:41
Wazza, I don't think there is much between CB and CDM to be honest, both are the priority positions.

For me though what just tips CB over CDM is that beyond Martinez we have no CB's who are good enough. He has had injury issues and it cannot be guaranteed that he'll be available for the whole of next season.

While we have no one to play CDM, you can set a team up to play with just one CDM or even none with the right tactical set up.

While it's impossible to realistically set a team up without at least two special-ists CB's.

At best we have one whose half fit and cannot be relied upon. For those reasons I have CB a shade ahead of CDM.

Given that Evans and Varane will leave this summer, while both Lindelof and Maguire could also leave. I think we need a bare minimum of two CB's this summer, ideally 3 given Martinez's injuries.

While signing 2 CDM's would be ideal this summer, we could make do with signing just the one. So from a pure numbers perspective CB also has to be ahead of CDM.

11 May 2024 15:57:25
The honest question should be would any of those players be willing to join us? Looking at most signings post fergie whose improved with us? Are there any players but bruno that's career has gone on a upwards trajectory since signing? 10 years of terrible decisions is why i personally don't see us as an attractive choice for players.

12 May 2024 00:31:42
Is Bowen a potential target?

10 May 2024 21:09:17

10 May 2024 22:19:53
I have certainly aged watching us this season.

10 May 2024 17:11:44
Mourinho, a toxic Manager well past his bear.

Tuchel, never seems to last anywhere and has generally been unconvincing.

Southgate, creates a great culture but tactically limited.

Potter, thoroughly uninspiring and not sure he will cope with the spotlight of a major club.

Amorim, exciting but who knows if he can step up to a premier league. He could be the next Mourinho, then again, he may not be.

Nagelsmann, not convinced given his Bayern spell.

Having said all that, Emery was ridiculed at Arsenal, but is rocking it at Villa, so sometimes 'fot'can be everything.

Our Manager recruitment has been appalling. SAF spoke to PEP, we don't know what was discussed and the timing was probably wrong. Woody spoke to Klopp who walked away having been told United were like an adult version of Disnelyand. The best Managers of this generation ended up elsewhere whilst we had Moyes who was out if his depth, LVG who was well past his best, Mourinho who was already a shadow of his former self, and OGS who broke records, both good and bad.

I suspect it will be Potter or Southgate, and the cycle will continue.

10 May 2024 18:00:14
I’d say keep ten Hag out of that bunch now.

10 May 2024 18:09:33
For me, a huge reason is the total lack of leadership. As soon as it get dicey our weak board often back on the side of least resistance.

Amy manager worth his salt would never work under circumstances like that. Its a breeding ground for ill ddiscipline and low standards.

10 May 2024 18:48:16
The issue is the players. This group have seen off numerous managers, they capitulate Unser pressure. There are constant leaks to the press undermining not only the manager but the club. There’s always a pattern of poor results from individual errors, then all of a sudden you see dressing room issue pieces in the press. Rangnick said how bad the structure etc is in his analysis, I think he mentioned the culture in the playing staff too.

I really believe as a club we are better off binning as many of that squad as possible and even paying out the ring leaders in the dressing room that we can’t sell and sticking with EtH as a shot across the bow to the players left that those days are over, the new regime are in town and nobody is bigger than the club. As long as EtH is working with the technical/ football board with a clear strategy in terms of footballing style and personnel, if they need to remove EtH at the end of next season at least the new manager comes in with clear decks and a very clear strategy in place which can drive the managers recruitment so they fit the playing style etc.

10 May 2024 19:27:28
Potter, Tuchel or Southgate.

{Ed025's Note - Southgate??..really Wallace??..

10 May 2024 20:06:16
Didn’t know there was a vacancy….

{Ed025's Note - there isn,t at the moment Spenno...but there should be mate..

10 May 2024 20:46:30
Rinse and repeat ed025, rinse and repeat.

{Ed025's Note - it does seem that way angel mate..

10 May 2024 20:56:26
With the dirth of convincing managers it might help to downgrade the role to coach.

That way there is less pressure and the role is more limited.

10 May 2024 21:14:07
I have a feeling it's tuchel. then who knows. One thing he'll do, make utd not so open. That's ten hag's major flaw. Every game is like a basketball match.

10 May 2024 21:19:27
It's been done to death. Coaches and players alike, assuming they even got off to a good start, have quickly succumbed to the toxic internal culture and general inadequacies permeating the club under the Glazers and the chief executives they have chosen to mismanage the club. One always had the feeling that SAF's arrogant description of City as the noisy neighbors would come back to haunt us. Then there was Woodward talking about how winning the league was not so important from a financial point of view. Footballing ambition died with SAF's retirement. Once it's gone it's hard to rediscover, especially if those running the club are amateurs.

Everything behind the scenes needs to change. Until that happens, no manager will succeed. The main ambition for the next manager will be to preside over the rebuilding. He won't be a Klopp or a Guardiola. He will be someone helping to prepare the groundwork, as City did by hiring Barcelona's personnel before Pep joined them. He was never coming to United.

10 May 2024 21:40:57
We've got to stick. The twist will be much worse with any of them.

10 May 2024 21:54:08
Factor in there are some big clubs lookingn for new Managers as well.

10 May 2024 22:00:29
I agree Shaw.

10 May 2024 22:33:28
Ten Hag very much talking like a man who is sticking around?

11 May 2024 01:40:24
I understand that swapping managers hasn’t worked in the past but Christ Ten Hag is bad, what’s he done to suggest we should keep him? His tactics are awful, his subs are embarrassing, he’s got one style of play and no plan b and all of the players (most of which he signed) can’t stand him. I’m sorry but sticking would be ridiculous no matter what the other options are. Sticking because the other options aren’t good is crazy, he’s not good, he’s literally proved it, the style is crap and boring, get rid.

11 May 2024 02:46:39
That is like saying a usain bolt is a crap sprinter because he has a broken leg Giggs.

11 May 2024 06:29:25
Here is a bit of insight on the team. I was told the coaching staff is so underwhelmed by how some of the basic stuff in training that is done elsewhere our squad is pretty bad at it. It technical stuff. Also was told no question they try but many of the players lack the hunger and have the mentality. I don't know if its the wages or just this new generation of players.

It used to be you would have to perform at unbelievable levels to get that big contract.

11 May 2024 06:52:25
It was a bunch of interesting stuff. like they wanted 5 players of the current squad gone last summer and could not get it done. Also told Ineos very aware of all the issues and not as simple as just changing managers who is highly regarded in footballing terms but there are other issues.

The players that they wanted to shift had nothing to do with not trying but technical ability. They are finding it very difficult to get this group to do what they want and to play the way they want.

Expect a very busy summer.

11 May 2024 07:20:26
It’s clear on the pitch Ahmad that they cannot pass to each other.

My concern is they've not backed the manager, so I’m sure he’s a goner too.

11 May 2024 08:55:44
Rewz you have it bang on.
Spenno, like you I am unaware of there being a vacancy.
The idea of a rinse-and-repeat option in changing the manager is a recipe for yet more years of shoddy mayhem. Get into the players and completely reset the attitude and culture in the group. SAF had to do similar with a drinking and gambling culture in the group. Changing our manager alone will change nothing.

10 May 2024 15:37:57
Mount injured AGAIN.
Luke Shaw ANOTHER setback.
Honestly WTF is going on.

10 May 2024 18:02:43
Well Mount I think has just been unlucky. Shaw is always injured so nothing new. A new LB has to be one of our top priorities going into summer.

10 May 2024 14:34:29
Regardless of the result on Sunday I hope everyone has a brilliant weekend. It's an absolute scorcher here in norn iron so I'm looking forward 2 a bbq and some beers. Enjoy life because it's too short to always be stressed and wound up, especially about football ??.

10 May 2024 14:58:38
Totally agree Tim! Gorgeous here in Cork as well!

10 May 2024 15:05:19
I’m just glad the game is Sunday so at least it’s only a small part of the weekend ruined ?.

10 May 2024 15:23:28
Weather gorgeous in the sunny south east

I know you’ll be cheering us on.

10 May 2024 15:51:24
Weather warning for thunderstorms in Norn Iron on Sunday so I may have to ditch the BBQ and watch in the pub.

10 May 2024 21:37:44
Great today in Limavady too - Bruce in Belfast last night . now on to Prague, Milan, Barcelona, Stockholm and Wembley for me. football taking a back seat for now.

11 May 2024 01:29:54
And to top it off, what an Aurora Borealis display, tonight!

10 May 2024 10:19:22
Hey guys / eds, hope you're well.



CTR has written an article entitled, My Current Opinions on Manchester United

10 May 2024 11:32:35
I’m not sure how quickly things can be turned around. A lot of the problems at the club are infrastructural - training facilities, medical dept, stadium, etc have basically stood still for over a decade without adequate investment. I’m not sure Liverpool was in this level of decline when Klopp signed.

Then there’s the players. If you look at the squad Klopp inherited, it was lacking talent, but had some hard workers and a bit of leadership - Milner, Skretel, Can, Lucas, and a few others who are always willing to put in a shift. The United problem is different. There is some talent - Bruno, Garnacho, Manioo, Rashford (when he feels up for it), Sancho (as he’s showing at Dortmund), Mount. The issue is that there’s a lack of willingness to work. There’s something wrong in the dressing room. ETH is part of the problem. But the club seems to drag players down to apathy regardless of who’s in charge. The open heart surgery comment is still glaring because that’s what the club needs - players with heart and character who are capable of inspiring, taking accountability and holding the rest of the team to account. Changing this culture of apathy will take years because it has taken root for years.

Where I’m at right now is that ETH has made his job untenable. He can get nothing from the squad and nobody is willing to accept another year of it. This is a shame because it puts the new directors on the back foot. It robs them of the time needed to devise a way out of this mess before appointing a new manager. I think whoever replaces ETH will have a tough time. Club structures will be rebuilt around them as they try to get to grips with a very difficult squad, and get back into the top 4. Without top 4, it will be difficult to attract players who want to win. That’s been a big issue, players coming for big wages not because they think they’ll win trophies.

I’d love to think that we’ll see a quick upturn in fortunes, but I see a very rocky road until the directors have time to put a plan into action, build the infrastructure, and, most importantly, change the overarching culture of apathy in the squad.

10 May 2024 11:53:54
CTR

Good points and I think you are right, new manager, organise plan lead, but better and bring some of the successful youth in and it can grow quickly.

10 May 2024 12:09:40
Hello Danny.

I'm in no way saying the club as a whole will suddenly see an upturn in success any time soon.

But a clear direction will give optimism. I agree the facilities need upgrading as well as the stadium but these are noise issues in the grand scheme of things.

We may see a longer period to get back to where we once was but you can definitely get a feel good atmosphere which will allow that to thrive when it does arrive.

10 May 2024 15:25:20
Hey Chris how’s it going?

10 May 2024 17:41:57
Hello Malaga.

Not to bad, yourself?

11 May 2024 00:46:45
I’m ok mate, just hoping for the results to come in.

09 May 2024 17:02:15
Just wondering, in light of ten Hag's position being perhaps vulnerable, if there's a chance of seeing Farioli at the helm?

Bearing in mind he's already familiar to Sir Jim and how he was brought to OGC Nice because of his style, with further consideration given to his previous tutelage under De Zerbi, I do wonder whether the names of Tuchel, Potter, Southgate and De Zerbi himself have been positioned as smokescreens - A la Arne Slot - while the real, board-level, focus has been on one or two other options?

To note, if United were to get one or two CBs and a LB in the respective moulds of player favoured by Farioli, Onana would look far better.
Maybe Branthwaite, Todibo and Kerkez?

{Ed025's Note - you would need a lot of dosh to buy those 3 Ork, Branthwaite alone will cost between £60-£80 Million mate, unless you throw in Harry Maguire that is, then it would be £100 million.. :)

09 May 2024 17:48:20
???

Tbf Ed025, I'd rather we looked elsewhere for better value, but the likes of Lukeba and Calafiori go under the radar somewhat.

Any thoughts on Farioli?

{Ed025's Note - never heard of him to be honest Ork, sounds like an Italian boiler firm to me mate.. :)

09 May 2024 18:22:23
Ed0025 not sure Branthwaite will cost that much in the end, finances being what they are at Everton and the very realistic threat of administration, sorry not trying to rub it in, he may end up a steal as they try to bring in money.

I wouldn't be surprised if you manage to win at the weekend and are guaranteed safe even with the 9 pts deduction you take the hit this season I don't see anyone else looking to buy at a premium before administration with the club on the precipice.

{Ed025's Note - the 9 points deduction for administration will come in next season if it happens Dbrook, on Jarrad you could well be right mate because no doubt some club will take advantage of our financial situation, im hoping for a bidding war myself..

09 May 2024 19:18:44
Fair play ed and I don't blame you wanting a bidding war. As a fan I think I'd want that deduction asap once you were safe might give you an outside chance at next season especially if you can get it on this season.

{Ed025's Note - hopefully it wont come to that mate..

09 May 2024 20:24:18
You know the saying ed it's the hope that kills you, I'm not sure investors put money on knowing how tight it is and how close it is, they can just see it out and get a bargain off the administrators.

Whilst I don't think the prem were wrong in the charges/ deductions you've had this year they are at fault for acting so late not having transfer bans etc before it got to that by having FFP rules they make themselves partially liable surely if they don't try to enforce clubs to behave.

{Ed025's Note - you are right Dbrooks but what about City mate?, they have 115 charges to answer to going back almost 10 years, dont you think they should be brought to book first?

09 May 2024 21:37:14
It's a disgrace that City have not had their charges dealt with. Guilty or not guilty it should have been decided by now.

{Ed025's Note - absolutely Salford, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark"..

09 May 2024 21:52:53
Absolutely they need to be punished but they have made everything a lot worse for themselves the way they have acted.

I don't see how, even if somehow the other charges aren't proven or they aren't guilty of, they can avoid points deductions and fines for the way they have tried to stop the investigation at every turn and failed to provide any of the evidence required or access to the evidence.

The problem is the way they have acted, the fact everything is hidden is what is slowing it all down.

For me they should be relegated potentially out of the league structure and have their titles stripped from the start of the issue not just those where rules were broken but also those subsequent, there would be no winner of the prem for those years they won it.

I doubt anything as drastic as either would happen but for me they must at least have titles stripped, all the titles have benefitted not just in regards of players but the lift in status this caused meaning they could continue to improve the squad and spend in ways they wouldn't more naturally have been able to.

In regards to relegation I'm not sure how they could stay in the prem if any of the charges in relation to sponsorship payments etc are proven. Then it's up to the league and FA if they would accept them and if so what punishment they see fit.


It's very difficult the prem do need to get it done asap the longer it goes on they more issue it causes. Mainly because you just cannot see how city have achieved the position they now hold without it being influenced by what's happened considering their recent history before it.

{Ed025's Note - well said Dbrooks, but no doubt they will get a slap on the wrist and pay a hefty fine for their breaches (chicken feed for them), and the sale of brown envelopes will go through the roof...cynical i know mate..

09 May 2024 22:16:56
city's charges are a huge elephant in the room. There will be political implication plus major damage to PL as a brand. if i was a guessing man when they weight all the pros and cons they will brush it under the table. They are guilty as charged imo.

{Ed025's Note - i think your spot on Ahmad..

09 May 2024 22:40:35
Yeah that is the fear ed, but I just can't see how the prem can try to look legit if there aren't massive points deductions titles removed and fines as well as massive restrictions on transfers spending and account reporting/ auditing going forward.

Like I said city's unwillingness to comply should result in deductions in and of itself due to the scale of the obfuscation and impingement of the investigation.

{Ed025's Note - i am terribly cynical Dbrooks, i think they are guilty of a lot of things and as a club the most corrupt in the history of the game, do i think they will be charged and found guilty?...no chance mate, its not in the interest of the Premier league who to be frank are just as corrupt as them..

09 May 2024 23:06:02
I understand the cynicism ed and agree with what your saying. But I think the prem have to do something it will massively call into question the integrity of English football and the premier league if they get nothing.

Like I say it isn't hard to prove they haven't co-operated and have resisted the investigation at least and the extent that is to should lead big issues for them alone.

{Ed001's Note - I still expect a bit of rug lifting and it all swept under the carpet and a bit later a brand new trade deal will be announced with the UAE and British Govt. There is no way City will get the punishment they deserve.}

09 May 2024 23:46:16
Surely by making an example of Everton and Forest they've made it hard not to punish City? Especially if City are found to have done way worse.

{Ed001's Note - and as City have already been found guilty of a large number of the charges by UEFA there is no real good reason for this to have taken so long.}

10 May 2024 00:29:17
Ork,

United should just go out and get best CB they can. Don't mess around with 'project a CB'. If they want a a solid ball playing defender at a good age, find him and get him in. A good team always starts at the back. Next sign a top midfielder or two after replacing 1 or 2 existing ones. Get a new winger in more suited to our team/ league and sell 1 or 2 we have. Sign a dependant fit striker to relieve Rasmus of all the burden.

This would be a good starting point. I'm not expecting 100m players in all positions just get get the best possible spine you can build up some balance and technical ball play.

10 May 2024 09:22:57
just my thoughts but reckon city will get a large fine and points deduction but only enough so they still qualify for cl next year. Cynical, I know but think uefa and fa want them to represent england in europe as they are the main/ only team in with a chance of winning/ getting through to the latter stages. Money Money money.

{Ed002's Note - You should take all of this misinformed discussion to the Manchester City page.}

10 May 2024 19:43:09
The Premiership in Scotland didn't mess around when it came to Rangers. Rangers, it could be argued are a bigger noise in Scottish football than City are in English football. the eyes of the footballing World will be upon the actions of the English FA. will they mirror the political scene in England where money is deemed more important than moral integrity. it's about time a stand was made and the culprits that are stealing everything through their nefarious financial deeds are put back in their box.

{Ed025's Note - im with you georgie..

11 May 2024 10:37:30
Unfortunately for Everton their financial position might mean Branthwaite ends up being sold for a more reasonable 40-50m. If that is to United I'd be hall with the signing while feeling a little sorry for Everton as it's pretty unfair on them.

I think the structure of any deal will be the deciding factor, if they have a choice of 40m now with 5-10m in installments or an 80m fee paid in installments over the next four years with only 20m this summer then they won't have much choice but to accept the lower fee for the bigger amount up front now.

They might even lose more than one player this summer due to the need for cash.