Manchester United banter 7

05 Apr 2024 20:07:48
Change of pace from the manager merry-go-round discussions/ arguments, thought Mount looked good when he came on, all be it for a short period. Looking forward to seeing a fully fit Mount, hopefully starting regularly for us soon.

05 Apr 2024 20:55:41
Where does he start ports?
That's the question.
Eth said at the start of the season he wants to play him in midfield.
I assume the post was with casimero mainoo has since come into the picture.
Mainoo and mount might be a little light but it might give the option to rest mainoo and bruno a little more.
He's never really played as a box to box so it will be interesting to see how he gets on. I think he is a really good player I'd like to see him play in the position Bruno thinks he is playing.

05 Apr 2024 21:13:17
He is a very good player needs to get fit and will turn out to be a great buy imo. Even antony might turn out to be okay and looks like a late bloomer :)

05 Apr 2024 21:40:18
I’d be happy if we had a mobile, athletic defensive midfielder next to Mainoo next season with Mount making a 3. Means sacrificing Fernandes but can see that happening, might makes us a little more solid centrally.

05 Apr 2024 21:48:29
Good point Ports, thought similar myself. A fully fit Mount, hopefully all next season, may well bring an extra level of creativity.
I fully expected for today, on here, to be pretty much as is, but given the dog's abuse he has suffered on here, mostly justified, bit of praise for one of best crosses I have seen for a very long time from Antony for 3rd goal. Indeed his second half performance was good overall, more of that needed.

06 Apr 2024 08:37:20
Ports

I will be an outlier but its not so much cas but our CB's. They can't play high up the pitch and the gap between the lines is massive.

its easy to run behind both Kobe and Cas and acres of space to receive a pass with our defenders sitting so deep. If they step up given where they are, we are even in worse shape will never get there in time.

The whole thing is even more evident when we lose possession as our Mids get caught high up the pitch but defenders still sitting too deep and wide open and teams get a run at us. No athletic 6 going to solve this given the amount of space you need to cover. It will help if you had fast monster 6 but it will not go away.

Upgrade the CB's imo.

06 Apr 2024 08:58:02
Loss of possession by us is abundantly evident and mostly, and continuously via Rashford, McT and Bruno. Time and time again it happens. Then McT and Bruno constantly conceding free kicks in dangerous areas. Rashford doesn't do that but that's because he never tracks back to those areas.

06 Apr 2024 09:10:33
That's an easy one Ken, he comes in for Bruno and Utd enjoy better ball retention and less embarrassing histrionics.

06 Apr 2024 09:28:46
Ahmad, did you see Brentford’s equaliser? Did you see Gallaghers goal? Did you see the amount of chances Chelsea got by going down the wing and and cutting it back to the edge of the box?! This isn’t a CB issue, this is an issue with our CM not having a body there to cut these passes, opportunities out. I agree that our CB’s can’t play high due to pace and this will help out in other aspects of the game but, and I don’t know what’s happened to the lad because he was my hero last season but Casemiro’s drop off this season is frightening, he just looks far to slow for the Premier League now. Shame because I like him.

I Want Our Trophy Back, agree on Anthony, thought he done very well and he had Cucerella on toast all game. Showed he is capable of going on the outside, unbelievable assist, works really hard. Just need that consistency now. Think you can see there’s a player in there, just need to do it more often now. I keep hoping little moments will kick him on. Think he’ll start v Liverpool. I just wish he’d cut out his aggressive reactions to decisions not going his way. Maybe it’s the South American fiery character in him, I’m just not a fan of it, get on with the game. On that note, I’m sure Chelsea fans loved it and I’m sure if it was a United player then some United fans would love it but thought Enzo Fernandez was acting like a right wally towards Mount. He’s a good player, not sure why he needed to act like that. Moments like that I wish we had a Robson or Keane on the pitch (although I always wish we had either of them on there! )

06 Apr 2024 10:07:21
I really like Mount and have said all season that I think he will be a successful player for us. The injuries have been unfortunate, but he is a top class player.

We have a fragmented squad with gaps and weaknesses all over the place. I think Mount's versatility will see him play in several positions next season, wide on either side, in the No.10 or as a No.8 in some games.

Personally I feel he is best in the No.10 position and long term I think that is where he'll settle. Bruno turns 30 in September and while a very good player, he isn't the long term answer, we are rebuilding and that will likely take 2-3 seasons. Making Bruno 32/ 33 before we have a side ready to challenge at the highest level.

We need to keep Bruno for next season, but I'd probably be looking to move him on in the summer of 2025, with Mount being his long term replacement. It's possible that Mount might even take his place by the end of next season.

06 Apr 2024 13:30:53
Ports

All those cut backs goals are a function of our mids getting caught high up the pitch through a loss of possessions and teams breaking on us. When their mids are running onto cutbacks, where are our mids?

Chelsea's first goal, mainoo makes a loose pass gets picked off and they have two guy running down the right wing on us and then a cut back. Watch the replay. Chelsea broke on us a lot and Bruno and Mainoo are really high up the pitch.

06 Apr 2024 13:53:53
Yeah I know Ahmad, which is why we need an athletic, mobile defensive minded CM ?.

05 Apr 2024 18:53:06
Can we maybe have a poll please eds.

3 options for next season:

Southgate Manager

Potter Manager

ETH to stay.

Not sure if already been done so apologies if so.

{Ed033's Note -


Utd Manager poll

06 Apr 2024 09:00:48
At least 15 people are on a wind-up voting for Southgate. Surely!
???.

06 Apr 2024 09:49:47
I really hope those voting for Southgate are joking.

He’s actually done an abysmal job as England manager for me. A great squad at his disposal, alongside the worst Spanish, Italian and German sides in a generation and he still plays ultra defensive football and won’t ever win a thing.

I’d even take the likes of McKenna, O’Neil etc. over Southgate.

06 Apr 2024 09:59:23
So it's pretty clear that the majority would rather keep EtH than have either Potter or Southgate.

Yet the overriding narrative on here in recent weeks seems to be that people think we should replace EtH.

So the question I'm asking is which manager would you ideally like to replace EtH?

06 Apr 2024 10:22:02
I think that SJR, Brailsford and co felt the pushback from the fans when Southgate was mooted, I also feel they know that Potter wouldn't go down to well.

I think the majority have said to stick with ETH, so I believe that's what they will do.

06 Apr 2024 10:33:14
Shappy the 'overriding narrative' on here in recent weeks is from the same names and they are clearly in the minority. The poll seems to reflect that. The vociferous minority effect.

06 Apr 2024 10:37:15
Think this is a big problem Shappy, there are no, IMO any outstanding realistic managers that we could get to replace him. And any manager outside of the premier league or English football that people may suggest (Amorim) would come in with question marks and risks over them, experience etc. If ETH goes, I’d personally go for a complete reboot, no manager with any baggage or blotch on their CV, Southgate and Potter will both have huge question marks on them because of England and Chelsea. The more I think about it, McKenna might be the best option outside of keeping ETH if INEOS are looking for a coach.

06 Apr 2024 11:26:13
Shappy, ETH for me. But I wouldn't be upset if Potter was appointed. I still think he's a very good manager. I know he won't be sexy enough for some, but he seems to be a clever, thoughtful, progressive guy. I wanted him here last time, and my view wouldn't have changed because of his time at a club that are just as much of a basket case as us.

06 Apr 2024 18:28:02
Nou, agreed, potter is good and I have said so many a time. I just think, not yet. Let ETH have more time and if or when he can't turn it around, then fans will be more open to someone like Potter.

If Potter were to come in now, face similar difficulties, it could quickly turn sour and I think that would be very unfair on him as the current or next coach will need time.

05 Apr 2024 17:30:41
United V Liverpool on Sunday
The first game I went to against them at OT was November 1972. Liverpools team included Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, Keegan, Cormack, Heighway, Toshack, Callaghan. Ours Stepney, Buchan, Morgan, Best, Charlton, Storey-Moore and Ted MacDougall.
MacDougall scored and we won, somehow, 2.0.
Saw some great Liverpool players in the 70's and 80's at OT.
I am going to Old Trafford on Sunday, first time in a few years. I get the feeling we will be up against it, like then. It just shows that the underdog can win. Full commitment no less, come on United!

05 Apr 2024 17:50:08
I think we will see full commitment. How far that takes us is anybodies guess. Took us to an unlikely win last time so fingers crossed.

05 Apr 2024 17:51:59
With Evans and Maguire at the back, I fear the worst.

05 Apr 2024 22:32:58
I'll be there Redman. It's my son's 9th birthday on Sunday! What a present eh? Lol

Hoping for a win.

06 Apr 2024 09:23:03
Angel

Happy Birthday to your son tomorrow. I remember my first Liverpool game as above, hope he enjoys it.

06 Apr 2024 09:24:48
I remember McDougal’s first game at OT. Scored with a bullet header! Gone five months later when the Doc arrived. I can still see that header! BANG!

06 Apr 2024 11:27:05
Enjoy the day, Angel. Hopefully good memories are made.

06 Apr 2024 18:28:59
last time he was there, was the Sevilla game, what a terrible night that was. Some might say the start of ETHs downturn.

So I'm hoping tomorrow can be the day that it starts to turn around for him.

06 Apr 2024 20:29:44
Many thanks red man. I look forward to getting a united we stand too!

05 Apr 2024 17:13:20
To bring Potter or Southgate into this club with this group of clowns would be a disaster.

Imagine if Southgate dropped rashford for the euros then became United manager! He doesn't put in the effort now.

Let Ten Hag have 12 months and a couple of windows with the new hierarchy and see if there's improvement.

We have had no 'football people' running this club for years. Let him work with the new structure then judge.

Rashford, Casemiro, Varane, Sancho, Mctominay and Antony should be getting sold to raise funds.

05 Apr 2024 17:39:06
I think potter would be a good choice given time. Southgate would be as inspiring as a wet fart, may aswel re appoint Ole.
Ten hag had shown nothing over 2 seasons to warrant any more time. The players are pathetic but no patterns of play, no change in tactics when they clearly aren't working. All the injuries he can't help but if the stories of his reluctance to ease up on his training methods are true, they must contribute towards it. His post match interviews leave me baffled in how he sees the game.
Surely there must be better coaches out there then Southgate. Tuchel, Nagelsmann all available.
Seems like dan ashworth wants Southgate which doesn't fill me with any confidence about ashworths arrival.
Think we have missed a truck with Paul Mitchell personally. Would also be able to start this summer rather than wait for ashworth and Southgate.

{Ed002's Note - Ashworth wants Potter but there is no agreement for him to join.}

05 Apr 2024 18:20:09
If we’re looking for a head coach under this new structure and you have Potter and Southgate’s name in the running, I’d be inclined to go after someone like McKenna. Knows the club, doing wonders with Ipswich. Massive step up but been at the club and will have the guidance and support above. I’d be more excited by that appointment than the other two personally.

05 Apr 2024 19:00:40
Varane is out of contract 2toms.

05 Apr 2024 20:26:42
Good, massive wages off the books. Get in a CB who can play 80-90% of our games.

05 Apr 2024 20:53:01
Good, massive wages of the books.

05 Apr 2024 14:18:04
Another great article from Laurie Whitwell, IMO, the one of the two best journalists on anything united, Andy Mitten the other.

Seems like the club want to stick with ETH. Delighted to hear that.

All you have to do is look over at Arsenal and admire how they stuck with a manager that finished 8th, 8th and 5th in his first 3 seasons. Losing 13, 13 and 10 games. He was under heavy heavy pressure but there was a plan and a willingness from the board to stick by their man.

I hope the same for ETH.

05 Apr 2024 14:27:52
I don't hope for the same Angel.
If they (ineos) are seeing something I'm not then he will be kept.
We have no other hope other than to trust their judgement.
Arteta is a good example of how things can develop positively.

05 Apr 2024 14:39:50
The difference is that you could see the steady improvement at Arsenal under Arteta as the seasons progressed, we can hardly say that about ETH can we.

05 Apr 2024 15:01:57
I can't think of a coach with a worse game management strategy than EtH.

05 Apr 2024 15:23:58
Really ken? I thought you were all for him ?

Arteta lost 36 league games in his first 3 seasons, finishing 8th, 8th and 5th. Many Arsenal fans wanted his head on a platter.

But I'm not sure Arteta had to deal with what ETH has had to deal both structurally at the club and injury wise.

ETH has been involved in all aspects of planning for next season, surely they wouldn't have him work that closely with them if he were to depart.

Arteta is definitely a good example.

05 Apr 2024 15:25:39
Simo, 8th, 8th and 5th, first 3 seasons, 36 games lost. What were you seeing? ?

The point I am trying to make is that they stuck by him, allowed him time to both recruit the right player and implement his style and currently it looks like it is paying off big time.

But go back 4 years ago, they wanted him gone. Thank god fan forums don't make the decisions. No one would last on here.

05 Apr 2024 15:26:52
Ken, I'll also add. What other options do they have? It's not the worst thing in the world to let him continue under the correct structure and with some new blood and give him till Xmas time or until a better option becomes available. All this providing that he doesn't turn it around next season.

05 Apr 2024 15:43:22
Southgate or Potter if ETH goes. Neither one fills me with any confidence. I’d rather stick with ETH for another year and give the new directorate time to identify the right person than bring in another new manager before they’re in place.

05 Apr 2024 15:44:42
Angel,
I don't know the options no more than you do.
The issue is everybody is a compromise on pep he is standout imo.
In my experience (not Football related) it best to be decisive when making management decisions and not let things drift in hope they will improve.
I don't think you can compare arteta to lvg as their situation is very different.
Arteta is a great example of what we are trying to achieve.
I don't think that eth is the man to achieve it for us. I see traits in his management style that are not conducive to success long term.

05 Apr 2024 16:01:28
People want him gone, people want him to stay. Its all just conjecture, no one knows the full picture of what's happening at United and no one will. People are just shouting louder about their opinion than others. But that's all it is - opinions.

Its just laughable that once again the posts since the game yesterday are focusing on ETH and managers, rather than talking about any of the players or the game itself. Might as well rename this the ErikTenHagrumours page.

05 Apr 2024 16:05:35
Eth is more compostable to lvg imo I meant to say.
Why did you want lvg fired ( if you can remember)

05 Apr 2024 16:51:47
Players fail for umpteen managers often before they excel for another. Teams can excel under a manager and fail under a different one. Happens all the time.
I've always said for every ying there is a yang.
Eth came in and I bought in 100%. He was not my 1st choice but I was 100% behind him and his strategy tbh anybody was going to be better than ole.
He had a very good 1st season the team showed significant improvement although it did subside a bit towards the back of the season.
This season with the exception of dalot garnacho and mainoo no player has played up the their ability.
Luton have scored more than us. 15 teams have scored more than us.
We have dis-improved considerably both individually and collectively.
Injuries have played a part but no more than at most clubs this season.
Our worst ever cl campaign and what's likely to be our worst epl campaign.
It's not all down to the players that keep throwing serial managers under the bus.
Onana Heaton bendyir, awb, maguire martinez, malacia, garnacho mainoo, Mount, casimero, vdb, rasmus Anthony amad pellistri, Bruno have all only played under ole and eth (excluding interim ralph) only Evans Shaw and rashford go back to lvg and Jose. And mctom lidelof and dalot go back as far as Jose.
Loads of our useless players have left and won titles again, darmian ibra blind, Armenian micky, sanchez Di Maria herrera. Cl latter rounds etc. Not useless players.
Where we right to sack those managers? Yes
Well none have won anything since except moyes.
Lots of the useless players have won since they left.
Eth came in on the back of the successful and good to watch ajax team he managed.
Lots of players excelled in that team.
De light sold twice for big money and couldn't get into either team at juve and now bayern on a regular basis.
Vdb well we all know how that's gone.
Zyiech. Bit part at Chelsea moved around a bit.
Fdj. Not lived up to expectations and won nothing at barca
Anthony from the next gen ajax team another we know about not lived up to expectations.
But when they were all together they looked great at ajax.
Sometimes circumstances are perfect for players and coaches to excel.
Some coaches get players playing above themselves as part of a collective unit. Fergie was the master of that imo and klopp also.
There are traits I recognise in eth that imo will not lead to long term sustainable success.
We have plenty of players I'd like to move on too as I think they have had plenty of chances too.

05 Apr 2024 17:07:49
I think ETH has 3 games, main one being the FA cup game if we lose that i can see him being shown the door.

05 Apr 2024 17:07:51
Arteta absolutely did not deal with all the issues facing ten Hag, it's as simple as that.

To some, the injury crisis lands as a convenient, if not lazy, excuse.
To others, the reality of it lends support for the notion of ten Hag having a mare.
I'm in the latter camp.

Arteta's never had a season with this combination - a new Keeper with a markedly different style, 5 out of the 6 senior CBs being on and off the treatment table all season missing 65 games collectively, one LB out for the season and the other missing 24 games due to his own injury gremlins, plus the 21 games missed by the only RB who hasn't frequently been required to cover at LB.

Away from the pitch, he's had the ownership/ investment saga, he's had the legal and commercial concerns regarding Greenwood, he's had Sancho being a prick.

I know some of the anti-Erik bods will overlook the above and that's fine, but their opinions remain ill-informed and, frankly, weak af if they don't consider the above to be contributing factors of the shambles we've witnessed.
Whatever level of failure you want to accuse a person of, there's not one single other manager in our club's history who's had to deal with some of the pressures faced by ten Hag.

I don't think ten Hag is anywhere close to a Pep, Klopp, or any other suppository-sounding mofo, but he's definitely had a rough ride.

From Whitwell's piece, I expect ten Hag to be given next season as the acid test.
The details and nuances concerning the direction that the club takes under the wily gaze of SJR and his team will be more tangibly apparent to ten Hag than to any of us and will subsequently decide his fate - sink or swim.

05 Apr 2024 17:24:26
You're right ken, neither of us know to be honest, probably best that we both stay quiet on it ?

If INEOS persist with him, will you say you were wrong?

05 Apr 2024 17:33:38
Ork, I'm not anti Eric and I think he has handled well a number of difficult issues.

Also, he has had a lot of on field problems to work around such as all the injuries and the useless tosspot called Rashford.

Having said that, I'm failing to see any real organisation or coaching or playing style or even basic motivation of the players. It's just a shambles.

It's impossible to endorse a manager whose team is so flaky and unpredictable.

05 Apr 2024 17:59:17
Angel of course I will. I've no issue being wrong i'm wrong about stuff everyday sometimes important stuff unlike an opinion on a situation I've no control over.
This is unimportant in life really.
I'll be disappointed in myself I have judged it wrong but in my life I get so much more wrong than right I'll get over it writhing a few mins I'm sure.
Being right more than wrong on important stuff is what matters to me and to us all.
I'll also be shocked if they stick with him as I believe they will see obvious things I'm seeing from a leadership perspective. Not withstanding I only see what you see and not anything behind the scenes.
I've said from the very outset I'll support whatever the ineos and new team decide they are our best hope for the future.
I'm sure you'll do the same.

05 Apr 2024 19:02:51
I've already admitted to being wrong I defended eth all they way up to end Jan. I admit that was a gross error of judgement.

05 Apr 2024 20:53:40
I think, ken, given ed002 saying potter or Southgate, we are much better off keeping ETH in charge.

Those 2 fill me with no confidence whatsoever, jesus.

06 Apr 2024 07:37:15
Simo1975

Not true and arsenal were a mess for arteta's first 2 years. Even in his third season they started with 3 straight league defeats and tons of noise he was getting sacked.

They got better after that and really turned the corner after the Christmas break and had one of the best records and followed that up with last years title challenge.

05 Apr 2024 09:29:29
Genuine question:

If INEOS came out and said that next season would all be about getting high earners off the wage bill, giving kids a try and having a year that looks great for FFP, ready to go for it the year after when all the back room team are finally in place, would you accept it?

Personally I'd rather a season of removing Bayindir, AWB, Varane, Eriksen, Casemiro, Rashford, Martial etc. and blooding the likes of Amass, Kambwala, Gore, Amad.

Give me an 8th place finish with kids who look like they actually want to run and be here over a 6th place finish with the multitude of mercenaries we have currently every day of the week.

The key would be communicating that fully to the fans. That next year is about saving money and trying youngsters, to see who could really be a United player the following year and longer. Then we go for it in 25/ 26.

05 Apr 2024 10:05:55
As long as the manager goes with the players you've mentioned I'd have no issue with that downsie.

05 Apr 2024 10:20:42
Think it has to be a mix of this and signing good young players. Take away the expectations of a title charge for the next couple of years but make it clear that the vision is building a squad of players who fit the system being implemented and that will grow together to make a real title winning team. No more 30 year olds, max age of 25 for signings unless it’s a great opportunity for example free signings or very good prices. Get rid of the old underperforming players and bring through a young core who want to play for each other.

05 Apr 2024 10:44:34
Downsie, that's a no brainer. I'd rather watch the ball boys/ girls playing.

05 Apr 2024 10:51:04
we would get relegated or fighting for survival. Never going to run a football club like that. Most of these kids people talk about are never going to be good enough or close to being ready.

Most team that is are good and competes at the highest level have a mix of very seasoned pros and yes they earn a lot of money and some young players. some of these kids you are mentioning are 2/ 3 years maybe more away even being physically ready to cope with the pl and good way to ruin them is sending them out there to get beat up.

Mainoo looks close to picking up an injury imo. watch that space.

05 Apr 2024 11:06:34
Mainoo looks close to picking up an injury? How does that even make sense.
I think he is being overplayed for his age right now but how you can say he like close to picking up an injury is bonkers.
Really and truly some peoples faux expertise is too much to take??.

05 Apr 2024 11:10:57
Expectations of a title charge? Have not had those for over a decade.

05 Apr 2024 11:33:08
Getting rid of many of these players and predominantly bringing youth is probably the best use of any transfer budget we may have.
Ten Hag? Not perfect, but who is.
I think he has suffered more than the fans as a result of this bag of moronic self serving gits.

05 Apr 2024 11:36:59
I think most would accept that right now, but I suspect most would also me moaning about it halfway through next season having watched inconsistent football and having had to endure a few humiliating defeats.

I said yesterday we need to be careful when making changes, evolution over revolution has always tended to be more successful in football.

Chelsea have tried to change too much too quickly, and as a result have dropped from a top four side to a mid-table side who still looks a season or so away from really being able to challenge for a UCL place.

I've said our first team squad is far too big, we need to reduce it from 36 players down to 26 players at most. So that's 10 players leaving without being replaced. There should be another 4-6 players leave with replacements brought in.

We need to be signing first 11 player quality, and shy away from signing squad players or good back up.

80% of our summer signings need to be better than the current first 11 and go straight into the team, with at most 20% of them being highly talented players with huge potential who maybe need a little developing to be first team players.

None should be "solid" back up players. There are positions where we need to strengthen where we probably have a good enough first choice option.

For example with Højlund, but we have no one else. We shouldn't be signing a solid back up player, we should be aiming for someone as good as Højlund or possibly better. That could be someone who has a proven track record or someone with the potential to be as good or better than the Dane.

We need to stop spending money on players who aren't good enough and who would only weaken the side of they played. If we are going to play a player who isn't good enough then I'd rather it be a kid from the academy who might actually be able to step up and show themselves as good enough. If they don't then it's someone we could then sell for a decent price to a club lower down the league.

Players like Elanga and Mengi have had very good season's at Forest and Luton. While ultimately I don't think either will be good enough to be first choice at United, I'd rather be giving lads like that a chance, and pushing up their value than spending 25-30m on someone who will never really be good enough, but patches a hole for a season or two.

We need better, but that will take time. 14-16 players out this summer, 5-6 players signed to replace them.

Get them settled, build them into the team with those who are good enough and start to give the team an identity.

Then the following summer it's a case of one in one out. Sell/ release a further 4-5 players, and bring in 4-5 players to replace them. Make sure the ones leaving are for the most part the 4-5 weakest players in the squad and replace them with top level talent who are or will soon be good enough to be first choice.

At that point we would be starting the 2025/ 26 season with 10-12 new players from our current squad, 17-18 of our current squad will be moved on by that point, those new players will be blended with the core of Onana, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Mount, Garnacho and Højlund to give us a squad of 17-20 players who are good enough, hopefully with a few more academy lads who've stepped up and are in and around the first team squad by that time (maybe players like Harrison, Amass, Gore, the Fletcher twins, Lacey, Biancheri and McNeil) .

That's next season starting the rebuild (2024/ 25), the following season bringing most of that squad rebuild together (2025/ 26), then it'll probably be the season after when we can add the finishing touches, those few cherry on the top players or just improve on those who haven't kicked on as hoped to round out the squad. At that point we should be able to mount a serious title challenge (2026/ 27 season) .

It has to be a three year project, changing too much too soon will not shorten the length of time it will take, it will just mean we will have a bigger drop off initially and have a bigger gap to close.

We need to be able to balance this rebuild while still ideally qualifying for the Europa league at least each year. The European football is essential for several reasons. Firstly we need it for the revenue, rebuilds cost money and we need to make it to spend it. Secondly, for the prestige and the ability to attract the players we need, top players might be prepared to go to a top side playing in Europe's second tier competition, especially if they can see a plan and progress towards getting back to the top. But they will be less willing to join a side that has dropped off the map entirely. Finally, the squad needs it to help them develop. A new squad will only get better by playing games together, losing out on 8-12 games a season by not being in European football will slow that development down. Also players need to get into the rhythm of playing twice a week, keeping fitness levels up, staying match sharp etc. You often see a club have a great year and make it into a European competition, only to see them drop off the following season when they are having to get used to playing twice a week, international travel and the changes that makes to their training regime.

We need to make sure that we don't drop off too far as it just makes making up the ground again that much trickier.

That probably means that some of the players we know aren't good enough stick around next season to be replaced the season after. Players like AWB, Maguire, Lindelof, McTominay, Rashford, Bruno etc maybe they stay for another season. They do after all at least contribute to the side, even if they aren't ultimately good enough.

This summer we need to prioritise getting rid of those who add little to nothing to the side, players like Donny, Pellistri, Hannibal, Alvaro Fernandez, Williams, Sancho, Greenwood, Malacia, Shoretire and Martial. That's 10 players who have contributed literally nothing to this season, or last season.

Then we need to look at those who need upgrading due to decline/ injury players who are having a diminishing impact on the side. Players like Varane, Evans, Casemiro, Bayindir (if he wants to leave), Antony if we can find a buyer.

After those players have gone only then can we really look at moving on the likes of AWB, Lindelof, Maguire and McTominay. In truth they probably need to stay next season otherwise we'd be looking at moving on 19 players in total, which is just far too much.

Focus on the spine of the team, two CB's, at least on CM ideally two, a ST who can challenge Højlund, then a LB who can challenge Shaw.

We probably need to keep AWB as we won't be able to bring in full backs on both sides and as we have seen this season LB needs to be the priority. We probably won't be able to bring in a RW, especially if we can't shift Antony. While it's a position of need we do have Garnacho who is making the position his own this season, as well as Amad and potentially Mount who can play there. We need to focus on that spine, games are won and lost by the centre of defence and in midfield. We currently have one defender (Martinez) and one midfielder (Mainoo) who are good enough, they both need a partner AND top quality competition/ rotation option as neither can be expected to play 50 games next season due to age or fitness.

Maybe we can sign a player or two who if flexible enough to cover two positions, a first choice in one and a top quality back up in another. Maybe we sign a CB who can play LB, or a ST who can play RW. We might need to look at players like that in the short term until we can bring in improvements across the whole squad.

05 Apr 2024 11:53:08
Ken how can you argue that Mainoo doesn't look close to picking up an injury, then make a statement that you think he is overplayed? They are intrinsically linked.

Being overplayed in football significantly increases the likelihood of picking up an injury. There is an increased risk of immediate impact injuries but also a greater susceptibility to overuse injuries due to repeated stress on the body.

05 Apr 2024 12:18:53
Kurtis I think he is being overplayed because he is 18 and is getting used to the physical demands of the league.
It's impossible to ascertain if his body is going to get injured right now. Totally impossible. There is no way to judge that.
Bruno made his pro debut at 19 and has never once missed a match through injury. Yet Phil Jones spent his career in the treatment room as has Shaw.
Prevention is better than cure but there is no way of knowing if he is close to an injury by watching him it's just nonsense talk.

05 Apr 2024 12:22:08
I’d be playing the kids now tbh…seasons gone so what’s to lose. At least they’d show the application and desire this other lot miss.

04 Apr 2024 23:19:37
Asking the Eds - who do you see as manager next season and how many new signings? I know it’s theoretical but I’m interested in your opinion.

{Ed077's Note - Potter and 6 new signings. That's just my opinion, not any inside info. }

05 Apr 2024 08:24:08
Tend to agree Ed whether we like it or not. Potter is Ashworth’s man, they know how to work successfully together, and can build a squad suited to that style. Last night has to be the final nail in the coffin for ten Hag.

{Ed077's Note - didn't OGC Nice try to bring Potter in as manager last summer? So Ineos do seem to rate him.}

05 Apr 2024 09:46:41
We just have to wait and see.
I'm not fussed at all in who comes in.
There are a couple I'd rather it not be but I really don't care because even the ones I don't like that much are upgrades on eth imo.
It will be an interesting summer that's for sure.
Sad when the off season provides more interest than the on season.

05 Apr 2024 10:11:57
I thought Southgate was still the preferred candidate if it came to it. Welcome the Rashy love-in.

05 Apr 2024 17:46:17
Thanks Ed for replying

I’m hoping SJR is more impatient on signings and we get more - maybe a new team ?.

{Ed077's Note - youre welcome Jacko.

You can't try to do too much too soon, its going to take some time. Plus you have to remember money isn't infinite.}

04 Apr 2024 18:51:46
With all the talk about the training being too intense, it was nice to hear Keane and Rio on the overlap talking about the 5-a-side games in training being so competitive that they'd kick lumps out of each other. Young players v old players taking no prisoners, but still able to play at the highest level the next game.

04 Apr 2024 19:45:15
Built different Danny.

Too easy to cry off these days. Martial for example, suddenly gets an injury when we go 1-0 down. Pogba used to pull that stunt too.

Happy made a good point earlier, the number of injuries Liverpool had in Klopp's early years is a good comparison with where we are at now. Ole seemingly used to let them do what they want, ETH is making them work, and they don't like it.

05 Apr 2024 00:22:21
I think a few of the biggest injuries this session have been suffered by eth signings.
Malacia
Martinez
Mount
Ericksen
Casimero

Newcastle have had the worst injuries this season.
Then there are 6 clubs equal including Chelsea Palace spurs Liverpool and ourselves in terms of games lost to injuries. Some clubs have very few so it's hard to understand without knowing why city have so few.

05 Apr 2024 08:46:49
4 x CBs injured in two games! What's the defence looking like sunday? Maguire and Kambwala?

05 Apr 2024 08:57:49
Maybe it is because there is a lot of competition for places at City and the players are willing to play through pain/ niggles just to get a game?

04 Apr 2024 18:15:24
Ed033 just wondering if you could do a poll please.
Who has been a been success at Manchester United. Bruno Fernández or John o shea?

Some people seem to judge success by team and others by individual numbers so just curious.
Personally I feel that a player that plays well as an individual but the team have no success, has not been successful.
Appreciate it.

{Ed033's Note -


Bruno / O'Shea poll

04 Apr 2024 22:50:37
five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two Football League Cups, four FA Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA champions league

Vs

One league Cup.

How is this even a question?

04 Apr 2024 23:11:02
No I get that manc man.
I don't think any player can consider himself a success at united unless they are part of a serial winning team.
It's a team game and as a result if the teams not winning or competing then no player is a success. Not necessarily a failure but individual stats are not a measure of a successful player for me.
Naming all the world class or top players that have never won a league or cl or at worst in there competing to win the big prizes is a fairly short list. I can't consider Bruno a success until he wins or improves us considerably as a team.

05 Apr 2024 02:28:41
It depends what you consider a success though? Successful transfer or what? Liverpool fans dislike Coutinho for his faking injuries to force a move, and they won the CL the year after he left. But prior to that they loved him. He also only cost €10m or around that and was sold for €150m roughly. He played well and was mostly instrumental to most of the good things for the years he was there. Didn’t win anything, but providing entertainment whilst he was there + providing a massive profit to fund moves for Alisson and VVD, is undoubtedly a success.

Think if Bruno was sold a year or so ago at his peak value, most would have considered him a success, regardless of trophy cabinet. He’d have provided goals + assists, provided a profit on him etc. I think he’s selfish + petulant and all that’s wrong with the game with his diving + whining constantly. He was bought for €55m + €25m add ons (which given there was no success, I doubt most of them were achieved) selling him for €100m at his peak value a year or 2 ago would have been considered a success imo.

05 Apr 2024 08:49:43
Depends which era of Bruno we're talking.
I get that there's a whiny petulant character in there that no-one likes but. we have literally only 2 or 3 players who can make something out of nothing and he's one.
I'm not a fan at present, and don't think he should be captain next season, but the player we signed was magic in that first season.

05 Apr 2024 10:18:10
Bit of a dumb and irrelevant question in my view. Opinions may vary.

05 Apr 2024 10:31:59
That's why I asked the question Fizz to understand how opinions vary.
A lot of younger fans look at individuals and not the team.
Bit of a dumb reply and irrelevant in my view as opinions should vary.

04 Apr 2024 11:42:09
Reckon tonite has a draw all over it personally.
There are similarities between Chelsea and Utd, two huge clubs who went on a new journey a few years ago even if it feels like Utd have ben on one for much longer.
However where it feels like Chelsea have spent 1bn to get their dream team with it looking anything but, I'd like to think our better signings are in the seasons ahead for us. Fair enough, we've also spent 1bn over a longer period with little to show for it. Love Poch, but I reckon he's up against it more than EtH.

04 Apr 2024 12:40:26
I think Chelsea tried to change too much too soon and should actually as a warning for ourselves if trying to do that.

They had a massive squad turn over, moving on the majority of the older, more experienced players with a big focus on signing younger up and coming players.

I'm also not convinced they hired the right manager in Pochettino (who I think is a very good manager), or at least they've made signings that don't quite fit how Pochettino has tended to play.

They've also had their fair share of injuries this season, which has also made it difficult for the new players to get any traction and build those workings relationships and start to come together as a team.

That's why it's important that we get this summer right, we need to move on several players and start to refresh the squad. But we shouldn't try and do all of that in one or even two windows.

We need a smaller squad as it's currently too big, there are players who hardly ever play and they need to move on. I'd expect to see 10-14 players leave this summer, although the majority of them will be fringe players like Donny or Hannibal. I'd then expect us to sign 5-6 players maximum.

We need to look at the examples set by Liverpool and Arsenal, two big clubs that had fallen behind. They got the right set up behind the scenes, found the right manager, then spent 3 seasons slowly rebuilding their squads, allowing them to come together and develop as a group. They had challenging times, both Klopp and Arteta were laughed at and questioned during their first couple of years. The problems in their squads were highlighted, and used as sticks to beat them and for the media to say they are failing. Yet their clubs stuck the course, kept faith with the plan and vision and it all came together in the end.

That's the sort of path we should be looking to walk over the next few years.

As for tonights game, I'm really not sure how it'll go. On one hand Chelsea struggle to finish their chances, on the other we tend to give teams far more chances than we should. I think we will score, it just depends on whether we'll concede. I'd expect a low scoring game, 0-0, 1-0, 1-1 or maybe a 2-1 to either team.

I don't think the football will be high quality, but I think there is a good chance the game could be entertaining. Both sides looking to press high, but struggle to defend well, so it could end up being an end to end basketball type game, won by whoever does the best at taking their chances.

04 Apr 2024 13:47:15
Shappy
There us a good chance it will be wet tonight if it rains if it doesn't rain it might be dry.
But it might be windy but if the wind doesn't blow it will be calm and if the flood lights are on it might be bright.
The score might be nill all 1 all or if its not a draw one of the teams might win.

04 Apr 2024 15:27:16
I think we will lose handsomely
Team full of blaggers and bluffers
Sick to death of em all
The only one who can hold his head high is an 18 year old.

04 Apr 2024 15:55:45
Indeed Blackpool Red, midfield will be interesting.
Ours went missing in a major way last time out - shocking. Mainoo's rise has been one of the only positive things I can remember about this team for a while (ok, plus Garnacho) .
Chelsea have one of the best midfields in the world on paper in Caicedo and Fernandez but you wouldn't know it based on this season, they've been underwhelming to say the least.
Shappy I'm not convinced Poch is the man for them either. Other than a brilliant season at Spurs where they should probably have pipped Leicester to the league I don't think he's done enough to be at a top club. I suspect he's a manager all the players and fans love but his trophy cabinet is pretty bare.

04 Apr 2024 16:48:04
Agree with Blackpool Red. I will be surprised by any other outcome.

04 Apr 2024 16:55:11
Wouldn't argue with any of that spenno.
I like poch but as you say he has not been great in terms of trophies.
I think every new manager at a top club should get 2 seasons to see how they are shaping up unless they are really screwing up.
If there is obvious sustainable progression then you are on right track.
I agree Chelsea have a very good midfield but are poor in defence and attack despite their spend.
Poch should be doing better with what he has at his disposal no doubt. He will be lucky to get another season imo.

04 Apr 2024 17:30:03
Class ken ?.

04 Apr 2024 17:56:54
£1bn spent and one out and out young raw CF each.

04 Apr 2024 17:57:42
I like Jackson tbf. Both he and Radmus have been put in tough spots.

04 Apr 2024 19:46:14
I see ETH has dropped his "favourite" Rashford.

04 Apr 2024 20:08:33
Shappy.

We are that dire at the moment we could change the whole playing staff and every other person in the club and it would not be immediately obvious that we had done so other than different names on the shirts.

That is how far we have sunk over the last 10 years or so.

04 Apr 2024 22:44:23
Pity he didn't drop him for the full game.

05 Apr 2024 06:00:53
Totally disagree Shappy. We’ve had the same dross far too long and they need shipping out now.

Back ETH and let’s build a new squad, or sack him now and announce a new coach in the summer. Enough is enough. Last night was a joke.