Manchester United banter 8

30 Mar 2024 13:48:42
Difficult game today hoping we get a win. Very encouraged hearing martinez and cas are back they will need 3/ 4 games to be match fit and find their legs. Would be great to get a proper starting eleven for the final stretch of the season and go on a run.

30 Mar 2024 12:23:47
Loads of talk recently surrounding Mainoo, especially about his best position, is he a No6 or No8? Where is he most effective etc?

I personally love him a bit deeper, the way he's able to take the ball off the back 4 and progress it forward through the lines is his strongest attribute in my opinion. The way he positions his body to receive the ball is fantastic and he has the strength and footwork to wriggle out of difficult situations. I really like him on the ball, in possession, dictating play.

As I watched him for England on Tuesday night, I thought he became particularly effective when Foden came more centrally and Mainoo was able to progress the ball vertically into the Foden and Bellingham on the half turn.

I just wonder if EtH see's the future of Utd's midfield as Mainoo, Mount and Bruno? Or if he would have at least liked to try this combination more often?

I think we all viewed the Mount signing with raised eyebrows and speculated where he'd fit in? Personally I think he was signed as an No8, comfortable on the ball, able to keep possession, good in tight areas, a progress and incisive passer, intelligent runner and also provides a goal threat. Defensively he's a hard worker and very good presser, for a side that wants to press the ball and defend on the front foot.

All three (Mainoo, Mount, Bruno) are mobile, hard working and effective pressers. We've seen EtH often deploy his midfielders man for man this season, especially in the oppositions first phase of play and the signing of Hoijland has also provided the team with another brilliant presser.

EtH has been unable to really execute this more aggressive pressing system largely due to injuries to Hoijlund, Mount, Martinez and Shaw all being injured for most of the season and certainly not all being available at the same time.

When everyone is fit does EtH see a team of Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Bruno, Garnacho, Rashford, Hoijlund. At least for some games and especially at home against some lower placed opposition where he can afford to be more aggressive and take more risk.

I could envisage this team aggressively pressing the ball and playing a much higher line. In possession, the likes of Martinez and Mainoo progressing the ball centrally into Mount and Bruno on the half turn, then looking for runs in behind by Rashford or Hoijlund or into Garnacho to run at defenders.

With Martinez and Mount returning watch this space.

30 Mar 2024 14:00:51
I'd love Mount to work as a No8, but he's never excelled in that position in his career so I'd be surprised if ten Hag really did want him for that position.

Personally, I think Mainoo would be best in a double pivot with a player with equal defensive qualities.
I think because Kobbie and Martinez are each some way off 6ft, a big and physical partner for Kobbie might be the best option.
For me, only two players tick the box - Amadou Onana and Kephren Thuram.

30 Mar 2024 14:36:03
Ork - I tend to agree, I also think we lack a ball winner in midfield, ideally I’d like someone with energy, mobility, physicality, a really good tackler but also someone who’s very comfortable on the ball to partner Mainoo in midfield.

Personally I’m not convinced about Mount and if he wasn’t bought as a No8 it was a strange decision to invest over £50m in another No10 especially considering Bruno is the captain and hardly misses a game. Is Mount a more expensive VdB. Good player but where does he really fit in?

I was just speculating where EtH might deploy Mount and the evolution of our midfield with the emergence of Mainoo?

Does anyone think Mainoo is EtH’s new FdJ and will look to use him in a similar way in Utd’s midfield?

30 Mar 2024 14:55:20
Personally think a midfield 2 with and 10 in front is the way to go.
Not saying mainoo can't excel as a 6 but leaving him in there on his own would take aspects away from his game. A partner to play next to him is a must this summer.
As for Mount, I rate him as a player but do think it should be him or Bruno. Under ten hag I do feel Mount would fit in the 10 position more so than Bruno just because his ball retention and his ability to press better. Will never happen but just my opinion.

30 Mar 2024 10:40:29
Happy Easter, Eds and all.
Mark Ogden has reported that United are interested in bringing Gary O'Neil into the coaching setup at United.

Any truth in this?

30 Mar 2024 11:53:11
Scholesy, look on the wolves page, ed002 has answered your question there.

30 Mar 2024 12:05:47
O'Neill has come out and said himself there is no truth in the rumours.

Sly Sports have also recently reported that ETH is now in Ineos summer plans.

Topic has been covered to death but I'm sure Ed002 would update us if things changed. He's the only source I trust.

29 Mar 2024 19:09:15
Saw ed002s reply the other week about us having no interest in Tosin Adarabioyo but this is exactly the sort of deal we should be looking at this summer. Would be a quality signing to make for free and would allow us to allocate more money elsewhere. Hope the club decides to move for him.

30 Mar 2024 03:04:41
I'm with you on that one.

Tosin Adarabioyo would be a very wise arrival imo, but the club apparently have different targets.

What makes this notion funnier is the sheer amount of people on here who think Tosin's not at our level - what exactly is our level?
Imo, our level isn't that far from Fulham ATM, so what makes us so special?
Is our level sniffing around the vastly overpriced Branthwaite who will appeal to clubs that are actually at the top table or is it looking at more compelling options like Alip who few people on here know a thing about and should therefore, perhaps, be discounted out of hand?

People on here seem to forget that value can arrive on a free - Evans and Eriksen are great examples of this.
We aren't at the top table and won't have the reach to touch it for a few years yet, Tosin on a free would be a proper lanky bargain imo.

Ultimately, the absurdity on here is the amount of people who are apprehensive about spending big money on established or hyped up stars because they want value for money, but baulk at the idea of bringing in players who haven't experienced life at one of Europe's big hitters and have therefore not proven themselves or had a hype train.

Right now, however short-term, we need value for money and an experienced PL CB entering his prime being available for free is excellent value imo.

30 Mar 2024 09:15:06
Too right Ork. For many years I admired Juventus transfer dealings. They always managed to find some great deals and seemingly built some excellent teams full of free transfers and bargain buys.

I wonder who was behind that?

30 Mar 2024 10:59:35
Are Juventus in a financial hole?

29 Mar 2024 01:11:57
While it does hurt to say I agree with something that's dribbled from that stupid hole in Agbonlahor's face, he's 100% right that any offer from United for Gary O'Neil to join the coaching setup as understudy to someone else is insulting.

O'Neil is building his managerial legacy and probably deserves a shot as boss of a bigger team, so dropping down to join a coaching team at a club that has been a mess for a decade would be moronic.

I do hope this rumour is garbage.

29 Mar 2024 07:03:24
Gary O’Neill…. the Wolves and ex Bournemouth manager?

29 Mar 2024 07:54:17
He ain’t ready for the Utd job yet but what an opportunity to take over in a few years

He certainly wouldn’t of dreamed being linked to Utd yet

Yes it’s not the first team job but nobody knows exactly what the role would entice

It could all be bull anyway.

29 Mar 2024 10:53:06
I have a lot of time for Gary O’Neil and the job he’s been doing so far. He also handles himself very well. Certainly an unfashionable figure which is a shame, I would like to see him continue to do well and be given an opportunity to take the next step in the coming years.

I hope he doesn’t make the same mistake as Potter made if an early opportunity arises. He has loads of time on his side in terms of a managers lifespan.

Bournemouth deemed him not good enough and now he has Wolves in the top half of the table, and most importantly he’s got them scoring goals and they’ve been involved in some of the best fixtures this season. Fair play to him and long may he continue to do well.

I haven’t seen the rumour but if we’ve offered him a position as a coach then it’s quite frankly embarrassing and insulting on our behalf.

29 Mar 2024 11:33:47
No ZZ s now in the frame LOL.

29 Mar 2024 13:23:48
I mean, how mean rumours and pieces of crap that you read (particularly concerning Utd) have foundation? .1%?

29 Mar 2024 21:21:20
Usually a load of crap, GON is doing a brilliant job though and looks like a great coach in the making to me, would be a good capture but not ready to be manager just yet.

27 Mar 2024 07:52:57
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new player profile about, Kostas Tsimikas

27 Mar 2024 09:39:30
Hi Ed1 would you be able to do one on Mainoo? I’d be interested to see your thoughts on him.

{Ed001's Note - are you being serious?}

27 Mar 2024 10:01:37
Have you done one or made a comment I’ve missed Ed? Sorry if I have.

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, Mainoo was the one I did previously. If you look at the list of players on the player-profile site, it is the one beneath this one. That's why I wasn't sure if it was a joke, I was wondering if the link had popped up repeatedly or something.}

27 Mar 2024 10:10:31
Ah cheers Ed!

Just had a read, agree with a lot of it. Think we’ve a real player here.

The way he moves with the ball, and his dribbling reminds me a good bit on Thiago as well. He’s got that nice drop of the shoulder to get a yard or two of space.

Fingers crossed we keep him clear of injury and build a proper side around him.

{Ed001's Note - glad you like mate. He is a special talent.}

27 Mar 2024 10:26:11
Makelele vibes. Understated and essential.

27 Mar 2024 14:04:13
Not for me Spenno, Makelele was an out and out defensive midfielder with limited technical ability. he did redefine the DM position which has been redefined since. Mainoo is a box to box/ number 8 type player.

27 Mar 2024 14:34:20
Ok, understated and essential.

26 Mar 2024 21:48:55
Mainoo might just have booked his ticket on the plane to the euros. The lads been really impressive since he came into our side and he gets better game by game. Really hope we nurture him properly and he doesn't go the way of a few others. Hopefully he has good people round him to help him.

27 Mar 2024 01:01:30
Special special player.

27 Mar 2024 07:54:41
We also need to build a team that can compete otherwise he'll be poached and we will lose him. He's that good!

27 Mar 2024 10:07:51
Mainoo definitely looks like a special player and one that we should be looking to build around for the future whilst still making sure we do not burn him out.
Key for me will be deciding how we want to play him and getting a good partner for him to develop with over the next few years.

28 Mar 2024 16:26:33
Mainoo needs to play as a No.8, he's so good in every phase of the game and he needs to be able to get involved in both dropping deep to defend or to take the ball from the defence and progress it forward, but he's also able to be that guy who can win the ball back higher, play threaded balls between the lines, or just dance through several players to make space and possibly even score himself.

We need to find a true No.6 to come in, someone who'll shield the defence while also being able to progress the ball through their passing range. I'm not sure we want someone who'll pick the ball up and dribble 40 yards forward with it as that would require Mainoo to drop deep to cover them. We need that player who'll always being in the defensive and middle thirds, to allow Mainoo the freedom to be where he can help the team the most.

29 Mar 2024 10:23:33
Robson or Keene Shappy? !

24 Mar 2024 08:19:44
guessing this weeks news is Nagelman as our number one choice and some backtracking on Southgate. whichever way the wind blows the news regarding us blows that way. wait for it its coming :)

24 Mar 2024 09:13:29
Yep if England had beat Brazil the red tops would keep on riding the Southgate train.

This week Nagelsmann, next week who knows, maybe Wesley Sneijder is keen to join as first team coach.

24 Mar 2024 09:54:42
Club approached Snijdgijerrr but wanted the team to travel to every game via helicopter.

25 Mar 2024 11:54:01
Thomas Frank being reported as flavour of the day today.

25 Mar 2024 12:59:08
Denmark has a lot of Michelin star restaurants, so that could be tasty. I’d have a nibble.

25 Mar 2024 13:45:38
Oh we must be playing Brentford next. Comical stuff. But lots of people will have their knickers in a twist.

25 Mar 2024 13:48:51
Pretty sure we will see every manager linked before the season ends. Anything to sell news. As long as its not Southgates name any more I will be happy.

26 Mar 2024 07:18:59
As if by magic, today its Thomas Frank - haha.

22 Mar 2024 21:26:31
A lot of talk about Southgate in various quarters recently, taking aside his eligibility and ability to be United manager. I just don't see how it would work logistically. This is a huge summer for the club, new owners (kind of) and new structure being put in place, new Dof etc and obviously numerous changes required in the playing squad.

If we did decide on Southgate, he wouldn't be available until mid / end of July at the earliest, which throws our preseason off and leaves us behind the 8 ball again. I don't think he's the right man for the job anyways, but his availability during this crucial summer must surely play into the thinking also.

22 Mar 2024 22:41:48
The worst thing we can do would be to hire Southgate as manager

He’s done nothing at club level

And underachieved at international level

The runs we have had go in the past 3 tournaments and when we have come across a half decent team we have lost

People bang on about ten hag and his tactics, Jesus Southgate’s tactics are worse

He doesn’t beat top 10 ranked teams.

Got to stay clear of Southgate imo if we sack ten hag big big mistake from ineos.

23 Mar 2024 07:35:35
Fully agree Bolger.

Southgate’s tactics (or lack thereof) are why England lost to Italy and Croatia. The worse thing England can do against a top international side is score early. It then becomes 10 men behind the ball and trying to hold on for 80 minutes.

I’ve said on here before, I think it’s a travesty England have him as manager given the amount of talent and depth in the squad, especially in midfield and forward positions.

I’ll happily eat my words come July if things change, but listening to Darren Bent (who claims he’s closely connected to the England setup) talking about how Southgate will never not have two holding midfielders, I’m not sure it will happen.

{Ed077's Note - The thing with England under Southgate is the despite the finishes in the tournaments, England haven't beaten any team when they weren't going in as clear favorite. Everytime they were expected to be tested and maybe not come out victorious, they've gone lost that match.}

23 Mar 2024 09:40:06
Ed077, nail on head. Anytime they come up against a higher ranked team, they fail.

With the talent at their disposal, it's criminal.

Imagine thinking that Southgate could do a job at United, deary me.

{Ed077's Note - England have had the "luck of the draw" and "good fortunes with regards to injury" and still haven failed to exceed any expectations.}

23 Mar 2024 13:27:54
I think Southgate has been the right man, in the right place, at the right time for England.

He has his limitations, everyone does. We won't find a manager without some limitations. The trick is to make sure the management team makes up for those limitations.

SAF was one of the best managers ever. Yet for all his ability to get the most out of players, to keep the dressing room hungry and focused, for his mental tennis and mind games that could derail a title rival, for being able to plan ahead and make sure that there was a ready replacement waiting just at the right time as a player started to drop off. For all of those great skills he was tactically limited. He knew this, and he addressed it by regularly brining in a new assistant manager who had learned and focused on the newest tactics and techniques. Brining someone in with new ideas and letting them have more control than most assistant managers would get at most other clubs meant the team was able to tactically evolve and stay fresh, rather than sticking to the same tired and trusted tactics even when the football landscape has changed. Manager who do that fade from relevance eventually as they become outdated.

Southgate seems to have a similar tactical weakness, and if he had or if he trusted the advice of those in his management team a little more then maybe he'd have won something as England manager already.

He's done a great job of changing the attitude and mentality around the England camp. Players with poor attitudes are given short shift and aren't welcome no matter how talented (Sancho, Greenwood) . He appreciates that it isn't about assembling the best players, but about building the strongest team. He saw the divisions in the England camp as a player, and he knows how they limited a very talented generation of players who probably should have won something. Certainly less or equally talented teams won things during that time.

I think he's been fortunate to be England manager at this time, while many people bemoaned the homegrown quota brought into the the EPL all those years ago we are now seeing the fruits of that policy.

If there was a weakness to the "Golden generation" it was how few options there were to pick beyond the obvious 23 man squad. The drop off in quality from Owen and Rooney to Vassell and Johnson was massive. That was the same issue all over the pitch. There was never a genuine debate about who should and shouldn't be selected. Now though there are players who will not be selected for this summers Euros who would probably be first choice for most other nations.

In defence we have James, Walker, Trippier, TAA, White, Livramento, Stones, Maguire, Konsa, Tomori, Dunk, Guehi, Branthwaite, Colwill, Gomez, Tarkowski, Kilman, Mings, Shaw, Chilwell, Henry, Burn, Mitchell.

There are 23 defenders all of whom have a genuine shout of being selected, 8 maybe 9 will get to go, meaning 14-15 of them will be watching from home. Everyone will have their opinion over which ones should go, but bar maybe LB where Shaw and Chilwell are a level above the other options of Henry, Burn and Mitchell, there can be a genuine debate over which RB's should go, or which CB's.

This quality in depth means we are less reliant on having all our best players fit and in form this summer. This is a direct result of the homegrown quota. I also think they got the balance right. Less players having to be homegrown would reduce the about of options we would now have. While more would impact the quality of the club squads meaning the homegrown players would be training with less quality around them to push them and drive them to improve.

So Southgate has been fortunate to be the guy in charge just as these players have become available. While this quality in depth has allowed him to be more selective and to not call up players whose attitude or demeanour could effect the team.

However, that does not make him a great choice for United. I can see the appeal, a manager who hasn't been used to picking his transfer targets and would therefore maybe be more amenable to a new structure where the manager has less say (less say, not no say) . While his ability to create a harmonious camp is obviously another big plus given the issues our squad has had over the past decade. He has also shown he can handle the pressure of the England job, so should be well placed to handle the pressure at Manchester United.

All that said, tactically he seems very weak and limited. Which doesn't really fit into this idea that INEOS want a coach who'll focus on improving the players, and getting them to play good football. This is also something Southgate hasn't had to do on a consistent basis as England manager where he might have to run 20 coaching sessions a year rather than 5 sessions a week.

This also is a factor in his ability to deal with the pressure of being Manchester United manager, the pressure probably isn't any greater at United than it is for England, but at United it is constant, every day, every week. While with England its for a few weeks of the year during qualifying/ friendlies and for 6 weeks every two years for a tournament.

Finally if there is one thing I'd fault EtH with is he has a lack of personality (or at least it doesn't show in his interactions with the press) . This is something that is also an issue with Southgate. He comes across wet, he seems to lack confidence or fight, he doesn't seem to have much of a sense of humour. He seems like grey suit, I really couldn't tell you anything about his personality despite him being the England manager for 8 years. I'm sure he is a nice guy, but he hasn't shown those personal qualities I'd expect and want in a Manchester United manager.

Personally I'd be gutted if Southgate was to be the next United manager, I really don't see it as being successful. The only saving grace is that the new structure at the club should in theory mean the club is not building for a manager, but for their own vision. Meaning if a manager is not successful then we should in theory be able to sack them without being left with a half a dozen players signed by them to suit their style of play.

Maybe that is where Southgate fits in, he's not the guy to take the project to the finish line, but is maybe seen as the right guy to implement the changes and then be a the fall guy, making way for the guy who'll then have well run club and a well built squad ready to take the next step.

I dunno, all I know is I'd be disappointed to see Southgate in the Old Trafford dugout.

23 Mar 2024 15:35:36
Im not endorsing Southgate, like I said I don’t think he’s the man for the job but when you add in his availability to the mix it makes it even more absurd to go for him…i.

23 Mar 2024 16:47:39
I think it's right for them to consider him. I think there is a long list of potential managers that will all come under consideration some obviously to a greater degree than others.
I don't think for one minute he will be our next manager. There are so many reasons I come to that conclusion.
If England were not playing this week the sounthgste talk would not be at the height it is.
Lots of people having their buttons pushed by this and I don't think there is a story in it.
I genuinely believed Southgate when he spoke on the subject yesterday.
I really hope he wins the euros and stays on for the world Cup. Done a great job for England imo. I think intl football suits him.

23 Mar 2024 18:08:07
Out of interest who would u pick Ken?

23 Mar 2024 19:22:10
I really don't know Tim. I don't know enough about a lot of the names mentioned to be honest.
I'm not that fused really who comes in. Whomever it is, has a great opportunity. They won't be taking over as big a mess as some of their predecessors. Great time to be coming in imo.

24 Mar 2024 11:39:10
The number of posts and conversations around Southgate this week mean that the red top scum that started the rumour have got exactly what they wanted. It’s madness what people will believe.

24 Mar 2024 13:00:05
Gds2 they are pushing the buttons of the gullible and sitting back and laughing as people go into meltdown it's quite funny actually.

22 Mar 2024 14:16:51
Ed's can we run a poll for posters on the site.

If it was up to you, would you give Ten Hag another year or would you replace with new manager.

I realised Ineos will do what they do, but interested what the posters on here would do given the choice.

{Ed033's Note -


Man Utd Manager poll

22 Mar 2024 15:53:01
How come Ken got 6 votes?

22 Mar 2024 16:02:46
Replace for me.

Don't get me wrong, he's a good manager and he's done OK.
Unlike some, I'll consider the unusual pressures he's faced with the respect they demand - he's had a proper rough ride.

However, I cannot lie and pretend to have the belief that he's the answer. Some decisions he's made are utterly baffling to me. Pursuing the signing of Antony over Kudus was bad enough, but not taking the option on Sabitzer was just ridiculous imo.
The portrayal of him as some kind of revelation after standing his ground against Sancho is absurd - any vertebrate manager would do the same.
I don't consider his style to be anything like the 'United way' beyond the promotion of youth.
There is little to thrill or get the punters properly buzzing before they reach their seats. Where Klopp likes the heavy metal approach, ten Hag seems to adopt the random playlist approach.

OT can be an uncompromising gauge of how things are and it's the sound that attests so vividly the consensus.
While I'm sure the Liverpool match drew the claustrophobic cacophony I love so much, I have heard the strained silence of disappointment that usually precedes a managerial change at OT.

Honestly, I hope I'm wrong because I do like the guy.
I hope I'm hearing things.
I hope Erik has more to him.
I hope he oversees a period of success.
But I just don't see it.

For me, humbly, replace.

22 Mar 2024 16:14:43
Sabitzer? Who? Oh yes him. I'd forgotten all about him for a while.

22 Mar 2024 16:28:44
I'm not alone ports and no issue at all being in the minority.
I can understand why people feel the way they do.
You see things I don't and I see things you don't.
For every positive stat there is an equally damning negative one like in most situations.
At the end of the day sjr and team as dodgy says in his request are the guys that will decide. Their opinion will be the only one that counts.
I will support the team whomever is in charge. It really makes no odds to me. I can't control it so just have to accept it.
I would prefer a change for the reasons I've posted. If the new investors see what your seeing then eth will be kept in place and be given the chance to improve things further.
Honestly it's not that big a thing to me. Because I support the team even if I don't agree with selection or tactics or players or coaches. I'm a loyal customer simple as that, I won't agree with everything and I won't like everything but I'll always support and want the team to win.
Even when we won under ole I was 1st on to congratulate performances or subs, whatever. Because my feelings for the club would override any feelings towards an employee.
I realise that I'm not an expert and that any opinions I have are unimportant. We don't get a vote it's not a democracy. Its a business so we either support the decisions or put up with them grudgingly.
I've been wrong a million times about all sorts of stuff united related and in everyday stuff. If I'm wrong about this it will just be another thing I was incorrect about. I won't be losing any sleep over it either way.
I didn't want Jose fired and he was I didn't want ole to be given the job and he was. Its no big deal.
If eth is kept and does well I be singing his name like all supporters.
If eth isn't kept it's a case of the king is dead long live the new king, whomever that is and I'll want and expect him to do well.
We have a new dof and management team in place or coming into place. That's what everybody here wanted.
So I'll be happy to follow whatever road they go down. I may not be best pleased but I'll bow to their better judgement and knowledge and continue to be a loyal customer and supporter. If decisions they make turn out to be poor ones or look like poor ones after a reasonable period of time I'll voice my opinion on it full in knowledge that not everybody will agree.

22 Mar 2024 16:41:30
One thing to consider for everyone is who's the replacement going to be? Southgate or Ten Hag is different question for many than say Nagelsmann, Amorim, etc or Ten Hag?

22 Mar 2024 18:11:20
I voted to keep ETH.

22 Mar 2024 17:54:04
Good point ed077.
There are some coaches I would definitely prefer we don't pursue.

22 Mar 2024 18:47:38
Could we have a second poll Ed.

Keep ten Hag or bring in Southgate :D.

22 Mar 2024 20:04:20
22 percent to replace. You may not be alone ken, but you're in the minority so far.

22 Mar 2024 20:36:27
If it’s sack and bring in Southgate then absolutely not. Who is there available to replace him though.

I’m not convinced by ten hag yet. If I’m honest I’m sceptical that anyone will be a success until our new mob upstairs have had 18-24 months.

If we get someone new in and there’s teething problems with the new hierarchy then we’ll be back in the same boat.

I’d say get the board sorted, give him another season, Christmas at least then make a decision.

22 Mar 2024 22:19:42
Ken, I thought it was great when you said “Honestly it’s not that big a thing to me” ?.

23 Mar 2024 01:06:07
Its not. I don't feel like I did with ole I don't dislike eth I just don't see him doing the job we need. I see traits I don't like in a manager and ones I do like.
He has been far from a disaster.
I don't care who coaches or plays for us a long as they are doing a really good job and the team are playing well and attractive football.

22 Mar 2024 19:32:26
Ed, I think this is the most important consideration. Personally, I’m not overwhelmed by any of the current rumours so see little value, personally, in changing.

{Ed077's Note - I think the most likely candidate is Potter (no inside info) and that is, I'm sure, going to divide the fan base I'm the least.}

23 Mar 2024 07:30:52
Ed077,

I rate Potter. He was unlucky at Chelsea. He made the wrong choice in joining the T Boehly revolution. That's hindsight for you.

But I think it was a good learning curve for him. He perhaps is the right man to help set the club up again, as he has done this before.

Also he has worked with Ashworth. His Brighton played some really good football aswell.

{Ed077's Note - I like him but I'm not sure he can hit the ground running, he comes across to me like a coach who needs time to build a team and time is the thing that isnt given to managers anymore. Maybe he's learnt from his stint at Chelsea ? }

23 Mar 2024 09:45:03
I like potter but he was a disaster at a big club, you could see in his appearance the pressure and toll literally ate him alive! We’re much bigger than a big club with scrutiny he can never imagine! Big no for me regarding potter.

23 Mar 2024 10:23:26
34 votes to replace the manager, one from Ken and 33 from Maze's various accounts ???.

23 Mar 2024 08:26:15
Ed077,

Who would be your pick for manager then?

Based on available managers.

{Ed077's Note - Nagelsmann for me from the possible options. ( but who I think possible or unrealistic may not be seen as such by you guys) Obviously I don't consider Alonso or Klopp realistic options.

I think there's still a way for Ten Hag to earn another year but change of ownership and higher management usually means change of manager is inevitable.}

23 Mar 2024 09:43:11
Ed077, potter is a fine coach and no doubt would do a job anywhere.

But to replace ETH?

Ornstein made the point, if we were hiring a new coach today, ETH is exactly the type of coach we would be looking at. Let him cook, give him time, he has all the ingredients required. The club just have to truly back him, buy clever and allow him to coach. I think what he has done so far with this squad, the mixmash that it is, the injuries they have had to endure, and players he did not want, is fantastic.

{Ed077's Note - fantastic is going too far for me, the manner of defeats at certain parts of the seasons have been bad if you ask me, but he's not completely stunk the place IMO, when all things are accounted for.

Another thing for me is, many of our current squad members have failed to deliver under various managers with different ideas, CVs, everything. The same players who threw the towel in under Jose, pulled the plug for OGS and didn't turn up under Rangnick either. So a change of culture, and mentality has to happen in the dressing room or else we run the risk of getting back in the same spot in another 24_36 months time.}

23 Mar 2024 15:49:52
I voted to keep eth, but then I'm an Arsenal fan.

23 Mar 2024 17:04:41
Best of luck for the rest of the season Davy. Hope you win the league. The cl may be a step too far this season but imo arsenal have been the best team to watch this year and I really hope they can keep it up.

23 Mar 2024 16:36:48
Yes Ed, Fantastic is OTT. But the problems are bigger than the manager for sure. Considering that we have been in 2 Cup finals, hopefully a 3rd in 2 seasons is very good IMO, when taking in everything.

{Ed077's Note - the issues at the club, from what it seems to me, doesn't begin or end at the manager's door; but it may pass through it ??}

23 Mar 2024 18:22:52
Thanks Ken, I think one of your biggest misses this season, was Martinez, he doesn't solve all the problems, but his stability could free up the midfield a bit more, to play further forward.

24 Mar 2024 00:11:36
Thanks for the poll ed. Interesting to read the room after all the chatter these past few weeks. I agree with Ken's point further up, that the southgate rumours are just clickbait stories during international week. He may well be on some long list somewhere for consideration, but the media are running it for everything they can for clicks.