Manchester United rumours 2

04 Apr 2024 00:03:57
Hey ed002,

Hope all is well and sorry to bother you as i know you are very busy. Just on the manager front, do united still have a chance in hiring Ruben Amorim or is he definetly off to liverpool? Who do you think would be a good fit at united? I feel if he goes to liverpool our options aren't good. It feels as though the structure is being set up for an english manager though whuch in my opinion is a bad idea. Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - He is not definately off to Liverpool but Manchester United still have preferred options.}

04 Apr 2024 11:48:50
There are definitely options when you look around, I'd imagine they will be looking for a younger more progressive manager whose ideas match that of the clubs (whatever those are now) .

Managers like Ruben Amorim, Xabi Alonso, Thiago Motta, Roberto De Zerbi, Arne Slot, Simeone Inzaghi, and Julian Nagelsmann are probably the most obvious options.

Although if Amorim is a serious option for Liverpool then I'd imagine he'd choose to go there over coming to us this summer. While Alonso has ruled out leaving Leverkusen this summer (I actually think that is the best option for him right now) .

Motta seems to be the hipsters choice, while Nagelsmann is probably the best option available all things considered. That is if he is to leave the German national team, if they win the Euros this summer then he might want to stay. While he might also have other better options than us this summer.

You then have the outsiders like Tuchel who is available (although he is linked with Real Madrid) and some of the younger British managers like Potter (outsider in terms of who the fans would want, but seems well in the running with those who will actually make the decision), O'Neil and McKenna.

I've even heard whispers of Ole being potentially considered. Although I'd imagine that would be a challenging appointment to sell to the fans.

The problem is that while there are some potentially very good options available, there are a number of top jobs open this summer, Liverpool, Bayern, Real Madrid and possibly Chelsea as well. Three of which would definitely be more appealing to many of the potential candidates. Meaning we might have to take our 2nd, 3rd or even 4th choice option if the others choose to move elsewhere.

So it might not be a case of is our 1st choice option a better option than EtH, but is our 3rd choice option a better fit than EtH.

04 Apr 2024 13:17:42
OMG, the return of Solksjaer? That is mind blowing. Surely you're on the wind up Shappy?

I'd go for Arne Slot, just on the name alone.

04 Apr 2024 16:37:02
MancMan, that's the rumour, how accurate it is who knows. Personally I'd be very surprised if INEOS thought Ole was the right man. Although there is a small part of me that wants to see that just for Ken's reaction 🤣🤣🤣

Of those I've listed above my opinion is that Nagelsmann would be the best option. Great record everywhere he's been, tactically astute, good communicator, experience at a top club. The only things that count against him is that he apparently rubbed a few people up the wrong way at Bayern (particularly in relation to his new girlfriend), and he has never managed outside of Germany, so we don't know how he adapts to different leagues/ counties.

After that it'd probably be between Amorim and Inzaghi.

Slot I don't think has enough experience, Alonso won't move, I like De Zerbi, but there is something about him I can't quite put my finger on that makes me feel like he isn't ready for a top job. Thiago Motta is an interesting one, tactically he is out on his own, doing things no one else is doing. While it would be interesting to see if he could get his style to work in the EPL or at a top club, it very much is his style and if it didn't work then we would have started to rebuild the squad again to suit a manager who does things so differently that there isn't someone similar to step into his shoes if he left.

I think he'd be great at a club just outside the elite sides in Europe, somewhere with a little less pressure. Where he'd have more time and freedom to pursue his style without demands of immediate success.

He could be similar to Simeone at Atletco Madrid, someone who has success by bucking the trend and doing things differently to the top clubs, but doing it so well that he is successful with it. I'd like to see him at a club of that level.

I'm not as against Potter as most, I still think he's a very good manager who can be very successful. I don't think he had the support or was given the time at Chelsea to be successful. The problem is that failures like that hang around your neck and heal the pressure on to prove them wrong despite the context or reasons for why you failed.

Pochettino has a near identical record in terms of results this season to Potters at Chelsea. Despite having a more settled club than the one Potter was having to deal with.

I would back the club if they decided to go for Potter, but would appreciate that he would probably be given less leeway by the fans who will likely be skeptical of his appointment.

I really like O'Neil and McKenna and think they are doing great things, it might just be a little too soon in their careers for the step up to United, especially at a time where the club will be in a state of flux. Maybe in the future with a settled backroom team, and the club running as a well oiled machine, then we might be able to take a chance on those inexperienced up and coming managers who look to have great potential. I'm not against the idea of hiring a manager like O'Neil or McKenna and giving them the space to develop, while also helping to mould them into the ideal Manchester United manager. But to do so we would need much more support behind the scenes for that manager. Experienced people for them to lean on, and who can keep the pressure off when things aren't quite going to plan.

04 Apr 2024 18:22:24
Weirdly enough, I’d not be against OGS. Not sure why, it think he did a decent job. Also very much not against Erik being given a chance next season under the new structure. If he fails in year 3, time to go.

04 Apr 2024 18:40:44
Ed, if you don't mind me asking. Do you still expect ETH to be moved on in the summer?

Sly sports reported Ineos planned to keep him, but I'm not sure if that's just lazy journalism as 24 hours before they did a story on Southgate.

{Ed002's Note - I think that there is a strong chance that he will be replaced and the club options. Right now he is not the solution that the club need.}

04 Apr 2024 22:18:05
Shappy seems strange that Real are looking to offload Ancelotti a couple months after giving him an extension no? Are Barcelona not also looking for a manager after Xavi announced he’s leaving at the end of the season?

Out of the managers you listed, Amorim, Alonso and Motta are pretty much 100% not options for Utd. Think the list is Tuchel, De Zerbi, Potter and Nagelsmann. Some outside shouts of Zidane, Southgate and maybe OGS.


Think De Zerbi is top of the list for Deco at Barcelona also high up for Bayern I believe. Nagelsmann could end up staying with Germany. So realistically think it’s Potter and Tuchel as the front runners.

05 Apr 2024 10:48:03
Shappy’s whispers are as reliable as the game in primary school where you try get the kids to pass the same sentence the whole way round the circle 😂😂😂.

05 Apr 2024 11:21:43
What's that song the cranberries had zombie.
It's in your head
It's in your head
Zombie zombie zombie hey hey hey.

05 Apr 2024 13:52:52
Who would be your choice to succeed him Ed2?

{Ed002's Note - Arne Slot would be a great option.}

05 Apr 2024 14:12:20
Thanks Ed. Let’s hope the club are considering this.

05 Apr 2024 15:19:11
To stand any chance of success the next Utd manager has to be a rare beast indeed. A good coach and a sound tactician, sufficient experience at the top level and with a strong personality without being a bit of an arse. Oh, and they need to have an attacking football philosophy and a commitment to developing youth.

That all sounds like Ange at Spurs.

06 Apr 2024 14:15:44
Mancman

Spurs have spend 385 million in 3 windows on 13 players and no loan deal and all proper buys. They have no european football this year and were out of both domestic cups early on. They had a bit of injury issue with Maddison and Van der ven but nothing major. Their fullbacks are really good imo and have made a big difference.

He knows how to charm the press and talks a big game but let's see how they do next year with european football a congested schedule which will bring injuries and how he deals with first signs of real adversity. They are The Newcastle of last year for me.

06 Apr 2024 22:56:02
You might be right Ahmad and when you put it like that perhaps I'm one of those who has been charmed.

Like you say, it's perhaps too early to say for sure

However, I do admire his approach to the game and he has brought in some excellent players which I think will gell into a really good team given another season.

03 Apr 2024 12:14:00
Hi Eds, any news of us trying to sign Thalys, the Brazilian forward at Palmeiras?

{Ed002's Note - Thalys (S) Discussed with Chelsea during negotiations over two other players. Barcelona, Spurs, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all sent scouts with Manchester United and Benfica both declaring an interest with Palmeriras.}

03 Apr 2024 16:45:50
Thanks Ed.
I assume even if we do sign the youngster, he will be sent on loan to develop. Will work permit be an issue?

{Ed002's Note - No the WP will not be an issue and MU do not have the structure to loan out youngsters at this time.}

03 Apr 2024 21:50:57
Thannks Ed. I was thinking this for years why can't we sign players like Chelsea does when it comes to South American kids.

04 Apr 2024 15:20:18
Very useful info Ed, much appreciated. I miss the days of the Royal Antwerp connection, perhaps with Ineos we may establish one with Nice . or perhaps its wishful thinking.

{Ed002's Note - Perhaps.}

01 Apr 2024 19:06:16
Wilcox resigned apparently.

01 Apr 2024 22:47:11
It sounds like he's the solution to the delay over Ashworth starting. Someone with the ability to "sub" the role short term this summer, until Ashworth is fully in place, then drop back into another role. Or at least something to that effect, or so I've heard/ read.

02 Apr 2024 07:56:25
He’ll do a job on the left wing.

02 Apr 2024 16:09:35
Imagine a winner that crossed the ball. Rasmus wouldn't know what to do with himself.

03 Apr 2024 09:16:44
The only way Højlund is going to get service from Rashford is if he signs up for his free meal programs 🤣🤣🤣.

29 Mar 2024 07:19:31
Hi Ed. Are we showing any interest in Marc Cucurella at Chelsea?

{Ed002's Note - Marc Cucurella (LB) Attracting interest from Atletico and Manchester United still. Real Madrid enquired but they should now be able to secure their first choice. Wants to stay at Chelsea but he will be made available.}

29 Mar 2024 10:43:44
Thanks Ed. I like him as a player - seems to have not worked out at Chelsea for some reason.

{Ed002's Note - He has been out injured for three months.}

29 Mar 2024 16:42:00
Chelsea spent big on him and Chilwell though - was always going to be a tough assignment.

30 Mar 2024 11:35:06
Would be a great addition.

31 Mar 2024 12:28:11
To be fair, he's the player we should have got last summer on loan instead of Reguilon. Unfortunately we couldn't even afford the loan fee, which just highlights the mess the club has been left in.

31 Mar 2024 14:01:49
Shappy, I’m fairly certain it was our insistence on a break clause that held the deal up. Then they played him in the cup and made it that he could only play for one more team this season so if we broke the loan in January they wouldn’t be able to loan him again.

01 Apr 2024 09:39:27
Branders that was my understanding too, but it’s all paper talk.

01 Apr 2024 12:21:12
Think we should be be aiming higher.
While a fine squad player I’d prefer someone who immediately levels up the team like Theo Hernandez, Udogie, Balde or aestupian.

02 Apr 2024 11:38:27
I think it's a bit of both to be fair. I'm sure if the loan fee was 1-2m for the season then we'd have seen Cucurella at United this season regardless of break clauses etc.

Utd Road, I think Cucurella would be a really good fit for us currently. He's similar to Shaw in that he can play LB, LCB, invert into midfield or play on the overlap (although he's better when played deeper) . He's not a physical as Shaw, but is slightly better technically and more tactically astute.

I'm a little torn over what to do with the LB slot. Shaw and Malacia's continued injury issues means we have a issue there that needs sorting out. Yet if we sign someone and Shaw and Malacia are both fit then we have an embarrassment of riches in that position while probably not having well balanced first 11, as other positions need a first choice player signing, let alone squad depth.

While the young Harry Amass continues to impress and if he develops a little more physically over the summer he could be ready for a few minutes next season (given his age he could develop physically very quickly and at any time over the next 6-24 months.

Personally I think there is something more a miss with Malacia than is being made public. The constant delaying of his return to injury without any clear information on what his injury has been or why his return keeps getting delayed just seems a little off. Maybe because he's a squad player the media aren't asking the questions about him during the press conferences🤷🏻‍♂️

If we buy someone for LB then we should probably look for someone in the 21-24 age bracket who is ready to push or even take Shaws place off of him. With Shaw then becoming the back up allowing Amass to take Shaws place in a couple of seasons time, while looking to challenge the current first choice for his place. Although that does leave us with what to do with Malacia. Maybe keep him around due to Shaw's injury issues. New player as first choice with two injury prone players in Shaw and Malacia as back up.

No point signing a young prospect under 20 years old as we have Amass on the books or even Alvaro Fernandez if we want that profile of player. Signing someone that young would only block the pathway for Amass.

It needs to be someone either top class or on the cusp of becoming top class.

Although signing a LB this summer probably means not signing a RB and keeping AWB for a the final year of his deal to be back up to Dalot.

While RB does need an upgrade (although Dalot has probably been our most consistent player this season), the continued injury issues at LB probably means that it is the left hand side that has become a higher priority oddly.

02 Apr 2024 21:18:30
Speaking of LB's Rayan Ait Nouri has really had a break out season at Wolves under Gary O'Neil. He'd be the kind of player I'd personally be looking at to bring in at LB. Someone whose star is rising and they look ready for a bigger stage to step up to, but who has a good level of experience and is well suited to playing in the EPL.

26 Mar 2024 18:36:30
Ed002 are we interested in Kvaratskhelia.

{Ed002's Note - Not really. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (LW) In late 2021 Torino, Borussia Dortmund and Lokomotiv Moscow were speaking with Rubin Kazan who said they were not willing to sell at that time. Previously the player had been watched by Bayern Munich and his agent had been hawking him around the Premier League clubs including Everton with, according to him, Leeds showing some interest. Ancelotti had been open to the idea of replacing Bolasie and Bernard with him but it was clear something was going on in the background. Obviously neither side would even be approached nowadays. Remarkably he was sold to Georgian side Dinamo Batumi for a small amount of money but well beyond their means in March 2022. For 3 months Napoli and Juventus discussed a deal with his agent and on July 1, 2022 he moved to Napoli, giving a small profit to Dinamo Batumi. A move to Spain with Real Sociedad was ruled out. Paratici had originally identified him for Juventus and it is was surprise Spurs did not follow up that interest. Roma waited too long to be a viable option. The transfers are potentially going to be looked at by UEFA. Don't rule out Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal or Manchester City looking at taking the player in a year or two and he has also attracted scouts from Liverpool and Juventus. Newcastle have a declared interest but a move seems unlikely. Chelsea have a solution in mind involving another player which may suit Napoli, but they are difficult to deal with. Napoli have no intention of selling and will offer a new contract - which I expect to be initially rejected. Barcelona offer a wildcard option but may have difficulty funding a move.}

26 Mar 2024 21:30:30
Really good player. On the negative side seemd to excel in a position we’re covered in unless something changes, and would eat up a lot of whatever budget we have. On the plus side I was dreading having to pronounce his name every day all summer.

26 Mar 2024 13:23:57
Anybody know if TyC Sports is a credible source of news from Argentina?

Only asking because the rumours surrounding this Anselmino lad are getting louder.

Is there real traction or is this just yet another dubious outlet?

{Ed002's Note - Aaron Anselmino (C) Braga and Benfica have been regularly scouting Boca Juniors games and together with Milan have identified multiple targets including Anselmino. Interest from Manchester United will halt with the player being ineligible for a Work Permit in England and wanting to stay Buenos Aires with his family.}

26 Mar 2024 14:40:10
Cheers Ed002.

26 Mar 2024 11:28:56
Morning Ed.
Hojlund looks the real deal and I'm interested to see who the club look to bring in this Summer to provide healthy competition for him.
Who are the club considering in this position?
Thanks as always.

{Ed002's Note - If Greenwood and Rashford go then the club will look to an addition. The problem will be persuading someone to join who may be second choice.
Jonathan David (S/AM) Lille, like many French clubs were hit hard by the loss of broadcast revenue and will need to sell some of their more valuable assets even though they do not want to. Jonathan David is valued by Lille at an unrealistic €50M but moving in to the last year of his contract will need to accept perhaps 30M. Napoli and Spurs no longer see him as a possible addition. Real Madrid have previously declared an interest but their focus has turned away as they wanted to include a player in any deal. He has been recommended to Chelsea by an ex player but they have a preferred targets. The Manchester United coach tried to take him to Ajax and could potentially look to taking him to Manchester United - and I would not discount them even if ten Hag departs. Aston Villa or Milan may offer a viable solution.
Joshua Zirkzee (S) Manchester United had a third-party scout watch him in a game against Roma in December. Milan has declared an interest knowing Giroud is coming to the end of his contract but don't know if Zirkee will match his goal tally. Bayern Munich have an option to buy the player back but will likely not be interested in following up on it. Napoli offer an option when Osimhen moves. Milan will be favourites as they want Sesko and Zirkee. Player will not move to become cover or second choice so would need persuading to join Manchester United.
Victor Osimhen (S) Napoli made it clear to Chelsea who enquired in 2021 that even €100M would not buy the player - but they do maintain an interest and he has been first choice and expect an offer to be made in the summer - they have already assured Napoli that they will pay his release clause in full. Al Hilal may well have offered Napoli the huge fee they were looking for, but that may not suit the player just yet. Real Madrid could look to him as an option but Madrid would want to offer players in exchange. He has signed a new contract and, at the behest of his agent, included a release clause. Arsenal have a preferred option and see the price as too high. PSG have him on a list of potential Mbappe replacements - but perhaps not top. If Manchester City were to lose Haarland, he would be an option. Manchester United may offer a wildcard option but the change of staff could end any interest. There is a suggestion that Liverpool have negotiated directly with the player and his agent and not spoken to Napoli. Given Napoli registered a complaint against Liverpool over another player last year, it would seem unlikely, or particularly stupid. In the players hands next summer - may decide to stay but there will be a return from Michael Emanalo with a very good offer but I understand that Chelsea have already informed Napoli that they will pay his €130M release clause in full in the summer - but they have not had a positive response from the player - perhaps because of the lack of Champions League football. Chelsea are already looking at options but could make a take-it-or-leave-it offer below his release clause with discussions over two other players going on between the clubs.
Benjamin Sesko (S/F) RBL could be offered a quick profit. His agent has not stopped offering the player around since his move to RBL. Described by a well known ex-Premier League player and high-end scout as "raw but improving". Was on the list for Spurs as a potential Kane replacement and Newcastle enquired. Chelsea spoke with his agent but have preferred options. Milan offer an option as a potential Giroud replacement. A wildcard may be either Manchester United or Arsenal. Milan will be favourites as they want Sesko and Zirkee.Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (F) Manchester United asked for a loan of the player from Bayern Munich in January. I have no idea why.
Viktor Gyokeres (S) After only joining in the summer Sporting have no interest in selling but fear a club could simply pay his €100M buy out clause in full and try to persuade him to move. Sporting fear Chelasea may do that and have avoided the subject during discussions over another player and a separate issue. He has attracted scouts representing Manchester United and Arsenal with Arsenal seeing him as an option to Toney. Sporting are looking to a new contract and an increase in his buy-out clause.
Brian Brobbey (S) Everton interest remains but so does their financial plight. Eric ten Hag has a remaining interest but I doubt that position is supported by the club. Ajax will not want to sell.
Thalys (S) Discussed with Chelsea during negotiations over another player. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all sent scouts with Manchester United and Benfica both declaring an interest with Palmeriras.}

26 Mar 2024 12:27:57
Ed, a few questions if you don't mind, do you think there is any chance that Greenwood will return to MU? and is there any interest in Rashford?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Anthony Martial (W/F) Has to go but there little clear interest. Juventus had an interest but he would not be first choice now. Out of contract in the Summer with Fenerbahce keen to take a chance, else it will be the Middle East or a new contract.
Mason Greenwood (F) Time to move on - offered to Marseille and Atalanta. Turkey or the Middle East might provide permanent options. Atletico Madrid or Real Sociedad may offer an option but the fee will be too high for Getafe to buy but they will try to find a creative solution or another loan. He is on the list of Michael Emenalo, but that may not suit the player,
Marcus Rashford (LW/F) Much will depend on what happens in the summer regarding a new coach, but I am sure Manchester United will be regretting the new long-term contract. A third-party has spoken to clubs, including Juventus and Arsenal about him on behalf of Manchester United,but I am not aware of any serious interest. Suggestion that he could be a Mbappe replacement at PSG seem far-fetched given they have other clear targets in mind.}

26 Mar 2024 12:51:16
Ed, if you don’t mind do you think we will be able to sell greenwood? Seen a few reports saying clubs are being put off the fee we are demanding.

Obviously it sounded like Ratcliffe was leaving the door slightly open for him to return- but likely to try and protect some value if possible imo.

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United are being unrealistic in what they have quoted Getafe for Greenwood. They will need to reduce their demands considerably.}

26 Mar 2024 13:11:24
Sorry Ed,

Just seen the updated response on Mg.

26 Mar 2024 13:16:04
Brilliant summary Ed002 thank you for your time.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

26 Mar 2024 13:39:15
I don't think Hojlund can be considered a clear first choice, nor that anyone who comes in will be merely playing second-fiddle to him. They'd probably end up playing pretty much the same across a season I'd expect, where both will go in and out of form and be injured etc.

26 Mar 2024 14:18:26
Thanks Ed.

26 Mar 2024 14:28:58
I know Rashford is not flavour of the month but would be concerned if we sold him leaving only Hojlund and Garnacho as the only players who have shown themselves as having the capability of playing premier league football and that's only been for half a season really lol.

The idea that just because we have new owners, our recruitment of replacements for the current squad is suddenly going to be successful is a huge leap of faith.

26 Mar 2024 15:15:26
Huge thanks Ed as always.

24 Mar 2024 11:27:08
Hi Ed’s. With a defensive shake up looking very likely, is there any news on the future of Varane? Is the club looking to try and sign him to a new contract with reduced terms or would they rather him just leave? Also are there any players with expiring contracts the club are looking at to help us focus our budget else where?

{Ed002's Note - Raphael Varane (CB) Future at Manchester United will depend on whether or not the coach is replaced. He will have options in Europe with Bayern Munich and the Middle East come the summer - but the club may look to a new contract on reduced terms.}

24 Mar 2024 14:43:58
If ETH stays Varane goes Ed?

{Ed002's Note - I would think he will.}

24 Mar 2024 15:43:10
Hi ed002

I may be wrong but does that mean if eth is replaced he might stay at the club on reduced terms and if eth is here he is gone? or the the other way round.

{Ed002's Note - I doubt he will want reduced terms.}

24 Mar 2024 17:48:15
Ps I’d rather him stay despite his injury concerns.

25 Mar 2024 13:48:45
I thought it was quite telling that EtH had referred to building a new young team a few weeks ago. He hasn't taken that stance before suggesting a slight deviation in where we are and maybe in our transfer plans. I'd also keep Varane but I reckon they'll be trying to shift all the heavyweights this summer.

25 Mar 2024 14:11:25
Agree Spenno. If we look at moving on some of our top earners and their (approx) weekly wages, could be huge savings and money available to reinvest:

Martial 250,000 p/ wk
Casameiro 300,000 p/ wk
Sancho 200,000 p/ wk
Varane 250,000 p/ wk
Christian Eriksen 200,000 wk

Approx total per week: 1,200,000 p/ wk or approx £60 million / year, which, if amortised, can pay for several top players.

25 Mar 2024 15:37:51
I seem to recall reading somewhere that moneys saved in future wages wasn't taken into account with the current budget which seems a strange stance but who knows.

25 Mar 2024 20:18:59
Wallace it doesn’t work like that as a players’ fee plus contract is amortised across a maximum of 5 years now. Any signing will also have wages to consider. We need to sell well to buy big. Personally I’d sell either or both of Bruno and Rashford along with any fringe players already mentioned as likely to leave.

23 Mar 2024 16:46:14
Ed002 Are we interested in palhinha?

{Ed002's Note - Joao Palhinha (DM/CM) Fulham will not look to sell unless a huge offer is made and the player asks for a move. All interest except that of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and possibly Newcastle will have gone with the signing of a new contract although Manchester United and Liverpool have had a will respected ex PL and high-end independent scout watch the player on their behalf - although both have other targets. Agent has spoken with Manchester City and Chelsea, and either may offer an option. Fulham will still look to replacements as they fear the player could have his head turned by Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who see him as an option to Trindade, who Fulham are also keen on. Bayern Munich have scheduled talks.}

24 Mar 2024 01:10:36
Ed002 - if I may ask a general question.

You have mentioned highly respected ex PL scouts before ed. Is this or are these ex players we would know? How many ex top level players go into independant scouting for clubs? Could you name a couple who have gone on to be successful scouts after playing in the epl era?

It is not a subject that gets a lot of media attention, compared to pundits and managers.

{Ed002's Note - (1) I have no way of knowing what you know. (2) Only a few do. (3) Perhaps the most successful is Emerson Thome but he is now working exclusively for Red Bull.}

24 Mar 2024 13:34:19
Hi Ed

If I may ask, does any interest in frenkie de jong still exist? And if so, Is that dependent on whether eth is still here?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Matthijs de Ligt (CB) Player has been happier with Tuchel as coach and will likely stay where he is even if Alonso takes over as coach in the summer, as long as he gets the playing time he desires. In the unlikely event that ten Hag is still at Manchester United but he would not be top of the list at all. I am not aware of any approach to Bayern Munich by Arsenal and Bayern have no interest in selling although they are persisting in chasing another CB themselves.}

25 Mar 2024 11:09:20
It's early for me here in Western Canada, but didn't he ask about De Jong? Maybe it's been edited and Ed002 responded to that.

{Ed002's Note - Very early in Western Canada.
Frenkie de Jong (CM/DM) Barcelona will look for a new contract with reduced wages else he will be sold in the summer with possible interest remaining from Manchester United if ten Hag stays. PSG have spoken with his agent and additionally his agent has raised his availability with Chelsea whist discussing another player.}

22 Mar 2024 12:27:08
Hi Eds

Is there any truth we are after Joao Gomez? I do like what I've seen of him could be a shrewd cm signing for the right price?

Tucker.

{Ed002's Note - Joao Gomes (CM) An alternate to CG for Spurs and a cheap option to Joao Neves for Manchester United.}

22 Mar 2024 22:10:02
Ed, do United still retain a strong interest in Joao Neves? Or is he ruled out due to the price tag? Also do you have any names for left back that the club may consider?

{Ed002's Note - Joao Neves (DM/CM) Discussed with Chelsea when meeting over another player as they were seeking a replacement for Loftus-Cheek. Potential Casemiro replacement for Manchester United and he will be first choice. Huge buy out clause and Benfica will not look to sell but recognise there will be growing interest. Seen as an option for Manchester City to replace Phillips. Versatile but falls over easily.

I have addressed the LB situation before.}

23 Mar 2024 12:39:43
Joao Neves is clearly a phenomenal talent. That said there are three reason's why I don't think he's the right signing for us this summer.

Firstly, his price. He will be close to or even north of 100m. Given how big a squad rebuild we have to do this summer I don't think we can justify signing anyone for that sort of fee. I also don't see spending huge fees on unproven players as something INEOS will be looking to do. I expect if they spend big it'll be on a player with EPL experience.

Secondly, I really don't see any top side as being likely to regularly line up with an 18 year old and a 19 year old at the heart of the midfield. Simply it's too much inexperience in the most vital area of the pitch. While the idea of Mainoo and Neves might to some sound like midfield is sorted for the next decade or more. The reality is that very few managers if any would regularly play two such inexperienced players together. Which makes me worry that if we signed Neves then he'd be competing with Mainoo to start each week rather than play along side him.

Finally, I'm not actually convinced that Mainoo and Neves would be as well balanced a midfield as you'd expect. At least not yet. Both players have a similar profile, complete, technical midfielders who can progress the ball through midfield and are also probably slightly better a little deeper rather than higher in midfield. Maybe Mainoo will develop into being slightly more box to box and maybe Neves will develop into being a deeper playmaker, but currently neither regularly play those roles.

Spending 100m and potentially blocking the pathway for our most promising youngster does not sound like great business, especially as the player we would be signing hasn't consistently played the role we would be signing him for.

Don't get me wrong, in my opinion Joao Neves will be a world class player. But I also think Mainoo will be. I also think that currently they are both best suited to playing the same role (box to box/ roaming playmaker) . I'd rather back the lad we have and sign someone who would act as a foil and get the best out of Mainoo.

The player I'd actually sign is Joao Neves's Benfica team mate Florentino Luis. He was the defensive foil that enabled Enzo Fernandez to look like one of the best midfielders in the world. We are seeing how Enzo has struggled to replicate that form at Chelsea despite having the excellent Moises Caicedo along side him. The issue with that Chelsea midfield for me is that Enzo and Caicedo are similar players. Both combative, and progressive midfielders. Neither are players who are happy to sit and shield the defence and act as the foil for their teammate. This is the same issue as England had with Lampard and Gerrard.
Since Enzo left benfica his place has been taken by the excellent Joao Neves. However, Neves is also benefitting from the quietly fantastic Florentino Luis. While Neves gets the credit for his all action displays, being able to be everywhere on the pitch, find the spaces to create chances for teammates and able to get into tackles and win the ball back. He is only able to play that way because of Florentino who is intelligently sitting and shielding the defence, knowing when to step up and when to drop off. Reading the game and filling in the gaps deeper in midfield that gives Neves the licence to roam and show off his well rounded skillset. Just as he did for Enzo before Neves.

Florentino reads the game well, knows how to move to fill in gaps and shield the defence, has great technique, is press resistant, great in the tackle, but also able to take the ball off the defence, turn and play an intelligent and accurate pass forward to progress the play. He very much reminds me of Carrick, although Florentino doesn't hit those long switches of play quite as often (this might be a tactical thing as he is quite able to do so), while he's a bit stronger in the tackle, slightly more aggressive than Carrick was. He turns 25 at the start of next season and is hitting his prime, he has the experience to guide a young Mainoo through games, much like he is helping a young Neves right now.

Unfortunately he won't be cheap, but I'd expect Benfica might be a little more open to selling him rather than Neves, as such he would be cheaper than his midfield teammate. I also think he'd be the perfect player to unlock Mainoo while also giving our defence the protection it needs.

No idea if the club is interested in him, but for me he is the best and obvious choice to bring our midfield into the modern era and would be able to form a great and in my opinion title winning midfield with Mainoo for the next 5-6 years.

23 Mar 2024 12:19:13
Ok thanks Ed, I’ve found a post where you say right back is more of a priority and that it could be the case we sign someone who can cover both sides.

{Ed002's Note - The club are scouting many defenders still.}

23 Mar 2024 14:16:50
Surprised the name Mats Wieffer hasn't come into the mix for a few reasons.

23 Mar 2024 15:30:00
SHAPPY, IT worked for Scholes and keane, both good at 6 and 8,

23 Mar 2024 15:12:30
Thank you for the detailed info Ed002,- really appreciated and new positive info about United’s targets always brightens the day.

Woukd you be good enough to indicate if United would be looking at Neves primarily as a DM rather than a CM - or the other way round? If as a CM, do you think United will be looking at a DM as well, such as Leverkusen’s Palacios, Everton’s Onana or even Wolves’s Gomes?

Or might United even want 2 x DM/ CM combined players to give flexibility?

Thanks for any info you can reveal.

{Ed002's Note - They will be looking at him as a versatile addition. Manchester United know that Palacios is not for sale, Onana is down the list for them and Gomes would be a cheap alternative to Joao Neves for Manchester United.}

23 Mar 2024 15:42:33
Thank you very much for the swift reply Ed002!

23 Mar 2024 16:01:31
MancMan, firstly that was a very different time. Mid-table sides in the EPL didn't have the kind of quality players that they do now. We are talking about it working 25 years ago now. Back then you could play with two strikers and two wingers and not leave your midfield exposed. You just can't do that now. Very few teams play with a strike duo, and those that do don't play with wingers.

Secondly, at that time I wouldn't have called Scholes a well rounded midfielder, defensively off the ball he wasn't great. It worked because Keane sacrificed parts of his game (going forward and being a scoring threat) to facilitate Scholes. Keane rightly accepted Scholes was a bigger threat in the final third, which meant it was better for the team that he stay deeper and allow Scholes more freedom. That was one of the great things about Keane, he was willing to sacrifice his personal glory for the team. He'd rather the team win 5-0 and he didn't score than draw 3-3 and he scored a couple of goals.

For Mainoo and Neves to work one of them would probably have to make that same sacrifice, be prepared to limit part of their game to be the foil for the other one to make the most of their talents.

I'm not sure I'd want to take a 100m gamble on a modern day footballer to be willing to sacrifice personal glory for the team.

23 Mar 2024 16:50:55
Shappy, my point about Scholes and Keane plus Butt as well was that they had similar skills, good positional sense, technically sound and good passing plus they worked as a partnership. At times Keane might have sacrificed some of his attacking game but he popped up on the edge of the opposition box often enough.

I'm not saying you are wrong in your analysis but two similar box to box players can work well together if they are intelligent and skillful footballers.

23 Mar 2024 19:34:23
MancMan, how many other examples can you name? Its very rare in football to have two players primarily doing the same job within a team. You tend to have a role and a part to play, you stick to that and do it well then the team will play well.

The problem with having two similar box o box type midfielders is in order for them to make the right decision they need to know what the other is doing at that moment.

You can't break forward if your midfield partner has already started to break forward, likewise do you drop deep or track a runner? Will you get in the way of your midfield teammate.

In order to make this type of system work you need two very intelligent, quick thinking players who can form a near telepathic understanding of each other. Even then mistakes will happen and the team can become overexposed.

23 Mar 2024 16:19:48
Thank you for all the answers about midfield today Ed092!

One last cheeky request for info though if you’re able to:

Any interest from United in Sporting’s Morten Hjulmand?

{Ed002's Note - Morten Hjulmand (DM/CM) Arrived from Lecce in the summer of 2023 - not available unless an offer that meets his huge release clause is made - and even then the player may not be interested in a move so soon after joinung. Arsenal are looking at Elneny and Jorginho leaving as Free Agents in the summer and have sent scouts. He is also seen as an option for Manchester United but currently not first choice. Spurs interest has gone. Barcelona may propose some horse trading.}

23 Mar 2024 22:59:47
Thank you so much for all the detailed info today Ed002 - very much appreciated, thank you.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}