Manchester United rumours 3

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.}

21 Mar 2024 17:56:54
Ed002 not withstanding he has a job, but given the media speculation surrounding his position are there any clubs linked with eth or showing interest in bringing him in to be coach for next season should he part ways with united?

{Ed002's Note - A potential replacement for Van 't Schip at Ajax at the end of the season, but not first choice.}

21 Mar 2024 15:25:37
Question for Ed 002 please. What are you views and opinion on Gareth Southgate as a coach? Do you think he could be a good fit at Man Utd? Thank you very much in advance.

{Ed002's Note - He is good with the players and apparently is good at getting his point across. If he could bring Steve Holland with him, I can see it working at Manchester United. Known to Jim Ratcliffe and certainly a consideration.}

22 Mar 2024 10:20:31
god I hope not, his football is awful, we've seen he picks based on sentimentality how Maguire Phillips and others have stayed in the England team with injury, lack of playing time, poor form is absolutely crazy to me.

Personally don't think the job he has done with the national team should have him anywhere near the level of jobs he seems to be getting linked with.

If you ask me he's been poor as England manager good runs in tournaments but with the best draws we've had in a long time, whenever he's come against a team doing well he's lost.

22 Mar 2024 20:30:03
Be taking 10 steps back with Southgate

Give ten hag time

If this was united last a few seasons ago under ineos they would be looking at ten hag for manager

Give the guy time.

22 Mar 2024 17:26:50
Can he inspire though? I don't see it.

{Ed002's Note - It is not reallyabout inspiration.}

22 Mar 2024 21:10:39
Dbrooks90, who would’ve you had instead of Maguire for England? Have you actually watched him play for England? He’s not been that bad.

22 Mar 2024 22:39:15
2toms international football is totally different to club football.

23 Mar 2024 09:35:43
2toms my point is he hadn't been playing well or playing at all for united so choosing him for England was a farce, it was the perfect time to look at other players who he hasn't picked and see if they could be of use, he did the same with Kalvin Phillips.

21 Mar 2024 07:22:37
Reports cas had signalled something is not right and after getting assessed by our medical staff was sent out and told everything is okay. He then went and saw a doctor in spain and they found a small tear in his hamstring which we missed. if this true i am speechless and how can that be. its incompetence at the highest level and how can this happen at Mnachester United one of the biggest clubs in the world.

21 Mar 2024 07:58:29
It might be shocking but as you describe it, a 'small' tear.
Misdiagnoses happen.

21 Mar 2024 11:09:47
Ahmad its common knowledge that the doctor he went to see is the best on the plant for this type of injury. nothing to lose sleep over.

21 Mar 2024 13:26:16
Also reported that casemiro blamed the intensity of training sessions for his injuries.

Which tbh probably vindicates us selling him in summer and replacing him with a younger age player.

If Ten Haag is committed to this transition based fast tempo style then we have to manage out the older players like Maguire, Casemiro, Varane and maybe Shaw as well.

21 Mar 2024 13:36:56
Same way as it can happen to any doctor dealing with any patient in any hospital in the world.
It's no drama no matter how much people try to dramatise it.

21 Mar 2024 18:05:03
Casimero will know his own body too. He obviously just didn't feel right and felt there was something there and was right.
You'd like to think these things were never missed but they are. Lots of muscle injuries this season as opposed to impact. I think martinez and mainoo were the only impact injuries of note.
I wonder why that is? Players play too much but you get examples like Bruno who has never once missed a club game through injury which is a mad stat really. Obviously some of it is genetics but you have to wonder why so many muscle injuries. We are not alone with the issue.

21 Mar 2024 18:08:42
I was listening to the overlap and Ian Wright was talking about how physical Keown was in training. But rather than complain about it, he saw it as crucial to giving him an edge in games.

Can’t imagine that Klopp or Pep’s training is easy given how much running and pressing their teams do in games. But players aren’t complaining. Just our players who want an easy training session despite not having the stamina to play hight temp football for more than 20 mins a game.

21 Mar 2024 18:41:02
Spot on Danny.

Too many flakes in the squad who know from experience that if they kick up a fuss they will get their own way.

21 Mar 2024 20:04:13
I’ve never heard anything more ridiculous than a professional athlete complaining about physical exercise. I go to the gym 5-6 times a week and don’t moan, and pay for the privilege too.

22 Mar 2024 01:57:19
Eric79

Impressive and agree when young I used to do 6/ 7 days, young footballers should be able to handle 2 hours a day when its their job.

Both my sons who are at uni pretty much do 7 days a week and proper stuff. How old are you if you don't mind me asking. I can't do 5/ 6 days anymore and 4 days is most i can do or injury right around the corner.

22 Mar 2024 14:40:28
In my 40s, but do low impact stuff with weights twice a week, and a game of footy!

20 Mar 2024 11:45:55
Ed002

Reports in the papers saying that Real Madrid are interested in Garnacho, any truth to these?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Alejandro Garnacho (LW) Agent is looking to move on Garnacho and Patino after demanding game time from both Manchester United and Arsenal. Garnacho has been offered to Real Madrid knowing that Vinicius Junior may move on, but I am not convinced he would be a regular there. Juventus have also been offered to player as they too seek a LW replacement but I can't see they would bite.

20 Mar 2024 13:26:30
How can the agent demand more game time? He's pretty much a regular nowadays.

20 Mar 2024 14:20:36
Guessing agent can see big commission if he can engineer a move.

20 Mar 2024 14:57:01
Thanks Ed.

20 Mar 2024 17:34:42
The agent won’t get much off Patino he’s shocking
Absolutely useless at Blackpool on loan
Another one massively hyped by the media.

20 Mar 2024 20:49:55
Garnacho's contract runs to 2028 I believe so I very much doubt the club would agree to a sale this summer given all the other comings and goings needed.

21 Mar 2024 07:32:01
Very surprised if Garnacho isn’t happy with his game time, he’s one of the first names on the team sheet at man united at 19 years old, what more could he want?

21 Mar 2024 09:29:24
Agents doing what agents do. let's not kid ourselves that Real Madrid is not the dream of a lot of players especially from South America. That being said, with him being under contract, being one of the first on the team sheet and the progress we hope to see I can't see this happening. especially with Real bringing in Mbappe this summer.

21 Mar 2024 09:56:57
Think it’s more what the agent wants than Garnacho.

21 Mar 2024 12:58:33
What more could he want?

Better climate, nicer city, better team, better coaches, trophies?

21 Mar 2024 13:03:06
Think you are right Wallace, although it's well known Nacho is pretty obsessed with Ronaldo, indeed, has been said the reason he came to us was to follow in his footsteps.
Think he will probably leave in 4-5 years time, suspect it will be Real, but hopefully we get plenty from him in the meantime.

21 Mar 2024 13:04:02
Hasn't he played like the last 26 in a row? ? got to love agent's ?.

21 Mar 2024 18:07:35
Slow news week. Media pushing Uniteds fans buttons again and sitting back and laughing at the social media meltdowns.
He won't be here forever but he will be here for a few years yet I'd imagine.

22 Mar 2024 10:18:03
Sounds like a typical Football Manager reaction that - plays 26 games in a row, agent demands more game time! ?.

{Ed001's Note - or it could have been that came from before the regular game time?}

22 Mar 2024 20:02:50
So ed, it's from before him getting 26 games in a row? An outdated update ?.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know, I was making a suggestion. It could simply be that the agent is making a warning not to drop him now. Or it could have been a few weeks back, when he was still in and out of the side.}

20 Mar 2024 01:00:45
Ed002 are we interested in sesko? Thank you.

{Ed002's Note - 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 but should not be discounted after recent changes. Milan offer an option as a potential Giroud replacement. A wildcard may be either Manchester United but their interest likely departed with Ragnick or Arsenal, but they have preferred choices. May be available in the summer.}

20 Mar 2024 11:34:04
Thanks as always for info Ed002!

Don’t suppose you might find time to give us info on United’s preferred targets for forwards please?

Sorry to be cheeky! No worries if you’re really busy rodeoing or travelling - you always give your time so generously.

{Ed002's Note - Mnchester United are continuing to look at options - it is Arsenal who have preferred options.}

20 Mar 2024 11:55:12
Would of thought chelsea would get gyokeres, ed002 any truth we want jonathan david? One year left and versatile so good option? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - 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 €60M. Napoli and Spurs no longer see him as a possible addition due to his price. 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 the club have preferred targets - although his agent remains very keen on the move and remains in discussions with Chelsea. The Manchester United coach tried to take him to Ajax and could potentially look to taking him to Manchester United but I suspect that option will go if ten Hag departs. Aston Villa or Milan may offer a viable solution but the fee is a huge issue. A wildcard would be Brentford or Arsenal.}

19 Mar 2024 19:27:14
Heard Alfie Doughty from Luton is being looked at for LB. Any one seen him play and have thoughts on him?

19 Mar 2024 20:11:58
Yep he’s been really good for Luton this season, a solid FPL pick too. He has really good delivery, and was probably their best player when we played them in February. I think he plays more as a wing back in Luton’s setup.

20 Mar 2024 02:11:01
I like both their eing backs. But it's very different in a back 4 so we're judging a player in 1 position but he'll be asked to play a different one. Both have good delivery.

19 Mar 2024 14:23:02
Been reading SJR interview tidbits and looks like he has gotten quite close to Fergie and taking advice.

I think eth is toast if that's the case as Fergie does not like him and it goes back to eth first season and eth basically telling Fergie to mind his own business related to something that made headlines.

The story was something a current pundit in the UK and ex united great shared over dinner last year.

19 Mar 2024 16:41:58
SAF is a legend but he is yesterday's man. If SJR is taking his advice then that is not good news. Remember, this is the man who picked Moyes, and has been retired for 11 years.

19 Mar 2024 16:52:52
If that’s the case then the Rattcliffe is being silly. Ferguson should have zero involvement with the running of the club and, especially, not with the coaching.

If the history of football clubs can tell us one thing, is that allowing an former manager to have influence is a recipe for disaster.

19 Mar 2024 17:49:17
SJR is right to speak with Fergie and listen to his words, he is right to speak with lots of people involved in football and listen to their words.

He then needs to process all that information and work out the best course to take.

SJR I do not believe is anyone's fool, it would be remiss not to speak to Fergie for many reasons but it would also not be wise to take only one source of information as the only source.

However of course the biggest story is that SJR is talking to SAF, of course that's going to be focus of any report.

Also what is SJR supposed to do waltz about and ignore or dismiss a man who is adored and treated as a God by the fans, of course not.

I don't buy into the fact that SJR is not a shrewd and ruthless operator as and when he needs to be, I am not too worried he is going to hang on afergiea every word.

19 Mar 2024 18:31:56
There's 2 ways of looking at it, yes he Is from the old school and was the last of his kind, but the guy knows about football and winning, nothing wrong with having saf as a sounding board or for advice he loves united.

19 Mar 2024 18:44:27
SJR didn't get to where he is by being anybody's puppet. SJR is absolutely right to be speaking to SAF but don't think for one second that he will be forming opinions based on Chinese whispers.

If the story is true then I back ETH, because he is the manager and he will make some of the decisions while he's in charge.

I guess the player is Dwight Yorke, who is one of many ex-players who says extreme things to try to remain in the newspapers.

19 Mar 2024 19:14:37
I'm pretty sure SJR hasn't become a self-made billionaire by blindly doing what everyone tells him, certainly not when the advice might come from a grudge or a personal dislike.

19 Mar 2024 19:37:20
Wazza

Yorkie is not a UK based Pundit so wrong guy. Take it for what it is Fergie does not like ETH that's all. Story 100 accurate.

19 Mar 2024 19:46:51
If SJR knows his history, then he should know that Sir Matt’s influence around OT caused issues for years, maybe he knows what Liverpool did with Shankly.

Southgate and listening to SAF would be very worrying. We MUST move away from SAF influence.

19 Mar 2024 20:14:26
Hope those calling for ETHs get what's coming with Southgate. Bloke has no proven tactics and we will be playing boring football.

1 step forward 2 steps back.

19 Mar 2024 20:16:47
Ahmad you said “ex United great” and considering your love in with Dwight I wasn’t referring to the journalist.

Furthermore… “100% accurate” is not something you have any right to say. Not unless SAF told you personally that he isn’t Erik’s Best friend. Correct me if I’m wrong, but your opening statement does not imply that this has come from the horses mouth.

This is the most Daily Mail BS I’ve read this week. No direct quotes, just hearsay spread for engagement.

19 Mar 2024 19:30:15
Nonsense and hear say - maybe Sir Jim will give the job to Fergie?

20 Mar 2024 02:31:16
He would be mad bit to listen to what Ferguson has to say.
Nobody knows what they spoke about. There is a million things they could have been chatting about.
Listening is what all smart people do.
I'm quite sure sjr won't be making strategic decisions based on informal chats with the ex boss.
Smart guys don't listen to rumours and tittle tattle and they don't sack their head coaches because the ex boss doesn't like him.
There is going to be rumour after counter rumour for the next few months. The media spotlight is going to be on the club worse than ever before. Potter last week Southgate this week. Eth in at the weekend. It will be someone else soon enough then back to eth then before the euros Southgate again and before we play Brighton it will be de zerbi. Its going to be a nuthouse in here more than usual too I think all I need is ole to throw his hat back in the ring and I'll be heading for the funny farm.
The press and media are pushing buttons that trigger a certain type of fan and it's quite funny to be fair and successful.
When is the best time to hype up Southgate to united rumour? Oh on intl week v Brazil.

21 Mar 2024 11:46:06
I find it quite funny that people who have, in the past, banged on about statistics and data are worried about SJR talking to everyone, including Fergie. He is clearly not a clown

Believe it or not, any data is good data. Even the worst rubbish allows you to confidently discount it with evidence and identify the source of misinformation.

By the same virtue good data allows you to confidently identify trends, positive or negative and preempt any corrective action whilst discounting outliers quickly.

There is no such thing as a silly idea or suggestion even from a cleaner through to the groundsman until it is robustly discounted by the process which the Club have entrusted to SJR. Obviously over time things can be discounted quickly with sound background data.

Until that time, he can speak to the bus driver as far as I am concerned if it means we move forward!

21 Mar 2024 18:10:00
Really good post keefy.
2 ears one mouth. Use them in that proportion is good advice.

16 Mar 2024 17:59:03
Evening as always Ed.

Is there any intetest in Viktor Gyokores?

If not from us, from any other PL side?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have sent scouts but they have an interest in another Sporting player. There is interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.}

17 Mar 2024 12:46:09
I imagine we are looking at inacio maybe Hjulmand?

17 Mar 2024 15:50:01
Looking at the recent Sporting lineup, could be Inacio, Diamonde or Marcus Edwards. Or a n other.

18 Mar 2024 09:32:29
That narrows it down Wallace :D.

18 Mar 2024 11:55:00
Ed02 - which Sporting player do we have an interest in?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Goncalo Inacio but others have been scouted as well.}

15 Mar 2024 15:09:54
Good afternoon Ed,
What positions are the club prioritising for recruitment this Summer?

Thanks as always.

{Ed002's Note - RW, CB, DM, G, RB, CM.}

15 Mar 2024 15:48:09
Thanks Ed. Surprised to see that we may not be going after a striker. I would was expecting a deal with Dortmund with Sancho swapped for Haller and some cash as a possibility.

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have no interest in Haller. Sanch, cash and a swap for Malen maybe. But I was aked "priorities" - not a full list.}

16 Mar 2024 06:27:13
Pretty much a whole team required.

15 Mar 2024 16:01:52
Ed002
Do you have any idea who is on the list for gk and rb positions.
Ta.

{Ed002's Note - Mike Maignan (G) Of interest to Chelsea, but not first choice, and Milan won't look to sell but the player has not yet signed a new contract. Manchester United may be interested if Onana were to move on. Bayern have an interest in taking him to replace Manuel Neuer.
Diogo Costa (G) Manchester United need to make a decision over their goalkeepers moving forward and Costa is a player they have been looking at for some time, but so have Spurs, Chelsea and Roma. Porto will resist a sale unless and offer of €80M plus arrives.
Patrick Schulte (G) Columbus Crew goalkeeper Schulte has attracted scouts from BRL, Arsenal and Manchester United. A Work Permit may prove an issue in moving to England.
Denzel Dumfries (RB) Bayern Munich interest has gone. Inter offered him to Chelsea as a CA replacement - and that may yet be an option but Chelsea opted for another. Arsenal could be interested as they have been playing Ben White out of his natural CB position. Spurs and Manchester United offer options and he may well be first choice for Manchester United .
Devyne Rensch (RB/LB/CB) No interest in joining Manchester United as cover but attracted to them if first choice. Interest in the very versatile Devyne Rensch will leave with ten Hag Inter might make a declaration of interested after having him scouted as a possible Darmian replacement. Arsenal scouted him as a Cedric Soares replacement but whilst using Ben White at RB he would again only be cover. Bayer Leverkusen, potentially as a Frimpong replacement. Liverpool, Spursand Borussia Dortmund have sent scouts - and probably others as well.
Jeremie Frimpong (RB/RWB/RM/LB) Bayer Leverkusen would not be open to offers unless someone is paying well over the odds. Being versatile has made him attractive to Chelsea. 10 years at Manchester City might be against a move to Manchester United, but they have looked.
Odilon Kossounou (CB/RB) With Tapsoba, Tah and Hincapie all attracting attention Bayer Leverkusen will not want to lose Kossounou as well. Versatility to play at both CB and RB as attracted scouts from both Manchester sides and Real Sociedad who may be forced to replace Robin Le Normand.

15 Mar 2024 17:36:45
I don't disagree ed but that's a lot of priorities going to be a busy summer!

15 Mar 2024 22:58:43
Thanks Ed. Makes sense. ETH or the new manager may want 8 new first teamers given the way the season has gone.

16 Mar 2024 09:18:34
Goalkeeper? That's a surprise. ED002, do you know who are Utds targets and will Onana be available to offers from other clubs?

{Ed002's Note - See previous post please.}

16 Mar 2024 11:28:26
Ed002, is the possibility of Andre Onana leaving something that is coming from the club or the player?

I think after a shaky start he has started to really settle down and has probably been one of our best players since he returned from the AFCON. With a better defence in front of him I think he could be a really good player for us.

{Ed002's Note - Andre Onana (G) Not worked out and will be offered to Michael Emanalo as Manchester United look to upgrade - could stay as second choice as Bayindir wants out and Heaton will be out of contract.}

16 Mar 2024 13:11:34
------------Take it to a different page please-------------

16 Mar 2024 14:53:23
Ed, not sure if you've answered this before but I've not been on the site much recently and can't see anything recent in the search.

Do we still have Antonio Silva as first choice for CB or has that moved on to the likes of Bremer and Branthwaite?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - He remains of interest but there is now serious interest from elsewhere.}

16 Mar 2024 17:43:11
Brilliant info as always Ed002 - thank you for the names and positions requiring attention.

Given Luke Shaw’s injury history and Malacia’s long-term injury (and Amass presumably too young) surprised that United not prioritising left back? Maybe bringing Alvaro Fernandez back?

Thanks for any further insights!

{Ed002's Note - A couple of the players mentioned can play at LB.}

17 Mar 2024 03:05:58
Ed002

RW, is this to move Rashford on, bring GARNACHO back to the left and call it time on the Anthony project? Or is it purely for cover basis?

As always thanks for all the info your provide.

{Ed002's Note - It will be to replace Antony.}

17 Mar 2024 15:55:32
Wonder if there’s any interest in Antony, either sale or loan. (Loan to Brazil been twittered)

Given his huge amortised cost, can’t imagine United will get anything other than a huge loss on the books.

18 Mar 2024 07:56:49
We seem quick to move theee players on. Onana is beginning to find his feet after shaky start it feels.

Antony - there is clearly a player in there, but for whatever reason, he’s just not adjusted to the PL.