Manchester United Rumours Member Posts

 

01jamham's Profile

Current Avatar:
No Avatar image uploaded



01jamham's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To 01jamham's Posts

 

 

To 01jamham's last 5 rumours posts

 

To 01jamham's last 5 banter posts

 

To 01jamham's last 5 rumour replies

 

To 01jamham's last 5 banter replies

 

01jamham's rumours posts with other poster's replies to 01jamham's rumours posts

 

11 Nov 2019 16:28:21
Does anyone else get the impression that we won't see Pogba back in a United shirt again?
Is he already lined up for a move in Jan?
Is he unfit like Lukaku was unift pre season?
Why was he on an exercise bike in dubai on Instagram - do we not have such bikes at carrington?

Just a thought.

01jamham

1.) 11 Nov 2019 19:15:38
He is injured i don't see any conspiracy in the situation at all.


2.) 11 Nov 2019 19:35:43
we play better without him.


3.) 11 Nov 2019 21:25:19
I imagine he'll be back, hogging the ball, tripping over it, before pinging a 50 yard ball to nobody an throwing his arms in the air, falling over the ball again, then going off with a twinge, and then moving to china for 3 gazillion dollars because their the only team still interested in the over rated ego maniac.


4.) 11 Nov 2019 22:07:31
No Mort tell us how you really feel about pogba.

{Ed025's Note - yeah get off the fence mort..


5.) 11 Nov 2019 22:16:52
to true mort.


6.) 12 Nov 2019 09:18:02
I actually think he'd do well in this current set up with McTom and Fred begin him as a hardworking pair and the pace an movement of James, Rashford and Martial ahead of him. Played at not quite a 10 but not quite an 8 either and left to wonder and influence the game.


7.) 12 Nov 2019 12:45:46
I'm not sure what's going on but its clear he doesn't want to be at the club. Maybe sending him to Dubai to recover is just a way of getting a disgruntled player out of the picture while they recover from an injury. Many players are known to be miserable when they can't/ aren't playing.

The real issue is whether Pogba will have any real options to move come the summer.

Real Madrid's interest will leave with Zidane who might not see out the season.

Barcelona have moved on from Pogba, having signed Arthur and Frenkie de Jong. Plus they would have an issue with his wages unless Messi leaves.

Juventus would like to resign him, yet they currently have first team midfielders. So would they pay what is needed to sign him? Or will we drop the asking price?

Bayern could enter the fray, yet he doesn't look like a typical Bayern signing, and would he want to move to Germany?

PSG are the only other real options, they have the resources to buy him and pay him, they could have the need. And if Real Madrid come in for Mbappe then they might want to replace one highly rated French international with another. But would Pogba be happy to go back to France while in his peak years or does he want to aim higher?


8.) 12 Nov 2019 16:21:27
If that's all his options, Manchester or Paris then he'll be gone. But I wouldn't bet on his stay in Paris being a long one.


9.) 12 Nov 2019 16:57:46
Mort, the issue he has is he is on huge wages, has a potentially difficult agent, will command a huge fee and yet he has never really shone in any side as the star player.

He has been the occasional good performance for us, he has been out shone when playing for France by Kante, Matuidi, Griezmann and Mbappe, while at Juventis he was back up to many great players.

I would imagine of the big sides who could afford him there is little appetite to spend that much time, money and effort on a player who is clearly talented, but yet to make a sustained impact on the teams he plays for.


10.) 13 Nov 2019 14:17:21
As I say I only really see Paris being the only option currently. But given who his agent is I wouldn't expect him to fulfill his contract.


 

 

 

01jamham's banter posts with other poster's replies to 01jamham's banter posts

 

16 Sep 2020 14:23:56
I think its easier to improve defence on the training ground that it is attack.

A good coaching team will get the defence organised and working together. New personnel is not the easiest way to improve a back four (or 5) in the short term.

However in attack, a new player CAN slot in quickly and have a big impact - e. g. Bruno (and to a lesser extent, Ighalo) .

Bruno's arrival and Pogba's return has given us more goal threat from long distance, meaning defenders will rush out and break their defensive line to close them down in a way that they wouldn't when we were playing Fred, McTominay, Pereira, Lingard, Matic.

I'd like us to get a Striker who offers a different strategy in attack. I love watching the pacey lads we've got now: Rashy, Tony, Greenwood, DJ; however there have been times where defences sit deep and we run out of ideas. I loved seeing Calvert-Lewin's headed goal vs Spurs at the weekend - it was a beauty. Having a striker in our squad who offered an aerial threat would give us a plan B. If the opposition wants to sit deep we can't stand our new robust forward on the toes of their CB's and give them real issues in a way we haven't had since Fellaini left. I'm not saying I miss him, because he was a very limited player, but when we had to scrap in the last 20mins against an organised defence he gave us an option to change how we played.

01jamham

1.) 16 Sep 2020 14:53:36
01jamham you make it sound so easy. It doesn't matter what you do in training whether defense or attack ultimately how you perform on the pitch based on how the opposition is setup and how you are setup and your own tactics would make the difference in a match. Good coaching is obviously mandatory.

"However in attack, a new player CAN slot in quickly and have a big impact" - if only it was so easy. The reality is that there are only a few exceptions like Bruno, in face a lot of players coming in from a different league struggle initially and need time to adapt and some don't even make it.


2.) 16 Sep 2020 15:09:17
Vvd slotted in nicely as a cb with a cl and epl medal In his pocket .


3.) 16 Sep 2020 15:35:09
Well scouted players who fit the exact need of the team can slot in perfectly regardless of position.

The key is to have a clear plan of how you want to play, what position needs improvement, exactly what you need from that player then a top quality scouting network that can find you that player.

However, I do kind of agree that it is easier to coach players to be better defenders than it is to coach them to be better attackers.

While a plan B is important, it doesn't have to be a simplistic as throwing on a big man up front and pinging balls in his direction. While that can be effective, it is also a statically poor way to do it as it has a low chance of success.

I prefer adjusting shape, or the use of rotational players. Players who can play well in multiple positions and who can adapt to where the space is to open up a team.

Donny van de Beek for example while able to play as a No.6, is best in the No.8 but can also play as a No.10.

For me what I like most about how he plays as a No.10 is that he often plays it more like a false 9 or withdrawn striker. He starts in the space in front of the defence, but will happily move wide or ghost in behind the defence. He's hard to mark in that position as either a midfielder needs to man mark him which pulls them all over the place, or a defender needs to step out to pick him up. Either way it creates space for other players to play in.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing how he links up with Bruno and Pogba on the pitch.

Either way there are many ways to skin a cat. We don't need a big target man. To a certain extent that is what Ighalo offers. However, our attack works well because of the ability of our attackers to switch places with eachother. Any of Rashford, Martial, Greenwood and to a lesser extent James can play left, right or through the centre. This rotation can be deadly as it's so hard for defenders to pick players up. It's practically impossible to man mark against. Whereas we often look less dangerous when Ighalo plays as he can't play wide which limits the movement of our forwards and makes it easier to defend against us.


4.) 16 Sep 2020 15:41:31
Sanchez slotted in very nicely :)


5.) 17 Sep 2020 10:08:31
Some good points guys, but I don't think its too simplistic to say its easier to coach a good defence. It happens all the time in the Prem. Clubs outside the top 8 will try to build a good defence because so much of it about the collective and organisation, rather than individual ability.

Even our Man Utd are a good example when Mourinho first came in. Finished 2nd with the 2nd least conceded (by 1 goal) with a defence of Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Young (with Bailly, Lindelof, Blind, Shaw playing a small amount) .

Nobody got carried away and claimed any of those defenders were fantastic, but they were well coached and became a great defensive unit (I admit, under mourinho it came at the expense of attractive football) .

VVD is an ace example of a defender slotting straight in, but he's also probably the best CB in the league for a very long time, whos individual ability would improve any CB pairing in the world.

To pick up on Shappys point about Donny's versatility. I personally haven't watched many games he's played in, probably less than 10 (watching Ajax in Europa and Champs league over the last few seasons) and really hope he brings the dynamism you're talking about - he's an exciting signing no question (for what seems decent value too - worth applauding as it doesn't seem to happen often anymore) .

I wasn't trying to suggest we got a lump to sling the ball up to, and know what you mean about ighalo sort of playing that role. he's a 18y box striker, and gives our attack a focal point which I like. His effort and pride is unquestionable, and he more than warrants a spot on the bench in our squad. I just think we could do a lot better, and add an aerial threat. Especially since he's only here until January.

It was the Calvert-Lewin goal that got me thinking, and I wouldn't say he's a 1 dimensional forward.


 

 

23 Aug 2019 12:12:41
Palace at home tomorrow. Surely a game we expect to win comfortably?

Hoping for a big game from Pogba. If we can get him on the ball in their hal facing forward, we should create chances.

Vs Wolves I text my mates at half time saying Pogba was having a sensible game and looked like he wasn't trying to force it all the time or hang onto the ball too long (which I think he was guilty of last season) and looked happier being part of a system. I said he almost looks like a team player. Got some pelters after the penalty fiasco (which sounds like misjudgement from the management team rather than the players) but I hope he continues getting his head down and playing as part of a system.

01jamham

1.) 23 Aug 2019 12:31:53
For the most part he kept it simple against wolves, I read he had more touches than any outfield player, so was obviously involved .


2.) 23 Aug 2019 12:34:24
Pogba didn't miss the penalty because of management.
Pogba missed the penalty because it was a poor penalty. Comfortable height for the keeper and it's the 3rd he's missed in that area of the goal in his last 6.
The fact is he's just not very good at penalties.


3.) 23 Aug 2019 13:20:31
That's true wazza.
But its up to the manager to manage and make these calls. Its not a co-op.
In sure ole will address it in house.


4.) 23 Aug 2019 13:55:07
well i think from now on Rashford should take all penalties until he misses like 5 or 6.


5.) 23 Aug 2019 14:26:42
Up to the boss to decide Reman.
I think one of the most unlikely pen takers we had over the last few decades was Steve Bruce. I remember being uneasy everytime he stepped up but his record was great.
Cantona ruud irwin and ronaldo all had well above the average which is 75% success rate.
Sheringham missed 3 of the 4 he took.


6.) 23 Aug 2019 14:37:00
So why is he taking them Wazza? Bad management is the answer because Ole doesn't have the balls to remove him from them, and is still in the media saying he will take more!


7.) 23 Aug 2019 17:49:22
Becks58 I think it’s fair to say it was a badly taken penalty that made a save likely. I suspect if Rashford had done the same the criticism of the penalty would be the same. Also, to be fair, Pogba did look a tad lethargic taking it.

{Ed047's Note - he walks around like Jar Jar Binks if you ask me.


8.) 23 Aug 2019 18:52:52
The penalty situation is 100% down to Ole. He claims that we have two designated penalty takers. The reality is that he is refusing to make the decision, and tell the players who the primary and secondary taker is. That’s the manager’s job, not something to be decided by the players on the day.


9.) 23 Aug 2019 19:19:45
Bolloxology 😂. Great word.


10.) 23 Aug 2019 19:20:13
True scooby complete bellends.
The young Chelsea Lad got it the week before.
Imo it shouldn't even be a news story. Just ignore them and it will happen less.


11.) 23 Aug 2019 19:44:33
Think it's in the Irish version angel. 😂
An old business partner of mine used it all the time i can't take the credit or blame.
He was a touch passive aggressive whatever that is😂😂😂😂.


12.) 23 Aug 2019 23:02:11
I agree AAA.


13.) 24 Aug 2019 09:50:42
Ken

The problem wasn’t Pogba’s ego, it was the manager for indulging it and keeping indulging it.


14.) 24 Aug 2019 13:14:47
Can you stop calling ken kenneth.


 

 

12 Aug 2019 13:30:35
Great result yesterday.

Is that our strongest 11?

Should we stick with the same team against Wolves on Monday?

01jamham

1.) 12 Aug 2019 14:36:29
Pereira had a fantastic game but i am still not convinced that he will be our first choice tom play that role.


2.) 12 Aug 2019 15:26:25
To me Pereira looks out of his deph but i think Ole will start the same team against wolves, i would start lingard as number 10 and James or Greenwood on the right wing other than that no changes.


3.) 12 Aug 2019 15:59:38
Certainly think that is our strongest back 5.


4.) 12 Aug 2019 17:06:35
I thought Perriera was ok. I think his best position is at 10.

Pogba was better in the second half than the 1st half.

It will take about 5 games or so to get into a full rhythm.


5.) 12 Aug 2019 17:35:25
Pereira had a fantastic game? Did you watch it or just see his assist? He looked quite obviously the worst player in the team to me, he is our of his depth at that level and not quick enough. Hoping he can improve but he certainly didn't have a fantastic game, most fans around me for calling for him to come off much earlier than he did.


6.) 12 Aug 2019 17:58:39
GDS

I agree, apart from the cross Pereira was awful.


7.) 12 Aug 2019 18:29:02
I agree he’s out of his depth, this should be his last season with us.


8.) 12 Aug 2019 18:33:28
A lot will give me stick but I'd stick Sanchez in for Andreas. We know the talent he has and with some confidence, could do us good.


9.) 12 Aug 2019 18:35:45
I’m going to be honest and own up the fact that the hype around Pereira mystifies me. I don’t get the lad at all. Sorry.


10.) 12 Aug 2019 18:51:38
Fairly new position to him. I'd say give him a little bit more time before calling for his head.


11.) 12 Aug 2019 19:14:33
I thought it was linders who wasnt united class? There where months and months of them post .
We are 1 game into the season.


12.) 12 Aug 2019 20:05:26
Pereira has looked good in pre-season every year at utd and he has never had a proper run of games in the prem. I remember a couple of seasons back when he was on loan at valencia and everyone was talking about how good he was playing for them. Obviously the prem has a higher intensity that he may never adapt to, but I can understand why our youth players like him are given new contracts, when in the past we have signed fellaini (30 mil) Schneiderlin (30 mil) Fred (50 mil) etc etc and I've seen some much worse performances from these high paid midfielders than I've ever seen from pereira. He may never make it but let's give him a bit of time and backing and see what he can do.


13.) 13 Aug 2019 07:34:36
As the season progresses, Perreira will adapt to the role and improve the understanding with rest of the team mates.
He delivers good set pieces and has a good shot in him.
He is another player who fights and gives all for the team.
We cannot judge until after 4-5 games.


 

 

12 Jul 2019 13:03:03
Realistic improvement.

Been trying to have a think about what realistic improvement would be for next season, as in setting a target. We feel like we belong in the CL, but so do several clubs. Obviously the club can only affect what our team does, and if 4 teams amass more points than us then we miss out.

We finished on 66 points last season, in 6th position.

I have looked back over previous league tables and 78 points is usually enough for top 4, and would be a +12pt improvement on last season.

The previous year we got 81 points and finished 2nd.

Do you guys think +12pts is too big of a target? Considering some of the teams we dropped points against last year its shouldn't be out of our reach (on paper haha) .

01jamham

1.) 12 Jul 2019 14:29:06
I think a 12-15 point improvement is more than realistic. We should get there just by signing a center back and another midfielder imo.

Considering some of the points we lost against the bottom sides because of poor defending, 80 pts should be a realistic target.


2.) 12 Jul 2019 14:45:58
i think the target should and will be getting back into the top 4.

obviously the fitness and work rate needs to be improved and work on not being so soft at the back.

but everyone else is going to get better so we can't rest,

this season is prob one of the biggest in the clubs recent history.


3.) 12 Jul 2019 15:03:52
I think this season is very important for the EPL

Arsenal look in danger of dropping out of contention. Major issues with their squad, and no money to fix things.

Chelsea are in a difficult position due to losing Hazard, and the transfer ban. But that may actually turn out to be a bit of a positive, as it gives Lampard time to find his feet with a bit less pressure.

Spurs are going to lose players, and much will depend on who they’re replaced with. Still have a chronic lack of attacking cover.

City and Liverpool seem to be adding a bit of depth, but they’re both in pretty good shape already.

There is a big danger of Liverpool and City pulling further away from the rest of the top six. Anything less that top four would be a disaster for us. The goal should be to keep touch with the top two.


4.) 12 Jul 2019 15:50:24
If Dave's back to his best you can add 10 points on right away.


5.) 12 Jul 2019 23:31:40
We may have dropped points in silly games last year that we should of won but also look at the games we won when we shouldn’t of .
If the football is better and players try harder then I’m more concerned with that as results will eventually come aswell .


6.) 13 Jul 2019 06:28:12
Torqs1
*have
*have.


7.) 13 Jul 2019 13:46:43
Have?


 

 

04 Jul 2019 11:14:50
Hi Everyone, 1st post from me.

Just been looking at our squad for next season with respect to registration rules. Was wondering how much space we have / how many players we need to move on.

We can register 25 players, and use an unlimited amount of U21 players.

Dan James, Dean Henderson, Fosu-Mensah and Tuanzebe would have to be registered as they just miss the U21 age threshold.

As I see it the 25 should be made up of 3 keepers, roughly 2 players for each outfield position + 2 Other players.

Assumed *current* squad for next season:
GK1 De Gea
GK2 Romero
GK3 Grant
(Pereira and Henderson miss out)
RB1 Wan-Bissaka
RB2 Dalot
RCB1 Smalling
RCB2 Bailly
LCB1 Lindelof
LCB2 Jones
LB1 Shaw
LB2 Young
(Rojo, Darmian, Tuanzebe, Fosu-Mensah miss out)
RCM1 Fred
RCM2 Pereira
CDM1 Matic
CDM2 McTominay
LCM1 Pogba
LCM2 ***GAP***
(Gomes, Garner can play as U21)
RW1 Mata
RW2 ***GAP***
LW1 Martial
LW2 James
ST1 Lukaku
ST2 Rashford
(Chong, Greenwood can play as U21)
EXTRA1 Lingard
EXTRA2 Sanchez

(Don't THINK I missed anyone haha)

As you can see above I reckon there are 2 GAPs in the squad; a CM and a specialised RW. Sounds like we are out looking for a CM, and Sanchez/ Lingard/ Chong CAN play RW at a push.

As I see it Rojo Darmian can leave on permanent deals. Joel Pereira, Henderson, Tuanzebe and Fosu Mensah can go on loan.

I would say ideally the 2 extra slots should be taken up by a CB and a ST, as this would give the most flexibility with formations.

Forgetting peoples opinions on player quality for a minute, I think its important we start the season with a well balanced squad, due to the amount of games we may (hopefully) have this year.

With this in mind I think we should be prioritising a RW.

People are desperate for the club to buy a CB (which I agree could improve the team) . But I see the urgent needs to be at RW (and CM) . If we could sustain effective attacks then the defence would not be so exposed.

What you think guys?

01jamham

1.) 04 Jul 2019 11:47:29
Welcome mate.
Im much more of let's wait and see type of guy.


2.) 04 Jul 2019 11:47:40
I'd actually peg CM as top priority. With Herrera leaving, we are desparately short of quality at CM. Fred and McTominay are fine rotation options, but not good enough to be first choice. Matic is great, but he's ageing and already past his best.

We could really use a RW, but James, Lingard, Sanchez can all fill in, so not quite as urgent as CM IMO.

CB is the lowest priority of the three IMO, as I think Bailly could do well if he stays uninjured, and I really can't see who we are going to get in to improve there. Maguire would improve us, but not by that much, certainly not enough to justify a massive fee, and there aren't many other realistic targets available. Better to put faith in Bailly than spend absurd amounts on Maguire (although if he were available for a more reasonable price I'd take him.


3.) 04 Jul 2019 11:55:16
At the moment, a forward has to leave the club because for the front 3 position we have Rash, Lukaku, Sanchez, Mata, James, Lingard, Martial.
Add to that Chong, Gomez or Greenwood may slowly be integrated.

A ball playing CB and a top CM is what we need right now.


4.) 04 Jul 2019 12:06:41
It's hard to pick which area of the squad has priority as each area is in clear need.

Personally I have RW as lowest priority with midfield as top priority. We lose too many games because we don't control the midfield. If we did we would create more goalscoring chances and concede less goals.

Centre back would be my second priority as although we have many CB's the quality is questionable for a team aiming to win things.

We have Lingard, Mata, Sanchez, Rashford, James, Dalot and Chong who could play RW if needed. Plus looking slightly further ahead I would like us to move for Jadon Sancho next summer, so see little point in spending huge amounts on someone this year if Sancho is to be a priority next summer.


5.) 04 Jul 2019 12:07:26
we need a cb at least 2 cm a rw and a striker in a perfect world

but we will have to wait and see,


seems the window is becoming more lively.


6.) 04 Jul 2019 12:31:18
I think RW, CM and CB are all of equal priority.

We need to move Lukaku on to free up space for a RW.

We already have space for a new CM.

We need to move on at least one, maybe two of Rojo, Bailly, Smalling and Jones to bring in a new CB. Ideal would be to lose two of the above and bring in two CB's, one experienced and one young.

Plenty to do and it will probably take more than 1 window.


7.) 04 Jul 2019 13:58:30
Welcome mate - When you list the team like that it doesn't half look awful.

We have been crying out for a RW for eons, desperate for a CM and we need to cut loose a CB to bring in a leader back there. I also don't rate Rashford or Lukaku as strikers for our club.

A lot of work to be done over the next few weeks, but as always it relies on other clubs being willing to take some of the lads off our hands. I keep reading about new contracts being given to players that we should really be moving on if we aim to be competing with the likes of Liverpool and City. Scary times.


8.) 04 Jul 2019 14:04:54
Some good points.

I do agree it won't all be done in one window, I guess every club would hope to be actively improving their squad in every window.

I just think from a balance point of view we need someone who can play RW to a good level, for most of the season.

Sanchez, Lingard, Mata, James, Dalot, Martial, Chong, Rashford, even Lukaku could perceivably be played there. I would not expect any one of them to play it well for one game - let alone most of a season. Its just not their best position.
In fact out of all the above I would rather see Chong given a spell than the others.

I agree our CMs struggle to control games. We practically concede possession against good sides and try to counter. A big part of this is having options to pass to (as well as the technical ability to execute obvs) .

Having played CM at an amateur level myself, its makes life so much easier having options to pass to in all areas of the pitch. Martial isn't the most active off the ball, and hardly comes begging for it. Lukaku often asked to lead the line so the passing lane is easily cut off by a CDM (also his touch can be atrocious) and we have had every possible player play RW for us last season (all the above + young) .
It means the CMs look to pass to each other too often, or play backwards (we all know the issues there) .

Rashford must be the easiest to play with, as he constantly wants the ball. To feet, through ball, over the top. He's not world class but its the energy levels, movement and work ethic that we need. (hoping D. James will be similar in that respect) . Its also reflected when we lose possession - Rashford and Lingard sprint after defenders. They want it back. Its good to see but to be truly effective it has to be a coordinated press.

The foundation of Liverpool and City's form over the last season (and further back) is work rate and mobility. Obviously they have technically class players, but have you seen how Bernardo Silva or Salah react when possession is lost? They instantly switch into press mode, and the whole side follows behind them.


9.) 04 Jul 2019 14:38:35
beast and wazza. spot on.


10.) 05 Jul 2019 06:10:18
Well put 01jamham. Nice post.


 

 

 

01jamham's rumour replies

 

Click To View This Thread

23 Apr 2022 14:51:36
I wouldn’t be against tarkowski. He’s a better player than Lindelof, and maguire has really struggled recently. Think Bailly Jones and Tuanzebe will leave. A free CB and a more specific purchase will be necessary at CB.

01jamham

{Ed002's Note - Tarkowski will not be joining Manchester United.}


 

 

Click To View This Thread

31 Oct 2019 08:19:54
Ignore them Mad Hatter - it is a rumours site, and its fun to discuss players we would be excited to see sign for our club (aka fantasy football) .

Think it will be difficult to get top targets in Jan, but maybe Phillips could be realistic? seen a fair bit him and he looks ok - albeit at a lower level (hasn't seemed to stop DJ, mind! )

When it comes to summer it would be very helpful if we could offer Champions League next season, however if we miss out and Leicester are in (for example) then It would make Maddison (another rumoured target) very difficult to get.

Have only seen highlights of Havertz, seems to add a goal threat any be pretty versatile. Never seen Tonali play but there's plenty of hype.

Looking at our starting XI, Fred is the one player I think we need to upgrade on. I keep reading reports that he has had a decent game or is picking up a bit of form. I really don't see it. He's our worst player nearly every week.

01jamham

 

 

Click To View This Thread

24 Sep 2019 14:09:51
Prioritise a proven Right sided forward who can add goals, then a CM, then a ST, then another CM.

Some options that have been mentioned.

RW: Sancho, Willian, Richarlison, Bale, Chiesa
CM: Rice, SMS, Longstaff, Ndidi, Maddison, Bruno Fernandes, Tonali, Havertz, Eriksen
ST: Haaland, Mandzukic, Zlatan, Dybala

There are no guarantees when signing new players, and I imagine our next 4 signings will be at least £50m each. Perhaps we need to move away from such expensive players.
Dan James looks to be having a good impact and he didn't break the bank.

When you look at players Liverpool signed a few years ago (before they became CL winners again, and after Brenda nearly won the league) you notice Matip and Milner on free transfers, Klavan £4m, Gomez £5m, Karius £5m, Wijnaldum and Robertson £35m and £8m from relegated teams. Even the expensive signings weren't seen as world class at the time (e. g. Firminho, Salah, Mane, Ox, all less than £40m I think)

I know they aren't all key starters for them, but they have all played a role in the evolution of the team. I guess all I'm saying is not every signing needs to be a player who walks straight into our starting XI for £80m.

It would be good if we could identify players that weren't 'obvious', like we used to with Park, Vidic, van der Sar, Chicarito, Nani, Valencia, Smalling (a few examples) . Makes you think there is some thought gone into it, rather than just reacting on impulse and trying to buy the players everyone else wants.

01jamham

 

 

Click To View This Thread

26 Jul 2019 15:08:14
Great news - hopefully he has another really good season.

It won't have done any harm him coming back to Utd for a bit during the summer. Reconnected with the club and staff and got his contract sorted.

01jamham

 

 

 

01jamham's banter replies

 

Click To View This Thread

23 Feb 2021 09:00:32
I'd love to see someone who plays off the right as a speciality. I don't even think they would need to world class to make a massive improvement to our side.
When we recover possession we try to play into our playmaker or winger quickly (usually Bruno), but generally there is not an option on the right. Someone who played there and didn't dream of being on the left or central (Rashford/ Martial/ Greenwood/ James/ Diallo/ Chong) could mean the development of a proper relationship with AWB. Wan-Bissaka isn't the best going forward but he plays with a different player in front of him nearly every game. Shaw/ Rashford/ Bruno have a really good dynamic on the left, and that consistency will be a big contributing factor to Shaws form this year.
I just think it would give so much more balance to our side. Jarrod Bowen starts nearly every game for West Ham and didn't cost loads from the Champo, but isn't a player that drifts around the front line. He plays right wing only - I'd love to see someone make the spot their own.

After that I would focus on a centre forward to fill Cavani's role in the squad. We may get another year out of him but its made such a difference to us having a CF who can be a focal point and isn't determined to drift. A striker who can score headers gives us another essential option when attacking; especially when we are failing to break a team down who play a low block.

I like the idea of Rice to replace Fred. I love Fred's attitude and work rate, but he is truly dreadful on the ball (although a nice assist against Sociedad - credit where its due) . He's probably a better back-up CB than Jones too. Liverpool have shown how crucial depth is in that position.

01jamham

 

 

Click To View This Thread

17 Sep 2020 10:08:31
Some good points guys, but I don't think its too simplistic to say its easier to coach a good defence. It happens all the time in the Prem. Clubs outside the top 8 will try to build a good defence because so much of it about the collective and organisation, rather than individual ability.

Even our Man Utd are a good example when Mourinho first came in. Finished 2nd with the 2nd least conceded (by 1 goal) with a defence of Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Young (with Bailly, Lindelof, Blind, Shaw playing a small amount) .

Nobody got carried away and claimed any of those defenders were fantastic, but they were well coached and became a great defensive unit (I admit, under mourinho it came at the expense of attractive football) .

VVD is an ace example of a defender slotting straight in, but he's also probably the best CB in the league for a very long time, whos individual ability would improve any CB pairing in the world.

To pick up on Shappys point about Donny's versatility. I personally haven't watched many games he's played in, probably less than 10 (watching Ajax in Europa and Champs league over the last few seasons) and really hope he brings the dynamism you're talking about - he's an exciting signing no question (for what seems decent value too - worth applauding as it doesn't seem to happen often anymore) .

I wasn't trying to suggest we got a lump to sling the ball up to, and know what you mean about ighalo sort of playing that role. he's a 18y box striker, and gives our attack a focal point which I like. His effort and pride is unquestionable, and he more than warrants a spot on the bench in our squad. I just think we could do a lot better, and add an aerial threat. Especially since he's only here until January.

It was the Calvert-Lewin goal that got me thinking, and I wouldn't say he's a 1 dimensional forward.

01jamham

 

 

Click To View This Thread

21 Feb 2020 13:09:21
I thought it was a strange formation. I understand the need to keep it tight away from home in Europe, but it was really restrictive when we won the ball. Wing backs very deep, 3 attack minded CMs all on the safe side of their markers. No obvious dynamism to turn mindless CB possession into something like an attack.

I partly blame the coaches for setting up this way, but I think of greater issue is the squad balance.

Also on Brandon Williams, it wasn't his best game but he wasn't bad. He kept the ball too long at times, however with Mata, Pereira and Lingard on the pitch, you would think there would be multiple options every time he gets the ball.

01jamham

 

 

Click To View This Thread

20 Sep 2019 09:32:23
Fred was rubbish. His highlight was hitting the bar. He was rarely under pressure and still managed to lose possession a number of times. When Mata and Lingard came on they were so much more dynamic and moved defenders around creating space.

Get rid in Jan.

01jamham

 

 

Click To View This Thread

29 Aug 2019 12:19:56
Fred was so bad last year. He showed willing trying to regain possession, but lost it so easily with dreadful touches and passes straight out of play.

I have no idea what he is SUPPOSED to be good at. but I don't think its football.

01jamham