14 Jun 2015 11:37:59
I'm guessing the plan is to contend for the league next season and put in a decent Champions League run (QF+), essentially put ourselves back on the map, so to speak!

Therefore, what do you think the minimum change we require would be? E.g. 1 top CB and 1 versatile CM, Otomendi and Schneiderlin perhaps.

Bare in mind I said the minimum and the above was only an example, not my personal answer to the question :)

1.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 12:06:05
Bale will win us the league

2.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 12:41:02
I totally agree with your first two but I'm not too sure that these alone will be the answers that we are looking for.

We have some issues at right back. Tony V, though a good stop gap, doesn't have the defensive qualities we need in that position. I'm a huge fan of Rafael although it seems that LVG is far from it. His tendency to get injured or sent off are probably the biggest factors in LVG devideing against the young Brazilian. The real issue is who can come in and sure up that position and improve our back four? For me, I would much prefer a PL player so we don't need to worry about a player getting used to the pace and physicality of our league. For me, Clyne, Coleman or janmaat in that order.

I feel we need to add a world class striker to our ranks. Last year one of the big differences for Chelsea and City was their main focal point up front. Both Aguero and Costa had fantastic seasons and looked dangerous EVERY time they were on the ball in the opponents final third. for us to have a similar impact I really feel we need a player whom has been playing in top leagues and internationally for a number of seasons. We would also benefit from some strength and possibly arial ability due to the likely hood of utilising our wingers more next season. For me, it would have to be one of either Lewandowski or Cavani. Both players are proven powerhouses when playing at the main focal point of a front three while still having a high technical ability and decent passing range. As a wild card, I would love to see Ibra at OT. I know, I know. He's a mercenary, he's getting on in his years but his arrogance and character remind me soo much of Eric Cantona.

Now, a new striker would be all well and good but there's a great big elephant in the room. Wayne Rooney. I think we would struggle to polite a top end striker to the club at the moment. LVG has already said that Rooney will be on the team sheet as he is captain. I'm sure this will put off some of the worlds best as they will worry they will spend more time watching from the dug out than playing the field.

If we are going to move closer to LVG's favoured 4-4-3 incorporating a deep midfielder or anchor, where would Rooney fit? In my eyes, Rooney is a much better number 10 than a 9 and is piss poor as a number 8.

Time will tell eh, fellas.

Mine.

3.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 12:57:04
I think it depends on how Rooney and rvp fare, if they can both stay fit and score around 35-40 goals between them then really we only need a cd like hummels and a cm like schneiderlin

4.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 13:06:54
I think Otamendi wil be signed for the CB spot . No idea about RB and CM but with depay and all those signings , title challenge can be surely done

5.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 13:10:27
I think bare minimum a top class centre half, a midfielder and a creative body further forward. So;
Otamendi, Gundagon and Firmino.
Play ADM and Depay wide with Firmino off Rooney, Herrera & Gundagon/Carrick in a midfield 2.
LVG likes versatile players to suit more than one formation so with these types of players they can slot in various positions further forward, wide or deeper. Plus our squad bulks out I.e Mata could be alternating with Firmino in the #10 role but also we could play 433 as we have players to slot in comfortably.

6.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 20:55:36
What did di Maria do last year to be in the team before mata and young?

7.) 14 Jun 2015
14 Jun 2015 22:38:14
I'd like one cb, either Laporte or Varane, an RB Clyne as a preference or Coleman. We need two CM, Schneiderlin and Gundogan please, last but not least a striker, so I'd like Benzema but would take Kane.

I also think RVP will leave, Januzaj should play more often and I'd keep McNair playing and promote him to 3rd CB above Jones but behind Smalling.