Manchester United Banter Archive August 11 2014

11 Aug 2014 23:27:08
Why is everyone so negative about the transfers?

1) you all been sucked in by the media making up targets based on jack sh*t

2) DVG needed to assess squad first - as he said he would and he has.

3) If, and it is if, the reported exits are all correct then there is no way Rafael would be one unless there was an alternative virtually guaranteed.

4) Don't hold Woody responsible for Moyes' dithering last year

5) There clearly is money available or DVG would not sacrifice his reputation with United - he will have had assurances

6) We got the best signing of the year in DVG - look at how Young has been transformed into an actual player - how many more can he do this to?

7) He ain't going to play 3 at the back as a system if there are only 3 CBs available.

Calm down. still plenty of time before end of month

Are you having a blonde moment? his names Louis not Derrick

Davids been replaced TML ;)

TML

I have worked with many senior finance people and by and large they concern themselves with getting the right numbers, determined to impress with their ability to do deals and make profit and that is my only concern with Woodward. Is he trying to squeeze the most out of a deal to the point it is becoming something that the timing of the arrival will affect our season. The sooner we have them on the ground the better. I believe some deals will happen but I hope well before deadline day where it should be exceptions.
I think you have one point correct and that is that LvG is different, Ed will know what is required. Woodward took a lot of blame last summer, so this year, right now, he needs to show he can deliver and he was not the reason a year ago. I think he will deliver signings but our confidence in him will only grow when he delivers this summer.

My concern is that all our games we have played 3 at the back, so if we are not going to play that way TML then what were the pre-season games for and surely we are at a major disadvantage if all our prep time has been for a system we are not going to adopt?

LVG needed time to assess and then decide who moves and who he wants. BUT he slags off the wingers, without playing with wingers, out of order even if he is correct?! That isn't assessing them, then he says we don't need new signings necessarily, but plays 3 at the back in all our friendlies where we clearly need stengthening. I think there is so much smoke and mirrors going on that even the manager is confused.

He hasn't seen Janujaz, Fellaini, Anderson or even Henriquez for himself, yet decisions are being made apparently. Who is he trusting for advice on those players Giggs? The same guy that would have Rio starting each week but LVG decided to not renew a contract.

Yes he may have seen a lot of our players on TV, but he said again that he needs to work with them and see them for himself, but he hasn't don't that with a fair few of our players and we are a few days away from the start of the season!

I'm concerned that it's very very messy again.

11 Aug 2014 23:16:15
lets be honest we all want vidal to sign but its gone on for too long and we probably won't sign, also were probably not even looking for another cm after we signed the overrated herrera for 29m! we will probably only sign a winger and a centre back

11 Aug 2014 23:44:23
The overrated Hererra? Bet you've watched about 90 minutes of him! Has all the potential in the world, and will turn out to be a quality player. Muppet

RDJ, we don't all want Vidaltsign, the are tether options out there without the injury concerns and without having spend towards £50M. People are getting obsessed with 1 player

11 Aug 2014 21:17:05
Until the window shuts, people need to stop complaining about Woodward. Transfer business can get very complicated for countless reasons. If we have no one else by Sept 1, then we can bash Woodward all we want. Until then, people need to grow up and stop complaining.

For example, all of the following players came late in the window: Blanc, Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Berbatov, and Van Persie.

We wouldn't need to moan if we wernt given assurances that there's money to be spent and that we can easily get such and such a player.

transfer business complicated. an example of other teams business imo

buying team - we want your player
other team - give us 35 million
buying team - okay

where as united its OHHH I dunno how about 25 million. 28 million a final bid of 30 million. we lose out.

thats why it gets dragged out, how many players have we missed out on due to messing around, get the deals done asap.

we are the only BIG team that messes about, real, barca, chelsea and even city get the big deals done quick, that's what we need to change, get with the times and get it done

11 Aug 2014 20:56:00
Is there anyone doing fantasy premier league and has a code, Any that most on here have joined?

I think woodenhead is playing fantasy football it's his way of signing any players!

11 Aug 2014 20:20:16
We're done, we now have 100 entries so I'm closing the book. If Jono or HoneyBadger appear I'll take their submissions but no more I'm afraid.

There are a few duplicates (all 9) but not many so we'll cross that bridge if we get to it.

On a completely separate note, I watched the Football League show at the weekend - has Gok Wan got involved in designing kits? My God, some of them were bizarre. Can't remember whose it was but an away kit was lilac and green, very very odd

11 Aug 2014 20:34:46
Thanks for running this tony, glad I snook in now before you closed the entries!

Entry for what bud I've been away with work?

11 Aug 2014 21:15:39
Posting after long time, can I still give my predictions

11 Aug 2014 23:18:22
Fair play AJH

11 Aug 2014 18:45:22
I really have no idea who we will sign, if anyone, but I'm sure a) negotiations are well underway for any genuine targets, b) the press's targets are generally pure speculation, and c) a fair amount of brinkmanship will be at work between buyers, sellers and players, all of whom are looking for the best deal. If we have real negotiations going on it would not surprise me if we have to wait until closer to the end of the window for them to come to fruition. Let's face it, once a transfer is agreed, it takes less than 24 hours to complete. I am not concerned in the slightest that there is now inadequate time left to complete transactions by the end of August. Whether or not there's anyone ought there that's healthy, available and wanted is a different story.

Blind will be coming in I think - for me that is the most likely move. He will play at center back in my opinion.

Pea

Do you want to give me your top 6 and 3 to go down?

{Ed002's Note - Not here - add it to the other thread or I will delete this. The page is getting full up of this stuff. It might make sense to dump all of this on the "Dodgy" page and then until the kick off we can collect everyone's entry and someone can save it. I will sort out a winner's prize at the end of the season if someone wants to keep the records.}

Ed, I've posted that I've closed it off now as we have 100 entries. I have them all recorded.

11 Aug 2014 17:52:25
Apparently Vidal's agent was in Manchester, but it was not regarding Vidal, it was regarding Henriquez who has just moved to Dinamo Zagreb on loan with an option to buy.

11 Aug 2014 18:25:58
I wonder if they asked about Vidal's knee.You know just out of concern for a great player ;)

Fernando Felicevich has been a busy boy this summer. He has organised the deals that took Sanchez to Arsenal and Mendel to Inter as well as Claudio Bravo to Barca and now he as made it four deals done with Henriquez going to Dinamo.

Thats not to mention the possible deal to see Vidal move to us which would make it five big deals in the last couple of months. I bet he's buying a new villa somewhere nice come September 1st.

On a serious note could we get this guy in as Woodward's replacement, He's already tied up as many deals in the last 6 weeks as Woodward has in the last 13 months.

11 Aug 2014 17:20:22
Ash.da.1, Huggy76, Chinese Whispers, you've only given a top 5, need a team for 6th as well.

AJH can I play? :)

Chelsea
City
Arsenal
United
Liverpool
Everton

Then;

Swansea
Leicester
Burnley

Really don't want to predict united only being 4th but hey it's not 7th! And I will happily grovel apologise if we are there or there abouts come May :)

11 Aug 2014 18:50:28
6- Everton

11 Aug 2014 17:20:45
Interesting question for you guys and girls,

Now the media are saying that 5/6 players have been told they don't have futures at the club, but surprisingly on their list is neither Cleverley or Kagawa. Both were expected to leave for different reasons.

So with the No.10 position being locked down by Mata with Rooney and Januzaj likely to be the next two in line for that position. That leaves Kagawa with no position. Some have suggested he will play deeper in midfield and modelled into a Modric-esque type midfielder.

Now in my opinion he could adapt into that role with the right training, obviously it would be foolish to throw him in against players such as Yaya Toure and the like straight away but he could learn to adapt(especially if a physical midfielder ala Vidal or De Jong were to play along side him).

So here's my question would you rather have Kagawa or Cleverley as back up to Herrera this season?

Kagawa any day of the week. He is just as strong physically as Cleverley and is much better at pretty much every attribute a midfielder needs to have. The only training he would need is to adapt to playing the more safer pass when nearer to our own half rather than the attacking one he is used to playing higher up the pitch. Once he has got that fine tuned, he is a much better midfielder than Cleverley imo.

11 Aug 2014 18:00:49
I keep Kagawa, sell Cleverley and give Ben Pearson some minutes

Kagawa over Cleverley every time.

I would personally rather kagawa as the back up. Least he moves forward with the ball and not always back

Cleverly I'm more than happy to keep as a squad player and hopefully might have his confidence brought back under lvg

Kagawa without doubt! I think a certain youngster named Ben Pearson can do a better job than Cleverly.

No question for me Kagawa all day as long as he bulked up and learnt the role think he would be great.
We know he has the technical ability, but does he have the engine and desire? I would hope that he has.

Cleverley for me will never work out at United he has been here a long time now and is the epitome of wasted potential.
I imagine a move to a mid level EPL team(Everton, Newcastle etc) would re ignite the lads career and I would like for him to do well.

Kagawa.
Simply because i'd prefer just about anyone over TC.If he wasnt english, and wasnt from the academy he would have been in league 2 by now.

Kagawa everyday of the week.

Shappy I normally like your posts and think they are smart and well put together but this is anything but, Kagawa is our second best #10 and will cover for mata, Rooney will play #9 and only #9 he will not go back down to #10 and there is no space for adan in this formation we are playing as he is a inside forward winger so he won't be playing as a wing back, to claim he will be covering mata is just plain silly as he has limited experience in that position, yes he is a great young player but at this time is not better then kagawa and lvg rates him had plenty of time to see him at his best in the german league when he was at munich and kagawa was doing his stuff, plus pretty sure lvg has said him and mata are his best passers in the whole squad. rant over, kags will come good when he is playing his best position.

Kagawa could definitely make the transition like Modric did. He is the perfect back up to Herrera, certainly more so than Cleverley.

11 Aug 2014 21:21:00
I'm sure Kagawa will play some games as a No.10, but the fact remains that Mata and Januzaj will also play games there. Rooney will also play there for a game or two I expect. LvG will want to play Welbeck at times to add pace to the front line, at which time he may drop Rooney into the No.10 position and take Mata off.

Kagawa has so far under LvG played more games in midfield rather than as a No.10. So there is every chance that he will play more games in midfield than as a No.10 this season.

11 Aug 2014 16:39:23
Just less than 5 days to go for the game and Shaw and Herrera still don't have a kit number.

Why?

I wouldn't worry about it Mumbai. Only thing I could think of is the players have asked for certain numbers yet the club are still look to bring players in who could potentially also want those numbers so they'd take the number they had on the tour.

I would hope most of the donkey work is done and it only I's and t's that need dotting and crossing.

If David Luiz went for 45 mill I believe Mangala is a bargai at 42 mil.

11 Aug 2014 16:20:53
Ok, hers mine

United
Celsea
City
Arsenal
Liveprool
Spurs

Burnley, QPR and West Brom to go down.

We now have 86 entries (thank I god for Excel. Clear favourites to go down are Burnley who have 77 votes, Leicester who have 51, and West Brom who have 39.

48 people have tipped Chelsea, 23 United, 11 City, and 3 go for Arsenal. MPez has Newcastle finishing 6th, whilst StevieK has them going down.

I'm a bit surprised at how many have united outside of the top 4. 10 people have us finishing 5th although everyone has us in the top 6 this year.

Most popular view of where we will finish is confused. Pretty even split which says a lot about last year I guess. 23 people say 1st, 17 say 2nd, 19 say 3rd, 16 say 4th, 10 say 5th.

Happy to add a few more but once I get to 100, I'm locking it down. If we do sign a worldie in the next week, I'm not accepting changes or any new entries after that. It's all saved so we can review at Christmas and in May next year.

{Ed007's Note - I'll see if I can wangle a prize from TPTB for the winner. I hope everyone is taking part in our season long predictions competition as well. If not it's advertised at the top of the page.}

Sorry AJH, please accept my entry if possible

Top 6 :

Chelsea
Arsenal
United
City
Liverpool
Spurs



Relegation:

Aston Villa
Leicester
Burnley


Pellegrini will be sacked by Dec ;)

{Ed007's Note - Check on the 'Other Posts' page for any entries as well, AJH.}

Top 6

Chelsea
City
United
Arsenal
Pool
Everton

Relegated
Brom
Qpr
Burnley

11 Aug 2014 17:30:42
I think a rejuvenated United will certainly challenge for the title, but it will be the tightest ever.

1.United
2.Chelsea
3.City
4.Arsenal
5.Everton
6.Liverpool

18.Leicester
19.West Brom
20.Burnley

11 Aug 2014 17:21:09
1.Chelsea
2.United
3.City
4.Arsenal
5.Everton
6.Spurs

18.Villa
19.Burnley
20.Leicester

11 Aug 2014 17:46:37
1. United
2. Arsenal
3. Chelsea
4. City
5.Liverpool
6. Everton

18.Leicester
19. Hull
20. Burnley

Hey AJH!

Take Mine too

1.Chelsea
2.United
3.City
4.Arsenal
5.Liverpool
6.Spurs


Going Down.

West Brom Aston villa Burnley

1. United
2. Chelsea
3. Arsenal
4. City
5. Liverpool
6. Everton

18. West Brom
19. Burnley
20. Leicester

11 Aug 2014 18:22:39
1. Chelsea
2. City
3. Arsenal
4. United
5. Liverpool
6. Spurs

18. Villa
19. West ham
20. Burnley

Thanks AJH

1.United
2.Chelsea
3.City
4.Arsenal

Going down
1.Aston Villa
2.Burnley
3.West Ham

11 Aug 2014 18:49:24
1. United
2. Chelsea
3. Arsenal
4. City
5. Liverpool
6. Spurs
Going down:
18. Burnley
19. Leicester
20. Villa

11 Aug 2014 19:09:21
Chelsea
City
United
Arsenal
Liverpool
Spurs

Southampton
Qpr
Burnley

Chelsea
city
United
Arsenal
Spurs
Everton
3 going down
Villa
Burnley
Southampton

11 Aug 2014 14:53:21
LVG has said we currently have four number 10's: Mata, Kagawa, Fellaini and Januzaj. This to me is where a lot of exciting players are for us. Fellaini will clearly not be part of the plan. Mata will be first choice, so where does this leave Kagawa and Januzaj?

My take is this:

Januzaj - He will be the back up number 10 who probably gets half an hour most games and starts some. Like Oezil was at RM, Mata will probably be take off early most games to accommodate Januzaj and he will start some games too. There will be no place for Januzaj on the wings or at wing back as he would not be suited to that at all.

Kagawa - I don't think that there is a place for Kagawa at number 10. Mata is first choice and Januzaj is one of the world's most exciting youngsters. LVG has hinted at Kagawa becoming a number 6, this would be a big transformation for him and it wouldn't surprise me if he sits out the first few games of the season while he gets in the weights room. This has worked effectively for players in the past, Modric being one of the best examples - he is a similar build, good with the ball and a good passer. Therefore I think Kagawa's position will be rotation with Herrera and then Fletcher/Carrick/new signing to compete for the second central midfield spot.

The good news is though that there will be no more number 10's playing on the wing and feeling uncomfortable with doing so.

What do you think guys?

I don't think Mata will be taken off after 60 minutes. Mata's the finished article Januzaj is a prospect.

I think Kagawa is being kept hold of due to our lack of midfielders.

And how would you propose developing a prospect Carloto? Out of the three up top, Mata will be the one that is swapped for Januzaj more often than not I think.

11 Aug 2014 16:20:45
I think if we sign Vidal and another attack minded player and Blind Kagawa may also be sold the same can be said for 1 of cleverly
He can not say he is surplus to requirements until he has the replacements in the door.
I think Kagawa may be a last minute.com exit on deadline day

I wouldn't know how to develop a prospect, that's why I'm not involved in football and work in a factory.
But I disagree that our most creative midfielder will be taken off after an hour. You are usually incorrect and I think you will be now.

In the next two years we are going to see Adnan fill out and be conditioned into a beast like Ronaldo and Bale. Hopefully whilst being conditioned he will keep his ability at the highest level and we will have a complete player by the age of 21. He's got to be managed properly and LvG will know how to do that.

11 Aug 2014 17:52:17
Syd, whilst Januzaj isn't the slowest he doesn't have the pace of a Ronaldo/Bale though I do understand what you mean about their physical build.

If you look at Januzaj natural build unless he goes on steroids there is no way he'll ever be a beast.

He's 19 years old Carloto, can you remember Ronaldo and Bale at 19?

11 Aug 2014 14:47:14
How many players in the world have the pace and ability to blow right by a defense on the dribble? Any team is lucky to have one. Real Madrid have three. But being Real Madrid, now they will sell one of them. Barcelona's big three up front all have that ability.

Januzaj looks like he will develop into that kind of player. To get another one now would be invaluable. Guys like Di Maria or Cuadrado are game changers. Rare players.

11 Aug 2014 14:06:56
Could Kagawa be our midfield savior?

LvG has said today that Kagawa has a future at the club, but we all know Mata will get the no.10 role, so has LvG told Kagawa that he is nothing but a back-up to Mata? Would Kagawa be happy with that?

I feel that Kagawa will be converted to a CM (like Modric was) He has the intelligence and passing ability, and as we saw last season he links up very nicely with Mata. So the 3 CM's could be Herrera/Kagawa with Mata more advanced?

We saw Kagawa play there when on tour so who knows?

His physicality is brought into question obviously, BUT Iniesta/Xavi/Scholes/Fernandinho/Ramires/Wilshere? None of these players are that strong?

As a big guess, perhaps that's why LvG isn't chasing Vidal as much? - that comment was purely speculation.

Would you guys be open to that or is he simply not physical enough?

HarryUTD

11 Aug 2014 14:21:52
I'd love to see him stay, he's a top player but just has never really hit any form for us. I'd always put mata in the team before him as a number 10 but I would much rather see kagawa playing as a 6 or 8 than cleverly

No, he's too lightweight and will be knocked off the ball like a five year old girl.

Every player you mentioned there played their best football with a strong defensive midfielder at the side of them to give them the time on the ball, a 3 of lightweight like minded midfielders wouldn't work

Next time I see my 5 year old niece I'm going to find out how easy that is.

Weak defensively, but outstanding in possession. I really like Kagawa. He has a few outstanding qualities: getting in between the lines and finding space, turning away from pressure, and knowing how to pass and move. But he offers no defensive presence, and in some games, that will be a must.

11 Aug 2014 14:59:39
Lol Carl!

Syd in fairness many said that about modric 5 years ago. Kags had guile and could play there but next to a more aggressive CM imo

Kagawa in central midfield. do me a favour.
Like Syd said he's to lightweight and will get knocked off the ball.
We need a powerful box to box player who can tackle, set up play and score 10 goals a season, basically VIDAL!

Have to agree with sydney. His weak as a kitten. Way to lightweight for the premiership. Should cut our losses and use him as a swap deal with dortmund for hummels or reus
Problem is he sells to many jersies.

CTR, Modric has played there all his career and knows how to shield the ball. Kagawa just falls over.

11 Aug 2014 16:49:41
he played on the left for spurs syd for a while

11 Aug 2014 13:59:15
Van Persie sold the most shirts last in the EPL for the 2nd year running.

Gerrard 2nd, Suarez 3rd, Hazard 4th, Oezil 5th, Rooney 6th, Aguero 7th, Mata 8th and Kagawa 9th.

He'd have probably have served us better out on the pitch rather than winning employee of the month in the mega store.

Although that does explain his "injury" last season. lol.

Syd what do you mean by sold the most shirts? Does he do a shift in the Megastore?

Do you mean his name is the most requested on the back of shirts?

Yes, he has been filling in for Simon in the megastore when he's been injured. The Glazers like to keep them earning their wages :)

In all seriousness, people buy his shirts the most around the world.

How did Simon get injured?

Tripped over a MU mug and fell into the MU gnomes.

11 Aug 2014 12:57:00
I think selling Rafael would be a big mistake.

We'd only have Valencia for the RWB position and no natural RB if LVG wants to/is forced to play 4 at the back.We'd have to endure Smalling or Jones there again.

Cuadrado's going to Barcelona I can just feel it in my bones. They're going to get a few windows worth of shopping done this summer in preparation for the transfer ban.

Plus someone like Memphis Depay wouldn't fit well as a RWB, and I don't see any other Cuadrado type wingers out there who would tick the boxes.

11 Aug 2014 13:22:16
Tend to agree; although Rafael has had his fair share of injury problems. However I don't think van Gaal will sell him, anyone can see the quality/potential that he has. (More than Valencia IMHO)

Still, we need cover in all the wing back areas. The defence is looking a bit thin, and lacking in experience at the moment. We definitely need a couple of defensive signings in the coming windows.

RED_SKY

It's only papertalk with regards to Rafael but if it is true LVG will surely have a plan in place.
However I do agree that if we are going to play the 3-5-2 system Cuadrado would fit perfectly.
I am starting to worry now, this transfer window is starting to smell exactly like the last one.
Why does that imbecile Woodward come out and say these things about us being cash rich and being able to attract the worlds best players when clearly he can't back it up.
He's done exactly the same thing as he done last year and left the tour and completely dissapeared into a black hole somewhere.
I really don't think that we will sign another player now and the side that we have now (in my opinion) isn't going to break into the top 4.

I'm sure LvG knows what he's doing RS. If indeed Rafael is sold, then there's a good reason for it.

RED_SKY mate, I'm not surprised or concerned that Rafael has apparently been told he can leave.

First off I think he will struggle to adapt his game to a wing back role. Now I know that I might be in the minority with that opinion but I'm basing it on several key concerns I have with Rafael's game.

First off he isn't amazing at going forward, he is good on the over lap but how often does he beat people in a one on one situation? Very rarely, he hasn't got amazing speed(although he isn't slow) nor does he have fantastic skill. So he requires help in order to be an attacking threat down the wing, in the wing back role he won't get that, so he will blunt our threat down the right with his limited ability to go forward on his own. This is why LvG has prefered to play wingers as wing backs as you can teach a player how to defend but you can't teach individual brilliance.

Secondly he is 24 years old and has only had one great season, yes he is still young but he has had 6 years in the first team now, which means he is over a third of the way through his professional career. He should be approaching his prime rather than still learning his trade.

Thirdly the reason he has struggled to really hit the highs he is capable of is due to his injuries, they keep happening, a pulled muscle here, and tweaked ligament there even a dislocated shoulder. The role of wing back requires near super human levels of fitness, this is something anyone will struggle to maintain when they repeatedly are recovering from injuries.

And finally after all these years he is still rash and dives in, this is due to defensive lapses that leave him exposed meaning he has to dive in. Dani Alves is still keeping him out of the national team because even with his all out attacking approach he still doesn't dive in last minute like Rafael does.

Seamus Coleman was looked at by Moyes, now even though Moyes made many mistakes it shows that even he wasn't sure on Rafael.

all these things add up to the fact that even though his heart is in the right place and his fighting spirit should be appreciated he sadly just hasn't become the player we all hoped he would.

Valencia has been chosen ahead of him all tour, Cuadrado is being targetted most likely for the RWB spot. We have Young who can also cover that position. The we have Varela and Janko who are coming through and look like excellent prospects and they deserve a chance. Saidy Janko in paticular looks like he could flourish in a wing back role.

Dirk Kuyt ;)

I too think that selling Rafael would be a big mistake. At some point we will likely play 4-3-3 and playing a winger at right back doesn't tend to work too brilliantly. The annoying thing is that Valencia has been handed a new deal where he is the one that should be replaced by Cuadrado - like for like but an upgrade. I really don't want to see Rafael going anywhere. Rafael and Cuadrado for the right back, Shaw and Blind for the left back slot with Young covering both.

LvG now wants Di Maria now that it's gone pear-shaped for PSG. Cuadrado is a cheaper option than Di Maria and that would probably suit the club better, but LvG wants Di Maria. We need to be careful that all this faffing around doesn't leave us with neither.

Fresh, do you think if we decide to go 433 during a match that we will take a CB off and bring on Rafael? Not going to happen. Jones or Smalling would move over to the right-back position or we would swap an attacking player for a CB. Why would bringing on Rafael be a positive move? If LvG wants rid of Rafael, and it's still an if right now, then he knows what he's doing. I think there's more chance of Rafael leaving than Valencia who has just signed a new long-term contract.

Good post Shappy. Rafael has always been one of my favourites but he does have limitations and you make good arguments.

Valencia played on the tour because Rafael got injured and went back to Manchester for treatment, so your last point isn't really valid as Rafael wasn't available for selection.

Maybe it is best if he is sold, it never really happened for Fabio either, despite it being really exciting a few years ago with them breaking through - Rafael possibly doesn't have the intellect that is required for a wing back as well.

Rafael wasn't injured until the after the third game of the tour. Valencia started LvG's first game in charge when Rafael was fit. Rafa was then given a start in the second game and dropped in favour of Valencia for the third. After which he picked up an injury in training and went home.

So when injury free he wasn't first choice. So I feel that my point stands.

My bad Shappy.

11 Aug 2014 12:36:56
So City have just got Mangala for £32m, surely Hummels is worth £25m+ then? Proven at the highest level and is still young whilst being a brilliant leader

The problem is that sometimes who is available? You can throw money at teams but if they don't want to sell then there is nothing you can do. Money normally talks, but not always! I don't see Hummels being available, Benatia will be pricey and has only recently gone to Roma - who else is available? Perhaps Varane - not sure.

11 Aug 2014 11:11:57
To follow on from AJH's predictions from yesterday for a bit of fun where to you guys see our players ending up if they leave as per this mornings reports

Fellaini Napoli
Nani milan
Ando porto or KFC utd
Rafael Milan
Zaha newcastle
cleverly? Everton
Young? villa/qpr
Chich Juve
Kags? Athletico

11 Aug 2014 12:54:21
Fellaini Napoli
Anderson Santos
Nani a rich Russian team
Rafael Milan
Cleverley QPR/Everton
Kagawa Atletico/Dortmund

Fellaini Napoli
Nani milan
Ando porto or braga
Rafael Milan/juve/atletico
Zaha newcastle/ forest on loan
cleverly? Everton/ villa/ west ham
Young? Staying
Chich Juve/ inter
Kags? Staying to play in midfield

11 Aug 2014 13:25:47
Sorry I forgot about
Zaha will stay
Young will stay
Chicharito Inter/Juventus/Spurs

Fellaini - Napoli or stay
Anderson - Brazilian League
Hernandez - Juventus or Atletico
Rafael - Juventus or Milan
Nani - Juventus or Zenit
Cleverley - Everton

I expect them all to be playing in the United reserves as we will never get serious buyers for them.

11 Aug 2014 10:39:58
Well with the end of the trf window getting ever closer it looks as if things may finally start moving. It would seem that lvg has had his end of tour conversations with the squad and has told certain players that they are free to move on. If the names quoted are correct then I suppose the only surprise would be rafael who I would have thought is younger enough to learn and be developed by the manager.
As regards players coming in it is worth remembering that in the last 12 months we have spent best part of 130 million on 4 players( the wig, mata, shaw herrera) so it is difficult to accuse the club of being thrifty. One big change this year is that there has been virtually nothing official coming out of the club. Last year, rightly or wrongly, everyone new that we were trying to land fabregas and herrera and that we also wanted contreau? either permanently or on loan. This year all we get is constant media speculation plus people on this site who claim to know someone who knows someone who is the friend of someone who knows someone. You get my drift!
My one disappointment so far is that if we have all this money available why haven't we made a couple of bids for players that both the fans or the club would obviously want. Hummels we are told is happy at dortmund who have no desire to sell him. Why not test the resolve of both by say bidding 30 million and offering 150k per week. if the answer is still no from both parties then at least us fans, the media, and the club can move on rather than have this constant drip feeding of speculation that the club may, or may not, be preparing a bid.
Anyway I have had my monday morning moan and i'll leave it for others to pass comment.

Who's to say we haven't made such a bid to Dortmund and Hummels? And maybe they said thanks, but no thanks.

The issue with making such a bid public knowledge is then who ever we approach next will know they were very much second choice, and what if they turn us down after we made it public that we wanted them, how would the third choice player feel about being approached?

You mentioned the shambles last season, well having approached Fabregas and Herrera the only midfielder prepared to join knowing he wasn't first choice was Fellaini.

Lets not go down that road again.

No point bidding if the player isn't fully up for it, no point bidding if the players club isn't up for it.
we need to get our ducks in some sort of order before we jump in, and even after all the negotiating well have to accept we are not guaranteed a deal will happen. so why bid aimlessly and look bloody fools.

11 Aug 2014 09:22:44
I really hope we go all out for Cuadrado, he has just came off from a brilliant season in Italy and also a decent enough world cup.

The best thing about him is that he will inject so much pace into our attacks which we will lack if Rooney and RVP are playing together (Not saying they're slow by they aren't the fastest).

I also like the idea of Di Maria joining but if he was to play as a wing-back I would be a little concerned as he has never played in that position before in his career and I see him more of an attacking threat than defensive unit. But if he is who LVG wants then who am I to question?

Either way if we get either one of these players I will be excited as both are very fast, take on their man (and succeed when doing so) and finally they can actually cross/score goals.

Who would you lot prefer?

I would say Cuadrado due to him playing as a wing-back previously and doing so well. But Di Maria is also a nice player to have as well.

I was just about to post something like this. Its an interesting debate. My take is that if we were signing a forward then I'd take Di Maria over Cuadrado. But as a wing back, Cuadrado is the better signing for me. Our right wing back position is far less secure than the left. Shaw and Young are good options for the left, but Rafael/Valencia and Cuadrado make for stronger right backs.

Two great options, really. You guys make good points, and both players are quite versatile, and under LVG maybe even more versatile yet. We have seen Di Maria excel at both wings and at center mid, and Cuadrado can play either wing or at wingback.

I am a huge fan of both players. Either one would be a great addition, and we need the pace.

11 Aug 2014 12:21:51
I completely agree, Cuadrado and Shaw sounds like a dream on the wings IMO. These two could offer the width and pace we need to allow the likes of Mata, Rooney, RVP and Januzaj to work within.

I am also intrigued on where we plan to place Januzaj, hasn't been mentioned recently on here and It's a concern as Mata will be first choice in the middle and Januzaj isn't a suitable option on the wide when they have such a defensive duty to keep hold off. Interesting to see how he will be utilised this season.

For me Januzaj will be involved as either a No.10 to add a more direct threat though the middle, or he could play wide in a 433.

I'd quite like to see us adopt a 343 with three CB's two wing backs with one central striker flanked by two wide forwards. It would allow us to double up on the wings and get in behind teams who flood the middle to stop us getting at them.

11 Aug 2014 08:11:53
Ed002, Do you expect Man Utd to spend £35 million plus during the remaining time frame of this transfer window.

Many thanks as always you great people.

KingGiggsy

{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to discuss money.}

10 Aug 2014 22:37:10
Hi guys, does anyone know the e-mail address of the club foundation? I want to get in touch with them to see about possibly getting something like a signed jersey to auction off to raise money for my friend who broke her neck in September to help her get the equipment required to help her walk again. You're help will be much appreciated.

{Ed007's Note - If you click here,Coalan, it will take you to the form. I remember you asking me before but they don't supply the service during the close season so it should be back up and running by now, and good luck.
They sent me this last year to raffle/auction for The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.}

11 Aug 2014 01:52:48
Ed007 thank you so much for your help. An e-mail will be sent in the morning!

How is she doing Caolan?

11 Aug 2014 10:56:47
Thanks for that, I was going to ask about that as well. Do Celtic have a similar thing as well? Was thinking trying a few clubs.

Anon, she's regained a lot of movement in her arms and fingers etc, and has some small pockets of movements in her legs.