Manchester United Banter Archive July 12 2012

12 Jul 2012 20:59:00
So SAF appears to confirm only one more buy and I am extremely disappointed if that is the case.

If it is a left back our midfield is exposed, if it is a central midfield player we will be left with a dodgy left back and reliant on the inconsistent Nani. All the while Berbatov is not wanted and Keane injured leaving only Rooney and Hernandez who are settled with Welbeck in the last year of a contract. We could get by with three strikers if we bought two midfield players central and wide changing the way we play. Powell will be interesting but at 18 it is too much pressure straight away. Even the great Ronaldo would have found that difficult for a couple of years

I find it hard to believe that SAF really believes one more is enough until you realise there is finally acknowledgement by those leeches that there is a financial issue, the debt holding us back. The IPO contained the phrase "our indebtedness could adversely affect our health and competitive position", the first official admission that the massive debt burden the Glazer family have lodged against United could be a problem. Still no explanation has ever been given how the Glazers managed to pay off £249million of the PIKs.

No doubt some will say all is well but read the above phrase and realise that one player more will leave us short when City haven't even started yet. Will it take us dropping out of the top four to finally make people realise?

We will see whether SAF is playing a game but one more player leaves us very short and even two would be short but manageable. The financial mess is now out there and no amount of saying we have the money can deny the comment in the IPO

Red Man

What does Nani have to do with our situation with a LB? We could get away with 3 strikers...considering kagawa and powell can both play as second strikers...so really we'd have 5 if push came to shove. Midfield, as we all know, needs addressing! But we still do have cover there if we don't manage to land someone. SAF can't just buy all the players he wants, there's so many factors to a transfer that we don't even consider. If it was east we'd all have Ronaldos and Messi's in our teams! Petrucci, Powell, Tunners, Jones, Anderson and Cleverly can all play in the midfield. Add to that Scholes, Carrick and Gigsy and the situation isn't that bad! Fair enough, those names don't make me excited...but they can definitely do the job. If we can hold our own this season with the players we have and the new ones we've brought in we'll be back to the good old days of 3/4 seasons back. All the young guys just need to improve and gel together...have faith in SAF Red Man, he hasn't let us down so far! We're fine for cover, as i said it's not ideal but it's there. Who have we gotten rid of that was first XI last year? Fabio...that's about it really! Ok Pogba was a disappointment to lose, but that's football! A LB and we have enough cover in defense...Evra, Jones, Vidic, Rio, Rafael, Evans, Smalling and hopefully Baines. I think that's sufficient!

Some of the debt will go when we get on to the stock exchange, I don't necessarily agree with it...but it solves a problem short term. The fact is, United will probably be sold within 5 years and I believe the Glazers are trying to remove as much debt as possible before that so they can sell the club for as much as possible. They're businessmen remember? Things aren't as bad as a lot of people think or make out to be! The names I've mentioned in this post (and even the ones I haven't) are all quality players. They may not set the world alight but they will get the job done! The PL trophy's coming home lads!

Andy

Mate I'm just as nervous as you about not signing a CM but I'm hoping for the best. I am worried that it looks like we can't get Modric and we don't have a good 2nd option lined up. And I'm not sure whether that'd be down to SAF's subborness or financial restariants (maybe we're not even in for Modric?). I would love us to sign either Modric or Moutinho or Cabaye but not sure it will happen

However, when you say:

"No doubt some will say all is well but read the above phrase and realise that one player more will leave us short when City haven't even started yet"

I'm not really bothered about what City do TBH, we will not and should not compete with them financially. But like you say they haven't even moved yet in the market whilst we've signed one top player and one great prospect. Even if they do sign RVP they would have to drop Tevez or Ballotelli - which could cause chaos! And then if/when he gets injured will those ego's be ready to step in? Similarly if they'd have signed Hazard, maybe Nasri would have been on the bench and started b!tch!n

I'll be a bit gutted if we don't sort out our midfield but I'll trust the boss if that does happen. I certainly won't be worrying about what City do in the market as the more 'world class' names they bring in the more volatile their squad potentially becomes. Only 11 men can be on the pitch at any one time after all

Gav

United will sign a midfield dynamo have no doubts on that front.

Behind his smokescreen Fergie will be extremely busy not only on incomings but those going out of the club an activity which will have a big impact upon our aspirations for next year.

The fact Welbeck hasn't signed a new contract suggests that Fergie is looking at a striker but feel that the Berba situation is holding this up.

Seriously, I can see at least a further 3 signings with as many as 5 possibly being shipped out. Be an interesting 3 or 4 weeks ahead.

12 Jul 2012 20:42:11
I don't want to be viewed as a pessimist because I'm not but I think people are perhaps getting a little excited with what Fergie said today. I personally think us signing only one more player is more likely than us signing two. Even though we need both a LB and a CM.

Clearly Fergie views Powell as a CM and he said they will give Fletcher all the time he needs even though it looks unlikely he will be back. It's not what I want to happen but IMO even though Fergie doesn't usually buy in the January market I can see us waiting until then to see how Fletcher is then, how Anderson and Cleverley have played and how Powell, Petrucci and Tunnicliffe adapt to 1st team life. If that were to happen the most likely target would be Sneijder as he would be eligible for the CL.

I hope I'm wrong but we've had summers before where we have built our hopes up about signing this player or that player and had the usual value in the market and we tried statements. IMO it is realistic to think only Baines will arrive and our wait for a central midfielder of quality will go on.

Rjmanutd

I'm starting to think the same but let's wait and see...

TBF - getting Kagawa, Powell and Baines would be good progress it's just not the recognised top CM we need

Gav

12 Jul 2012 20:13:30
not united related but silvio berlusconi has confirmed that he has sold ibrahimovic and thiago silva to psg. crazy

AC may be interested in Berbatov come the end of the summer. He would do well in Italy.

Sydney!

On 2nd July thiago Silva signed a new contract with Milan which would keep him at the club until 2017. 10 days later hes been sold to psg. really? T45

What does it say about the state of football when Milan, a team of tradition like ours, sells its 2 best players to PSG? It's a hole new world, the oil money has changed it forever.

12 Jul 2012 18:51:55
syd

what do you think of andy greens theory that the glazers are struggling to repay the money they borrowed to pay the PIKS off.

the theory is that the loan is like a pik 2 and will be tied in to the "total debt to EBITDA" and like the original PIKs if it goes over the limit set the interest goes up only this time the debt really is the glazers and will have to come out of there own pokets not the clubs coffers.

it is suggested that this is why we have been buying the bonds back at such a quick rate and are now having to go down the route of an IPO to get the bond debt down.

jred

I think it's obvious that the Glazers refinanced their PIK debt. But I do not think this IPO has anything to do with the refinanced PIKs simply because the Glazers are not planning on taking dividends so why would they benefit from the extra cashflow? If they paid the bond debt down then they would still be left with their refinanced PIK debt wouldn't they?

Sydney!

If you are all that bothered about the glazers then take a stand return season tickets and leave ground empty every week and drive them out things will probobably get worse first but if it acheives goal then it has to be done

Syd no you have c/p missed the point the interest they pay on the pik loan is is tied in to our total debt to profit , the interest is going up and cost the family more.
Also 2 of the brothers have have expressed an interest to take there money out of united as alll there cash wealth is tied into the club
jred

Syd you say the glazers are not taking dividends it only says for the forseeable future,how long is that 6months 12 months ?
johndenton

We look as though season tickets are slow as well even though ive renewed im still getting texts asking if i want anymore
johndenton

Jred, if AG's theory is correct then that goes with what I have been saying that the cashflow is not that bad, better than any other club bar Bayern Munich and our cashflow has never been as good as it is now since the Glazer takeover. SO, as I predicted the Glazers do have another agenda and the "Cannot compete in the market" is an excuse. The real reason for this IPO is because their refinanced PIK's are connected to the Bond debt. Like I said the Glazers will have another agenda, they couldn't give two hoots about us fans.

Sydney!

12 Jul 2012 19:31:19
Personally I think, that if we are looking to sign a young player with tons of potential it should be on a player who as experienced a league of decent strength. Instead of Lucas Moura I think we should be looking to sign Muniain instead, with his experience of La Liga
sparky

Bilbao fans are worried he will sign for us my mate in Spain is a huge Bilbao fan he says we are also interested in Oscar de Marcos.

Caolán.

I'd prefer Muniain for the same reason but can't see it. Perhaps if Nani were to leave

Gav

12 Jul 2012 18:57:03
Every1 keeps going on abouy we should sign this CM or that CM, well does any1else think Fergie could push Rooney back behind Kagawa into that role, as he did when we were short in that area last season, he was decent to as i remember. so with that in mind what do ppl think of this team
DDG
JONES SMALLING VIDIC BAINES
VALENCIA ROONEY CARRICK NANI
KAGAWA
WELLBECK

its not ideal i agree but does look stronger than last season i think. Fergie has said just one or two more this season and one def looks like baines so if there is no number two which i dnt think there will be id be content which trying that system out.
Remeber we lost the league on goal difference last year, with a young inexpirence PL goal keeper, a new 19yr old DF in jones, one of our most consisten performers backing his comeback after a broken leg and our best defender out for most of the season, if injury to our most important players keeps to a minimum we will do better!

Chris the redman

"its not ideal" that bit I can agree with ; )

Gav

12 Jul 2012 18:23:39
I think we can narrow down the names that are likely to come in (apart from those unheard of guys like Bebe, Diouf etc). As I have said before, the Baines deal will eventually be sorted and I am pretty sure that he will come on tour with the lads. However, as for other signings, I'm not sure they will make the initial tour however I would expect that they are able to join up with the squad in Norway. Its encouraging to see that SAF has said one or maybe 2 more. The 'one' is certainly Baines, and the 'maybe 2' I'm sure is Modric. The Modric deal is very much a 'maybe', however SAF must believe that we have a good chance as it seems as though we are letting Moutinho and others slip through the net. As normal with SAF, if we miss out on Modric, then we will probably not go for a second choice as we all know how stubborn he is. Expect the Baines deal to be around £16 million and I think Modric would be a £30 million fee plus perhaps up to £5 million in bonuses - it really would be great to finally get one over Madrid.

Also, its interesting to here SAF speak about Nick Powell and where he thinks that he will play. Since we will be moulding him into a central midfielder I don't expect that we will see too much of him for a couple of months (apart from the tour) while he learns his trade. For central midfield we have Giggs, Scholes, Carrick, Cleverly, Petrucci, Tunnicliffe, Powell and Kagawa. We also will stick with Anderson unless Modric comes in I think. If Modric does arrive then Anderson will probably leave to recoup some money back into the club as we will have spent around £75 million.

Is there room for a third signing? I think another signing would be either on the wing or a young striker. I still expect Berbatov and Macheda to leave, so perhaps there is room for a Victor Fischer or there is an Angelo Henriquez. There is also the possibility of a winger if Nani leaves, either Gaitan/Rodriguez. Nani won't be leaving any time soon though, so I don't expect a winger (although we could do a converstion on Gaitan to a central player I suppose).

I think this is the team SAF wants to start next year with:

_____________DDG
Rafael__Smalling__Vidic__Baines
________Carrick__Modric
Valencia_____Kagawa_____Nani
____________Rooney

RedDevil19

Agree, although he would have wanted Hazard instead of Nani.

Sydney!

12 Jul 2012 18:12:13
has everyone forgot about Jack Rodwell? Fergie seemed pretty keen to sign him last year..

Yes we have forgot about him cos he is s**t

Haha post above ;-)

Jono

12 Jul 2012 18:00:27
Evening Gents,

Just a player that has been bought to my attention, Jordy Clasie of Feyenoord, 21 years old, CM.

Not suggesting we are interested in him but he looks a good talent and another option to think about if the other 75 CM's we have been linked with fall through :)

Would be good to snap him up sooner rather then later before his price tag goes through the roof!

Ports

12 Jul 2012 17:46:14
Fergie has said, "Powell will be a midfield player". I think the player we will get next will be Baines. Then that will be our last signing this window.

That leaves us with........
Scholes who retired once because he wanted MORE games.
Giggs who has changed his style for a central role. AGE??
Cleverley looks promising but seems to be made of glass.
Petrucci, Powell, Tunnicliffe all unproven at the moment.
Anderson plays well, gets a knock, gets PHAT! long lay offs.
Jones clumsy passes and needs to get settled as a CB/RB.
Fletcher will play a farewell game I'm afraid. He'll stay as Full-time reserve coach. Sad but true. It will be like watching G.Neville still trying but not being good enough or having the stamina/energy levels needed to play for United.

Personally, i dont think that baines wont be our last signing. I think we will get Lucas Moura for Scholes back up.

Then our transfer window will look like this:

Kagawa £12m
Powell £5m
Baines £15m
Lucas £32.5m

Thats around £65m spent now thats a great transfer window for me! Maybe we might get a new winger. If nani leaves. Maybe RVP if Berba leaves!

12 Jul 2012 17:27:32
Jred, unless the FFP rulings are implemented correctly and clubs take them seriously, we will NEVER be able to compete with City, PSG, Anzhi etc debt or no debt. It will improve our chances, but the club will never be held to ransom over wages or transfer fees.

Sydney!

its not all about money but
with out the debt we would be in a much better position to compete at the top end of the market.
something we are clearly struggling to do now.
jred

Sure, with more cashflow we could spend more on wages and transfer fees, but it doesn't mean that we will and it doesn't mean that the sugar daddy owned clubs couldn't still outbid us. Also more cashflow is only relevant if a player isn't fussed where he goes and only cares about who pays him the most cash. Problem is so many players want to go to a specific club nowadays IE RM or Barcelona and do we really want the players that only want to join us purely for cash? I don't think it's lack of wages that costs us in deals like Hazard. I think it was agent fees and our club's reluctance to want to pay excessive fees to greedy agents. This is something I cannot see the club changing their ways on. Doesn't matter how much cash we have got, the Glazers will still not want to spend more than they believe they should.

Sydney!

12 Jul 2012 17:13:39
Are people just harping on about Lucas Moura all the time because they're hoping to see the headline "Fergie gets his Brazilian"?

Or is it because he's great in Championship Manager?

DarkLard08

I think that particular headline tells another story altogether....

TK-Red

Anyone remember Championship Manager Italia?? What a game! George Weah, boyyy!

M.D. {Ed007's Note - If you start posting players we should sign off of that you will be banned!!!! :-)

That's a fantastic reply TK.

G.A.G.U.S

12 Jul 2012 17:00:25
"When there's a major international tournament on, there's a delay in the transfer market. But now the European Championships are over, we're trying to bring someone in."

Fergies quote from the press conference today so the player we are looking to bring in was playing at the Euro's.

Or maybe he was being his usual self getting us all to look the wrong way------phil

12 Jul 2012 16:42:07
so thats it then, kagawa, powell, and poss baines, hardy sets the pulse racing does it, please mr glazer go now .

I'm really looking forward to seeing Kagawa playing, Powell is a great prospect, Baines will be very solid left back if signed and there is every chance that we could add a central midfielder to that list. What is the problem?

CnM

A world class attacking midfield, the best left back in the League apart from Cole and one of the counties best up and coming talents? Not to mention the deal we are trying to do for the best central midfielder in the League (Modric). The Glazers are awful aren't they, its all their fault.

RedDevil19

And you got that from today how?

GDS

12 Jul 2012 15:29:57
Sir Alex discussed Powell's best position with Gradi, having seen him operate mainly as a deep-lying forward for Crewe. "I asked Dario if Nick could be a central midfielder. Dario thinks that's his position and Nick does too so we're all in accord. We hope he'll be a central midfield player and that's where we'll develop him."

SAF's words from the press conference today. I think this tells us a few things. Firstly, in keeping with what he normally does, SAF is seeking to develop a young player and mold him into what he wants. Secondly, I can't see another CM coming into the team. We now have Carrick, Powell, Anderson, Scholes, Jones, Petrucci and Tunners who can all play in the midfield, both conventionally and slightly more defensive.

He said earlier in the press conference that one or two more players could be brought in. We have to assume that one is Baines and also that a price still hasn't been agreed, otherwise he would of been unveiled with Powell and Kagawa. As for the other signing, given that SAF clearly wants Powell as a CM, it appears we aren't after Modric or Moutinho (I'm a bit disappointed in this, its a gamble playing a young kid like Powell in such an important position). So perhaps there is depth to the Moura rumors, but how would he fit in to a team with Kagawa, Valencia and Young. I personally think the other signing will be a striker or Nico Gaitan, and with possibly the sale of Young if we do sign Gaitan. Sorry for the long post guys...thoughts?

Andy

12 Jul 2012 15:09:54
I think you will be suprised how good Shinji is

He's going to be one of the first names in my dream team, got a feeling a lot of people will be surprised,
Tony Loz

There are three Utd players I will defo be fitting in somehow.

Kagawa, Rooney and Toni. Baines as well if he signs.

Jono

Cannot wait for the Dreamteam lads.

Sydney!

12 Jul 2012 14:24:07
I have a feeling Nani will be staying with us this season because he recently said this.

Manchester United winger Nani has claimed Manchester City were lucky to win the Barclays Premier League. The Portugal winger also offered up a stark warning to City that the red half of Manchester are ready to take their crown back this season. "It hurt to miss the league title in the last minute, but City had incredible luck that day," said Nani. "Hopefully next season is our turn and it’s up to us to make that happen."

Yes this is from the offical website and to be honest it has put my mind at rest now knowing that he wants to stay!

-JakeW

12 Jul 2012 14:03:00
Hi everyone this is going to anger a lot of you, but I wish everyone would stop complaining about probably missing out on modric and moutinho but, do we need them? IMO we are have got a better midfield than we have had in a long time, kagawa is the creativity we have missed, Powell will be a star and SAF plans to use him as a cm. then we still have scholes, carrick who is the most underrated player the club has had and Anderson has the talent to be a star if he stays fit, cleverly again could be world class providing he stays fit, giggs still has that bit of quality about him. Fletcher who hopefully returns is a quality player and I hope he gets well soon. Also we have the likes of cole, janauj (spelling) tunicliffe, petrucci and mats daehli who looks like he can be a world star IMO. So the future looks bright and I do firmly believe that with out current squad we will win the champions league and regain our title.

Caolán.

If we miss out on Modric I think we might go for Dembele just to add numbers to the squad. Not as a alternative to Mods, but an alternative to Fletcher. I wouldn't be surprised if Dembele and Baines are two more new faces this summer. I cannot see a Moura or Rodriguez unless Nani is sold.

Sydney!

But syd do we need anything else in our midfield you don't want to block the developments of the younger players I mentioned.

Caolán.

Modric, or as he's known to spurs fans, the little pearl, is close to a madrid move, its what the player wants, spurs will use that money to buy moutinho!

I still think we need a Modric to replace Scholes. We need to sign someone before we lose Scholes, not when we have lost him.

Sydney!

But united don't need them players we need to do what fergie do with beckham scholes butt and co (all began before my time) and that is play our current youngsters as we have some excellent talent

Yes but we need just one proven quality CM to bridge the gap to those youngsters IMO. Ideally in the 22-27 year old bracket. In 2 years we could be without Giggs, Scholes, Carrick, Fletcher and probably Anderson - so there would be loads of free space by the time those youngsters you named need to be registered for the 25 man squad

I do agree it's an exciting future in midfield with those youngsters developing but that's not going to help us win the PL back next season

Gav

Cleverly is scholes replacement.

Caolán.

But gav kanchelskis and ince were sold to make way for beckham and butt who were 18 I understand you think we need someone proven but as great as that would be I do think we should give the youngsters a try IMO daehli should play on tour games and some cup games. I also think Petrucci and tunnicliffe will have a breakthrough season next year. Maybe the central midfielder we have been linked with is nick Powell.

Noname - I would argue we were more dominant over our closest PL rivals back then and could afford to take the risk more than now when we're up against City and Chelsea's spending and many top teams in Europe

Gav

12 Jul 2012 13:47:11
Hey all,

What do we all think Jones' best position is. I don't think that he is a natural RB. I think that he can be developed into the CDM that we need.

-----------De Gea----------
--Rafa-Smalls-Vida-Baines-
-------Carrick-Jones---------
-Tony-----Kagawa----Nani-
----------Rooney-------------

Sparty On

12 Jul 2012 13:02:30
Modric to Real ?
Moura to Inter ?
Moutinho to Spurs ?
Van Persie to Juventus ?

No moves for Cabaye ? Gaitan ? Rodriguez ?

Appreciate there's some different positions in the above but this suggests we've already had our marquee signing with Shinji.

What do folks think Kagawa's best position would be ?
Behind one striker in a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 ?
In the hole behind Rooney and Welbeck in a 4-3-1-2 ?

If its the latter could we be opting for midfield 3 of Valencia - Carrick - Young and more fundamentally would that work!

There was an earlier post about possibility of using Rooney in midfield is there's no further recruits. Or is this Anderson and for that matter Nani's final season to show their worth ?

Halesini

Don't want to start the Nani thing again - BUT - he doesn't need to show his worth - it is obvious.

I am wondering if, apart from maybe a left back, our main signing will be left wing / forward, maybe Gaitan or similar then we could play a 433 as for example Spain were doing in the euros - may "best" team in that case would be something like.

DDG

Rafael Evans Vidic Pat (or alternate)

Carrick Cleverly
Kakawa

Nani Rooney Gaitan


That should be fun.
Mike

It's a tough one Halesini, especially if we don't sign another CM.What i'd like to see is a 4-2-3-1 in the PL and cup games, its not my favorite formation but it does work in England! For Europe I'd like to adopt a 4-3-1-2, purely to hold on to the ball at the top of the pitch to create chances.
So for the 4-2-3-1 I think we'll see something like this...
DDG
Rafael Evans Vidic Baines
Carrick Jones
Valencia Kagawa Moura/Young
Rooney

and for the 4-3-1-2
DDG
Rafael Evans Vidic Baines
Valencia Carrick/Anderson Young
Moura
Kagawa Rooney

Not ideal considering we've clearly missed out on some top class CMs, but not bad either! However if Fletcher is back to full fitness etc, he'll no doubt play a big role...probably at the expense of Jones! Which is a shame because I think he's got bags of talent!

Andy

12 Jul 2012 12:26:27
Who was the bundesliga player of the season 2011-12? i am actually confused about this one. {Ed007's Note - It was Kagawa.}

Not huntelaar? he scored 48 goals? {Ed007's Note - Top goalscorers don't always win POTY.}

So he beat somebody who scored 48 goals, wow he must have been good. Can't wait until next Wednesday now!

GDS

So he beat somebody who scored 48 goals, wow he must have been good. Can't wait until next Wednesday now!

GDS

Bond, that is even more confusing, i just visited the bundesliga website and according to them, it was Lewandowski who was declared player of the season2011- 12. even in the player profiles by ed022 it was Lewandowski who won the player of the season 2011 - 12. but since i saw too much comments here, mentioning kagawa was the player of the season, i just wanted to clarify it. please help me on this one ed.

silv3rzz ;)

Huntelaar did not score 48 goals.

G.A.G.U.S

12 Jul 2012 12:50:04
A little worried that were having a press conferance to unveil Kagawa and Powell today. Normally we only do the press conferance once all ths signings are made. Hopefully this is the exception and were doing now as no one will.be signed before the tour starts and we need to unveil the new players before they play for us.

Shappy

Shappy,

I think that is exactly it, they fly out to South Africa soon as the first game is in 6 days, so today or tomorrow would be the last chance to unveil them!

GDS

12 Jul 2012 11:55:27
tk red
i forgot to add,of course it will be a good thing if they get this ipo off and clear the debt,but i do think makeing inroads into clearing the debt is the very least they should be doing the very least,if they were doing it with their own cash then i would hold my hands up and say at least they are doing something for us but i guess this will have to do,but do remember that the ipo is in no way nailed on to succeed especially as i have already said the shares being of the very limited type.
mick the red fireman

I take your point mate. Nothing is guaranteed and Im not trying to praise the Glazers for trying to raise funds as, like you say, its the least they should be doing. The point I wanted to make was that some fans jump on the Glazers back for not investing as they should but when they do look to invest (I think we can all accept we were willing to shell out for someone like Hazard aswell as Kagawa and Powell) they still criticize them. Im no fan of the Glazers but IMO we are through the worst of our financial woes and things seem to be looking up despite some fans on here who are shrouded in negativity.

TK-Red

12 Jul 2012 08:58:32
Going out of my mind what is happening at OT all these rumours of players we want but wont get?? Now I read Welbeck has not penned a new deal so we cant even hold onto the players we have... Is this all a knock on effect from the rooney thing or is there just to much money in the other clubs and players think they can get it off these other clubs... Do players not see a future in OT after SAF?? I believe these new deals united are offering players are decent deals but when you have the likes of s**tty and chelsea offering the stupid wages they offer and everybody doing back flips when they hear Madrid, Barcelona how can we sign anybody

The life of a football fan from childhood to adulthood is a journey of realisation. When we're kids we think the club is ran by the fans, then when you hit about 10 years old you think its run by the players, then you hit 16 and you think its run by the manager and its not until you hit your 20's when you realise its run by the chairman. And thats the issue here, either you have a chairman who has the financial clout to compete with your closest rivals or you are just another also ran. End of story.

Flimbo

With out the debt united have the resource to compete at the top end of the market.
before the debt united did compete at the top end of the market
jred

Jred, unless the FFP rulings are implemented correctly and clubs take them seriously, we will NEVER be able to compete with City, PSG, Anzhi etc debt or no debt. It will improve our chances, but the club will never be held to ransom over wages or transfer fees.

Sydney!

12 Jul 2012 06:23:32
I enjoy your posts gan but how about being positive as well as realistic? You're bringing me down these days, man.

M.D."""
dear mr MD
ngiak has been a fan a long long time
he has seen change
in many directions in the club's history
sometimes good and sometimes bad and sometimes downright ugly
now it is somewhere in a flux..
good in terms of revenue generation and merchandising and sponsorship
bad in terms of debt
and worst in the eyes of the faithful, playing staff
the best are sold
the youth dont wanna stay
the aged are kept back
no strength in depth
pulling power of the club waning severely in terms of attractiveness for youngsters and good talent

solution - once the debt is cleared things will be great! and it may just be a matter of a few years - less than 5
but by then, will the decline be irreversible - like our friendly red neighbours?
time will tell
and this is the crucial period
gan

Gan
that is the concern for many fans , others just think everything will be ok for ever.

jred

12 Jul 2012 03:10:27
I am a manchester united supporter, this is nothing got to do with any transfers.. Just wondering why is the club in so much debt? we are one of the biggest clubs in europe and have a 76,000 seated stadium which is sold out nearly every game we play, yet we never spend more than 25million on a player? I also seen in an article on manutd.com that we were the richest club a while back... It really frustrates me why we dont buy big money players when they are worh it.. Moura and mouthino are top class and would definitely fit into the squad, yet united never offer a big sum of money when them players are clearly worth it!! Moura and mouthino would definitely outclass modric who's buy out clause is ridiculous and is not worth more than 20m in my opinion.. im sure alot of other people would agree!

Peace! :)

Have you heard of a family called the Glazers? Google them, it may answer your questions.

GDS

Because the Glazers borrowed half a billion from the banks to purchase the club, then they put the debt onto us. It is not a case of overspending on players or wages. This debt was lumbered on us by our owners.

Sydney!

12 Jul 2012 00:56:04
Moutinho or Moura? bearing in mind we have already signed 2 attacking midfielders in Powell and Kagawa, but Moura looks promising to be one of the best in the world.

11 Jul 2012 23:57:11
I know we have a long way to go in the transfer market, but if things are to be believed we have completely neglected the primary position that caused us so much trouble last season and, in my opinion, the reason we didn't get out of the group stage of the CL. And that is of course a central midfielder. The money was clearly there to spend on Hazard, that much is obvious...so why on earth is that money not being used to tempt a club to sell a midfielder? Our options are almost limitless...Moutinho, Cabaye, Modric, Fellaini, Sneijder, Ozil...anyone! As far as I can tell there isn't one of them players that would cost more than Hazard, we were willing to pay for him, why aren't we willing to bid for any of these top class players? I really hope SAF has something planned, i don't want a season of switching between Cleverly, Petrucci and Tunnicliffe. They're good players, but still raw! They're a season away from being in the starting XI! As I said, I know there's a long way to go but we all know SAF likes to get things done early most of the time..I really hope he has a surprise up his sleeve!

FrustratedFan

Carrick, Scholes, Cleverley Anderson.
Jones, Giggs.
(Plus hopefully Fletcher)

THEN:

Tunnicliffe.

Don't push the panic alarm just yet, mate. Your sign-off name suggests you're always feeling a bit low.

M.D.

FustratedFan

I couldn't agree with you more.
I really don't think he will sign anyone else apart from Baines. If that's the case Fergie really needs help! We have needed reinforcments in the central midfield area for two-three seasons now and still he insists on extending Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs contract.
Very worrying!

Simmo

Some rumours suggested we pulled out of the Hazard deal which prompted him to go to Chelsea so it might have been a case of us showing an interest but were never going to pay that much for him.

Flimbo