Manchester United Banter Archive July 13 2013

13 Jul 2013 22:47:48
forget todays result, means nothing. aside from that I think moyes is going to be a disaster. his football at everton was rubbish, he is old style, kick it long, let them have it. this rubbish about him and young players, where does this come from. Mourinho was our man but Sir Alex did not want him, big mistake in my book. we will rue this dicission. Paval

Well I guess they should have consulted with you before they hired Moyes.

Of course you're right pavel, of course you are. One of the greatest managers ever clearly has made a Massive cock up, I mean come on. : 1 game, 1 loss, 100% loss record. Moyes out, clueless, he knows nothing.

Infact, probably an Everton conspiracy.

Person.

13 Jul 2013 22:27:04
Our squad is not good enough and has been overachieving. FACT

We will finish 3rd at best this season. The fergie factor at this club was so underestimated. We will see now, the true quality of this united squad. If moyes gets off to a bad start, it could be a really tough season. David Moyes has no idea the enormity of the task he has on his hands. There will be amongst the obvious new challenges, the constant uncertainty regarding rooney and the pseudo confidence at the strength of this squad. He was under virtually no pressure at everton. The club were happy if they finished above liverpool. He also hasn't won a trophy in 8 years, which despite sounding monotonous, is the truth. He doesn't have a true winning mentality. It will be incredibly tough for him.

I for one think, if we are not careful, we will fall into the "top 4 challengers" category. We all know great things don't last forever, but now that we are at the top, we have to make it count. We need to bring in top players and actually stand a chance of winning the champions league. Our success should not be taken for granted.

Also, the fact that many fans are disregarding the fact that many players aren't good enough is testiment to the fact that many players that are not of the united standard are still at the club. The cracks are continually being papered over.

How is it that we are probably the biggest global football brand, but we don't stand a chance of competing against rivals financially or on the field. Its astonishing. Something needs to change, or we could see a downward spiral.


Ozzy

Ozzy, I'm not sure about a continuing decline. I think one benefit of the debt is that the glazers have so much pressure to keep utd at the top, anymore than one bad season would not be tolerated.

if we don't buy some worldies this summer and we suffer next year, I would expect utd to go bonkers in the transfer market next summer.

there is a brand image to maintain. the Glazers and the people who lent them the money are well aware that if the quality of the product declines, the image goes with it and most importantly so do the customers.

we are not just competing on the pitch but also for the hearts minds and money of people all around the world. nobody likes to be associated with failure, especially in utds key target markets of asia and the US.

I just hope that Moyes has the ambition and imagination to develop a product which is world class and that these these ambitions are not limited to bringing fellaini down the m62.

Ozzy

This is the kind of post that is so frustrating. You may have a point, but the time to make it is at the end of the window if we don't sign anyone decent. Have you forgotten we have won the league 5 times in the last 7 years and have been in 3 Champs League finals. If it wasn't for one of the best club sides ever, we might have won more than 1 of them. Everyone accepts we need to strengthen, particularly in midfield but the time to rant and panic is when we haven't. And no, I don't take pur success for granted. I started going in '78 and sat thought the dreary Sexton years, the Atkinson years, and the early SAF years which were less than special. This is a young squa with some great potential, we need to bring on some quality to supplement it and the is plenty of time left to do that. I don't think anyone on here knows who we are after so let's see what happens. If we don't sign anyone or sign average players, I will be happy to join you at the end of August in a mass rant.

13 Jul 2013 22:00:20
Well fair to say Thiago is not going to join us its taken 3 or 4 days for Bayern to step in and 8 weeks for us

Its plain to see Thiago was hoping for someone else to step in

He's gone move along

Move along to what? Fillaini? Isn't it about time people started waking up to the fact that we are being taken for a ride. We should be buying the best and yet people come on here and say stop moaning bla bla bla. wake up everyone cause this club is going downhill fast unless we start making our voice heard.

Classic no name negativity

The end is nigh!

:-S

Steady on no name. I think if come the start of the season we haven't strengthened then by all means make something of it

if we don't strengthen and then we are crap this season then il be right there with you rioting outside OT and burning glazer effergies.

13 Jul 2013 20:57:34
So, I'll start this off, from seeing the result today,

MOYES OUT! MOYES OUT! MOYES OUT!

Calm down Moon, give till Sunday at least! ;)

Lol, can't wait for the first 'I told you he was a bad choice'

13 Jul 2013 19:53:34
I hope DM is watching France v Uruguay tonight, Kondogbia can certainly play
TheSpartanred

13 Jul 2013 19:44:58
Say Thiago goes elsewhere and we don't move for Strootman, who else could we pursue?

Gundogan, Modric, Candreva, Marchisio, Vidal, Luis Gustavo, Fellaini.

Off the top of my head I cannot think of many more. I think we will get someone though, hope its Marchisio or Vidal. Juve could be tempted if we throw in Nani.

I could see us going in for Marchisio. He is exactly what we are looking for and Nani would be able to sweeten the deal!

We could go after Fabregas again, or we could go for Lars or Sven Bender. Also Khedira could be available.

Im sure the manager said we are well on with chasing our targets and is happyy with the way that its going, so wot will be will be.

13 Jul 2013 19:06:57
Well played today boys. It's only a run out, don't get too concerned
Welbeck though, I have to say, is worse than Heskey. Rooney isn't much better and if VP gets injured, you are in one biggg bucket of s. t!
Good luck for the season though, you should get 4th at least!


RD

Thanks for coming on and giving us your analyse of the game, glad to see you watched the game today even though u are not a Machester United fan, are you paying the monthly fee to to MUTV, if so thanks for your money, or are you simply jumping on the comments made by others and pretending you have watched the game, you just bitter very bitter.
KevDarko

Another day, another deluded butt hurt fan. Usually I ignore these, but today I shall pick this post apart. Welbeck is a decent player and a good squad player who can play several positions. Rooney is a great player, who can also play many positions, scores and makes many goals every season. If Robin gets injured, we have Rooney and Hernandez, who can both score plenty of goals. Plus we had 20 scorers in the league last season, we are not short on goalscorers. Lastly, the only teams with a prayer of beating us overall are Chelsea and Man City. {Ed007's Note - I had to read your first line a few times there, Gilly you forgot a space between butt and hurt lol I left your spelling mistake in just to show you why :-)

13 Jul 2013 18:35:25
Rumour has it that Manchester United are interested in loaning Rio Ferdinand out to Roma, with the intention of buying Mats Hummels from Borrusia Dortmund for an estimated £40m. Also, Cristiano Ronaldo was caught train spotting in the highlands and house hunting in Manchester after returning from his holiday in Chad. Finally, Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal for Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart, David Silva and Vincent Kompany as the exodus in the City changing room has boiled over with the appointment of Martin O'Neill as manager.

Made me laugh.

13 Jul 2013 18:28:53
Rio Ferdinand from Manchester United is launching a new career in music. He releases his new album in September called "RIO", a host of Opera Arias and Rap mixed together called OPRAP.

Jack Reds

It's actually a mix of Country and rap It's called C. r. a. p

Oi leave out the insult to good old country and western, like a bit of Daniel O Donnel so I do.

No its a mixture between Jazz and Funk! Its Junk

13 Jul 2013 18:08:15
Don't normally read this page, actually it's the first time but reading a lot of the comments really hits home about what a lot of football fans think which is UTD have done very well over the last three to four years with a very average team. Let me explain because its a back handed compliment, doing so well with such an average team is an acknowledgement of what a fantastic manger Fergie actually was, I mean the amount of times you guys should have lost matches you were out played in and then somehow won is testament to Fergie. You were right to fear the end of him because no matter who came in it was going to be a struggle although let's calm down just a little because it IS only pre season. In saying that now that the Fergie factor has gone if I were a UTD fan I would be a little worried, I mean replacing the greatest manager of all time with David Moyes I found astonishing to say the least. It might work, he might prove everyone wrong but if the story about Alacantra choosing Bayern over yourselves is true then it sums up what I've been thinking in that the pull of UTD has gone i. e Fergie, another point is that Fergie stayed too long, great manager that he was he made UTD too much about himself, all of the players who have talked about how much they admired UTD and would move there were really talking about Fergie and now he's gone, well I just don't know. What do you guys think?

Pep is the Manager, that what's swung it that way. Plus they are champions of Europe

Youre probably going to get a load of abuse mate but tbh I don't think you're too far off the mark.
Iv said on here before that 2 or 3 big signing are needed and the midfield needs totally rebuilding as we've been papering over cracks and that was down to SAFs ability to get the best out of his players and know when to rest players to keep them fit and motivated.
Still plenty of time to fix our problems but your post makes some good points even if it is a bit of a dig and tbh some on here who don't always wear the red tinted specs will agree

BABY FACED ASSASIN

13 Jul 2013 17:04:43
I never really expected a fantastic performance today and I am not that surprised we lost, me and Paddy obviously differ on expectation! This was the first game back and we were playing a rather energetic side in the middle of their season. I'm unsure as to why this warranted playing a high line and playing offside!

Amos - did very well except from the goal which I think he will be dissapointed with. Don't expect to see too much of him next season.

Fabio - I get the impression he is a couple of years behind Rafael, seemed to get dragged out of position today and was diving in to challenges.

Anderson - mixed reviews it seems, I still think he is a good player and showed signs of the player we bought last season. It would be wise to keep him another year.

The Brand - didn't do much, similar to every game in the sense he doesn't set the game alight. Good squad player imo.

Janujaz - this lad is going to be a star, looked so comfortable on the ball and showed a lot of great touches.

Welbeck - don't get me started on his performance today, the lad was so poor.

Giggs - another poor display, I expect him to focus more on his coaching that playing.

Zaha - nothing dissimilar of the player I watched at palace, spilt my tea when his hit the post!

So for the length ;)

You can carry on the Kloot bandwagon slating Cleverley but I guarantee he will prove you all wrong if he hasn't already a full international and a young player working hard under specific orders to do a job for the current champions of England.
The disrespect you show him bemuses me.
Along with Wilshire he's the brightest prospect the country as produced for a long time.
Give the lad some time and his confidence will return
Dylan {Ed007's Note - Are you over 80 Dylan? Because if anyone under that age called me a 'lad' a month before my 24th birthday they would have got a belt on the mouth for their cheek!! He is all the man (player) he will ever be.
Wilshere is about 2 1/2 years younger than Cleverley and already light years ahead of him in ability. Cleverley will never be as good as Wilshere is right now. Would a Real Madrid or Bayern Munich bid for Cleverley if he was for sale or available? He would end up at a Stoke or WBA, and if Utd can throw Danny Welbeck into the deal, all the better. If Cleverley was so good he would shine out in Utd's current terrible midfield, all he does is make it worse.
Carrick was playing better than Cleverley ever has (or will) and took terrible abuse BUT he didn't come through the youth system so was fair game for it eh? Utd fans are desperate for the next quality youth player to break through, Cleverley isn't that player no matter what some fans try to make us believe.}

Lost me at Anderson, the player we bought last season! Erm. No.

Well said Bond. Expect Syd to arrive shortly to defend his love child

Dodgy,

When Anderson played further up the pitch rather than next to Carrick he played very well and everyone was singing his praises! What I meant was he showed the promise of that player we thought we bought, obviously minus the pace!

I agree whilshire is vgood just started bad with injury last season cleverly is pants he is a better Jordan Henderson

Ed007
Cleverley as we know was a late developer, he had good spells on loan and when introduced to the first team did exceptionally well for you to write both him and Wellbeck off is a joke the game in this country is crying out for our own kids to be given a chance how impatient are you?
Yes they don't have the consistency that we demand but maybe that's down to not getting a regular place and coming through their difficult spells.
Have the beloved Silva Toure Lampard not experienced dips in form oh I already sense your disbelief that our players are not in same class!
Well Moyes like SAF will give these LADS every opportunity to develop their careers at UTD and won't end up at the mid table clubs you mentioned and you and your mates by this time will have moved on to the next young LAD that's given his chance.
Dylan {Ed007's Note - Yeah, I'm fed up reading all the opposition fans in England and Europe saying they wish they had Cleverley and Welbeck in their team, not even Utd fans have them in their wishlist/formations they post in.
If you are comparing Cleverley to Lampard I think you need to put the beer down mate, he might have had dips in form but Cleverley is in a mediocre rut! Oh no wait, he had 'good spells on loan', but when is he going to have his first good spell for Utd though? The last part of your post I can't make any sense out of, sorry.}

I just don't get it, this s**** midfield that we have are the part of the champions of England grant it we are not at the level of Bayern in Europe but I don't get all this he's no Lampard talk
Cahills no Vidic or Rio so what, it's how we manage the season.
We all know that we are in need of another midfield player but not to replace Cleverley.
The point I tried to make earlier is by the time Cleverley&wellbeck have proved you wrong you'll have already singled out the next homegrown player for not being in the same class as Rio Giggs etc. there's always a victim of this impatience.
Dylan {Ed007's Note - It's not impatience Dylan, it's a sad reality. I'm not comparing him to past players, I'm comparing him to current players throughout Europe, he wouldn't get near any other top team's midfield.
As for your original point about being champions, does that mean Utd don't need to improve then, why would you improve a team that won their league? Sounds a bit Glazeresque to me.
Every other fan wants to see the style of play improve, better players coming in and challenging better in Europe, I take it you will be happy with the same team next season then, after all, they are the current champions. I'll bet you £100 that Utd won't be next season if they go with the current squad.}

Totally agree ed007, couldn't have put it better {Ed007's Note - Cheers Mick.}

Ed007
Please read my post thoroughly before responding, you clearly have it in for Cleverley so let's move on!
I state the need for a quality midfield player to be purchased but answer me this, what do Chealsea, City Arsenal, Spurs need to do to close the gap?
Dylan {Ed007's Note - What difference would reading your post thoroughly make? What a pointless thing to say. Anyway, I don't really see Spurs or Arsenal as challengers for the title (yet), but Chelsea and City done exactly what they needed to do and changed manager, both those teams will be vastly improved next season for that fact alone, and probably if they went with the exact same players would still be different prospects in the league.
I think one of the major factors in Utd winning the league isn't there any longer, and that is AF, Utd have seriously weakened their managerial position (and the 'fear factor' he surrounded the club with) where as both Chelsea and City have significantly strengthened their management. We'll see what the gap is next season.}

Ed007
What difference would reading my post make?
Well for one you would see that I said we are not at Bayerns level and I believe we need a top quality midfield player to supplement what we already have.
Now if you read that as me being of the opinion we don't need to strengthen and being A Glazer groupie then fair enough.
You carry on banging the we need to invest like Madrid City and Chealsea drum while Moyes who isn't your fantasy manager like Pellegrini! Picks up where SAF left with a great squad with a desire to challenge on all fronts this season
Dylan {Ed007's Note - This is getting silly now, now you are saying Man Utd don't need to invest or compete for top players. This conversation is over. Oh and by the way, my 'fantasy manager' is exactly where I would want him to be.}

Ed007
Cleverley and Wellbeck are rated by the people that matter, neither will be sold they are considered to be good enough for our squad and they both admit they need to step it up this season, that's a positive and that should be applauded but your replies finish with a negative ie we, ll see what the gap is next season, it will be very tough for us to retain the premier league back to back with the changes at manager/coaches but it won't be either of the above that will let us down much to your.
I don't get to see many City or Chealsea games maybe I'm missing out on the magic formulae.
Dylan

13 Jul 2013 16:13:57
Hey guys, assuming Thiago doesn't bother with United, what is the likelihood of Utd putting an offer in for Eriksen. His name seems to have been mentioned less and less this window. I would imagine he would be cheaper, obviously is quality and young. I know he's been linked with the usual top clubs in every League but can any of the Eds say if there has been any change on his situation since the window has opened?

13 Jul 2013 16:07:53
just watched singha IX against MU. Man, we are in deep s. t. Defenders caught by offside trap not working too often, no midfield, Anderson waste of space, Giggs beyond due date, Welbeck is s. t, only bright side is Januzaj and Zaha. How could MU let Thiago slipped through their fingers? And please just shut the f. k off with me or anyone saying that MU is s. t. If the truth is bitter then wear your tainted glasses.

Wow-a journalist from the Mirror on this very site!

You do realise it was the first game back after only a week or so of training and they are not going to play hard. Chill out.

Yes we were poor defensively, however we had Rafael and Fabio as full backs for most of the game, and you know what they're like! They different offer the two CBs

Bit over the top I think, yes the defence were poor, though we had the the Silvas as full backs throughout most of the match, and you know what they're like at getting back! And then yes, the two centre backs were off the pace, especially with the offside trap, but with lack of cover and fitness you can't read into it too much at this stage. I personally thought Anderson played alright. He had good vision, threading a few good balls and making a couple of good runs too. Again, the midfield are never going to be at full fitness at this stage of the pre-season, so they probably won't be covering the defence as much as necessary. I half agree with the points made, but you're really reading into them far too much at this stage.

13 Jul 2013 15:57:57
If Moyes wasn't targetting thiago or other top class midfielders, then he better start doing so without further delay. We are playing dire and losing to a Thai team and deservedly so.
Anderson just been substituted, he looked shattered. The rest is the same old story, boring football, non existent passing, defence all over the place, midfield not covering the back four. It seems that nothing has changed.

13 Jul 2013 15:54:57
Welbeck carrying on from last season. Couldn't score in a brothel

Alex Fergusons Condom

Strikers have to take their chances, its easier for Welbeck to hit the corner flag than the back of the net. More shooting practice needed.
Zaha looked good though

13 Jul 2013 16:21:32
Bambi couldn't hit a barn door!

Welbeck is so frustrating, it is like he does not practice finishing! If he could sort out some sort of composure he would be a big threat but he is basically the new Emile Heskey.

13 Jul 2013 15:47:58
Am I the only one who thinks that Paddy and that are being a bit arrogant saying that us losing is a massive surprise?

Normally I would agree but considering that its the first match of pre-season, they've only been back training for a week or so and they're playing in conditions which are totally different to back home I feel it's not that unreasonable if we don't win?

Also I've been really underwhelmed by Welbeck, seems to be carrying on from last season where he scored much less than he should have. I do hope that he pushes on from where he is and has a much better season coming up.

MEF

13 Jul 2013 15:47:04
if welbecks a striker i'm f---n santa clause, what a s**** display from the team

Thank you for your constructiveb contribution. It has been both enlightening and helpful

13 Jul 2013 15:26:07
Before everyone jumps on my back yes I know its only a friendly and I know they have only just gone back to training but today has shown exactly why we need some new midfield players we have no creativity in our team anymore our best player today was Adnan who will struggle in the epl until he puts on some muscle, cleverly will never be good enough in my opinion all he ever does is receive the ball on the edge of the box then passes it back to the bloody halfway line all the time I disagree with what woodward says and actually think we DO need a bit of an overhaul long gone are the days when our team was the envy of all others apart from carrick not a single one of our midfielders would get into any of the other top sides our wingers are poor cannot beat a man or put a decent cross in our central midfield cannot put in a tackle and quite often other teams find it far to easy to walk straight through this may seem harsh and to anyone who starts saying i'm not a true supporter blah blah blah I am more then happy to debate these topics because I don't see how anyone can argue to the contary

13 Jul 2013 16:10:39
You are taking the pi55, Carrick would not get in any of the top 6 midfields, he's only in yours because its so cr4p!! Some clown even said he was world class earlier. Ffs.

Dreamer

He got in the PL team of the year last year so by the very definition would get in all English sides. I'm just as happy to shoot United fans down as rival fans so a bit of common sense please.

Ben

13 Jul 2013 15:18:37
Well we can all see how much Welbeck has not improved in front of goal, I do not understand how someone with so much ability can lack so much composure or natural goal scoring prowess.

You're right George, maybe a switch to midfield might be a good move?

13 Jul 2013 14:36:34
How bad has Giggs been!

He looks really sluggish, whether that is the age catching up some more or it is the fact they only come back a week and a bit ago. I am not sure but he has looked poor.

13 Jul 2013 14:32:24
I have not watched a lot of Adnan. but based on the first 22 mins of the game (yeah, I know. its not much), he is a pleasure to watch. Moves all around the field. Exciting player!

13 Jul 2013 14:26:43
Buttner is so, so poor defensively.

He is poor defensively which is why he was a winger in the early part of his career and imo should have stayed there. I would not mind him being pushed further up the pitch as a back up winger.

13 Jul 2013 14:24:32
Delighted to see Adnan Januzaj starting vs Singha All Star XI in 1st pre season game.
Lets hope he has some part to play this season as 18-21 is the most important time for developing a player!
Also Zaha has been given the number 29

13 Jul 2013 14:09:49
Great to see whole stadium turned up 8n red.
Its pleasure being a united fan

Rodio17

13 Jul 2013 13:56:38
New Manchester United manager David Moyes insists the club are closing in on their transfer targets.

The English champions were linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, but the player looks likely to join his old boss Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

Dublin reds

Wonder if they are bains and falliani

Baines would be an instant improvement on Evra and Felliaini is better than Cleverley, Giggs and Anderson. They would both be good signings but for the fee for Fellaini there is better options which is the only problem I have with it.

13 Jul 2013 12:35:19
hi all are real madrid willing to sell some of their midfielders like khedira, ozil and modric as they have already signed isco and illaramendi, I think moyes shuld try and sign one of them three

Alonso is likely to leave this summer, or next summer.

So, it seems as if they're just preparing to replace him.

All three would be better. any of them could walk into our team

I would take any of those 3 in a heartbeat if we could. Modric or Khedira next to Carrick would be great or Ozil on the right of a 3 behind RVP.

Id take Ozil and Modric if we could get them at an unflated price. About £15-20 Million each job done

ALDUtd

13 Jul 2013 11:33:15
Been reading that evra is a target for madrid. although his form has slipped in past seasons imo apart from irwin he's been my fav left back over the past 20 years

SPB

13 Jul 2013 11:17:33
Virmijl has signed a 3 year contract! hopefully he gets some first team action.

SPB

13 Jul 2013 10:42:27
Thiago Alcantara - "I want to go to Bayern". i'm shattered.

This is what a Barcelona official says Thiago said, nobody has seen or heard him say this.

Ste.

Are you clutching at straws like me then Ste? I was so excited that United were being linked with such a class player but I think we have to accept that he's going to Bayern mate. Gutted but still hoping he ends up at OT.

Matt

13 Jul 2013 18:16:29
have been seeing this all over the internet today but in every article there has been no quote from thiago or anyone close to him, I think is all been made up by elmundo deportivo. And seriously about this whole thiago issue I think we fans can do much in enticing to choose us over bayern via twitter and de gea (i. e posting on dave twitter account to always keep contyact with him and help him realise mufc is the best place for him) and finally I got a sneak feeling we would be in for a surprise and moyes would end up announcing all deals one day.

13 Jul 2013 10:10:30
Long time reader, but don't post that much, just the odd reply here and there, but this is just my two cents worth on Rooney, but I don't think he will be leaving.

My reasons is, I don't think the club would damage their new managers position with the fans. I know money talks and all that but unless Rooney hands in a transfer request (where he'll lose his cut of the deal). But I believe the club will stand by the manager on this one and not weaken. Every time D. Moyes has spoke he stated that Rooney's not for sale, I'm going to take his word for it (even thou I would sell at this point).

And I'd like to give a big shout out to all the Eds for all their hard work in the back groung and odd bit of info, your contribution is valued very highly. And to all the regular posters and no names, your input is most enjoyable, keep it up but maybe take some of the venom and doom out of some of the post.

Now let's all enjoy the game against Singha All-Stars today, and we'll get to assess how DM has us playing.

In the soul of Manchester United FC I trust. ;)
Have a great day all.

13 Jul 2013 08:03:20
As much as missing out on Thiago would be disappointing, I would still have Gundogan above any other midfielder.

GAGUS

As far as I am concerned Cabaye should still be considered a prime target for our weak midfield. I would get him and another in Strootman's ilk for 35m and be done with it.

I don't care who doesn't rate Cabaye but the guy is quality and he would be available unfortunately we will be biding against PSG so could be a problem haha

13 Jul 2013 06:28:37
Back from my holidays in Ibiza and I must say that I am really disappointed that we haven't signed anyone yet.
Moyes says that we (United) are on course with our targets but I'm not so sure.
Talks of Strootman going to Roma and Thiago going to Munich. We're we ever in for any of them or is Moyes just saving face by saying "who said that we were in for him"regarding Thiago.
It's becoming really frustrating now with City, Chelsea and Spurs already making improvements.
I really don't understand why he is wasting 17-20 million euros on a Center half Garay if this is true. We have so many options at that position.
Let's hope there's at least two signings in the next couple of weeks or so.
Good to be back again.

Simmo

Carrick played centre back last two seasons at one point or another. Our defence was unstable and we leaked too many goals.

Everton have always had a solid and stable back four. Maybe DM feels we need more stability now, not just promising players for the future?

If we get Baines & Garay plus an improved centre mid lineup we will be so solid at the back. Better than any of our EPL rivals. Then we can be more free to play up front.

13 Jul 2013 01:34:36
There has been a lot of kneejerk reaction to the news that Bayern Munich are interested in Thiago Alcantara. A lot of people are talking like Thiago has as good as signed for Munich. I'm presuming this is because a website have reported this today. I didn't see the reports on Sky but from what I've heard from others they were effectively reporting that Thiago was boarding a plane to go and sign on the dotted line. This seems to have created mass hysteria on the forum here. While Thiago could well end up at Bayern if his clause is met and he so desires, I think it's important to remember that anything that appears on a sky website these days can be taken with a massive pinch of salt. Let's remember Sky have a betting wing of their operation and in my opinion as long as exists, we're unlikely to see objective, truthful reporting of sports news stories. Today's reports in my eyes are no more or less reliable than what we've been hearing about United having almost closed a deal for the player for the past two weeks.

One thing further I might add is if we look at signings for United through the years, we have a history of signing players who only want to play for United. Take RVP and Berbatov as recent examples. City both offered deals to these players but neither even spoke to the club as they wanted to sign for United only. So if Thiago wants to play for United and United actually want to sign him, it will happen. If Bayern Munich come in at the 11th hour and he has his head turned, well then he is not the right player for the club. Players who want to play for United and only United make more loyal servants in the long run and better team players. That's why we may not have the best 11 players in the Premiership, but we can still win the league. That kind of loyalty pays dividends in the long run. I hope in a few weeks time we'll be celebrating the signing of Thiago. The fact that we're not hearing his agent whoring the player to all the clubs around Europe is a good sign, cause I think the majority of players who tout themselves around Europe are mercenaries anyway. I think we do need to keep calm though because I think there is a long way to run in this story yet.

Why would any of these top players born all over the world want to choose united or any other team for that matter? They go there because if the history, the current side and chances of winning trophies, the money on offer, and the location.
We all love united and we all love Manchester but players coming from Brazil Argentina Spain Portugal and so on, don't necessarily share our views on the club. So the only way to get them over here is to have a high profile ex player like Beckham talk to them and of course the offer of a fantastic package.
Nomidfield

13 Jul 2013 00:14:45
syd,
What you think, which players are united primary targets?

At the moment Baines, but hope DM is going to bag strootman/thiago according to daily rags there no hope now but last year nobody see RVP signing until late on. some where on the horizon DM might shock the daily rags and shock everyone and bring back CR7, very much doubt it but heres hoping :)
JEB

12 Jul 2013 23:32:10
Does anyone know why Valencia never went on the tour?

Apparently, ' he ran really quickly towards the plane but then stopped and put his foot on the ball

He's been playing for his country and has been given an extended break.
Raffa

That's quality AJH!

Ajh, that would be his right foot I assume?

13 Jul 2013 00:06:31
Moyes 'Rooney in the bast shape for 5 years'
Couple days later he flys home 'injuried' anyone else question this? Or just me being paranoid!

No injury, I think it was his attitude. The injury statement is a just a cover story