Manchester United Banter Archive April 14 2014

 

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14 Apr 2014 23:43:10
interesting quote from Mario Gotze "When I was at Borussia Marco Reus wanted a move to Man Utd, he hasn't changed" hope our bad season hasn't put him off too much.

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Sounds like a made up quote to me, given what I have found on the internet. Not on any official news pages or coming from people I would consider reliable sources on the internet so wouldn't get your hopes up. Would love it so much if it were true because he is just one of those game changing players who would suit us to a tee imo

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I love a good made up quote.

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Probably not kosher tbh but would be great if he joined us

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Like Kroos I would have to question whether this supposed quote from Reus is genuine or an angle to get a pay rise. Reus is a very good player but why would he want to come to a team led to the doldrums by a defensive manager when he is used to the total opposite playing aggressive attacking intent at Dortmund. I would look at the style of play at the club before moving there and it doesn't bode well looking at our style. If his manager was to arrive at Old Trafford what a difference that would make, to the fans, the players the club and the opposition. It would scare the hell out of the opposition having spoken to a few of them. Yes to Reus but preferably with his present manager as well.

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I think it's definitely true. The same source has a quote from Messi saying 'I have always been a huge fan of David Moyes and would love to play for him one day'.

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I can 2nd that quote AJH, I was there when he said it.

Red Man,

We get it mate, you hate Moyes and think he is a defensive manager, I do like your posts usually but I feel you are banging the same drum repeatedly. I think people who agree / disagree will have told you already so you are wasting your time a little.

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The Messi quote is true. He said that he doesn't believe that he will have really proved himself as the best player in the world until he plays for a manager who has the courage to play him out of position. Moyes thinks Messi has a good pair of hands and DDG can easily play on the left wing.

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Nice to see that half the people commenting have decided to turn a topic about marco reus into a topic about making digs at our manager. top fans.

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The way Moyes has been supported at matches I am sure we can have, and he can live with, the occasional dig on a banter website about United.

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GDS2

I don't hate Moyes but I am seriously worried about Moyes effect on the club, I admit that, because I see the Sexton situation again which caused a lot of pain to all of those game goers in that period. My point was whether Reus, a really top player, will still want to come to the club under present circumstances. The comment to Goetze even if real, given timing would likely have been made during SAF's reign and things have changed, dramatically, also the perception of us as a club I believe will have shifted slightly. Maybe waving money at them will be attractive but now we have to offer money and talk about our project yet will they buy in with Moyes in charge? I am allowed to remain unconvinced he has what it takes and that is why I post, because I care.

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14 Apr 2014 21:14:14
Can anyone who might know shed a light on whether Ekangamene is highly regarded in the u21s or whether he's likely to be loaned out again or sold. Also how did he get on at Carlisle united?

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At 15 he was a very good striker, then he grew out of that position and MU seen something in him so turned him into a midfielder. I'm not sure he will ever make it, but he is certainly a late bloomer.

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You on your hols this week Syd or next week?

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Ah right, Cheers Syd.

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Not this weekend, next bank holiday weekend BS.

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I think he was pretty high rated, made the defensive midfield position his own over the past 2 seasons ( had to play in defense a couple of times though ) but he went out on loan to league 1 and barely touched ball, that can't be good since Barmby, and Lawrence before him got a lot of footy at that level when they were out on loan

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14 Apr 2014 21:06:31
Every man and his dog knows that we need a couple of midfielders, a strong box to box player and a deep lying, top class passer. Now, Kroos and Koke spring to mind as the best two options, but what if they are not available? Does anyone have any suggestions as to who other targets may be if we don't get either of these two? Both will be very hard to land. Gundogan is also in the mix but who knows about his fitness.

Thoughts and suggestions guys as to other targets?

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14 Apr 2014 22:57:05
Realistic options: W. Carvalho & Lars Bender or Alex Song & Ander Herrera / D. Parejo. Anyone of those would improve our midfield. If we don't get Kroos, Koke, Gundogan, Vidal. these are the players we should try and get. if we don't want another fabregas saga on players like Kroos we should try and get one of those players
Pato

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14 Apr 2014 23:03:55
Hi Fresh,

This is just a little leg pull but could you, say to the nearest 100, put a figure on how many players you hope United will sign this summer.

;-)

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Because midfield is such a major area of improvement, most people would improve us but we need at least one of the two to be considered world class so possibly go all out for a playmaker type in Kroos, Modric and Gundogan. We should at least negotiate for Gundogan and see what happens in regards to a medical and if its worth doing then snap him up.

For the box to box type midfielder, we have to try for Vidal although he's seeming more and more unlikely to join us. Other potential targets would be: Carvalho, Matuidi, Kondogbia, Witsel, Song.

Personal top 3 in order would be: Kroos, Carvalho, Gundogan. I know we won't but imagine if those three came in! Wow, they could actually stand up to some of the worlds best midfields but never going to happen unfortunately. Kroos is likely using us for a better contract at Bayern and Gundogan seems to be heading the wrong way with his injuries although he's still world class. Carvalho seems more than likely given the number of times we've scouted him but 37mill is too much for someone playing in the Portuguese league imo but we'll see I'm sure

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I think it's about 85 now Jenny.

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This may sound crazy to some of you, but there are 2 lads who may not set the world alight with their star names but they're certainly good young players. both of whom I believe are on par with Koke, although that is up for debate haha.

DLP; Ogenyi Onazi, this season especially he's developed big time. he's a bit of a lightweight, but his passing and movement are very good and all he needs to do is bulk up a bit.

B2B; Pedro Obiang, I've gone on about him a lot, he reminds me of Pogba and in my opinion is better, although many don't believe that to be the case (ay M1ck) ;).

I'd go for them anyway just because you could get the pair for £25M.

If we want to push the boat to and sign some already class midfielders I would try and prize;

- Marchisio
- Song
- Celso Borges
and/or
- Montolivo

We have to be realistic, we won't spend £50M+ on a single player, we perhaps will lose out to the Madrids, Chelseas and Citys when it comes to players like Kroos or Cavani.

So for me, we need to build these world class players from already class or potentially special players. hence why Onazi and Obiang would be my choices IF we couldn't get the big guns.

The 4 I've listed are all gettable, all can do a job, all will be of decent value and have all proven their ability elsewhere.

The Moon.

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Oh no its the wife ;-)

Hello Jen and welcome over to the right side, right now we are taking applications so please so feel free to apply, u won't regret it, ill even chuck in a compliment from my sexy self to ya baby lol. :-)

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15 Apr 2014 07:29:39
Morning Chris,

Ha Ha, as tempting as that offer is I'll have to stay on the dark side, :-) and be careful or Bond will be pulling you up for trying to turn it into a dating site. Lol.

And sorry Fresh but when I pop over for a read yours is normally first post of the day ;-) I hope they don't let you down come the summer window.

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Oh could we have our first Rumours.co.uk wedding on our hands? The proposal could be on Ed007's first podcast show.

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15 Apr 2014 14:21:03
Well if ed007 does a pod cast I'll get so see his self proclaimed god like looks or alternately it will confirm what ed002 says and that 007 is actually covered from head to toe in ginger hair. :-).

My monies on the looks.

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{Ed002's Note - Thick ginger hair.}

14 Apr 2014 18:37:42
Constantly read that our club will be spending up £200m this summer! As I understood it, it was £150m over the first 18mths given that Moyes as spent nearly half of that already then can't see the 7 world class players coming. Wonder if one of the eds could clarify not to put you guys on the spot?

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I think with the way this season panned out we may get more than the £150 million total, maybe as much as £150 million on top of the money for Mata and Fellaini.

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I would not read too much into stories saying we have X amount to spend. We're a big club with the necessary finances to complete deals (as we've shown with Mata in particular). If the right players are available then we will always look to buy them. Of course the dream scenario is that the players we want show a desire to move to us and we can agree terms with, firstly, the club and, secondly, the player.

Speculating about figures is pointless. and i'll tell you why, let's say the Glazers allocate 100 million to spend and by the last week of the transfer window we've spent 95 million. then up pops Arturo Vidal saying he wants a move and that Juventus will sell for 40 million, you think we'd let that opportunity slip? Of course not. Let them get on with negotiations behind the scenes and wait to see how it plays out.

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I think IF Moyes is still manager way less and now rumour has it we are going to offer Evra a new contract, if that happens we are proper Dutch ovened

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I doubt there is a 'budget' - I would say that if the money needs spending it's there for the right player. We need to be sensible though, someone like Garay for £18 million is a much better bet than Mangala for somewhere in the £30's.

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Fresh, maybe Benatia for around £20-25 million would be an even better option, and even for £30+ million, at 23 Mangala would be a sound investment.

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I doubt we'll spend money on the basis that the player is 'available'. Taking that approach we won't get the players we desperately need. We need a transition and we need top players.

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Benatia is a very good player, I have my doubts about Mangala, he has never impressed me.

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14 Apr 2014 18:32:09
What do we make of Ferdinand wanting to stay? I think that its not a bad move so long as he is very much last choice - a player coach role I think would suit everyone's needs then have him retire into the back room staff.

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I'd say no thanks Rio, thanks for the service buts it's time to go. Can't see Rio wanting to be in the back room staff, his future career will be as a cap salesman.

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I think it would be a good move to keep him about. He could play a Giggs type role, where he is involved in the coaching, and playing him in certain games.

We need to keep some of the old characters about the club, and Rio is well liked and respected by the players' and staff.

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He needs to go along with Evra, we are in a team transition, new manager, new beginning, new start. No room for sentiment.

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Rio has been a good servant but also part of a culture which, probably, needs to change. Anyway, how many people do we need in the back room!

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Rio stays one new defender in Rio goes two new defenders in what do you want

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Personally I think he should stay while Michael Keane matures. Would it be that bad having something like Jones, Smalling, Garay, Evans and Ferdinand? Then Michael Keane could replace him in another season when he is ready. The ed has said that the Ginter boat may have sailed.

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According to Rio he is living the dream. 140k a week and playing once a month. I know he has been a great player for us but sometimes you have to make some tough decisions.

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14 Apr 2014 16:58:55
I can't believe what I have just read. United are offering Evra €85,000 to stay.

Are they for real?

How in gods name can people at the club not see what a liability he is?

The man is responsible directly or indirectly for a massive percentage of the goals we concede he hides from his duties of defending by galloping forward and not even trying to get back. He tucks in so close to the CBs that our left wing does his defending for him.

If he gets a new contract we may aswell forget about next season already!

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If true I guess that rules out any LB coming in.
And it all starts again.
Not posted for a while, its good to be back.
Where's Kloot :-)

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If Vidic and Rio weren't leaving I would've said let Evra go. But remember this we are going to need someone like Evra(leadership/characther) in the dressing room atleast. So yes everything in football is not just related to what happens on the field alone and this is Giggs last season as well, which makes it 4 massive characters and leaders leaving the united dressing room. I think giving Evra an extra year is a good thing for our youngster in the back four coming through and Moyes will sign an lb for next season. And yes evra is the last person I want starting at LB but please don't disrespect one of our best LB's we had in the PL era. He doesn't deserve it .

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Even if he gets a new contract we will sign a new left back, I can only think that Moyes wants to sell Buttner and keep Evra as back up to mentor Shaw. That would be the only explanation.

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Just because someone wrote it doesn't mean it's true, just like 99% of the things wrote about United. I really hope this one isn't true.

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If Evra stays, then Evra plays.

We need to let him go or we will not improve. It's quite simple.

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Can't see Shaw coming and Evra wouldn't make a good mentor anyway. I can imagine it, "don't bother running back Luke someone will cover you".

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Early signs of a struggle to get players in

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Dear God no! If Evra, Rio or Giggs are still part of our playing staff next season I will be joining the Moyes out brigade. All 3 are way way WAY past their best. Rio and Evra wouldn't be good to keep around the dressing room as they are too full of their own self importance for me, it would be a huge disruption to the new side we are trying to build. Let's cut them lose and they can go wherever they want.

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{Ed025's Note - they can join the home guard.. :)

Good point about the old guard ed, Everton usually do take our castoffs anyway. :-)

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Well a reporter in California has said all along that the Glazers are only interested in money and there won't be a lot of money to spend, also Moyes is going and Evra offered a new contract, he said that days ago

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That reporter in California must be a proper Sherlock Holmes, imagine deciphering that business men with no interest in football are only in it for the money.

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14 Apr 2014 15:52:11
Obviously a bug summer ahead this year, I think we have a great chance to sign some top players, with Barca banned, Chelsea and Real want strikers, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool are unlikely to sign big names, so I think with our budget we could have a great summer. Also with even a few top new players I think we can get the top 4 spot quite comfortably next season. Everton and Liverpool are likely to struggle with the combined demands of the Premier League and Champions League due to the size of their respective squads. Arsenal are also likely to struggle with the demands of the Premier League and Europa League, and Spurs always fail come the end of the season.

Personally I think we need five top class new signings, although four really top class players would do. Obviously we need a new left back. Evra is leaving, and Buttner is not good enough to be first choice. I would go for one of Ricardo Rodriguez, Alex Sandro or Luke Shaw, which would probably cost around £20-30 million. Then we need an experienced back since Jones Evans and Smalling are not ready yet. I would sign one of Garay, Benatia, Subotic or Mangala, which would also probably cost £20-30 million.

The big one is the centre mid, and whether we sign one or two. I think we need two, to totally overhaul our midfield. We need a dynamic, more defensive centre mid, either Vidal, Pogba, or Carvalho, although any of Matuidi, Khedira, or Sven or Lars Bender would be great. Then we need a more creative centre mid, either Modric, hopefully Madrid have another brainless summer, Fabregas, Kroos, or Gundogan, although Gundogan's injuries would be a concern. Then we could play an asymmetric central midfield three, with a deeper defensive midfielder central, a deep creative midfielder and an advanced creative midfielder either side. For me the perfect midfield would be Vidal, Fabregas/Kroos/Modric and Mata. This would probably set us back around £80 million, but that would complete our midfield for around five years which would be a great investment.

Finally we need a left winger. Again a few options, Di Maria, Reus, Sanchez, Griezmann, Lucas, Shaqiri would all be fantastic, especially Reus. Probably cost £30-40 million, but any one of them would be a massive improvement on Young and Valencia. Total cost of all these would probably be around £150-180 million, which looks totally unlikely, but I can see maybe net £100 million invested, and with Giggs, Ferdinand, Evra, Vidic, Carrick?, Nani, Anderson, Macheda, Bebe all leaving, wages will not be an issue, and maybe we can recoup as much as £30 million with one or two other sales such as Zaha or Hernandez. Overall I think we will see big investment, big signings, a massive improvement and an immediate return to the elite of the Premier League and the Champions League. Finally I think if Liverpool win the league this year, then Fergie may have a word with the board to encourage them to spend really big, to help Moyes knock back into their place below us in the table.

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Gilly

Love your post. and I hope it comes to reality. With a minimum of 7 players leaving that alone should make a significant saving on wages and over the year, So surely we can afford to splash the cash.

I really hope that the 200 mill is there to spend and we recruit some proven players.

I just hope we can find some players that will play with their heart and not for a big pay packet. I pray that these targets understand that they are guarantee to get 1st team football and don't choose to go to either of the money bags and end up warming the bench.

If we could get 2 CM and 2 wide players. it would allow us to change the dynamic style formation we have been lacking. but alk this hype of having 200mill to soend has me worried that we will end up having 100 mill and what eve4 we get from selling.

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Reddevil, I also worry we may not see the investment we really need, but the board want to make money, and for that they need the club to do well. Also I agree we could do with two new wingers, but the centre back and left back areas are the main concern, we desperately need a top class player for both of those positions, and with Valencia and Young probably staying, Kagawa hopefully staying as well, along with Mata, Januzaj, Welbeck and maybe a new winger like Reus I feel like we will have enough cover for the wings for now.

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I would be happy with just Garay, Shaw, Carvalho and Shaqiri. That is the minimum sort of thing I would expect. Ideally it will be two midfielders, a centre back, top winger and left back as you say.

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I don't think two wingers is needed though, don't be greedy. We have Welbeck, Valencia, maybe Young still, Januzaj and Kagawa all to fit in the team who probably won't be starters.

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Gilly

Really good post. I do wonder if we might skip a left-winger seeing lingard performance I the championship this year and I think he is close to being ready for first team action. We might see young and him split duties for one more year and then del young next year.

I now people want young gone but I don't believe we will sell him as there are already too many leaving/retiring.

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GCU, that is the same reason I think Young and Valencia will both stay for another season. We have a lot of experience leaving in Giggs, Ferdinand, Evra and Vidic, although part of me wishes Vidic was staying, he was phenomenal against Bayern, and he really proved he is still a top defender especially in Europe and nothing wrong with his commitment. Not sure about Lingard, good player but maybe a bit below the level we need in the league, maybe play the cup games. Plus I think we need a really rapid winger like Reus for a goal threat and pace that can stop the opposition full backs moving forward too much.

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I also like Iturbe and muniain as cheaper options.

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14 Apr 2014 14:24:26
Well I never, Paulo Bento is considering Bebe as part of his Portugese team selection for the World Cup. What a turn around that would be. He has all the attributes, I think he could make it.

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I can assure you we have no one in our entire team that can the ball like he does when he gets it right. Quite scary and Ronaldo type movement and maybe faster.

That would be something if he suddenly comes goo LOL.

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14 Apr 2014 11:58:08
Hiya Sydney,
My brother in law, who's a Utd fan was talking about your upcoming game v Everton. We think its 1969/70 season since Everton did the double over Utd. Given the form they're in and with DM going back to Goodison he is not very optimistic.
I was wondering if you knew if that was the correct season or not, and how you think DM will set up for that game in particular. It will obviously be an emotional return for him.

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