Manchester United Banter Archive April 17 2019

17 Apr 2019 23:54:10
Assessment of the squad

GK

DDG demanding too high a wage, sell while we can

Romero good enough to be first choice for a season or 2

Henderson good enough for back up/ cup matches, maybe he will prove himself to be our first choice in the long term

LB

Shaw has played well when fit this season

Young needs to leave

Competition needed for Shaw. Tierney, a united fan, worth a shout

RB

Dalot has potential, good going forwards needs to improve defensively

Valencia leaving

A seasoned pro needed whilst Dalot develops. Wan Bissaka seems popular but think he might block Dalot progression. Meunier (sp) at 27 seems a better fit

CB

Lindelof has progressed well

Rojo, Smalling, Jones, TFM not good enough let them go

Tuanzebe deserves a chance in the squad

Bailey started well, struggled this season, give him a chance to prove himself next season as back up CB

Need an experienced head. Alderwield for 25m seems the obvious choice so long as wage demands are reasonable

Also need 1 more in the squad. Promote the best youth prospect or bring in Ruben Dias or Milenkovic

DM

Matic can do a job but past his best. given the overhaul needed keep him for 1 more season

Bring in Neves from Wolves, think I favour him over Rice

CM

Pogba needs to go whilst we can sell him, if he runs his contract down, again, we will have to pay him crazy money or lose him for nothing, again

Herrera going

Fred back up

Mctominay squad player, maybe between now and the end of the season he claims a starting position

Pereira back up

Saul in to replace Pogba

Milenkovic savic to replace Herrera, not had a great season so maybe his price will be more reasonable

Promote Garner to gain experience in cup matches

LW

Martial if we could get decent money for him I'd let him go. Has the talent but not the work rate

Sanchez think we are stuck with him on crazy wages, use as back up

Replace Martial with Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham

RW

Mata going

Lingard seems to have struggled this season, use as back up

Sancho from Dortmund, we will get fleeced but he has talent

Promote Chong to use in cup games

CF

Rashford United through and through, great work rate needs to really work on his finishing to become top class, also needs talking to about his wage demands not unreplaceable

Lukaku good to have a big man as a different option upfront if a good offer came in for him I'd let him go and replace him with a cheaper option on lower wages who is happy to not be first choice

Promote Greenwood

Is there a question mark over our coaching? When did we last sign a player and improve them?

18 Apr 2019 00:19:49
Would love us to sign KT and think he would be better than Shaw in no time. Stretch to call him a Utd fan though, he is categorically a Celtic fan and that would make it difficult to get him.

18 Apr 2019 07:25:40
Interesting I agree with all of that except Bailly, he’s part of the problem in the dressing room imo.

The difficulty is this isn’t footy manager so we can’t just choose who comes and goes, but we definitely need some fresh ideas and to rid the poisonous and lazy attitude from the club.

Meunier is a great shout we need that experience, along with someone like Toby, two players there who will instantly improve our solidity while Tuanzebe and Dalot develop, and I think Dalot will make it. He works hard and has good attributes to his game. I’m not a fan of short term fixes but our defence is the exception. It needs improving right now, not in three years.

18 Apr 2019 08:07:30
Agreed with all
But, although I would also sell martial, if we could get another talented out and out LW, if it was Ryan sessegnon I'd be fuming. That would show what a joke we are.
I'd get rid of martial and lukaku. Go for ziyech and son if we popped spurs for champions league. Offer them martial if needs be.

18 Apr 2019 09:54:46
That's 8 new players which isn't going to happen way quickly. However this is the sort of analysis Ole needs to do and Woody needs to execute.

18 Apr 2019 12:39:04
It ain't that easy to sell on football manager now. But agree with that. I'd sell Bailly as well. Maybe stagger it all over two seasons.

17 Apr 2019 22:49:28
You would assume he got the job early to try and get players sorted for next season, find out who he wants in and out and start the work early. Get them in early and get a good preseason in together to allow a good start next season. It made a lot of sense really, to start the business now of trying get players in and sold early in the window.

17 Apr 2019 23:17:29
The problem is though, he seems quite indecisive. The PSG second leg he left Bailey at RB getting slaughtered. He only took him off because he was injured. The first leg against Barcelona, Young had possibly the worst game iv seen someone have in a long time. He didn't make a change. His form has been dreadful yet he plays every game.

We need goals in the second leg, he sits on his hands until the 71st minute. Every time the camera panned to Ole he was asking phelan for advice.

I hope Ole realises that this squad needs a serious upheaval. No loyalty to players he used to manage ie Lingard, Pogba. He needs to realise that if he doesn't put his own spin on this squad quickly, then he's out of a job come December, never to return to the big time again.

I honestly hope he rips this team up and brings in fresh hungry players with the squad complimented with players from the youth team. No one is expected to win the league next season, we just want to be entertained and then slowly build a championship winning team.

18 Apr 2019 14:35:35
Mumbles,

How do you know he was asking Phelan for advice? Can you lip read?

Also, so what if he was, he is his assistant, that is what they are there for, advice.

Strange thing to have a go at him for.

17 Apr 2019 22:07:21
You do have to wonder about Woody. ‘A thorough process’ we were told, a good run and suddenly Ole is appointed. Since then it has looked less than rosy and yes, I know we have a lot of player business to do both in and out.

Yet look at Spurs tonight, Poch may never have won a trophy but he continues to impress. Was he considered? Was anyone considered? What thorough process was undertaken? I love Ole and I was caught up in the rush to appoint him but actually cool heads were needed and we didn’t get that, we got the easy decision, one of our own, who made an immediate impression, what could possibly go wrong?

I hope Ole can rise to the challenge, right place and right time and so on but there was no thorough process. The biggest club in the world did not undertake any sort of process, amazing that we continue to knee jerk from Manager to Manager. No other business would accept a CEO making it up as he goes along. Stunning.

{Ed0333's Note - why you gave an interim manager the job before his contract was up I will never know? Oh I knew why because all his ex United playmates in the media clamored for him to get the job so they could waltz round Old Trafford once more like they owned the place. It’s crazy how a club of you’re stature made this appointment. You missed out on Allegri because of dissenting voices and for sure missed out on Poch if he was ever viable. Point is OGS is not the answer and you’ll be looking for a new savior soon.

17 Apr 2019 22:22:07
At the time it seemed like the right thing to do, to kinda put to bed all the uncertainty and start adequately planning for the next season. But now it kinda seems foolhardy and near-sighted. Its a fickle business, football.

17 Apr 2019 22:23:10
There were lots on here who didn't want poch when spurs had a tough time. Personally I feel we've made a big mistake in not trying to get him.

17 Apr 2019 22:26:01
How do you know allergi would have been a hit?

Ole deserved the job it's the his fault the players are rubbish and can't last a full 90 minutes of working hard and playing for the shirt.


Fergie would struggle to get these lot winning we have average players why people think any different amazes me.

17 Apr 2019 22:29:53
Im sure poch was considered but the board probably thought the fans would be up in arms if ole didn't get the job after psg especially.

Most people on here derided pochs lack of silverware, it would be very ironic if he then went on to win the champions league.

{Ed0333's Note - and how many titles has Ole and his bus won?

17 Apr 2019 22:34:21
deserved the job on that basis so did moyes then. he will be back in molde end of next season whilst we look for another manger.

{Ed0333's Note - how can he deserve the Job a few months into an interim contract? Surely the decision should have been made at the end of the season?

17 Apr 2019 22:35:16
Ed, i think you mistook my point as some sort of slight against poch and his lack of achievements, was actually trying to make the opposite point.

{Ed0333's Note - No mate I was actually trying to endorse you’re point but I’ve been laughing so hard since City lost tonite I can’t edit and articulate to my usual high standards lol. I echo you’re point about people damning Poch about being trophyless yet you appoint a player whose in exactly the same boat with even less experience. This is Man United we’re talking about. I really can’t believe Fergie let this happen.

17 Apr 2019 22:39:10
There is no doubt ole is high risk considering his experience if somehow we can scrape into the top 4 i think he stands a good chance if he is allowed to dismantle the squad and get his new ones in early to allow for a good pre season.
If we can do as ed002 has set out on the rumour page then he can start to build a proper team and drag us back from the depths of mediocrity.
If he can work some magic or find a way to get top 4 coupled with a clearout the future looks a lot brighter imo.
If we miss out on top 4 i effect pogba and ddg to push for moves which might mean a completely different approach to the summer window.
Im backing sanchez to come good in the next 5 games. It might earn him a move away😂.

{Ed0333's Note - I’F my wife was more understanding and reasonable towards the amount of football and American wrestling I watch I’d buy her a diamond necklace.

17 Apr 2019 22:47:24
Regardless what any of us think ole is the manager and he deserves the summer to work with the players and to change the team to his way then he can be judged.


We will end up 6th come the end of the season and back to Thursdays and sundays.

17 Apr 2019 22:51:46
said the same ed should have wated till summer to see were we wear at this rate woody will be spending more on managers than players.

{Ed0333's Note - that’s quite funny mate. Not beyond the realms of possibility tho.

17 Apr 2019 22:56:41
Hi ed0333 well done to your boys tonight and to poch and spurs.
Ed from the outset i said if we won a cup or got top 4 regardless of anything else ole would have earned the job.
He was appointed too early and the players slipped back into the comfort zone.
I think its a very high risk appointment we can only hope that he can learn quickly and starry the season well next season.

{Ed0333's Note - thanks for the congrats Ken much appreciated. I think Ole and his coach is as high risk as you can get and if I’m being honest I don’t see it being successful. He needs a stellar No 2 because I think Ole’s tactics are not gonna win you silverware regardless of how many superstars you sign. Saying that hope you get that Portuguese fella Fernandes really wanna see him in the Premiership.

17 Apr 2019 23:14:53
What a game it was today. I am rooting for tottenham vs liverpool final but i reckon Messi might be a bit too much but i really hope its an Liverpool vs Tottenham final.

I like both the teams managers and can't stand City or Barcelona winning it.

17 Apr 2019 23:08:54
Agree with you ed.

{Ed0333's Note - why Thankyou kind Sir or Madam.

17 Apr 2019 23:55:32
AJH,

That looks like one of my posts

Sentimentality and that will also cause real heartache should Ole have to be dismissed. A poor start next season and he could well be under pressure by Christmas.

17 Apr 2019 23:35:33
Ed to be honest i'm not looking to sign superstars at all mate.
I would like to see one or 2 experienced top players for sure but also young talented hungry players with a desire to succeed and improve.
The squad attitude and application is rotten to the core out needs ripping apart.
Totally agree with you I surrounding himself with the right staff. i'd put a fitness coach and technical coach just as high on the list.

{Ed0333's Note - and a Style coach because he’s no pep is he that Ole! You will sign some expensive players mate no doubt.

17 Apr 2019 20:24:03
Hi ed002 thanks for the summary below.
This would be a very large overhaul in 1 window. Do you know if the club have the appetite to have so much churn?

{Ed002's Note - The plan is to bring in about five players.}

17 Apr 2019 20:45:29
That would be great and with a couple of promotions from within if we can find buyers that could allow for most or all the outs you have mentioned.
Thanks for the response ed002.

17 Apr 2019 21:00:25
Music to my ears.
Hopefully they are players that are fitted to playing the style we want to play and not just big name mercenaries.
Thanks Ed.

17 Apr 2019 21:12:50
Wan bissaka
Milenkovic
Saul
Bruno Fernandes
Zaha

Would be my 5 if that where to happen.

17 Apr 2019 21:58:51
Centre back, RIght Back, Attacking Midfielder, extremely fast right winger and maybe another midfielder.

17 Apr 2019 17:03:33
I’ve been trying not to overreact and be a prisoner of the moment but I must not be the only one who thinks it’s time De Gea leaves? He’s been incredible the last 5 years and has saved us countless times. But he’s been shocking this year. Made several uncharacteristic mistakes and wants crazy money.

We’ve messed up our wage bill. We set a bad precedent giving Sánchez so much money and now many of our players want to be on similar money. We have the third highest wage bill and yet I wouldn’t even put us in the top 10 in Europe for squad quality.

Although De Gea is a great shot stopper, he’s frequently been poor at commanding his box. His distribution has also been shocking this year. It’s never easy having Jones and smalling in front of you. But does anyone think his lack of authority and presence behind also creates nervousness for the defence in front of him?

schmeichel and Van Der Saar were incredible leaders and organisers of defence. They both commanded their boxes very well. Maybe De gea’s Lack of authority is actually contributing to our shakiness at the back. I’m purely playing devil’s advocate here but part of me thinks selling him and reinvesting in the defence is a much better way of moving forward. We give Henderson and Romero a year to fight it out and if it doesn’t work then we bring in say an Oblak. Although he has just signed a new contract and cost a fortune.

I just think we would be mad to give De Gea the obscene wage he wants. It will cause even more issues in the future. We need to gut out the people that don’t want to sign or be here. Taking pogba, Sanchez (near on impossible) and De Gea off the wage bill will allow us to regain some structure and order over the obscene wages flying about.

You can bring in some very talented, young and hungry players who would fight for the shirt every single game and who have the desire to actually want to play for this club. It’s just an idea I’ve been thinking about the last week or so.

17 Apr 2019 17:28:40
I totally agree. He's been very poor this year. He had a bad world cup and hasn't looked to have recovered yet.

I think the lack of communication does have an effect, as a defender your having to second guess your keeper. It can't help, especially when the defence has the chuckle brothers involved.

Also I think the fact he's been such a good shot stopper is actually counter productive. I think sometimes the defence slacks off expecting him to pull off a save. In the past that happens. Lately though less so.

17 Apr 2019 17:31:54
I've been thinking the same thing for a while. The only thing that keeps holding me back is the idea of selling our only genuinely world class player.

Yet you make some very good points, points I myself have thought this season.

He has been less than his spectacular self this season.

We would need to create further wage problems for us in order to keep him long term.

Although he is without a doubt the best shot stopper in the world he does have several other areas where he is lacking. He still isn't great at coming for crosses, he doesn't command his area and his distribution isn't the best. Now he is far from shocking at any of these elements he just wouldn't be in the top ten if that was the attribute you were measuring.

The problem could be that his best attribute is his refelxes, unfortunately they are the first thing that deteriorates in goalkeepers which might mean he has a shorter shelf life as a top drawer keeper compared to others. This is another reason why you might not want to give him a long term deal on mega money.

I would be very careful outright dismissing any offers for him this summer. I think the club needs to think long and hard about the direction they want to take the club and whether DDG really is a vital component for the next 5 years.

17 Apr 2019 17:32:27
His poor form goes back before the world cup, he was terrible there.

17 Apr 2019 17:43:46
Park, part of me agrees, Romero has shown time and time how good he actually is, he is or was Argentina's number 1. However Liverpool have shown that a class keeper and at least one class centre back can solve problems. We would hopefully be ok with that class CB to go with Lindelof and Shaw and Dalot seem good full backs. Midfield is a problem, Pogba seems to have 1 great game and 4 rubbish games, Matic is finished, Fred, well the less said about him the better. McTominay looks to have potential, Herrera is off. Upfront on paper we have Martial, Rashford, Lukaku and Sanchez. That should be an 80 goal a season front 4? Will they reach 50 between them?

17 Apr 2019 19:00:43
I agree with this view.

De Gea is going to leave at some point and so if a good deal can be taken now then we should accept it and move on.

Romero is a solid keeper and Henderson has played first team football for 2 seasons now on loan. He is currently playing at the top of the championship so being the number 2 who can get some game time seems a good idea.

Then if he is not good enough or Romero is not up to scratch we can buy a new keeper the season after.

We desperately need a RB and CB so sacrificing De Gea might help to improve us overall.

17 Apr 2019 21:47:26
Jeez, are players not allowed poor spells anymore? Remember how this guy has saved us innumerable times over the years, and now because of a relative dip in form, we're saying, get rid? Talk about fickle, lads. Seems even our one true world class player isn't immune.

The same people were probably calling to get rid of Giggs when he had dips in form back in the day.

And for all those saying, just promote Romero, I really don't think you appreciate just how important a world-class keeper is to a side looking to challenge for the league. I like Romero. He's a decent keeper. But he's back up for a reason. Remember the troubles we had after Peter left? Just be careful what you wish for lads, because if there's one player who actually deserves the going rate for his service, then it's De Gea.

17 Apr 2019 23:31:08
De Gea hasn't been vintage, but to get a player like him would cost huge money. I'd back him and buy a couple of decent defenders to help him. Imagine trying to get by him if he were keeper for real madrid. Only he above every other player since Sir Alex left has been the quality we need. I can't believe some of the above -.

{Ed0333's Note - I agree, pay the man what he wants and build around him. He’ll stay if you show him the money.

18 Apr 2019 12:42:20
ed0333 dave is the only one that can demand that sort of money and deserve it.

he has earnt his money.

the amount of times he has saved us in games is unreal.

we lose de gea and we really are a sham of a club.

{Ed0333's Note - you’re mistake was giving Sanchez such an obscene contract. If I was De Gea whose performed outstandingly season after season and then sees sanchez get paid stupid money for performing like a pub player of course he’s within his rights to ask for Sanchez level wages. You’re so right De Gea deserves a shiny new per seed waged contract.

17 Apr 2019 14:11:01
The scoreline last night wasn't shocking, Barcelona on their day can beat anyone 3-0. The shocking thing was the heartless display from the Manchester United team. And that's from everyone, including our manager. I've always been an optimist, but the last few months have made me fear drastically about the future of our club. No heart, no leadership, no passion, no chance. If some of those players showed the same passion they do for instagram, then we might stand a chance.

A rudderless ship with no identity, made up of players from 4 different managers, soon to be 5. People talk about the 'United Way' but that's a load of pony, we spend money like a second generation rich kid paying silly sums of money for players we don't necessarily need, knowing full well that there's more money around the corner.

Ed002 has said numerous times that our wage budget is basically maxed out. We need to sell before we buy big. Think about that for a second; Manchester United, a club that has been at the forefront of making money in the football world. We have the third biggest wage bill behind Barcelona and Real Madrid and look what it gets us; a squad of 'Pretenders', who are happy to wear the great Manchester United badge in training, show up to games with the United badge on their suits. Cash their pay cheques with the United badge in the corner and feel like they belong at an elite club, but they are 'Pretenders'.

As a club we are also 'Pretenders', the Glazers don't particularly care if we win anything or not. We make enough money to pay their dividends. They have a club worth around £4 billion in their portfolio. Our iconic stadium has been downgraded, it's now not good enough to host a European final anymore. Much like everything else from the club, it is slowly decaying. The cracks are becoming more and more visible every year.

This isn't a reaction to getting beaten by Barcelona, this is a reaction to watching a Manchester United team that I have no connection to. I watch every game, but do I have a favourite player? No, would I be upset if I woke up to the news that any player has left? No.

I had Solskjaer on my jersey as a kid, he was my favourite player. He was a lot of people's favourite player. His return reminded me of when a struggling T.V. show's rating has dropped well below par. The quick and easy way to boost the ratings is to bring back and old star - Maybe Fonzy (American sitcom Happy Days) wasn't available.

I could list off a few points why I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being giving the Manager's job is a mistake, but then I just think of that squad and I shake my head! There's loads of ways we could turn this around over the next few years, but those involve the structure of the club changing, and that's probably not going to happen. I don't know if other fans would be happy, but I would honestly sell the majority of the first team, and rebuild it with academy players and hungry young players. Not players that had a good 6 months and are now earning about £120,000 per week.

We need to change the identity of this club because it is slowly crumbling all around us. Manchester United having the third highest wage bill in football is gross negligence i think.

17 Apr 2019 14:24:05
What a post Mumbles! Take a bow. Brilliant.

17 Apr 2019 16:06:34
Great Post mumbles.

17 Apr 2019 16:18:47
Maybe you are just getting a bit older and are out of touch with modern football lol.

Just kidding but i think you are going over the top, ole just needs to commit to a style of play and drill it into the players.

Once we have a set way of playing it will make it easier to recruit the correct profile of player and more importantly determine the players we need to get rid of.

Are we going to commit to play out from the back? If so then smalling will have to leave and de gea will either have to leave or up his game.

Are we going to commit to a high press? Then lukaku will have to leave and rashford will lead the line.

Are we going to commit to using the whole football pitch and actually venture down the right hand side of it. Then we will have to sign a new right back and right winger.

17 Apr 2019 17:55:35
The problem is we have no direction. The owners aren't concerned as long as the money rolls in. They've made the money available but its been pissed away on some frankly shocking buys. The fact last night we had most of the back 4 from 2011 and are still playing converted wingers shows the lack of planning.

17 Apr 2019 19:19:25
The lack of communication is worrying. And that stops with Woodward. What direction are we supposed to be going in? What's the long term strategy?

17 Apr 2019 23:05:41
Top. post mumbles.

17 Apr 2019 23:24:42
We talk about young players getting a chance, the United way and all that waffle, but yet ole starts young and we bought dalot supposed to be a talent, anyone that knows anything about football can see young is finished at that level.
Ole needs to be ruthless forget about the smiles for a while.
And the stupid talk about not parking in the bosses car space, get over it ole you supposed to be the boss now, stop talking about the boss every time you get interviewed.

17 Apr 2019 10:05:30
Third consecutive Post not getting posted, Any issues with the content ED's?

{Ed033's Note - Please try again, but don't try and sell us any viagra :)

17 Apr 2019 10:39:02
I think some of the players could do with some Ed33, it might 'stiffen' their resolve.

{Ed033's Note - They don't like it up 'em Mr. Mainwaring.

17 Apr 2019 12:39:15
Clive Dunn would be better at full back than Young.

16 Apr 2019 23:49:06
In 2011 against basel 3 out of 4 of the back 4 started that was the same year we got knocked out in the group stages, have we moved on, no, but we did a lot of panic buying since then,
Nothing against ole but I said from day 1 he should never have got the job then and there.
Whoever is making these decisions needs sacking or it will get worse.

17 Apr 2019 02:09:59
I wholeheartedly agree Leahy12.
Consider why Young and Valencia were converted to RB/ LB.
Saves money.
Jones and Smalling have never been great defenders. Rojo is very poor.
Bailly is injury prone and has lost his confidence.
Shaw positional awareness is very poor.

Dalot and Lindelof look good. (Lindelof has come on leaps and bounds) .

Top teams are build one solid defence. a lot of clubs are going to be rebuilding this summer. That makes transfer more difficult.

Unfortunately I think we will continue to decline.

Woodward for a guy that is all about money commercially anyway signs Sanchez on a ridiculously long contract and monster wages. Its about time the Glazers appointed someone to run the football side of the club.

17 Apr 2019 06:40:06
Oh well nothing I didn’t expect. This club has been rotten from the top to bottom for far too long now but unfortunately nothing will change until the Glazers are gone. Dreadful signings coupled with paying astronomical wages to bang average players. We need players who want to die for the shirt and know what it means to play for this special football club.

{Ed002's Note - It has nothing to do wityh the owners.}

17 Apr 2019 07:10:50
Mad Hatter I don’t know how you or anyone can say it’s to save money. We’ve spent obscene amounts.

If you’re looking for someone to blame, point your finger towards EW and poor recruitment.

We’ve spent a lot and spent it badly.

17 Apr 2019 07:58:19
Woodward won't be sacked. But he has to become more wise to spending and wages. The fact that he gave the likes of shaw and martial mass wage increases when they were on good money anyway. The reports of rashford being offered 250-300k is quite frankly laughable. We need to be more wise and anyone that wants out should be shown the door. I just hope we steer clear of rakitic, kroos, bale and costa more big name mistakes. We need to build a team for the future. In the short term we need to become a regular in the champions league places before any runs at the title.

17 Apr 2019 08:49:13
Sorry Ed totally disagree there the owners who employ the staff ie Ed wooden top. The buck stops with them.

{Ed002's Note - The owners do not employ the staff - they have representation on the board that makes the decisions. It seems to be a theme that the MU supports simply don't understand the structure of the club and sure as hell don't understand how the club works.}

17 Apr 2019 09:20:37
Thank you Ed, I have been saying this for the past two weeks, the owners have put put people and teams at various levels and sections to run the club, if we want to lash out at anyone then let us hound them and let the owners be. Similar analogy is when the street light outside my house is not working and I start blaming the prime minister or the president of the country.

{Ed002's Note - President May has no interest in your street lamp.}

17 Apr 2019 13:31:36
Wazza,

Converting Young and Valencia into defenders is a money saving tactic.
Why else would the manager do that.

17 Apr 2019 16:08:38
MH. You’re totally wide of the mark.

We spent how much on Bailly? He can’t get a game ahead of Smalling and Jones. Maybe that money should’ve been spent on a good quality RB or RW.

Who else. Miki, Sanchez, even Pogba?

Fred and Lindelof have shown a bit of promise but for the money spent we need players who fit right in.

Lukaku at a very high fee can’t nail down a place.

All bad investments.

Naturally if you’re trying to buy success like we have for the past 5 years a line has to be drawn somewhere. You can’t buy a new team every summer.

Valencia and Young are playing full back, like Jones and Smalling are still playing CB, because we’ve spent our budget elsewhere and badly.

Maybe money should be saved on the salaries of those employed to advise and recruit.