Manchester United Banter Archive May 21 2015

21 May 2015 21:50:52
Open to every eds included.

Subject: Rooney.

How do people see him playing next year? Realistically the common consensus is we need a new striker to replace Falcao and probably RVP.

so with that in mind and hopefully Wilson getting more game time that leaves Rooney as our main striker.
Is that good enough? I have my doubts wether the system we seem to be implementing suits him.

Do people even see him playing as striker next season?

Me personally I think he has been as committed as he can through the last 2 years but has his commitment put us in a corner? Someone like Cavani would far better suit the system imo, and there are much better CM options out there to.
Obviously Wayne will not want to play 2nd fiddle so what do we do?

What would u do?

Do we sell? Do we replace? Do we move his position? Obviously all hypothetical atm I'm just curious on other opinions on this as its stumped me.

{Ed007's Note - For me if Rooney's playing he needs to play as a striker or just behind the striker. He's no use in the centre circle trying to dictate the game but put him in and around the box and he will score and create goals and he'll chase the ball back anyway adding an extra man in midfield when defending.}

21 May 2015 23:03:16
Rotating as a striker with a quality Falcao/RVP replacement. Not as a CM and not as a number 10. So to summarise, striker yes, number 10/CM no.

21 May 2015 23:09:51
Do u not think ed if we are changing to more of a 433 rooney desire to win the ball back all over the park does not suit this formation?

We need more of an put and out striker that will lead the line and remain there. Maybe I'm not giving wazza enough credit and he can adapt to do that.

{Ed007's Note - And if he didn't track back people would accuse him of being lazy. With the right players around him he might not need to do so much chasing but I'd much rather see the team defend from the front than sit back and allow other teams to set the tempo of the game, Rooney is one of the few Utd players that shows any real urgency during matches.}

22 May 2015 06:13:20
i think this season has shown if fit rooney starts.
cf imo .

22 May 2015 07:27:37
Chris

You're just trying to create mischief aren't you? My view is as ever, we should sell him. I know some don't agree but that's what this site is all about. People see different things, I see a good player but nothing more.

22 May 2015 07:34:41
I would tend to agree but don't u think he needs to become more disciplined in that role?

22 May 2015 07:38:16
I agree with Brendan , I'd like to see Rooney as a no. 9 or nothing else , he can still defend from the front ,just not dropping back to left back to do it . I think that's his best position and if we're playing 433 I'd rather have midfielders playing in the 3 then a striker dropping back

22 May 2015 09:17:19
Rooney as a striker but we need to keep van persie or buy someone to cover Rooney if he gets injured.

Rooney is still one of our top players, although I wanted him sold on numbers of occasions but he has been playing well. So he deserves to start as a striker until we buy a better striker.

22 May 2015 09:23:17
Sell him, he upsets the balance of any team he plays in. Not a good enough striker anymore, definitely not a midfielder and isn't technical or creative enough for an in-between.

22 May 2015 10:08:24
I'm not tony lol, it was a genuine question as I myself have wondered his role in the team going forward. Lots of talk of big name strikers but if Rooney is starting that can't be possible.

22 May 2015 10:25:20
I'm off for a lie down, Beast and I agree

22 May 2015 12:27:34
Rooney needs to stay for me, especially with rumours of RVP and Falcoa not being here next season. although i cannot see RVP going tbf.

23 May 2015 08:54:53
No one will take either given their wages. We are stuck with them until their contracts expire. Rooney is still a very influential player whilst RVP has turned into a very expensive Tulip.

21 May 2015 20:48:47
Just watching "Class of 92" itv4, watching Giggs score in that semi final v Arsenal"99", still makes me buzz today.
:-)

21 May 2015 21:22:26
its my fav game had i bit of every thing

21 May 2015 21:30:53
He should of passed it ;)

That was my school years but during that time all i could remember is Phillip Neville giving away a shed load of pens for United and England.

22 May 2015 19:16:08
One of the best games I've ever been too, just amazing! The highs of Beckhams goal to lows of Keane getting sent off, then the lows of conceding a penalty so late but for Schmeichel to save it and then to finally finish it with that goal, just.I have no words. A great night, a few beers and no voice what so ever by the end of it. Doesn't get much better!

21 May 2015 17:02:15
Anyone surprised by Jamie vardys inclusion in the England squad and Ashley youngs omission? I must admit I'm not a massive fan of Ashley young but he's been one of the brighter things this season.

Just after thoughts on this?

21 May 2015 17:18:01
young and vardy should of made the squad imo

21 May 2015 17:21:55
I think the manager is looking towards the future, Ashley Young will not be part of that.

21 May 2015 17:23:21
Hes supposedly injured. or there is some niggle there they want the summer to fix.

21 May 2015 17:37:23
Maybe Pearson called Hodgson for a little chat!

21 May 2015 18:18:01
I'm not saying vardy didn't warrant a call up. It's just a bit shit on young he couldn't of done more to warrant a call up.

Herbie I see where your coming from but I don't see vardy being in the future set up after all he's 28 I think (someone will correct me if I'm wrong)

21 May 2015 19:02:06
discountdave
Had to look into Vardy, really didn't know his age, very unusual choice.

21 May 2015 19:03:54
Young is ruled out due to injury!

21 May 2015 16:22:43
Anyone else think it's coincidental that DDG is injured the weekend his missus is singing in the eurovision song contest on sat night??.

21 May 2015 16:40:01
Yeah maybe it's a deal we have struck with him, he can go to the Eurovision to support her, if he signs a new contract, fair enough I say.

21 May 2015 16:45:46
Is he doing backing vocals ?

21 May 2015 16:51:49
Hmmmmm, you're onto something Sherlock. I'll just forget the scenes of him limping off last weekend, or maybe that's how he planned it all along. We've lost another one to that bloody contest. Why! WHY!!!

21 May 2015 16:55:20
Hahaha I hope not but it goes to show once again who wears the trousers. david "do as your told" de gea!!!!

21 May 2015 16:59:52
I just watched her on YouTube, she's fit and has a sexy accent but Dave needs to show her who's boss.

21 May 2015 17:11:58
I think most of De Gea community go to Eurovision. No big deal rely. Probably wants to see Graham Norton :)

21 May 2015 17:20:52
i thought the same when i read that but danny hits the nail on the head i forgot he was injured

21 May 2015 17:30:21
Hahahah danny but you must admit if you ever pull a sicky. you always lay the foundation the week before!!!!!!

21 May 2015 15:35:35
Liverpool will only sell Sterling to us if they get a player in return + cash from us e.g Nani + cash

21 May 2015 16:06:40
So instead of £50m cash, you think £60m cash plus Nani? Fair enough.

21 May 2015 16:14:37
looks like he is defo leaving

21 May 2015 16:22:31
Took the words right out of my mouth, Brendan.

21 May 2015 16:33:55
@Brendan81 for £60m u could buy the whole Liverpool team. Lol

He is not worth anything more than £20-25m.

Lol 60m + Nani !!

21 May 2015 17:37:41
How about we sell them nani, cleverly, Evans, Jones, Valencia and £60m. Can you imagine how crap their team will be!!

21 May 2015 18:36:49
No mid field
For every crap player the value goes up 25 million dollars. If you want to send di maria then 60 million extra

21 May 2015 19:18:24
You better hope you keep hold of 99% of your squad then Reet, it will cost you a bloody fortune otherwise.

21 May 2015 14:43:12
Since I am making this page 'depressing' and now being lambasted with personal attacks (such as being labelled a **** by CTR) this will be my last post until the season resumes in August.

Folk have real short memories on here. They change their mind more times in a month than they change their underwear. At the start of the season (especially after signing Di Maria, Falcao etc) it was all "we should be winning the league", "Challenging at the top", "We will be playing some great football" and "winning silverware".

As the season progressed and we regressed in terms of performances so many individuals began to backtrack. We went from possible title winners to "Champions League is the aim and that is all". When Liverpool strung together some form it became "as long as we keep in front of Liverpool in fifth that's all that matters". When we eventually settled 4th spot there was glee on here "so happy we finished top four as that's all that mattered anyway". Effectively from title talk at the beginning of the season folk became content with 4th spot, no silverware and horror show performances.

Have a go at the folk who speak their minds and stick by what they believe to be true if that's what keeps a lot of you happy. Some of the shepherds on here do very well to keep the sheep in the pen. I'd rather err what I have said from the start than be spineless and chop and change my opinions week by week.

I'd much rather be someone's shot of whiskey than everyone's cup of tea.

Over and out.

21 May 2015 15:42:41
You'll be back, you won't be able to resist it!

I understand you taking a break though, sometimes it can get a bit heated and time away can always solve many issues.

Hope to see you soon JMB, you bringing another side of the argument to the table was keeping this site interesting.

21 May 2015 15:32:47
no doubt some will be happy .
i would stick it out and don't take it to heart

21 May 2015 15:36:52
Everyone should have their won opinion , so do you JMB . May be your opinion differs to from others but it is your own . I myself disagree with many of your post but this is a banter site mate . don't loose urself as we are United buddies at last supporting same club . Cheer up bro , don't give up and enjoy the game :)

21 May 2015 15:47:24
At least you haven't taken CTR's comments to heart mate, enjoy the summer and see you in August.

21 May 2015 15:52:56
Stick with it JMB, sometimes you just have to suck it up.

21 May 2015 16:02:52
Give over JMB! It's a banter site, you give it and you receive it. I had it plenty during 'Rooney-Gate', 'Rooney-Gate 2' and 'Rooney-Gate 3', part of being on a site like this my friend. Now get your ball and come back out and play.

21 May 2015 16:10:11
Biggest martyr since Thomas Beckett. I'll light a candle and shed a tear.

21 May 2015 16:16:43
You are bang on JMB. I took a break for a month around Xmas time, did me the world of good. I was close to getting ratty yesterday but bit my tongue. At the end of the day a large proportion of people resent being told that what is happening is not right, especially if they lack the control to change it. It's much easier to be a passenger in life, but it's not very fulfilling.

The ones that get me are the names you never see on here and then they pop up for a one off attack.

Across society as a whole the PC brigade are winning over, to be critical is automatically to be negative in some peoples eyes. Sitting back and making excuses is what leads to big problems further down the line. We are becoming a world full of excusers, it's time for people to man up!

I actually said to my Mrs at lunch that I feel like I am giving more than I am getting at the moment, so I am going to whittle back my comments now for a while as well. It's good to put across a counter point especially if you believe it, but at the moment I feel like I could say the grass is green and somebody will jump on it.

Catch you in August mate, but maybe do what I am going to do and just throw in the occasional comment now and again rather than ignoring it all completely - we need our wing men after all to help keep things real, the metamorphosis into Arsenal fans needs to be held back!

21 May 2015 15:58:11
I think there's times when all of us think we should stop coming/posting to this site. For me it's always Ed02 that riled me up with his extremely rude and dismissive attitude towards those who disagree with him - still I miss the transfer insights, not that any of it really means much, since nobody, or at least very few insiders, know who we'll get until it's basically happened.

Sometimes one posts comments which seem self-evident, and then virtually everyone clicks the disagree button, or makes some critical comments based upon a total misunderstanding of what one has written. In the end people just want to write what they want to write and find a way to do it.

It is, when all said ad done, just a banter site, and from a positive note, one can post with anonymity and without having to sign into some social media site first.

21 May 2015 16:24:34
I'd imagine how some of you would have survived a few years back when KLOOT made it much more personal.

21 May 2015 16:34:46
Beast ,
Maybe we're not all like spoilt kids who expect to win the league every year as if it's the club's God given right . Maybe some of us are patient enough and realistic enough to realise that somewhere along the line there are going to be periods where the team needs rebuilding or a manager leaves after a quarter of a century and has to be replaced .

We get it Beast . You don't like lvg , haven't done from pretty much the start and never will . I guess us sheep will have to wait and see what happens next season while you fight the good fight

21 May 2015 16:47:35
I have said it a million times. It is not about winning the league, it is about playing the way I expect my team to play. Desire to attack and win at pace, as opposed to contain and not lose!

I was happy when LVG signed. Then I watched the Dutch, then I watched us for several games and realised we were going to be subjected to crap football. What did it for me was when he was saying we played well and created lots of chances in games we played awfully in and barely got a shot off.

I don't like how LVG is acting like some sort of Demi-God and fans are worshiping him when we have spent wildly, have massive wage budgets, signed quality - yet played the most boring brand of football I have ever seen, he has done nothing yet, the guy can even make a fool of himself on stage and people think its the most hilarious thing they have ever seen, it's messed up!

For one final time, I would rather finish 5th and be entertaining than win the league playing this brand of football! I hate watching us play at the minute and yet I can't wait to watch us, hoping the corner is turned. I thought it had, but no we are back to where we were at the start of the season, that is why I don't like LVG, he is bad for the football I enjoy watching.

21 May 2015 16:49:44
Bye!!

21 May 2015 16:54:46
JMB is right some do change there opinions more than there underwear.

21 May 2015 17:07:07
Here here Weggy, I honestly do miss Kloot on here. Even when you fell foul of him, it was funny. Didn't he dissappear from here, about the same time that guy shot all those people in the cinema in Aurora? Coincidence?

21 May 2015 17:08:22
Can't help but think this is attention seeking

21 May 2015 17:25:26
Cant argue with that Weggy, Kloot would of trampled all over todays lot.
:-0

21 May 2015 17:47:39
Used to love poking KLOOT with a stick, and jumping back and waiting for a reaction. Replica tops, and the right to support Utd depending on your address, were always my two favourite ones :)

{Ed025's Note - love it noucamp..

21 May 2015 17:50:19
Guys. Its a banter site. When you read the posts that Stretha has written about the terrible tragedy in Nepal, you realise how lucky we all are to be where we are, supporting the best team in the world.
I grew up when United went through a bad patch in the 70s and 80s, and now we're in re building stage again. So I know patience is a dirty word with some, but patience is what we have to have.
Madrid have spent 100s of millions in the past few years with only one cl and la Liga to show for it, and they've played some very nice football. Just goes to show how difficult it is to win and continue winning trophies.
So let's not lose sight of why we all come on this site, we all love United and we all want us to have a great team again. It will happen!!

21 May 2015 17:57:37
He can't win: if he vanishes then people will say he couldn't hack it and if he explains why he is giving it a rest he is "attention seeking".

JMB I think adds a lot to this site, I agree with him more than most. But I also think a lot of other regular posters make it what is, even if I disagree with a lot of what they say. Just making any contentious point is jumped on lately, especially if attributed to certain people. Numerous times points are made by one person and criticised, a few days later somebody words the same point slightly differently and its nothing but praise!

21 May 2015 18:00:32
This Kloot sounds like an interesting character, shame he isn't on here. What happened, was he hounded off the site?

21 May 2015 18:02:25
ballotelli European footballer of the year.

was that kloot

21 May 2015 17:57:38
Kloot would've had a field day today, come on guys make up and keep on posting . We all love manchester united so why hate each other and take things to heart.

21 May 2015 18:09:13
Not being funny, but it is a banter site and you should grow a thicker skin.

21 May 2015 18:17:56
Stevie your a bad boy, beast JmB I'm sure we will here from you soon😃 I'm quite sure we will sign more players you disapprove before august and that lvg will have upset you by waking up in the mornings so I doubt you'll last too long off these pages you both seem to me to be 2 decent blokes don't take anything on here too literally.
I think you are both bonkers but in the nicest possible way😅

21 May 2015 18:27:06
Having a break is one thing but announcing it seems a bit like seeking attention. Personally I have had dogs abuse over various issues, Nani (with Percy) Berbatov, SAF tactics/purchases , especially Moyes and LVG, yet this site is about expressing an opinion and without them it's like tumbleweed on here. If you are sensitive and need a break , take one, but announcing it as if waiting on your "followers" to beg you not to seems to overstate your position on here, we are merely contributors to the debate not Editors.

21 May 2015 18:28:10
Ure not kloot are u beast?

I have been wonderful the last few weeks lol.

21 May 2015 18:31:50
redman don't forget the glazers

21 May 2015 18:33:52
redman
dont forget the glazers

{Ed025's Note - why.. is his window smashed?.. :)

21 May 2015 18:42:06
Jred

Yes, indeed But I didn't get too much argument on them

21 May 2015 19:37:47
Beast
Answer to your question is nobody really knows what happened to Kloot (Rainfishtrombone).
Some say he is living his days out in solitary confinement at strangeways, some say his planet recalled him early others say he moved back to his hometown of Grimsby.
He was the original villain of the site, always an argument wanting to happen.

21 May 2015 19:50:50
Herbie

I think Kloot became RFT then became johnnydontsurf before finally getting banned would be my guess or just bored. He certainly wouldn't have taken a break because someone said something.

21 May 2015 20:07:32
Cheers Herbie, brilliant.

21 May 2015 20:15:10
Back in the early days kloot was RFT, later changing his name to kloot.

HIM and Irish Rover and a few Celtic and rangers fans would constantly be at each other, once this site was split he became I AM KLOOT (which I never found out the meaning behind it).

21 May 2015 20:25:08
CTR
I AM KLOOT is a music band from Manchester, no originality from the RFT days.

Red Man
I never knew he was johnnydontsurf, all I knew is he had more issues than the national geographic. :-)

21 May 2015 20:53:18
I no that herbie, but there was a hidden meaning that not many found out if any. One of the eds knew I seem to remember.

21 May 2015 21:35:25
Kloot was hilarious. Everything was a personal attack on him.

Sydney was always good for a debate. It must kill him seeing Sanchez in a Arsenal shirt. He worshipped him before his Barca move!

This is a banter site guys. We all dig at each other but honestly this is a great site. I've been a reader for 5 years and enjoy the debates and the wind ups. Recently it has got a lot more serious these days due to how the club is.

We all laugh at each other but I remember when I posted about my boy and the amount of good luck messages I got astounded me. It shows that even though we disagree on something's, this place is like a little community that needs its characters. Even wrongens like Beast 😝

21 May 2015 22:14:20
Yes Herbie I am as certain as I can be that his comments and writing style meant johnnydontsurf was the last name tag of RFT and Kloot. It did not last long. RFT did indeed come before Kloot.

21 May 2015 23:11:03
Kloot is bit like voldemort on here.

21 May 2015 23:20:51
Beast,

I think you summed it up when you said 'a large number of people don't like being told that what is happening is not right'. It is that word 'told', this is a site for opinions, nobody's opinion is worth more than others, if 99% of people think one thing and you come on here mouthing off how they are all wrong and they should all think like you then no wonder you get stick.

Sometimes you seem unable to understand that some fans have a lot of patience, we have been fortunate to support a top side and we know that we will be a top side again whether it be in 1 year, 2 years or 5 years, we are willing to support the lads and not complain too much because it will come good.

We don't have a divine right to win anything, liverpool have gone 25 years without a league title, we have gone 2 years and we lost the manager who brought all the success, most people think a couple of years grace to rebuild is fair enough, they don't need to be told that what they think is wrong, they are allowed their own opinions.

22 May 2015 08:26:53
CHris, 'wonderful' or 'wondering'? I really hope it was meant to be wonderful. I've been fabulous this week, mate :)

21 May 2015 12:05:41
I read just now that the agent for Sterling is also the agent for Berahino. Neither of those players are of interest to me, but what was interesting is that this agent is potentially going to get The Ox on board.

With all the negative PR about this agent I can only imagine players signing with him are looking for big moves elsewhere, (assumption I know and I don't normally get into this type of thing). But it stood out when I read it as I rate Ox really highly.

So if this is true then I would love us to be in for him, he ticks all the boxes for me as a wide man and if he is looking for a move then this agent seems to be ruthless and make things happen for his clients irrespective of pressure.

I know this is a reach, but what do you guys think?

21 May 2015 12:43:01
Huh???

21 May 2015 12:46:00
i rate all 3.
i think berahino will be a better player than kane

21 May 2015 12:52:13
Seriously Angelred?

There is a chance Oxlade-Chamberlain is looking for a move, I think he would be "just what we need".

21 May 2015 12:56:39
Didn't u post only a few days ago u want to stop paying large fees for potential? So which is it?

No I'd stay clear of the ox he would only be wanting to leave for Madrid on a few years as we are there feeder club.

21 May 2015 13:00:47
I really like Ox Beast, I live down by the Emirates and have been lucky enough to go to quite a few games and he really is a gem

I have never heard that there could be any chance that we would get him, there within lies my confusion

21 May 2015 13:02:05
Plus it was quite a positive post too beast ;)

21 May 2015 13:07:27
Haha brilliant Chris

21 May 2015 13:07:33
He is ready. So is Kane.

I was talking mainly about the ones that will be ready in a few years and spending £30m on those.

£60m on those two would instantly take us to the next level in their positions and 5 year contracts would be fine. You never know with Global Warming they might want to stay in Manchester longer!

21 May 2015 13:14:09
I'd take Ox in a heartbeat Great player.

21 May 2015 13:15:19
Cheers mate.

I think it was in the Standard it said he is looking to join this agent, one would ask why if he didn't want to force a move somewhere with all the uproar at the minute. Just a bit of speculation and reading between the lines.

21 May 2015 14:24:56
Or maybe this agent takes an smaller cut and/or is better at negotiating new terms on a new contract. Or maybe he has fallen out with his current agent who might be pushing for a move so he can make some money out of him.

From what I can gather about Sterlings agent is he is young and the new kid on the block so to speak, So he will be working hard on acquiring new clients to add to his stables. Which means he is probably offering favourable terms to these guys in order to tempt them over.

21 May 2015 16:24:10
Hence my use of the words "assumption, chance, speculation, reach".

Maybe Ox joined a secret cult and this guys is the leader? Thanks for your insightful contribution Shappy!

21 May 2015 19:32:52
So I assume u wouldn't take him then.

21 May 2015 08:57:31
Ed001 since you are around, how does it make you feel seeing United fans celebrate 4th place?

{Ed001's Note - I enjoy it personally, it is nice to see after all the years of laughing at Arsenal fans for the same thing! It is understandable though, after all it is progress after last season, but it is only one step, so I am surprised people are so excited. Let's face it, as a Liverpool fan I just wish it was Liverpool fans that were celebrating it.}

21 May 2015 09:40:51
I haven't seen too many fans celebrate the fact we're fourth as an actual achievement, but more of a step in the right direction after last season. It's more a necessity.

I'm glad we're back in Europe but next season we shouldn't be looking no shorter than coming 1st in the league and having a good run in the UCL.

21 May 2015 09:43:34
JMB,

You are obsessed with people celebrating 4th place, I certainly didn't see any celebrations at the stadium on Sunday, the players certainly weren't celebrating finishing 4th, people have said they are happy finishing 4th, getting into the Champions League is very important to a lot of people, me included, I have missed it so much this season and love the midweek games under the lights at OT, so it is nice to be back in the Champions League, but I haven't seen many celebrating.

It appears you have decided people are celebrating so you can mention it over and over and have stuck with it, but in reality that isn't really what has happened.

21 May 2015 09:51:00
We are taking baby steps when everything was ready for a giant leap. If we keep baby stepping our rivals won't be doing the same. Missed opportunity this year.

We all want us to get our transfers done quickly, but by finishing 4th this could possibly prohibit players being signed that want assurances about CL football until very late in the day. Players like Hummels, Vidal, Bale etc, the ones we really need to make us a threat on all fronts.

We can sugar coat it all we like but 4th wasn't good enough and will in all likelihood mean a slower start and juggling Europe as well as integrating players could mean another difficult year. 3rd was the bare minimum expectation for a reason, I find it amusing how 4th is the same as 3rd now for a lot of people (especially those with a vested interest at the club). Even 3rd is poor, but I suppose it depends how crushed your expectations have been by the Moyes period - mine haven't been hence my constant deflation and call for realism.

LVG will need to earn his crust this summer that's for sure, difficult task - let's hops all the big talk finally starts to turn into action.

{Ed001's Note - to be fair, the early start could mean you get off to a better start in the Prem as the players will be match sharp much sooner. It is the end of the season, when they are moaning about being tired even though they get plenty of rest, when it might affect the team.}

21 May 2015 09:52:56
Well said mate. Your right it is one step. I think Spurs will see CL football before Liverpool if you lot don't get your finger out big time!

{Ed001's Note - I can't see either getting in there if the FFP rules are relaxed too much. At least not before the work on their respective stadiums is sorted and paid for.}

21 May 2015 09:53:29
If you see another team win anything for so long only to see them all of a sudden celebrating finishing 3 spots below that of course you are going to enjoy it, I know I would! However there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a realist and adjusting your expectations when necessary. Champions League was the goal this year as we are in the middle of a rebuild - we achieved it. I can sure as hell tell you I won't be cheering fourth place next year.

We MUFC fans have been spoiled for so long, and we will be spoiled again.

{Ed001's Note - what would you cheer next season out of interest? I am wondering what would be seen as success next season.}

21 May 2015 10:07:06
A good point Ed. I'm not too worried about fitness at the start of the season as LVG will have them well drilled fitness wise (hopefully), I'm more concerned with players being signed late so they don't have a full pre-season having to learn the arduous tactical side to the way LVG wants them to play. Just a couple of player not in synch could mean a poor start.

It was the excuse he and the fans gave for our slow start last season, with us needing 5-6 players to come in now the longer they have will benefit us. If they arrive late because of 4th place not guaranteeing CL football then it makes the job harder. Even GDS2 above is assuming CL football is back (he will know about the playoff of course, but 99% of our fans are just assuming we will be in the CL next season when we will have a tricky match undoubtedly).

In saying all that, we looked shattered 2nd half of most of our games this season, so maybe fitness is a problem with all the extra games, so it could be a very tricky year ahead. The joys.

21 May 2015 10:13:30
Ed001 yes we got fourth our minimum expectation but it's the way we got it. We have got into the CL places through lacklustre performances and down right luck.

As for next year we should be winning the league if not being pipped by a few points.

{Ed001's Note - so a championship challenge then?}

21 May 2015 10:48:38
Challenging for the title Ed. 3 transfer windows and a full season under his belt, new manager won't be an excuse next year. Has to be a title challenge.

21 May 2015 10:50:03
@Ed001, I would personally be happy with a title challenge, a trophy and maybe quarter finals of the CL? I think that would class as a successful season next year. By title challenge I mean a proper one and not an Arsenal type one where they get within a certain amount of points and then will definitely bottle it. I'd love an FA cup win because we haven't won it for a long time now. Basically further progress in the right direction.

Then again it depends who we sign, if for example we got Bale, Vidal, Hummels, Gundogan and Clyne then I'd be expecting a title win because that team would have so much going forward.

21 May 2015 10:53:54
I think everybody, including the manager and the players are expecting a championship challenge next season, success would be winning it, top 2 would be another step in the right direction, anything less would be disappointing.

Let's hope you are wrong Beast and players sign for us regardless of the Champions League playoff and we get off to a nice fast start.

21 May 2015 10:56:12
Beast ,
You start off a post saying fitness is not a problem , by the end you're worrying it will be a problem .
How do you manage to get out of bed and face the world every day ?

21 May 2015 11:07:51
Fitness won't be a problem at the start of the season, but it will be at the end. What is difficult to grasp about that?

We will hopefully have more games next season. Did you not notice the pace and power of our second half performances this season dropping off markedly?

21 May 2015 11:30:11
I just can't believe how fitness is always such an issue, I really don't get it, I think it is a poor excuse, there are much more tougher sports out there that are more physically demanding and you rarely hear coaches talk about how tired their players are.

The money these players are on, with all the conditioning and sports science, there should be no talk of fatigue at all.

21 May 2015 11:30:23
I agree with Beast regarding fitness. It will be interesting how we overcome players becoming exhausted near the end of the season.

I'd imagine the recruitment's this summer and maybe even January will be very helpful.

21 May 2015 11:30:34
@Ed001

Only a very strong title challenge and quarter finals in the UCL will be seen as success next season. By September the 2nd I expect us to have invested up to 300mil+ starting from the period Moyes took over. There will be no excuses next year.

I just hope we spend more wisely than we did last summer. I also suspect that the club has Guardiola in mind as long term manager at the club and next summer could see a change if LVG doesn't win the league.

{Ed001's Note - really quarter finals of the Champions League? I understand the title challenge but wouldn't it be enough to make the group stages?}

21 May 2015 11:52:19
Beast,

I am assuming Champions League football is back because we got top 4 which was the plan, just because you still had to make that into a negative and keep suggesting we will lose the playoff doesn't mean others are quite so pessimistic. I know the playoff will be hard, but if we don't win it we don't deserve to be in the CL anyway, but I do expect us to win it, even the 'horror' teams the papers keep saying we could draw I would expect us to beat, and there is a good chance it would not be one of them anyway.

21 May 2015 12:35:49
all this talk of 4th. I am still hoping we pull one big game out of the bag, and finish 3rd. Arsenal would need to loss at home to west brom (0-1) and we would then need to win (0-6)but what a way to end the season.

21 May 2015 12:39:03
Has anyone really been celebrating? Real celebrating is like after the CL win in 99 when I still have no memory of the days after, that is celebrating. Just looking forward to CL football and what could be next year is a totally different thing.

21 May 2015 12:48:48
We aren't getting 3rd now, so I'd like Hull to get the win they need and Newcastle to get beat and keep Brucey in the PL next season.

21 May 2015 12:53:27
Come on Brendan we have been going mental for the last 2 days I can't wait for the DVD to be out about our triumph of 4th place!

No, no one has been celebrating 4th place mate,it's just a few that have said this and now tricked themselves into actually believing it lol.

21 May 2015 13:49:37
I used to quite like Newcastle and their flamboyant play under Keegan, but that team at the minute would be no loss to the premiership, whatsoever. Even some Toon mates of mine are hoping they go down, just to try and persuade Ashley to leave. They've turned into a travesty of a club.

21 May 2015 14:39:35
Personally I'm celebrating getting into the champs league next season, other than that there is nothing to celebrate.
:-)

21 May 2015 16:26:59
GDS2 - So you are say Hummels or Vidal, do you sign before we have that playoff if you want guaranteed CL football? That is the point, it means very little signing wise this summer because it takes ages for players to grasp the philosophy and if they demand CL football they won't sign before its assured!

21 May 2015 16:55:04
Next season we need to see a title push, either 1st or 2nd realistically and to get out of our group in the CL - quarter finals are a realistic aspiration.