Manchester United Banter Archive May 22 2014

22 May 2014 23:35:48
Well ed here to acompany you on the graveyard shift hope your not afraid of the dark or the boogeyman i'm absolutely terrified sitting here

{Ed002's Note - I am in a hotel bar. I am not scared at all.}

22 May 2014 21:11:30
Evening lads been reading some reports about lvg is now pulled the plug on the Kroos deal?.

And this got me thinking, Kroos undoubtedly is a world class player and still at a tender age off 23, I would personally have him as our first summer signing along with shaw.

But sitting here thinking about it Kroos prefers a attacking mid position which isn't exactly what united lack atm. With mata rooney and kagawa already at united how could we fit Kroos In to the team to play to his full strengths along with mata rvp kagawa and rooney?

Rooney shouldn't be sold yes his had issues but his the heart and soul off united and still a world class player and his stats prove that, rvp won't be sold, kagawa is rated very highly in lvg books as he stated a few weeks back kagawa was the best player in Germany 3 years back and be expects no differ at now in Manchester, and mata is our best play maker.

So although I'd love Kroos I cans see why why lvg might not go through with this. I'd much prefer Vidal who would completely revamp the centre midfield, Vidal along with pogba or Martinez from bayern Munich I think would add the much needed steel to united midfield.

Lvg is known to prefer the 4-3-3 but I believe a 4-2-3-1 or
4-3-2-1 would work with the purchase off the players I stated
As I said Kroos would be my first choice but if we could get a Vidal and pogba type player then this summer would still be a success

Add shaw to the list along with a world class centre back and possibly depay and we will have a much stronger team to push us back up the table

22 May 2014 20:43:41
man utd nor van gaal havnt pulled the plug on kroo's deal. complications about transfer value and contractual issue on kroos part have slowed talks down. I expect the deal to happen but I wouldn't pass on van gaal holding out for free transfer next season as it bayern price that is his concern. van gaal is suburn and wants things his way.

From Kroos' comments, it sounds like BM are being a little petty. It could well be MU and BM playing hardball over price, LvG mentioning he isn't a target THIS summer, could mean him saying he will get him on a free next summer. I cannot see it bothering BM as they aren't exactly a poor club.

I agree syd BM have money and the media comments from all camps are very uncertain about any transfer taking place. Kroos wants the move that's for sure but from sources close to VG fabregas seems to be his choice. Not sure if this is true if you have heard anything?
big signings will be made this transfer window but there are far to many players linked for anyone to say will def happpen

22 May 2014 20:04:33
Bloody hell Toni Kroos a done deal, then Bayern say he won't be offered a new contract offer then apparently van Gaal pulls the plus now Kroos says he's rejected offer of contract, welcome to a Manchester United transfer window!

What makes me doubtful about the kroos transfer is the complete lack of interest from any other side. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. If he was available for anywhere near the quoted amount of 20 million, chelsea, city, psg, monaco, madrid, barca and even arsenal would have thrown insane amounts of money at him. Those teams also have CL next year. He's the sort of player a team makes space for.

Chances are someone else will nip in and get him before United do. I doubt this would have happened when Gill was running the show.

22 May 2014 18:52:26
A lot of rumours that United have pulled out of Kroos (potential) deal online & in papers. Can't see why they would pull out but it would not surprise me.

22 May 2014 18:33:33
My take on it is it's last seasons epic balls up all over again

22 May 2014 17:52:07
Be interesting to know what's happening with this Kroos stuff. Surely Ed Woodward hasn't ballsed up another transfer? Three days ago these same journalists were saying Kroos is a LvG target, now they are saying he doesn't want him. LvG has been a MU manager (albeit not officially) for weeks now, why the sudden change of heart (if these latest stories are true of course). Do we prefer Cesc? Have we messed up in the negotiations? Do we want him for free next summer? What's changed? Very odd.

I think until someone comes out with a direct quote, it is all hear-say.

To be honest though, I will be quite concerned if we haven't agreed deals with at least two players' before the WC starts. I for one don't think we have the luxury of waiting until after the WC.

Kroos has to tell Bayern he wants to leave and I don't think one person has heard Kroos say that.

Kroos at 20 million and Fabregas at 35 million?

I'd choose Kroos.

I tend to agree with flint; maybe out of optimism though.
It is conjecture at the minute but the concern for me is that we do appear to be heading down the same road as last summer.
Is there a plan? Or are we out of control?

I think nothing has changed and the media is once again proving how clueless they really are.

Obviously there's been no agreement, but there has definitely been negotiation between the two clubs. It isn't complete fantasy by the media.

23 May 2014 04:07:40
As far as I'm concerned we have interest in Kroos (Ed02 info) and until he tells us any different we still have interest. Relax and listen to the eds!

22 May 2014 17:35:47
My favourite rumour of the day is lvg wants gervinho from roma .
Dear me

It's a scary thought.

He's like Danny Welbeck on crystal meth.

22 May 2014 16:58:10
So, the Kroos deal is seemingly up in the air or completely off depending on who you believe.

Carvalho is no longer of interest.

We have absolutely no chance of signing Fabregas, just like last summer, if he leaves Barca I could see City selling a few and making him their marquee signing this summer.

So.who do we think is going to come in and save our sorry excuse for a midfield?

I can only think of one name, seriously, just one. This is completely unrealistic though, I pre-warn you:

Vidal - £25million + Nani + Kagawa

That is the only solution I can think of, and I give it about a 10% chance of happening!

Everyone here would love Vidal but as Van Gall quoted as saying Kagawa was best player in Germany when playing for Dortmund our little Japanese associate may be staying!

Red sky
Is he old and dutch enough?

Halesini

My problem with that, is that Kagawa has proven over two seasons that he

a) cannot play as an actual midfielder

b) cannot play out wide

c) can only impress in the #10 position.

Unfortunately we have TWO players ahead of him in that slot - Mata, who is world-class, and Rooney who is earning a ludicrous amount of money and will not be dropped. If Rooney is dropped, Mata is the number 10.

I honestly don't know where Shinji fits in, he's not adaptable enough to make another position his own. So why keep him?

I think LVG is talking him up to drum up interest from someone, personally.

I think kagawa should start as our no 10. He's by far the most creative there in my opinion. I would play rvp as the striker with kagawa, rooney and mata in behind. Then we could either play 4231 (more defensive) or 5131 (with attacking fullbacks)

22 May 2014 16:15:26
The guardian have just posted that LVG has ruled out of us buying toni kroos. I for one am very disappointed but i'm sure he has more cards up his sleeve. just hope its not going to drag out all summer like last year we have to get these deals DONE!

22 May 2014 16:20:25
just a nice touch to tell you all about from utd, a work colleague of mine is spending his summer holidays in kenya helping the action not words charity.this gets youngsters away from living and scavenging on the rubbish tips and gets them a proper education.he asked utd and liverpool for help with old training kits or shirts for the youngsters to wear, I went and collected a box for him from utds foundation office this afternoon and there must be over 40 shirts and other bits of kit in there, a nice gesture and the lady I dealt with said she would love to see some pictures posted on the action not words facebook page with the kids wearing there new utd shirts.to be fair as well liverpool have also donated similar, unfortunately the poor kids will be wearing champions 2014 shirts :) only joking pool fans

Nice one, John. Priorities and all that.

Cheers John, myself am Kenyan. Am sure the kids over here really appreciate your friend's good will. Utd is huge this side of the planet.

There actually a northern ireland charity stevie

I know, mate. The wee lad's primary school was helping raise funds for it last year.

Brilliant outfit doing some great work.

Makes a nice change hearing about this on here, in amongst the rest of the madness :)

22 May 2014 15:43:40
Something has to be said, is Toni kroos going to be signed?
I've heard we are close to agreeing a deal with Bayern Munich for him.
Earlier today, the Bayern president said the club won't lay a better deal on the table for Toni kroos.
Now the new rumour is van gaal doesn't want him?

Transfer windows messes with my head, haha.
I want this cleared up and have an understanding of what's going on. Could anyone help with this?
He is a class player and it wouldn't make sense for van gaal to stop the deal.

Cheers everyone!

22 May 2014 15:15:34
I think every one needs to dampen their expectations. Alothough we might get one or two of the names currently being mentioned it is highly unlikely we will be getting all of Kroos, Hummels, Reus, Robeen, Konoplyanka, Carvahlio, Moreno, Gundogan, fabregas.
Lets look at the facts;
We failed to make champions league which is what most top players are after and there is no guarentee we will make next year.
All of these players are at top clubs that won't be looking to sell their top assets.
There are fairplay regulation which limit our spending power.
We won't be able to spend too much as there will be a huge decrease in revenue next year.And we are a team on a downwars spiral unlike improving teams e.g the unmentionable.

In conclusion I believe we may have to settle for just a couple big name signings. I can see Kroos, Carvahlio and maybe Konoplyanka, but there is no way we will get hummels, reus or robeen.
Thanks for reading this, I hope eds you agree with my points?

Playing in the Champions League is a draw of course, but then if moving to United means doubling your pay, and actually having a less stressful season with fewer matches, then maybe that has an appeal too. And just think of the glory when you have played an integral part in restoring the team to its rightful place. Maybe they will then pay you as much as Rooney!

22 May 2014 14:51:59
Oh how I love and hate the transfer window and transfer rumours in equal measure, Kroos is done then was never happening, Cesc last year and the window in general. I think I might just turn the tv back on mid august and see who is I Manchester red then and be done with it! Lol

22 May 2014 14:14:49
EDs/Posters do you think Fellaini could play a role next season under LvG?
Except Sam Allardyce very few managers would like to have a Fellaini like player in the team.

Hoping he can find some form next season.

22 May 2014 13:50:31
is it me or any other utd fans starting to worry about our defence? apart from hummels, who declined almost immediately, I thought martins indi and de vrij were being looked at? ok, by the start of next season going forward we'd be looking to destroy teams - defence, suspect? any thoughts?

I agree that defense could prove a problematic area. There aren't many top CB's around these days and none seem to be available.

I fear we may end up a little like Liverpool next season. Plenty of goals but poor at the back.

IF, we sign Shaw, that'll make us a lot more solid down the left side but I agree - Jones, Smaling and Evans, injuries aside, are simply not top level CB's. They are good, but not great and if we want to return to title contention we need a CB pairing that can replace the Rio/Vidic partnership of a few years ago.

Jones, Smalling and Evans should be fighting it out to partner a new CB. Hopefully that man is top class.

22 May 2014 13:00:35
Bayern Munich president Karl Hopfner insists the club will not increase their contract offer to Toni Kroos. The Germany midfielder, whose current deal expires next summer, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

"There will certainly be further talks, but at some point the player has to say what he wants, " says Hopfner.

------------------------
The deal is looking more likely by the day now. I must confess that when the rumours first started popping up I thought Kroos was just using our interest to secure an improved contract; but if Bayern aren't willing to pay him what he wants and we are - then it's got to be a possibility that he moves to OT.

I think it is certainly a possibility, there has been no assurances that he won't be leaving Bayern.

22 May 2014 10:56:13
I feel it's a load of crap again, but please prove me wrong that Rooney is linked to PSG and that they are in for him. Chica possibly leaving after WC, could we be interested with Pedro?

I would not completely rule it out, but it looks rather unlikely.

PSG have been improving exponentially over the last couple of years. They want to improve their poll, which happens by winning European cups and buying high profile players.

Winning the champions league is a step too far for PSG atm. The french league is still unfortunately a weak league, and does not have the pull of the EPL. That makes it more difficult to buy the best of the best ( players would much rather move to Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern, Madrid and us pre Moyes than go to PSG if the salaries are similar ).

What they have been trying to do is buy big players rather than needed players.

For example they sure as he11 did not need Cavani, but they got him because he is a top class, high profile player.

On current form, ROoney would not get into the PSG team. But if they were to lose Cavani, and needed someone to partner Ibrahimovic, Rooney is good enough to play behind him, and a big name ( more famous than Cavani ) and would assert themselves as a force to be reckoned with ( more so then they already have ).

The financial aspect of getting Rooney would be astronomical for PSg, and would put them firmly on the map.

The problem lies with Rooney though. He might be good enough to play for them, but is he adaptable enough to learn how to live/ speak the language in a new country? I hardly think so, the man is really thick and might not want to get out of his comfort zone.

Mick, that's really unfair to Rooney, calling him thick. You're talking here about the only man in the world whose actually written a book before he ever read one.

22 May 2014 09:44:10
"David Moyes took a lot of stick, but I believe he's a top manager. I'd question if 10 months was enough time."

"Edward Woodward has an awful lot to prove this time that he's good enough at his job.

"He has to bring the players in that the new manager wants. It's obvious that last year he didn't manage to do that. If he doesn't we are not going to get anywhere near the top this year" scholes.

I agree Moyes is a good manager, unfortunately for me he made a number of errors that in hindesight he may regret:
1. Should have kept one of the previous coaches on the staff. probably Mullenstein.
2. Foolishly believed the 'long term project' that he was sold by the board and as such did not make the changes immedietly that were obviously needed.
3. Dithered along with Woodward on a number of purchases last summer that were previously lined up. Then panicked on 2 players that did not fill any of our needs.
4. Was not strong enough to put his philosophy accross and get the players to buy into it.as such did not have them fully playing for him.
5. Square pegs round holes. constantly shoe horned players in where they were not comfortable. I genuinely believe he wanted to play Fellaini as an attacking midfielder just off the front players but for some reason used him as a holding midfielder to disasterous effects!

Moyes will end up at a team that is just off the top tier and will be successful. Evertons success this year is not just down to Martinez but also the structure of the club and the players he was left with

Funny that you didn't mention any of the stuff he said about Rooney:

"Wayne wants all the responsibility to score . He’ll try to play left back, right back. Sometimes he does that too much instead of saving himself and his energy for what his teams need – the ball in the net. He needs to use his energy more effectively now as he’s a player who likes to be up front on his own and I don’t think he’s great with partnerships. To get the very best from Wayne in Rio, the manager [Roy Hodgson] needs to tell him: ‘Don’t bother running back. Stay up top. Stay centre forward. Score goals. That’s your job in my team.’”

“There’s a chance he’s worn out. Wayne’s peak may have been a lot younger than what we’d expect of footballers traditionally. Age 28 or 29 has been the normal ‘peak’. With Wayne, it could have been when he scored 27 league goals in 2011-12 when he was 26.”

Hmmmmm, seems Scholes is saying a lot of the same things people on here having been saying about Rooney for the last two seasons. But he must be wrong too. No way that Wayne is incapable of holding his position, the manager must be telling him to drop back deeper instead of staying up top.

Rooney plays football the way you see it on the fields every Sunday morning. He has passion and desire to be on the ball all the time. He does not have the confidence in the other players to give it to him so he goes looking for it and then wants to pass it to the forward.but he is that forward so there is no one there.
Unfortunately Rooney is not very bright otherwise he would realise that holding his position and working the defence would get him goals just as it does for van persie.
Either Van Gaal will have the belief he can change. or he will get rid of him.

Danny
I didn't want to get on to an other endless Rooney debate to be honest, I think some like yourself are obsessed.

For me scholes makes a very good point it was Woodward who will of had a big say in appointing moyes in the first place.
It was also Woodward who was responsible for signing the players not moyes.
Yet Woodward has come out of this Scott free.
On Rooney I completely agree it's about time a manager told him to play his best position and stay up top instead being expected to play 3 different roles.
I have also always said the 34 goals Rooney got in 2012 while not playing the the 9 role and in fact playing lw, 10 and cm in what was an average United team was a fantastic achievement. Better imo than the 34 he got while playing CF in a good united team in 2010. When yourself and others claimed he had peaked.

Has he peaked now? Well like scholes said maybe only time will tell .
Is he still a good player? Imo yes still one of the best in epl .

Que all the usually suspects all saying exactly the same things they have been for 2years .
Enjoy the debate Danny

"Ryan Giggs has been on the go for ages, but he adjusted his position. Can Wayne do the same? I don’t think Wayne will be able to play centre forward until he’s 34 or 35.'
I would agree with that as well as I don't think there are many top strikers past 32.


 'He could play centre midfield, possibly, into his mid-thirties. He’s got all the ability to take over my old position at Manchester United."
I would also agree with that as I have said before he may end up that position in his 30s.

One other thing his new deal is for 5 years with an ambassadors role at the end of it which would suggest this is his last contract and will retire in 5 years imo

Only the stuff I have been saying for a while now. Well done Scholes for telling us what most of us already knew. And exactly what Danny said SAF said about Rooney in his book that he drops deep too much. LvG will not give Rooney a free role. He will need to do a job properly or he will be moved on.

So the legend that is Paul Scholes is saying pretty much what I have said about Moyes, Woodward and Rooney all along. Nice to see that someone of his insight and experience is coming out and saying what he actually thinks and not pussy footing around certain people and kissing their arse.

Jred, we don't agree too much especially on Rooney, but I sincerely hope that when we are done with Rooney, he is sent packing. How can we give the guy an ambassadors role? He has pissed on our great club twice to get what he wants, isn't a great professional and is as thick as sh*t. I wouldn't have him here come August don't mind in 5 years and beyond.

SAF always said he wanted Rooney to play midfield when he started to slow down. Well he started slowing down a few years ago and that would explain why SAF wanted him to play midfield last season. Rooney refused, SAF was ready to sell. Moyes caved, LvG will not cave. Will be interesting to see where Rooney plays next season. I have been saying it could be midfield for a while now.

Sydney
Exactly lvg won't give Rooney a free role.
And like scholes said it's about time a manager got him to play up top.
You will see an even better Rooney imo

I agree with the whole scholes article.

Sydney
You have been saying he will play cm for 2 years .
But to be fair you have been wrong . Eventually I agree you will be right he will play cm.
It's a bit like evra, you have been going on about him leaving for 3 year again eventually you will be right .

Brendan
Did you say that moyes was a top manager and question if 10 months was long enough.
And that Rooney has all the attributes to play the scholes role?
Syd
So after disagreeing so many times with me that Rooney season in 2012 was his best (34 goals playing all over the park ) .
I'm sure you have argued he peaked in 2010.

It seems a lot will pick the bit in the article they agree with and ignore the rest .
I actually agree with it all

Jred, I never said Rooney would play CM two years ago. I said I believed SAF wanted to move him to midfield last season.

MU have been looking to replace Evra for a few years now. This season with Shaw, the other two seasons with Baines.

But if I remember correctly you said we didn't want Baines. That it was all paper talk. Keep digging Jred :)

For 2-3 years now Jred has been jumping on anyone's post who have had an opinion on Rooney. Hours and hours of debates. Me getting lambasted for saying that I believe we have seen the best of Rooney. That he peaked early and he is slowing down, lost his explosiveness. 2-3 years of chief constable Jred of the Rooney defence division (RDD) jumping on anyone's opinion of Rooney and BANG, all comes crashing down with a Scholes interview.

But you agree with Scholes' interview, funny that.

Jred, I said all along Moyes was a good manager who did an excellent job at Everton. I also said all along he should get another window and well into another season before judging him and when he was sacked I came on and said the same thing again.

I've said all along that Rooney's best attributes are his running and his long passing, but his first touch short passing and vision aren't great. I think we may try and move him back but I, like Scholes, am not sure he'll be successful. I 100% agree that he has peaked and won't last well into his 30's and have stated this dozens of times, only for the Wayne Rooney Defence League to come out all guns blazing.

What is it you like to say? Sometimes you have just got to man up and admit you were wrong. Well we are still waiting Jred. Keep twisting things, but there are a few of us on here today that can sit here with a smile on our face knowing that you do not have a smile on your face :)

Sydney
Firstly we haven't signed Baines and I told you Fabio was going not evra.
Secondly you have gone on and on about rooney leaving but he is still here.
You always have a theory but they never happen.

What has scholes said.
There is a CHANCE Rooney has peaked in 2012. He could well be right in 2012 Rooney got 34 goals not playing as a 9. The 2 seasons since then he hasn't reached them hights.
You have gone on and on about him peaking in 2010, I've constantly said he was just as good in 2012 so he can't of peaked in 2010 imo.

I didn't see scholes saying Rooney is fat, lazy average bad influence in the dressing room etc etc. Some of the things I have disagree d with.
Or that kagawa is a better player or that Rooney is an average footballer.

The other day one of the regulars argued Rooney is average and if he finishes united and England's top scorer it means nothing?

Everyone is entitled to there own opinion but I think there has been a lot of rubbish on here about Rooney .
I find nothing I would fully disagree with in the scholes article

Jred, I never said Rooney would play CM two years ago. I said I believed SAF wanted to move him to midfield last season
Sydney.
Fergy wasn't at the club last season when fergy bought kags 2 year ago you argued it was to replace Rooney and Rooney would play cm.
You have gone on and on about fergy trying to get Rooney to play cm but Rooney spitting the dummy out . That wasn't last season it was the season before

Brendan
My mistake on moyes I though myself and GCU where the only people to say moyes should be given more time .

On Rooney scholes said there is a chance he has peaked and he could be right .
But that doesn't make him a bad player, in 2012 he got 34 goals playing deep playing CM at times . The following year yourself and others wanted to sell him. I don't really get that?
he got 17 goals and 10 assists this year and again people want to sell him .

I don't really get people's obsession with selling him to be honest imo he is one of our best players

Sydney
Honest question what was I wrong about?

"I didn't see scholes saying Rooney is fat, lazy average bad influence in the dressing room etc etc. Some of the things I have disagree d with.
Or that kagawa is a better player or that Rooney is an average footballer."

I have never said any of these things. Give it up jred. You are getting deeper :)

Jred. Keep twisting things, but there are a few of us on here today that can sit here with a smile on our face knowing that you do not have a smile on your face :)

Sydney!
like that syd eh.

What was it 007 said there are some who would like rooney to fail just so they could sit there with a smug smile on there face and say I told you so.

There is not a lot I would argue with what scholes said i'm cool with it .
I have an issue with a lot of views on here tho,

Jred, I think you are trying to argue with people who have a personal agenda when it comes to Rooney. They haven't been able to get to grips with the fact that all their predictions and prophecies about Wayne leaving never materialized. What with some of them coming here at the end of last season saying "bye bye Wayne" etc. Rooney has always proved them wrong and will continue to do so. More so when Messi, Iniesta and Ronaldo were all praises for him, the same people came out with "support for the peer" line. What do Mourinho and Ancelloti know. Few linez from Scholsey and they are back with a bang. Lead by of course Gen. Sydney!, they have been waiting for Rooney to fail for quite sometime. Look who is adking you to man up, the same bloke who couldn't man up to Cleverley's failures time and again.

Deeps.

Syd
You never said he was fat and lazy, smoker who eats to many burgers, what not once .

People on the site have never said he is average bad influence etc?

Deeps
Thatd all very true, also after reading the full article on pp as opposed to the head lines in the papers there really isn't much I would disagree with
Its some of the nonsense on here I have always had a problem with.
Although it turns out I must of imagined some of it?

Jred, be fair. I might have mentioned it a couple of times too :)

Stevie
thank god I though I had imagined it

Enters police constable Deeps from the Rooney defence division. Been expecting you. I have not wanted Rooney to fail. I have said numerous times during the summer that I didn't want the club to sell him.

I have said numerous times that he is still a top player and that I would play him as the number 10. And I have said numerous times that Cleverley has had his chances and hasn't stepped up to the plate. So kind of disappointing from you Deeps. You will need to do better than that.

Jred, he does smoke, drink and eat junk food. What's your point? I wouldn't say he's fat, but he certainly struggles with his weight. That isn't a criticism, that's his genes. That is no secret, he has said that himself. Anyway I will leave you both to it. I am off out.

Syd, to be fair I have been disappointed with your name calling. Using stmnts like "some of us will have a smile on our faces knowing you won't have one today" is frankly kiddish and immature. You are much better than that, or is it the Rooney topic that brings the worst out of you? FYI, I have always supported Clevs, primarily because I am an avid viewer of our youth/academy. I support all our players and don't believe in scoring imaginary points if obe of them fails.

Deeps.

22 May 2014 09:12:33
This Evans better than jones at passing posts I really don't agree with them but that's my opinion I guess

if evans was much better at passing than jones wouldn't he be the one playing in midfield when we need a threat neutralised there instead of jones?

we have had Jones played there a couple times under Moyes even SAF . so to me that suggests a better passing ability for Jones

22 May 2014 10:51:31
Evans has the better passing and defensive positioning, but Jones is better at running with the ball and man marking as well as being abit quicker.

So when you need a presence in midfield, someone who'll run forward with the ball, someone who could do a man marking job on an opposition playmaker then Jones is the better fit.

Playing midfield isn't just about passing.

Evans makes more passes on average, with a higher pass completion rate, he also hits more accurate long balls than Jones. This shows he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet, his passing both short and long is more assured and he passes more often. Evans is a better passer than Jones in every aspect.

Hummels is a much better passer than Bender, and yet it's Bender who plays in midfield. Just like Mata has a better shot than Hernandez, and yet it's Hernandez who is a striker.

There are different aspects of midfielders that Evans is simply not capable of doing. His passing is good, but not good enough to overshadow his lack of movement, tackling and dynamism in midfield.

Just like Mata's pace/ finishing/ running in behind is not good enough to play as a striker.

Alright Shappy will start paying more attention on such.
cheers

22 May 2014 07:48:54
Who do you think will fill the vacant shirts next season?

No.7: Kroos

No. 11: Januzaj

No. 9: fabregas

No. 5: Hummels

22 May 2014 01:11:02
Please can we stop with the assumption that LVG will be signing a lot of Dutch players? Did Moyes fill our squad with Scots or Mourinho sign Portuguese for Chelsea

Redseven
-------

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Jose sign carvalho, tiago, Ferreira and meireles when he went the Chelsea first time round? So the answer is yes, Jose did sign Portuguese for Chelsea.

Which Scottish players could Moyes possibly sign?

22 May 2014 08:37:05
Didn't he sign hilarious the really dodgy keeper as well?

Bosingwa, Deco as well I think.

Fergie - Leighton, McClair - 2 Jocks is a lot when you consider the quality up there.

Mourinho was long gone when Meireles signed for Chelski in 2011.

The other three did sign in Mourinho's first window though - as did Nuno Morais.

Clearly my statement was referring to Mourinho's second spell at Chelski!

LVG has worked with the dutch team
for a couple of years and has scouted
dutch players so don't kid yourself if he
he thinks a player is good enough he will
try to get them dutch or whatever. Even
Moyes brought in Fellaini .

I had a feeling Meireles shouldn't have been on the list, but I thought it helped prove my point. It does happen.

I agree that the press are just linking us with Dutch players because it is an easy story for them though. 'LVG will speak to xxxxx whilst in Brazil' etc, and most probably have no legs whatsoever. But I wouldn't be at all surprised if at least a couple of Dutch players arrive.

GDS -

As I say - we may move for some Dutch players; but it seems as though we've been linked with about 20 of them!

That said; LVG did start his career buying players he'd worked with in the past. In his first spell at Barcelona he signed Winston Bogarde, Michael Reiziger, Frank and Ronald de Boer and Patrick Kluivert - all of whom he'd managed at Ajax.

In his second stint there he didn't sign any Dutch players - and that was off the back of a two year spell as coach of the national team.

Perhaps we should just buy the Dutch national team and have done with it? In fact utd should just buy the netherlands.