Manchester United Banter Archive April 23 2013

23 Apr 2013 23:54:36
That Bayern team could be unbeatable next year. I have never seen Barcelona so convincingly outplayed.

And to think they are adding Goetze and more to it.

I fear they may dominate for a long time.

24 Apr 2013 07:43:43
Football like everything goes in cycles, Barca were at the top, AC Milan had a go, Real Madrid had their turn, and now its Bayerns turn. If we make the right signings and build in the right manner then we will be peaking in 2/3 years time and maybe then we can have a few years of being the top team in europe.

I think SAF is trying to build a team in the same manner to an extent. We all know that we are not the free-flowing team we have been in the past but I think what SAF is doing is building a team that will challenge every year and win more often or not.

I actually think the 3 years we went without winning the title was SAF's biggest disapointment and what he has looked to do is build the squad to ensure we never go on through a spell again where we have to wait so long to get the title back. It is unrealistic to think we will win it every year but to challenge and win it every other year or 2/3 in a row is possible for United.

But through building the squad as he is we will challenge again in Europe very soon, we showed against Real we are there or there abouts but just lacking something, the players we have under 25 is fantastic and like Shappy has said in 2/3 years I believe it will be our turn to dominate Europe rather than win it on the odd occassion.

On another note, I've noticed Rene Meulensteen has been in the technical area a bit more lately and RVP praised him not so long ago, does anyone think he may be promoted to Assistant next season? I think that would be a great move for us.

24 Apr 2013 11:00:58
I don't think he will be promoted, but I think he is having more influance. Sir Alex won't upset the apple cart and promote Rene and demote Phelan. I expect Rene will be the number 2 of the next manager.

No chance, I see no one in the reserves to be world class talent. We do have jones and kagawa, but the rest are average.
Also Bayern, Dortmund and Barca have immense youth academies, so don't hold your breath.
We also have the challenge from the super rich clubs, chelsea, city, psg and Monaco and you can see that unless we have something special, then we will not be winning another CL for a long time.

24 Apr 2013 15:47:46
Yeah if you say so no name, De Gea, Smalling, and Rafael are average. Then you have players like Evans, Welbeck and Cleverley who will be very good players. Plus Powell, the Keane twins, Januzaj, Daelhi and Pearson in the academy. We have a very good base of young players to build a team with. Plus we will add to them.

And when will them younger players get game time to show what thy can do, i'm sure thy won't get on before giggs that's if he is not selected from the start

23 Apr 2013 22:24:42
Rooney to Bayern Munich according to Joey Barton. Also club officials will hold further talks with Athletico Madrid for Falcao. The transfer fee is the only sticking point.

AndypMUFC

With mancini claiming rvp was the difference this year, I think they will go all out to get a top striker, so it could be were trying to tie him (or lewy) down early to prevent man city simply throwing money at players to get them

Dags, they already had top strikers. Aguero, Tevez, Dzeko & Balotelli (til Jan) Just £140m worth of strikers.

Mancini was just gutted he went to us as he knew that we were lacking a RvP and he knew he would make us much stronger.

23 Apr 2013 22:08:57
I am reading lots of posts on here about the death of Barcelona or Lionel who? but ask yourself this question what would both of those teams have done to us with our invisible midfield. Can you imagine The brand against either of those teams. What the game does do is tell us how much we need to improve and in what areas we need to strengthen.

You're so bitter Kloot. What happened to you? Barca would have done this to us, Bayern would have done that to us. Why don't you focus on what has actually occurred in reality: Leauge championship number 20 in one of the most competitive and difficult leagues in world football. But of course that would be looking at the class half full, not you're cup of tea at all. God forbid that you might see the bright side and have your pessimism dampened.

Yes, we have a weak midfield that needs --and has needed for some time-- upgrading. This is no secret. This is not up for debate. Nobody is blind to our shortcomings. But I for one have grown weary of your incessant need to remind us all of the good, the bad and the ugly and somehow managing to curtail the good and embellish the rest.

BornInToIt

Its not the death of Barcelona it's the rise of Munich.
As I've said before, best team in Europe
Jred

Totally agree with kloot. Our team would have lost to either of these teams. If u want to live in a fantasy land and be happy with no. 20, then that's fine, but don't have a go at kloot for wanting us to compete with the best.
Nomidfield

"Live in fantasy land and be happy with No. 20" what a ridiculous statement.

Good post Kloot. Some of the footbal was fantastic last night and it really shows how far behind we are in terms of the Champions League.
Bornintolt - Kloot isn't being bitter, it is a fact that out midfield is crap and need improving, what's bitter about that?

Simmo

Nomidfield,

Do you get any joy from life? I am guessing you are one of the people that left with 10 minutes to go on Monday night?

German football as a whole has gotten much better since we destroyed them 5. 1 in their back garden. They invested heavily in grass roots and they trusted their youth so they could gain experience quickly. I agree with jred that they are probably the strongest side in Europe at the moment and they will get even stronger with Pep in charge along with a massive transfer spend. Neuer, Dante & Badstuber rarely have much to do with the fantastic Martinez & Schweinsteiger sat in front of them. Football goes in cycles, English football dominated for a few years, Spain were there or thereabouts and then dominated for a few years and Germany are now getting stronger although they have also been there or thereabouts. Spanish & German football have progressed a lot over the past decade.

Sydney!

23 Apr 2013 22:06:07
Very simple lesson to be learnt from tonight. Keep buying quality even when you are the best in Europe. They have packed their team with skill and power. And they are adding to that team with another world class signing. Please take note Sir Alex

Agreed

The example of RVP should flag up what real quality can do. If we are to compete in Europe we need two or three at the same standard

Red Man

I agree again kloot, we seem to have just plodded along since our last great Europeannight in Moscow.
Chris the REDman

Couldn't agree more KLOOT.

They had Kroos & Schweinsteiger, but bought Martinez. The best transfer policy in Europe in my opinion.

Already have Ribery/Mueller/Robben as wide men but buy Goetze - weakening their biggest rivals & sign potentially the German player of his generation.

Add Lewandowski & it becomes a scary mix of efficiency & skill.

Lets hope we don't hear the value excuse and instead strive to match the world class " winner " signings like RVP.

Moog {Ed004's Note - I reckon to somehow compete with that Bayern squad we need 4 top quality first team players but I can't see that happening. Ideally Baines, Strootman, Rodriguez/Lamela and one of Isco/Sanchez/Reus. However, I'm not sure even a midfield of Strooman and Carrick could compare to Schweinsteiger and Martinez and I have my doubts about both right footed players except Reus who I can't see being signed. Isco seems to drift out of games and Sanchez doesn't seem suited to Barcelona style of play.}

Moog,

Their policy is not any different from those at City, Chelsea and PSG.

In the past few summers, they have signed Ribery for 30m, Neuer for 20+m, Gomez for 26m, Martinez for 30+m and now Gotze at 31m. They have the right to do so because they have earned that money but the policy, as such, is not admirable at all.

They go on about how they imitate Barcelona with their youth academy and homegrown players. For all the talk, they have just 3 players in their team who came up from the youth setup (Lahm, Schweinsteiger and Mueller). How is that the best policy in Europe?

No Name

The 3 guys you have mentioned Lahm and Schweinteiger are probably the best in their position in the world today.

I wish we had 2 players from our youth set up that we could genuinely consider in the top 3 in the world. BTW Hummels was also from their youth set up and they screwed up letting him go as he is in the top 3 best CB in the world today and imagine if they also had him.

What is wrong with buying players with money you make to win. Who cares where they come from. This Bayern team will most likely win the treble.

They have enough ambition to take a treble winning team come this summer and have close to 6 to 7 players leaving and 4 or 5 new players coming in because they want to be dominant force domestically and in Europe.

Shahram

23 Apr 2013 22:01:22
Pep Guardiola is the luckiest man in football. His first two jobs, he has inherited the best team in the world without lifting a finger. Takes away from his achievements IMO.

Damn I was going to post the same thing lol

I reckon he secretly wants them to lose in the final.

23 Apr 2013 21:39:07
Tonight we saw exactly how we are going to need to uo our gae to compete next year in the champions league. baywrn were so well tacticakly drilled and their midfield was fantastic. Robben espec was awesome. we need two not one workd class midfielders who can be destructive and also rampage
forward

23 Apr 2013 21:25:46
If we hear no value I'm the market we can forget about champions league for a long time.

23 Apr 2013 21:04:59
It looks like the mystery of how to beat Barca has vanished. Bayern are looking dare I say it comfortable. And Milan should have beaten them, even Celtic got a result against them.

I think Bayern will be the team to beat over the next couple of years.

I read an interesting artical today that suggested that Pep may have wanted Gotze to mould him into a striker in the mould of Messi, that would be interesting. It went on to say that Gotze would be the spear head so to speak with Muller Kroos and Shaqiri behind him with Schweinstieger and Martinez achoring the midfield. With Neuer in goal and Lahm and Alalba in the full back positions all they need is to sort out the centre of defence and they will have a hell of a side.

They are already a hell of a side Shappy, they're tearing Barca a new one!

Dante and badstuber are top class they don't really have a weakness anywhere

Ed002 says they are also interested in Falcao, Rodriguez and Isco. Imagine if they landed 2 of those 3 what they would be like :)

Shahram

23 Apr 2013 20:18:45
congrats on title. over long ago, didn't think you were in the running this season, next season can't see anyone stopping you. (liverpool supporter)

B O H

Really hope you can be better next year B O H its a shame suarez is a great but controversal player but still hope you do better

What are you talking about Paddy. Hope they do better? I hope they get relegated and Rat boy gets a seasons ban.

Suarez banned for life yes I was only trying to get his hopes up we all now they won't do better next year Cardiff have a better chance of winning the league

23 Apr 2013 20:04:31
There seems to be a lot of talk about some german club signing some german lad on here today. Which is odd considering that we won the title last night.

As with all things though time doesn't stand still, and you can bet that the plans for next season will become paramount of importance now that the title is sealed.

This is going to be one of my specials (very long post. lol), so you may wanna get yourself a cuppa and settle down before you go any further.

The most important question is how will we play next season? Because without an anwser for this question then you really are just sticking pins in a map where transfers are concerned.

Now when I look at the squad something is quite clear, we have an abundance of forward/strikers but a real lack of quality wingers. Young is a squad player, Valencia is good at what he does but is limited, and Nani looks like he's out the door this summer. So if we are to play with wingers then at least 2 quality wingers will have to be bought. I don't see this happening.
Yet if you look at our forwards/strikers then we have RvP, Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez, Zaha and Henriquez. And we've been linked with Falcao and Lewandowski, although Rooney has been linked with a move away.
I've included Zaha in this catagory as although he can play on the wing, I think his best position will be as an inside forward.

So how do you move away from wingers and keep all those forwards happy?

4231 has worked for some teams but our players are more forward thinking and we don't have enough players like Kagawa to play behind the main forward. This system works at Chelsea as they have Mata, Hazard and Oscar who are all great in that role. Arguably we only have Kagawa and Rooney, with Rooney possibly leaving, meaning we'd only have one player.

I think the answer is to move back to the 433 we played in 2008. That was our best european campaign, the time we looked most dominating. A front three of Rooney, Ronaldo and either Tevez or Berbatov. This would certainly suit our forward players. Lewandowski Rvp and Welbeck upfront has loads of talent imagination work rate and skill. Players like Hernandez Zaha and even Henriquez could get games in this formation too, keeping everyone happy and everyone fresh to challenge on four fronts.

The only issue with this line up is where do young and Valencia fit in? Well Valencia can cover RB, as we would need width from the full back positions and Valencia would offer more from that position than Jones or Smalling covering for Rafael. Or he could come on wide on the right of the front three to offer a more direct route to goal. Young could also cover wide in this formation or drop in behind the forwards and cover for Kagawa. It would mean both would become squad players but very good ones.

This then leaves our midfield.
Our midfield has been over run at times and it's not just a personel thing, tactically the midfield has been out numbered and that has caused us to conceed the midfield to easily. By playing 433 we will have an extra man to help out and stabilise the midfield and make sure we don't lose the number battle there.

Still we will need a couple of players to make this work. As atm we only Have Carrick Cleverley Kagawa and Giggs who could play in midfield next season and there is a certian drive and power missing from those options. Strootman and Wanyama are the answer.

They would allow us to play in two ways depending on the opponant and how we want to approach the game.

If we were to play a more defensive game we could play Wanyama deepest with Carrick and Strootman using their passing to move the ball forward and their defensive abilities to help shield the defence.

If we wanted to be more attacking then we play with Carrick and Strootman working more as a double pivot with Kagawa playing further forward linking with the forwards and helping apply pressure higher up the pitch.

We have two definded options to be offensive or defensive depending on need. And it is done with only changing one player thus making sure the balance of the team isn't distrupted too much.

This would sort out the midfield. The defence doesn't need any work except maybe at LB. With Evans 25, Smalling 23, Jones 21 and M. Keane 20 all looking good players/prospects along with Rio and Vidic having a guiding hand of experiance. Then the centre of our defence is sorted for years to come.

LB looks the likely place for strengthening. But I expect Evra to be given another year with Buttner being given more chance to prove himself/smooth out the rough edges. Then in the summer of 2014 we will either sign a first choice LB or and understudy for Buttner depending on how he does. Maybe Alex Sandro or Lucas Digne depending on what we need.

People may worry that this system could be too open, but if it's implement properly then you keep the ball higher up the pitch and you score and cause so many problems for you opponant that the the possibility of being caught on the break is a minor concern at most. Plus with players like Carrick Strootman and Wanyama our defence will get much more cover than ever before, so we can afford to gamble more.

The Key to this system is Kagawa, he will do a lot of running and filling in gaps as the players infront of him move and pull defenders around.

There will be poeple who'll look at this and Go Welbeck isn't good enough to start. But if you look at all the biggest games we've played this season Welbeck has been a starter, so Sir Alex trusts him on the big occasion. City, Chelsea, Arsenal. Infact when he hasn't played much against the top teams we tend to struggle more. He was one of our best players over the two legs against Real Madrid.

His work rate, passing, vision and disapline have been vital and he balances out the attacking threat of RvP and Lewandowski. You need a player like that to add balance, in 2008 it was Rooney/Tevez who did the work that allowed Berbatov and Ronaldo to be unencumbered with the more defensive side of the game.

Now to the elephant in the room. Wayne Rooney.
Does he have a place in this team?

Well he isn't good enough to be first choice in midfield with Kagawa much better in the hole and Carrick and Strootman better midfielders. He could play as one of the wider forward as he did in 2008, although he has lost a that yard of pace that made him so effective back then. So he wouldn't be first choice there. Then both Lewandowski and RvP are better strikers so he wouldn't have a place in the centre of the attacking three. So what we're left with is a player who can cover several positions but isn't suited to be first choice in any.
Now if he was on 80k a week you could justify that but you can't play non vital squad players over 200k a week, were United not City.

So it looks like Rooney won't be completing his tenth year at the club, which makes me sad. He had the world at his feet, and he has brought us many years of top drawer service but the sun looks like it's setting on his United career. A career that promised so much, and delivered some magic moments but will always feel abit unfullfilled. Through a combination of not nailing down one position, injuries and of late a poor attitude to his fitness have lead to the brightest english talent of his generation fizzling out prematurely. He will go on to play at the top level but his chance to be remembered in the same bracket as Ronaldo and Messi will be has gone.

So this is how I see our summer panning out, Two midfielders and a striker/forward player along with Zaha.

With players likely to depart being; Nani, Anderson, Scholes (retire), Fletcher (retire, sadly), Fabio, Lindegaard and Rooney all or a selection of these are likely to be leaving.

Shappy

I want and I think Rooney will be here next season. He will complete 10 years at the club.

Welbeck is certainly not good enough to start! I hope he improves and has a career at a decent mid table side. When you talk about vision and passing, you are having a laugh. Local lad and I would want him to succeed but would not be carried away by any delusions.

Deeps.

Deeps

I think he is going. Something tells me the manager has made up his mind. This constant substitution of him and no starts reminds me of the last few months of Beckham at the club.

Obviously this is all just a view but I think the teams set up and make up is changing and it is a matter of what he thinks is best going forward rather than a personal issue with Rooney.

People who believe he is going to move to midfield are kidding themselves. I grant him that he will make the great pass here and there when given room but he will struggle immensely against a combative midfield who will press the ball.

Watching Barca/Bayern last night, I don't think he would last 30 minuted in that role and would get outplayed by naturally bigger and faster players and would look terrible for it.

Then the next question is he still our best option playing upfront, We all know RVP has that locked up.

I guess the next question is do we play him behind the main striker but that also is a conflict with Kagawa.

The practical issue that the club has to deal with is if they grant him a new contract extension, which I assume has to be 3 years minimum. Given the fact that his current contract has another 2 years that makes it 5 more years for Rooney.

I don't personally believe the financial cost will make any sense as I can't see a 30 year old Rooney being better than what he is now and can't see how they can justify 200k to 250k salary.

Given the choices, I think they will sell him in the summer while they can get some value for him.

Shahram

24 Apr 2013 08:13:27
Shahram your right on the money, it is just like Beckham all over again. A shame as he has been a great player for us. His role as a player has become blurred and unsure, as such his role in the team has too. Is he a striker? Is he an AM? Is he a central midfielder? He can play all these positions with vairing degrees od success but he is lacking something in all these roles, as a striker he has lost his pace and drops deep too much, in the hole he lacks the consistancy of passing, in midfield he lacks the control to keep the ball under pressure. He is getting games in midfield now only because he can't get games in his prefered positions as a ST or AM as RvP and Kagawa are better than him. If we had a couple more top midfielders he wouldn't be getting a game at all.

Deeps, I fully appreciate your opinion on Welbeck, he is yet to fully convince me. Although i've seen enough raw talent and ability there for him to become a top player imo. He just needs to fullfil that potential. Yet my opinion and your opinion of him is irrelivent, the only persons opinion of him that counts is Sir Alex's. And as i've pointed out the gaffer has played him in all the big games he's been available for. And he has done an excellent job in these games which has justified the bosses selection of him. His pass success rate is one of the highest you'll see from a forward, so his passing and his vision to see the pass must be pretty good. Yes he doesn't score enough but the goals he has scored have been important ones, composure is something we gain with age. He can score all types of goals such as his screamer on his debut or his deft flick for England. So he just needs to up his confidence and keeo improving and when his confidence is high and he's gained some composure he'll be a top player. He's strong, he's quick, he's good at holding the ball up, he's good at linking play with his team mates, he can score all kinds of goals, he's good in the air, and he has the right attitude. So he has the attributes.

23 Apr 2013 19:43:28
I never like to praise the Germans but one thing I will give them is there fans are incredible! Well bayern and Dortmands, don't watch German football but we could learn a lot from them!

Well Bayern have made Barcelona look so ordinary and toothless. Never thought anyone could do that.

Shahram

23 Apr 2013 19:06:59
so guys? with the title now wrapped up, come 1st july 2013, who will be confirmed as our first signing?

1. kevin strootman
2. kurt zouma
3. james rodrigues
4. ever benaga
5. Steven defour

suggestions?

outs?

Nani
anderson

cheers, the ferg.

UCL - here we come, AGAIN!

Zaha strootman lewi in that order outs nani ando schoels lidegaard

23 Apr 2013 18:08:48
Hi Celtic fan in peace:
Just a note to say big congrats on title No 20.
As for any new players (mid) Wanyama at £10-12m is a steal.

Again Big congrats.

Cprs1

23 Apr 2013 17:54:45
Read some papertalk in French paper this morning about Rooney to PSG in question due to new rules of imposition in France for rich revenue.

The paper talk was BS, but at the same time its reality that French football and PSG won't be able to get High Profile player in the future if the info is true. Nobody will let the state get 75% of their pay.

are those number true? 75%? that's crazy

JLBER84

75% is correct.

Shahram

Yes the tax figure is true, the actor Gerard Depardieu handed back his citizenship and moved to Russia in protest.

God only knows what PSG's pre tax bill looks like. You know the sort of wages footballers expect these days.

23 Apr 2013 16:30:45
Ed, any new developments regarding Isco? Do you think he'll move at the end of the season. What is the possibility of Bayern offloading Kroos this summer with Gotze in fold?

Thanks! {Ed002's Note - Isco will be moving and Kroos has been dealt with already.}

Ed002, who are currently in for Isco? Obviously Chelsea, are Real Madrid still looking to agree a deal for him? Thanks.

Sydney! {Ed002's Note - Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Monaco.}

We really need a player like him. If we could get both Isco and Strootman, would be massive.

Do we have any interest? He'd be ideal!

Elroy!

23 Apr 2013 12:19:45
Hi Ed, with goetze gone to Munich and us in for Lewy, where does this leave dortmund - two star players gone. Would be appreciated if you could confirm whether they have funds to purchase and where their interest lies.

Thanks. {Ed002's Note - Dortmund have funds but were not expecting Goetze to leave this season.}

23 Apr 2013 15:28:50
My worry is does Phil Jones played enough games for a medal? He completely deserves atleast one medal this season.

Midfield_maestro

He has played more than enough.

Sydney!

You need to have played 10 games and he has easily surpassed that. I'm not sure how you would pass for a 'special request' like a club can ask for.

Hoppy

23 Apr 2013 14:14:08
We win the league last night I log on today to see everyone rejoicing and all I see is Gotze to Bayern Ahhh no. c'mon lads he is good but i'm not certain he would even suit our current set up. Kagawa is nailed on in the number 10 position for years to come and IMO is just as good if not better than Gotze.

If we get Strootman and another quality winger along with Zaha and 1 or 2 more additions to the squad we will be very strong next season domestically and in Europe and we would fear no one.

I think Kagawa is brilliant player but he's not better than Gotze. that said I don't see the point in buying for a position we have several players for; Kagawa, Rooney (?), Cleverley, Anderson (?), Giggs, RVP, Welbeck, etc.

IMO Gotze is going to be on a level like Iniesta whereas I think Kagawa will be on a level like Fabregas.

23 Apr 2013 13:41:37
Does anybody else think that the 'Take me Home - United Road' song should be played before every game? It seems to get everyone going!

Hoppy

23 Apr 2013 12:53:51
Congratulation every body
I think Nani was so sad in last tittle celebration, it was so clear. I'm sure it's his last tittle with united.

MUTD

I truly believe the writing is on the wall for nani now, he has only started about 10 games this season and seems SAF has def lost confidence in him.

23 Apr 2013 12:04:19
That was some celebration. It's a long time since OT has rocked like that. Some really good points from last night. Giggs when played on the wing is so much better than when he thinks he is a quarter back in the midfield. Jones is just an animal with such a desire to win and he will be our captain one day. Kagawa is just class pure class and has made that no 10 position behind the strikers his own. This has given Fergie a little problem as what does he do with Rooney. Great pass for the second goal but as Gary Neville said he was hitting into space and it was all about RVP's ability. When Rooney played in his own half he gave the ball away in some very dangerous positions and we were lucky not to get punnished. RVP you were worth every penny and backs up my statement that if you buy world class you get world class. Sydney your boy polished the bench well, I hope he is getting rested. Carrick once again showed why he is such a great player and look at those medals stacking up for him. But most of all how incredible has Sir Alex been. He started on the last day of the last season and made sure that mentaly the team were not prepared to let someone else have our trophy.

And now the real fun begins. let's get some things straight Ronaldo is not coming back Bale is out of our price range. So let's be sensible and not just have wet dreams about who would sign for us. I was very impressed with Benteke last night he held the ball up well had a great touch and was a constant threat.

We have been saying for Four years now that we need a real quality world class midfielder please let this be the summer we get one.

Congrats to every one who contributes to this site even Big Brother Ed002 and especially to the ones who give me stick. We got there in the end and we are all UNITED

Well said Kloot, the team played well last night especially in first half.
Hopefully saf will attend to our problem of midfield. We have to buy world class, and already Goetze has gone to Bayern. So we have to be prepared to pay through the nose if we want the best.
I'm not fussed whether Rooney stays or goes, as he hasn't been very influential. His demeanour when subbed was very low key, he didn't even clap the supporters who were chanting his name. If he thinks he is bigger than United, then he knows where the door is.
Apart from that, well done to United, to the manager, the players and the staff. And thank you to RVP for giving us the memory of that goal which will be with us forever.
We all look forward to Arsenal giving us the guard of honour, and to that bitter clown, piers morgan watching his beloved arsenal players clapping the Champions.
As Kloot said, we are all United in our cause, as we love our club so much.
Nomidfield

Lol never thought i'd say it but I agree 100% with everything u said KLOOT.
Chris the REDman

KLOOT, I agree with it all but if there is one thing that I have been banging on about for awhile is just how much class Phil Jones has. I would put a months wages on him being team captain eventually. When Fergie stated last night that he has the ability to be our best player ever I saw the glisten in his eye.

As I say over and over, the kids oozes class.

ussoldier77

Phil Jones next Manchester United and England Captain

Hope you enjoyed your night KLOOT!

Jones sure is going to be a beast so long as he stays fit.

Good post Kloot

23 Apr 2013 10:50:35
Woke Up today as champions to find out Gotze to join Bayern Munich! Unfortunately we didn't have a chance. let's hope we have big signings this summer.

23 Apr 2013 10:31:01
Feeling amazing this morning (and a bit hungover) fantastic night, down the boozer with all my united supporting mates, watching the game, singing all night.
Job done, huge respect for SAF and the boys for doing it in style.
I'll admit at the start of the season I would never have predicted this outcome. I thought we could win it, but not by such a margin.
Would love to see some fringe players for the next 4 games and some youth blooded.
Won't start on the in's and out's for next season, we all have our favourites and I think there may be surprises

Now. let's start planning for 21

Oh. and Ed's. thanks for all the hard work you have put in over the season. this member appreciates it greatly {Ed001's Note - I am sure Ed007, in particular, would be glad to hear your member appreciates the work he has done..... ;o)

Hmmmm. you can tell i'm hungover. I should have seen that coming ED001 :) (And yes, i've set myself up again ha ha)

23 Apr 2013 10:09:48
Dortmund have now confirmed that Gotze will leave the club for Bayern Munich on the 1st July 2013.

My word, what a team/squad they will have next year. If they now go and secure the services of a quality CB, they will be one hell of a overall force next season. Credit where credit is due however. No sugar daddy throwing money, extremely well ran club and play very attractive football - the way it should be done. The United way essentially.

Where does this leave Lewandowski? Will Dortmund let him leave for Bayern? Surely not?

WF Red Devil

23 Apr 2013 09:56:52
With gotze off to bayern which I'm so disappointed at! Really thought we've could have pushed for him maybe next season, personally I would happily paid the 31. 7? Million if we were willing to pay that for Lucas moura and hazard. But we really need a player of that Calabria/type anyone we're looking at, anyone know of anyone? Also the only good of gotze going to bayern is surely they won't sell lewi to them too?

23 Apr 2013 09:36:57
So Dortmund confirm Goetze to join Bayern. Wow.

23 Apr 2013 09:32:27
Confirmed by Dortmund on their website that they are selling Gotze to Munich in the summer. Only one word can describe my feelings. 'Gutted'

Brendan81

Same here. Quite scary when you think they have Martinez and Schweinsteiger and now Goetze.

I am gutted too and 32 million is less than what we were prepared to spend on Moura and Hazzard so don't understand why we did not make a move for him. Bayern will be hard to live with especially if they get a striker like a Suarez as well. They will be some team.

I hope Ozil or Modric are in our plans.

Shahram

Like we were ever going to buy him anyway.
There was never any confirmation that we were interested, just paper talk written by silly journalist.

Simmo

Why? he is a bavarian and he probably would like to stay in germany to enhance his national team chances.
i don't think we had any chance to sign him.

nikz

Yeah Bayern are going to be a major force. They are good now but with Gotze along with possibly Falcao/Lewandowski they will be amazing. If SAF wants any chance of getting one more Champions League before he retires he is going to have to splash a lot of cash this summer as we just aren't even close right now. I don't think he will though so we will struggle massively but number 21 may be possible.

Brendan81

23 Apr 2013 12:03:55
If they sign Suarez then going forward they will be immense. Martinez and Schweinstieger in the middle with Muller Kroos and Gotze playing behind Suarez. Very scary.

Simmo, we have approached Dortmund in the past, which was confirmed by the editor, then again by Goetze's agent.

Simmo if we aren't interested in the BEST young players in the world then why are we bothering?

Brendan81

Sydney

Approaching them and buying them are completely different.
I can guarantee probably 10-20 teams approached Dortmund about him, what's the point if your not going to buy him?
Brendan81 - look at the midfield, do you see any of the best/young (proven) talent in these positions.
The midfield is desperate, Giggs 39, Scholes 38, Fletcher (chronic illness), Anderson fat, overweight and constantly injured, Cleverley is completely overhyped and isn't good enough.
If we were interested in Gotze Sydney and I mean seriously interested a bid would of been made so stop talking nonsense!

Simmo

Stop talking nonsense, Says the man talking nonsense!

Djay

Simmo, you said there was no evidence we were interested in him, that was not true. Of course there is a difference between approaching and buying, but approaching proves interest. That's all I was saying my friend, the editor also indicated we were planning on buying him next summer (2014). That is of course out of the question now, but could this motivate SAF to be more clinical in the transfer market this summer? He will not want to see anymore targets go elsewhere.

Sydney!

Good reply Djay. that must have taken you all day to think of that one, well done!
Come on Syd, be realistic was a player of Gotze's quality really going to be there next summer considering the season he has had and the talent he has got.
If Fergie wanted that player so badly then the bid would of been put in.
I can just see Fergie saying "wow that boys going to be one of the best midfielders/attackers in the world but let's just leave it until 2014"
Im sorry mate but I just don't buy that one if you pardon the punt!

Simmo

No one including Dortmund and his agent expected him to leave until the end of next season Simmo. I think with Gundogan staying put unsuspectedly and BM meeting the buyout clause and Mario agreeing to the move, I think Dortmund's decision was made easier. United have been scouting Goetze since he was 15. He is a tremendous player and someone the manager would have wanted.

This does show that if you snooze, you lose. I hope we do not get caught napping again. Although many teams have been caught napping here.

Sydney!

23 Apr 2013 08:52:32
After watching rvp leading the line last night I have to wonder why people would want to buy a striker and play Rvp deeper
Jred

Nice cast there, Jred :)

23 Apr 2013 10:47:22
Who says RvP would play deeper if another striker was signed? Maybe Rooney will be moving on, in which case we will need another too class striker to replace him, as one long term injury to RvP with Rooney gone would be a deaster.

RvP say's himself that his position is more a 9 1/2 rather than a no9, or the false no9 which is in vogue atm. He plays as a no9 but also drops wide or deep to help in the build up play. I've been considering how the team will play next season and I wouldn't be suprised to see the team play with three strikers next year abit like the 2008 team that had a front three of Rooney Ronaldo and Berbatov/Tevez. That for me was the most entertaining United team of the last 10 years, it was also our strongest team in terms of european competition. I expect to see us maybe move towards that.

I thought he was outstanding, what a way to win the league
Jred

By the way congragulations to the boys on winning the title, they were superb last night in the first half.
Let me stress that no manager could have won the premiership with that team apart from Fergie, make no mistake about that, the man is a genius and instills this winning mentality into his players.
If he had some of the talent that Chelsea or City have, ie. Mata, Silva, toure, Hazard etc he would have won it back in January.
He's a class act!
We need to look to the future and get rid of the deadwood like Nani, Anderson, Macheada, Bebe etc and bring in some quality to have another assault on the Champions League.

Simmo

23 Apr 2013 08:23:30
congratulation

malaga gooner

23 Apr 2013 08:18:33
20-van persie. 24 million 24 league goals 1 million a goal. Premier league prize money about 16 million. Outlay 8 million. There were doubters because of his injury history but how he has proved them all wrong. Well done lads hopefully my post on the city rumours page of thanks for shining our trophy we got our trophy back. Will get a lot of likes from you all.

I think you need to consider we'd have still won the vast majority of that 'prize money' anyway.

Really? Calculate the points he has won us by winning goals he has scored then comment

23 Apr 2013 07:20:58
Congratulations Man U from a Norwich city fan, you are worthy champions, Enjoy what and who you have there.

23 Apr 2013 07:31:15
This I team I would like to see if rooney goes.

Refael Garay Vidic Evra

Wanyama Carick
Kagawa
Zaha Vanpasie Nani/Welbeck/Youn

Strootman over wanyama for me

ms85

23 Apr 2013 00:57:13
Who went to the game tonight? Absolutely insane atmosphere, didn't sit down once and everyone else stayed up too! - hasn't happened in a long time. Why can't every game be like that? I wasn't even in the Stretford end, I was in the east stand, Thankyou to everyone who made winning the 20th title even sweeter by lifting the roof, better atmosphere than Madrid and City put together personally (maybe just because we won ahah) 20. Roll on 21.

Shinji - 1
Gerrard - 0

23 Apr 2013 00:51:01
These are the moments that make all the suffering worth while. We've bitched and moaned our way through the season. But here we are Champions for a record 20th time. And they played a very good game. I won't disect it or the performances of the players as it doesn't matter. We played like a team united in their determination to wrestle back the title from those wannabes. To relieve the pain of last season, to fight with a spirit of champions. This team may not be remembered as one of the most talented but they will still go down as a great team due to thier mentality and abilty to grind out results though pure will.

There is nothing better then seeing the joy on the faces of players like Van Persie winning his first title, De Gea who's come through so much adversity to become a champion, of Giggs who has been there so many times before but still gets the same joy and of the master mind behind it. The look of sheer joy and pride on Sir Alex's face, the way he lives for these very moments, and yet still have the drive to carry on. There will never be another manager like him, someone who can win a league title on the back of his sheer force of will to make it happen. Regardless of what players he has, regardless of who is challenging him, in spite of everything that opposes him. He will win the title.

We are blessed to have him, and it's been an honour to have lived though his reign. May it continue for a couple more years yet.

We are United, and we have our title back.

Quality post mate!

A poingnant and moving post. Well said Shappy wonderful night for us all!

23 Apr 2013 00:16:44
20. Enough said.

22 Apr 2013 23:50:50
That feeling I've had in the pit of my stomach since agueros goal a year ago has finally gone. Fergie won't make the same mistake as mancini and he will strengthen the squad with 2 or 3 signings that will help kick us on again. Well done boys!
Adam