Manchester United Banter Archive August 24 2013

 

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24 Aug 2013 23:22:20
Schneiderlin and Wanyama are going to make a pretty formidable pairing this year for Southampton I think! Two players there that I wouldn't say no to signing! Went to Villa Park today to watch the game, Westwood and Benteke look very very good when you see them live. Westwood could be a good signing for us in a couple of years as a squad player.

As for this years signings, I think we should just wait for the Fellaini signing and realise that that's all it's going to be this year. I don't buy all this Woodward in Germany stuff - I think we will go for Fellaini and be happy with that for a year. Perhaps keep Nani, get a happy and for Rooney and see what Evra can manage this year. We may get Baines but as the ed says, it's more difficult to get him than it is Fellaini.

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The player I've been the most impressed with in this villa squad is Fabian Delph, he seems to be coming on very nicely as a young player. Showed a lot of potential when he was 18-20 but dropped off a little and now he seems to be showing that early potential again, maybe if he continues the way he is he'd be a decent player for us

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Delph looked neat and tidy yesterday. Was impressed.

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He has for the last few games Ben, turning into a really steady player

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24 Aug 2013 22:50:01
As everyone knows Woodward has flown out to Germany. My understanding is we are going to open negotiations for Lars Bender. The fee that has been asked is £19 mill.

Who would the fans want?

Bender? Gundogan? Kondogbia? or Fellani?

I don't want Fellani, I wold probably go for Gundogan and Kondogbia.

With Kondogbia for the future. {Ed004's Note - Gundogan, Bender, kondogbia and then Fellaini in that order}

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I see gundogan doing more of a fabregas/modric role in a team where as the others are genuine cdm

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Agree with ed004

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Gundogan, Kondogbia, Bender, next doors cat, Fellaini.

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25 Aug 2013 11:45:12
Well Gundogan isn't a DM type player like Jack said. So i'll discount him.

So Lars Bender, Fellaini the Kondogbia.

I don't think Kondogbia is ready for a move to a club such as ours, and he certainly isn't ready for the pressure of being first choice at a top club.

Personally I prefer Bender over Fellaini due to his ability on the ball. But I can understand why we would go for Fellaini ahead of Bender due to him already being settled in england and is acustomed to the league.

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24 Aug 2013 22:18:09
I know a guy who had 'Kaka' tattooed on his arm when he thought Citeh were going to sign him. and it was in the paper! Oh, how we laughed.

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25 Aug 2013 11:21:58
Is Lars the better Bender of the two?
Raffa

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24 Aug 2013 21:38:25
So ozil's father get involved in trying to get a move to united, thiago's fathers gets involved or so we believe, so tonight I begged my father to contact united to get a move for me, it seems the thing at the moment.

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It seems like they did not do too well, recommend using someone else :)

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24 Aug 2013 21:36:40
I have grown tired of our lack of activity in this transfer window and so have decided that this will be the week that we will conduct our business. Make it so Mr Woodward you have my permission to spend.

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24 Aug 2013 19:59:49
Ed what's your personal opinion on the Baines and Fellaini deal, do you think it will go through in the end? {Ed007's Note - I think the Fellaini will bit I'm not so sure about Baines.}

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Fellaini will be easier to buy as he will push his way out. Baines will not push his way out. He's a nice guy.

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Buying a couple of hippies from Everton. whatever next?

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24 Aug 2013 19:53:37
A question for everybody?
When was the last time we really competed in the transfer market!
Do you really think we could have bought RVP or KAGAWA if they hadn't been in the last year of there contract?
Personally I think not!
If we're willing to pay 20 mill plus for fellani, surely the money would be better spent on a younger Better skilled more mobile player like kondogbia!

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Ralph
How many times have you watched Kondogbia and this is not the flavor of the month at Baskin Robbins. He is a very raw big guy in the middle of the pitch but with great physical attributes.

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Last year RVP, one of the best strikers on the planet.

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I am not Fellaini's number one fan by any means but Kondogbia is nowhere near as good as him at the minute, maybe in 3 or 4 years time but we need instant improvement and that is what Marouane brings.

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It would be nice if if was us buying Bale, ronaldo and co. But I think we will not be in that league for a long time to come.
I have resigned myself that we will not compete with the top clubs in the transfer market in the foreseeable future.
Frankly speaking, even if we sign fellaini and baines, it won't exactly set the team alight.
If we're not going to buy the top talent, then we might as well let the youngsters play.

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24 Aug 2013 21:23:39
I would have to say either Veron or RvN, they were the last world recognised stars who top teams from all around europe wanted and we fought off competiton for. Van Persie is a too world star but he only wanted to move to us.

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Thanks for the input guys! Seen kondogbia half a dozen times on tv and in the flesh at rio's testimonial!
All though he's far from the finished article he seems to have a bit more class then that big lump fellani! Shappy's right the last time we're really in the market for world class players at there peak and in contract was about 10 yrs ago!
Just before the parasites took over!

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I agree Shappy. In the couple of years after the treble, I remember the excitement of knowing we had as good a chance as any to sign the best in the world. Then something happened, something to do with money, owners or something. Now we seem to be acting like hard-hit pensioners, leaping on the cheapest produce just late at night just before Tescos closes.

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24 Aug 2013 19:37:34
Really hope we make a marquee signing soon but for my own selfish reason tho, I've been waiting to get the new united shirt but am holding off for a marquee signing to get there name on the shirt rather than mine for once lmao.

I was hoping for Ozil No.9

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Sorry to say but that sounds a bit pretentious. IMO a player has to earn it in the team to have a place on the back of my shirt. Giggs every year until he retires. He has given his life for United! You never know if the next big star is just there for a year or two maybe hunting for the next big pay check!

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Just to add to that.

That is the one thing I can't stand. It is every Tom, Dick and Harry that buy united shirts with the big names on their back trying to be 'cool'. Yet when you ask them still to this day to name atleast 3 players from the current team I still hear Ronaldo, Beckham and Rooney sadly enough! Really!?! Come on!

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I normally get my name due to the fact that a player can leave after 6 months so too risky, but I have to say if Zaha has a good season I wouldn't mind getting him and number 7 ;)

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Funny enough heard KLOOT was doing the same thing. i'm hopin for ronaldo but that wouldn't fit on my two year olds but CR7 would be perfect. And if we get fellani its WIG or FRO an what ever number. And if ROONEY stays ill just get OVERPAID wit number 250,000 .

CAIN

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Kloot is getting Cleverly on his I believe!

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That is why you are still a virgin.

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Names on the back of jerseys Jesus bit immature ini. Cantona no7 was last name I had on my back not far off 20 years ago! If we don't sign ne1 will be a shame but jus got to stick by the team whatever. I do think ozil would be great signing as he would give us more options as he plays wide too. Fabregas would also have been an excellent signing as our new goalscoring centre mid to replace the Scholes of old. To be honest though I see neither happening and jus probly fellaini arriving although he's not a world bearer he would give us a bit more beef in the midfield to slug it out with the stronger midfields. Who knows though we got til Sept 3rd so let's see if there's any surprises in store? Would be very nice if so

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24 Aug 2013 19:06:40
"If Baines/Fellaini represent our current level of ambition then what has happened to us? It's hardly a statement of intent to our rivals is it!"

I've been reading this site for years, and you my friend just came up with one of the most things I have read so far.

Baines is not good enough? Seriously? Hands down the best left back in the league and one of the top 3 in the world ( I have absolutely no doubt he would be considered number 1 had he been playing for a champions league team). Who can we actually get who is anywhere near as good as Baines? How can you be that ignorant?

As for Fellaini, nowhere near my top choice but he is still significantly better than anyone else we have bar Carrick. He was one of the best players in the league last season and is a much more rounded footballer than some on here seem to think. His only downfall imo is his passing but no player is perfect. I'd actually sign Fellaini just so that he can't face us. I agree he is no Vidal/ Schweinsteiger, but he is miles ahead of Cleverley and would improve us.

And if for some reason it seems like we didn't go for more exotic players ( Benders, Gundogan. ), maybe David Moyes, who is one of the most respected managers in the league where he has been plying his trade for 11 years and was just given the biggest managerial role in club football rates Fellaini highly and thinks he can help us improve, who in god's name are you to talk crap about it?

PS: i'd rather have lars Bender and plenty of others ahead of Fellaini, but considering the fact Fellaini would cost more than a lot of our supposed targets ( Alcantara, strootman, Gustavo . ) I really do believe Moyes knows what he is doing

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Well said Mike. Fellaini would not be my choice either but if Moyes thinks he is worth it then who are we to disagree, given our manager has trained with him for years. Baines is quality and would be a great addition IMO.

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I think you need to chill out Mick.

Top three left backs in the world? You need to think about what you've just written and have a word with yourself. Coentrao is just as good as Baines, younger and would cost less, so a deal makes much more sense in terms of finances, ability and longevity.

As for Fellaini, you don't even sound too convinced in your own argument. If you have doubts how can you criticise me for voicing mine? Albeit with much more conviction.

"Who in god's name am I to talk crap about it?" - so I'm not entitled to an opinion? Moyes may know what he's doing but you're basing that on the back of one competitive game. I'd like to reserve judgement for a month or so until we've come through a tough period of fixtures and the transfer window has closed.

Mick, you are a sheep and if you're happy to blindly follow then so be it. You are entitled to your opinion but don't criticize me for having mine.

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Mick, why are you advocating we sign a midfielder who by your own admission is not very good at passing which surely is one of the fundamental skills for a player in his position?

also, shappy has previously provided some stats which demonstrate Fellaini doesn't make many tackles or interceptions either.

so what can he do that's so much better than what we have? please enlighten me because I don't get it.

it's like suggesting we sign a goalkeeper who can't catch, rarely makes a save and is poor at one on ones.

what's more is that he'll cost about £20 million. we'd be better adding this money to a better bid for fabragas.

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24 Aug 2013 21:16:57
I agree with Mick, Baines is not only one of the most creative left backs in the world he was in the top ten most creative players in europe period last season.

My only problem with him is when you consider his age and how much he will cost it doesn't seem like good value. Modern full backs have the most physically demanding job on the pitch. Midfielder may be asked togo from box to box but modern full backs are expected to go from goal line to goal line. that's why you don't see any full backs over 32 at the too of their game anymore. Maicon and Evra were arguably two of the best full backs of their generation yet both have faded badly once over 30. So with Baines turning 29 in december I would argue that we would get 2/3 top seasons out of him before he starts to fade badly, less if he picks up a serious injury. So for how much Everton want for him I think makes it a poor transfer based on value. Based on quality though it would be a great transfer.

As for Fellaini he isn't my first choice or even my second but he would be an improvement on what we have, and he is the right type of midfielder. Also like Mick says Moyes knows him better than anyone and knows what he can bring to the side. Maybe Moyes has a plan and Fellaini may be key to that idea.

At this stage of the transfer window and considering who has already moved I can't see any better options.

Leverkusen have already turned down a near 20m bid for Lars Bender from Arsenal, so it would cost near 25m to get a player who is a better passer than Fellaini but isn't proven in the prem.

Romulo has still got issues with his knees and would be a gamble.

Schneiderlin has had one very good season in the prem and could be an option, but Southampton don't need the money so we would be looking at over 16m for a player who has only played on season of top flight football in his career.

Kondogbia would cost 18m and is very young and still developing, we couldn't expect him to make a serious consistant impact this season. Plus his attacking game is very poor and his creative passing has a lot to be desired.

Axel Witsel will be cup tied for the champions league at least until January, it could be all season if Zenit make the knock out stages. And you can't justify spending 25-30m on a player who may not be able to play in one of the main competitions.

Paulinho and Capoue have moved to Spurs. Illarramendi has moved to Real Madrid. All other top DM's are playing for too clubs like Busquets at Barca, Vidal at Juve and Martinez at Bayern.

So by default Fellaini is the best DM left available to us.

He does have his qualities and his passing was much better against Norwich when played as a DM, he managed 88 passes with a 91% success rate, he also managed 8 defensive contributions through tackles, interceptions and clearances. He also managed one key pass from the deeper position. While also remaining a terror at corners and free kicks.

At this stage we may just have to accpet that Fellaini is the best available option and concentrate on getting him asap.

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@Rumplestilskint

Did Mick not mention that he is one of the top 3 left backs in the world?

Please could you check up on his stats. Was he not the most prolific crossers in Europe, with regards to the amount of crosses and the accuracy of his delivery? Imagine Rvp on the end of that? Never mind that he is a left back not a winger his stats are far superior then some of the best wingers out there in Europe? Now I know people might think he's a quick fix to our lb problem but he will give us at least 5 years of quality at that position not mentioning his dead ball delivery!

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Andrew

Think of him as Carrick's bitch - he will kick ass and break up the opposition's play. Stats can tell lies, we need muscle and Fellaini will deliver it.

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We should spend £20m buying a midfielder who is not very good at passing the ball! What sort of parallel universe is this.

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AJH

LMAOF Never heard anyone describe a player like that and quite different to shappy's long descriptions that but like it.

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Why do some people worry about us over spending on players, so what if we spend a couple of million more than a players supposed worth. In the end it's not our cash.

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25 Aug 2013 09:36:59
Carloto, we care because we love the club and we want what is best for the club. Would you care if you saw your parents or a sibling getting hugely ripped off? Of course you would, but its not your money.

If our club gets ripped off then either that means there is less money to spend improving the squad, the ground or the facilities at the club or it means that the club will have to increase ticket prices to cover the lost money spent on over paying for players.

I agree that sometimes when the need is dyer then the club will have to occasionally over spend by a small amount on a player. But the club can't be massively over paying on every player the club signs or the club will soon get into financial trouble. This stance means from time to time we will miss out on a target as we will refuse to over pay, but that means clubs know that we can't be held to ransom. If we give in all the time then the amount we have to over pay by just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

It happened to Chelsea when Abramovic first took over and he just paid whatever a club asked for a player just to get them, then he found his club was being asked to pay several million more than any other club for the same player. So then he stopped doing it and now his club buy players at the going rate. Its happening with City now.

But they had the money to burn, we don't.

That way some of us fans appreciate why the club can't just spend money willy nilly.

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Ajh, that's going to stay with me for along time. every time I him and Carrick are playing together, that's how I'll see fellaini.

then problem is like I mentioned, shappy's stats tell us he doesn't do much to break up the oppositions play, even in a more defensive mid role.

shappy, what you're saying just underlines how stupid it was letting Gustavo go to Wolfsburg. they don't even play in the champions league ffs. also, you didn't mention marchisio, mascherano, sven bender or de rossi.

so that's about 10 or so quality defensive MIDs we've listed between us. what I'm curious about is how much effort was put into signing any of them?

one final thought - if Lars bender is the best of what's left available to us, then so what if he costs £25 million.

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25 Aug 2013 12:00:17
Andrew, I wouldn't say Marchiso is a DM, he plays more toward the final third. Mascherano is a great player but I still wouldn't want him at our club. De Rossi I don't think would have the legs to play in the Premier league, he's nearly 30 has never played outside of italy which is known for its slow pace. The speed and intensity of the Premier league would imo be too much for him imo.

As for Lars Bender, yes imo he is better on the ball than Fellaini. But Fellaini is used to the premier league, settled in Manchester and is better when it comes to a physical battle and is a threat at corners and free kicks. So there isn't that much between them imo.

So I can understand why Moyes would rather go for the player he knows over the player he doesn't.

The stats I used the other day did show that 2/3 years ago Fellaini didn't do a huge amount of work defensively.

But that was 2/3 years ago. The stats so far this season for him(admittedly only after two games) cast him in a much better light. He is currently managing 8 defensive actions a game(tackles, interceptions and clearances) while making over 70 passes a game with a success rate in the high 80's. He also has the forth highest distance covered stat in the league, so he's certainly doing a great defensive job in midfield for Everton so far under Martinez.

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Shappy, interesting info on Fellaini this season (you got pro zone or something?) obviously I don't fancy him as a player, but I'm very happy to be proved completely wrong if we sign him.

I guess we have to trust that Moyes knows what he's doing and like you say, he certainly knows Fellaini.

not sure I agree about de rossi's prospects in England. he has loads of caps for Italy Including some excellent performances against top opposition. he also played centre half for Italy. I think he could make the transition but I don't think we'll ever know.

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25 Aug 2013 15:07:34
Its not the physical side I doubt De Rossi could cope with, its the frantic pace that the Premier league is played at. Football in Italy is played at a snails pace, I don't think he could keep up with the game. If he moved here at 23/24 or even 25 I think he would be able to adapt. But at 30 I don't think he will be able to find the pace and ability to quicken up his game to adapt.

I could be proven wrong though.

Oh and I use several stat compyling websites, some times there is a couple of descretion between the stats but then I use abit of common sense.

Stats are an interesting element of the game but they only show fragmants of what a player brings to a side. To get a full grasp of what a player brings to a team you need to look at all the stats and then watch them many times to see how they handle all different situations.

But they are useful to show certain element about a player when conparing them to other players.

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24 Aug 2013 18:36:42
Word around the camp fire, and by camp fire I mean twitter, is: Ozil isn't happy about the threat posed to his place in the Madrid starting line up by Bale and Isco. His father has been testing the water regarding a move to the BPL, United were made aware of his potential availability but gave no encouragement regarding a potential move.

If this is true, and Moyes prioritizes a move for Fellaini over a world class talent like Ozil, he is more clueless than I give him credit for.

{Ed044's Note - My understanding from another Ed is that there were three clubs approached in England and two in Germany - and regardless of that Real Madrid are not looking to sell.}

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They may not be looking to sell, but if Ozil's looking to leave something's got to give.

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They would play in totally different positions for us IMO, Fellaini at CM and Ozil as AM/out wide. I would love to sign Ozil but it probably only makes total sense IF Rooney is sold. We would still need a Fellaini style player to partner Carrick.

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I don't see why Rooney has to be sacrificed to accommodate Ozil.

Ozil, Kagawa and Rooney behind RVP would be lethal.

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Rumpelstiltskin

I don't think he HAS to be sacrificed but if he goes it just makes it that whole lot more believable. It's unlikely we will get Ozil in any case but here's to hoping.

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24 Aug 2013 17:58:28
EDs do you think Dembele would now be available considering the abundance of players Spurs have in that position? {Ed044's Note - No mate.}

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Pay the "Levy price" for a midfielder who is average at best, no thanks. If Dembele was ever a target we would have used Berbatov as leverage while he was still at Fulham, but he wasn't and we didn't.

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Average? you obviously didn't watch us play fulham and spurs when he ripped us to shreds.hes not a world beater but he's better than average

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I'd much rather we signed Sandro from them

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Rumpelstiltskin

Except we DID bid 5.5million for Dembele after he destroyed our midfield single-handedly and were rightfully told to come back with a more serious offer.

So he WAS a target, what are you talking about?

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24 Aug 2013 17:04:19
Why would we turn down ozil? He's class. Don't say Kagawa he's a lot better than him plus we should be playing 3 creative players who can alternate behind the striker.

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24 Aug 2013 16:27:48
Watching Everton v baggies don't see the hype about baines and fellani to be honest good players but not great or marquee. Monday night I have mixed emotions really want to beat the translator, however if we beat chelski I hope moyes isn't fooled and signs and decent midfielder

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Ah based on one match, brilliant.

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Do you think perhaps their minds might be elsewhere? If you really think they wouldn't improve us then your haven't been watching the same players I have.

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AJH, Regardless of whether they improve us, they aren't good enough and are well below the standard we should be looking at. It's all about perspective and expectation, and I clearly expect a higher quality of player than you do.

If Baines/Fellaini represent our current level of ambition then what has happened to us? It's hardly a statement of intent to our rivals is it!

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Or perhaps I'm not 12 years old and play FIFA every day

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Could not agree more Rumpelstiltskin. Sadly DM doesn't seem to agree.

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What's wrong with playing fifa every day?

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Ajh they would improve us but wouldn't get us any nearer the big european teams

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AJH, your argument for fellaini seems to be we should sign him because he's not quite as crap as other midfielders we have.

What kind of bizarre logic is that?

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Nothing wrong with it but the my kids beat bayern 10 nil on it with our MU squad and we all know that is not reality.

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*sigh*

RTFP. We need a creative midfielder, preferably a top quality one, but we also need some muscle. Fellaini on his own is not the answer, but if we were to sign him along with Fabregas/Modric/Ozil then we have improved dramatically.

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AJH, couldn't agree more my friend.

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Ajh, only because fabragas/ozil/modric would improve us. nothing to do with Fellaini.

you talk about him adding steel in midfield but I think you're mislead by his size. I don't really see much steely about him.

also, what do we do with him next summer when hopefully we'll sign some really good mid fielders and not stop gaps?

I don't think we're going to agree about fellaini so perhaps better wait and see who's right about him. he might not even sign anyway.

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24 Aug 2013 16:25:15
I was unfortunate enough to be stranded in Dalaman airport in the early hours of this morning. The guy in the sports bar had Real Madrid tv on. There was a massive piece on Ronaldo passing goal scoring records for Madrid and him appearing with past record holders. There were also other pieces on Ozil, casillas and others. It didn't look like they were looking at releasing any of these players. The only players that didn't get a mention in anything was Di Maria and Modric. They appeared in the replays etc assisting but never mentioned as part of the great goals on show. Might not sound like much but it did seem strange how two players who have obviously been part of many goals and winning sides were anonymous in RM's media world. It dashed my hopes of both Ronnie or Ozil arriving.

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Modric won't be coming alonsos out for 3 months mate

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If Ozil doesn't come, it won't have anything to do with Real Madrid wanting to keep him, but a lot to do with the fact that United aren't interested.

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Could be worse, I've got to spend 9 hours in Doha airport in two weeks and it's a sh!thole.

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24 Aug 2013 18:36:48
MUTV haven't a clue who;s coming and going and I would expect Real Madrid tv to be much the same.
Raffa

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Rumpelstiltskin

what do you do in Doha? we are about to get retained for the 9 venues that are being developed for the 2022 world cup. An interesting side note if fifa agree to 9 venues the world cup will need 32 days and if they insist on 12 as is currently the plan it will finish in 30 days. Now there is some efficiency for you.

BTW You should try Riyadh or Jeddah or Muscat, then you will know the real meaning of a sh. thole.

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24 Aug 2013 15:49:12
Watching Everton - West Brom and Mulumbu is a hell lot more dominant than Fellaini. Definitely not worth a penny over 20M. Also Barkley, wow. What a talent

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What about £20m plus a curly wurly?

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Typical attitude! Can't you lot bring any decent youth through, desperate!

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AvitURS - I like to see Martinez has drilled into Everton how to not score just like Wigan. Mediocrity looms

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Ummm, really mate? can't we bring through our own youth? Gibson? Your former captain Neville? to mention a couple that didn't make it but helped your club!
What a tool

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I don't know, I thought Phil Neville, and more recently Darron Gibson, have flourished after moving to a club more befitting of their standard.

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24 Aug 2013 17:36:00
AvitURS, you cheek bugger. How many of our ex academy players have your team signed in the last 10 years?

Yes your team have done well to bring some very good young players through with Rooney, Rodwell, Osman and now Barkley looking like joining that list.

Where as we have only brought through Gary and Phil Neville, Giggs, Scholes, Butt, Beckham, O'Shea, Brown, Gibson, Richardson, Bardsley, Welbeck, Cleverley and Evans to name a few who have all gone on to have decent top flight careers and most of them won either a title or cup with us too.

You need to remember we have to bring through top players able to play at the highest level as that's what we play every year. Where as your team are trying to bring through players who can keep them in the league and maybe push toward getting some european football. If you bring through a special talent then you manager and your chairman know that your club can't give them the level of football they need, so they sell them to a club that can and that money enable your club to invest in new players and improvements to the club.

We're just two clubs on different levels, maybe you just need to accept that.

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24 Aug 2013 14:30:14
still think its worth throwing £40m in the direction of barca for fabregas, never said he didn't want to join utd, only that he was happy at barca, would love to see him in a utd shirt, thoughts please?

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I refer my honourable friend to my previous answer further down the page. I think it still has legs

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Would be my number 1 target, and would throw serious money at it to get him! Still young and has EVERYTHING! Complete midfielder .

Hughesy

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I think a bid of £45m would be enough to get Fabregas and he'd be worth every penny.

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24 Aug 2013 13:06:34
DM has already said that the midfield needs strengthening, so would look a bit silly if we didn't get at least 1 decent cm. I have a bad feeling we have very little money to spend, which is causing us the delay.
Or it's just a ploy and we're going to get ronaldo and özil and laugh our way to the trophies!

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Why would we be short of money?
quite a staggering comment to make imo and next season when Chevrolet and the new Nike deal start we will have more money than ever
Please be patient DM is not going to buy average players
ARB

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Obviously some of the players we are chasing want to come but their clubs don't want to sell. If we continue negotiating with the clubs right now, their price can only go up and up. We've seen it in the past where we thought we'd negotiated deals and then prices kept going up (Carrick, Hargreaves, Jones). Sometimes the best way to do things is to wait until late in the window when there isn't much time for talking left, go back with a higher bid, and have a shorter negotiation. I think that's what's happening right now with Fellaini, Baines and possibly Fabregas. That also gives the club time to investigate other options like Ozil. It's also what's happening with Rooney and Suarez.

The last week of this transfer window is going to be pretty hectic all around.

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24 Aug 2013 13:00:11
Is there any truth behind, Woodward being in Germany? If so is he actually after anyone out there

Thanks.

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24 Aug 2013 13:35:50
He's gone to the Audi factory to order his new company car.
Raffa

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Probably another sponsorship or something.

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Chevrolets now mate.

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24 Aug 2013 12:34:09
EDs/Guys why do you think we didn't consider making Rene Meulensteen as our manager after SAF?

The Barca job is also a pretty big job and they haven't hesitated to give the job to their rather unknown inexperienced first team coaches(Pep, Tito).

Do you think we could have done the same with Rene?

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The Barcelona side picks itself and the Barcelona hierarchy decides which players to sign. Rene has done nothing to deserve a chance at being MU manager.

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Not a good Idea, Remember Quiroz experience at Real and I would say he was tactically better than rene. DM is miles more qualified and will do a great job for us.

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24 Aug 2013 11:33:33
This is nothing more than a theory/suggestion:

I do not believe Liverpool will sell Suarez now not to Arsenal, RM, not to anyone. I also think that Benzema is probably Arsenals number 1 transfer target now. Looking at the flip side RM have spent near on £80million already this summer and are apparently very close to securing Bale for another £80million. Now I'm not expert on the finances of a football club but I know for a fact that RM just do not have that much money laying around and so they are going to have to generate something for themselves. RM are clearly looking to re-structure their philosophy and focus on youth and so I see the Ronaldo possibility a strong one. I also think that if Arsenal can get a deal for Benzema them maybe RM will show their hand with regards to Rooney. I do not see Rooney in a Chelsea shirt but I can see him playing for another European team. What if United can secure Fellaini and Baines for say £38million, maybe even send Anderson back the other way as part of the deal, sell Rooney to Madrid for roughly the same amount (£38million) and then along with sponsors secure a return for Ronaldo. I believe this would be a suitable and effective solution for all involved. Maybe even loan Buttner to Everton as part of their deal.
Thoughts?

PJ

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Suarez will not be at Liverpool come 3rd September. He will certainly not be at Arsenal.

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PJ,

Not 1 decent club outside of England has submitted a bid for Rooney. I believe this has been a setback as united want him out and off the wage bill. in order to finance other deals. I don't think they expected zero interest from abroad. This policy has backfired spectacularly and has been a very unwelcome distraction all summer

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PJ real madrid's net send this summer is about 10 million so far and Ronaldo is not on the cards mate.

They will sell Di maria, and one maybe 2 midfielders.

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24 Aug 2013 11:21:41
Glowing reports from the reserves/u21s game last nyt, apparently Powell was awesome.

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It was a star studded line-up. It had Lingard, Januzaj, Powell, Varela, Henriquez, Cole, Lawrence, Keane all playing.

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I'm happy to promote 2 or 3 and plan for the future, use them appropriately but have them in the 1st team squad

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AJH - If I had the run of the place I would keep Januzaj and Powell at the club this season and use them as subs most of the time and starting in early rounds of the cups and in league games against the 'lesser' opposition . I would send the rest out on loan.

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I'm really excited about our youngsters at the moment, particularly Januzaj and Powell as well as Pereira who is a bit younger but will be given the opportunity to break into the U21's this season.

Powell stagnated a little last season due to injury. If he can stay fit I think he would benefit from a season long loan in the Championship, maybe Wigan.

Januzaj has said he doesn't want a loan and may not suit the Championship, also he is still yet to sign a long term contract, which is a bit worrying. I would preferably keep him here til Crimbo, give him some cameos and C Cup games to see how he gets on, he looks ready TBH. It's a shame really we have so many options on the wings, if Young were fit I'd be tempted to sell him to make place in the squad for this guy. If Januzaj does well and signs a new deal I'd be tempted to try and get him a 6 month loan to a lower EPL side from Jan, with guarantees over playing time.

If Powell and Januzaj do well this season (with us or on loan) they are that good that I can see them being ready for a squad place with us next season.

Finger's crossed they both stay fit and keep developing!

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Ajh, agreed. really important we settle a few younger players as squad members this season.

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24 Aug 2013 11:21:36
Rumors on twitter that Woodward has flown to Germany.

Could be interesting

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24 Aug 2013 10:53:08
Would love a summer of
(in) Ozil, Fellaini, Baines

(Out) Evra, Young

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Young is a useful squad player mate. He has very good work rate.

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Agreed if he can stay healthy, the problem is he is constantly injured.

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Don't really see where he'd fit in if we got Ozil.

We would have Zaha, Nani, Kagawa and Ozil who can all play left mid.

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I prefer Young to Nani, Evra's best performances last year came when Young was playing. People don't see the defensive work he does.

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JK92, Nani is available for sale, Young isn't so Nani is more likely to leave than Young.

I think we may go with a 4-2-1-3 formation where we pack the midfield and attack and rely heavily on the fullbacks for width. Welbeck scored the lob from that position and I think he may be used there instead of Valencia or Zaha this season.

_____Oezil___RvP___Welb
Baines_____Kagawa_____Rafael
_____Fellaini_____Carrick

Just my opinion, I think this is where Oezil, Baines & Fellaini could be used if all signed and Rooney sold. {Ed004's Note - Im not sure Welbeck is good enough and prolific enough to play there all season. I'd rather have Kagawa were Ozil is, Rooney central and Ozil on the right for Welbeck}

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I honestly can't see Rooney being sold this summer, the fact it's been such a weak transfer window for us. Especially won't be letting him go to Chelsea. It'd make Moyes look like a complete moron, make all the United fans unhappy at the fact we're losing quality players quicker than we can sign them.

Ozil was so successful for RM last season don't understand why so many people think he will be sold? Modric plays deeper than him which means Isco is the only real threat to his starting place and IMO Ozil is more experienced and generally better so can't see him leaving. More plausible that we sign Fabregas to be honest.

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Sydney, Young is useless and adds nothing to our squad. We could (and have) easily cope(d) without him.

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Young does more work than you think. He does Evra's defensive work for him when he plays and gets up the field to add goals and assists. Nearly all wingers help out fullbacks defensively, but Evra takes the biscuit and Young would be far better if he could stay further up the field with a better LB behind him. Now I'm not saying Young is world-class or even a top player, but as a squad player he is very useful and has a great work rate. Add that to his versatility and you would be a fool to get rid of him.

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004, Welbeck will never become prolific if he isn't played. Besides he doesn't need to be prolific playing there. 10+ goals from Kagawa, Welbeck & Oezil and 30+ for RvP would be great. I'd expect the whole squad to get goals. Valencia, Young, Hernandez, Zaha etc etc. Evans got four last season. Also Welbeck's off the ball work is needed. He has everything, but the goals. If goals come then we have a very good player on our hands.

I don't think we would sign Oezil unless Rooney was sold in all honesty.

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If that's the case then I am a willing fool

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24 Aug 2013 10:29:53
No rumours in over thirty-six hours. What's going on?

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24 Aug 2013 10:17:14
So Moyes says while he was at Everton he would have done the best thing for the player, what about the best thing for the club? The best thing for Rooney is to move to Chelsea.

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Why is that the best thing for Rooney? The best thing would be letting him realise he's already at a club bigger and better than Chelsea. Different situation with the boys at Everton because they don't compete for silverware.

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24 Aug 2013 09:44:48
An interview with Rene Muelensteen on telegraph says that DM didn't want him. I really think he is the best coach of modern game. Certainly better than Phil Neville.

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Well considering how good he's supposed to be our style of play under Rene was some of the least entertaining in recent times. And Phil Neville could turn out to be a brilliant coach.

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This is an interesting interview especially the games against barca and Madrid and his tactics. Moyes tactica against Chelsea compared to renes will be a god watch.
I really am hoping for the best with Moyes and lumps den, maybe he is a tactical genius but I have my doubts, and I think Moyes still thinks he is shopping for everyone and league survival instead of united and champions league.
Rene should never have been allowed to go, I think we will look back in years to come and view it as a mistake.
Maybe Philip Neville knows more but I doubt it.
I also think England have repeated mistake after mistake renes comments again interesting on coaching
Genius

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Really good article in the paper. I believe it was a massive mistake to let rene go. All the players rate him, gus hiddink rated him and sir Alex rated him, Rvp rated him they can't all be wrong.

It is early days, but I have reservations about moyes and Woodward. I know it is moyes first season and he needs to be given time but my concern is as some have suggested, if he does not have the pulling power now (as champions) to attract top players, this will only get worse if we don't perform this season.

I pray woody and dm prove me wrong. I will happily admit to being wrong if we perform in Europe and the league, but I think our soft centre will be exposed.

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24 Aug 2013 12:50:44
Reminds me a bit of when Chelsea let ray Wilkins go when Jose first left and it turned out to be a very poor decision.
Jimmy

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Jimmy, that never happened. Steve Clarke was Jose's assistant.

Rene leaving was the correct decision. Players would have went to Rene and Moyes wouldn't have felt 100% in control.

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Since retiring and taking up punditry, everyone (even the scousers) have said how knowledgeable rednev is, both tactically and professionally, let us hope that bluenev turns out to be the same

dags

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Completely agree Sydney! I remember Kidd leaving and people questioning it thinking it was down to him and not SAF! Look at Carlos as well. its ibviosly not as easy to make the transition as people assume. In theory its simple!

There are exceptions to the rule, however assistant managers, coaches etc becoming a manager is a massive gamble! I can think of a few that have succeeded (Jose, AVB, Clarke to name a few) are rare. If you ran a club, would you take the gamble?!

I understand why UTD haven't taken Rene back and personally wouldn't have offered him the job! He really may have upset the apple cart. I think he was tapped up before Moyes started, hence the reason he went. It's time to move on and look forward to a new era! What's everyone else's thoughts?

Adz

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24 Aug 2013 14:54:21
Sorry I meant to say Carlo, not Jose.
Jimmy

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24 Aug 2013 09:15:11
Apologies all, but with all the doom and gloom I have for some reason been moved to have a pop at our new CEO Ed in song, to hopefully lighten the mood.

(To the tune of Cliff Richard's summer holiday)

United are having, a **** transfer window
no more signings for a week or two.
Only low bids, in the transfer window,
Because woodwood's not got a wookin clue
not a wookin clue

We hoped, that we we'd sign Ronaldo
Thiago And Fabregas too
But then they brought in Woodwood
And he ain't got a wookin clue,
not a wookin clue

Sir Alex said there's no value,
Or, the wages were just too much
But'now we're stuck with Woodwood
And he's not got the Midas touch
No midas touch

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Very good. I think the no transfers, no value, no midfield, has finally got to you.

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24 Aug 2013 08:57:42
I usually avoid speculating on who we will sign but with just under 10 days to go, here is my prediction. Fallaini, Fabregas, and a left back (!). If Baines doesn't come off, I think we will move for Coentreo or Shaw

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I think those are our targets too, whether or not they will all come off is another matter but finger's crossed. Have no idea if the Fab deal is dead in the water or whether we'll make 1 last bid.

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24 Aug 2013 09:50:35
True. True. So what's been the positives so far?

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I think that if we had the money we said we have, we have shortlisted the players we want and we are sure we could get them, at this time they would've been here already!

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Why get them now when you can buy them ten mins before the window shuts! Lol

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Its because our valuation of the players we want is around half of what the selling club wants!

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AJH

Fabregas is dead mate. I would be more optimistic on landing Modric or Ozil. Khedira is also available and he ticks all the boxes for what we need. Khedira, Modric would be an ideal outcome.

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AJH

Fabregas is dead mate. I would be more optimistic on landing Modric or Ozil. Khedira is also available and he ticks all the boxes for what we need. Khedira, Modric would be an ideal outcome.

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Shahram

I still think it has legs, we shall see

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AJH, do you think it's possible Cesc is dependent on what happens with Rooney? Couple of Cesc bids to get the ball rolling, private talks take place and Barcelona tell MU exactly what they need to pay to get him. Now MU are possibly waiting for an acceptable offer from Chelsea for Rooney before buying Cesc? Could it be?

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Sydney

Rooney's sale has nothing to do with Fabregas mate. I do realize we can cling on to that bit of hope but sometimes it is as black and white as it gets.

No Midfield

Our transfer window drought has nothing to do with not wanting to pay and more to do with players not being available. In Everton's case they are not worth 40 million as people like to mention and we would be broke as a club if we started paying that sort of money for these sort of players. If it was your money you would not be this generous with it.

Is Leighton Baines worth 20 million pound compared to what we get from Evra, I don't think so and if it has to be we will go with Evra as first choice for another season and yes he will make mistakes but so does smalling when he plays CB and no one seems to talk about that.

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AJH

I hope you are right but Barca are not a minnow club and they don't need to sell especially this late in the window.

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I don't think Rooney is a factor, I think we want Fabregas, another big bid and hopefully Barca will bite. He is not going to get a lot of game time at Barca this year so hopefully he will realise that his best interests are served by moving.

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So you think MU will spend £80m-£90m net on Baines, Fellaini & Cesc? I don't see that happening without a Rooney sale.

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No Sydney

I think Fabregas is a nonstarter and we will find it very difficult to spend that kind of money as the players for that kind of money are not available with a week to go.

So selling rooney has nothing to do with getting fabregas or Ronaldo as neither is happening.

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24 Aug 2013 08:49:26
After listening to Moyes's press conference yesterday. Can I ask, does this man really fill you with confidence? 'sniping at the press, sniping at the fans who 'phone radio stations re transfers'.

How things have changed since Fergi went, to think that we listened to the same depressing drivel for years. Get used to it, it'll only get more depressing.

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Seems like Everton fans are more fixated with our manager than we are! He is a good manager and I'm sure will do well given time. I don't judge how good a manager from his press conferences, there's a bit more to it than that pal!

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Did you watch the whole press conference? You really are obsessed with united. I watched it on mutv yesterday and he did the whole thing with a smile on his face and looked nice and relaxed and like he was enjoying himself. He doesn't worry me at all, I think he knows exactly what he is doing.

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24 Aug 2013 08:47:26
If Woodward is in Germany, perhaps he will come back with Schweinstiger or Martinez to beef up our defensive midfield or may be a Bender or two. Lol!

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Nah! He's a traveller man, just sniffing around!

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I know not all would move but any from benders gundogan reus kroos draxler ect

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24 Aug 2013 08:35:09
Tbh I'd prefer to keep Rooney and get him in top form than buy Fellaini at a silly price, don't think we'll get any Chelsea players for Rooney. Evra looked good last week as well so hopefully LB is ok till jan at least!

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Fellaini and Rooney have nothing to do with each other. They're totally different players that play in totally different positions.

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I completely agree that they're different players, but I think funds are tight atm and I wouldn't want rooney's money to fund Fellaini.

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DeepRed, we do not need to sell Rooney to fund Fellaini. Stop talking bobbins. Money is far from tight.

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24 Aug 2013 08:12:45
Morning gentlemen, so as I lay in my bed this morning getting giddy about creamfields I though about afew players I'd like to see at the club, mainly midfielders, and after thinking about players like cesc and modric I could only think of 2 players I would really like to see and they are Vidal and Gundogan, they are class defensively and in attack, there link up play with both attackers and defenders is top quality, not saying we are in for these to but they are definitely the type of player we should be looking at.

Have a good weekend lads and eds

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Any two of the four you mentioned and add cr7 to them and we will be complete.

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Well they would both be perfect, but Gundogan has said he would not move this summer. Also they would both cost loads. Personally I would prefer Vidal and Fabregas then I would attempt to sign Gundogan next year to replace Carrick. However, Fabregas and Vidal would be hard to attain so I would go for Ozil and Khedira since Real would sell them with the signings they made this summer.

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Well they would both be perfect, but Gundogan has said he would not move this summer. Also they would both cost loads. Personally I would prefer Vidal and Fabregas then I would attempt to sign Gundogan next year to replace Carrick. However, Fabregas and Vidal would be hard to attain so I would go for Ozil and Khedira since Real would sell them with the signings they made this summer.

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24 Aug 2013 07:39:05
David Moyes explains bid for Fellaini and
Baines:

"If I'd been Everton manager and Sir Alex
had come asking for Leighton Baines and
Marouane Fellaini, I'd have found it very
difficult to keep them because I always felt the
right thing to do was what was right for the
players, " he said. Everton described their
former manager's offer for the pair as
"derisory and insulting" but Moyes said: "I
signed every player at Everton, so I know a lot
about them. They are a great club and they
are both excellent players."

He added: "The bid, from Manchester
United's point of view, was a private thing
and if and when we make a new offer we'd keep
that offer private and confidential as well."
Moyes would not be drawn on whether he was
annoyed that Everton had gone public.

"The transfer window is open and we can make
bids and you can say 'Yes or no', it's as
simple as that. You are allowed to bid. That's
not our choice [to make it public]. That's up
to them. You need to ask them that question.

"There's sort of a mixed market at the
moment. No one is quite sure where the price
is right. It's a sort of strange market.
Suddenly someone could give you big money.
We've had offers for players at this club,
which we feel are quite small. I can see it
where other clubs might be thinking it's not
enough value for their players as well."

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Llf, yeah that's why he's letting rooney leave (not) or when city where trying to sign lescott and lescott just like rooney made it plain he wanted to leave, llf, let's not forget moyes along with kenwright set the high transfer prices for the everton players so as to make it as difficult as poss for them to leave, the man is starting to look like a complete person, even worse, he has completley changed his of the world and everything in it, you can watch a theif but you can't watch a liar, beware of the person formally known as DM

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24 Aug 2013 07:28:30
Don't know why everyone is so surprised at our lack of transfer activity thus far. Moyes said right from the start he thought business, in general, would be done quite late on due to the amount of changes within the Premier League this summer. Surely that let you all know at the time pretty much.

This may not be a popular opinion, but I think if we can get Rooney's head back in the game and get him fit then we would still have enough to win the PL. Don't panic though, I am sure we will sign at least two, possibly three, quality players before the 2nd of September. If not, then everyone is entitled to have their say.

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24 Aug 2013 05:14:10
strikes me utd are in need of a director of football.

you just need to look at the way spurs are doing business to appreciate the necessity.

who do think would be a success in the role?

putting Joe kinnear aside since he's already employed elsewhere, I think the ideal qualities would be someone with utd history, who knows football, has a strong commercial mind and a charismatic personality.

i'll stick my neck out and say mr g Neville ticks a lot of the boxes for me. I think his passion for utd would be infectious for any potential transfer targets.

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Neville or Giggs would be good choices, but I think Scholes would be the best, not that he would ever do it. But there's not United player that is more respected by many of Europe's top players, and his no-nonsense, quiet, out-of-the-media style would prevent him from becoming a distraction like so many Directors of Football become. But he'd likely say he's too busy picking his children up from school and taking them to training. I have never respected an athlete more than that man.

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Anyone of the three you mentioned will be great. G. Neville would be great.
I think its a shame g.Neville must be involved at united in some capacity.

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Anyone of the three you mentioned will be great. G. Neville would be great.
I think its a shame g.Neville must be involved at united in some capacity.

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KG, I agree entirely, Scholes is the perfect role model for any young athlete, not just football player. Any one of Neville, Giggs or Scholes would do a great job as director of football, but I also think Cantona would do a superb job encouraging young players that Old Trafford is the place to be.

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Becks would be my first choice. Huge name, loves the club and is respected worldwide.

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Well I think you just described Becks! I would love him to take an active role within the club! Who doesn't love this man!

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Fergie would be perfect for the role but may undermine Moyes so would never happen,
Becks has the global pull but I think he would be too high profile for the job, we would never be able to do any private business with him being followed 24/7,
scholes is widely respected and tbh he should be, but he would never take that sort of role just because he is so humble and private,
rednev is loved by us fans but hated elsewhere, although his punditry is changing a lot of peoples opinion of him, I think he will go on and become a great coach or even #2 for us
robson has the football nouse and is respected but I fear he may be from the wrong era to draw in younger players who outside of England, may not really know him (or only as a manager)
Solskjaer could be ideal but think he is set on the managerial route, I think he may come home at some point, maybe in about 5-10rs depending on how long Moyes stays and if he gets a big club by then. (maybe even G.Nev as Ole's #2)

so for me if we were to create that sort of role it would prob have to go to giggs (when he retires) as the other obvious choice would be cantona, and I feel giggs wouldn't be as out spoken and is the more glazer friendly pick, he would also have Fergies backing too (more so than cantona)
my outside bet would prob go to Schmeichel tho.

dags

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I suggested Neville 'cos I'm aware he has business interests and so made the leap that he probably has some commercial nous to negotiate the deal.

I don't know if the same is true for giggs, cantona, or scholes. Beckham would be great but I think he's a bit high profile.

I was hoping for some less obvious suggestions of people I hadn't thought of. anyone? (yes I know Kenny Samson's looking for work) {Ed007's Note - Brian McClair?}

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24 Aug 2013 04:19:44
mata or ozil?

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Both, but mata for me. Add ronaldo and fellaini and then we're there.

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Both, but mata for me. Add ronaldo and fellaini and then we're there.

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Both. Tough call really, Mata and Ozil have similar attributes, great passing and vision and really clever movement. However I would choose Mata because he would not have to adapt to the Prem.

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I'd go with Mata personally! He got 35 assists and 20 goals last season that's phenomenal! Plus you'd be weakening a team we'll be competing with for the league. I am not so optimistic about Monday night or the coming season. If we don't strengthen I think we could struggle to keep up with Chelsea.

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Jamal spot on. Someone actually posted yesterday that he was not good enough, which made me laugh. I would do a straight swap for Rooney but doubt chelsea would be interested.

Would be interesting to see mata, Kagawa and Welbeck/nani/valencia in the same lineup with Carrick and jones as holding midfielders.

I can see us turning teams over for big scores:)

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Either would do a great job coming in from the left, maybe swapping with kagawa, creating space for the strikers and creating a lot of chances for runners from midfield, welbeck, zaha or jones would be good at this.

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23 Aug 2013 23:58:33
If i'm looking at things from a neutral view then I don't think Everton are willing to sell both Fellaini and Baines. And to be honest it looks like Fellaini is the more attainable one. There are rumblings that he is unsettled, but nothing on Baines being unsettled.

Now Fellaini wouldn't be my first choice but that doesn't mean he is a bad option. My personal view of him is he looks clumsy in possession at times, and I don't think he has an expansive enough passing range. But with the imo better options having moved already or are unavailable then Fellaini looks like the best option left on the table. My only worry is now we've pissed Everton off we may have to pay more than was needed to make a deal happen.

So if Fellaini comes in that solves that problem. Imo we could still do with another midfielder coming in as a long term replacement/alternative to Carrick. But I would be happy to wait a year if it ment getting the right player(Gundogan).

But that still leaves us short of a solid left back, now there is an option who I don't think gets enough praise or exposure. If Baines is unavailable or will simply cost too much I think the player we should go for is Daley Blind. He is solid defensively, yet is comfortable with the ball at his feet and very good going forward and linking up with his team mates down the left hand side. Now Buttner has struggled to settle in england and doesn't look like he'll make it as first choice for us. So could we maybe involve him in the deal for Blind? 5m and Buttner for Blind looks like a far deal.

I'm not too worried about signing another attacker unless someone leaves.

If we ended this summer with Fellaini and Blind I will be happy as we will have addressed the problem areas within our team. But I would want to see the club pull all the stops out to sign Gundogan before the world cup next summer.

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Imo left back is an area that can wait for a year perhaps bid for shaw leaving him at Southampton for a year as for fellaini is he becoming a "andy carroll" (panic buy) although I want to see signings especially in midfield i'd rather he not buy than appease fans with a player who is not united quality. Completely agree with with gundogan.

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Think we've been up enough blind alleys this window already (sorry).

looks like the guy fancies himself as another Freddie ljungberg as well from a quick Google search

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24 Aug 2013 07:47:39
Dave, I don't think Fellaini is a panic buy. He is a good player who would improve our first team as well as our squad.

Quite simply we can't go into the season with Carrick as our onky midfielder of note.

We need a DM as i've explained many times. A DM would help shield the defence and create a base for us higher up the pitch allowing us to press higher and dictate games from the midfield.

The question is who us the best available DM, and Fellaini is arguably it. I have a couple of reservations but to be honest I have reservations about all players as there is always a lot of factors to signing a player.

My only reservations with Fellaini is whether he is good enough on the ball to play the game at the highest level. But whos to say he won't up his game when around better players, or that Moyes who knows him best has a plan which will minimalise the effect his weaknesses have on the team.

Ultimately the question comes down to will he improve our team for this coming season? And the answer is yes he would.

As for the LB situation I think it is slightly more important than you maybe giving it credit for. A defence is only as strong as its weakest componant, which means our defence will only ever be as good as Evra atm. Because when he plays then the team have to cover for him which means they aren't doing their job to the best of their ability. If Vidic, Carrick and whoever is playing out on the left wing position are all effected and pulled out of pisition to cover for Evra than it starts to create big gaps in either our midfield and/or defence. This is the problem created by Evra.

Imo if we replace Evra with a better defending LB then we would probably conceed at least 10 goals a season less, and we would be better placed to dominate and dictate games. Last season we had the same defensive record as Stoke who finished 13th. If we conceed as many goals as a midtable side this season then we won't win anything.

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We COULD fill all the positions needed for less than £50 mil, with no panic buys. Geoffrey Kondobia, Christian Eriksen, Zakaria Luke Shaw. There are buy out clauses for each, and with the young players we`ve got ( Januzaj, Zaha, Powell etc. ) we would be a power for years to come. Next season we then look to replacing Vidic & Rio, with Erik Dier & Raphael Varane and you`ve then got a world class team for years to come. Think to the future Mr Woodward it WILL save you money!

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Shappy, bookmakers see it the other way round, Baines 1/6 to join us and Fellaini is 4/11. Bookies rarely get it wrong.

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I don't think Fellaini is a panic buy, I think Moyes has wanted him and Baines all along but we have left it late because 1) we want to get the best deal and 2) I think Moyes wanted to get a higher profile player like Fabregas in 1st but that hasn't materialised to date. He said early on he wants to make his 1st singing the 'right one' which I thought was a bit dangerous because the transfer window never goes that smoothly.

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Annie

What happened to your 3 major signings predictions and BTW fellaini is better than Kondobia who is a poor mans version of Paul Pogba(it hurts).

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HB. I think you're right. But I also think that Everton were hanging on for a club to buy fellaini at the buy out clause of £23.5. This didn't happen and all of a sudden, Everton are panicking. This is why they made our bid public as they knew they had cocked up.
If I was united, I will not increase the bid by more than £3m and tell Everton it is a final bid.

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HB. I think you're right. But I also think that Everton were hanging on for a club to buy fellaini at the buy out clause of £23.5. This didn't happen and all of a sudden, Everton are panicking. This is why they made our bid public as they knew they had cocked up.
If I was united, I will not increase the bid by more than £3m and tell Everton it is a final bid.

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24 Aug 2013 11:06:41
Annie, all those players are very young players who are still developing. We have plenty of talented youngsters but we need people who are ready to step up and be a main player on the biggest stage.

Kondogbia will be a world class player but not for another 2/3 years yet. We need someone now.

When Beckham left we replaced him with Ronaldo, but it took 3/4 years for Ronaldo to become world class on a consisitant basis. But it didn't matter as we had Scholes, Keane, Giggs, RvN, Rio ect who were world class in our team to carry him. We don't have that atm so we need players who are ready now.

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Nomidfield

I'd agree with that, regards Everton panicking. We've put them in a tough decision, I just hope we don't p!ss them off so badly they refuse to sell for a reasonable fee.

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