Manchester United Banter Archive April 25 2013

 

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25 Apr 2013 22:14:18
I've seen on twitter some pictures of a re designed crest, it's basically the same just a bit more modern! I'm guessing its fake but just thought I'd make sure. I love it haha!

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ED's have said it's a fake. I've seen it and must say it is quite nice though, but if the club ever decided to redesign the crest again i'd love to see the words 'football club' back in. I know we are a global brand now, and have branched out into all sorts of areas of business but at the heart of that is still a football club, our main business is on the pitch.
Minor rant over

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25 Apr 2013 21:32:58
After the two 1st Legs of the semi-finals. I would love to see Man United sign Schweinsteiger (said it for the past 3 years) he is quality and Lewandowski, possibly Reus. What are the chances Ed of us getting Lewdy and Reus? {Ed004's Note - Very, very unlikely. I can not see Reus leaving them this season and I think Schweinsteiger would be the ideal midfielder for us but he will not more now}

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25 Apr 2013 21:27:14
Anybody seen the new crest for next season? {Ed004's Note - It is a fake}

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25 Apr 2013 21:04:35
Having given DDG my total support earlier in the season I was wondering where Jono is and what his thoughts are now on our potentially great Spanish goalkeeper?

Red Man

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Red Man, I was critical earlier in the season. Not so much of DDG but of the fact we paid £17M for a keeper with potential. However, the boy done good, as they say. I think he is still ikely to have the occasional flap but he has been excellent and I look forward to him being here for years to come. I lived him pushing Carroll around which suggests he is full of confidence. A bit more beef on him and I think he will be right up there with the best

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AJH
Apparently he has put on a stone in weight of pure muscle. If you look close enough you can see a difference in his physique and slightly in the way he carries himself when he walks. The price is what it is, we paid for potential. I am glad we did

Red Man

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I love it when we are proven right.

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Redman, didn't you predict we would finish third or fourth and SAF is losing it.
I see it as more of a blunder. you should not criticise others when you have been completely wrong in what you said

nikz

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We paid for potential and at the age he is, in 10 years time we could be saying it was a friggin steal

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I'm now a huge fan. My point was buying a GK with potential is always more risky that buying a forward with potential due to the nature of the position. I think both DDG and Rafael have both matured a huge amount this year. Mid they continue next year, they will be top class players, at a very young age

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Nikz

I also felt we wouldn't go far in the Champins league or FA cup and we didn't. I am happy to be wrong about our league position and I couldn't see the team we had particularly in midfield being able to carry us to the championship.

Red Man

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25 Apr 2013 20:22:41
Not sure if anyone else mentioned this amongst the furore of Monday night but I was gutted Rafael's shot hit the post, would have been another screamer for him! I think he's been a bit low key in recent times after playing so much before Christmas (for us and at the Olympics) but I thought he looked refreshed and back to his best on Monday night. What a great season he's had. Let's hope he stays fit and keeps improving next season because if he does we have a real top class RB on our hands.

Makes me really chuffed to see such promising youngsters as Rafael, DDG and Jones in the squad. We have a few other's who are not far off this level too which is good news for the squad going forwards.

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Completely agree Gav, I think he has been tremendous all year. He's stopped diving in as much and if he improves as much next year, we will have some player on our hands.

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I like Rafael, he has real potential but even now he can still be a little too impetuous and give away free kicks when he could stay goal side and on his feet. He needs to learn a little more patience

Red Man {Ed004's Note - But that will come with experience}

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Ed004 I totally agree, he needs to learn and I believe he will. If nothing else he should be able to hear me shouting goal side and don't jump in from where I sit!

Red Man

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We have a good quality of youngsters in De Gea, Rafael, Smalling and Jones but we seem to lack in the midfield and attacking front in that sort of age range and that is where we should be blossoming as they cost the most when they develop and we have to go and spend £30+million. We have to be looking at youngsters in the summer to try and nab them under £5 or so million and then try to develop our starting eleven with some good investment.

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I was a little worried when we let both Brown and O'Shea go as Rafael was still quite raw. But he has developed into a fine player. Still has so much time being just 22.

Speaks volume about our education that we can bring talented kids from really diverse backgrounds and turn them into the best players on the planet.

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Pity same has not happened with bebe anderson nani tosic to name but a few

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25 Apr 2013 20:01:44
Delighted to hear that young Januzaj has been handed a squad number for the rest of the season. I have watched a lot of him on MUTV recently and he is a prospect! Very technically gifted with enormous potential. Hope to see him get some minutes under his belt before the end of the campaign and hopefully he will go on the pre-season tour and build from there. I imagine we might see bits of him in the cup competitions next season, with a loan deal perhaps the following year. It all depends on how he develops physically as is he is still very slight. Ability wise though he is top notch. Very excited to see this lad hopefully develop at United.

GRD

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I am hoping that he learns from Kagawa they seem like a similar type of player with little touches and neat passes out of nowhere. If he gets a decent amount of game time before the end of the season and a good pre-season then I am hoping that we may see him at the club next season as a substitute, I think he will develop better and learn more from our own.

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25 Apr 2013 19:57:16
Eds. Who are united going to sign in your opinion. There's loads of speculation now. Lewy is going to bm. So who do you think {Ed004's Note - Baines, Strootman, Rodriguez and Lewandowski. Wouldn't mind another winger or central midfielder but can't see more than 5 signings and now Gotze has been bough can't think of a suitable right footed forward}

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Ed004 I'd be delighted with a summer of those 4 as I think it addresses all the key areas in the stariting 11 and improves the squad no end. That's pretty much the summer I would choose, staying within realistic limits.

But, and this is a sad but, previous experience tells me that we never sign all of the players I want, or even all sort all the positions I want - I swear SAF does it just to wind me up ;) I'll be delighted to be proved wrong this time but I'd guess only 2 of those will end up signing (just because of my theory) - probably Strootman and Lewandowski IMO. And then maybe a couple of random signings that nobody sees coming.

Really, really hope I'm wrong this summer but it'll be intersting (and no doubt frustrating at times) whatever happens!

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If we sign Strootman and Lewi that would be an incredible summer! let's not get too greedy! {Ed004's Note - A winger is 100% needed imo for creativity}

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Given Zaha is already signed, I can't see another 4 coming. I think we do need some surgery but its midfield / wings where I think we need to concentrate. Zaha is in on the wing, we are desperate for a top level CM, Lb remains a challenge so I see a new forward as the least of our needs.

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25 Apr 2013 21:44:17
Lewandowski is fifty fifty. I think strootman and ayew will be two of tie others.

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Dodgy -

I think we need a dangerous winger/wideAM to take the next step - in fact we need this more than Lewandowski IMO. Our winger's haven't delivered this season and I think Nani will be off. I think Zaha will get a decent number of games but if we want to be a top team this is one area I think we need to address with recognised/current quality. With regards LB, I think we could cope for another season especially with Buttner or possibly Fabio providing extra options.

So, is Strootman, Di Maria & Lewandowski too greedy? (please say no haha) {Ed004's Note - No but I would prefer Rodriguez and Lamela over Di Maria}

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Cheers Ed4, TBH I'd take any one of the 3 but I don't watch enough of them regularly so say who I'd prefer. I wasn't a Di Maria fan at all in the past but he's looked good when I've seen him at Real in the last 1/2 seasons.

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26 Apr 2013 10:40:54
i'd prefer reus over di maria

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Id prefer andrea ayew over di maria tbh ayew looks strong

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25 Apr 2013 19:54:12
I imagine I must not be the only one trying to figure out how to pronounce Adnan Januzaj

anyone care to help

ts87

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Phonetically is sounds like this:

Add-nan Yan-uh-say.

Sydney!

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25 Apr 2013 20:15:09
Commentators seem to pronounce it : ya-nu-zay. Not sure how its pronounced in his native albania

Mickk

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Yes, 'Ya-nuh-say' is more like it.

Sydney!

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Thanks syd/mick
'ts87

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Just call him dave

Ross

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Ross with the post of the day!

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Ross Chelsea have dave with azpilicueta! we should go with with Bernard

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Call him Adnan - unless we were from his country we have little chance of pronouncing it properly LOL.

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Chelsea have the best youngster for names, a young lad name pronounced naughty naughty

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25 Apr 2013 19:51:32
Is it safe to come out yet, has the German love fest finished?

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Nothing wrong with appreciating top football.

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Not yet AJH, give it a few months. German Sausage Fest will be over by the new season.

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But what is wrong is so called united fans creaming over Bayerns exploits, and they seemed to forget we won ou 20th league title Monday night.

MFR_1958

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25 Apr 2013 21:29:02
i agree it went over the top. Bertie Wooster.

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Come on G. A. G. U. S. , I was just having a laugh. I watched both games but I think posters now have us signing the whole Dortmund team!

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The Spanish one went on for 4 years. This will probably go on longer considering they don't put people to sleep with meaningless passing.

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I would sign the whole Dortmund team. If money was no issue of course.

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25 Apr 2013 19:25:15
heh lads have a look at SALAH tonight for basle, watched him a few times looks a class act, see what you think
BIGAL REDFOREVER

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25 Apr 2013 19:14:26
So after the Dortmund and Bayern games this week it seems a lot of people have come round to the idea of trying to implement a similar line up to both of those sides. Now I will admit currently we do not have the players good enough to perform their systems, however, I feel we are not far away from having the personal to play it.
If you analyse the defensive set ups to both teams they are quite similar. Both are built on strong foundations; Neuer behind Dante and Badstuder, and, Weidenfeller behind Subotic and Hummels. Now personally I don't think we need any improvement in this sections of our team. I have very high hopes for both Jones and Smalling, while Evans has been immense this year and being bias I would have Vidic ahead of any off those players (excluding ages). So a defensive set up of De Gea, Rio/Smalling and Vidic imo is just as good as the others above. Now in the wing back positions this is were I feel we fall behind them. Lahm and Alaba along with Pisczeck and Schmelzer are used by both teams to provide width and do it to a brilliant extent however, the best things about the German teams is how well organised they are. There never seems to be space to target and attack as that is because their defenders are always in position. Now I rate Rafael highly but I'm not sure Evra is good enough for this system as you can't carry passengers in Europe. I would replace him with someone solid defensively but also excellent going forward and I can't think of any better than Baines for this position. Honestly I think a defense of.
..................De Gea
Rafael....Rio/Smalling...Vidic....Baines
is atleast equal to or better than the Germans set up.

Now midfield I'm not sure about. I reckon we Anderson, Scholes and Fletcher will leave. Now, one midfielder is sure to be signed but I don't think we will sign two. I could also see Rooney being dropped into midfield throughout the season to add depth but I would rather we sold him tbh. Now were I'm not sure is who should we sign to partner Carrick. In the Bayern game we saw how good Schweinsteiger and Martinez were, both are very strong players who lack nothing except speed and both very hard working and strong defensively. Now I don't think Carrick is better than either but he isn't far behind them. But in the dortmund game we saw how Gundogans movement caused serious problems. Now, to sum it up, I'm not sure who would be the better signing. Strootman or Modric. Both players I reckon are available and personally I'd love both but as I said only one midfielder imo would be signed. So would people rather a midfield of Carrick and Modric with Carrick playing the Bender role who I think he is better than and Modric playing the Gundogan role or Strootman coming in and playing the Schweinsteiger role? Anyways either one would make a drastic improvement.

Now into attack there are a few things that could be done here and all depend on outgoings. If Rooney goes I reckon we will see a striker signed to replace his goals, the same goes with Hernandez. However, if both go along with Nani I think two wingers and a striker are needed. Although this would mean 5 first team signings and when has Ferguson done that? Now I reckon it will be Lewandowski and Rodriguez signed and if Rooney is sold I would like to see a move for one of Isco, Sanchez or Reus. Sanchez would probably be the most attainable there as Isco is being courted by a tonne of teams and Sanchez looks likely to be moving on. Due to being at Barcelona he has the technical ability to play in this formation and he is a very hard working and quick player. If we signed the first two players Rodriguez and Lewandowski. I could see RVP being played deeper behind Lewandowski, now I would worry about a) would we be left a bit open in midfield as Kagawa imo offers a better work rate and can defend better as he is younger and fitter and b) Could we be running the risk of RVP getting injured? Now if we ignored those points I could see a front 4 of
Rodriguez....RVP.....Kagawa
............Lewandowski
working in the league but in Europe I'm not sure as RVP may slow down the play a bit compared to Muller and Gotze he isn't the quickest but he does have an excellent footballing brain and potentially better passing. With Sanchez it gives us more options to play Kagawa centrally and Sanchez out wide so a quicker team with a bit more energy to defend. Although with Sanchez signed would a winger have to be sold wing options of Rodriguez, Sanchez, Kagawa, Young, Valencia, Welbeck and Zaha all being able to play there so I would sell Young, with Kagawa and Welbeck playing more central with the ability to cover out wide so central options of Kagawa, RVP, Lewandowski and Welbeck look good.
To conclude I think there is a good chance of 4 signings of: Baines, Strootman/Modric?, Rodriguez and Lewandowski with Evra, Scholes, Fletcher, Nani and Hernandez out but if Rooney is sold possibly 5 incomings with Sanchez added to the list and Young sold on. What would others be happy with this summer?
The Red Manc

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I totally share your midfield 'dilemma' - you summed up my thoughts exactly!

I'd love to ge both Strootman & Modric so we can play both ways and mix it up. Realistically we will only get one :/

Modric is a personal favourite of mine and him and Carrick would be awesome in possession and could help the attacking 4 with plenty of service - but I'd worry about us defensively in the EPL, even though it could be good in the ECL.

I think Strootman is more likely and if I'm honest he probably possesses more of the asstets we need in CM. He adds more presence and ability to break up play than Modric - which is what a lot of us have been saying we are lacking. He is good at bringing the ball forwards too although not with the technical ability of Modric.

So I think Strootman might be the better fit (if I had to pick), he'd make us more solid and help allow more freedom to our attacking 4.

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Cheers for the reply HoneyBadger very rarely get a reply.
In the ideal world we would go for both but we won't sign more than 4 players in the one window. They would both suit each other and could be brilliant together.
Though I agree with your outcome I think Strootman is the most likely and probably the best suited at the minute for this team. I'd be thrilled with a summer with SAF addressing the midfield at all
The Red Manc

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TRM. You have far too much time on your hands!

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Lol I'm with you there TRM, after the last few years we should all be thankful to just get 1 CM'er - I'll be very relieved!

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I would love a midfield of modric, Strootman and carrick with kagawa in front in the hole, then sign lewi up and Sanchez, that would be an amazing team going forward with everything in midfield to control it.

Strootman-Carrick-modric
------------Kagawa
Sanchez------------RVP
-------------Lewi

But tbh i'd be happy with most players mentioned on here like bender, falcao etc

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Dodgy it has been a slow day and have had a tonne of free time. Still don't think its as long as some as Shappy's novels.
And yeah hopefully we will get one midfielder atleast this year Honeybadger
The Red Manc

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25 Apr 2013 18:50:56
All dear regular posters.
Out of this lewandowski topic, now when season is almost concluded which you people see as plus and minus point of the team and which position we excatly need to strengthen and who deserve to go out or make way for new players.

For me
Gk: ddg is great nd has improved a lot
Lindegaard is leaving so I guess ben amos wil be promoted or a new keeper as no 2

Lb : buttner haven't got much chance. Evra has been poor while defending as always like last 3 seasons. But I guess fabio. Buttner and evra will take care of lb position all togather.
So in my opinion this position required proper signing but is less likely.

Rb: rafael have improved a lot but there is no natural cover but jones and smalling can do. And moreover fabio can also cover there.

Cb: I guess if rio sign extention than we will not sign any1. But vidics continue injury concern is a problem.

Wingers: all have played horrible this season. They all deserved to go. But it won't happen. Nani is the most likely to go. Zaha is comming in so I guess there will be a quality winger signing.
I want left footed bale here. but I can't say who is actual targey than james rodriguez.

Center midfield: strootman is most likely. Scholes to retire and anderson to be shown door for his lack of improvment. So I guess there will be one more midfield signing.

Striker: we are well stocked here but arrival of lewandowski will definatly improve the quality. I can happily secrifi chicha or welback for it.

So for the summery.
1 left foot winger.
2 midfielders
1 quality striker
1 no 2 goal keeper
We need to improve squad quality not numbers. We have faced problems in local league cup because of lack of quality substitutes

Rodio17

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25 Apr 2013 20:01:42
I'm not sure where this Vidic injury thing comes from. He had 1 injury that a decade ago would have been a certain career ender. And at the age he had it it was always going to be a long comeback. Yes he had a reaction earlier in the season but since then we've tried to manage him and rest him and not rush him back risking another reaction. The big man will be fine next season.

Fabio will cover his brother and left back and Buttner will get games. We don't need any signings at the back at all at the moment. whether Rio goes or not.

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Not convinced about Buttner, wasn't convinced when we bought him and not seen anything to say he can complete for a place. I know it's his 1st year and he hasn't had many chances but we shall see

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Rodio, exactly my thoughts. If we are going to sign,
2 Midfielders (Definitely Strootman and ideally Verratti or even Oliver Torres or Alen Halilovic (exception talent)
1 Left footed Winger ( They are couple of names flying about. But I am certain that Dortmund is going to try and buy Isco this time because they lost Gotze.
1 Striker. Everyone here seems to be prefer Lewandowski and at his age he will be amazing.

Red Samurai

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25 Apr 2013 18:35:49
With Adnan Januzaj being handed the #44 shirt for the rest of the season, I think we would all like to see the lad be included on the bench at some point during the run in and, perhaps, get a run out at some point. We don't want to rush him but I get the feeling that he will be one of those players who, when given his chance, won't look back.

TK-Red

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Adnan is a quality youth talent, I heard a while ago that he was being fast tracked into the United squad. He has everything, he's technically great, but he probably isn't ready physically. Would love to see him get 20 minutes in one of the games. He will certainly go on the preseason tour. People will need to understand he will need time, people will need to be patient.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - In your opinion does he have the ability to match the Ronaldo's, Messi's of this world or will he be a level below them (which I'd be thrilled with)}

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Ed004, I do not want to put any pressure on him or build up people's expectations of him before they have watched him for themselves, but I will say he is real talent and almost a cert to make the United first team one day. I don't really want to compare him to other players or predict how good he will be. People will need to be patient with him.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - Right lastly what style of player does he resemble the most obviously he isn't and may never be as good as the player but who does he play like}

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It's hard to say to be honest. He can dribble, his control and touch is sublime. He can shoot and has a very good footballing brain, but even though he is an attacking player, his desire to win the ball back and his tackling is great. He has a good cross. Can play either wing, or central. Just needs to fill-out more and be blooded into the side.

Sydney!

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25 Apr 2013 20:07:19
Bit like Chris Waddle ed.

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Would be delighted to see him given a cameo. If nothing else it's good motivation for him the other youngster's trying to break through.

Syd -

What's up with Powell, do you know? Is he injured again? Ta

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Powell is injured I believe HB mate.

Sydney!

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Ed004 I was thinking about this the other day and if he progresses like he could then I see a young Kaka in him but like Syd! says that is some way off and we don't want to put too much pressure on him.

TK-Red

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Cheers Syd, that's a shame. He's had a few niggles already then, I hope he can overcome them in the long term.

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I think adnan has look of robben in the way he plays----------------------------phil

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25 Apr 2013 18:05:18
Hi ED, Is it true that, Adnan Januzaj, Has been given Squad no. 44 and could make his first team debut before the end of the season? {Ed004's Note - It seems so. Hopefully he gets a run out soon so he gets a taste of what he could achieve at the club. Haven't seen much of the player but people on here rave about him.}

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I can remember when Pogba got a few minutes in a few games and a few of the plums on here were saying he's sh1te, that he's nothing special, that if he's the only youth player we have got to look forward to then god help us. Now look at him? 20 years old and bossing the Juve midfield. Already worth £20m. People are impatient, just hope Adnan & Powell get the support and time they need from fans.

Sydney!

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Sydney

We are not impatient with youth players we are impatient with the manager for bringing a 37 year old back and not giving Pogba a chance that he deserved. If they are good enough then they deserve a chance. Pogba should have at least played against Blackburn instead of the ridiculous central midfield of Park and Rafael. Pogba has gone, let us hope Adnan Januzaj or an appropriate youth gets a chance. Usually the good ones ones show something, but the great ones scream it. I will never forget Ronaldo's debut. What we cannot do is hold good ones back in line because we are giving a chance to those who won't make it.

Red Man

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Correct the manager has to take the blame for youth not being given the chance he always goes for giggs and scholes when younger players on bench

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25 Apr 2013 17:24:37
Hi, I posted the original txt. Surely BM would have said something in ref to signing Lewy when they picked up Goetze, Lewy's agent has said he's on the move, Lewy has stated he likes the PL and Man Utd. Fergie still yet to say anything + BM have said absolutely nothing, I'm pretty sure it's us who's got him:-)

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odds on lewandowski joining bayern is 1/4 whereas for us it is 7/2. Lewandowski is going to bayern.

I think we should go for bale, gundogen, and benteke - young quality players.

mecurial

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So because the odds say BM then its guaranteed? Bookies know as much as the rest, nowt.

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25 Apr 2013 15:23:29
EDs,
Its clear Levandowski is definetly moving this summer, with Bayern or Utd in the pole position. Any news as to where he would be heading? You've said before that he was definetly going to move, now that its official, have you heard anything?
To fellow posters and a few editors, Happy 20th league title. :D

IBleedBlue {Ed002's Note - try the search function or RTFPs.}

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25 Apr 2013 13:34:04
The Borussia Dortmund fans were incredible last night, the noise was insane and they never stopped singing/chanting. even their announcer was amazing.

Really puts our fans to shame.

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Are you kidding me? Really?

I was at Old Trafford for our Champions League tie with Real Madrid recently (i. e. Ronaldo's return), and can therefore only assume by your comment that you were not.

WF Red Devil

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Lol so the best atmosphere your fans got all season was because of a former players return! Prawn sandwhich brigade out in full force to cheer for celebrity :)

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Sensational wasnt it WF? I didn't get my voice back until the weekend haha, probably one of the best games I've ever been to despite the result. If we'd have won I imagine it would be one of those you'd tell your grandchildren

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WF, It was an amazing atmosphere for the Madrid tie but the BVB fans and atmosphere was better.

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WF, It was an amazing atmosphere for the Madrid tie but the BVB fans and atmosphere was better.

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I do love it when people leave smart ass posts and then dnt have the balls to leave a name

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Chris the red man my name is Scott if it helps. I just don't need my ego massaged by random strangers telling me how good my post was :)

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Scott I dnt know if it was u I was talking to I was making the comment about the prawn sandwich brigade comment, if it was u, then oh well but I sense ure a united fan and wouldn't post that tripe.

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Wf I was at the madrid game and the atmosphere was brilliant, I also go to every home game and unfortunately it only happens 4-5 times a season.
johndenton

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25 Apr 2013 13:35:17
could Munichs reasons for coming out right now about Gotze and lewy deals because they were trying to unsettle them ahead of last night?

ms85

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I wouldn't put it beyond them, as I believe Dortmund could well beat Munich in the Final, if they both get there.
It can be very difficult for a player to focus when their head might be turned to the future, but how well did Lewandowski and Gotze play, especially Gotze, very mature for his age. Great game last night and if things go to plan, could be one of the best Champions league finals ever. Two very strong attack minded teams, just what the champions league needs.
On another note though, we talk about the budesliga improving and german football dominating Europe, however Bayern Munich won the title this year and have continue to buy quality players, yet Dortmund, who will come second this year, are set to lose their better players, does this not mean it will just become a one team league? It will be very interesting to see how Klopp rebuilds from here and if he has that great quality not many managers have rebuilding and adapting to new challenges.

aaallj5

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25 Apr 2013 13:22:22
Hats off to Dortmund, when I wathced them destroy Bayern in their domestic cup last year, you could see that this team is going places. I actually fancied them to win the CL this year, although after watching Bayern recently, this might not happen.
More than anyone there, Jurgen Klopp impresses so much. He is articulate, astitute, intelligent, passionate, great man manager as seen by the players respect for him.
I've always said that apart from Pep, then he is the only other choice to replace Saf. He fits the bill perfectly, he can build teams out of nothing, he's got an eye for talent, and also, he gives youth a chance.
But more importantly, he plays a modern system of high energy in midfield and attack, and no outright wingers. This makes them very compact when they lose the ball. It also makes them very exciting to watch going forward, as their technical ability is superb.
We can only hope that saf is in the process of changing our methods to those of Dortmund as they are the future in my opinion.
Nomidfield

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He's German I doubt we'd go for him, I don't think Fergie likes them.

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And what's that supposed to mean? Does that mean we will never have a German manager or player in future?what a strange statement!
Nomidfield

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25 Apr 2013 12:47:47
Would you guys consider. Gundogan or Lars Bender or Kevin Strootman?

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Gundogan has the most potential.

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25 Apr 2013 13:33:04
Strootman. Dortmund won't sell half their team in one window. And after the Gotze buyout clause affair I imagine they'll avoid being put in that position again.

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Have you ever read this page? All 3 of them would improve us.

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I believe dortmund will sell Gundogen within the next year, He has stated he wants to try in the english or spanish leagues and I would be more then happy with him playing for united. He has something else about him, his control of the play and tempo aswell as bursts of pace through the middle, He rarely loses possession and their is a reason Dortmund have won 3 titles in a row. His linkup with kagawa and rooney would be a joy to watch. short, snappy and incisive passes. I think anything under 20 million for him is a bargain.
James

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GDS, pretty obvious all 3 would improve but the question is who'd you prefer.

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That wasn't the question though was it? If it is then strootman I think.

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25 Apr 2013 12:59:44
Watching the Dortmund Game last night, you really have to give credit to klopp, What he has done for the club and how he has managed his players has been outstanding.
They also have an amazing transfer policy.
Gundogen was bought for 4 million
Subotic 4.5 million
Hummels 4.2 million
Bender 1.5 million
Lewandoski under 5 million
Each of these players would easily sell for more then 20 million. And would look great at United, I can dream :P
Germany and the bundasliga as a whole is fast becoming the best league in the world. And how do they manage to keep such healthy finances when they charge so little to the fans. Bayern season ticket costs just over a hundred pound for a standing place. Cheapest marked at 104 pound.
All bundasliga clubs are owned by their members and fans which elect a board to make key decisions. I think this creates a stronger bond, between fans & clubs. Its much better then having rich americans and tycoons running a club.
English clubs could learn a few lessons in running a club from the germans.

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Agree in principal with what you're saying but disagree that the listed players are all worth more than £20m. Lewandowski and Hummels, certainly. Subotic at a push (although I'd rate him at around the £16m mark). Bender and Gundogen are worth somewhere between £10m and £15m. The fact that Kagawa (who is better than the last 3 mentioned) was sold for less than £20m is my benchmark.

T0MB0Z

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25 Apr 2013 13:17:16
I'd like to see the german system implemented elsewhere. Unfortunately there is too much money in the game now it would be too hard to bring in over here. Probably wouldn't work either.

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25 Apr 2013 12:32:01
What a player Lewandowski, I only hope we had some sort of arrangement with Dortmund, when we bought Kagawa.
The best news though is that Ferguson is planning to strengthen the squad for next year. We all know the main area is centre midfield and I think this is the summer we get at least one new midfielder.
Strootman looks the likeliest signing, which will be great, playing slightly ahead of Carrick. I believe RVP will be involved in swaying his decision to choose United over the rest. I hope that we can then beat of competition to sign Lewy, who would be a great player for United, as he is not only a goal scorer, but also a fantastic target man, who holds the ball very well and allows the midfield to enter the final third of the pitch. This will allow RVP to drop further back just behind the striker and roam, this then let's kagawa drift from left to centre, as RVP and kagawa will be able to switch and inter change. We will need a free roaming right sided player, the exact player Nani should be at this moment in time, but is not! Di Maria would be nice, he isn't the free roaming player that will fit into the system, but if we deploy him on the right, allowing him to cut inside on his left and whip balls into the box or use his pace to get to the by-line. I can't see Real Madrid letting him go though.
We also need a new left back as Pat is getting on. I like Buttner, but he will never be a regular, Fabio I believe will play there now and then, but will end up as back up to his brother on the right. Baines is mentioned quite a lot, but I think he is too old now, especially for the money Everton want. Luke Shaw looks like the future, but he maybe to young, if Buttner looked like he could cope for two or three years, then it might be feasible, but I don’t think he has the consistency.
Finally, I was hearing what people were saying about Thiago for Barcelona and how he wants to play more to break into the Brazil squad for the World Cup. We all know he is going to be the natural successor to Xavi, but there is no guarantee that he will get the game time, so what if we enquired about loaning him for a season or two. I know United don't really deal with bringing players here on loan, and that we shouldn’t be training potential rivals players. However, he is a fantastic player, which will be very hard to sign permanently, you also have to consider if we did sign him, how long will it be before Barcelona wanted him back and he kicks up a fuss to go back there? If we loan him, it will fill a void for a couple seasons, allowing us to prepare for his departure. We will get a great player, while most importantly and the biggest plus, buying time for our own youth to develop!
We have Rooney who is trying to alter his position to the centre midfield. It’s difficult to say if he will be here next season, but if he is and we sign Lewy, he will drop deeper to get into the team. However, at this moment in time, his positioning is not great and he lacks the energy and awareness to cope with the demands. However, gradually deploying him in that role against weaker teams, will build his confidence improving him into a Scholes type player, That is only me thinking out of the box, but the biggest positive to loaning Thiago is it allows players like Daheali, Janujaz, maybe Petrucci and Lingard (who I believe, if his physicality develops right, will be a centre mid) to develop and gain the experience needed. You could say they may be a bit disheartened by a loaned player getting ahead of them, but what hurts most a player in his natural position getting in a head of you, or an out of position forward and a left attacking midfield? It is much easier to change formation if the youth works with it throughout their time in the under 21’s
This is just wishful thinking and Barcelona will never agree to it.
This transfer window I will be hoping for Lewy (20 mill) Strootman (16-20) Shaw (8-10) and Thiago on loan (Loan fee).
I don’t believe we need a defensive minded midfield as I believe Jones can play there in the bigger games and Carrick is very capable in that position. How often does United need an out an out defensive midfielder? Carrick offers composure and great vision something defensive mids lack.

aaallj5

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25 Apr 2013 13:09:23
someone please tell sir ferguson to sign REUS. He is what we need out wid

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Reus only re-joined BD last summer (well technically he agreed the move the January prior) and so I'd be shocked to see him leaving anytime soon. I agree that he'd fit in well at OT though.

T0MB0Z

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Thiago Alcantara is a Spanish international, not Brazilian.

GRD

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I got him mixed up with his dad, who is a Brazilian international, a World cup winner, in fact. But it still applies to his Spainish international career.

aaallj5

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25 Apr 2013 12:29:53
Honigstein says Lewondowski has agreed to join Bayern but BVB are holding out for a summer move and that we have not spoken to Dortmund since we asked for him and kagawa to come as a package Man City offered a swap for him and Dzeko but that was rejected. Red91

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25 Apr 2013 11:54:14
excellent news that januzaj has been given a squad number today, hopefully we'll see him in the final few games, he waes in the dressing room on monday, fergie giving him a taste of what its like to be a winner

phil

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25 Apr 2013 09:36:09
Syd or Ed002,
I know it has been covered a lot but genuinely do u still think lewy is still to move in the sunmer, and with all these rumours circulating about him going buyern or us do u think if he does move will who is the the more likely destination for him? Still us or have buyern sealed him? If he goes of course.

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Now some on here may realise why I think him and RvP would be a frightening attack. And why Rooney may well have to make do with midfield next season if he is still here. Lew will not join to sit on the bench and he is too good not to play in the big games. Fingers crossed we can tie up this Lew deal.

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Syd

I have heard Bayern have a 25m Euro bid turned down for him.

Deeps.

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Syd

I would still stick to what I think of him. Brilliant player with Dortmund and their fabulous supply line. Not half as good with Poland.

Deeps.

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Deeps, BM would need to pay more than everyone else surely? There is almost always a premium to be paid when selling to a rival. I think he will cost US less than £20m. £15m-£18m IMO.

All strikers need a supplyline. That is what he will get at United. Do you think Falcao would do much better in the Polish side with less supply? Falcao is no doubt a better player currently, he is after all the finished article.

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Sydney, until recently, I honestly thought Falcao a much better player, but after last night's performance, I think Lewndawski is improving very fast. He was a beast.
Need to sort out our midfield also, as watching Dortmund's Gundogan, Rues, Goetze, it really shows our midfield in a poor light.
But nothing that a couple of good signings can't sort out!
Nomidfield

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Lol Syd, I was not even a part of the Falcao debate ;). Though I think Falcao currently is the better player. But I must say big Lew has done pretty well this season. The only point I made at that time was, he cuts a disinterested and frustrated figure while playing for the Polish national team.

Deeps.

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25 Apr 2013 08:31:00
Hi Guys,

Well just sobered up now from Monday. Had a heavy one I have to say, started at 5pm on Deansgate and ended up back in town. Rough Tuesday doesn't do it justice.

Well it was the brief at the beginning of the season to get that trophy back at all costs and it was achieved and all credit to the players and staff

I still don't think we will push on for Europe without a top class coach coming in if Ferguson doesn't step down. Phelan up against Mourinho was a mismatch but I have gone on about that before.

Lewandowski heroics last night put him out of our price bracket, but that will depend on whether he wants to come or not and if there is in fact a deal already in place.

I have a feeling Rooney is going to get a chance in midfield and this is why Kagawa has been brought in. I can't see Nani and Anderson lasting much longer. 2 big disappointment's after their first season I have to say and maybe the money generated from their sales may contribute towards another midfielder/winger of quality.

Zaha will be phased in slowly depending on the pre season

So in summary

New Coach
New Midfielder
New Forward

and lastly possibly a new left back maybe Baines

That will have us challenging on all fronts again next year

Enjoy the summer everybody, over and out for the season

Mike the Moston Red

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How is it mourinho v phelan why not mourinhos assistant and if nani hadn't of been sent off who knows we may have gone through-------------phil

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I will admit that Phelan does seem to be a bit of a yes man. Meulensteen seems the one that is good tactically. The backroom set up would be better if it was SAF - Manager, Carlos Quieroz - Assistant, Rene Meulensteen - Head Coach.

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25 Apr 2013 08:09:25
"All the harassing fire from a part of the republic are of no interest to us. The fact is that Robert has contract till 2014.

"Unlike Mario [Gotze] he has no release clause. We want Robert to play next year in Dortmund, for this we waive a transfer fee.

"But first of all we have to talk with Robert. He is one of our most important players and a great guy.

"We have a good relationship and the transfer fee does not matter. I want him to stay, and in my life a lot of my wishes came true. "

Speaking to Sky Germany, Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp added: "I don't believe Lewandowski is on the run. We won't send him away. "

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25 Apr 2013 07:52:53
Sydney!

youve been spot on about Lewandowski all year. Fair play mate he is top top draw.

lets hope fergie already has tried to seal something with BVB hopefully last summer we started negotioations for him. would love to see him at OT

ms85

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Last night's game hasn't shown me much more than I already knew in regards to his talent, other than he is not scared of the 'big occasion'.

I do fear others will now up the ante to try and get his signature. I hope my friend is correct about a gentleman's agreement between United & Lew.

I also hope the editor is correct about him very likely signing for us. It would be a huge disappointment missing out on Lew for under £20m. A travesty.

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I think your right Syd, the vultures will be circling around Lew now and his price probably went up by 10-15 million pounds after last nights display.

Simmo

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Simmo, I doubt his price has risen at all, Dortmund know what he is capable of and they would have told United exactly what they want for the player. I doubt that figure will get higher, if anything they will negotiate at a slightly lower amount than they want. They will not want to lose him for free next summer. This may well convince the United board to hurry and tie up the deal though? Surely?

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25 Apr 2013 06:46:28
Hi Eds,

Never posted a question here before. Will be glad if you could answer this. Tried the search function as well.

What do you make of Leon Goretzka? Any news where he will be moving this summer, if he is moving? With Vfl Bochum likely to be relegated and with their manager fired, there are rumours that he might move. Are United interested?

I suspect Bayern Munich would be the most likely destination.

Thanks in advance.

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25 Apr 2013 04:32:40
G'day to all.
How much truth there is in what Spanish and Serbian papers are saying regarding Benfica's midfielder Nemanja Matic being on his way to Old Traford?
Perhaps this former Chelsea boy has as predicted finaly matured in to a strong CM and his strong performance this season with the Portugese team has attracted SAF attention?

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25 Apr 2013 07:54:17
Hopefully not alot, he is a decent player but not a great one. We keep getting linked to loads of Benfica players as we have scouts at their games, but as the press don't know who they are their to watch they just speculate. So they've linked us to Gaitan, Garay and Matic as we have had defensive problems this year, we need a LW as Giggs is getting older, and we need a replacement for Scholes. If I was to put money on it I would say it was Gaitan we are watching, we have a confirmed interest in him and often watch players for 2/3 years before signing them.

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25 Apr 2013 13:14:34
its probably none of them its probably some other player altogether.

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25 Apr 2013 02:12:09
we missed out on Ozil let's not miss out on Rues the guy is class.

-El Tigre-

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25 Apr 2013 01:47:35
nani out, reus in.

hernandez out, lewandowski in.

anderson out, strootman in.

I can dream

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And we will all dream with you. But saf will not buy any midfielders. There will be no value!

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Top post, I would be extremely happy with that.

Simmo

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25 Apr 2013 00:08:32
Guys regarding lewandoski we want him and bayern do too. So here is what I think Dortmound will be desperate to stop another one of the best players going to Bayern so they would be more willing to do business with us, and has he previously not stated he would like to come to us or was that his agent or Poland coach or something. But if lewandoski leave Dortmound this summer it makes more sense for them to try and push through a move to us than bayern!

Caol�n.

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