Manchester United Banter Archive July 25 2014

25 Jul 2014 20:00:47
Does anyone know, can they speculate on, or can they even just suggest who our targets should be if vidal falls through? Struggling to think of many other players who could go toe to toe with yaya a la keane and viera

There are plenty of alternatives out there, not necessarily with that wow factor that Vidal would give. Also, some more suited to the current system than others. However no matter what I think it is essential that we get at least one more central midfielder in
In no particular order:
Strootman, Verrati, Carvallho, Gundogan, Martinez, Bender, Schneiderlin, Blind, De Jong, Khedira

Sergio busquets is great in front of the back four but I don't think he'd suit are style

Verrati would be nice. Spark plug of a midfielder but I reckon if Vida does Juve might go after him.

Gundogan would be first if over the injury if not then carvalho

25 Jul 2014 22:14:38
Sorry but De Jong is not good enough, and Verratti and Gundogan are not defensive enough, other than that Blind should be cover for left back and defensive midfield rather than starting in either position. Martinez, Khedira, Sven Bender or Lars Bender would be great, but Carvalho would be a risk due to the price and Strootman although class is only just back from injury, so he would be a risk as well. Vidal quite simply is the best available option.

I think Van Gaal is the type of manager who believes that football is a team game and that if the team is organized and trained properly then you do not need stars in every position.

Given that most of our squad has played on teams that have won honours, I think it is fair to say that none of them are completely without merit. It's just that during the last couple of years too many of them have been mis-utilized to fit into a traditional and out of date tactical system. Even when we won the championship in 2012 hardly any of them had a good season. This trend was compounded by Moyes, the man without a plan.

One could go into all Moyes's mistakes and their outcome - a disinterested, demotivated and confused set of players too often going through the motions - but that's all been said, so I won't regurgitate my own personal views here. The point is that what we have to hope for is that the renewed energy and enthusiasm that LVG brings to the club will reinvigorate our lacklustre stars and bring out the best in them, as he did with Holland. That's what great managers do. If we have everyone firing on all 6 cylinders who's to say that this squad is not capable of challenging for the title without further additions. It's an unknown.

Remember this year we do not have to worry about Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich - we just have a domestic program to negotiate, and I for one am very hopeful that we will do that successfully with or without new additions. Should we get into Europe next season then we may need to be concerned about strengthening the squad further.

In listening to Van Gaal after the Galaxy game, he was quite clear that he didn't need to motivate these players. They all had championship mentalities. What was need was a structure. With a wry smile on his face he then suggested maybe we could be champions.

Be confident fellow United supporters. A confident team with confident supporters behind them is what made Old Trafford a venue of extremely limited expectations for visiting teams.

25 Jul 2014 23:06:59
GCU i'm a massive fan of Verratti he can control a game like Scholes/Pirlo and yet he's 21. He's the player most similar to Scholes in his latter years along with Kroos.

Classie is incredibly underrated as a defensive midfielder IMO, his passing needs some improvement but he's an absolute terrier when the opposition has the ball and has great vision in terms of anticipating opposition attacks. There's clearly some potential there to be more than just DM too. Agree with above posts about Veratti, he is an incredible talent.

25 Jul 2014 19:17:22
Ed002

Is there anything new regarding Arturo Vidal?

{Ed002's Note - Nothing.}

25 Jul 2014 17:25:19
Hi eds, any update on the vidal situation. is there an offer made or are talks ongoing. thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - I am not going to get in to giving blow-by-blow updates - it is a waste of what little time I have.}

Crikey ed. don't want you wasting your time

If we had a rough idea as to where negotiations may or or may not be then maybe the speculation and pestering of the eds would stop, not asking for anything cast iron just would like to know if we still have a chance of getting vidal, everything that the eds do is realy apresiated by most of the posters/readers. If eds are unsure just say so we get 8f your back's

{Ed002's Note - It is really not worth the grief.}

25 Jul 2014 13:00:34
Ed002
I ain't bothered by vidal's reported statement.
has anything changed regarding our bid?

Thank you for your efforts!

{Ed002's Note - Nothing.}

25 Jul 2014 18:01:33
Vidal is the hot chick at the party that all the guys want.Not just for the guaranteed amazing sex but also for the boasting rights come water cooler time. Strootman is the diminutive, cute girl with all the right kinks to build a bedroom around. I'd be happy with either. Ménage à trois?

Haha -

I am seeing Vidal as the super modal girlfriend of your mate, that keeps smiling at you when he isn't there, but you know you can't go near her!

Strootman - 3am, bored, 10 pints sunk and you say go on then you're worth a go - I heard you can do good things, but my heart really isn't in it.

Carvalho - The filthy minx in the office, that you will probably get pregnant or contract an STD from but if you don't take her first, one of the other guys will and she may be worth it anyway.

Carrick, Fletcher, Fellaini - like banging your mum!

And carvalho is the shy girl who could develop into a dominatrix?Some people even fancy that.Not me ofcourse.

Lol Beast. This whole thread is the best thing I've seen on here in a while. Still discussing the mandatory discussion point of Vidal, Carvalho or Strootman, but in a way that doesn't make me want to stab my eyes out with a lottery ticket.

25 Jul 2014 22:45:54
Haha perfect analogy of Carvalho, Beast

BEST.THREAD.OF.THE.YEAR!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Anderson must be the fat bird who works in the end office.
The popular girl who everyone has a laugh with; however, the butt of all the jokes behind her back who you have a crush on and really dare not admit it. You also know you would get a good breakfast.

25 Jul 2014 17:42:34
Is this van Gaal's completed vision, for now:

http://lineupbuilder.com/?sk=3my2h

Based on the targets we are looking at and what he has said - I can see him wanting this formation. That would mean we would have Vermaelen, Hummels, Vidal and Cuadrado all still to come in which is quite a spend. I like Valencia at right back but there is no doubting that Cuadrado is better - whether he is better defensively I don't know.

{Ed007's Note - Our genius tech geeks are working on a line-up/formation builder for you to play with on the teams page as we speak, Fresh. It should be finished and up and running very soon. I've used it myself and it's looking good}

If that is his vision for the season then I think we would all be happy. Especially when you consider the players that would be on the bench to come on and change things.

That would be great.

25 Jul 2014 15:10:08
Would Javi Martinez be a viable alternative to Vidal, with the current Spanish contingent we have I think he would fit in nicely and give more of a defensive look to the midfield than we currently have (similar to what Strootman would do).
Not sure Bayern would let him go but I know he was a bit dissolusioned last year. however that may change with Kroos having left

If Bayenr go in for Vidal I am sure they will get him. Could free up Martinez, especially with Lahm quitting Intl football and playing midfield.

Obviously prefer Vidal, but Martinez is more defensive and wouldn't be bad at all - but I think Strootman will be the player we sign to hold the midfield. Vidal is the must sign for us though, he is vital.

Of all the players left at Bayern he'd be the one I'd take. As you say - I think he'd work well with Mata and Herrera (especially having played with the latter for two seasons at club level already and both for Spain's youth teams).

All told he'd probably suit us better than Vidal (although I think Vidal is the better player and would rather we signed him if it was one or the other) but I really don't see Bayern selling him and even if they did I would have thought they'd want to make a profit on the €40 million he cost them.

I would love martinez at the club, top player

Martinez would be a quality signing and can play as a cb as well

With how LVG seemingly wants to play, I would personally prefer someone much more mobile than Martinez.

I think martinez as part of 3 cb's stepping in to cm would work well .

I agree with TK, I like Martinez, but would prefer someone more busier.

Martinez is a.wonderful.wonderful player. His best position is CM and he is the closest player to xavi. Good at CB.but.utterly wasted.

If Woodward is as good as his word then the options for the second central midfielder are more than just Vidal. Potentially behind the scenes we are also looking at Martinez, Shweinsteiger, Veratti, Strootman etc. .
For the now I think we all want vidal, he would be awsome and set us up for the next few years. However if we can't then let's ensure that one of the other targets is brought in.

25 Jul 2014 13:03:38
Like everyone I have read numerous press web related articles on Vidal, I still do not think it is a clear a NO as they make out. Or maybe jusy hope on my part. I think we could be in negotiations for players as it has gone far too quiet from I side Old TRAFFORD!

If Vidal doesn't happen I would be happy with Turan and Depay any thoughts on this guys n gals :)
Looking forward to a more stern test against Roma, should be a good match.

25 Jul 2014 14:18:00
See I took the qoutes quite different mate, I dnt see him amywhere rule out utd, he was asked if he was going to Manchester as he was getting ready to board a plane to which his response was no, because he's not.

Like many of the eds have said before wot do u expect a player to say under contract? i'm not saying this deal will happen but also fail to see why y so many people are losing thier excrement over these qoutes

25 Jul 2014 14:29:15
CTR, agree 100%.

I cannot get across my astonishment at the press 'quotes' today and SSN childishly joining in which people 100% believe. The amount of people who say to me 'SSN said it, it must be true', what a joke.

The overreaction we are seeing to these quotes is standard of the people who only post on here when we lose, and who only believe anything negative in the press and nothing positive. Anything saying we will sign Vidal should be taken with a pinch of salt, and anything saying we will not should be taken with a pinch of salt.

25 Jul 2014 14:49:47
My thoughts exactly GDS, people are quick to disbelieve 'journalists' when they say so and so is signing but then when they see other 'journalists' say so and so is not they lose thier heads

SSN chat utter Boll**** I remember the Sneijder saga a few years back, on deadline day with about 2 hours to go ssn reported "BIG NEWS" coming out of old Trafford, guess what?. Nothing happened. Ssn are like any other media outlets they WILL tell lies to increase their viewers and what not.

Gds can u name a player we have signed after such wide media reports say we wont?

Shillong Red. The point being that all of these 'media reports' stem from one media outlet that misquoted Vidal. It's not that hard to fathom.

It is called Juve are trying to squeeze another few million out of the deal mate.

25 Jul 2014 18:17:55
Shillong red,

Last summer there was a lot of media outlets saying we wouldn't get Fellaini. This summer I saw media outlets saying Chelsea were signing shaw and definitely not united and don't get me started on Herrera.

I'm not so sure Shahram, I have a feeling the rumours of LvG pulling the plug could be true, either that or the club have balked at the price Juve want.

I think what juve want to do is make it look like vidal wants the move not the other way around.

I don't think its the case of juve not wanting to sell, because if that was the case then there would be no negotiations and like Shahram said juve are probably trying to cratw a bidding war or trying to squeeze extra few million.

I would be gutted if we wasted a whole summer on vidal where as we couldve moved to other targets and got them.

I still think juve are trying to save their face and don't want to look like they are selling their most precious player and why would Morrata say anything about vidal putting a transfer request, I am sure if push comes to shove Vidal will put in a request and move.

25 Jul 2014 19:30:50
Singh,

The only people wasting their summer on Vidal are us lot going on about him and people on twitter making things up. The club will know if they want him or not and either way there is nothing wasted. Lvg is assessing the squad and will then make a decision. People need to chill out, silly season is well upon us.

Yes Gds very true, But if it weren't for us hardcore fans this site will be boring .

I think you're right we should lay off this media reports for a while and see what the manager does.

I have always backed Woody since last year even though many thought he was incompetent but he really needs to show his abilities or he will have a short stay.

Syd

It is the same thing. I was told we would go all out for him way back in Jan and by the looks of it not much has changed.

If we don't get him it is because the price is exorbitant not because he is not for sale.

I still think he will wear the red shirt.

25 Jul 2014 12:08:33
Sly sports just announced that Manchester United have made no approach for Juventus Player VIDAL! if if united do then it could be a while yet .

Also Looks like no Hummuls Either!

and looks to be like De vrij and Vermaelen we are targeting .

Gutted about Vidal, I can see now why he laughed at when being asked "are you going to Manchester?" .

Oh dear.

Because man utd are not going for vidal on skysports reports that automatically means that they are not going for hummels either!? wow

25 Jul 2014 13:09:04
Maybe I am missing something, but we know that United are interested in Vidal. He has been on holiday and will be discussing the future with his new manager on Monday, then we will know more. He laughed because he was joking about going to Lazio.

It is amazing / crazy how some people are like puppets to the press. They have got the reaction they wanted but surely some of us are better than this, the quotes they printed aren't even real!

MU are not giving much away to journalists this summer. This has been confirmed by all the local journalists. They are keeping their cards close to their chest. Which they agree after last summer's mess that it's best.

The editor has said that a bid is imminent. So we will need to wait and see what happens from there. It is going to be a tough one to agree and personally I thought we would have balked at the price by now, but a bid's imminent.

In order for MU to convince BvB to sell we will need to offer a lot of cash. BvB are under no pressure to accept any amount of money, but if Hummels wants the move and we offer a large amount then it's possible. But these two deals are not going to be easy.

Aaaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhhhh this is doing my head in we must sign him immediately I am off to slaughter a goat as an offering to the dark lord of transfers.

Er maybe I should just have a pint and realize there is still 6 weeks of the window left and think on how we already better off than last season.

25 Jul 2014 17:44:44
Come on guys - chin(s) up!. Who'd you rather believe - media or Ed002? if Ed said a bid was imminent best believe it. He either will come (if United pay the price) or he won't, which will be disappointing but sorry 1 man doesn't make a team

25 Jul 2014 11:26:51
Hey guys. Me and my friend - a liverpool fan, had an argument a few days back. Scholes, Pirlo, Xavi and Gerard who is/was the better player? Rate them 1-4 and give reasons. Thanks

1)Scholes
2) Xavi
3) Pirlo
4) Gerrard

For me, it is Scholes he could do it all, started as a striker and moved back excelling at every position he ever played in. he even done well as a winger for England.

Xavi is a close second though, I rate him higher than Pirlo simply because of the way he can get out of tight situations, Pirlo has been known to crumble a lot under pressure (especially during his Milan days), pressure him with 2/3 guys and he'll struggle to get the ball away.

An the reason I put Pirlo a head of Gerrard is because Pirlo scores set pieces, sets up goals - pretty much the same way Gerrard does but Pirlo is a far better passer of the ball.

however, Gerrard for me, although not the best, is and was a brilliant midfield player, the way he spurred Liverpool on in the 2005 UCL final is so similar to the way Keane dragged us through against Juventus.

So it's nothing against Gerrard.

In their primes I would go for

1. Scholes
2. Pirlo
3. Xavi
4. Gerrard

Don't need to give reasons. though if Xavi had scored more goals I would have placed him at the top.

Gerrard playing at Liverpool has played him no favours at all. perhaps if he had of played at a top top club like united, chelsea, bayern, barca or real he could have achieved way more. such a waste of talent

Are you for real? Don't ask this on a United page, your bound to get a ton of bias replies. Gerrard was better than Scholes, Pirlo and Xavi were better than both.

1. Xaavi
2. Pirlo
3. Gerrard
4. Scholes

End of debate

Dear Miike sorry to say so but xavi himself said on record that he believes scholes is the best midfielder of his generation and Xabi Alonso a former scouser agrees with him.
That is how you close a debate with facts.

25 Jul 2014 14:33:45
Miike,

I appreciate Liverpool fans think Gerrard is the bees knees, but he certainly was not better than Scholes.

I have not seen enough of Xavi and Pirlo to judge them properly, but Scholes is the best midfielder I have ever seen, Gerrard also brilliant, but not quite at Scholes level.

1 -Xavi - one of the best ever
2 - Gerrard - he was immense for so many years, shame he plays for the enemy (although clearly not up to it anymore).
3 - Scholes - Some seasons he was amazing, others didn't stand out too much.
4 - Pirlo - Great player, but over-hyped because of his performances against England, people need to look at the whole career, not just choice moments.

I love Scholes, think he was brilliant - but given the choice a Gerrard in our midfield would have been insane.

I can't even bring myself to mention Gerrard in the same breath as Scholes. IMO, scholes was a much better footballer than Gerrard. Yes, Gerrard had a lot of drive and determination - could pick a decent pass - and had a good shot on him; but in terms of sheer technical ability, Gerrard couldn't tie Scholes boots. Just my opinion, and an unbiased one.

25 Jul 2014 15:22:45
Think mike should lay off the hallucinative drugs. I think all 3 are of a similar level in their prime. Maybe pirlo in 3rd. Gerrard is a level below all of them.
Mike probably thinks Henderson is comparable to Zico & Platini.

25 Jul 2014 15:26:47
Beast, pirlo had the ac Milan team built around him which did well in the cl, one of the best free kick takers ever. He's always been a top, top player. Gerrard has done nothing of note for England on the international stage or in Europe, he's just scored a few fa cup goals.

Supasub - I'm not talking about specific aspects of their game. I'm talking about all round impact. Agreed Gerrard lacks technically compared to the other 3.

All 4 were class players and brought different things to the table.

Gerrard offered the whole package all action hero which I like to see. Yes the others trump him on technical ability/vision, Xavi so much so I would have him ahead of Gerrard. But just because Gerrard plays for the scousers and a very poor England team it shouldn't change perceptions. It's a close decision which is probably why PeeBoaiy wanted to ask. (Obviously in an argument with a scouser I'd be backing Scholes all day, but in my heart of hearts and taking away bias Gerrard gets my nod).

25 Jul 2014 22:37:43
Xavi
Scholes
Pirlo
Gerrard

25 Jul 2014 11:07:52
Will a deal be reached with Nike? Er no, we have agreed a deal with Adidas. You know, the £750m deal that's been on every paper for the past ten days.

Syd is this post addressed to a particular person or are you talking to yourself?

The bloke who chooses the daily votes :)

25 Jul 2014 09:17:44
Apparently Harera is still sliding passes through a non existent back line!
Finally caught the highlights of the game and he is Moyes greatest gift to the club. looks like he will link well with Mata and the other forward players. Also, anyone that makes Ashley young a threat must be a genius and who I know think stands a chance of staying.over Nani for sheer determination to succede

25 Jul 2014 12:02:08
Were we tracking him before Moyes?

25 Jul 2014 00:18:16
Lvg builds the Dutch side around him and rates him very highly and was having a great first season with roma till his injury so yep he is miles better than what we have in midfield and Liverpool for that matter.

He is a real driving force and a warrior. He would be a fan favourite.