Manchester United Banter Archive May 25 2012

 

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25 May 2012 23:01:45
Well done to Barca. Cheers to Pep for 4 years of sexy football. Don't stay away too long!

M.D.

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Not to mention the diving to retain possesion when under pressure from the opposition. Great side, but don't forget, Barca are very cynical!

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Who cares about barcelona...

JK92

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I Dont understand why barca are praised as the best team in the world.They are a disgrace to football

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25 May 2012 22:22:10
EXPECTED INS ~ Leighton Baines(Everton) ....,Nathaniel Clyne(Crystal Palace) ......,Javier Martinez(Athletico Bilbao) ........Eden Hazard(Lille) ........Shinji Kagawa(Borussia Dortmund) ......Robert Lewandowski(Borussia Dortmund)/Olivier Guirodi(Montipellier)

{Ed007's Note - Who's expecting that? Are you watching Pink Floyd on BBC4 by any chance.......}

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I'm watching that Bond, its class :-)...
HERBIE {Ed007's Note - There is another one on at 1 in the morning as well Herbie, shine on mate ;-)

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With those expectations you're only going to end up bitterly disappointed.
I'll be content with Fletch and Vidic coming back 100% and us signing a midfielder that can get in the box.
Anything else is all gravy, baby!

M.D.

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LOL @ Bond!

DodgyBanter

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25 May 2012 21:58:20
dream signings are strootman, kagawa, hazard and a right back.. please make this happen fergie, especially strootman, although looks likely he will be off to Milan

#11

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25 May 2012 21:47:31
Often read about Witzel, Fellani and of course Hazard on here. Well that midfield /Second striker combo just failed to beat a technically adept but realistically averaged Montenegro team. Allbeit in a friendly.

Hmmmm... Food for thought.

DodgyBanter

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They play together about 5 times a year. It's hardly surprising.

Percy

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Fair point Percy, but so do the opposition don't they?

Still think Hazard would be class class class if we got him and developed him. The point of the post was more about Witzel and Fellani... Would either be good enough... Given that they'd be taking Clev's or Pogba's (if he stays) place?

DodgyBanter

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I thought Felaini was very good.

Percy

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The problem for belgium is that witsel and fellaini are too similar so they don't gel too well.

RedDevil19

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25 May 2012 21:45:41
Kagawa: yes please! Hazard: think i'm not alone in thinking all his posturing is becoming tedious! would rather have James Rodriquez (who seems to be saying all the right things) all day long.
Top that up with Strootman and Luuk de Jong and I'd be happy. As I recall we have favoured northern Europeans in the past and premier league history tends to show that they are more loyal and less likely to jump ship to sunnier climes than there latin counterparts. Modern scouting delves deeper than just playing abilities, attitude and lifestyle are considered. I feel the above would promote a superior team ethic and actually a reasonable balancing of the books. Not convinced that all our eggs should be in Hazards basket!

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25 May 2012 20:56:33
As a season ticket holder who has yet to cough up for next year (like many others) we received a text today from the club.
The text said something along the lines of "Hurry up and send us your money as almost everyone has paid already so do not miss out"
Or that was the general drift of it.

It smacks of a club that will NOT be announcing Hazard as a BIG NAME MARQUEE ATTRACTION next week and can we please pay before Hazard reveals he is going to a different club.

Im just saying, it all sounded a bit "cynical" in that they want the money before we are disappointed with mediocre players coming in again like last year.
We are charged "Broadway Superstar " prices for tickets only to find that the show is more Pantomime with someone from Brookside as the star.

I dont trust Gill when he says "Going to be a busy transfer period" around the time they want us to cough up $1000 for a season ticket again.

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How on earth did you make that link.

Jesus.

United want you to pay for your season ticket so we're not buying Hazard is essentially what you just said.

The Moon.

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Yes I had the same text

It is going to be busy at renewal time better renew now. What was interesting was the first sentence although renewals are up on last season, why did they feel the need to start with that?

I have said a few times wait until 8th June , the deadline and lets see what we have done. I would recommend all season ticket holders to wait until as late as possible to renew

Red Man

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Just out of interest Red Man if nothing has happened transfer wise by the 8th of June will you renew? Bear in mind the international transfer window doesn't open until the 1st of July.

I only ask as i feel it would be disrespectful to our current players if you are only gonna renew if we sign new players, kind of like saying the current lads aren't worth paying to see.

Shappy

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Quite a few performances last season wernt worth paying to see.
johndenton

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Cannot believe how fickle some people can be. What ever happened to support your side through thick and thin. Regardless of who we buy get behind the side. Yes we need a few players be that kagawa,hazard who ever else SAF has earmarked.
A few players we need not a new full squad we did finsh level on points with city, i would rather be in our shoes than chelsea arsenal etc who finished further behind and need to rebuild alot more. Can i also point out our prices are not as expensive as the emirates or stamford bridge..
Jenny

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Im on the waiting list for a utd season ticket and winds me up that you are stalling over buying one because of transfers.

Ste-Utd

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It's exactly like saying that Shappy, not even 'kind of'!

Joe

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Personally Red Man and others have a valid point, we were subpar last season, obviously Utd will pressure people.

Suck it up sign someone special feel the flood of season tickets end of

Pardoe

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Shappy

I know the window doesn't open however we should know by then the position with Hazard and or Kagawa. Over many years I have just renewed automatically. Each of the last few seasons Gill has given his I am going to be busy nonsense then the key signings have not happened. Yes we signed three last summer but the key midfield one didn't happen and in the previous summer there was no value in the market which came after renewal time.

For the first time I am watching what the club do over the next couple of weeks before parting with £900 , maybe if everyone did that the slow take up of renewals will give a little concern to Gill and his masters that may just make them think they have to provide a better product for us to watch. We came second but the standard of football at OT last season was well well down on most in recent years.

I am even toying with letting the deadline slip and when contacted tell them why I am waiting. We have heard a few times on here we were in for this player but he didn't come, my thoughts are that we just won't pay the top players wages as it isn't the Glazer methodology. Maybe this will change this window, hopefully we will see the real players we need sign. However another no value summer where key players sign for the opposition almost certainly because we are cost cutting will certainly make me think next season even harder about renewing, I know this will be seen as terrible and I should support the team however if the Glazers continue this policy we are in trouble and I will not put money in their pocket after this coming season if we don't have a good transfer summer. In short I will renew late this year and hopefully we will see us agree deals before I do.

Red Man

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I couldn't care less who we buy or who wears the red shirt, I will be there. If we got relegated, I would be there. I don't support unite because they are good, I support united because it's in my blood. Get the feeling from some of these comments that isn't the case for everybody, which is a shame, but I guess is why we have so many fans around the world.

GDS

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GDS

I did support the club before we got relegated the time we were in the second division the time we came up and all through the seventies and eighties

I save hard every year to pay but we have been lied to and we have never before had such issues with ownership. My love for the club was there at the most difficult time in its history it was there when in stood behind the goal in barca 99 and it is there now. However I will not be ripped off to give the owners a new house whilst our team declines

Red Man

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I think it's more to do with greedy agents rather than player's fees or salaries. SAF has never held back when giving his thoughts towards agents these days. What would you do if you were one of Nasri/Hazard's reps and City or Chelsea contacted you and said they will pay you three times the going rate if they convince their client to join them? Also Hazard has said that personal terms have been agreed between him and all three clubs. We will pay the Lille asking fee too IMO. I think the stumbling block could be agent fees and getting his reps onside.

Sydney!

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25 May 2012 20:51:32
FA report confirms ref mike Riley would have sent Tevez off in QPR game had he seen the initial contact by him - if he's still in EPL next season can this be dealt with retrospectively ? {Ed002's Note - It will not be dealt with - it is gone and forgotten.}

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If it were a Utd player I'm thinkin there would be plenty of reminders to ensure it was dealt with

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Get over it, it doesn't matter now and it has nothing to do with us.

Unless you're going to sit here and say they won the league because Tevez stayed on the pitch...

Just remember that if Barton never got sent off Traore wouldn't have come on for Cisse and as a result Traore wouldn't have put the cross in for the 2nd QPR goal.

The Moon.

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And if my ar5e had a pony tail it'd be my Andy Carroll - won't change the outcome but the rules would be seen to being applied equally

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Is that really a utd fan talking about rules being applied equally have you been watching this season

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No name last comment, why are you here? Also, go on, give us some facts to this that say united got decisions this season, fair ones and unbiased, prove it then we will move on....

GDS

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No name - read the report in the telegraph - if all secessions had been correct we would have won the league - but I am not complaining (to much) - so stop whining you inferior supporter of an inferior club.
Mike - oh - and have a nice day

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25 May 2012 19:48:28
Just found this and immediately had to post!!

thebusbybabe.com/2012/4/5/2926907/manchester-united-rafael-statistical-examination

Seriously hope him and his brother have a long and Successive career at the one and only Manchester United!

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25 May 2012 19:28:21
Hazard's about to play for Belgium in the number 10 role. He reminds me of Ronaldinho a little bit, can't wait, he was such a joy to watch.

Percy

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Is that available to watch anywhere?

M.D.

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First row sports

Percy

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Thanks!

M.D.

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25 May 2012 19:26:20
IMO the best news that i've heard since the season ended was that Scholes has extended his contract, I see all these teams that people think should be our team next season without our maestro! He's still one of the best IMO.

Hoppy

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Still one of the best ever. On a par with any of the best playmakers ever in my opinion. Even now he can control the tempo of matches and still very rarely give the ball away.
I have him up there with platini, Socrates, zidane, xavi etc and the rest of the best ive seen in my lifetime.


Supasub
Supasub

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I know i completely agree, the fact that he takes 6 months off, comes back and still tears apart the best league in world makes him even better.

Hoppy

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There's 2 reasons why I leave him out, and this is me being completely honest.

1) I look beyond next season when I suggest a possible line up.

2) Against the big teams, the quick teams that really close down the ball, well he just can't do it. Against 11 out of the 19 EPL teams he puts a shift in extremely well but against sides like City and Chelsea he doesn't get the time on the ball that unfortunately he needs now.

Nonetheless he's still the best ever midfielder IMO.

The Moon.

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25 May 2012 19:14:56
wouldn't like to be eden hazards caddy when playing golf, you'd be stood there all week waiting for him to choose a club..

JK92

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25 May 2012 17:49:47
Ferguson to retire

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/may/25/sir-alex-ferguson-retirement-date

This is a turn up for the books ! Apologies if this has been posted already...
jomo

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25 May 2012 17:14:23
Just out of interest who would you rather sign if you had to choose just one of them, Kagawa or Hazard?

Me personally I would rather have Kagawa because he is proven in a much more competitive league than Hazard and because he actually wants to play for us whereas Hazard would be using us as a stepping stone to go off to Spain in a few years.

CnM

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I think there's a reason all the big boys are in for Hazard. They know he's one of those special players that could turn into something reeeally special, a la Ronaldo.

M.D.

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In terms of ability I think that Hazard will be global superstar in a few years but in terms longevity and general loyalty I would have Kagawa.

The Moon.

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Hazard has it all. If only 1 could be had, Hazard for me.

G.A.G.U.S

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Have you seen Hazard play?? He's a special player,a must get player for United....
HERBIE

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25 May 2012 16:32:27
Yes I do hope we get Hazard but I'm not keen on latest statements which meant to have came from him,He will sign for who gona let him play in he's favourite position! Is he gettin himself confused with Messi in thinkin he's that good can try demand this! Overtime Roy Keane,Valencia,Fletcher to name a few have played right back,Giggs with all he's done at times as covered left back in games,Veron 28.1m was put on the right&the left.even now Rooney,Welbeck have play diff roles&get on with it!your very lucky to have the honour of wearing Utds shirt! So you sign&you play wherever Fergie tells you to play!

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Hes not demanding to play there, he said that one of his priorities is to be played in his favourite position mostly. However, if he came then he would have to play wherever Fergie puts him. There is a difference between how you took the comments and what they actually mean.

Welsh Dragon

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If we buy him and play him out of position then I'd be a little confused. We need a CAM, we're looking at one in him, so therefore I think he's just stating he wants to play in his best position regardless of who he signs for.

The Moon.

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25 May 2012 15:55:00
lot of people trying to figure out who will be signed due to the positions they play in, e.g hazard, kagawa, young, nani, valencia, rooney, cleverly would all have to be challenging for each others positions.
i think/hope fergie might be heading towards having 2 holding midfielders and then just letting the front four be completely interchangeable position wise, this is what seems to happen with european teams. the four attacking players never stick to their wing or stay in the centre, they all float around and this makes it a lot harder for the opposition to play against them.
rooney would obviously stay pretty central, but the rest i would like to see play pretty much where they please (with some restriction obviously).
this solves the problem of people wondering where everyone will play/fit in. just my opinion but id love to see us play like this.

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25 may 2012 15:50:33
strootman would be a great signing and will people stop talking about baines,not good enough.dont care how well he's done at everton,not utd class at all,my son is quicker than him and he is 7,lol.

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25 May 2012 15:49:38
what about jermain defoe as a replacement for berbatov has the speed and finishing quality and wouldnt cost huge money {Ed007's Note - Please no!}

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You mean the poor version of Hernandez? why.

The Moon.

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Lol id sooner bring in Adebayor than defoe total waste of time

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25 May 2012 14:24:10
would love to see Sergio basquet or thiago from Barcelona at our central midfield and we need german defence to replace Rio what u think guys??

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If Biscuits ever puts on a United shirt I will go mental. he's awful.

Thiago is a good little player though.

As for a german defender? why? the only decent one they have is Hummels and I'm quite happy with Smalling and Jones.

The Moon.

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Basquet? If you mean Busquets then no, just no, have you seen him play? Disgusting player. And why would he leave Barca to come to us?

Do you mean the whole German defence? To replace Rio? If you had the brain power to find the rumour form at least put some thought into your post, it doesn't make sense pal.

GDS

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If you know how much I despise seeing Rodwell's name on here, I am more saddened to see Sergio Busquets pop up. I really don't rate him. Thiago would be a great buy, but I can't see him being sold.

Gar

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If you mean busquets thats crazy. When it comes to faking injuries, he is up there with the worst. Plus, usualy the quality of a player doesnt depend on where you are from, except maybe Catalonia, Spain.

Ste-Utd

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Quite right we need a tough tackling and holding midfielder but i dont see both of these guys coming to manutd

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"Quite right we need a tough tackling and holding midfielder but i dont see both of these guys coming to manutd"

- not exactly sure which part of the OP talks about having a tough tacking holding midfielder? if you mean biscuits then LOL.

The Moon.

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"we need german defence"

How many divisions? should the Panzer corps be included as well?

That will scare the s**t out of them when we play in Spain next (tho they may think "the General" has returned)

Mike

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"goose stepping vill be at 9 0'clock!"
Why need a german defence, why?

Supasub

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Ideally Mike but we also need Stukas for air supremacy to defend the Panzers.

Welsh Dragon

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Stukas were used to attack ground forces, so they wouldn't ensure air supremacy.

...oh crap, sorry. Football, football, football.

M.D.

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Messersmits then MD lol

Welsh Dragon

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25 May 2012 13:59:25
Manchester need dis kind player 4 next season modric thiago

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I want at least one nasty player in CM.

Supasub

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25 May 2012 12:47:35
If you had any future plans who is the one person you wouldn't tell. It would be Dave Whelan who can't wait to tell the press every time his manager has a she*p. Whelan is just happy that anyone will listen to his pointless opinion. Fergie has a nose bleed and so Whelan has him retiring. I think the term is called bathing in someone else's glory. I AM KLOOT

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Too true, it makes me cringe. We buy Valencia and Whelan thinks him and Fergie are best buds.

Sydney!

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Haha, so true. He reminds me of my crazy grandfather.
Done a great job at Wigan though.

M.D.

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I don't really look at it like that.

His opinion was likely asked and he gave his honest opinion, even when he's talking about Wigan I see it as him being open and honest with the fans. Okay, at times he's a little too honest but you've got to respect the man for that.

The Moon.

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Dave Whelan's probably the last man I want to have a go at - he's a lovely old bloke, so what if he runs his mouth a bit, there's no malice in it.

RED_SKY

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I would listen to Dave whelans bed time stories every night if it meant a gag on one certain old f**ker called mike 'fu**ing' summerbee!!

Jono

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25 May 2012 12:16:00
If it is true that Swansea have agreed a £7million pound fee with hoffenheim for sigurdsson then I cannot see why we wouldn't match the offer, he is young, great free kick and if bebe is worth a punt at that kind of money I'm sure sigurdsson would be?


UnitedRunited

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We won't have matched it because Kagawa is far superior, Kagawa is the one we want.

RedDevil19

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RedDevil19

Totally agree mate...Kagawa is the player that we need. He's pure class now, imagine how good he's gonna be in a year or so?
Hazard would be nice along with Kevin Strootman and a left full back.
I can only dream!

Simmo

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I think RedDevil19 may have chills and I think they're close to multiplying.

Danny Pughnited

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They're not even the same type of midfielder...

Sigurdsson plays a more Charlie Adam role of doing a little bit of attacking, a little bit of defending and the rest of the game he relies on the other 10 men to produce for him.

Kagawa on the other hand is an Asian God.

The Moon.

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That's the kind of quality Banter we want to see Mr Danny Pugh United... Take a bow son ;)

DodgyBanter

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Kagawa is going to be an Asian phenomenon IMO, he's going to be the best Asian ever by a country mile (much better all round game than Nakata had and he was very good). If and when he arrives he will be a marketing asset for sure.

Supasub

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LOL @ Danny's post!

Gav

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And even better he's called Danny as well.....

Your birds not called Sandy by any chance?

Mort

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25 May 2012 12:10:33
Just saw a stat, showing De Gea to be the best shot stopper in the league with 77.8% of shots saved, with Hart at 77% and Mignolet at 74%. I can't believe how good he's been for such a young keeper.

On another note, I think we could fit Kagawa and Hazard into the same line up and keep them happy. We play 3 AMs in Nani_Kagawa_Hazard. Those 3 and Rooney constantly interchanging making it impossible to mark. Could be as effective as the Ronaldo_Rooney_Tevez. Before anyone jumps on me for leaving out Valencia, I don't think he'd fit in the line up, but we'd keep him for a direct option.

Percy

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I think we would need two holding midfielders behind those lads, perhaps Carrick and Pogba/Strootman/Asamoah.

Sydney!

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We've hardly agreed on anything lately Percy but I have to agree with you about both points.

I've always said De Gea has won far more points than he's cost us, people tend to forget things like the save against Chelsea. Everyone seems to focus on 2 mistakes he made at the beginning of the season which is a shame I guess.

As for your 2nd point, I think that's exactly how we SHOULD play but is SAF going to see it like that or will his stubbornness get in the way?

I guess Pre-Season will give us a clue on how we're expecting to play.

The Moon.

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Ive been saying all season the press have overhyped de geas mistakes,which when you go back and look at them only cost us points against blackburn,the other mistakes we either won or drew the game,all he needs to do is bulk himself up,learn the lingo and command his area which he has improved on anyway,another 2 seasons and he'll be one of the best.

phil

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I completly agree with that line up, and also agree that we would need two more defensive players behind. Kagawa and Rooney work hard which is good, Carrick would have one position and i'd like Strootman or Asamoah in the other position. I wouldn't get rid of any midfielders mind, as after the retirment of Giggs and Scholes next year and possibly Fletcher, we would be short in numbers. Potentially in a worst case scenario without signings we would have:

Carrick
Cleverly
Anderson
Tunnicliffe

That would be the situation if Scholes, Fletcher, Giggs and Pogba weren't at the club for one reason or another. So a central midfielder is a must.

RedDevil19

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Good post Percy, was also thinking we will play a 4-2-3-1.

---------------------De Gea------------------------
------------Vidic-------------Smalling---------------
--Valencia-------------------------------Evra-------
-------------Carrick---------Cleverley---------------
-----Nani-------------Hazard-----------Kagawa-----
---------------------Rooney-----------------------

However, I hope we play valencia at right back because he has great stamina in moving up and down the right flank, and can put in quality crosses if required.

Width of full backs in a necessity in this formation because with the attacking trio in front of rooney they will look to come inside and link up play/interchange positions.

Carrick and Cleverley can tuck in and shield the back four.


mecurial

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I'm liking the sound of Vertonghen as a holding midfielder, next to Carrick or Cleverley, haven't seen Asamoah play.

Percy

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So all he needs to do is bulk himself up learn the lingo and command his area so basically all he needs to do is become a better goalkeeper

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"So all he needs to do is bulk himself up learn the lingo and command his area so basically all he needs to do is become a better goalkeeper"

No need to be a smartass mate, I think Phil was spot on in his post TBF. DDG has come along great this year but he's still a baby in goal keeping terms so he's bound to have a few areas which he can improve! And those stated above are exactly the areas he can improve. Once he becomes more commanding (both in terms of presence and on crosses) and learns English he WILL be class

Gav

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25 May 2012 11:56:00
What do people think about Blatter wanting to change the penalty shoot out. Personally I think it is the best way to decide the better team after 120 mins of football. I can't see what else they could come up with that is either better for people watching or that is fairer.

Welsh Dragon

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I was a big fan of golden goal and although penalties are good from a neutral point of view it's based on luck more than the quality of the teams involved, so for that reason I would be open to see if anything else is available. BUT I do enjoy watching a shootout.

The Moon.

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I'd like to see 90 minutes, then unlimited golden goal. Swap sides every 20 mins, and an extra sub at the start of golden goal. It'd be great, and would be shorter on average than most ET+Penalties.

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Having longer extra time/unlimited extra time would stop teams from doing what Chelsea did...just keep the ball or defend. It would bring a more interesting, open game, with lots of chances and plenty of drama for the fans and for neutrals. Unlimited extra time would be my choice with golden goal.

RedDevil19

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CrossBar challenge would be my idea...

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Cross bar challenge!

Doni

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^^ A crossbar challenge would be class!

On a serious note, I do love a nailbiting shoot-out!

Gar

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I don't see how golden goal was even fair. The best thing about a team holding out to 90mins was to for e an extra 30mins to do something special. At least with a minimum period with no golden or silver goals then if a team concedes they at least have a chance to get back into it. I would argue that gives more opportunities for chances and goals instead o teams being very cagey in their approach.

I would like extra time to be 20 each way though.

Jono

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I hadn't thought about Golden Goal.I reckon that could be the fairest as it would favour the most attacking team (usually). It would make it more exciting in the ET as there would be nowhere for teams to hide. I think the ET should be 20 or 25 mins each way and then if there is no goal, then penalties.

Welsh Dragon

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Golden goal for ET removing 1 player from each team every 4 or 5 mins say.
Or instead of penalties a dribble from the half way line.
It's going to probably favour more skilfull players but I would be entertaining.

Supasub

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Trouble with golden goal is both teams tend to go defensive as conceding a goal is lethal. I can see how an unlimited time-frame would improve that but surely it's not workable in real terms....you could have a 300 min match on a Wed night then another game on the Saturday, ouch!

TBH I think penalties is there because there are no other workable options. In some ways, if you cannot beat a team over 120 mins then you could argue it deserves to go to a pot luck scenario like pens. They are exciting too!

Gav

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I'd quite like to see a Free-kick shootout from 5 different areas of the pitch.

Each team gets to have a 5 man wall and the free kick is a direct one.

The Moon.

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25 May 2012 11:52:39
Pep Guardiola to manage manchester united after SAF retired YESSSS PlEASE what u think guys or who else?

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Why? what has HE done.

He hasn't bought decent players.
He hasn't changed the Barcelona style of play.
He hasn't done anything.

All he did was inherit a fantastic team when they were all about to peak. nothing more, nothing less.

How people rate Pep above Mourinho really astounds me.

The Moon.

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He's bought David Villa, Alexis Sanchez to name 2.
He's helped develop Barca's style and been hugely influential in Messi's rise to the top.
He's not incendiary to the press, unlike Mourinho (who I also admire)

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Quality wind up from the Moon. What have the Romans ever done for us? I AM KLOOT

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He got rid of 4 world class players (Yaya, Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco) and still built one of the best teams ever.

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They have bought some "decent" players but he has actually bought more bad than good. And the financial side of things is laughable.
But you can't say he hasn't done anything when he's been lifting important trophies every year - if he wins the Copa del Rey (today, is it?).
Still, I wouldn't want Pep. But I wouldn't want Mourinho either. Two very good managers though without doubt.

M.D.

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He did change style of play. He put faith in the passing-deep lying midfielder role when everyone else was looking for a destructive viera type player.

Must say that his teams get alot of protection from refs in games where they are challenged physically in midfield.

Watching Barca tends to bore me to sleep... But you can't deny the guys record, and faith in youth development.

DodgyBanter

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The Moon

You are seriously wrong about Pep!

Simmo

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To be fair tho he's never managed a team without messi, and wen the goin got tough, he bailed out. I'd pick Mourinho over him any day

Big Mac

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Sanchez and Villa were hardly genius buys were they.

I'm sorry but watch the Barcelona teams of the 80's 90's and you'll see that Barcelona have always played the way they're playing now.

What he's won isn't an achievement in my opinion, regardless of who was in charge they would have done the same thing. I don't think it's a coincidence that once his players begin to come off their peak and Madrid up their game he runs off.

Exhaustion after 4 years? really.

He built that side did he? funny that, I remember Valdes, Puyol, Abidal, Alves, Inieta, Xavi, Messi, Pedro, Kieta, Adriano, Pinto, etc. all being there when he arrived. he simply sold the players who were declining (bar Yaya), hardly rocket science.

Influencial on Messi's rise to the top? have a laugh. since he was around 15 everybody knew he was something special, he simply gave him a free role instead of kept him out wide.

Pep hasn't impressed me in the slightest and until he has to actually build a side from scratch or until keeps his success with another club I'll stand by my opinion on him.

The Moon.

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I think Keita and Adriano were signed by Pep.

M.D. {Ed007's Note - Dmytro Chygrynskiy.}

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Guardiola is a great manager... Inheriting a team is bullsh*t he made that team to what it is today... Before he came Barcelona was not the Giant that it is now when teams have to put 10 men behind the ball just to give them a chance... He along with the team has revolutionised football

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Moon, The way Barcelona have been playing for the past three years is down to Pep. The way they keep possession, play with 7 midfielders and no real strikers and close down opposition high up the pitch is down to Pep. He had the Barcelona B playing that way too. Pep was not in control of his signings either. Probably one of the reasons for wanting to leave Barcelona and possibly a reason why Chelsea may struggle to get him. Time will tell I guess.

Sydney!

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Barcelona played in EXACTLY the same kind of way before Pep.

Not the Giant? you mean apart from winning the league and UCL? they've always been one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Genuinely don't know which Barcelona side you've been watching but the Barcelona sides I've been watching for the past 40 years have played that way. but of course, Pep has changed everything about football. what a load of rubbish.

The Moon.

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Syd, I literally can't stand the bloke, mainly because of the media hype he gets. so my opinions will of course be a little bias.

But I stand by what I say in that he's no more proven than Moyes, Hughes, etc.

The Moon.

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I don't rate him in the slightest. He has a bunch of world class players playing wonderful football (bar the diving) yet can't manage a plan B.

Percy

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Moon
about 10 years ago barce decided that the the youth at le masia would be trained and brought up to play football in a certain way.
the idea was that it wouldnt really matter who the manager was the team would always play the same and that is what we are starting to see now.
pep and cruffy pushed this idea , the way barce play and there youth development has a lot to do with pep.
but that type of thing is along term project im not sure he could just go to a club and get them playing that brand of football
jred

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My nan could of sent that team out to play.
They've been blessed by having three of the best playmakers ever supported by top squad players.
When 1 or 2 of Messi, Xavi & Iniesta are missing, they are not anywhere near as effective.
They didn't have as much protection this year in the latter stages of the CL & there is a good reason for it.

Supasub

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Jred,

cruyff had the academy set up in the Netherlands and then introduced it to Barcelona. Cruyff was the brains behind it and admittedly Pep did help out, but whether he was there or not it would have still been done the same way.

You've sort of proven my point about him not actually doing much as a manager, as a coach I don't know but as an actual manager he still has a lot to prove in my books.

I remember as a kid going to the Ath. Madrid v Barcelona and Real Madrid v Barcelona games and they played in a very similar style to what they do now, it was a little bit more direct but the pass, move, close down, etc. was all still there.

I'm not saying Pep is a bad person or anything like that, he seems like a great bloke. I'm saying that as an actual manager I don't rate him yet, he still has a lot to prove before he can be in the same bracket as managers like Wenger, SAF, Ancelotti, Mourinho, pellegrini, Capello, etc. IMO he's in the same bracket as managers like AVB, De Boer, etc.

The Moon.

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If any one man is responsible for modern Barcelona then it is Cryuff. Guardiola played under Xruyff. It was Cruyff's influence that got La Masia working the way it does. Cruyff always wanted Barca to play a certain way and using local kids from their own academy. Like a Latin Ajax but unlike Ajax actually keeping the players instead of selling them and letting a team build.

Thats my take on it anyway. Fair do's for his achievements but i would like to see what he can do with a team where things aren't going for him and he has to adapt and build. And i think that Guardiola thinks the same. I think he's bored and tired was just an excuse. Mort

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Moon
If I'm honest I think the type of football barce play is new or at least an improvement on how they used to play.
But I think that pep can only be a good manager given time to build a project which is why I don't see him at Chelsea but I think after ferguson that is what united might be looking for
Jred

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I am actully suprised at hw easily people forget events in football.no one is menioning the name Frank RiikardGardiola inherited/took over a very good team about to reach its peak from Frank Riikard.He knitted Barcelona team and i remember when we knocked them out in the quarter finals of champs league in 2008,they dominated us in those two legged matches,we progressed,thanks to a Scholes rocket,but after that SAF said Barcelona is fantastic,they only need to improve their defence a bit to be unstoppable.Then Gardiola took over,did what SAF said,improved defence by bringing Pique,Mascherano and Busquets and a few more in attack which i believe Riikard could have done the same had he not fired.to me,Gurdiola got the rewards of Riikard's team on the later's expense.SED-South Africa.

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25 May 2012 11:44:15
According to berbatovs agent. He wants a move to PSG

united messed up and should of sold him last year now were only going to get pennies.

And with owen gone surly were lining up a striker, as fergie like having 4 strikers.

Maybe hazard is being bought and the striker playing behind Rooney.

LUHG

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We tried to sell him to PSG last year and a fee of around £17million was mooted but Berbatov decided to dig his heels in and stay at OT.

TK-Red

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25 May 2012 10:48:11
A dominant centre back like Vertonghen? How about that guy ermm, Vidic, from Manchester United, why don't we sign him, he looks decent?

GDS"""
dear mr gds
ngiak is a keen follower of dutch football
vertonghen is the closest thing to a fully fit, young and on-the-top-of-his-game rio ferdinand that ngiak has seen at this current point of time
he is not decent
he will be the best defender we have and probably in the english league if he comes now...
strong in the air, shoots well, brings the ball forward better than most players we have now (including our midfielders), reads the game very very well and is the leader we crave for in our team
decent? maybe a little more than that dear sir
gan

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Gan/ngiak/

You clearly misunderstood my tongue in cheek comment, probably because it was in English? I was saying we have a dominant centre back in Vidic, and that he is 'decent' being clearly a joke, as he is world class.

I never commented on Vertonghen as I do not know much about him. The guy said dominant centre back, Vidic is one of them.

GDS

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Vertonghen would not be the best cb in the league at all gan, he's not better than Kompany or Vidic

Big Mac

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25 May 2012 08:27:58
Not a rumour just a thought on hazard, if he really is choosing which club by playing time and position it will be difficult not to choose us. Chelsea don't have a manager to even discuss this , man city swap and change players all the time to keep all the world class players happy but at utd you play well you stay in.

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"If you play well you stay in". Tell that to Antonio Valencia away at City!

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Valencia must have had a slight injury because defensively he is FAR better than Nani and United set up in a defensive manner. He never even came on as a sub when we were desperate for a goal so I think that says it all really.

Sydney!

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Valencia came on as sub 13 minutes from the end at City.

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Very true. He would have certainly started if he was 100% fit. Better defender than Nani.

Sydney!

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Sydney, to not play Valencia at the Etihad was a disgrace. We all know it, Fergie's body language during the preceeding week was that of a frightened man unfortunately. We needed power in the midfield, he is a powerful man, Giles

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25 May 2012 08:26:21
if the rumours are to be believed n hazard will choose based partly on where hel be played where does that leave us considering weve bid for kagawa? I would imagine hazards preference would be playin just behind the striker which is kagawas position.
could the fact weve placed the kagawa bid mean fergie knows hazard wont be comin to ot?
cos tbh I dont think we need voth as other areas need adressing more ie cm,lb n a dominant cb like vertonghen
thoughts anyone?

BABY FACED ASSASIN

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Good point, I was going to make a similar observation. I'm sure Hazard is aware that we are in the hunt for Kagawa. Could this be why he is stalling? It's anyone's guess or a journos imagination at this point.

SC

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A dominant centre back like Vertonghen? How about that guy ermm, Vidic, from Manchester United, why don't we sign him, he looks decent?

GDS

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Baby Face....Kagawa can play central midfield, it would be easy to fit both in and Fergie is after both of them. He met Kagawa before he even made a bod for Hazard.

Simmo

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I agree, its something I'm struggling to get my head round, but Sir Alex knows his team and he knows what he's trying to do in terms of player positions etc. I guess it's just something we'll have to wait and see.

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I would still like to see both as I think we could use them two and rooney fluently as a front 3 and I also think once all this is out of the way a random CM will be looked at midway through the summer.

I think we may get baines anyway for LB and i am not sure we will go for a CB due to vidic being back and smallings uprise.

1redarmy

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I agree they could definately play together but I think spending £50m on 2 similar players doesnt make sense when our probs lie elsewhere...unless,of course,we do gave tbe £100m to spend as has been mentioned
n I say dominant cb cos we were awful defensively when vidic gt injured bullied out of aerial balls so if he has another lay off wel struggle again even with hazard n kagawa

BABY FACED ASSASIN

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25 May 2012 08:03:38
if hazard was to get the #10 shirt do you think rooney could be our new #9 or #7 ?

JK92

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I dont think he would tbh. Rooney wont be shifted from the number 10 whilst at the club, not while in his prime anyway. Its not Fergie's style.

TK-Red

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I'm sure Rooney would be the first to welcome Hazard, but don't think for one moment he would give him the shirt off his back!

SC

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FFS he said he wants to play as a number 10, that is not as the number 10, but in that role. Surely people who watch football have heard of the number 10 position, it doesn't mean he has to be that number! Imagine not signing for a club because they wouldn't let you wear a number you can't even see, are you mad?

GDS

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25 May 2012 00:04:50
I thought id make a team different to others based on signings that arent as dreamy but just as effective imho

____________________De Gea____________________
Rafael_________Vidic_________Smalling____Schmelzer
_____________Khedira_________Cleverley__________
Nani________________Rooney_______Giovinco/Lavezzi
____________________Giroud_____________________

I couldnt pick between the two left wingers

I know this team is nothing like what we are linked with or who people are talking about but i thought id do something different

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____________________De Gea____________________
Rafael_________Vidic_________Smalling____Schmelzer
_____________Modric_________Carrick_____________
Valencia______________Kagawa_____________Hazard
___________________ Rooney____________________

rpc

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I think a post losses all credability when valencia isn t in the side.

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24 May 2012 23:56:49
Isn't it ironic that the Begium national team are nicknamed 'The Red Devils'..?

I think Utd are definitely front runners giving the fact that City/Chelsea have the role that Hazards wants already tied up.

Interesting to hear him say he was enjoying his playmaker role for the Belgian national team. "I'm happy that I'm playing for the Red Devils [Belgium] in my best position, as a true No. 10," he said.


I don't think City (who I think he prefers rather than Chelsea) can guarantee him this role. He is also worried about being rotated too much (which will happen at City). I think Mancini plans to play him out wide, which is exactly what Hazard doesn't want.

Fingers crossed logic wins here and we'll see him in a UTD shirt within the next week.

I for one am very confident of it panning out this way.

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I think its definitely between us and Chelsea, it seems they're having a complete rebuild. Offloading some of their deadwood. I don't think City are in the running i think they just lodged a bid because us and Chelsea are, if he goes there bonus, whats 35 Million to them.

Andy

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