Manchester United Banter Archive May 27 2013

27 May 2013 23:17:36
Bad news guys Rene Meulensteen has resigned as our first team coach

Sid

27 May 2013 20:39:52
i know this is my big thing at the moment but I am really really worried. if it is true that Rene is leaving then I just wonder who is going to prepare the team as Rene has done all season. Please god no don't let all the Everton back room team be brought into United. We are Manchester United not Everton. I have never heard one person on here say in the past "You know what I wish we played like Everton". This is such a big risk and I am so scared it is all going to back fire on us.

Kloot

I agree, I am very concerned if Rene leaves and so are all my United friends and also even more concerned if the answer is the Everton back room staff.

When SAF retired I imagine he would have wanted the majority of his backroom staff to stay but how would Everton staff be an improvement on what we had? (Phelan apart)

27 May 2013 21:10:17
I'm 100% with you on this one Kloot. Rene has to stay as first team coach.

Oooohhhh Rene - it's like something from 'Allo 'Allo! Ha! *sorry*

I don't remember for a few seasons now United playing with the flair of our best teams 99 or even 2008 so not too bothered.

It's been the determination of SAF that won us games. We have got to let Moyes have his own staff and judge him over the season.

Fergie chopped and changed his back room staff too.

Pedroknight

Most managers do it when appointed, he's the man who makes his own decisions long may it continue we need a leader whose not afraid, you'll be we'll chuffed if he convinces Rooney to stay.
Dylan

Any manager that comes in will want to do it his own way and will include his own staff.
Moyes will come in with his own ideas of how to play and transfer targets and he is a determined bloke he will do it his own way.
I think some people thought moyes would come in a and be a mini fergy,
But make no mistakes moyes will do it his way.
Never mind all the continuity talk we will be a very different team next year which is why some people have been very concerned about fergy leaving

Haha!

Hillarious post from Dylan! Take a bow son.

Of course David Moyes wants his own back room staff, any manager would. He's off on holiday next week so I presume transfer target, and issues around Rooney etc, will be settled this week and David Gill will deal with contracts.

Must admit Rene staying is a must and he should stay involved with the first team. By all meen's bring in moyes could bring in his own number two but it must be someone with the knowledge needed to challenge in Europe tactics wise and to play a more pressing game so we are more fluid with the ball and more aggressive/pressing without it. let's just hope that will be the case. Also they need to make sure that we get the best out of Kagawa next season playing him in the hole behind the striker as his control/passing and decision making are excellent.

Moyes will play his way, not what some number 2 says

Would like to see rene stay but its moyes choice, if we do well he will take the praise if we don't he will get the stick.
johndenton

Phelan out, I can understand. But why Eric Steele and Rene? They were doing an excellent job.
Also, they knew the players and they would have helped Moyes settle in.
NoMidfield

Dylan, I have a funny feeling KLOOT will not be 'chuffed' if Moyes manages to persuade Wayne to stay.

Just a suspicion :)

Perhaps Rene didn't understand the only command he was supposed to give the players at training. "KICK THE BALL AS FAR AS YOU CAN TOWARDS THE OTHER TEAM'S GOAL!". Devastated at Rene and Steele leaving. Rene had done a great job at every level at United, and Steele just turned a lightweight, tentative teenager into a top 5 keeper in the world in two seasons. I just worry that if hiring coaches with mediocre records and experience is his plan now, will he bring in the Everton-mediocre quality players too? We are Manchester United, not Liverpool's little brother, and we need the best, not the ones Moyes is most familiar with. Seems odd that Moyes appears to have used up his whatever good will I was planning on giving him in support on overhauling the coaching staff that just won a trophy (maybe he's unclear what a trophy is). Now I have no inclination to give him slack for the transfer window or the start of the season, as not keeping Rene and Steele is petty, and dangerous to the continuity that was the supposed reason for Moyes hire. Give me Mourinho, Rene and Steele, and there will be less transitional problems than Moyes and his yes-men. Just a sloppy and stupid way to start off one's time at the club, and it frightens me that perhaps the rest of his dealings (transfers, on the pitch formations/styles) will also be Everton-centric, which is great if you never want to finish above 6th. Not hating on Everton, but am saying that what worked to grab 6-7th each year is completely different than the task of winning multiple trophies, especially in Europe where Moyes has about as much experience as I do. I want to support him, but this isn't a good start to the relationship David!

This is quite funny since we were playing some champagne football the last couple of years right?

We sat back and defended with 10 men in so many games and frankly the football was ugly so don't really get the moaning.

Let's see how the new manager does and sorry to disappoint you he is not a puppet on a string and will make his own decisions, which is very encouraging.

Shahram

28 May 2013 08:33:39
Johndenton your a genius, instead of sacking a manager for a run of poor performances let's just beat him instead. The bruises will remind him to do better in the next game.

Being from Glasgow i'm sure he's used to the odd beating with sticks. Lol.

28 May 2013 08:41:11
Jred, i'm sure Moyes will do things his way. But the whole point of having an assistant manager is for them to be a sound board for the managers ideas. They are supposed to disscuss things and come up with the best solution together. What we don't need is to replace Phelan with another nodding dog. The best manager/ assistant combinations normally come from having two people who have a different train of thought but can work well together. A defensive minded person and a creative minded person working together to come up with the best solution.

Steve Round nods his head so much he could sell insurance.

Snappy
I'm sure it was only last week you were praising how Everton under moyes and Steve round played football similar to Dortmund wasn't it, so what's the problem
Jred

I said the set up was similar not the quaility.

Sure Moyes will have better players at his disposal at United compared to Everton. But better players need better coaching.

Neither he or Steve Round have had any success in europe. Nor are either of them used to setting up a team to play two important games every week.

I had hoped that Moyes would be looking to step up his approach and learn the new skills required to manage at the highest level. But him bringing all his backroom staff from Everton shows maybe an arrogance maybe a naivity as to the size of the job infront of him.

Surely he knew the limitations of the players and the staff at Everton but he worked with that to the best of his ability to get the best out of what he had.

He doesn't have those limitations at United, he can not only attract the best players which he couldn't do at Everton but he can attract the best staff also.

So bring in the whole back room staff from Everton shows he either thinks they are good enough or he has underestimated the task infront of him.

I wanted him to bring his own ideas and methods but at the same time show that he is willing to learn.

A man unwilling to learn will accomeplish nothing.

Shappy
I think all them concerns have all ready been raised, I think moyes like any manager was always going to bring in his own people.
There was supposedly a feeling at Everton that moyes was getting a bit arrogant but I think you need that to be a top manager.
For me all these changes where always going to happen it's all part and parcel of getting a new manager.
Maybe the full implications of getting a new manager are starting to sink in.
That said I think moyes has the potential to be a top manager I just wonder if we are taking a bit if a chance
Jred

27 May 2013 20:11:25
Makes me laugh .
All the Arsenal fans assuming Fabregas wouldn't join UTD as he's supposedly said in past if come back to UK will only be for Arsenal etc etc.
Well ask yourself this.
Even if he said this previously.
Would he rather join Arsenal again etc thru loyalty etc.
Or join a team that wins the league year in year out, along side Mr van persie etc who no doubt would be telling him
"God Cesc, we thought Arsenal was big club etc, But Utd different experience etc etc, 8yrs at Arsenal won nowt (barring an F. a. Cup) medal ( that was lucky as we bossed that final but couldn't stick the winner in)
8 months at Utd won prem title!
or rather come back and help Arsenal try for regular fourth place year in year out?
Hard one that!!
Nothing against Arsenal, but only a fool would believe Fabregas would choose Arsenal over Utd. Been there, tried that, didn't really work trophy wise, so if he's got any ambition to play in team that should still be challenging for title even though Fergie gone then that's easy choice where I'm sat.
Also we'd play him almost every game, where bit part player at Barcelona.
What everyone else's thoughts?

I would take Fabregas over Thiago every single time.
Just imagine we bought Thiago and Arsenal bought Cesc I would say Arsenal got by far the best deal.

Do we really want that?

Cesc wouldn't join united, sorry to say.

He's an Arsenal legend and its clear he still loves the gunners. He's not like RvP, Nasri, etc

If barca let's cesc go, he would more likely than not join the next club who offers him the best wages, contract, environment to play the best football and improve as a player, ability to win trophies. yes cesc loves arsenal but this is his career and very rarely do footballers let their emotions take over them when discussing transfers. he's not a boyhood arsenal fan
Robin moved to win medals and taste success. I don't see anything unethical about that. viera is a gunners legend, did he not play for city? For whatever reason it was for

He's not like nasri rvp etc but hang on he left his beloved arsenal, erm just like any ambitious player would. You can like your place of work but if someone offers you better money in a better company you're a fool not to take the job. Football is not about loyalty to anyone but the fans who create a tribal insularity around their clubs. The players are employees, mostly with no affiliation to their clubs. Ego and wanting to be loved makes players try to ingratiate themselves with the fans, badge kissing etc. fans buy into this because of their need to feel that their club transcends the normal greedy world we live in.
Snakey

I thought RVP was a arsenal legend until he got tired of winning nothing. Interesting that your legends have won zilch in trophies at the club. We have a different yardstick I guess LOL

Shahram

28 May 2013 10:26:13
arsenal have buyout clause on cesc anyway

28 May 2013 10:28:15
that guy is always tweeting about arsenal. If he does come back it will probably be to arsenal

27 May 2013 20:03:44
Shahram, you were asking about the young striker at Saint Etienne. His name is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (and yes I did google to make sure I spelt it right. Lol).

I've watched him a few times and he looks a decent prospect. He certainly knows where the goal is, I think he needs to work on his passing which can be poor. Personally I think he needs to go to a team like Newcastle, Everton or maybe even Spurs to adapt to the Premier league before he would be ready for a top tier team. But I only have a limited knowledge of him.

Mick is the guy to ask about him, he's the expert on french football. {Ed002's Note - Actually Shappy you may have it nailed. Clubs are not so sure he is ready to step up.}

Shappy

Same here, I think very interesting prospect that might turn out to be big hit. I have watched him a few times too and he is so quick to pull the trigger and very pacey.

He can also play on the left wing, which is an added bonus. Arsenal might also be good place for him as Wenger loves his french players.

Shahram

27 May 2013 20:43:41
He might be a Drogba type player who isn't ready for a top team unitl he's around 26/27. He's worth keeping and eye on, he has come a long way over the last year. It's important to see if he has the class or whether he's just in a rich vein of form. Like I said he has a few areas to work on.

Arsenal could be a good place for him.

He is not as big as drogba but has some pace on him and actually a pretty good passer.

I just read PSG/Arsenal/Chelsea/Spurs are interested and it wll interesting to see how he does with a bigger club.

Shahram

Forgot he is actually african and I thought he was french:)

Shahram

When I said "Drogba type player" I didn't mean in playing style but in that he didn't reach his potential until he was older. No one in there right mind would have paid 24m for Drogba when he was 23. but when he was 27 it was a differnt matter, and by the time he was 30 that 24m looked like a bargin.

I think he may follow a similar path, but to do so he needs to keep on improving.

27 May 2013 19:37:16
Not saying it will happen but imagine if Manchester United signed 2 of either Fabregas, Modric or Strootman

Playing Diamond formation with
Carrick
Fabregas/Stootman Modric/Strootman
Kagawa

What a midfield that would be we can only dream!

27 May 2013 19:12:17
Zaha

He has a very good balance and the ability to beat a player up close, a skill that should not be underestimated. He can create a yard of space and has the physicality to meet the demands of the premier league. People like to compare him to Ronaldo, well he is not at that level, that is a very special level. He does not have the foot speed of Ronaldo for a start but interestingly I remember reading about CR7 training with weights on his ankles to help improve his foot speed. He doesn't look to have the blistering pace of CR7 or the heading ability. On the heading ability Ronaldo learned that and so can Zaha, he has the potential to have a similar physique as well.
Zaha needs to work on his final ball and decision making something that Ronaldo did. It is that development that will define his level of a player, Zaha has good attributes but I would not compare him closely with Ronaldo because CR was a special talent.

Zaha could be interesting if given a settling in period and we should not over expect next season

Red Man

There is something else I like about Zaha which isn't being mentioned is the fact he seems very down to earth and hard working for a 20 year old. I think Moyes will appreciate his work ethic too. After a year of boring and unproductive wingers, I for one will be glad to see someone take on the full backs.

Gar

27 May 2013 18:06:15
I watched the game today and paid particular attention to Zaha. He is clearly young and rough around the edges but|

1. He loves to take a man on, which Valencia has stopped doing.
2. He can withstand a challenge without falling over, something Nani can't.
3. He seems to have lots of tricks, whereas Young tends to do the same thing again and again.
4. He has energy and pace, something we have lacked this year.

All in all, huge potential and an exciting signing. I'd throw him in and let him show us what he is made of.

Great potential, but not ready for premier league.
His passing, crossing and decision making is lacking, but playing with top players, all these can improve.
He ducked out of some challenges, which is not our style.

Mate, he is ready for the premier league, look at teams coming from the championship e.g southhampton.

if they were not ready, why would they be still in the league?

example- luke shaw. if he was playing in the championship you'd say he's not ready, but look at him, at 18 and playing a lot of first team.
zaha may not be ready to be no. 1 for utd but he's ready to play in the top division

TRUMORS

Nani has some of the poorest decision making after how many years in the Premier League?

Gar

27 May 2013 17:24:48
Been impressed with zaha today, some good tricks and runs yes his final ball isn't great but if I recall we had a Portuguese fella in Ronaldo who couldn't hit a barn door at the start, not saying zaha will be as good as Ronaldo but he's going to be a great player for us and is like him given a chance next season as he will do something none of our wingers did this season, he will be positive and not be afraid to take in his man. He's got great pace too which he showed to win the penalty!

Sorry when was this time Ronaldo couldn't hit a barn door. Don't you remember his debut against Bolton. He was quality from the beginning

KLOOT, bit harsh mate. His debut was mesmerising but he took time to hit top form. He did tend to fall over at the slightest touch initially. Whilst he clearly had incredible talent, I didn't see him going on to be one of the best in the world in the way he has.

I would go easy there guys. Ronaldo has much faster feet and can shoot but Zaha looks stronger. Ronaldo put Gary Neville to the sword at 19 and GV was at the time considered the best rb around.

I am undecided on the boy and need to see how he does against better defenders

Shahram

Zaha skinned us at 17, turned us inside out
Carlos the jackal

Ronaldo destroyed John O'Shea at 18. Anybody who didn't think he was going to be a superstar after that Lisbon game wasn't watching very closely.

J Bones.

I am with Kloot, Ronaldo had the potential to be the worlds best player from the first moment he stepped on that pitch against Bolton. It is a moment I will never forget because you rarely see a true all time great genius up so close for your own team

Let us not build Zaha up too far, yes he has a talent, he can beat a player up close which is a great attribute but CR developed and channeled his brilliance, Zaha has a long way to go and we will see how he develops

Red Man

A little bit different doing it against a second string united side in the carling cup compared to doing it to a full first 11 against one of the best RB in the world.

Anyway I hope he does come as advertised and more than happy to give him a few seasons to prove it and will not be one to slag him off for the bad game as that is fully expected.

Shahram

Great potential, but needs to work on his crossing, passing, decision making. Also, I've not seen him shoot or head the ball.
So, if he can improve, then we might have a good player.
Nomidfield

Not saying he could be the next cr7 but that's what he did to us with just one trick and now he's got a bagful. Hope he can progress and work on his final ball
Carlos the jackal

27 May 2013 21:25:18
his first goal in the play off semi final was a close range header so he can do it. Just not very often as he doesn't get the chances created to do it.

27 May 2013 17:04:12
If we do sign strootman and thiago I think that they will not be announced until after the u21 championship.

If we do sign them how are we going to line up as I don't see carrick being droped and I hope the kagawa can play behind rvp.

Is there a possibility that we will sign bale or is he going to real if he doesn't stay?

27 May 2013 17:34:20
If we signed Strootman and Thiago then the think the way forward is to play a midfield diamond type formation. Play two up front, with Kagawa playing behind them in the hole. Then have a midfield three of Carrick Strootman and Thiago with Carrick playing deepest.

Our best performances have come from playing that formation this season. And with the form of our wingers and the likelyhood that Nani will be moving on. Maybe its best we use a formation that doesn't rely on wingers. Otherwise we are going to need to sign at least two new ones.

The width would come from the full backs, then if we get caught on the counter Carrick can drop back into the defence to cover the full backs. Similar to how Martinez did for Bilbao a couple of seasons ago.

When going forward the team would have Carrick at the base of the team with Strootman and Thiago infront of him using their ability on the ball to dictate the tempo, Rafael and Evra or Buttner providing width, RvP and one of Rooney/ Hernandez or Welbeck playing upfront and Kagawa playing in the hole as the man extra linking and creating everything.

Then we could look to replace Carrick and maybe a new Striker and maybe a left back the following summer. Maybe Wanyama, Digne and Fischer. With Powell and Januzaj really having an impact in the first team.

If thiago and strootman are signed, both who I assume would not want to be mere squad players, then we could lineup in a midfield diamond for majority of games with shinji at the top, strootman and thiago either side and michael sitting. this would be detrimental to our wingers.
With neymar going to barca then the bet would be for real to try make a marquee signing as well. As it is they are already making glances at bale.
Mancunian dream

27 May 2013 16:50:11
Zaha, could be another Nani, but could be another Ronaldo.

He really has "all" the tricks, speed, strength and thrives under pressure.

A bit raw, but playing with good players can only do him good
Nomidfield

Or just Zaha

27 May 2013 16:35:03
Must say Zaha looks quite good although final ball somewhat crap (Where have I heard that before)
But he certainly has the makings a little like Ronny when he joined although he won't get that good

27 May 2013 14:26:38
A lot of talk about here of targets and next years squad. Well I'm going to try and post something objective without personal wants! Not done a long post for a while so here goes:

Goalkeepers: We have a wealth of talent in De Gea and Johnstone. Amos and Lindegaard may be departing I feel, could Johnstone be ready to step up already? It is hard to say, I do think however we should look at a replacement for Lindegaard and Amos. I don't think we need an expenditure on someone like Begovic, it really is a waste of money. Butland would be the perfect choice, but has anyone considered Alex McCarthy from Reading? A good, young, British keeper. Would be available for £3 million I would say. Amos unfortunately I think needs to leave for the good of his career.

So goalkeeper wise: IN-McCarthy, OUT-Lindegaard and Amos.


Defence: Full back wise we have Buttner, Fabio, Evra & Rafael as well as many who can play there. The questions are, are they good enough? Rafael almost definitely is, but the other 3 are questionable. It would not surprise me one bit to see Evra stay next year, with Fabio and Buttner as back up for both sides. But I would like to see Shaw come in, or Baines. If Baines comes in then Evra leaves, but if Shaw comes in Evra should stay. Given that this is Moyes, I would think that Baines will come in with Evra going to Monaco for a final swansong. As for centre backs, we have the perfect blend of youth and experience. Work will have to be done next year though when Ferdinand retires.

Defence: IN-Baines, OUT-Evra.


Midfield: The area that requires the most work without a doubt. This also brings up questions, does Fletcher come back? Does Anderson go? Does Nani go? Personally I think we will see Fletcher back in a United shirt as an experience presence for Cup games. Nani and Anderson though surely have had enough chances. The only way I see them staying is if we cannot find a buyer. If we cannot find a buyer then Di Maria and others may be less likely. I do expect us to find a buyer though. Now that those like Moutinho and Rodriguez have found new clubs, we can streamline our targets list. I fully expect Moyes to bring in 2 central players. One box to box and one playmaker. I can't look further than Fellaini or Strootman for box2box, whilst there are more options for playmakers. Modric is my pick, but Fabregas and Thiago are options it seems. I'm going to say that:

IN - Strootman, Modric, Di Maria. OUT - Anderson, Nani.


Forwards: Starting to think that Rooney might just stay. Lewandowski won't be coming in and Moyes probably wants to rejuvenate Rooney's career. If he succeeds then we can have no complaints. It is a risk but its a risk I expect us to take. Also do not think Hernandez is going anywhere. No changes here.


Team wise, we will be operating a 4-3-3 or 4-4-1-1, this is what Moyes has favoured. He will change though given that he has a better calibre of players and no target man. He utilised the likes of Osman and Arteta well, so Kagawa and someone like Modric will be useful to him. Proposed team:

4-2-3-1:
De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Baines, Carrick, Modric, Di Maria, Rooney, Kagawa, RVP.

That for me is a title winning team that will stand up to the likes of Cavani etc who will no doubt be venturing towards Stamford Bridge or Eastlands. {Ed004's Note - I would be happy with that as long as Rooney gets into shape and also I think Smalling or Evans will play beside Vidic next season as Moyes likes to have pace in his defence so they can hold a high line}

I would say that that is the ideal team. And yes I would like Smalling to kick on and make a spot his own. If Rooney gets into shape then that will be one hell of a team in my opinion. Thiago may be marginally more likely than Modric, but who knows? A double deal for Di Maria and Modric would be perfect given that they are trying to raise funds. Not sure if I would use Hernandez in a deal though. If RVP gets injured then he will be our main goalscorer. {Ed004's Note - No we have to keep Hernandez now that Lewandowski doesn't seem to be an option}

27 May 2013 15:24:30
Cavani's off to Madrid mate. With Falcao to Monaco and Lewandowski off to Munich means our rivals aren't getting any big name strikers in either.

I don't think you understand those teams are or should be considered our rivals. A worry of mine is Moyes thinks as he did before about cheap players and only of the premiership, he has to realise its a different game now.
Interestingly was it ballack at the weekend who said that none of munichs managers would be allowed to make big changes to structure or the way they do things there is a Munich way and that is it.

27 May 2013 13:48:47
Why do we need a striker? We out scored all other Premier League teams last year, despite generally poor wing play and at best, an average midfield. Rooney leaving may change things but currently all our issues are across the middle. Let everyone else buy strikers, we need CMs and creativity

Spot on! we have lacked in the midfield for years now espec in europe get that sorted and our defence and attack will be fine

MU1999

Agreed. But I think even if Rooney leaves we won't need to buy another striker. Imo we should play 4-2-3-1 next season, with two wingers an attacking midfielder and a striker up front. That means will have 3 strikes for 1 place, as I wouldn't play RVP in the hole if I were the manager.

Nicolas_United

27 May 2013 14:40:23
I think we will only look at a striker if Rooney leaves, and i'm getting less sure that he will be leaving with every passing day. A month ago I would have said Rooney was leaving with Lewandowski coming in. But it looks more and more likely that he'll be staying and the majority of the transfers will be midfielders.

27 May 2013 13:18:57
Lads, just read this write up about why we should NOT sign Thiago

"Thiago is a very talented midfielder and has a bright future ahead of him at only 22 years of age. He wants to play first-team football so that he can make Spain's 2014 World Cup team - something that he isn't going to get at Barcelona - and is therefore potentially open to a move this summer.

However, despite all of that, it's the wrong move for United to make.

The biggest point has to be his style. Playing in Barcelona's possession-based system is going to be very different to playing in United's attacking system. That's not to say his skills wouldn't be appreciated, but they would be less effective than they have been in Spain.

Thiago would be forced into hitting more long balls and crosses, which he wasn't that adept at last season. He would also be forced into doing much more work defensively which he's good at in La Liga, but might not necessarily be as effective at in the Premier League's physical style of play.

Standing at just under 1. 72m and 70. 7kg, Thiago doesn't have the physical size that a central midfielder is going to need to have in the English game. "

What are your views? Do you reckon there are better alternatives that will be better suited to a) the physicality of the BPL and b) to play the deep lying playmaker role? I'd be interested to listen to what you lot have to say!

Tommy!

27 May 2013 14:30:14
Thiago would be excellent in a three man midfield in the prem but would have to be paired with a fully defensive midfielder if he was to play in a two man midfield.

If we played a three man midfield with a DM and a box to box midfielder then Thiago would be great as the furthest forward of the midfield three. But other than that he could be a liability.

So if we are to move to play a three man midfield then he could be an excellent signing, if he is signing to play alongside Carrick in a midfield two then it would be a disaster.

Similar size and weight to fabregas and modric who didn't do to bad in the prem?
johndenton

I remember Jamie Redknapp slating Liverpool for buying Coutinho for not being physicAlly strong enough or good at tackling etc. Then Glenn Hoddle shooting him down and saying how technically superior he was and that he would be a great signing. So far he has looked like a very good signing. Too much emphasis is put on how big/strong a player is when it comes to the epl.

Mad Hatter

I agree with you both I wasn't slating Thiago I think he would be good, it was just a copy and paste from a write up I read and asked for your views, I'd love to see him here!
Tommy!

What do you make if David Silva then, he's the same built and he's done OK for himself in the premiership.
Having said that, I don't think thiago is the player for us, I'm hoping for modric and cess, players with more experience.
Nomidfield

27 May 2013 12:19:33
Lewy going to Bayern. Sounds like the same old summer for us again. Linked w/ big names but doesn't quite happen exception of RVP of course. Who will be our big signing? I don't wanna put names cause it's probably a jinx.

It's not even the beginning of June yet, maybe wait until summer actually gets going before you say it's been the 'same old summer'.

Please remember that Agenst will say we are linked to this player and that player, to force up the offer for their client. Most of our transfer dealings are done very quitely and very professionally. This first we know about it normally is when United announce it.

All clubs miss out on some of their targets, buying players, especially top class ones is a very competitive market.
DHK

Have people been smoking wacky baccy? The merchants of doom are out in force with Moyes getting a hard time before he has officially taken over. I have no idea who we will sign but assuming Rooney stays, strongman and Modric would work for me. Promote a couple of youngsters and we will be well set

Lol, strongman? Strootman, obviously. Damn you auto correct

AJH

Strongman who? Probably the most hilarious typo I have seen here ;). I think we will end up getting Thiago and Di Maria and a couple of promising youngsters. Would not be a bad summer IMO.

Deeps.

Same thing I say need a strongman in midfield:)

Shahram

27 May 2013 11:30:08
A lot of people are complaining about players like Di Maria, Modric and Sanchez, saying that Real, Bayern and Barca are signing the top talent while we get the rejects, but look at how other recent Real rejects have had more success that Real themselves, Robben, Sneijder and Van der Vaart to name a few. I would be very happy if we signed Sanchez, Modric and Di Maria. Yes I would prefer Bale, and of course I would love us to sign Ronaldo, and also I would prefer Gundogan, but I would be very happy with Sanchez, Di Maria, two top quality wingers who can score and create goals, and a centre mid who can do the same and control the tempo of a game. For this summer, I would be happy with Sanchez, Di Maria, Modric/Fabregas, Baines if Evra leaves, and Lewandowski. {Ed004's Note - I would be thrilled with that summer though I would say Lewandowski looks very unlikely now with his agents comments so maybe another midfielder instead. A summer of Baines, Bender, Modric/Fabregas/Alcantara, Di Maria and Sanchez would be perfect}

Ed 004, how about a midfield 3 of Thiago, Carrick and Gundogan ;).

Deeps. {Ed004's Note - It would be very good but where does Kagawa go?}

Nobody could complain if we were to sign Modric, before he went to Madrid everyone was absolutely desperate to sign him and were gutted when our offer was turned down and there's was accepted. Modric is the perfect fit, an instant world class player straight into the team, and he would spend many years here, I would have him over Thiago - but I would also like Strootman to come in. Options of Carrick, Cleverly, Strootman, Modric, Powell and Anderson/Fletcher would be good. Anderson would almost certainly leave though as he would be 5th or 6th choice.

For me a midfield of Carrick, Kagawa, Gundogan/Modric/Fabregas would be perfect and would rival Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich once again. And yeah, shame about Lewy Ed, maybe we have a small chance and maybe that was to push his price up. Who knows with football agents these days. And by the way I meant Lewy if Rooney leaves, though both parts of that seem unlikely now. {Ed004's Note - Yeah I agree with what you say}

Modric will be a great signing. If we can also sign cesc or gundogan, then we'll be in business.
Nomidfield

27 May 2013 10:56:34
How plausible are the Alcantara rumours ed? Utter tosh or do they have some substance, in my opinion I believe, Alcantara, Fellaini, Baines and Di Maria will join, which I don't think is too shabby, would however replace Marouanne with Luka or Cesc, but beggars can't be chooses, and we aren't running the club, still excited for for the summer though, have a good bank holiday lads!, and you of course eds.

Macauley. {Ed004's Note - Cheers and I think there is some substance to the rumours and I really do not want Fellaini here the rest I would be very happy with but only if Rooney stays and gets into shape}

Maybe strootman, but can really see notes pushing for Fellaini, hope I'm wrong, Kevin would be perfect alongside Carrick in the big games and Alcantara in the Norwich, Southampton type matches etc. hopekng for a good summer and for
Moyes to kick on in pre season and the start of the league, imo good times lie ahead for united

Macauley.

27 May 2013 10:42:18
looks like lewandowskis agent has said he will be joing bayern this summer, does that mean no striker or someone else?

27 May 2013 10:41:55
MUFC supporters when you read down the page all these people say we getting him or a chance of this player

lets stick to reality and that we won't buy big because the glazers now have all the power because fergie has gone and so has gill!

If anything we will buy prospects or players with potential. there will be no world class signing this summer!

Yes but despite that in all honesty I think they understand that the top players are also more marketable and gain more interest in the club. Making them more money which is what they want.

GD

27 May 2013 06:51:50
Hope moyes get us to play the quick 1 touch 2 touch passing near the opponents box which was evident when cleverly and ando were in the team in the early 2011/2012 season and the counter attacking play we had againt chelsea away and city away last season. In terms of possession football, I was impresses when we dominated spurs at home last season though we lost. my hope is moyes is flexible enough with our brand of football but has a main specific philosophy which he drills to the team. Any thought?
Mancunian dream

27 May 2013 00:18:02
Rene has been offered the chance to stay at United but not as first team coach (just as a coach)
I've heard he will be leaving too, real shame as he's one of the best around.

No news on an assistant, but wouldn't be surprised to see Steve Round join Alan Irvine, Jimmy Lumsden & Chris Woods at United.

That was my biggest fear when Moyes became our manager! I hope that if these people do get appointed that they are up to the job really fear that they don't have much experience of preparing a side for games every 3-4 days and competing on 4 fronts every season, tactically also is a worry of mine!
Ca any1 te'll me what credentials these meh have except for workingg with Moyes since his Preston days?I was happy when Moyes was appointed but hoped that Rene would b kept on at least!
LP

I wasn't happy with Moyes appointment. And already he has made two mistakes.
Sacking Steel whom has worked wonders with ddg. And now allowing Rene to go.
A lot of the people were saying that Moyes is a good appointment cited that there will be a smooth transition on what saf had built.
Well, I think getting rid of steel and Rene is ridiculous.
On the other hand, sacking phelan is the best decision he'll make this year!

27 May 2013 10:50:39
No one sacked Eric Steel, he is retiring in the same way that Sir Alex is. It was known he was likely to retire this year and almost certain to happen once Sir Alex announced his retirement.

I'm a little disapointed about Rene though, he is a top class coach who has helped change and modernise the way the club trains our players. While working with the youth system he brought in new training methods to improve our young players ability to keep hold of the ball and their one/two touch passing. Imo it would be a huge mistake to let him go. RvP has discribed him as the best coach he's ever worked with.

I agree that a new assistant manager was needed, Moyes needs a right hand man at the club. Someone he knows will always be on his side, someone he doesn't have to win over.

In an ideal world I would have liked to see Chris Woods come in to replace the retiring Eric Steel, Rene stay as first team coach, and Phil Neville come in as Moyes assistant. Phil knows Moyes well and he knows the club well. With Rene still their as first team coach he knows how to prepare the team to play twice a week and his tactical knowledge would help in europe. And Moyes would still have two close friends in Neville and Woods within the coaching staff.

27 May 2013 10:52:40
He didn't sack Steele he was always leaving this summer whoever was manager. Phelan was always going whenever Fergie went. And nothing is official on Rene yet.