Manchester United Banter Archive August 28 2015

28 Aug 2015 23:04:50
I'm starting to think saido berinho is defiantly going to happy hearing pulis, he's letting the fans down softly, doubt Spurs will go back in for him, Johnny Evans going brom, you telling me there was no discussion, when westbrom said the other day he ain't going now it's 100% in other words

29 Aug 2015 08:41:53
I wonder whether defiantly for definitely is the most common spellcheck error in the English language for any word over 6 letters? Or was Berahino just being defiant?

29 Aug 2015 09:21:56
I struggle with touch screens, my posts are littered with words that don't exist. Although, some of the spellings are not always the fault of auto correct. Loose inst ad of love se appears daily and don't get started on exclamation marks!!!!!

29 Aug 2015 09:27:17
Lol, my point is proved. Loose instead of lose

29 Aug 2015 10:38:11
Brilliant Shaw - I see Defiantly more times than I see Definitely, it just won't stop!

29 Aug 2015 12:46:52
Sorry i thought school starts Wednesday

29 Aug 2015 14:04:25
"it just won't stop", ergo "defiant".

28 Aug 2015 19:13:36
So farewell Jonny, one of our own and a loyal servant. Apparently many think you are not good enough but your 3 EPL titles suggest you were. I am sad to see you go, in recent seasons you have looked short of confidence but you were one of ours. Sadly there are so few of you nowadays, a subject I shall return to in the next CTR podcast.

28 Aug 2015 20:39:41
I echo your sentiments, AJH. He is definitely one of ours. A loyal servant to United.

28 Aug 2015 20:53:20
Good sentiments, Tony.

28 Aug 2015 21:13:26
I wouldn't say he was a loyal servant. a player of his caliber is privileged to stay at the club for so long.

but he seems like a nice guy and always gave his all so best wishes to him on the move.

28 Aug 2015 21:13:40
Always liked him, just never felt he was quite good enough. Hope he does well.

28 Aug 2015 22:06:17
Good player. If we didn't have players such as blind or rojo he wouldve been a good alternative. I think this shows we maybe close to securing a new centre back this year.

28 Aug 2015 22:07:50
Echo all the above.
I wonder will his wife lose her job on mutv. maysie will be gutted

28 Aug 2015 21:37:09
Agree with this, good luck Johnny Evs!

28 Aug 2015 22:32:49
Some of the shit our fans have spoken about Evans over his time here has been cringeworthy. One of our own,grew through the ranks, tried his best. May be he wasn't good enough, but best of lucky Jonny boy.

Deeps.

28 Aug 2015 22:51:11
Agreed. Good luck Jonny.
He always looked so much better after a run of consecutive games. He has not really had that the last 2 or 3 years.
He is a much better player than many give him credit for and I think he will do well there. A very classy defender on his day and seems like a top bloke

28 Aug 2015 23:17:09
Goodbye Johnny Evans
Though I you rarely played at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
On your crutches when you'd fall
You hobbled around Old Trafford
But some days you were fit
And though you were never really brilliant
Neither were you shit

And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a second rate O'Shea
Never knowing who to match up to
When the crosses came your way
And I would have been happy to see you
Scoring for the win
But your knees gave out long before
We ever turned to Blind


Goodnight Manchester!

{Ed007's Note - Fantastic work, Danny (clap)

28 Aug 2015 23:49:37
He was alright at Smallings current level for a while but just got plagued by injures and a lost of form and confidence

28 Aug 2015 23:57:37
He'll definitely do better with a run of games. Under enormous pressure and after numerous injuries, he failed to raise his game to the required level when he was left as the senior member of the defence. Some players just don't have a leader's mentality, but step up and reach their full potential only with better players around them. SAF was a master of bringing that out.

29 Aug 2015 00:28:15
Remember him in the CL marking zlatan when he was playing for inter and evans completely marked him out the game. All the talk about Zlatan before the match and it was Evans who picked him up. Rio sweeping. Think it was the year we went on to win it.

29 Aug 2015 03:54:00
He did the same with Torres at his peak, when we beat Spain 3-2.

29 Aug 2015 09:26:09
JK92, why would you not say he was a loyal servant? He won 3 league titles, never moaned, had some great spells with us. Your comment that he was privelidged to stay at the club so long is a poor one. He was a young player who made the grade, something so few do nowadays.

28 Aug 2015 12:45:34
Asked about this about two days ago but didn't get it posted.
Felipe Anderson, Draxler, Ruess, Robben.
Do any of the eds think that one of these will get over the line by deadline day?

thanks for your response in advance.

28 Aug 2015 18:09:52
There's only one Ed that counts. And he's working on it.

28 Aug 2015 18:27:21
Would really love any 1 of these players to add to our squad . beacuse we need a rw with direct pace in my opinion .

28 Aug 2015 18:49:51
hahaha. nice one dodgy banter

28 Aug 2015 19:11:16
nope.

28 Aug 2015 16:30:06
Can see it now, deadline day 4.30 pm ssn Zlatan signs on loan

28 Aug 2015 16:36:25
The way he sounds so excited about playing against his first club in the CL makes me think he'll probably stay.

28 Aug 2015 18:19:25
Id take zlat in a heartbeat

29 Aug 2015 00:29:31
He would be fantastic for a season or two. Not a single defender in the Pl that he couldn't bully.

28 Aug 2015 14:56:24
Afternoon,

Now as most of you will already know as I probably bore the hell out of you with it, I'm a big fan of Hererra. This morning, as I have 5 days off I decided to watch the whole midweek match again which I had recorded. Granted, Hererra had a stinker first half hour, but in all fairness he was literally starting his season then and is 4 games behind most.

Once he settled down I thought he really started to impose himself on the game, just like he had done in the second half of last season. I actually think he was our best player much of last season bar De Gea.

One thing I love about him is his movement, he is always looking to give and go, his passing is more often than not forward, something we lack recently. If you watched midweek, he made a number of runs beyond Rooney and created space and options, like the one he scored from. Having him in the side defiantly helped Rooney IMO. I also think he brings the best out of Mata, they seem to have a good understanding of each other and link up well.

Now I know some get frustrated as he does give the ball away a bit more than the others, but players looking for that killer pass often do. More often than not it will pay off.

Rather than play two holding CM's in a 4-2-3-1 formation, I'd much prefer us to set up with 4-3-3. For me Schneiderlin would defiantly start in there for his overall play, defensively and offensively. I'd then play one of Schweiny/Carrick, happy to rotate both with fitness issues over the last 24 months. Then Hererra as the more advanced one of the 3.

Despite my opinion that Rooney isn't good enough anymore, it's obvious he's going nowhere. With that in mind I'd like to see an attacking forward bought before the window. A greizzman, Reus, Moura, type player. Ideally Bale would be the dream signing but isn't going to happen. We would then be able to play the new signing on one side with Memphis the other side of Rooney up top.

This formation and side would give us a strong chance to challenge IMO, although in an ideal world I'd like a CB too. But I feel an attacker is more of a necessity right now.

I think we are now starting to see the best of Shaw, he looks a totally different player this season, and with Darmian on the other side we look to have very good fullbacks for the forseable future. I like smalling and think he will become a very good centre back. So all in all we're not far away. But I do feel we will struggle to better 4th without one big signing before the window shuts.

Here's hoping Hererra get much more game time as i feel were a much better side with him than without.

28 Aug 2015 15:17:27
Good post. Agree. I am even warming to Daley Blind at centre back but worry how he'll fair against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and City.

3 from Rooney, Memphis, Mata, Adnan and 1 more is pretty strong and well backed up by the likes of Young and Chicarito (even if he did have a stinker the other night) and adaptable enough to drop one of the 3 in midfield in certain scenarios.

28 Aug 2015 16:26:11
Good post Stand. As you say we have to accept that Wazzer is going to be our main man so I hope we do the same, just somebody that can stretch teams on the right like Memphis can on the left. This will bring even more out of Darmian as well imo and enable fast switches of play which lead to something rather than a slowdown.

I genuinely think we will win the league now irrespective of who we sign. City, Chelsea and Arsenal all play one main striker, so Smalling or Blind will have cover. The key in the modern age is the DM and we have 3 crackers. We just need to add some tempo and balance (not just left threat) and we will be hard to beat and hard to defend against for 90mins.

Here's hoping anyway. (my only serious worry is the keeper, I wish he was tested more before the window closes so LVG can see he is an accident waiting to happen).

28 Aug 2015 16:32:47
Well balanced post that sums up where we are. I wouldn't be surprised if we sneaked 3rd or if we're lucky 2nd with the current squad but I agree with all our strengths and weaknesses. One signing now could really lift us, let's see what happens.

28 Aug 2015 16:39:12
Well VG had this to say about herrera.

“I started my campaign this year with Herrera on the bench so I had a theoretical scheme in my head that he could play as a 10, and he did well against Club Brugge,” the boss said. “But in the second half it was easier for us to play.”

Yes it was easier as it only took Herrera 4minutes playing in his best position to make something happen and setup a goal for Rooney.

From then on it was easier, but credit should be given where it is earned.

I hope that with Januzaj injured Herrera now starts in this position and goes on a run of games like last year. He could make a big difference in there, as his movement running from deep and past rooney has been lacking in our first 3 league games.

28 Aug 2015 17:10:14
Agree on most of that stand. But mata is a really good player. He has played his full career on the winds with the exception of 1 season at Chelsea and not a full season at that.
Ms and ah are box to box players that operate best with a 6 behind them. Herrera is not a no 10 ìn anyway and has never played as one he is an attacking midfielder.
Personally I would sell adnan while he still has a decent value (albeit highly over valued) I don't think he will be a top player in England but might do well in a softer less physical league.
Bale has always been my wish and I'm not giving up until Tuesday☺

28 Aug 2015 17:37:18
Personally I'd play Herrera in Januzaj's position behind Rooney then start Januzaj out wide insted of Mata. He could cut in and create like Mata does or pass his man out on the wing and get a ball in.

28 Aug 2015 17:38:13
Sell Januzaj? Think you'll feel stupid saying that in a few years time ken.

28 Aug 2015 17:53:37
I personally think as I have said many times that Janazaj needs a season loan in the premier league. At a club like Swansea, Bournemouth, Everton, someone who tries to play good football. I think he's a bit lightweight and needs 12 months away

28 Aug 2015 17:55:19
I don't rate him ozwald is just my opinion mate. Imo he is totally overhyped I don't think he will cut it in England.
If I turn it to be wrong I'll be pleased but for me be had done very little on The pitch to justify big expectations.
Ìve been wrong before but I won't be feeling stupid if I'm wrong on this.
Lacks a bit of Heart and character imo and I could be wrong.
I'm not a kneejerk reaction type I'm nagging my pinion on what he had produced over pay 18 months which is very little. You might say he had had little chances but he might not have deserved them

28 Aug 2015 18:03:36
Beast did I read that right. You think we will win the league with and I quote you .a clueless manager who mistreats his players who is a dinasor who obviously did not watch any of our matches last season who is a liar and a fake and had no idea about modern football and that he should be fitted and you won't sleep easy until he is. can i ask you who is coaching and selecting this team that you think is going to win the league ?

28 Aug 2015 18:13:55
Eh fired not fitted damn autospell

28 Aug 2015 18:17:33
Beast I share your concern on the keeper situation I'm not sure what's going on there buti don't expect us to go into sep without signing a top class keeper. I'm hoping cillesen or perhaps lloris will jump as top 4 looks unlikely for spurs even this early.
Ed might have to bend over and take it from levy again☺

28 Aug 2015 20:46:13
Good post mate.

I really hope we start Herrera in the number 10, but have a feeling the manager might go with Felliani.

I think a pacey right sided attacker would really add something to our attacking play. I just hope we can bring one in before the close of the transfer window.

28 Aug 2015 20:51:50
You had a drink Ken?

28 Aug 2015 20:54:26
Ken - yes mate, I wrote a longer post about it a few weeks ago which goes into a bit more detail. I don't like the manager or his methods, but I now think we will lose less than some of our competitors, and we will pick up wins where others will draw. It will be the most boring football team to ever win anything, but I think we could very well mop up. The DM's and how defensive we are is the key, I hate it but the current set-up of the PL suits us for a lot of 1-0's. Europe we will do well as well now, I would put money on us doing the double.

Sadly I am one of the few that would sacrifice titles for entertaining football. I know we all want both, I think we should get both, but most of the time we won't with this guy in charge. Maybe I am just trying to be overly optimistic but I can't help feel the sacrifice of our great name and what it represents across the world has to be worth something!

28 Aug 2015 21:41:51
Beast in the predictions comp I had us down to win the title because I believe we will win it and it's because I believe in the manager and what he is trying to do.
He took over one hell of a mess a squad that needed to be ripped apart and I could not and dtill can't believe some peoples lack of understanding and tolerance and some like yourself writing him off and wanting him fired after a few months.
I have a lot of friends in germany and many of them hate what pep had done to B Munich. Because he has changed their style and they think it's boring.
Chelsea are boring according to many outside the bridge.
If you want to look at the negatives all the time is very easy to do so.
Take klopp for example
A manager that took his own championship winning team from champions to playing 72% of Last season in the bottom half of the table. He sold players but invested terribly and bought bad Players. He took kagawa back and could not revive him. He quit when the going got tough and walked out. He has had numerous but ups with the german press. His train methods are so bad the injury list at BD was a disgrace and it was all his fault. Hummels and reus wanted to leave but stayed when he quit. Now do I believe in all that negativity. NO and i could type a list of all his positives but that is the sort of bullshit you post about Lvg. anybody can be made look hopeless if you just spot negatives. Klopp has won less than lvg in last 8 years but you won't acknowledge any positive about lvg.
You even said at one point you would prefer moyes that's just crazy talk. glad to see your coming around just a little☺

28 Aug 2015 21:43:11
Anyone who wants to SELL janusaj is mad!

28 Aug 2015 23:33:38
Hb mad for having an opinion? I don't see him being a success at United. I'm not mad just don't share your opinion
I don't agree with some of beasts views but he is not mad. I'll give an opinion and I'll be happy if he proves me wrong.
I think he will be sold within the next18 months and we won't get then what we could get now. But lvg seems to rate him and I value his opinion but I think he will fade out of the team after a few very lack lustre performances and will find it very hard to get his place back.
The lad is talented but I'm not sure the epl is the best place for him.
I don't like his constant diving and cheating if he played for Liverpool or Chelsea everybody on here would be slating him for it.
He is young and will learn and will possibly improve but I just don't see it happening for him at United.
He is 1 signing away from seeing little or no 1st team action this season in any meaningful games. Not a great spot to be in at 21

29 Aug 2015 03:14:35
Stand United, beast, Ken I totally agree with you on this, took the words right out of my mouth, all the other comments, I don't quite understand where your all coming from with this, again I'm repeating myself when I say some of us have biased man utd blinkers on from watching far too much MUTV, learn more about the beautiful game guys.

28 Aug 2015 13:47:06
The Mrs and I are traveling up North to the great city of Manchester this weekend.

I've only been 10ish times before, to see games, and only stayed one night, so often didn't do anything other than watch the game and sleep.

Sadly, obviously, we are away to the Swans, so i won't get the atmosphere of the city, but us being away has secured us a great deal on Hotel Football, Executive suite, over-looking OT! (Had to throw that in, i'm so excited!)

Anyways, as i'm up for the bank holiday weekend, can any of you local's suggest something to do? Anywhere decent to eat, things to do etc. Would be much appreciated :)

28 Aug 2015 13:56:20
Australasia, San Marco's, Gouch grill are all decent places for grub

28 Aug 2015 14:15:28
Try the national football museum in town its free. Trafford centre for shopping and food. Chester zoo is good and not far. My brother ate at jamie olivers and said it was nice.

28 Aug 2015 15:20:43
The Lowry or the war museum if that's your bag

28 Aug 2015 15:28:22
To add to Utd Road's comments, El Rincon tapas bar just behind Deansgate is a classic, if Spanish food is your thing!

There is also the war museum probs not for everyone though but super close to OT and also the Lowry if you're into shows and stuff.

28 Aug 2015 15:58:05
San Carlos is really nice

28 Aug 2015 16:09:49
if your into soul music and motown then there is a great day out on sunday its £5 for a wristband and all the money goes to christies hospital.its in all the bars and restuarants in the printworks and there's about 12 soul groups playing live and about 20 dj,s.go to the printworks just giving page and donate £5 per person and print your returned email and take it on the day to register.

28 Aug 2015 16:39:26
Thanks for the suggestions fellas! Mrs says she ;ikes the look of Australasia utdroad so thank mate. Saw the expensive menu. ;)

28 Aug 2015 17:23:15
Alerts shed is a great place to eat. Good food Gray atmosphere and not too pricey.

28 Aug 2015 18:39:03
Have you done the stadium tour? I did it a few years ago and sitting in the dressing room , walking down the tunnel , along pitch side is memorable

28 Aug 2015 19:00:45
Australasia is top Harry. You and the Mrs will enjoy that. I'd suggest getting yourself in a pub and just getting smashed, that's the best thing to do in Manchester.

28 Aug 2015 19:46:02
Bring an umbrella.

29 Aug 2015 08:42:26
Alchemist, neighbourhood,artisan, all near Australasia you can go and have a drink as well as eat in them all also a pub called oast house , and if you walk through the restaurant in Australasia to the back where the toilets are there is a stairway on your right just before the toilets go up and you come into grand pacific bar so if it is raining you don't have to go outside, also you are then just a few yards away from the bars I mentioned earlier oh and lawn club is nice.

28 Aug 2015 11:59:20
Pretty sure by the end of the window our number 9 jersey will be occupied by a star player.

28 Aug 2015 12:47:27
Agree, unless Felli takes it ;-)

28 Aug 2015 12:52:23
Jeff Bridges?

28 Aug 2015 17:44:32
Already got mine printed, Heskey 9.

28 Aug 2015 11:25:29
Well with our defence looking solid so far and our midfield comfortable and efficient we now need to look toward our attack.
At the moment we have Rooney up top with Depay left, I see no reason why that shouldn't remain the same. Ideally I'd like to see a top class striker with a bit of pace come in but very few are available this summer. So we are left with the right hand side. Now Mata has been doing a decent job out there but as we all know he lacks pace and tends to drift inside onto his stronger left foot. That isn't a problem per se but it does become rather predictable and is very one dimensional.

A defender will know that he can press Mata knowing he isn't going to turn and run off them, they will also know to push him wide and that he is going to try and turn inside. The result of this is that we only attack down the right 31% of the time compared to 43% down the left. This is causing an imbalance in our attacking play and making it easier for teams to defend against us. We need a more direct attacking presence on our right hand side to stretch the oppositions defence and open up space for us to exploit. It is also putting a lot of our attacking burden onto the young shoulders of Memphis. When Ronaldo was breaking into our team he had Giggs on the opposite flank taking a significant amount of pressure off of him. We now need someone on the right hand side doing the same for Depay if we want him to be able to progress and reach his potential. There will also be times this season where Depay will need to be rested and be taken out of the limelight. We can't do that if he is responsible for close to half of our attacks.

So what sort of player do we need for the right hand side? Well first off they have to tick the usual LvG boxes, great technique, good footballing brain, and able to follow his instructions. The other key thing they need is pace and the ability to go outside as well as inside the full back. It would be useful if they are a consistent goal scorer as well as this season I don't think we have a 25-30 goal a season striker who we can rely on every week so our goals are going to have to come from everyone in the team.

So who are the candidates?

Well we may have missed out on a few of good potential options, Roberto Firmino and Heung Min-Son would have both been very good options. Goal scorers, intelligent and hard working with lots of pace. They tick all the boxes but maybe lack that wow factor. Pedro would have been another good option, he has the reputation as well, but all three lack consistency, when they are good they are great and often make a difference, but when they aren't good they make little to no impact at all. All three have on a regular basis been substituted off due to poor performances. Although with the first two they both have youth on their side and will hopefully be able to bring a level of consistency to their game over the next couple of years.

So who does that leave?

Well De Bruyne has been linked and he on the surface appears to tick all the boxes. But he is best suited to a central role between the midfield and the striker. He is good out wide, but certainly that is not his best position. He will more often than not look to come in field similar to Mata. Although he does have the pace to turn and run at defenders. So considering his cost as well he would probably not be the best target for us.

Gareth Bale is the best option, he ticks all the boxes as well as having the reputation and standing within the game to make a statement if we were to sign him. He would make a massive impact on and off the pitch. Alas it appears he will be beyond us. at least for this season.

Lucas Moura could be a good option, he has that wow factor, although his development hasn't quite gone as well as it was once hoped it would. He also isn't a consistent goal threat with him never scoring more than a handful of goals in a season.

Antoine Griezmann for me is the best option, he is flexible enough to play anywhere across the front three, and was the third highest scorer in Spain last season behind only Ronaldo and Messi. He has the wow factor and ticks all the boxes.

Saido Mane has been touted as a possible option, he is Prem proven. And he has the pace to be a significant asset to us on the right hand side, I'm not sure he has shown the consistency yet, but he would be a decent option at the right price.

The final option for me is Patrick Herrmann, he is similar to Griezmann in his flexibility and style, although he isn't on Griezmann's level. He would be a interesting option.

I haven't mentioned Macro Reus as he mostly plays on the left, and although able to play on the right doesn't play as well there. Also he would command a large fee and has had several injuries which would be a concern moving into a more physical league.

For me if Bale is a total no no, which it looks like. The Griezmann is the player I think we should go for with Herrmann as back up option.

28 Aug 2015 12:57:15
Absolutely to quality first class post Shappy! I'd love to see Bale in personally.

28 Aug 2015 12:57:16
Great post shappy.
There seems to be an abundance of attacking midfielders/wingers in the german bundesliga and bundesliga players usually don't cost a bomb.
Although I haven't seen them actually play but Bellarabi I've heard from friends has had a phenomenal last season and even got to the national team and played as a winger. Felipe Anderson single-handedly carried his team Lazio to the champions league playoffs.
I'd be a bit worried if he signed anderson, firstly because of his name, secondly brazillians tend to fail miserably at old trafford, and thirdly how many italian league forward players come and set the world alight in the premier league. Can think of many big time failures.

28 Aug 2015 13:23:44
Right Wingers I would like in order of preference -
1) Domenico Berardi
2) Felipe Anderson
3) Anwar el Ghazi

Berardi is the most consistent scoring 15+ goals per season over two consecutive seasons at 20, he is however out injured for approx a month with a thigh injury. Anderson has been sensational when played on the right most of his goals/assists have come from this position, however there is a lack of consistency over multiple seasons so a bit of a risk. El Ghazi, 10 goals, 8 assists last year at 19 years old. He has carried that goal scoring form on into this season, an excellent prospect.

Bale would be a dream signing but he's left/centre. He apparently prefers not to play on the right.

28 Aug 2015 14:33:12
El Ghazi looks a real talent, not sure if he's ready for that big a jump yet though. one day would love to see him in a utd shirt mind.

28 Aug 2015 17:45:55
El Ghazi isn't ready yet. Berardi looks a real prospect but still needs to add some consistancy with his passing and to play with his head up a bit more.

Personally i'd stay well clear of Anderson. I think he has talent, but coaxing it out of him has been tricky. He has been around as long as Neymar has but has only had one good season. Even then during that season his form seemed to swing between the sublime to shocking in a matter of games. He needs to learn a lot more consistancy and prove his self over more than one season. Add to that more often than not players coming from Serie A have struggled in the Prem, then add that we have a poor record with Brazilians then consider that LvG has an even poorer record than we do with Brazilians. Suddenly it looks like it might not work out well for us.

28 Aug 2015 10:54:32
I think it should be a good game against the Swans this weekend. Swansea, as we know like to play their style of football and won't be content just sitting back and "parking the bus".

This just might suit us better given that we have played our best when the opposition has tried to attack.

I would put Herrera along with Carrick and Schniederlin in the middle. The usual suspects up front as i do not think LVG would drop his love child Mata and still play him far away from his natural position.

Anyways, i am hoping for a good game and a favourable result for us. Putting my money on our #10 to score first.

28 Aug 2015 12:21:20
Why is Mata his love child? He was dropped plenty of times last season and our best run of form last season came with Mata on the right, and this season we have yet to lose a game with Mata on the right, so maybe he is doing ok there?

28 Aug 2015 12:37:14
I think we have all agreed on this part that Mata is not a winger and like it or not, LVG does not favor him in his #10 slot. And he is not being dropped. As someone stated down below "our attack is lopsided" due to Mata being played on the wing.
I don't really have a problem with Mata in the team. Just have a problem with him being played on the wings. As it is i think Mata doesn't provide much cover to Darmian. Montero would torment him bad.

28 Aug 2015 12:41:04
His love child? Have a word!! Mata creates more scoring chances per minute played that anyone else!! Just because he can seem quiet and ineffective, it's not the case!! Ashley Young looks busy every time he plays, and everyone says how much he's improved, yet he doesn't actually create many scoring chances. Mata will create 2/3 big possibilities most games, so don't be fooled by how 'busy' an attacking player looks!

28 Aug 2015 13:00:18
LVG likes Mata simply because he doesn't lose the ball much, and he has shown more eagerness to defend than his entire career, he is a deadly finisher, and have you seen his through balls?
A good right winger and Mata would certainly play through the middle.

28 Aug 2015 13:03:32
GDS2 - Mata is doing fine, i keep waiting for the day he plays badly and everyone on here says he's shite and should be sold.

In my eyes, if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

28 Aug 2015 14:17:28
Guys this want a Mata hate post to start with. I am not anti Mata. On the contrary i was excited when we signed Mata (although he wasnt required and was/is a luxury).
But like it or not, Mata is not a winger. Play a right winger and then see the difference in the play. Everyone here has complained of our slow lethargic play. Ever noticed how many of them have been due to Mata being one-dimensional. Have a read at Shappy's excellent post and you will understand what we lack when Mata plays on the wings.

My simple statement is either play him in his favored position i.e the #10 position or don't waste his talent. Defending teams will just kill our attacks by doubling on the left hand side as they know that the right winger will just cut inside everytime he has the ball.

Remember this was the constant criticism that Young got last season even though he was very good at running past defenders. How many times has Mata put a cross in from the touch line?
Play him in the #10 slot to see the actual Mata magic.

28 Aug 2015 17:57:20
Not slating Mata he's a great player but like LVG said earlier on the best teams in in better leagues have 2 pacey wingers either side of a striker. Think about it Barca, Bayern, RM, Chelsea, City, Dortmund, PSG. He's not suited to counter attacking football, although we're playing possession based football sometimes you have to adapt and he can't. He'd do well behind the stiker with a pacey winger either side but playing out wide he's purely a stop gap.

28 Aug 2015 18:54:54
Had to get my bit in on this. Fully agree mata is excellent and in the #10 position would be Quality! Jus think if City now with Silva, do some of us forget what he was like for chelsea before mourinho joined!

28 Aug 2015 10:26:05
At last we have some new rumours. Anderson, Draxler, Robben in, De Gea out.

28 Aug 2015 10:02:08
3 days to go before the window is shut. I am starting to think DDG is staying and if he goes as i have believed all summer, it will be a very large fee.

Would you just flat out not sell or skin Madrid and take the money. If we end up selling we will actually have made a large net profit in this window.

Personally, i would sell as no point keeping him given the fact that he has refused a contract extension.

28 Aug 2015 10:37:23
Sell if they offer us a fair price.

28 Aug 2015 08:28:36
Ok something different, away from rumours.

Who does everyone predict will be utds player of the year?
Fans and Players

i think both will be given to Luke shaw

28 Aug 2015 08:40:04
Fans I think Memphis assuming he improves every game he plays he's the entertaining type we all love.
Players I reckon Smalling.

28 Aug 2015 08:47:02
3 games in! Already? Ah lads come on!

28 Aug 2015 09:04:59
Angelred, well it wouldn't be much of a prediction if we did it at the end of the season

Chris Smalling - Fans Player of the year
Schweinsteiger - Players player of the year

28 Aug 2015 09:14:53
Angel red.
It's more of a prediction
Just a bit of fun ;)

28 Aug 2015 09:17:48
My guess is Smalling for the fans and Schweini for the players.

I'm hoping it's Blind, because we then have nothing to worry about.

28 Aug 2015 09:27:36
Fans - Memphis
Players - Schneiderlin

28 Aug 2015 09:36:50
Fans darmain players bastian.

28 Aug 2015 09:37:56
Fans - Memphis
Players - Romero ( after 38 Clean sheets )

28 Aug 2015 09:41:00
May be, not yet signed ;)

~WishfulThinking

28 Aug 2015 09:54:59
darmian

28 Aug 2015 10:04:10
Smalling and shaw.

28 Aug 2015 10:12:50
Alright red joe and trumours you've convinced me. I'll give it a go.

Fans-Darmian
Players-Smalling

28 Aug 2015 10:13:05
Darmian

28 Aug 2015 10:22:48
Neymar :)

Only joking, think the fact we have so many players it could be bodes well for the season, Darmian, Shaw, Smalling, Schweinsteiger, Schneriderlin, Depay, Rooney ;)

I will go for:

Fans: Darmian
Players: Depay

28 Aug 2015 10:32:18
Darmian or Shaw.

28 Aug 2015 11:48:52
Fans - Herrera
Players - Blind

28 Aug 2015 11:43:24
DDG for both.

28 Aug 2015 13:10:12
Fans: Muller
Players: Bale