28 Feb 2019 22:14:16
Think we can all agree CB is where we most badly need to invest. For me I’d love to see us go for Varane or Koulibaly
RB - would Azpillecueta be tempted to leave Chelsea if they spend a second year in Europa League? Prem proven, leader at the back. If not him then Meunier makes sense
CM - Rabiot on a free is a no brainer for me! He could sit with Herrera leaving Pogba roam free. Younger, quicker and more exciting than Matic, allows him to be a squad player used to come off the bench to close a game out. Would allow McTom to go on loan and play regularly. I reckon we’d get a top player back if he got a years experience
RW - time to consider Bale again? (But actually get him this time) Martial on the left and Rashford up top is exciting but both are young and can be inconsistent. We need someone who can guarantee goals from the right and Bale does that (when fit) . Chong is an exciting prospect and signing Bale would give Chong opportunity to play 15+ games next season. If he doesn’t fancy leaving sunny Madrid I’d take a chance on Pepe, Dybala, Dembele or Bernadeshchi
Bulk up the squad with Alfie Mawson (replace Rojo) and Mitrovic from Fulham once they get relegated
Promote Tuanzebe, Gomes and Chong fully and bring Garner and Greenwood into the fold slowly
Ins: Outs:
Azpillecueta. Valencia and Darmian
Varane. Jones
Mawson. Rojo
Tuanzebe. Bailey (on loan)
Rabiot. McTom (on loan)
Gomes. Perreira
Bale. Sanchez
Chong. Mata
Mitrovic. Lukaku.
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{Ed002's Note - I suspect you will have a very disappointing summer.}
28 Feb 2019 22:31:10
Have there been any further developments Ed apart from interest in Douglas Costa and Koulibaly?
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{Ed002's Note - Not at this time.}
28 Feb 2019 22:51:09
I would struggle to do that sort of window on fifa let alone real life.
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28 Feb 2019 22:51:22
What a horrible list this is, azpilicueta? Rabiot? Bale? Why would you want Bale for? He will be injured most of the time hanging out with Jones than playing.
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01 Mar 2019 01:24:42
Agree reman. I don’t understand the high praise for Azpilicueta. He seems to be stuck between two positions. He’s not good enough going forward to be a rb and not good enough to play in a 2 as cb. He’s perfect for 3 at the back to offer him protection. But yeh that list is not a great list of players. Add koulibaly, ndombele, Sancho and wan bissaka and that’s a great window. Not sure how successful we would be in attaining them all.
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01 Mar 2019 04:53:37
Bale would command a huge fee as well as wage.
But, we do need an elite forward who performs week in week out.
We have far too many young players in our squad who can be inconsistent.
Maybe get rid of Sanchez and get in Robert Lewandowski?
In Central Midfield I would prefer Saul Niguez over Rabiot.
At 24, he would be a solid investment for the long term.
Koulibaly or Skriniar for CB.
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01 Mar 2019 06:49:06
Avoid Bale at all costs the last thing we need is another 30something on obscene wages. Much prefer to see Lozano come in for a wide position.
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01 Mar 2019 07:51:50
Kev, I’d like a pint of what you’re drinking mate 🙄
Bale may have been an option a few years ago but not any more. Mitrovic? Azpilicueta? Ole has shown how well this team can play, we have some youngsters coming through so we need to but probably 3 top level players to supplement that. Why would we send McT out on loan, the kid is doing really well and should now be a regular squad player. You want to seen him put on loan but promote Gomes and Chong who have no first team experience at all?
It’s all about opinions I guess.
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01 Mar 2019 09:40:43
I'd quite happily take Rabbiot on a free this summer. He could play in the Matic or the Herrera role allowing some rotation. Also allows money to be spent on other players.
Koulibaly or Romanogli for CB. No to Bale, Azpi and Mitrovice.
TrueRed - I like Saul but he'd cost a lot.
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01 Mar 2019 10:17:31
Saul is quality and worth the investment.
The Spanish contingent in our team could help him to settle quickly.
We need players like him to close in on City and Liverpool.
Rabiot comes with baggage so wouldn't prefer him. Another player I like is Julian Weigl of Dortmund.
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01 Mar 2019 11:43:31
How many times have we flirted with Bale and he's not wanted to come to us? Feels like desperation with him. He doesn't fancy us, but we still have his name written in the bottom of our pencil case.
I'd rather we played youth than brought in an older mercenary who doesn't really want to come.
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28 Feb 2019 14:16:45
New contracts for Smalling, Jones, Young and are now considering giving one to Valencia, WOW! This is exactly why we have NO chance of actually challenging properly for the league and CL, mediocrity!
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{Ed025's Note - it could be done so that they have a sell on value scholes, too many players are letting their contracts run down and leave for nothing mate..
28 Feb 2019 15:27:41
Does Valencia have a sell on value, he's nearly 34.
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28 Feb 2019 14:49:45
Would be lucky to get a bag of peanuts for them 4 Ed025 lol, in fact we'd have to pay someone to get Jones off us.
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{Ed025's Note - someone will want them scholesy im sure, we could be talking in the region of 87p here mate...for the lot.. :)
28 Feb 2019 15:19:13
Ed I'd leave them leave for nothing, some just aren't at the level.
What other team in the top 4 would buy them. Now I might keep smalling as a squad player,
There's a time when players have to move on.
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{Ed025's Note - you will be surprised by what you will get for them leahy, smalling will get you about £15m mate imo..
28 Feb 2019 15:53:13
This is one of my main problems with Ole getting the job. Before I start I would give it to him, he deserves it, but, is he the man to make the tough calls regarding players futures? Is Ole going to be so happy to get the job that he won't rustle any feathers regarding new signings?
To challenge for the league we need to add a bit more quality throughout. With all these fringe players signing new deals, the fans unequivocally behind OGS and this job being his dream. I can see Woodward and the Glazers rubbing their hands together and the thought of saving money over the next few years.
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28 Feb 2019 15:57:38
Don't worry guys, Everton will sign them, they always do. Lol.
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28 Feb 2019 16:05:47
29 points out of 33 what's the problem . Young and smalling are playing well .
Proof is in the pudding . Opinions, well everyone has got one.
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28 Feb 2019 16:22:14
Id keep the first 3 for the home grown quota and slowly phase them out. Valencia though there is no point at all in renewing.
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28 Feb 2019 16:34:32
Jred, I don't mind Young and Smalling in the squad. If we're to challenge for the league next year, we'll need upgrades on Valencia, Jones, Mata, Sanchez and Fred. Rojo and Darmain will almost certainly leave.
Would you be happy starting next season with roundabout the same squad?
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28 Feb 2019 16:36:02
It makes sense not to let them go for nothing and short contracts by comparison leave options should the new manager not get the desired targets. I get that point but where we have either squad cover or a youngun to step in a particular position then getting the wages away would be surely a priority. THEN AGAIN, WOODWARD WILL COVER ALL FINANCIAL PERMUTATIONS because ITS WHAT HE KNOWS: THE ONLY THING HE DOES.
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28 Feb 2019 17:30:47
2 top 4s in 5 seasons never mind last 11 games.
These players have been average and help produce average results.
Smalling is currently our 2nd best cb no issue with him in our squad.
Young likewise but neither are good enough to start every week and for us to compete to win.
Valencia is useless nowadays so is rojo so is Darmian jones is a step above those but only a small step.
Sanchez has got to be paid off i reckon he just has fallen short of even the lowest of expectations sadly.
Lukaku can adapt and play a major part but his days of being 1st choice look numbered so if he can live with that then great.
Fred. I am disappointed but maybe he needs a bit more time but i'd say the future looks glum for him at United.
Ole has done great in greying these players to play above themselves and get results. Its a trait fergie had so that does bode well for the future.
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28 Feb 2019 17:42:10
Ken 3 crap managers ole has 29 points from the last 33 what's the problem?
We prob buy 3 ish in the summer like most teams .
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28 Feb 2019 18:43:14
Jred how far off winning the league or CL with these players are we, as you say the proof is in the pudding.
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28 Feb 2019 18:49:23
Who said there was a problem?
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28 Feb 2019 18:56:23
The situation is simple, we don't yet have a full time manager and as such we have no idea who he will want to keep and who he will want to move on. As such allowing half the squad to leave on a free transfer this summer will mileage the squad very short and would mean the club would have to buy 3-4 first team players plus another 4-5 squad players. That's ridiculous. And we suffered that problem before under LvG where he sold off several squad player only to bring more in of a similar standard.
The club is doing the sensible thing of making sure the club isn't left short or will definitely require a larger than necessary investment in the summer while keeping options open for who our next manager is, whoever that ends up being.
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28 Feb 2019 19:36:02
The squad is in much better shape now than it was 18 months ago.
Rb. It makes sense to keep young. If dalot comes good next season and takes a few strides forward young is good back up.
Lindelof is making huge strides and has become deservedly 1st choice cb.
Smalling to me is no2 and despite being very limited does a better than steady job. I think we will see a new cb arrive in the summer. To join that pair with jones and tuanzebe filling the 5.
Its possible that we could get a top cb with the money raised from bailly rojo darmian plus about 40m?
Midfield requires work imo
We need a player to replace matic who will become excellent back up for a season
I also belive we need a player to rotate herrera and pogba. So that player will need to be capable of playing 40 games a season. With fred and mctom providing back up. Those 2 players will require significant investment.
Attack wise assuming jessie rash and martial are 1st choice. Lukaku for me can play a big role. Mata i'd loathe to see leave on a free but perhaps its for the best. Sanchez will need to be paid off i'd imagine. So we will need a wide attacker right sided to give cover for jessie predominantly with chong gomez and greenwood giving extended cover.
So 4 players would be what i would say would give us a squad capable of competing
Ddg romero grant. (Keep henderson on loan)
Dalot shaw young,
New cb lidelof smalling tuanzabe jones
Matic plus new holding midfielder
Pogba herrera new cm, fred mctom garner.
Jessie martial rash lukaku new wide player. Angel chong greenwood.
If that was our squad i'd say we are only 1 full back short of a squad that can really compete to win on all fronts.
Koulibaly neves saul and costa would be fine with me. There are lots of others costa is a bit of a wild card but a couple of good seasons maybe before angel or chong are ready. Raibot with no fee is a decent option.
Everyone has their own opinions. But that's mine.
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28 Feb 2019 20:35:03
Largely agree ken. Not sold on costa. i'd offer cash, Darmian an bailly for koulibaly.
I get renewing deals to stop us from weakening the squad. I just don't see the point in extending Valencia.
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01 Mar 2019 01:21:45
In relation to Valencia I think what was being reported was that it was decision time for Utd. They have the option to extend by 12 months. That option expires today.
I think we all know what the most likely decision will be. No thanks.
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01 Mar 2019 05:03:43
I agree with Ken.
Douglas Costa is a natural right winger with electric pace.
Suits our counter attacking play.
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01 Mar 2019 05:49:41
29 points out of 33 we are competing already .
We will buy players just like we did last season in fred and sanchez .
The boys are playing well and people who have slagged them of as not good enough?
Jose was a big mistake but we have a strong squad with good players.
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01 Mar 2019 07:27:23
I wouldn't say strong squad.
De Gea, Lindelof, Shaw, Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Martial, Rashford and Lingard walk into our strongest team but we need a right back and centre back.
Romero, Smalling, Jones, Young, McTominay, Mata and Lukaku offer depth.
Jury is still out on Fred and Pereira.
Darmian, Valencia, Rojo, Sanchez offer little to nothing. Those four should be first out and replaced.
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01 Mar 2019 07:53:04
Jred you said lindelof dalot lukaku pogba bailly should not be at the club so get off your high horse.
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01 Mar 2019 07:56:52
Pretty accurate Mort. I think we have shown we have a strong 11 and our league form sone Ole arrived is League winning form (see my stat on the other posts page) . The questi N is whether this squad can sustain that over a full season, we are now seeing injuries so it will be interesting to see how we cope.
I think we need to promote youth and sign probably 3 top to players whilst clearing out those that don’t feature. We may agree or disagree on the names in or out but reading the posts we all seem to be on pretty much the same page.
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01 Mar 2019 10:20:53
Agree AJH.
3 top notch signing could make us contenders.
Next year, players would adapt to this playing style more readily.
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01 Mar 2019 11:27:13
I missed Dalot he should be in with Romero and co.
I agree Tone. Those I said out. Involve Tuanzebe, Garner, Chong, Gomes and Greenwood more especially in the cups, dead rubber champions league games etc. Sign 3, Koulibaly, Saul and Lozano.
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02 Mar 2019 08:08:13
Ken
Stop making stuf up .
I have stuck up for pigba over and over . Lindelif as i said will would prob see the best this season .
Lukaku? I wanted him rate him especially compared to your man morrata . Lukaku shoukd suit ole style and will get you goals .
Realky don't kniw what your talking about .
Bailly looks very rash.
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02 Mar 2019 09:02:54
Jred quote. ' i don't think jose has made 1 right signing for the club' your words.
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02 Mar 2019 09:07:45
can't think of a single transfer Jose got right.
jred
That was your exact quote denis.
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02 Mar 2019 12:06:13
Ken
Its one quote, that to be honest i can't really remember.
But i have been very vocal about the likes of lukaku pogba and co the regulars will know that. Lots and lots of post .
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28 Feb 2019 10:04:24
Great to see young Garner get his debut last night. Ed001 I just want to ask if you have heard much about garner and what sort of potential he has?
Also shame greenwood didn't make the bench last night as he was there. That kid looks mustard.
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{Ed001's Note - he is meant to be the next bright young thing to come out of the academy. There are very high hopes of him, he is supposed to be better than McTominay, potential-wise.}
28 Feb 2019 11:00:56
Wasn't McTominay written off by the club at one stage and then he grew significantly physically and thus was given a chance by the club ed1? Also ed1 what is your opinion on McTominay. I think he can be a really useful squad player especially as he would be homegrown.
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28 Feb 2019 11:25:26
yeah deependra he was deemed to small.
but so was scholes and he turned out ok.
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28 Feb 2019 11:29:19
McT is a good squad player nothing else, i would not put much pressure on him right now and expect great things out of him, let him learn at his pace and do basic things right first.
As for Garner i have seem him play at many occasions and concur with what OLE has said, he is very intelligent with his passing and his positional sense is brilliant considering his age, need to see how he performs at senior level though.
Greenwood was injured and hence was left out.
Another Academy lad that i have high hopes of is Aliou Traore.
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28 Feb 2019 11:58:55
For me the best academy lad coming through is Ethan Laird. Only small but stocky and quick.
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28 Feb 2019 12:49:24
How is arnau puigmal getting on?
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28 Feb 2019 13:20:48
Rw last I saw of Puigmal was him playing right back. But he’s still getting called up to Spanish 19s too.
I really can’t wait to see Greenwood get his chance, he has it all.
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28 Feb 2019 14:31:18
McTominay is the modern version of Darren Fletcher. Think he a solid squad player. Fletcher became a pretty decent player and I think McTominay will too.
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28 Feb 2019 15:58:35
Ed001, how much potential do you feel McTominay has, and what type of player do you see him becoming long term?
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{Ed001's Note - I expect him to end up a Matic-type player in the long term or even a centre back. He is very defensively responsible but lacks mobility. With his height he could make a very good ball playing central defender, if he can learn the positional side of the game.}
28 Feb 2019 17:25:23
I hadn't been that impressed with McTominay offensively, but he has been fairly responsible with the ball the last two games. Not exactly creative, but steady enough.
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01 Mar 2019 10:22:10
Mctominay does the job asked of him. But his lack of quality on the ball means he can be our squad player only.
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28 Feb 2019 01:32:48
I remember when Luis Nani scored a few wonder goals like Fabian Schar's cracker for Newcastle tonight.
I would love to see some of our players score or at least try to score some postage stamps goals.
Pogba tries and managed 1, MR scored from a freekick! Who else do you think has that strike in their locker.
( SANCHEZ can do it, However I believe Arsenal sold/ traded us his identical *colour-blind* twin )
* Colour-blind
unable to distinguish jersey colours resulting in passes to opposition.
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28 Feb 2019 09:13:03
I remember Nani hitting row Z around 90% of the time with his "wonder" shots.
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28 Feb 2019 09:35:30
Matic and Herarra can
Periera and maybe Lindelof have those shots in them.
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27 Feb 2019 23:58:52
brilliant win at a tough place to go play. Really chuffed for Lukaku. He gets a lot of unwarranted abuse but I thought he held up the ball up well, good link up play and a lovely finish for his first goal. Hopefully this will give him some more confidence so he can kick on. He may not be the most technically gifted but he puts the ball in the back of the net if he is given the right service.
mctominay was quietly excellent again tonight. kept things simple and we looked solid. Lots of people on twitter laying into Fred but what do you expect when you haven't started a game since boxing day. needs time and minutes.
Massive shout out to Dalot. he was fantastic on the right wing. he's quick, skilful and can go past a man. Most importantly he CAN CROSS. He gave us a lovely balance today which meant palace did not crowd out the left side where we usually attack the most. it gave sanchez more space and i thought he looked decent. Sharp and industrious. not vintage sanchez but improved.
Huge weekend coming up with spurs playing arsenal. we have to win as arsenal seem to have hit some form. hats off to ole 8 away wins in the row is very very impressive.
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28 Feb 2019 05:16:23
Agree Park.
Lukaku delivers goals if we play to his strengths.
Pogba should have scored that delightful cross from Dalot.
But Fred was a real worry. He offered nothing in attack and was getting bullied off the ball too easily.
He needs to work on his upper body strength.
Hopefully he can turn it around like Lindelof.
Shaw too had a decent game.
The lack of cohesion was understandable with the shuffling in the team.
Overall really pleased with the victory considering that the majority of players were injured.
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