Manchester United Banter Archive July 29 2012

 

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29 Jul 2012 23:48:37
After seemingly fighting a losing battle to sign highly rated Brazilian midfielder Lucas Moura, Sir Alex looks set to turn his attention to Christian Eriksen of Ajax, a previous Manchester United target.

Sir Alex would also like to sign a winger before the Premier League season commences and his main targets are reported to be Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan (who United made an enquiry about in January) and Kaka who would be available at a relatively cheap price after being told he has no future with La Liga champions Real Madrid.

On the Robin Van Persie front, it is widely speculated that he is only interested in a switch to Old Trafford if he is offered the same £220,000 per week wages as Wayne Rooney, the ckubs current highest paid player.

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If Gaitan arrives I would sy that we are working our way down the price list, cheaper and cheaper. From what I have seen Gaitan is a decent player but nothing special. He has an agent that we know and have worked with but that should not be the reason to buy a player. I would say that would be evidence that we cannot buy at the top table anymore and even Sydney may struggle to explain why we appear to refuse to buy over £30m except for the obvious reason that we don't have it. I cannot see why we don't look at Muniain who was alleged to be available for around the same as Gaitan

Red Man

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Also looks like Ajax are going to sign Tobias Sana from some Swedish (I think) club. He's a midfielder that can either wing or in the center...maybe we could be in for Eriksen!

Andy

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Red Man, Gaitan is certainly not cheap, he would cost around £25m and his salary would be higher than what Lucas Moura would have been getting here. It's not that the club do not have an extra £3m to spend £30m on a player, every player is individually valued by the club and the club will not pay over the odds for any player. For a man in finance I do find it hard to believe you cannot get your head around this. However I have said on this page for a couple months now that I believe this summer we HAVE to overpay. This is a very important summer IMO. The manager has to overcome his own stubbornness and needs to let Gill and Co know that the players he wants is a must this summer. But lets not forget Chelsea also refused to pay over the odds for Moura so I think the element of risk regarding this player is a stumbling block in this deal. £30m is a lot of cash to spend on a 19 year old that may not make it in the EPL. I do not think this deal is over just yet, perhaps we will learn more over the next 48 hours or so.

Sydney!

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Sydney

SAF has already said we can forget paying £35m for anyone so if Ronaldo was available or Neymar we can forget it. I believe the financial numbers for June could be grim and noone can squeeze money out of the owners.
Gaitan may be cheaper than Lucas but Gaitan is not good enough

Very interesting article in the MEN today about pressure on Gill and Glazers to cough up. Let's see if they do but it must be on players to improve us not because we can just about afford it.

Red Man

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Sydney, reports are that Moura wants 125k, Gaitan would probably be given around 70k.

RedDevil19

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Red Man, I agree Gaitan isn't what I really want to see, but to be fair I doubt we will see Gaitan as he would be more expensive as an overall five-year package.

Sydney!

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There are also reports suggesting that he wants £60k a week. IMO the £125k a week reports will be nonsense. We would never pay a 19 year old that amount.

Sydney!

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29 Jul 2012 23:17:00
4th June
"It would be a dream to play for Real Madrid, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world," Moura told Esporte Espetacular.

"But right now I am only focusing on Sao Paulo."

Just remembered Lucas saying this and found it on sky sports from last month. Been excited about this player for a very long time, but more and more time goes on, im getting more wary over signing him.

Fagan

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Of course! That's the thing. Hes an 18yr old South American kid, I guarantee that by the age of 22/23 (regardless of who signs him) he'll be pining for the big Spanish clubs. He also expressed his admiration/desire to join Inter.

Has he ever mentioned Manchester United?

WHy on earth we're refusing to spend £25-30m on an established game-changer, but saving the cash for this gamble, is beyond me.

But, if he was to come, I wouldn't complain - we need something.

RED_SKY

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Thats the problem with signing non-english players, invariably they want to play for Barcelona or Madrid at some point and the Ronaldo / Fabregas type of circus rolls into town.

I have a feeling they are just playing United and he will end up at Inter on some dodgy Teves-esque split ownership deal.

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If I was a footy manager in England, I'd be targeting Scandinavians and Northern Europeans - Germans, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and so on.

No nonsense, less ego, harder workers, dont care about the shoddy weather, happy to be at the club.

South American and Hispanic players will always get tired of the different lifestyle.

I also expect Moura to end up in Italy or Spain. Hopefully SAF has other irons in the fire if that's the case.

RED_SKY

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29 Jul 2012 22:07:45
Chelsea have too many midfielders. 1-9-1 formation anyone?

Joe

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29 Jul 2012 21:46:26
Cleverley was the man of the match for me against UAE, who aren't bad. Bodes well for next season. Strongest XI, based on current players.

_______De Gea
Rafael_Evans_Vidic_Evra
___Carrick_Cleverley
_Nani_Kagawa_Welbeck
_______Rooney

Obviously if Scholes was younger, he'd be there, but he's not. That line up looks great to me.

Percy

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Id have nani left and valencia right and rio in place of evans.

JK92

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29 Jul 2012 21:36:01
"Ive said it many times before , neymar
is an outstanding young talent and
will be the next big thing
jred"

I have seen him so many times over the last 2 years and have been very impressed 98% of the time. 1 thing that always strikes me about him is his decision making, he knows when to cross, when to make a simple pass ,when to dribble and take his man on. He is already world-class IMO, i have always maintained he will be the one to wrestle the ballon d'or award away from Messi. I try my best not to mention him here as i know we stand no chance of gettin him anyway and people here have a habit of tearing down any players we can never get.

Millz

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He doesn't look his trying his just got a natural talent
jred

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29 Jul 2012 21:24:16
So so happy Cleverley is getting his rythm back

Fagan

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Me too, he looks sharp again, and great through ball for Sturridges goal, also very unlucky at the end of the 1st half to hit both posts.

DB-Red

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Agreed. He has impressed me over the 2 games so far. Always looking for space to get on the ball and some great passing too. Hope he can stay fit as I think he'll link up well with Kagawa

Gav

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His defence spilting pass to Sturridge for the thrid goal was perfectly timed and weighted. And I think shows what we missed once he got injured last season.

Shappy

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Finally he is coming back to full fitness and form. Nice to see Alan Hansen praising him. He bossed the game from midfield and with better players around him he will be even better. I think him and Kagawa will be very fluid next season. Still think we need perhaps a Dembele to rotate with Carrick to add a little steel in the middle. Dembele, Cleverley and Kagawa all have Modric type attributes where the ball sticks to their feet. Just what we need in the centre of the park.

Sydney!

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29 Jul 2012 21:15:02
Did lucas feature in brazils game 2day? If so, how did he do?

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He came on for the last seven mins, he spent half an hour warming up on the touchline right in front of me, if i could speak portuguesse i would of asked him whether he was joining

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He came on for the last 5mins. Only had a hand full of touches nt near enough to judge him. T45

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29 Jul 2012 21:07:02
Fergie must be senile if he thinks we don't need at least 2 CM. Giggs and Cleverly struggling to dominate the midfield against an UAE U23 side. What chance do utd have in any competition with those 2 playing.

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Giggs scored and Cleverley has been brilliant, what game are you watching?

GDS

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Liverpool fan? Cleverley was very good last night and still not 100%. Cleverley/Scholes alongside perhaps Dembele/Carrick would be fine for next season. Then we have Petrucci/Tunners/Lingard/Daehli/Powell from the youth. I think sorting the LB is a major priority and if Nani is sold them we will need a Moura/Rodriguez type player to replace him.

Sydney!

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29 Jul 2012 21:01:01
Cleverly is playing well, he's really got into the game.

Lewis.

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29 Jul 2012 20:34:25
Good to see Giggs score earlier! Such a shame Cleverly hit the post twice! Hopefully he can score next half. Both Manchester United players doing great, looks promising for next season at this rate.

-JakeW

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29 Jul 2012 20:31:19
If the RVP rumours are true that he wants 225k then he can quite frankly take a running jump. Rooney has been a success for the club which just about justifies his quite frankly over the top wage. RVP should not come in and match that. I would rather sign someone younger who is hungry to work his way up the ladder like Kagawa is doing instead of someone like RVP who wants to come in straight at the top. Lucas Moura may be coming in but I wouldn't bet on it. I heard from a mate down in London that we have made an official offer for Dembele - he's a Fulham fan, no idea if he is right or not. Also, we should hear where Sahin will be going at some point this week, hopefully its here on loan. Its possible that it will be Dembele and a left back if these top guys don't considerably cut down their rediculous demands. I for one am glad that we are not a club that listens to these demands.

RedDevil19

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I totally agree, I love the fact that Man Utd aren't 'buying' the League, it leaves us with players who really want to play for the club, Kagawa, Valencia etc. and gives players like Cleverley and Welbeck a chance to come through.

Red Joe

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Alas I think we are a club who would listen to RVP's wage demands.

Facts are RVP is, statistically, the best striker in the Prem. Yes we all may have our favourite players and can make a case for Rooney, Aguero, Carroll (just for a laugh if there's any scousers spying lol) but surely THE acid measuring stick for a striker is how many goals he scores is it not ?

RVP would improve the team in partnership with Rooney for sure. He would also give us an option, should God forbid, our fave scouser ever get injured.

I appreciate his injury record however for me on a rolling 1 or 2 year contract RVP is worth the risk. I'd much rather we be lining up against Everton on Aug20 with Rooney and Van Persie acting as the goal threat rather than Rooney and Welbeck.

Welbeck and Hernandez are good squad players, but no more than that. So with Berba going and Owen gone a striker needs to be brought in. Bringing in the leading goalscorer in the league is surely a step in the right direction. If £220k per week is the going rate for his services so be it. Surely we'd save more than half of that by no longer shelling out for Owen and Berbatov ?

Halesini

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I think it will be suicide if we let the PL top scorer go to our main rivals when we have him in our grasp BUT I don't think RVP is the missing link in the chain, I think he will be an outstanding addition to the squad but we need 2 world class players in the midfield before we need to strengthen any other areas.

Flimbo

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29 Jul 2012 20:01:32
according to the papers we are after ashley cole and RVP will join if offered 220k a week, what do people think of this?

also what would people think of a team like this if those two were to join (highly unlikely)

----------degea---------
rafael--ferdy-vidic--ACole
-----carrick--scholes-----
valencia--rooney--kagawa
-----------RVP-----------

*(valencia/nani)

JK92 (banter please ed)

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Unless something has already happened which makes it certain that Cole is leaving, and I've just missed it - I highly doubt he will leave Chelsea.

Last I heard there was no new contract talks yet, but that's probably nothing at all and just the press making a big deal out of it.

I would like Cole to come to United for a couple of years however unlikely. I think he is still a top left back and I'm sure I could ignore how much of a prat he is if he was playing for Manchester United. He does a better job than Evra certainly, and could fill the Blackett gap well.

It won't happen though, and I doubt he'll leave Chelsea.

Joe

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The chances of Ashley Cole coming to Man Utd are exactly 0%.

Red Joe

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I agree joe, it's highly unlikely they will join but our team would be so much better even if it was just those two that joined us.

JK92

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29 Jul 2012 20:39:35
Eds / anyone who could shed some light,

After watching the Brazil team play in the Olympics, many people have praised Oscar and said that he is a better player than Lucas and given Chelsea alot of credit for signing him at what appears to be a good price.

In your opinion is this a bit of the MOTD syndrome or is Oscar, in your opinion, actually a superior player to Lucas.

I know that they play in different positions / are different type of players. So basically, who would you be willing to pay more money for and why.

Thanks!

TomBomb

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Oscar was proper class today, Moura can't even get a start due to his position!

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29 Jul 2012 19:16:01
Ed, what do you think the chances are for us to persuade John Guidetti to swap Man City for Man Utd?
It probably won't be possible but he looks like a brilliant young player and he'd probably get more game time with us than at Man City, which is what he is looking for. {Ed007's Note - No chance.}

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29 Jul 2012 17:28:18
Fergie has something in the works, first he says he made a bid for RVP then Wenger denies it? I think this is a smokescreen to make way for another deal, IMO Lucas Moura, and I think he may have already signed, but they are waiting for the olympics to finish to announce the deal! there has been far too much controversy for nothing to be going on with him, Sao Paolo are willing to sell for the right price, Lucas Moura has welcomed the deal, but has said he will stay at Sao Paolo in respect for the club, or incase a deal doesn't happen, the only shield against the deal happening is his agent, the money grabbing a** hole!

Jake F

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29 Jul 2012 18:00:09
The team that Utd currently have was good enough to only lose the Premiership on goal difference. With better luck around injuries we would have won the league and will go very close to winning it next season with what we have.

What they are looking for is a headline signing that will generate revenue for the business hence the reason for replacing Park with Kagawa and looking at Moura. I don't believe they are looking to buy players just to win the league they want money spinners.

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And what about in Europe, did we come close there too?

Marty Astle

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No but three finals in the last 5 years or so shows we aren't that bad. Only one team can win it and I suspect that the revenue from it does not rocket from winning the competition compared to a losing semi-finalist. They want someone who will generate cash so that the occasional blip in Europe doesn't affect them financially, hence why we are allegedly looking at people like Moura. Why else would the pre-season tours always be to the Far East? Its a business, it's all about the money...

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If we fixed the midfield problem, we might already won EPL 5 games earlier. But can't you remember how Sxxty, Chelski, Spur... smash our midfield later last season? If we still won't fix the problem this summer(and they are still improving), we may lose by a even greater gap in the new season, no mention in Europe.

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29 Jul 2012 17:55:43
Usain Bolt thinks he is capable to play for manchester united!

The 100m and 200m world record holder is a keen football fan and, when he's not practising for the next big race meet, can often be found swapping his spikes for studs and the track for the pitch.

Bolt is a huge supporter of Manchester United and, if he had to choose another career, has previously expressed a desire to be playing for Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils.


The 25-year-old certainly thinks he has what it takes to make the grade at Old Trafford, and was recently filmed sending a message to Ferguson extoling his own footballing virtues.

"Make sure Alex Ferguson gets this tape," said Bolt as he laced up his trademark gold footwear prior to a "trial run" on a dusty pitch during a break from sprint training.

However, although Bolt may exude confidence, his skills on the football pitch are not really up to scratch and he is unlikely to be receiving a call from Ferguson any time soon.

Thought I would post this because it made me laugh, if you search there is a video of him saying all this.

haha!

-JakeW

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I'd love for us to sign him! he would come on a free and his wages would be covered by sponsorship and media coverage he'd bring with him. it'd be like signing Wallcot... but with the advantage of it being the fasten man in the world + he has a good personality

1993

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Get a decent creative mid to play a load of through balls each match between the keeper and the defenders and he would score a few hopefully. Gilly

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29 Jul 2012 17:25:07
Here's a little snippit for you all.

Despite near-constant media claims this summer that Manchester United are close to signing Leighton Baines, Everton reiterate that no contact has been received from Old Trafford for the England international.
Attempts by the national and Manchester media to keep speculation alive has led to reports of bids of anywhere between £8m and £18m having been made by United for the left back, but sources close to Everton have always maintained that neither they nor Baines have been officially approached.

With the latest suggestions being that Sir Alex Ferguson won't pay more than £12m for the 27 year-old — some way short of the £20m where it's believed David Moyes would only start considering a sale — a Goodison Park source told ESPN:

"We have not even had a single enquiry from Manchester United.

"Every week we are asked the same question, but it is the same answer, and we are getting a touch fed up with it. For two months it has been suggested that Manchester United have bid for Baines, but it is simply not true."

The same ESPN report suggests that United are monitoring Ashley Cole's contract situation at Chelsea as Ferguson weighs up alternatives to the 31 year-old Patrice Evra.

Extended onto this, why would Everton buy back Pienaar if they weren't intent on keeping Baines? Their left side is undoubtedly their strongest hence adding back their strongest asset. Consider this a no go-er.

Pipe down chaps.

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Nothing what you said makes me think any less that we are in for baines? Why would they buy a good left sided player if they were going to sell one, that's the question you just asked. It makes no sense.

GDS

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29 Jul 2012 16:52:55
Haha can't we bid for neymar rather?

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MOTD fever is like a virus on this site

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Ive said it many times before , neymar is an outstanding young talent and will be the next big thing
jred

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It must be motd fever everytime i watch him then..

he is an incredible player

would be a massive massive signing...

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Neymar is an incredible player, it's not just MOTD fever.

Red Joe

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29 Jul 2012 17:17:03
United should drop this Moura pursuit and go in for Neymar I.M.O he looks class! :D

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..... and would cost 3 times more than moura.....

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Over-rated imo, class but too light weight for the prem

TRUMORS

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....and United IS a BIG club...

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He needs to stop falling to the ground so easily before he comes to the EPL.

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It really annoys me when people claim class players are to lightweight for the prem the last time i checked david silva, mata, ramirez, aguero were hardly mike tyson people need to understand that the league's adapting every year an has come a long way from
just ruff n tumble players an leg braking tackles, chelsea have jus signed hazard, oscar an marin who are all stick insects an if there as good as they seem im sure they'll do well, i see absolutely no reason why neymar couldn't adapt to the league he has a very complete game hense why hes being compared to PELE the only negative is his diving.

marlow

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...no one said Untd wasn't a big club... but he'd demand too much money.

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29 Jul 2012 17:02:31
Just watched the 3rd brazil game name incl the friendly they played against GB and chelsea definatley got a good buy and for apparentley cheaper that what sao paulo want for lucas.. On the other hand I rate NEYMAR as one of the best already nothing phases the young lad and at 20 he will be an outstanding player in years to come.. I believe we need a DM and get rid of anderson and carrick both overrated imo also sell nani and gt neymar if possible would be the best buy for us in years just my opinion feel free to comment...


Browny86

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He will cost way too much money!!

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Get off your xbox lad and join the real world...... Neymar is £50+....... We'll never pay that much for a player until it's the average price for a player.
Mitch.

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I'm fairly surely Kagawa cost more than £50...

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My bad, but i assume everyone with half a brain cell can work out that i left an 'm' out after the £50. most people realise Neymar is worth more than that......
Mitch

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29 Jul 2012 16:53:46
Can we get neymar for Christmas please?

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29 Jul 2012 16:49:13
I know its a bit of MOTD fever, but Romulo looks like an excellent footballer. And he's a dm which is, in my opinion, what we need more than a striker/AM. Shame he's just gone to spartak moscow.
Also Rafael has played brilliantly for the 1st 2 games of the Olympics, I hope he can stay injury free for the whole season.

Jaxer

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29 Jul 2012 16:26:25
Oscar looks class!

DesiRed.

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29 Jul 2012 16:26:17
Neymar is world class already its ridiculous ! I know hes far out of our reach but id just like to see us go and put in a £40-50million bid and offer 200k wages and see what he says.

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29 Jul 2012 16:20:25
Does anyone else think the money that appears to be used for moura would be better spent by getting FELLAINI AND DEMBELE. So the team would look like this.
Lindergard
Smalling Jones Vidic Evra

Fellaini Dembele

Valencia Rooney Nani

RVP

I think this team has a good mixture of youth and experience, and im sure Fergie could convert Dembele into a solid defending midfielder. There is also Stregth and height in midfield which we have lacked for a while. And alot of pace going forward. Whats your opinions.

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Where's De Gea and Kagawa?

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Rio? Carrick? Kagawa? Any of these names sound familiar? And Smalling as RB? Rafael had a great season and has been really good in the Olympics. The money being spent on Moura would not cover the purchase of RVP, Fellaini and Dembele either! And what's wrong with De Gea?!

Andy

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If United won't pay £15 for Baines what chance do you have of getting Fellaini? 24 year old, signed a 5 year contract with Everton last year and has a buy out clause that'll set you back £26m. Dream on.

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Lol, what about the money it would take to get RVP?

Ruudinthemood

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29 Jul 2012 15:57:19
can i just ask what is the point of MUST? I know they exist to keep fans updated on stuff but all you ever get out of them is 1. Glazers are bad (yes we know) and 2. Don't forget your green and gold scarf. Their long term aims just seem a bit unrealistic to me.

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29 Jul 2012 15:56:40
Watching Brazil at the Olympics and thinking to myself, why were we not in for Oscar and what did Spurs and Chelsea see that Utd didn't. He looks an outstanding player and more of something we need rather than say Lucas who is a winger by trade. Chelsea look like they have a real player on their hands.

fearny

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I kind of agree fearny but part of me wonders if oscar is a little lightweight for the premiership but only time will tell. I agree he has the skill to be a quality player. Bookedredmole

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Being lightweight can be one thing you can affect though in terms of changing it... Look at how we improved Ronaldo's physique and stature with our training schedule, he will adapt with growth and with gym work...

fearny

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29 Jul 2012 15:43:33
what are the chances of utd putting in a bid for pato? at only 22 he is already world class!!

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Good player had a bad 12 months but milan fans are already seething over thiago silva and zlatan ibrahimovich going

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Personally I think the term world class is used too much, I think only a few players are world class. Iniesta, Messi, Ronaldo, Aguero, Rooney, Vidic, Kompany, Pique. Maybe Van Persie, Sanchez, Ozil, Pato are very good but not world class.

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Rooney is not world class either.

Whistler.

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Ozil is world class. Has been performing consistently for past 3-4 seasons.

Devil for Life

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I think you forgot to put xavi in that who is by far the best midfielder in the world.

sparkyred

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29 Jul 2012 14:37:47
according to the papers we are after ashley cole and RVP will join if offered 220k a week, what do people think of this?

also what would people think of a team like this if those two were to join (highly unlikely)

----------degea---------
rafael--ferdy-vidic--ACole
-----carrick--scholes-----
valencia--rooney--kagawa
-----------RVP-----------

*(valencia/nani)

JK92 (banter please ed)

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29 Jul 2012 14:34:30
Maybe Fergie's right about no value in the market...36 million for Modric? Absolutely crazy!

Andy

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I think the way the market is SAF fault. Since we sold Ronaldo for 80 mill, clubs have been upping there asking price of players by making comparisons to it.

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It was real madrid that bid 80m for ronaldo, not fergie. Ridiculous.

Ste-Utd

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Unamed poster, surely then that is Real Madrids fault. They offered and paid the money for him. We simply accepted. As the seller you would never say no to an offer and ask for them to pay less. Personally I think City and Chelsea are to blame with the ridiculous fees trhey have paid for some average players, £20m+ for Lescott springs to mind. Gilly

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29 Jul 2012 12:00:51
First time poster, Just seen a rumour linking united with Ashley Cole to fill the Lb slot, although unlikely would he be a good signing for united?

Personally I think it would, although he is the same age as Evra he is more consistent and the only player I can remember beating him on a consistent basis is Valencia. Being 31 he would not block Fabio or Blackett but offer defensive stability.

Red Ollie.

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I'd rather have Evra playing worse than ever than have Ashley Cole at United, cannot stand him.

Rjmanutd

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I think many people dislike him on a personal level but you cannot fault him as a player. Also very good friends with Rooney.

Red Ollie.

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I've never denied how good a player he is but still he should be a no go. Fergie hates his players making headlines on the front page and Ashley Cole is on the front page as much as any footballer.

Rjmanutd

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Yes that's why that Wayne Rooney chap got shipped out and wasn't offered top money to stay and how giggs is still playing lol.

GDS

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29 Jul 2012 11:39:04
Manchester United enquire about Ashley Cole?

Source; Sky Sports and Mirror and People.

It does seem like it is going to be Fergies last season, He has youth in mind, i think he is shopping for players such as Baines RVP and Cole for a 1 or 2 season fix.

I am of course making my own assumptions.

Also could any Ed verify the Cole link or is it nonsense.

Cban

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29 Jul 2012 11:22:39
Cole will stay at Chelsea until his new contract in which united will not wait for and will regain their interest in everton full back Leighton baines

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29 Jul 2012 11:11:29
Interesting, it is being reported RVP will not go to City while Adebayor is there as RVP has not forgiven him for a stamp. City paid Adebayor such high wages that they are struggling to get him off the books so an interesting impasse.

Red Man

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That sounds bang on. Let's hope barndoor stays at city then.

Joe.a

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29 Jul 2012 11:05:03
Eds....any truth in the Ashley Cole rumour? Surely Abramovic would never consider selling him to us? Also, can we really afford to pay his & RVP's wages? Don't get me wrong...he's the best LB in the world IMO but surely it's a non-starter?

RedCraig.

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29 Jul 2012 11:04:00
I think Dembele would be a great signing, not sure if Fulham would sell this season though with Dempsey off and various others reaching the end.

I have watched him a lot and he is just what we are looking for, very powerful, quick, can go past anybody (and has the confidence to do so) and has a great footballing brain which sometimes leads to him giving the ball away with Fulham due to them not being up to his level.

He would create the space for Kagawa, Valencia and Rooney as well, luring defenders and def midfielders in to tackle him - would be the best buy of the summer (including all teams) in my opinion and at around £10mil, if Fulham let him go, great. Prem experience means he can hit the ground running, good age. A bit of coaching on positional sense and shooting and we have a superstar signing that will be firing on all cylinders come the Autumn.

Better than risking 3 times the amount on a Brazilian that hasnt played at this level, may get home sick and seems like another Tevez/Robinho style pain - but like most people don't know too much about him to form a more sound opinion. £30mil on a relative unknown is a bit too much of a gamble when others around us are buying or have guaranteed class.

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Completely agree, for the money we couldn't get a better player. Could be one of the signings of the summer.

Shappy

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29 Jul 2012 13:45:36
The mirror is now linking is with Ashley Cole, strange one

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Dont believe everything you read in the paper
jred

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29 Jul 2012 13:43:32
All this talk about Van Persie, sounds great, him and rooney up front. Where does this leave Hernandez/welbeck? A 4-3-3 would do! With van Persie, Rooney and welbeck or Hernandez.
Great, then evra, ferdiand, vidic and rafeal at the back! Great squad...
Now midfield as its a 4-3-3 we can only have 3 midfielders. Wingers young, nani and Valencia all revolving round game after game. Now the centre mid, scholes? Kagawa? Carrick? Anderson? Fletcher if he makes a recovery, cleverly coming through and of course Giggs. Who would take the centre spot to hold the team together?

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We could not play that team with one midfielder, we would get killed in most games.

GDS

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1999 we used 4 quality strikers to win the treble. Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole gunnar Solskjaer .......... case rested.
Mitch.

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Yeah but we had midfielders like Beckham, Keane, Blomqvist, Scholes, Giggs and Butt to back them up? Do we have that depth or talent in our squad now? No...we most certainly don't!

Andy

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29 Jul 2012 13:31:51
Real Madrid reported to have made a 30 million euro bid on Lucas Moura, Mourinho says he wanted to wait but doesn't want to lose him to another club.

-JakeW {Ed002's Note - Twitter I guess.}

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They have just about wrapped up modric can't imagine they have the money for Moura too

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29 Jul 2012 13:19:07
RVP, says if he goes to city, he wants to be highest paid player! city bosses refuse to make him the highest paid player. And he says if he comes to united he wants to have the same salary as Rooney! Saw this on twitter and , not sure how accurate this is.

If anyone knows any more please reply!

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29 Jul 2012 12:52:38
Don't know how much truth is in the story of RVP willing to come on the basis of £220k a week but what do ppl think? Is he worth that and would SAF pay that?

IMO it's hard to say that he isn't worth that given he has scored more premier league goals than Rooney in the last two premier league season's.

I think arsenal would sell for £20 Mil, which isn't over priced given his quality and if we sign him on a 3 or 4yr contract then paying him £220k a week for that period isn't to much of a commitment, by the time his contract is coming to an end he would be 33 - 34 and we could release him (obviously depending on his status at the club and how well he has done)

Anyone's thoughts?
Nick87MUFC

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At 20 Mill and 220K per week after 4 years we'd pay 64 Million for him so although I'd like him playing with Rooney I think 220K a week is far too much.

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29 Jul 2012 10:26:05
dont know how true the rumours are but why is van persie allowed to demand to be on same wages as rooney but when his dutch compatriot wesley sneijder did it he was literally belittled.

sureley sneijder had the right to, as he has a significantly better c.v

as good as van persie is one season isnt enough to demand such a high wage

muffinMan

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Probably because Inter also wanted 35 million for his services where RVP wont cost half that fee
ARB

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Van Persie has always scored alot of goals. Albeit injury prone. But he is proven in the EPL. Snjeider is playing in Ital which is a slow less physical game over their. Also Snjeider is unproven in the EPL as well as been quite injury prone. But still wages wise its a valid point. Like most players these days they auction themselves off to the highest payer.

Mad Hatter

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I'd gladly take Sneijder over RVP any day! In fact Sneijder's probably a better bet, considering he'd go for around the same price as RVP, wants to play in Europe, controls midfield like it's his own...and I wouldn't worry about his physicality, the man's a beast!

Andy

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Can I ask how much we paid Owen a week? A guy who was cropped for most of his career who we got when he was on the wrong side of 30. Surely the money from his wages can go to rvp, a player in his prime who I trust more to give us a goal in the last few minutes than Hernandez. If berby is gone then his wages can also be used towards rvps. The guy is simply class and had a few goals that could have been goal of the year. Last year he was as if not more consistent than Rooney. He deserves equal pay to him

Fagan

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Owen was on 40k per week with huge bonuses for playing. I don't see RVP agreeing to a similar deal as he wants 180k a week more as basic pay. I don't think its a starter if i'm honest, Arsenal want too much money for an injury prone player and RVP wants too much money too. He certainly wouldn't be classed.as value in the market.

Shappy

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Sneijder is a beast, u having a laugh? He didn't play well against spurs last year tho did he, he got easily out played by modric and Huddleston and santos, didn't play like the midfield was his own against them did he!?

Ross Bramwell

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29 Jul 2012 09:07:45
All the recent talk (and also the glaringly obvious hole in our squad) regarding midfield got me thinking of just how unfortunate it was that Hargreaves was riddled with injuries. He was, and still is, a top player when he's at full fitness. Obviously I can't say for definite, but I think we already would have title number 20 had he remained fit enough for us to renew his contract. Sure as anything we would of gotten out of the group stages in Europe anyway. Sahin does remind me of Hargreaves with his determination and eagerness to win the ball. IMO he would be great alongside Carrick, they could really boss the center of the park. Hope he doesn't go on loan to Spurs/Arsenal and if nothing has been agreed I reckon a bid of 8 million would get him. Quality player who's wasted at Madrid.

Andy

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I think because of transfers like the Hargreaves one it is less likely to go for a player who has had recently had injury problems.

But I do agree he looks a quality player, and if he is buyable for 8m (which I doubt) it would be a risk worth taking.

Red Joe

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29 Jul 2012 07:07:34
Fergie likes to get his transfer business done straight away, then he likes to get us linked with all top players to sell them season tickets,,, mora,,,rvp,,,Baines,,, isn't going to happen, at a push we will maybe get dembele, and I can't believe we have let gaitan slip

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We are one of the biggest clubs in the world, they will sell the season tickets whatever happens. Think you will find arsenal came out and said we were after RVP and fergie will know what he's doing with the moura business.

So your silly childish conspiracy theory is quite frankly wrong.

GDS

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GDS

We do sell season tickets but it is getting harder for them. This season I had plenty of reminders , emails , videos and a pre recorded phone call from SAF to ensure I renewed. There were STs left unsold at the beginning of last season and I will bet there are some now. For me the automatic cup scheme is wrong but we have to put up with it.

You dismissed the OP however two things I found interesting
1) on the final day of season ticket renewals a strong rumour went out that we had agreed a fee of £25m for Modric
2) SAF confirmed we are interested in two players, totally against the whole way we have worked previously. It guaranteed plenty of headlines at a time when Season Tickets are still not sold and when we are trying to sell shares in the club.

The club know and SAF will know we need to buy but cash is an issue. The early exit from the Champions League and from the other cups will have hurt numbers for June. The club also know supporters are not as positive about the season so why not be linked with players and to keep selling tickets they need to play attractive football which we need to improve on from the last two seasons. Let us judge the success in the transfer window on Sept 1st. If it was just empty words and we don't sign top players then next summer no one will believe the hype and I can bet many will not renew even with phone calls and fake interest in players. Many will not trust the owners again and who would blame them.

Red Man

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Red man,

This is where I can't comprehend what you say, people would not go to the games because we won't be very good you are suggesting. I'd go if we were bottom of the league, championship or conference, couldn't care less I love the club and I love the success but I appreciate every second of it and how lucky I am to support united at this amazing time in their history.

I agree the fergie quotes were probably to do with selling shares, but I also think we will sign two more players, whoever they may be.

GDS

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Totally agree Red Man. The previous two summers have linked us with top players like Ozil, Modric, Villa, Sneijder etc but for whatever reasons the club just don't seem to be able to finalise a deal for a player when there is competition from elsewhere.

If the links to players come to nothing then I think the fans will be bitterly disappointed even though we have signed 2 top talents in Kagawa and Powell. The worst thing is the fact that people from the club then say we tried but couldn't get it finalised for whatever reason and the fans are expected to just accept that for 3 summers running the biggest and richest club in the world could not secure any of it's top targets? Unlikely IMO.

Rjmanutd

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GDS

You may go but I think the difference now is the owners. If people feel they are being lied to over transfers by the owners I believe a few people will hold back next season. I for one will not blindly pay for the Glazers profit making if they will not invest properly in the team. Remember I have paid money to go during some of the worst times in the last four decades.

Red Man

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Red man,

I have been lucky to only see the good times but it wouldn't make a difference to me. I suppose some people may hold back but I just don't think I'll be one of them. Going to the games is a hobby as well as loving the club and I know it costs a lot of money but I will always go.

Sometimes I think we forget that we are by no means the worst off fans in the country, but other clubs still get many fans going to the games.

GDS

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29 Jul 2012 03:07:18
Just watching Park and Evra on MUTV and Evra just summed up maybe why he has seemed so relaxed in his job of late (2yrs)

When asked what they are proud of:

"an achievement is not like winning trophy because everyday when you play for Man Utd it is an achievement"

Was Evra's reply.

Now many will say he has shown his devotion to Utd there but I see a player who is over confident in his place not only in Utd's team but at the top of the game. We cannot have players that expect to play unless they are literally world class players. We can narrow that down to 3 in our current squad of Vidic, Rooney and (still) Scholes. Those three could command places in almost any team in the world.

Evra on the other hand should maybe concentrate on a good solid performance or two for the club that pays his wages as an achievement never mind just pulling on the shirt!

Jono

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Think you have read a little too much into that. Judging somebody on a quote not in their native language when he is just saying how proud he is to play for the club is very very harsh don't you think?

GDS

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Not really mate he is very fluent in English and nothing in the questioning was confusing. The question was about continuing to aim for big achievements then he answered with that? If I was a regular at any club and was given the responsibility of the captains armband when he was out I would not count just playing as an achievement!

I may be pointing out what I'm seeing in the comments but could you see keane, cantona, bruce, etc come out with their achievements for the future are to keep getting picked?

Jono

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I would translate what he said simply as he is proud everytime he puts on the jersey and plays personally, think you are reading far too much into it. If for example Rafael made the statement would you still read into it the same way?
Invisible STuey

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29 Jul 2012 01:55:33
i just heard that rvp wants 220k a week the same as rooney could he be on his way 2 OT

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29 Jul 2012 00:31:07
Forget leighton baines, we will be signing callum booth from hibs as fergie thinks he has tremendous potential

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This wouldn't suprise me, i've said if we were to sign a LB then it would be someone to be Evra's understudy. Someone who would be solid back up but with potential to become first choice. I've said someone like Oviedo could be the kind of signing we could see, so Booth wouldn'd suprise me.

Shappy

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28 Jul 2012 23:51:50
I just wanted to say that to all those people who think Lucas is amazing due to a couple of Youtube videos, it does not reflect the true nature of a player in any way. Those videos can make even Heskey look good, and if you search for Nani's skills and goals the videos make him out to be the best player in the Prem. I'm not saying we shouldn't sign Lucas, but a couple of Youtube videos doesn't make him a world beater.

MelonRed

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I will admit mate I have only seen him play in around 5 full games but the difference between what I seen in those games compared to the YouTube videos is that he tries the trick a fair bit more than he should.

The big/massive advantage he has is the first burst of pace over 2/3 yards. Even without the tricks this works against any player facing you therefore if SAF irons out the constant trick attempts and gets the best use of his starting pace we will be acquiring a player with the attributes to be a massive success for us.

His robustness in taking a hard tackle was also something I picked up on which would stand him in good stead for the toughness of the PL.

Jono

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Ya, bet SAF watched a few youtube videos and bid nearly 30M for him.

desired.

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28 Jul 2012 23:29:59
apparently liverpool are close to snatching one of our targets gaitan from benfica,,arsenal are also close to signing another of our targets thus sahin,clyne is gone to southampton,hazard to chelsea,guirod to arsenal,alba to barca,modric to madrid while we cntinue to chase overpriced players.....,are we really still in the market or fergie only wants us to renew our season tickets and after they have got the required number he will begin his no value in the market statements....,so who is next as we watch Dembele?Fellaine?Ocampos?Oviedo?Baines?...i dont get this....,i ask again ARE WE REALLY STILL IN THE MARKET????EDD?

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Arsenal fan here...suprised ur complaining, u signed Kawaga who in my opinion will be the best signing out of all of them.

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How do you know these are actual targets. Just becuase the papers link us to certain players doesn't necessarily mean we are interested in them. Hazard is the only one confirmed by Fergie

Mad Hatter

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Did Manchester United and Ferguson and Gill officially confirm any of those names as targets?

These so called targets are names and wishlist targets of the fans. Stop the panic now.....Liverpool and any other team can buy any player....thats football. Manchester United will sign or try to sign how they feel will improve the team and not who the fans think will.

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To the Arsenal fan who replied - well said

To th OP - is Sahin really a target of ours? And Giroud?! If we really want Gaitan I'm confident we could land him. Also, Clyne chose Southampton for first team action so fair play to him

Gav

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Arsenal fan,

I have been saying for ages fergie should have left the kagawa announcement until later, then all the fans would have been happy, people forget we have signed a top player. It makes all the people who say we are only linked with top players to sell season tickets look a bit silly.

GDS

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I felt they rushed the announcement of Kagawa and it was in the middle of key games for his country. Actually that rush to make the announcement could have been to get some good news to the fans after what happened or of course to try and improve ticket sales. Manchester United are not immune from having to sell their product a bit harder at a time of financial turmoil. I do suspect the recent admission of interest in Lucas and Van Persie was aimed at the IPO rather than to sell tickets but as per my other post the numbers in June could be a shock so pressure is on.

Red Man

Red Man

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Mad Hatter

SAF has confirmed interest in both Van Persie and Lucas

Red Man

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Red man you say that you feel this is a push to sell season tickets but would you or anyone on here seriously consider not renewing their season ticket? Unfortunately i'm only able to get to OT a couple of times a season due to where I live and the fact that I have work every saturday. But i'd love to be able to get there more often and would jump at the chance to have a season ticket. I support the club as its ingrained in my soul, I will always support and love the club regardless of who we sign or not, infact I much prefer to see a youngster step up they have more of a connection to the club.

Shappy

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Shappy

I have gone to Old Trafford for many years and long before the successes of the last 20 years but I support Manchester United not the Glazer family. If I feel that they will take my money and not reinvest in the team then I would consider whether to renew. There are not thousands waiting for a ticket now and if they don't spend on the players we need then if it is needed to make he point then I would. Let us hope they invest this summer and we can believe again

Red Man

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And where do you think all the money comes from to pay our players and staff? Its a tricky situation, the Glaziers may be taking money out of the club but only after our money has paid for the continued running of our club. If we refuse to put our money into the club then the club will fail and go into administration where as the Glaziers will walk away fine. It seems to me that you'd do more damage to the club by not spending your money then you'd do to the Glaziers.

Shappy

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Shappy

The Glazers rely on that attitude and the love for united by the fans without having to put anything back in.

Failure to invest in the team would see their investment fall in value but if they see a fall off in sales of tickets they may well be under more pressure invest sooner.

I hope they invest properly this summer but I fear it will not happen especially as the financial numbers for June could be very difficult.

Red Man

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