Manchester United Banter Archive September 02 2014

02 Sep 2014 23:11:53
Of course there's some grumbling now about United changing it's whole philosophy and breaking with the old ways. Good, I say. That philosophy had obviously run its course, so move on.

A friend has kindly given me his tickets for the match v. West Ham. My son who lives in Connecticut and I travelling in from Atlanta, will be visiting family and doing in a bit of bonding overlooking the half way line. All I can say is thank goodness it looks like the boring drudgery we've been served up for the last year+ will be coming to an end (as long as LVG doesn't completely decimate the team in training)

The same friend sent this to me today, and I think it's on the money:

"Although there is no reason why it should prove any easier for United than for City, who had a string of managers and a series of splurges before putting together a team that won the Premier League, nevertheless I take the view that the value of 'Brand Man U' will more or less immediately recoup the outlay on its galacticos.

This is not about working men's dreams from the backstreets, nor, debatably, about winning things. This is the hard headed business calculus which realises the commercial value that a film star's name can bring to a movie. This is pure box office, pure Hollywood. Who can say they're not raring to see the outcome?"

I agree to an extent - but let's be realistic here. Who in their right mind is going to come and watch Falcao and Di Maria when they can go and watch Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana tearing it up. The foam in the seats, out of frustration, that is.

Very good post mr pea

Rumbled Redseven! The only reason I'm going to OT is because I couldn't get tickets for the Liverpool Everton game.

Joking aside, Mario Ball on Telly could be worth the price of admission. I think he may well turn out to be a good buy for them.

Good post (at least we still have 1 little pea!) :)
Entertainment is on it's way back to the Theatre of Dreams!

02 Sep 2014 21:25:09
"He makes us a better team. You always have to aim for the best at a big club. That's my philosophy as well. Falcao has to fight for his place, just like me. The two of us and Wayne Rooney and James Wilson will have to fight it out."
Rvp

What's with the Dutch and their philosophy's lol

Jred

we missed you yesterday. The falcao deal might turn out to be stroke of genius as the rest need to pull up their socks and play and if they end up sitting on the bench then we all know where that will end up.

“Falcao can die happy knowing he has joined the pinnacle of football. There is only down after United.” - Eric Cantona

LvG will play all three if all fit. RvP and Falcao upfront, Rooney in the hole is my bet. ADM LM, Herrera RM, Mata will be the one who misses out the most I think. But there will be plenty of games for all. It's a good headache to have though, I think we can all agree on that one guys.

Gcu
Ive been busy.
Everybody has there dream signing for a lot it was vidal or ronaldo for me it was falcao.
Cant believe we have signed him best striker I have seen in a long time .

Redseven
Thats quality, got to love eric

Jred -

There have been some great soundbites from recent players over the past week or so.

Beckham on Di Maria today:

"He has played in the World Cup and won the Champions League but my advice to him wearing the number seven shirt is to enjoy it because wearing that shirt is without a doubt one of the proudest moments I have had in my career"

I wish we could get former players like Beks, Gnev, Scholesy and the King more involved with the club. True legends who could act in a similar capacity that Zidane does for Real. I think Gnev has a bright career in coaching ahead of him too.

02 Sep 2014 19:10:20
I see Mike Phelan has had his say about us buying talent as opposed to developing it. Quick question for you Mike, who exactly do you think should have been promoted to the 1st team? I'd love us to grow our own but it doesn't seem to be happening.

I remember when you suggested that in recent years you were the de facto Manager. It's not helped you find work has it? Sorry, cheap shot but I'm getting frustrated with people previously associated with the club making our observations. Can't wait to hear Scholes's take on our transfers.

Not sure if Mike reads this page but I agree with you :-)

I agree AJH it would have been nice to see some of these players developed during his tenure rather than regressing. There were too many "yes men" for too long toward the end of SAF's reign, we are paying for it now.

02 Sep 2014 20:48:05
Remi was hardly gushing with enthusiasm either on tv yesterday.

02 Sep 2014 20:49:07
No idea why that came up as Remi instead of Rene!

So many good players Pogba Morrison were let go when players like Fletcher (bad illness) Anderson (hit and miss) Cleverly (less said the better) have been kept at the club one match in particular Blackburn when Rafael was picked in midfield instead of Pogba suggested Phelan was clueless

StevieK
Its because Remi is a legend.

Developing talent is an interesting expression. Pogba arrived from Le Harvre if I recall correctly, Januzaj from Anderlecht?, Rafael from a Brazilian club (Corinthians?), Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon. How were they locally developed? Mike Phelan may make these comments but what did he contribute? He was playing when the class of 92 were being developed. During his watch which real local lads came through, bar Welbeck? I recall Cleverley came from somewhere as well. Outside the "class of 92", the local lads that Phelan so appreciates were not the drivers towards glory, they were rarely in the team.

This ideal of local lads is one thing but they have to be good enough. Nice idea but only in theory, just because it worked once doesn't mean it will keep working. Once it stopped working Phelan was part of the team that kept trying to do the same thing without success. What was it Einstein said, about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. It hasn't worked since 92 but we kept trying.
Time for something different

Exactly Red Man. It is nigh on impossible for top clubs in competitive leagues to bring through their own talent now, because if they have 2-3 youngsters being blooded in the first team it is too many passengers in a league like ours. I'd bet that half the 92 lads would not have made it at Utd if the same crop came through in 2014, they just wouldn't get the games nowadays, it's too important to win now and too much money at stake.

They would be shipped out on loan and then one or two would pick up injuries due to inferior infrastructures and they wouldn't progress.

How many chances did SAF/Phelan give to the youth in their last couple of seasons?
We lost our two most prized youth players in that time, albeit for off-the-field reasons. Moyes brought Januzaj through and LVG has played more youth players in 2 months that SAF/Phelan in 2-3yrs.

He's just a bitter that he doesn't have a job anymore.

02 Sep 2014 18:59:52
No rumors . no questions . just wanted to say thank you to all the EDs for this great site and for all the great info provided!

02 Sep 2014 17:05:29
i must say, there has been some terrific business done by utd in the transfers this summer, also lvg really knows his footie, I mean keeping the skillful, fast, anderson with his vision and trickery is a master stroke, no other manager would have the nerve to do that.
ps, well its either that or lvg just likes to have someone with the best information on all the best eating houses in manchester by his side lol.

Funny how 2 months ago you were saying how we would attract top players now we have you've had to resort at poking fun at 1 player in our squad. Shame really. Anderson 4-0 Gerrard.

02 Sep 2014 17:20:47
On top of that he can also ask the 25m Lallana which seat is the best for comfort when he goes to anfield :-)

02 Sep 2014 17:27:29
Congrats to u too mate, I mean who could make the world's best rb glenn" I can't defend" johnson stay at the club, not to mention Martin "i swap shirts during penalties" skrtel.

02 Sep 2014 17:30:14
As was the signing if Downing and Carroll. He may be surplus to requirements but has more epl medals than most of your squad.

02 Sep 2014 17:31:54
Just wish we could have got a RB of the calibre of Glen Johnson! His extortionate wage wouldn't put me off either, considering how good he is. How do you hold on to him each year?
Oops, my sarcasm-meter just exploded.

There is a rather delicious irony about a club whose mainstay for a time was Jan Molby lecturing us about players eating habits. Fascinating

I think LVG fancies Anderson a bit, if he knuckles down he could be a key player. I've always liked him, injuries just hampered his progress, the weight should come off in no time and he is naturally a bulky guy anyway.

Beast, no mate, MU failed to agree a deal with Sporting so Ando stayed.

So you like Anderson & Welbeck, but not Mata, Rooney & RvP? Hmmm.

Yes Syd, I like the energy and pace they bring. Granted Anderson hasn't been fit and seems a bit lazy, but he carries the ball forward and looks to attack teams unlike any of our midfielders in recent years.

Most fans complain about how slow we are, this stems from Carrick, Fletcher & Cleverly being picked ahead of Anderson in midfield. The same goes for Rooney, RVP & Mata all being picked ahead of Welbeck. It was boring because we were slow.

Don't get me wrong Welbeck & Anderson are by no means great, however in a team of side to side passers and limited running power they add far more to the table.

The signing of ADM and playing him in CM will obviously negate Anderson a little bit as he brings that and more to the table, but he should get more games.

Didn't know that SL was Anderson as well, hold my hands up on that one. I was actually thinking I agreed with something LVG wanted for a second, never mind.

02 Sep 2014 16:03:46
Wooooooooooooooooo.
Celebrations.

Finally cleverly is off.
What a best window this has been

02 Sep 2014 16:21:38
Strange thay we celebrate the leaving of a home grown player. It's a shame, same for Welbeck. Maybe if he played for someone else we'd be saying he's a potential signing.

02 Sep 2014 16:27:47
Yep u can't see how he never made it here tbh when he has the great support of fans like this.

02 Sep 2014 16:32:47
Tbh I'm just worried about Syd! Will someone be with him tonight ;-)

How very grown up of you. Have you ever considered the lad may have been following instructions from his coaching staff last year, that the team itself wasn't good enough in many positions last year or that fans like you are largely responsible for his loss of confidence at both United and England level. Really is a very childish attitude. Whether he was good enough or not, doesn't excuse the level of abuse he has received from both United and England fans alike.

02 Sep 2014 16:41:19
rodio,

You absolute moron.

Good luck to Tom, it was never going to happen for him at United, especially with fans like you, but let's hope he can kick start his career elsewhere and have a long career.

I have never once seen Tom Cleverley in a United shirt not giving 100%. Maybe 100% of his effort is not good enough, but he has been at United since he was a young kid and has worked hard every day to play for the club.

Again, like all the players that have left this summer, goodbye and good luck.

02 Sep 2014 16:45:01
Stop taking the moral high ground, you know he isn't anywhere near good enough for us.

Seems like a nice lad, just not good enough for us. I always support getting behind the players/manager. but there has to be a point where you admit to yourself that he just wasn't good enough.

People should be happy that Cleverley has left. He was a player that the manager told had no future at the club, but turned his nose at a permanent move because he wanted more money. At least now we don't have to pay his wages this year.

It's a shame that our academy players haven't developed in the way we all hoped, but they have been given ample time to prove themselves here and have failed. I can guarantee that if they were at other clubs, nobody would be calling for us to sign them, they wouldn't even be on our radar.

We sell youth players every year and nobody gives a monkey's, so what's so special about these two?

Be they home grown or not, would you keep them on the payroll if you had to pay their wages?
They had plenty of chances to prove themselves and didn't take them a team is a team and work for the benefit of that team.I can't say i'm sorry to see him leave, I wish he had made it, but he was a liability and maybe this is better for him in the long run, certainly for the team it is.

02 Sep 2014 17:17:32
And many of you have again missed the point to my and GDS post, its not about wether I thought he was good enuff here its about showing a bit of loyalty and class to a player who played many games for us!

He never was a problem or caused any while here yet still gets abuse! I guess that's the mentality of the modern fan.

02 Sep 2014 17:34:42
Yes, free up payroll if need be but to celebrate someone leaving is different and very disrespectful.

Cant believe some of you people, a week ago he was no good for us and complete rubbish and should be sold.
We got our wish, he's gone so be happy for that.
Double standards don't work for me.

02 Sep 2014 17:56:01
Herbie ill informed quotes dnt work for me either mate, fact is knowone including me is saying he is good enough for our team but I always thought most of us had a bit of class when our players moved on! Sadly I seem to be wrong. (not the 1st time)

Goodbye Cleverley I won't miss you pointing where other players should play the ball.

I'm worried about Syd and hope he isn't Sydicidal.

Maybe if Cleverly showed a bit of class as a UTD player instead of just picking up his pay packet just maybe the fans would repay him by showing our appreciation.
Good luck clevs on your new voyage but good riddance.

Good luck to Cleverly and Welbeck. Its a sad day for me when 2 home grown talents are moved on. 18 months ago Cleverly looked good for us, a massive loss in confidence not helped by a lot of comments by his own fans. He would never have been a world beater but could have done a good job as part of our squad if he had found his confidence again.Also think Welbeck will prove a lot wrong.

Clevs leaving is best for him and the club. It's a shame that things didn't work out and it's not his fault that he wasn't good enough. If the talk of his wage demands scuppering a permanent deal are true then I have lost a bit of respect for him but still wish him luck and expect him to go on to be a decent player.

02 Sep 2014 18:25:08
Herbie explain where he has acted classless? I can't remember who said it but u could never fault clevz gave 100% while playing and yes maybe that wernt good enough at united but I fail to see where that warrants abuse?
Fergie never attempted to sell him so i'm struggling to find when he acted in a classless way?

Herbie, once again you win the trophy for arse of the week. I am not a Cleverly fan but your approach is out of order. I'm assuming you are 12

02 Sep 2014 18:36:08
GDS it looks like u r going to miss something special from him that we are not aware off?? In that case never mind your reactions.
I m not English so I don't care about home grown or played in red shirt stuff. One isn't good enough must go.
I care for the club only and the place where it should belong.
I m sure people like u just argue for drawing attention and look different in a group.
Never mind.
Once again.
Wooooooooo
Celebrations.

GDS love cleverly is gone.

CTR
First off within this thread I have not abused clevs, i'm just been realistic.
People say he always gave 100%, no he did not, people who stand out in a game stand out for a reason, can you seriously say that you saw a match where he did.

Guys we have 6 fantastic new players in, RVP has just rubbished the surgery reports and so much to look forward to even though 352 does my head in, who cares they are gone. One wanted a move because he was never going to be happy to be number 3 or 4 choice and the other one is bloody ordinary. Just drop it I ma happy they are gone, wages that can be used for better players home grown or not. Homegrown will not win you anything if they are not good enough.

AJH
Feeling precious again are we? maybe you should get your mum to put a plaster on that.
Please explain what you see in my approach that none of us are actually thinking.
Jumping on the band wagon gives me the impression you're a sheep, think for yourself man.
I don't know what your problem is but i'll bet its hard to pronounce.

02 Sep 2014 19:20:20
Arsenal 8-2, Newcastle away off the top of my head mate.

But again u have missed my point I feel mate.

Radio ure a right person! homegrown does not just mean english it means we have took a young lad built him into a footballer given him his chance and given him a carrer! Our club will do good to not have fans like u, grow up! Maybe next year city will take your fancy? Ure reply has just shown u up i'm afraid!

02 Sep 2014 19:45:28
Rodio,

My post had nothing to do with cleverley being a local lad, it was to do with your disrespect when he didn't deserve it. At least 3 others on this thread agreed with me so I didn't exactly look different in the group, in fact AJH had already posted the same opinion before I posted mine. Its my opinion that you are showing a lack of class, if you don't like that then up to you.

02 Sep 2014 19:49:53
Rodio, I'm not English either, but I've always believed a successful English club, should have a good representation of English players, especially, as a bonus, players who've been brought up at the club. Just like all the other major clubs in Europe. They still have to be good enough though.

Foreign or not, if you don't see the importance of having a strong contingent of national players in the squad, then I don't think you understand the ethos of our club, or the nature of it's identity.

Cleverley wasn't good enough - something no-one is disputing, which is something his detractors in this post are choosing to ignore, but he was a Utd player, picked by the greatest manager ever, and deserves a bit better than a 'thank f*ck he's gone'.

Feel free everyone to misrepresent this post, too.

Just because Cleverley was picked a few times by Moyes doesn't mean that he was ever going to make it at the club StevieK.

I don't disrespect outgoing players but i'm sure everyone on there moral crusade all wished tevez all the best when he left for the bitters? no thought not :)

Well said johndenton, it will be the same when "Burger king" goes too.

02 Sep 2014 20:52:03
John, not even a close comparison, mate. Come on. You're better than that :)

02 Sep 2014 20:53:51
Touche, Danny. Touche. (Sorry, phone won't let me put an accent on the e, but you know what I mean)

Stoner, yes, Cleverley will be with me tonight :)

CTR I do understand your point I just personally don't agree. (site would be boring if we all agreed)
"And United are on the attack, Carrick passess to Cleverly. ok forget the attack its come back again"
He gets the ball looks around and almost soils his pants and quickly gets rid of it, that is not a class player. I never rated him. Sorry.

02 Sep 2014 21:10:44
Come on John lol u no that it totally different mate.

Herbie that fine mate I totally agree bud it would be very boring if we all agreed mate. Just to clear it up I dnt think at all we should of kept him but just can't stand the abuse one of our own players gets/got while at the club and when leaving simply because he was not good enough.

02 Sep 2014 21:12:18
He always with u Syd, Either in your mind or the physical world lol.

Maybe that says a little bit more about me than you the fact I know that :-S lol

02 Sep 2014 14:34:47
I think Chelsea and Liverpool are the Winners of this Transfer window.
Chelsea got everything spot on as early as August.
We have some brilliant players at the club and we have 6 points in the bag, with City and Spurs away already done.

Arsenal and Spurs have been big time dissapointment. don't see Spurs in the top 4 for many years. Arsenal ll have to play Metersacker at the back or even Flamini, If someone gets injured.

I don't wanna start at UTD, I don't see them beating a new look QPR TBH.

Many thanks to the Eds for their wonderful work behid the scenes.

Boom

Saw this post on the liverpool site
Deluded!

02 Sep 2014 14:47:32
Haha them 6 points in the bag are everything at this stage.

I have to agree that they have had the better start to the season - but their transfer window was an absolute shambles.

Liverpool should have known that Suarez would force his way out this summer and had a plan in place. Rodgers seemed like a fat kid in a candy store rather than a top flight manager with a reasoned plan.


We spent around £30m more and yet all of our signings were better than Liverpool's.

Falcao>Ballo+Origi+Lambert
Herrera>Lallana
Blind>Can
Di Maria>Marcovic
Shaw>Moreno
Rojo>Lovren

Chelsea 'won' the transfer window.

02 Sep 2014 15:47:47
That is one of MANY posts that harry or whatever he calls himself now is deluded enough to say.

Its like AL feeling the need to jump over here and giving us his 'unbiased' opinions on our work and how it ain't right, while championing Lallana and Markovic etc.
I find it best to just read it and take it for what it is, comedy! I mean is there a player AL doesn't know about? If I remember right he hails from the USA so tbh I dnt know how he fits any sleep in with him a great watcher of all these leagues and the players in them, anyone would think when utd sign a player he quickly nips over to YouTube and gauges his opinions but then again that's just the cynic in me lol

02 Sep 2014 15:51:00
Maybe Redseven. But we have addressed our most blatant issues. We needed most notably a left back. Got a great young one, then our other defensive reinforcements were welcomed. We needed more depth in our forward line, we've now got that.

You needed a commanding top CB and a dominant class centre mid. These issues remain IMO for you. However, there wasn't a great chance of getting all that in ine window, given what you did spend.

Just wondering what leads you to beleive Shaw is better than Moreno and Rojo is better than Lovren?? I have seen more for me to beleive otherwise, especially in the left back case.

Not gunna sit here and say your signings are terrible, Di Maria and Falcao will add vast amount of quality, Blind fits the system but seems like a glorified John O'shea to me. But he will help the team. I think the main thing what you've done is add the fear factor back, no one wants to play your forward line tbh.

At the end of that day, speaking as a Liverpool fan, as much as a I like to sit back and mock you lads, I'd rather be fighting at the top with you than city or Chelsea. It would be such a shame to see our great rivalry between to massive clubs to lose it's intensity.

02 Sep 2014 16:01:16
You're deluded. If those players were so good (aside from Blind & Falcao who just joined) then why do united have 2 points and 1 less cup run? And don't get me started on the laughing stock that is Rojo's work permit.

Redseven,
everyone is entitled to their opinion but its rather a naive assumption that any particular signing is better than any other one especially considering 5 of your signings hadn't played premier league football before last wknd.
These guys will need time to develop together as a team, settle into a new country, communicate together and adapt to both the physicallity and pace of the premier league.
While I don't doubt Utd have made some exceptional purchases and I'm not even concerned how much they cost or how much wages they earn as it didn't come from my pocket, I do feel predictions of grandeur are at best premature.
As far as our transfers, although maybe not the stellar signings that Utd might expect, have improved our squad in every position apart from Suarez.
But I am confident we will still compete as we are a more balanced, settled team.
As an honest impartial outsider looking in, I see an inconsistent season ahead for yourselves until Van Gaal gets both his ideas across and a settled team in place. I am sure you will win plenty of games after that.
Where you will finish come May will depend on how quickly that happens imho.

02 Sep 2014 16:22:21
We will see who won anything besides the transfer window at the end of the season

My brother is a liverpool fan, so there's always good banter to see which team is better! But I disagree with you completely! Yes Falcao is a world class player but who's to say he doesn't find the premier league as easy as la liga or his brief spell in France! Then you claim Herrera is better than lallana! We haven't even seen Herrera properly yet and lallana has got his move due to very good performances last year! Then you state rojo is better than lovren who was one of the best defenders last year in the league who is very vocal and keeps the defence in shape.
Next you state shaw is better while I hope he will and eventually think he will be better than monero but as of right now monero has the same amount of goals as shaw scored last season and looks a good defender as well.
Next with di Maria. Yes we paid too much money for him and is a very good player but he will obviously find this league much harder due to the physicality and Real Madrid having much better options upfront in ronaldo and bale and even benzema to some extent.
While I certainly hope that our players are better than there's, I think to say that at this early stage is ridiculous

Is this conversation actually happening.
We are never going to agree because we stick up for our team.
3 games in and we are have stupid conversations like this.

However, the one thing that fascinated me was one of your lot said sterling is better or going to be better than Di Maria. Now that is deluded.

02 Sep 2014 16:29:11
Ctr,
I think you'll find Al's trick is to ask Ed001s opinion of a player then to regurgetate it as his own opinion, I've noticed it a few times. Bless him.

02 Sep 2014 16:36:05
Agree with simonpw to be honest, well summed up.

02 Sep 2014 16:51:11
Northwestbest,

Not sure if you noticed but hardly any of the players we signed have played so far, so not sure judging our league form so far, as hilarious as being only 4 points behind your mighty Liverpool is for you, is actually the best way to do it.

Hullred - You needed a top right back, a top left back, a commanding cb and a top goalkeeper (or at the very least a gk who can compete with Mignolet).

I think Moreno is a good signing (I prefer Shaw but appreciate that there's not much in it and that each of us will probably prefer our own player simply because we signed them) but Manquillo is young, unproven and will no doubt be called back to Atheltico if he starts playing well. Lovren is a solid defender (as is Rojo) - but I don't think either is the commanding presence our clubs needed. Both add depth to the defense though. Mignolet remains something of a liability.

As touched on above - there isn't too much between the players you mentioned (Shaw and Moreno + Rojo and Lovren). I prefer Shaw because he's younger, English and has experience in the EPL and I prefer Rojo because he's quicker and more versatile. I imagine Liverpool fans will argue it the other way - and given how little difference there is between them - that's fair enough.

I think both teams have their weaknesses; but we've done considerably more to address the weaknesses we had going into the window than Liverpool, imo. The loss of Suarez leaves your first team considerably weaker than it was last season as well - so I don't see how it could ever be viewed as a successful window for you. Again, just my opinion.

Northwestbest - I can't be bothered to find the numbers; but our new signings have something like ninety minutes of game time in the league this season between them because of injuries (and Rojo's work permit issue - which I admit is a little embarrassing). Once they're fit and have bedded in we will be tearing teams apart left right and center. Squirtle and Lovren will not know what hit them!

Simon - You speak as though football's aren't round anywhere else in the world. Of course it will take time for players to settle in and get used to playing together; but will Falcao forget how to kick a ball? Will Di Maria forget how to pick a pass?

Is it Naive to think that the best striker in the world is better than a spoilt brat who's better known for his antics off the pitch than on it, a 32 year old who will likely retire at the end of the season or a player who will not play for you this season? I don't think so.

As I said to Hullred earlier in this post; there is room for debate on a few of the signings this season - but for the most part it doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell who had the better window.

Redseven
It is not naive to say one player is better than another no. It is however naive to assume that another teams transfer window is a shambles because they didn't sign for utd. That no matter how good a player is, that he will automatically settle in and perform in the premier league. There are plenty of examples to support this.
The validity of your claim cannot be based on opinion. Only points and success in the future can back this up. I have no problem with some one having an opinion but when they presume something as fact that hasn't happened yet, well yes then that is naive.
I have given my opinion as I said not on transfer fees or wages but on the needs for both clubs. It wasn't a "my dad's bigger than your dad" argument. Balls maybe the same the world over as you say. The pace, physicality, intensity and lack of space however are quite different.
As I also said in the long run you will be ok. How long depends on each individual player, manager, system and team as a whole.
The difference between Utd and us is that we can integrate a little quicker with a settled squad and system, where as you have changed major personnel, a new system and a new manager.
Its not a criticism, its a fact. When you have a more balanced team you will obviously have more consistent results.

So excited about the prospect of Di Maria,Falcao, van Persie and Rooney linking up front. I'm just wondering where Januzaj fits in. I'd like to see him play some games in the number 10 role as well as on the right.
I was a bit disappointed with Phelan's comments today. He's entitled to his opinion but at least van Gaal has seen what needs to be done and addressed it. Which is more than he ever did. I'm presuming Phelan is still looking for a job.
What does everyone reckon On Mata's future? He is being asked a big question of his ability I think. Still, it's one of those good problems: there are a lot of good attacking options available to van Gaal. Should bring the fear factor back if the goals start going in.

Simon - My assertion that your transfer window was shambolic has nothing to do with the fact that I dislike Liverpool (funnily enough I quite like Rodgers and the way he plays football) and everything to do with the fact that Liverpool simply weren't prepared for the loss of Suarez.

You were given warning signs last summer and should have known that he would try to engineer a move away this summer (or at the very least had some sort of plan in place just in case he did). Moreno and Lallana aren't bad signings and by the looks of things were planned for - but the rest? I don't think so.

Liverpool's signings after Lallana seemed to have been plucked out of thin air with very little rhyme or reason. It's almost as if Rodgers felt the need to spend the money as quickly as possible. Maybe he was scared the owners would take it from him or perhaps he was just trying to appease the fans who were beginning to realise that these days Liverpool are little more than a selling club? I don't know - but in my opinion it was handled very poorly.

You've certainly added depth to your squad - but can you honestly say that you think that you have a better first 11 this window than last? I'd find it very difficult to believe you if you did. Liverpool weren't quite good enough last year and imo have taken a step backwards rather than making the changes which could have seen them finally win the Premier League this season.

Had you taken a measured approach you could have gone all out and signed quality in the positions you needed to reinforce. Instead you blew all of the money as quickly as possible and had to settle for a young, unproven right back on a loan deal and another season with Mignolet in goal. You still don't have the commanding, solid CB you've been crying out for since Carragher started to decline either.

I'm not sure when or where I ever asserted my opinion as fact - but if you'd like I can add 'in my opinion' to the beginning of every sentence in the future? In my opinion, that would probably make it easier for you to understand when I'm stating my opinion.

I've given my honest opinion just as you have given yours - and come the end of the season we will see whose was more accurate.

Unfortunately I don't feel the need to read/comment on the message board of another club - and you Liverpool fans only seem to have started coming over here in the last season (the first in 26 years) that Liverpool have out-performed us domestically - so I probably won't get the chance to tell you 'I told you so'; but come May when you finish fifth I like to think that you'll recall this conversation and reflect that your transfer dealings this summer were perhaps not quite as good as you first though.

02 Sep 2014 13:45:01
Good news that Josh harrop, Ben pearson and James Wilson have been called for the England U20 squad (correct me if I am wrong).
Harrop have ben consistent in his performance along with ben, so a well deserved call for them.

The question here is, Are any decent defensive options available for united for from the Academy at this moment?
I can only think of Tom Thorpe, Demetri Mitchell and Varela.

Also with keane brothers and Lawrence out who will be promoted up the order?

Demetri Mitchell is a forward and imo a future starter. not a defender

02 Sep 2014 18:09:23
Rashford is one to watch too

02 Sep 2014 12:28:25
For those complaining about us strengthening a top 4 rival by selling them Welbeck, I will ask you 1 question.
Would you rather we ended the TW with Arsenal getting Falcao and us keeping Welbeck?!
I think we all know the answer.

To be honest there was a part of me hoping that it was all a big ruse and that we feigned our interest in Falcao to stop him going to Arsenal and City and pretended to be willing to allow Welbs to go to Arsenal to stop them from signing a striker.

But ask yourself this, where Arsenal really going to get him despite our interest? I don't think it was ever a straight fight as the reported wages I would bet Arsenal would of struggled with.

Overall a fantastic transfer window for us, albeit losing a good player to a rival but at the end of the day we are far better strike force than yesterday.

02 Sep 2014 13:20:50
Having Welbeck go to Arsenal has nothing to do with them not getting Falcao, they wouldn't have got him regardless.

I had hoped we would keep Welbeck, good player, plenty of pace and power, and if Van Persie needs the operation, we would only have two strikers in Rooney and Falcao.

R7, yes I forgot you don't like us signing top notch players. Very odd.

Falcao's wage Is supposedly 350000 pw arsenal would never have paid that money so don't think it was ever a option. Welbeck may go onto be a quality player for arsenal that doesn't necessarily mean he would have for us. A change of surroundings at a club that suits him. I wish him all the best because he did always try his best.

Who knows. It was interesting that Falcao mentioned interest from Real, City and Arsenal - so they must have been fairly interested. By the looks of things we were willing to pay a higher percentage of his wages than anybody else - but if we weren't you have to think he would have gone somewhere else for less. The word is that Real and City had each agreed a deal in principle at one point or another this window (Falcao's activity on Social Media and Negredo leaving leads me to believe that Balague and Tancredi were telling some truth on that one) - but given Arsenal's need for a top striker I could see them moving in at a certain price. That price is clearly lower than what we were prepared to pay - but might not have been too far from the price City and Real were interested at.

R7, Falcao was offered to RM, Chelsea, City & Arsenal. They would have all asked for the details (wages/loan fee) for example and then balked. There was never a chance Arsenal will get Falcao.

Syd - When have I ever said that I don't like us signing top players? When have I said that I'm not chuffed with the signing of Falcao?

I take issue with paying double what a player is worth and I'm not too keen on spending £60m on a player with the intention of playing them out of position. I think that paying somebody over £350k/week to kick around a piece of leather filled with air is the very definition of insanity and I'm also a little flummoxed by our decision to sign world class players who play in positions where we already have world class players whilst ignoring/skimping on positions where we really need world class players.

Aside from that though, I'm incredibly happy with the signings of Falcao and Di Maria (I appreciate this post might suggest the opposite, but I genuinely am happy with how the window went).

R7, the money these days is crazy I agree, but we needed these signings. I would rather pay crazy cash for top class than a lot of cash for players who will not improve us. We can finally look at our squad now and see the parts that need improving and wait for the best one's to come along. I think this time next year we will be in a good position to win the UCL and the league. Well let's hope so anyway :)

Syd - I agree entirely regarding the money involved in football being ridiculous. Likewise, I think we needed to sign some real world class players (to make a statement of intent as much as improving us) - I just don't understand why we didn't push harder for Vidal and Hummels (both of whom appear to have been available if we were willing to pay out what was needed).

That said; Falcao and Di Maria are both top signings and will improve us. Perhaps not to the extent that Vidal and Hummels might have - but they will certainly make us a lot more entertaining to watch next season and go some way to convincing top players and the world in general that we are still a force to be reckoned with.

02 Sep 2014 12:15:38
Personally delighted to get players at DiMaria and Falcao level.

When Cantona arrived remember his influence on the young players? Well imagine what working and training with Falcao could do for Wilson as an example . I idolised Cantona but there are now players who are world level and it could galvanise our young training with them.

The other knock on effect is other top players wanting to play with them on future . It is the start of something exciting

02 Sep 2014 11:50:22
Well, what an interesting summer window!

I was away all weekend but despite not signing the midfield general we desperately need, we can't complain.

We have signed a couple of world-beaters in Di Maria and Falcao. I hate us signing players on loan though, I get attached to them then they leave!

Falcao could potentially net us 20goals this season with the right service.

I like Blind but I'm doubtful of his ability to play as holding midfielder, which is where we'll need him to play. Hope he proves me wrong!

The Burnley game was appalling, I honestly don't know where we're going with 3-5-2. Let's hope the lads look like a new team against QPR, beating them at home 3-0 or more would be a good way to kickstart our stuttering start to the season.

Falcao could potentially get a lot more than 20. We have as many as 41 competitive games left this season (35 in the league and up to 6 in the FA Cup). Assuming he plays in every one of them and maintains his goalscoring record of 0.75/game he could get 30+.

I dare say this United team is the best he's played in - even with our problems in midfield and at the back. The players that will occupy the positions around him are certainly better than anybody he's ever played with, at least.

02 Sep 2014 11:38:06
Spoke to a Liverpool fan earlier, he said at least Liverpool didn't need to buy their way back to having a good team. I reminded him that Liverpool have just spent £120m+ on players in one window. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer I have to say.

No syd correction we have.a.net spend of 35 million.
United have a net spend of 140 million plus huge wages( falcoas especially) big difference mate.

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have a great deal more money than Liverpool - but both have increased wages.}

02 Sep 2014 12:03:59
Diddums Big Al,

Is that all they have now, you spent more money than us, my dad is bigger than your dad. Grow up.

Al, Brendan Rodgers has had more than £120m at his disposal to spend during this window. True or false?

MU have received close to £40m in sales, loan fees etc, but we have still spent well over £150m this summer on signings.

02 Sep 2014 12:41:05
Unfortunately, Al, we're a bigger club with more money coming in as a result.

It's that black and white.

And they have signed 8 players none of whom would have been of any interest to us as they simply aren't good enough.

02 Sep 2014 13:01:50
Big Al, we have more money. because we are a bigger club. we are a bigger club because we have the more fans, our fans watch and support the club in more ways the LFC fans ergo we have better fans.

Therefore if you had better fans you'd have a better team.

--joke btw--

Edd002, i'm aware.of that mate.
To the others, Sydney originally brought up the figures so yous might want to close the curtains and go back into the dark ;)
Bigger club? Yeah let me get back to you on replying to that one. **long pause**

02 Sep 2014 14:51:30
Good to see they are still as deluded as ever.

Al - Since the beginning of the Premier League era our net spend is just under £80m less than Liverpool's. Prior to the beginning of this season our net spends were more or less the same.

We've won 13 domestic league titles over that period. Remind me again how many Liverpool have won?

Sour grapes, we are the only team in England who has that sort of financial muscle even city and chelsea's balance sheet can not do what we did and until FPP they were being bankrolled by owners who did not care much for the spend in return for trophies.

Even with our expenditure we are well within our means and our financial will continue to grow and in the medium horizon only a handful of teams will be able to put that sort of money on the table.

{Ed002's Note - But Chelsea don't have an FFP issue like Manchester United. It is probably best not to bleat about it.}

02 Sep 2014 17:50:45
Ed002, are you talking about the salary increase that has exceeded the 4% allowed?

Can I ask how far away we were? Considering many players have left this summer who were on high wages, I am surprised it's increased that much.

MU still have a lot of players in the squad that were meant to leave this summer whether it be on loan or permanently. Fellaini, Anderson, Keane etc.

I guess we ran out of time. Can it be corrected in January?

{Ed002's Note - I am not getting in to detail Syd but if there are changes in January a percentile is applied.}

Thanks for the reply Ed. I can see Anderson, Fellaini, Lindegaard, Keane & Vermijl all sold in January or loaned out at least. Cleverley and Varela have just left. Many youth will go out on loan so it will come down, obviously just not enough.

Ed, can I ask about Anderson? Instead of letting him leave for free next summer, why don't MU just let him go cheaper than what they want for him? Surely something is better than nothing and his wages must be a pain?

{Ed002's Note - (a) It won't make any difference. (b) It is never as simple as that - someone needs to buy him and take on his wage demands.}

03 Sep 2014 05:41:24
Ed002

I realise chelsea do not have a FFP issue and have balanced the books very well in the last 2 windows and was referring to the years prior where the owner put over 800 million in and there were no restrictions. Chelsea for sure did not have that kind of money given their turnover or balance sheet and neither did city, where united is investing proceeds from its operations without the owners putting money in.

I realise our financial outlay of 110 net is quite a bit but given our turnover it is within the means of the club. I am not aware of the wage issue as you might be but doubt we will fall foul of regulations and the club is too well run not to mange the parameters of FFP.

This year alone if I remember correctly the projections are over 100 million of profitability or I might be wrong.

{Ed002's Note - (a) Chelsea have not had any FFP related issue since the introduction of the FFP regulations - nothing to do with the past two windows. (b) Nobody has suggested the transfer fees are an issue for Manchester United. (c) The wages are in breach of FFP regulations for a number of higher profile clubs in Europe - including Manchester United and Liverpool. (d) I have no idea why you are mentioning projected profit - it is of zero consequence.

You would do better to ignore the finances.}

02 Sep 2014 10:13:56
Wohooooo, I didn't want to post yesterday as I got too drunk, just wanted to sayy thank you to the eds for handling all the hassle over the summer.

Congrats to WoodWoody for bringing Fqlcao and Di maria in along with Shaw and Herrera, amazing window wanted Vidal but couldn't complain with what we bought.

02 Sep 2014 12:27:10
You are Drinking too much lately :P :P

Lol, You are very right my friend loll.

02 Sep 2014 09:38:06
Does anyone know when Shaw and Rafael are due back from injury. Looking at the squad I think these will be essential over the season to the way that LVG wants to play.

02 Sep 2014 08:59:54
with all the talk of falcao yesterday hitting the headlines, toby alderweireld joined southampton on loan. does anyone think he would have been a good signing to strengthen our defence?

02 Sep 2014 08:52:11
Now its all over Just want to say a thanks to all the eds particularly 002 for his / her patience and insights, I assume 004 is still locked in the bathroom looking at a picture of Falcao. I assume Syd is in the bathroom ripping up pictures of vidal and hummels, I assume Beast is trying to stick his picture of LVG back together and that Ash.da is heaing to OT with a large piece of humble pie for Mr Woodward.
007 must be delighted that Celtic have been awared an extra week in the transfer window to sign players in case they are awarded another wild card to the CL and Ed 001 is probably explaining to scouseland why they could not land the 3 remaing targets they had from Southampton.
Thanks to all for keeping yours and helping my sanity over thae last few weeks

Roll on the rst of the season in 12 weeks we will be a very formidable team. ;)

02 Sep 2014 09:48:04
I would have a lot of respect for ash.da.1 if he comes on here and states how he was wrong and made a mistake about Woodward and the constant posting saying we had 'no money'.

I imagine we may never see him again or an ash.da.2 will pop up in January.

Dont forget Fresh (EW) for his hard work and efforts in signing these new players. regardless of whether they are all we wanted/needed it is safe to say you played a blinder. Not a Fellaini in sight!
I assume now the rush is over he will be able to start regularly posting again.

02 Sep 2014 08:41:34
A good window at last.Falcaeo was a bolt out of the blue for sure and a great signing.Would have liked to have seen Hummels or Vidal but building a team takes time.We stagnated the last couple of years while others kept building and it showed, maybe now we can push on.We have good players, a good manager and woodward seems to be learning at last how to get a player, just needs to get them sooner.CL has to be the aim now and then imagine what pulling power we would have and not have to be held to ransom by clubs to get players.I do wish Wellbeck all the best and its a good move for him, along with shinji and Little pea, pity we couldn't have offloaded some of the others instead of them,

02 Sep 2014 08:28:36
Reports that Real will pay £17m for Chicarito to sign permanently at the end of the season. If this is true this is a better deal than Welbeck, at least we seem to be getting decent money for some players

Strikers always get you decent money and hence why they are the most expensive i.e. falcao when they are available. Hardest position to find quality players, lots there but very few that are really good.

02 Sep 2014 08:19:24
Everyone moaning about this window needs to chill out.

We just brought the much needed LB that everyone wanted -Shaw
The high energy midfielder that everyone wanted last year - Herrera
Two absolute world class players to the envy of every opposition fan in the PL - Di-Maria & Falcao
The best left footed defender from the world cup - Rojo
A solid defensive minded midfielder who could develop the passing skills of Pirlo (if a certain RVP assist at the WC so anything to go by).

All of the above other than Falcao can play more than one position (all positions we needed cover for)

Include all the under performing players we just shopped out (even the ones that did not go its clear now that LVG does not want them) I think we had a great window.
Some may complain about Welbeck going but we just replaced is usual starting positions with two world class players who are just as quick yet in different league to Danny when comes to out and out skill and composure on the ball.

02 Sep 2014 07:25:04
Eds, is RVP likely to have his Op now or will he wait and be used less with Rooney and Falcoa playing more and will Wilson step up to the bench more?

{Ed002's Note - I would think there is a good chance.}

02 Sep 2014 08:52:24
How long will he be out then?? 6 months??

02 Sep 2014 07:37:31
Honestly looking at man united squad its like a dream team, I remember eds saying a week or so ago well look back on this transfer window and laugh about how worried we got, could not have put it better. So excited for the new season, and people, we signed 2/3 defenders and 1/2 midfielders (seeing blind as a bit of both)

I may be swing but I think we also signed a forward :-)

Swing? Clearly I am swing but I meant wrong

02 Sep 2014 05:05:50
hello Eds and fellow Reds,

great site here. one question though has Rojo granted work permit yet? thanks in advance

02 Sep 2014 03:36:56
So, Falcao, Blind, Di maria, Rojo, Shaw, Herrera and young Gk. Good summer transfer for this season but I think we still need cm and cb but we can give chance to youngster to progress. But still disappointed that we sold kagawa and welbeck. I think LVG now better for his formation and philosophy. I hope Manchester United can compete for top 4. Thank ed for this summer rumors and thankz a lot for Woodward give us hope to fight for UCL this season.

02 Sep 2014 03:00:02
Well welbeck has gone he wanted to be the main striker yet isn't good enough for that position he always gave his all, but seriously he couldn't get his arse out quick enough.
Good luck to him in his career

Yep we've successfully hounded out one of our own. Congratulations all round.

The only time Ill ever celebrate a goal against us. Is if Danny Scores it.

Bit harsh Constantine. I love Welbeck but he hasn't delivered. Nor has he been hounded out, he's always had the fans' support but sadly hasn't developed the way we would have liked. I hope he's a real success at Arsenal and if he is, then we know there is something wrong at OT

A little harsh maybe .could you say the same of what's happening to Cleverly?

search Welbeck here and on social media sites and youll see the comments weren't always this total support you talk of and then factor in how many people read this site and what influence that has and then factor in the players own curiosities of what's been said of him. No doubt in my mind fans that thought him useless won the day and drove him out.

now Arsenal have our Gem( is Wenger a fool?) and I do blame fans for that .I liked him as a player and what he brought to the play. Criminally undervalued.
He's a local lad that wore our shirt with pride and had a focus to earn that for years and years to get into that 1st team.

He deserves nothing less than total respect Ajh.

He was our most dangerous attacker against Real Madrid that day and I wish him luck. He will surprise a few.

And Ajh to say he hasn't delivered. he's had hardly any time in the strikers position and when he finally did get there we had a failing midfield and the strikers ended up carrying more load than they should have. in a fully working team Danny would have come good. Anyways, what's done is done.

let me have my moment of dissapointment for him

02 Sep 2014 02:26:04
This is gospal now . I really can't stop laughing . I'm keeping the missis awake . I've now got stitch .

Brendan Rogers says " We need class players Like " Lallana & Lambert to play in the Champions League! . then united go and sign Di maria & falcao with NO champions league! . HAHAHHA I really can't stop laughing .

Man, you have just been bent over and screwed in the signings of Di Maria and Falcao. We shall see how well Lallana plays at Liverpool but in the mean time, enjoy yourself in the Carling Cup! You are still in that, aren't you?

Kill

Not sure why you found it so funny. Like it or not they finished 2nd last year and look tidy this year. I think we should all hunker down and focus on our team, particularly given our form so far the year

02 Sep 2014 01:53:34
Wow wow just wow . I was not convinced with Di maria signing but now with Falcao we are going to score a lot of goals with Di maria feeding him along with mata!. he is just a goal machine, the best striker on the planet . wow just wow . I can't wait to see him play . I for one will buy the 3rd kit with 9 Falcao!

02 Sep 2014 09:32:43
Don't let Kloot hear you say that!

02 Sep 2014 01:35:46
So Micheal Keane has joined Burnley on Loan until January. So we have 3 CB not including Rojo whose permit issues have not yet been resolved and Blackett.

Not to complain but Smalling, Jones and Evans are rather injury prone (which we tend to get a lot of around December). It seems we are a little light at the back right now given. What does everyone else think?

I think he we revert back to 4 at back now using only 2 center backs .

01 Sep 2014 23:16:36
Busy window and some great additions that were completely unexpected. Big thanks to all the Eds for your insight and opinion. It's going to be an interesting season!

{Ed007's Note - Thanks very much, you are all welcome.}

01 Sep 2014 23:01:18
Window closed, big thanks to all the Eds!

02 Sep 2014 01:22:37
yeah and the Ed at mufc.

02 Sep 2014 00:02:45
Wellbeck given enough opportunities under SAF and moyes, he failed to show any united qualities of a striker. we got 16 million which is a good money for him. Finishing is the important attribute of a striker which he is not doing at the moment. I don't know what fans are complaining for. Even CR7 complains real madrid's transfer activity!

How many games did he play centrally? I can't recall too many, myself.

Welbeck was always played out of position. Remember when Rooney was played out of position by SAF and he made a big stink about it? Well beck has never complained, he got on with the job with no complaints and did the best he could. He was always giving it his all, he is not a preMadonna like many. Stop hating on him and be happy that there is a team that recognizes his hardwork. Gunners are doing much better and I hope he thrives there

There were reports he did complain when he was played out of position, which is a bit odd because quite a lot of the time he didn't look like a centre forward. But I liked Danny and good luck to him.

No matter where he started on the pitch a chance on goal is a chance on goal and how many people would have put there house on Wellbeck to score. Exactly nice hard working lad but hard work should be standard talent is what makes top players and top clubs.