Manchester United Banter Archive December 30 2013

30 Dec 2013 23:32:51
Going to be at a wedding all day tomorrow, and then on to a family party, so I'll get this in early.

Hope everyone on here has a very happy and prosperous New Year, and you're lucky enough to spend it with your loved ones.

And when I say 'everyone', I mean EVERYONE. Both those who I tend to agree with in general, like AJH, Brendan and Shahram.

AND those who are wrong :)

Again, another wee shout out to all those working in our emergency services on New Year's Eve. I dodged it, but just hope everyone gets back to their families safe and sound.

And finally lads, one word of caution, totally un-football related.

I had to deal with a young lad last week, who's now critically ill in a coma, after his mate felled him with ONE punch during a drunken row over a woman on a night out.

Go out and enjoy yourselves, but please be careful. It really is that easy for it all to go pear-shaped.

Lecture over. All the best guys.

{Ed007's Note - Have a great time Stevie. I have to say one thing I don't miss about drinking is the hangovers!}

Unfortunately Bond, at my age, the hangovers can last until the next night out.

Those feckers who used to advertise 'Guinness is good for you', have a lot to answer for :)

Happy Hogmanay, mate - really miss being back in Scotland at this time of year.

{Ed007's Note - That's an easy trap to fall into buddy lol I tried to drink all the Guinness (and Buckfast) they could make! I was never one for the whole Scottish Hogmany stuff, folk that are allowed their one bevvying session a year making out they are your best pals.
I never needed an excuse and while they were all sitting watching X-Factor on a normal Saturday night I was out with my 'mates' keeping my local boozer and dancing in business.
Once you stop drinking though you find out they were never your real 'mates' and were only drinking acquaintances, the drink was the mutual friend that we met through.
There's a wee anecdote to set you on your way lol, all the best when it comes :)

Don't know if I want to go out now, you depressing bugger :)

{Ed007's Note - Aye right, ya jakeball... :)

My grandad used to make his own alcohol out of potatoes, think it was called po-ching or something, that was always a test for the liver. I nearly puke thinking about it now :-)

I know what you mean ed, I didn't drink for 8 years for different reasons. The only thing I missed which I have started again was a drink with the wife and close friends, I left Bill & Bob behind for a while but I might go back and see how they are. Happy new year all!

LOL

Stevie you have a great one and wish you a great new year.


I am not sure who has been to Vegas lately but there is this place believe it or not that they give you a booster shot and and IV specifically designed for hangovers and you go in feeling awful( bachelor party for a friend that was a 4 day marathon of things not to do) and come out revving to go out and fresh as a pea.

Leave it to Vegas to figure it out. I was telling my partner what a great idea and someone should set these things up in every major city in Europe.

Happy New Year to everyone and hope your new year resolution come true.

Sorry ed. I can't comprehend this "stop drinking" you speak of? and of course Guinness is good for you, although I had to complain to J. Arthur the other week when only 9 of the 10 pints worked the next day.
Happy new year all and as I live in Scotland I'm going to Hog(as)Manay pints as I can.

30 Dec 2013 20:41:58
Back in May I stated I'd rather have Martinez than Moyes.

Having won the FA Cup and now in front albeit ever so slightly of us.

But playing vastly more expansive football to us.

My question to you guys who doubted me thoughts then do you still now.

Bear in mind Lukaku loan, Barry Loan and McCarthy perm.

Or Fellani 28 mill when we could of have him for 23 mil.

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.

Martniez couldn't get Wigan out of the relegation zone for much of the season where he won the FA cup. He's not proved that he can remain competitive over a longer period of time which is the most important thing that a lot of managers lack.

I have no doubt that Moyes is a better manager for us than Martinez. When he brings in some much needed quality we'll be playing more attractive football and be head of heels better than Everton so don't you worry.

Moyes was appointed manager and that's all that matters.

How fickle they are 3 points ahead of us and exactly where they were last year under Moyes.

They will go all wrong in the last 6 games of the season.

Carloto, sometimes it's as simple as that.

Well said, sir.

As highlighted by carloto and seconded by StevieK Moyes is the manager. But it is worth bearing in mind Martinez is playing better football. He is getting Everton to play better football than moyes ever did. He is clearly a good manager/ coach. Wigan did get relegated, but they had a tiny budget and lost key players season after season. Blaine's, rodellega, Valencia to name but a few. Come on DM, sign a player or two and get us moving up the table.

Everton were 5 + 6 throughout Jan 2012.

Having accumulated 3 points less at this stage.

Having never beat a United side away.

Moyes has never played attractive football.

Martinez struggled at the bottom yes, but Moyes never got into the champions league, or won a trophy in a rein nearly treble of what Martinez's Wigan tenure.

Coupled with a vastly superior transfer budget.

30 Dec 2013 19:00:21
are Manchester United interested in reus? I read somewhere utd want barkley and are willing to pay 50 mil that a bit much. I think personally think utd could get gundogan and reus for 60 mil why is barkley priced so highly. one more thing why i'd there interested in baines I think evra is better than baines and he is 28 if he is building for the future would shaw or coentrao be a better option?

Don't believe a word from the papers. I can assure you we would never pay 50 for berkeley or 40 for Reus.

Neither worth that kind of money. I think Gundogan and Koke would be ideal. Matic would also be a great signing.

I would prefer Shaw or Moreno given their age and would probably mean we will offer Evra one more year. I have not watched Ricardo Rodriguez but people here rate him highly so he might be an option. Do not like fazouli and hope we don't go near him.

Whilst everyone is talking about new arrivals, I think watching who leaves will also provide clues for who might be coming in.

GCU

How can u say Marco Reus isn't worth £40 million in this day and age? He's worth every penny

Evra will not get a new contract and don't write of a big bid for Barkley

Long rant

You know it is transfer season when people want us to take Fort knox with us to the negotiating table :)

BIg Mac

Because he is not and I get the feeling sometimes when people keep talking up a name, many without ever watching the player enough get motd fever suddenly think we should be throwing silly money at very player linked to us and the press just write bs stuff. We don't need to spend 40 million for a really good left winger.

Don't get me wrong he is good player but not worth 40 million. That sort of money is generally spent on forwards or world class midfielders and you will not find many clubs ever spending that sort of money on a winger and he is no number 10.


Katef

I would not write off evra depending on how our other dealings go. He is a big influence in the dressing room and a warhorse, who plays almost 55 to 60 games a year. He might have defensive frailties but not every player in a squad is suppose to be great.

I think the Barkeley stuff is just pure lazy journalism and last year it was Wilshire, who was worth 40 to 50 million and now he is flavor of the month at the moment. Before any player is rated at those lofty numbers specially at his age they need to demonstrate they can do it for a couple of seasons. If he is worth 50 mil then Pogba is worth a 100 mate as he is twice the player.

I will puke if we ever offered that sort of money for him. At 25 million maybe but that is also questionable as where do you play him and he will want to play and not interested in being a squad player. Go ahead and put up a line up and see where you can fit him in.

Reus is a top player but maybe a wee bit overrated on this site?
40 mill would be a lot for him but sometimes you need to pay over the odds

2 most expensive players ever were wingers

Jred

Is he worth 40 million and given what we have and what we need as priorities?

Do you spend 40 million for a left winger?

We have 5 wingers (Zaha, Janujaz, Young, Nani, Valencia) on the books and the young lad at birmingham that many like here and believe he is first team quality.

If we are going to spend 35 million, it has to be a top cm and preferably 2.

No team can win at the highest level without world class midfielders and we are in dire need of a couple.

I think Reus is fantastic. Went to see him tear Ireland apart last year. Worth every penny if he goes for £40m.

Keyz

They are winger/forwards and different to Reus and please don't even compare him to Bale or Ronaldo mate. I though bale at 60 million was worth it.

G.A.G.U.S.

It is just my opinion and we shall see if he goes for that kind of money this summer, I doubt anyone beside psg or city will fork out that kind of fee.

I agree about Evra he has been top draw for us but this is his last season of this I am shore he nearly went this summer if we had signed Baines he would of been back up for a year if not this window and barkley is a world class talent he would cost 40m and he would fit right in at united as I am shore he can play multiple positions in the middle from playmaker to breaker up, he is the real deal much like Wilshere is but unlike Wilshere he is attainable and he is in my opinion on the same level as Pogba all be it a year behind in first team progress

I'm agreeing with God Created United her when it comes to Barkley, yes he is a top talent in whom I would love to see wearing the united badge but where in the current team does he fit, 4231 is out main set up, he would be wasted if played in the 2 and most likely would join for it, the 3 is his line and usually the central spot but that is usually occupied by wazza or kagawa hence wouldn't be a starter

With today's prices, Reus is worth £40 million if not more, when you look at the likes of Bale and neymars prices, I think uniteds biggest weakness is not realising you have to play big money nowadays, if fellaini is worth £27 million then Reus is priceless

Reus is a £30m player IMO. £40m is too much even in this day and age.

Reus in not worth 40 million, not a chance. What has he actually done to deserve a price tag like that?
I wouldn't pay anymore than 30 million for him.

Bigmac

Reus is no bale and he is definitely no Neymar mate. This is not a fellaini discussion and just because we were stupid on that one it does not make the case to pay over the odds on other transfers.

Draxler is a better left winger imo and this dortmund team is good as a unit when they are healthy but maybe the players are being too overhyped. Sahin and Kagawa since leaving have not exactly set the world on fire but looked awesome when they played at Dortmund.

If anything it looks like Gundogan is the guy who pulls all the strings and they have sorely missed him and he is worth pushing the boat out for.

I am hoping DM maybe finds us some gems like he did at everton without us having to get raped on fees. Coleman at 60,000 must be the find of last 10 years.

30 Dec 2013 18:42:07
Come on let's go for the players to improve our team both the Champions League and Premiership title thus we sign players who aren't cup tied, so I believe it would be good if we go for Lallana, Baines, Barkley and Ribeiro

And then release

Anderson on loan
Buttner on loan
Sell Nani

30 Dec 2013 16:25:18
Dream January:
Koke 30m
Barkley 40m
Shaw 18m

{Ed004's Note - Would rather Gundogan or Reus instead of Barkley for that money}

It would never happen, but I'd go for Reus, Gundogan & Moreno.

I wouldn't be at all surprised at Griezmann, Koke & Coentrao though between now and September.

Everton Fc Your in my heart, your in my soul, is going mad about United sitting down to discuss us bidding £50 million for Barkley, with lots of Bluenoses suggesting £100 million or £50 million plus Rooney and RVP! Jokers!

£40 million for Barkley? You have to be mad. He is a £20 million player at most - these inflated prices are ridiculous.

My predictions for January are Coentrao, probably a winger like Griezmann and also perhaps something like Cabaye, Gundogan or Koke.

We don't need Barkley, yes he is a top young talent but we already have ours, Januzaj and Powell are both coming through the ranks and we can't occupy all of these youngsters.

I would be happy with a new LB such as Coentrao and a midfielder, Cabaye perhaps?

Cant see Barkley or Shaw signing. koke would be nice or Herrera just to get us ticking. Moreno would be nice aswell. I think we need to spend well this time and make sure we get a couple of top players in. Then we can keep in touch at the top of the league and try and bring some silverware home from the cups.

Shaw for £18m? NOT FOR SALE, even at the rumoured £30m being offered. The player has stated repeatedly, and recently, he is staying put and the club have stated repeatedly, and recently, he is not for sale.

Hope your "dreams" re the opposite sex are a little more realistic, otherwise 2014 is going to be really frustrating!

Saint

Come August 2014 he will not be at Southampton is any of the big 4 decide to put in a bid.

LOL Everyone is not for sale until the big clubs show up and put money on the table and amazing how the players themselves push for the move. Unless you believe he wants to stay at southampton and aspire to Win an FA or league cup?

Baines will not be bought 22m with add ons no chance, Barkley too expensive we pissed everton off, supposedly bid will go in for herrera and koke but only buy 1 if we can

Pardoe

Those 2 would be ideal signings if they ever happened and would be an incredible window.

No, GCU, he wants to play Champions League-which is more than he would do at Utd. in 2014/2015!
Apart from the question of you qualifying, would you play a 19 year old in CL? Can't see it happening and this is why you can forget him. Saints give youngsters a chance (3 English 18 year olds playing at Everton) and whilst Saints are continuing to progress players like Shaw will stay.

30 Dec 2013 14:10:44
Probably one of my last posts this year! I hope all you regulars and onlookers have had as good a Christmas as I have had!

Interesting rumours surrounding the club, I think it's going to be quite an exciting transfer window starting Wednesday. One of the best signings we could make would be getting Rooney on a new long term deal, whilst his future is still in question I still think he will sign on.

An inside source apparently told a reputable website that "The owners are keen to make a statement by backing David fully, so expect two or three big bids at least in January, " - if this is the case then I would be happy - although it doesn't say we will get two or three haha.

The Baines transfer is still being mooted but I think that's a lost cause now - throwing more money at Everton isn't likely to go down too well with a lot of United fans. The news that Coentrao is likely to be available has made him the favourite for us to sign in January either on loan or on a permanent deal. Then I would hope for perhaps one more player, I'm distancing myself from the likes of Reus because it won't happen. But Koke, Griezmann or someone like that is not an impossible thought.

30 Dec 2013 11:58:23
Sydney: will Everton or Newcastle finish above us?

Erm. No Sydney!

I also doubt Liverpool, Arsenal or Tottenham will finish above us.

Out of interest, we have a poor midfield and poor wings. Widely accepted. Would anyone on here take Henderson, Allen, Sterling or Coutinho FOR FREE? I wouldn't.

I would take Coutinho and Henderson to be honest and pay. They are better than a few of our midfielders.

Dodgy, while I whole heartedly endorse your overall sentiment, I am a little shocked at your not so generous verdict on Coutinho. He is the one that keeps the Dippers ticking. Brilliant little player that the scousers have managed to steal!

Deeps.

30 Dec 2013 14:00:48
I agree Deeps but I don't see him being there long term.

Coutinho is a decent player, he is the only player worth taking out of that list.

I am surprised teams don't target him more. Battering him would keep him out of the game.

With the squad that we have now, and the respective squad of the teams around us, I expect that the top 7 will be:

Man City
Chelsea
United
Arsenal
Liverpool
Everton
Spurs

Then its a fight between the Toon and S'ton for 8th.

Dodgy love your loyalty but do you honestly see Arsenal dropping out of the top 4? Liverpool were unlucky not to get something away at city and Chelsea where as Everton with 10 men for most of the match could have and should have beaten Sunderland.
In your own words we do not kill teams off and look less than impressive at Hull and Norwich.
Like all Utd fans ill take the points for now and pray we can challenge for a CL spot but realistically can not see beyond 5th or 6th
Yes we may buy in January so might our rivals

Acker - we haven't been playing at full strength all season. Yes, we need some players to challenge for the title. But we are still the same championship winning squad.

A combination of injuries and poor form has seen us have one of the worst half seasons we've had in years. As Sydney stated on the original thread, I think we will get much stronger in the second half. These other teams will fade away over the course of the season.

Of course only time can tell. It's all opinion. I could be proved wrong or right. I'll gladly accept I'm from the more optimistic side of life. Nothing wrong with that, just as there's nothing wrong with being more pessimistic!

I don't think Coutinho is better than Januzej, Kagawa, Rooney, Welbeck, Nani, Powell, even Young and Anderson! Lallana is far better.

Maybe I'll look foolish if spurs spank us, but maybe, just maybe, I won't ;)

Dodgy don't mean to sound pessimistic but realistic. If you look back to previous post I have always fully supported the current squad and wouldn't disagree with the transfer targets suggested. Given we her and mourinho experience and city's squad are best hope in my opinion is to overall the 2 merseyside teams. The form of Liverpool 2nd half of last season and the season suggest they are not a flash in the pan.
I don't expect Moyes to win anything this season but a top 4 finish is a must

30 Dec 2013 11:39:42
Happy new year lads

Hope its full of health and prosperity for you and your family's

I look forward to you al visiting the arsenal page in may to congratulate the mighty arsenal on being champions

Why do u have city supporters on there ;-)

LOL

If we don't win it by some miracle, I would be happy to congratulate you guys, instead of Chelsea or City.

BTW chelsea is getting all the right calls at the moment from the refs and should have had 2 sent off yesterday.

30 Dec 2013 10:25:31
Not long now until the transfer window open lads. Who do we all see us trying to buy and do you think any of other big clubs will go all out?

I see Chelsea spending a big sum of money this window tbh, mour wants a striker and CMer to challenge on all fronts, I see us maybe signingca LB and CMer at best

Yeah Chelsea obviously need a striker and I think mourinho will want to make a bit more of a stamp on the chelsea team. i'd take a Lb and Cm but would welcome a left winger aswell. I Know we can't expect too much but moyes needs to start taking the shape of His united side.

I'd love an exchange deal involving Hernandez and Kags leaving to Dortmund and Reus joining. Powell can do what Kagawa has been doing, and BVB will be loosing Lewandowski to Bayern soon so they'll need a replacement

I see Chelsea going for another striker, City going for absolutely anyone they fancy. Liverpool need another forward and probably a defender. Arsenal just need more players.

We all know our weaknesses, I think Coentrao and Griezmann could be the two. Strengthen the left side and get by with Jones covering in midfield till the summer is what I expect. Although a surprise move for Cabaye would be nice.