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30 Jul 2014 23:04:25
Zaha is saying all the right things in his interview, it makes for a good read. If LVG believes in him then I cannot see why he can't be an exciting forward for us - he could be the next one to make that break through like Januzaj did. Really can't wait to see how Januzaj comes back and does for us, will be interesting to see where he plays and what role he has under LVG. He could be LVG's next Muller or Iniesta that he brings through.
30 Jul 2014 22:12:03
Lol Rooney out anyone?
Nah only kidding, seriously wtf is going on? Are really debating if wellbeck is better than Cavani? Cause he's not end of!
I rate the lad, quite a bit actually and can totally see where fresh is coming from, the fact is we dnt need Cavani and we could do without selling wellbeck the way I see it, wellbeck offers us something different. Its also is a fact Cavani woud be an upgrade on wellbeck, but to me this transfer would mean a lot of fart arsing around, he would not be coming to replace wellbeck he would be coming to replace one of RVP or Rooney prob the latter, u have made my feelings quite clear on Rooney but I would not sell him to acquire Cavani, the striking department for me is not an area we really need to strengthen tbh.
This whole rumour seems to me to be 1 created by an agent to drum up interest for his client.
30 Jul 2014 22:21:59
Was watching a video of TOM LAWRENCE and thought I would share it with everyone.
If this lad can do even half of what this video shows, then we don't need another winger.
I was delighted to see Giggs give him a chance. Is he on the tour squad? If he is I haven't seen him.
31 Jul 2014 00:20:01
He reminds a lot of a younger Giggs in his playingstyle and tempo.
30 Jul 2014 22:03:50
Red Man Sheringham failed in some of the things he tried to pull off.
Welbeck has pulled it off a few times to remember. team clicks effective midfield better Danny? no one would disagree the more of it would be better. but he's intelligent for sure Red Man.
Easy cliche. He wouldn't be where he is now without belief inside camp in his ability and temperament. Knowing the quality of the clubs expectations of an acadamy graduate. you know how many are moved on mate. consider this Welbeck training long before entering the first team but training with Vidic and Ferdinand at a time they were still at a world class level. We know the level of our defenders and he would have had to impress consistantly prior to being loaned out and brought back.
Argument is does he have presence in the big games. yep
Constantine
Physical presence yes, composure and football brain in front of goal, no. Unless that changes he cannot be first choice for me.
30 Jul 2014 21:55:32
Cavani-gate, but who will side with Sydney and who will side with Fresh!?
LVG - He'll find room for both of them in his team, he'll propose a new 1-10-1. A wall of ten mediators linking then together - Both!
Vidal - he'll run rings round em, he's a one man team will eat Syd and Fresh for breakfast - Neither!
Ferdinand - no one much cares anymore, but whoever he picks he'll go on and on and on about it on his twitter feed -?
Rooney -Never forgave Syd for his comments last winter, Fresh has been a loyal subject - Fresh!
Anderson - Pizza?
RVP - He's been impressed with Sydney ever since he stated he'd be "world class" till he was 40 - Sydney!
Woody-wood-wood - hopefully he's got more important business in hand! Get on with it Woody! - Neither!
SAF - both show far to strong an opinion for SAF's liking. Afraid it's his way or the highway - The highway!
Bond - Sydney sneaks in at the death with a bribe, buckfast and an old Celtic VHS - Sydney!
Feel free to add any others you can think of, lighten the mood a little bit :)
30 Jul 2014 23:07:38
Love it, Dodgy.
Tom Cleverley's vote would be interesting.
Does he stick with Syd, to repay all the loyalty in the early years, or does he bat his eyelashes at Fresh, now that Syd has so scandalously betrayed him, and dropped him like a hot potato?
I think Tom would appreciate Fresh's consistency on the 'Cleverley - good enough for Utd' debate, rather than that back-stabber Syd :)
My young daughter asked if this is similar to the vampire programme her older cousins watch.apparently we need to be team Syd or team Fresh!
30 Jul 2014 21:03:26
Supasub,
only just seen your post from last night. Are you challenging me to a "break off"? If so I'm ready. Got me Troop trainers and shell bottoms on. The mullet is combed, cap on backwards and Axel F is playin in the background. Word up, bitch lol.
"Troop trainers" haha, remember them well. I'm a bit scared but I will buff up my Africa badge and slip on my public enemy onesie.
Get the lino flooring out, some Mr sheen spray, pass me a babycham & brandy and a tube of deepheat (for any injuries to myself)and I'm good to go. I'll fetch my break dance 2 electric boogaloo soundtrack tape. And erm my coat.
30 Jul 2014 21:21:13
To Fresh!, Sydney! and others, we now have a Drag and Drop Team Formations app, you can use to create any manchester united team to show others.
That's a quality addition to the site Eds and it will make it a lot easier to view potential teams and formations and saves people going to other sites to do it! Good thinking ;)
That's great!
Thanks Eds appreciate all the hard work you guys do
31 Jul 2014 08:47:27
Just brilliant :) :)
30 Jul 2014 20:01:23
Just my opinion, but it think that Fresh has gone a bit stale, Sydney is not, as some sources have reported, esteemed actor Sidney Poiter, and ed007 is probably comprised of 70% irn bru and 29% beamish, the other 1% is a mystery. Just opinions so don't question me.
Banter
Supple term used to describe activities or chat that is playful, intelligent and original. Banter is something you either posses or lack, there is no middle ground. It is also something inherently English, stemming as it does from traditional hi-jinks and tomfoolery of British yesteryear.
"You, sir, are drunk"
"Maybe so but you are ugly and I will be sober in the morning"
"Good banter sir"
Danny gets it.
My favourite post of the day, haha.
Here is a cryptic crossword clue for banter.
Friendly exchange of views at the bar with one of Tolkein's drunken tree folks.
Sorry, cryptic crosswords have always left me clueless!
30 Jul 2014 19:44:08
Some feisty posts today. Surely predicting United would finish 25 points ahead of Liverpool last year was, with hindsight, clueless. I love the banter but I also agree with the post that said less vocal posters might be put off. Let's be clear, I am not aware that any of us have inside information and we simply give our opinions. The more people we have contributing the better. Just bra use you disagree doesn't make me or you clueless. Just look at the Rooney debate, people I usually agree with have a completely different opinion on him to. That's life.
You are quite entitled to your opinion mate, but let's just leave it at that, eh. Start talking about your bra use and you'll look a right tit :)
30 Jul 2014 19:34:08
No phone signal at work again today so only just logged on to catch up on the days post. But having now read it, I have to say you are ALL clueless!
Fight, fight, fight:)
30 Jul 2014 20:36:04
Lol today this site has been more like an episode of eastenders.
On a transfer related note, looks like the Vidal-saga will be cleared up soon with MY OPINION that it's looking likely. Fingers crossed! :)
Lol, me too Betty. Perhaps too much sun is getting to people
CLUELESS? YOU don't EVEN KNOW ME
30 Jul 2014 19:07:53
The debate is getting a bit down the page now, so to start a fresh:
Sydney, who would you take out the team for Cavani? Rooney or Van Persie? The striker position isn't really a concern and it will be well overstocked anyway with Welbeck looking for games, Will Keane looking to develop, Januzaj will probably either up there or in Mata's spot, Zaha could flourish there.
If fit, nine times out of ten, Rooney and RVP start. None of Cavani, Rooney or RVP would accept starting from the bench on a regular basis and the best strikers are often made by a partnership that is gained by playing together regularly. Cavani would confuse matters up front.
You forgot wilson.
Cavani in - Rooney out
everyone's happy :)
Rooney out Cavani in, leaves more room for Kagawa and gets rid of this obsession of letting Rooney play deeper. 10 is covered by Mata, Kags and Adnan. Up front we'd have RVP, Cavani, Welbz and Wilson (hernadez will be leaving sadly) I loved Rooney up until 2010, since then he's been dead to me.
I wouldn't take either out personally as both are better than Cavani IMO
To be fair who actually cares what syd thinks or fresh or anyone for that matter if its your own view it will not change bo one can make you no matter what they said, its borderline childish to bicur about who got the right view if u ask people this or that how bout think and understand people have diffrent views show some respect for there view I read countless post I don't agree with or have a diffrent view no need to be so harsh to shoot people dwn
Welbeck out Cavani in. Nah just joking, no room for Cavani but Cavani IS better than Welbeck.
30 Jul 2014 20:03:48
Jono, you can't just say that.
Rooney is one of the best players in our squad, probably the best after the matches against Inter, L.A and Roma.
That's a brilliant beard by the way Jono
I have made it perfectly clear down the page who I would move on to make room for Cavani.
For what it is worth my opinions on this are:
Van Gaal will build current team with Van Persie in mind, the tour has shown him how good Rooney is so I think they are nailed on to start in a 3512 formation.
When on form Cavanni is better than Wellbeck and at one stage I thought a front pairing of Cavanni and Rooney would scare most premiership defenders. That said Cavanni had an awful world cup and is probably suffering from being played out of position by PSG. The same would be the case for us.
With all that said and done, I can't justify the cost to bring him in when Wellbeck adds a different dimension to our game with his pace and I think Van Gaal would like to see how he can be developed.
There are far more pressing areas of the team to spend 60m on!
{Ed008's Note - Playing 3512 would just be cheating!
I'd happily move our Wayne on but I wouldn't sign Cavani. Over rated and over priced. Just my opinion of course
Not sure I know how to get to the bottom of the page though Syd :/
30 Jul 2014 21:29:09
I don't actually think Utd want Cavanni. I think we are stringing PSG along whilst we try and convince di Maria to sign for us. We know PSG need to sell to balance their books or UEFA will nail them under FFP. Let's hope it is brilliant brinkmanship by ed I might not be as useless as I seem woodywoodward.
Fresh, you do know that when I said "clueless" I meant you haven't got a clue what you are talking about regarding the subject. I didn't mean you were clueless in life, mentally challenged for example.
Ed, waybe we should try it with DDG playing as one of the 3 CB's. As long as he wears his keepers kit it would be allowed, wouldn't it?
30 Jul 2014 21:16:04
Maybe we could sneak the extra on, 008!
30 Jul 2014 18:51:57
So I've missed the whole Cavani/Welbeck fight today thankfully :-). Just my own views on the matter. I agree with Syd that Cavani over Welbeck in a straight fight isn't even a close contest. With our Current personnel his acquisition would be very strange though. However, if we were to buy Cavani, Vidal and Hummels and sell Fellaini, Welbeck, Hernandez, Nani, Keane and Lingard, then I would be all for it.
With options for the 2 striker positions of RVP, Cavani, Rooney, Zaha and Wilson. Options for the number 10 role of Mata, Kagawa and Januzaj. Options for the 3 CM roles of Vidal, Herrera, Kagawa (at times as in pre season), Fletcher, Carrick and Cleverley. Options for WB's of Shaw, Young, Rafael, Valencia and James. Options for the 3 CB's of Hummels, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Blackett and Keane and options for GK of DeGea, Lindegaard and Johnson, we would be in a great position going into the new season.
i would rather give Zaha a chance to be the fast central attacker ahead of Welbeck as I don't see him improving enough to make giving him more chances worth while, I'd also like rid of Young but don't see LVG selling him.
Are we playing 12 a side next year Brendan :-). Only joking.
Long day, you get what I mean tho :-)
30 Jul 2014 21:14:33
Clueless, Brendan. Absolutely clueless :)
Now now Stevie, you'll start upsetting people again with that kind of disgraceful behaviour :-)
30 Jul 2014 18:50:40
Looking at our squad at the moment, there are some obvious concerns. For a start, we need another centre back and we need another centre mid, and realistically they need to be top class players, with good experience, as we are weakest in those areas.
Other than that I think we need to sign a versatile player who can play left wing back and right wing back. Almost a shame we sold Fabio because he can cover both positions, especially with the extra cover the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 provides for the wing backs. Potentially we could resign him for the small fee we sold him for with Carfiss being relegated. Whoever we sign, they need to cover both positions, and they need to be happy to be a squad player. Other than Fabio, who could we sign? Maybe we could visit the Southampton summer sale again, for Clyne. Other options could be Santon or Danilo. Thoughts guys?
30 Jul 2014 18:24:53
What's everyone thinking of this new system and formation? I personally would have preferred the 4-3-3 if we could get the personnel? But as van gaal has said it's trying to fit the best of the current personnel into a side.
In a perfect world I would rather we got a top CDM, CB and a winger. Play mata and Herrera in a 3 midfield with a new CDM play januzaj and a new winger either side of Rooney or RVP.
I'm still a little sceptical about this new formation. The players are still adapting to it though. We really need a top class cm and cb to give this formation a really good shape. Hummels and Vidal would be the perfect fit(obviously). With Herrera, Vidal and Mata in mid-field we would definitely be one of the title contenders.
30 Jul 2014 17:52:38
I agree with Sydney over cavani wellbeck debate. Wellbeck is not a footballer lke wall cot he's an athlete. Can't controll the ball 1st touch is shocking. Can't score in a brothel he's like a very poor version of andy cole who needed 3 chances to score. Cavani would be a realy good buy.
But I'm desperate for us to sign 2 cm players and 2 cb and a reus or bendner type player
Mind you for me I would sell Rooney and wellbeck as I don't rate either. Romney has to be the most overrated English player in years. He'll be like a 35 year old in 2 years time because he was so developed at a young age.
I'm sure a lot of you will disagree with me but like fresh said we all have our opinion.
30 Jul 2014 18:14:37
With that spelling are you sure your name isn't Craig?
Cavani is a better player than welbeck and that's why he would cost 50 mill.
But I don't think we would buy cavani to replace welbeck. If we buy cavani it would be to replace either rooney or rvp.
I think it unlikely unless rvp is off to juve as part of the vidal deal
Clearly a troll guys, "a Reus or Bendner type player"
With Chelsea getting £24mil for Lukaku, Torres being hawked everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if they either come in for Rooney again or go for Cavani. I bet Rooney has a clause allowing him to be sold to a UK team if a fee is met, as this was the major issue last summer (Moyes was desperate).
If we sell Rooney to Chelsea then this Cavani stuff makes more sense.
Auto correct on my ipad . agggghhhh
Keeps changing everything.
I meant Reus or bender german internationals
{Ed033's Note - Switching off auto-correct is an option for people posting
30 Jul 2014 17:26:55
Vidal, my choice. I want man utd to consider bringing in Aston Villa's Fabian Delph in the near future, he is good
He is good for Villa, but nowhere near the standard we need.
Delph - Yaya, Fernandinho
Delph - Fabregas, Matic
We need world class midfielders signed we have enough squad players.
30 Jul 2014 16:49:00
Wellbeck has been massively underrated. when we took on Real Madrid his pace and power accounted for much of the dangerous play that had us dominating. the goals he has scored though few have been technically very good. that disallowed goal last season in the champions league was one of the best goals I've ever seen.
Fresh Cavani is a very good player. at times with Napoli he was up there with The very best. but I've never seen a game he played where I thought he'd suit our style. well at least the style we aim for. quick exchanges of passing ect. he would be a very expensive luxery that will come up with some outstanding goals but I can see him slowing up play and losing the ball often in the final third.
I would prefer Welbeck Rooney Rvp also.
I agree with you 100 per cent with your stance with Sydney. this site is the sum of all its parts and will lose its charm if it gets dominated by consistant posters who think the more they type the more authttority they have in their opinions. the guy , sorry to forget who, who suggested Shaw could play left midfield winger an example. totally ridiculed by the clique and so the post died. but it was a perfectly good suggestion.
it discourages less vocal posters and gives the impression they are not welcome unless the clique agree with you.
I know this is long winded but it's fair to say
This clique agree's with Constantine.
Good post Constantine. People being persons to one another is never conducive to a good debate and all opinions should be valued rather than ridiculed. To suggest someone is 'clueless' shows a great deal of class and I for one have lost a lot of respect that I once had for Sydney and I am sure some on here feel the same. This shouldn't be a closed shop and no one knows more than anyone else.
As for Cavani - I wouldn't play him ahead of Rooney (in form) and RVP who will be great under LVG. Cavani has moaned all season about playing on the left for PSG, how is he going to react from the bench? We have to consider players like Welbeck as they make up a squad and are good players in their own right. We have players like Keane pushing, Zaha maybe and Januzaj needs a spot to play fairly regularly. Cavani would block young player development, would moan and isn't better than our starting two. That is a stance I will keep regardless of what Mr Manchester United (Sydney) has to say about it.
Couldn't agree more
Constantine, I have been an avid protector of Welbeck on this page. I have defended him so many times and I actually rate him, however he isn't anywhere near as good as Cavani and I am shocked that people are seriously saying that they would prefer Welbeck over Cavani. Absolute madness.
Fresh, yeah because Welbeck hasn't recently threatened to leave due to being played out on the left has he?
Personally I would rather someone disagree with me/call me clueless while having a good old debate than some of the patting on the back that goes on. This is no dig at you Sheff but what do the endless "great post", "post of the day" replies bring to proceedings? If someone truly believes that their opinion is valid then they won't allow being called clueless etc to stop them on their tracks. This is a forum of opinions at the end of the day and I'd stop reading if we all agreed.
Sydney where are we going to play cavani? The guy wants to play up top so who gets dropped? At least welbeck has a bit of pace and power even though his decision making and finishing can be awful at times.
Each to there own opinion but cavani isn't world class if he was someone else would have signed him by now but they have looked elsewhere for a reason.
Exactly what you said, a forum of opinions, and that was my opinion
TK-Red
couldnt agree more ;)
In my opinion Fresh is clueless :)
Opinions are respected remember lads.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
I think RVP will play better this season. However I wasn't impressed with him at all in the world cup under LVG?
Scored that great header but Cahill scored a better goal.
Where are people getting the idea RVP will thrive under LVG from? Or is it just wishful thinking.
30 Jul 2014 18:26:06
Exactly what I was going to say TK-Red. If someone is going to get so defensive when a poster called him 'clueless', we might as well stop visiting the banter site. And as for the Cavani vs Welbeck debate, Cavani on his day can be world class, can we say the same about welbeck though? Would Welbeck give us 25odd goals in a season? I for one would be very happy if he did but just can't see it.
Unconfirmed reports Sydney and he has never said that to the press. Cavani has.
Oh dear
Cavani is a top top striker and welbeck is an overrated homegrown boy.
One will cost 45 million and more one would cost less than 20. I guess all those coaches and scouts are persons as none see the qualities people talk about.
Remember Welbeck's pathetic attempt against real when one on one with a goalie, that should tell you lot all you need to know about Bambi.
Eventually the last Bastion of support will dry up in a year or two and it will dawn on people he is just a big guy who can't shoot, pass, terrible control and sh. t composure.
I have critiqued Welbeck a few times. Pace, power is all well and good but sport, certainly at a high level needs the right mentality. Welbeck's decision making and composure at key times is in question. I think the prime example is one on one in the Munich game, trying to dink the keeper. Sheringham didn't have pace and power but had a football brain, Welbeck doesn't when has time to think about what he is doing.
I would keep him as a squad player but I don't see him as first choice if we really want to challenge for top prizes.
Well done Constantine, it had to be said. There are a few on here that criticise posts as if they are in the know. The truth is, no one but no one knows what's going on at OT. Opinions of who we would like United to buy make good debate and constructive criticism is welcome, but too many on here are know it alls who wouldn't say the same things face to face! Maybe Eds should be equipped with red and yellow cards? Sorry Eds, I know you're busy! ;)
Syd absolute sanity
Cavani is Collossul.and deserves the word.
powerful. technique.
Danny glimpses of brilliance with obvious power and pace. very good athlelte
two different players
What importance are you measuring him on?.
Favoured position see what he can do. Injuries in mind likely we will see it.
has impact.
glimpses of real football intelligence.
glimpses of very sharp instinctive andrenilan moments.
handles in and out of the box, in and out of possesion.
i.e troubles defenders. to a high level. others around him can flourish to a top level of passing. securely. the importance of that is high and already in big games its proved so. even without the goals
there are very few players like Welbeck syd. i'd say your missing something when you look at him. to a degree. marginal but so it is
I wouldn't mind seeing a Welbeck Cavani partnership
This sites gone mad. I blame Vidal!
It's a little bit to do with Vidal. We are all a bit fidgety waiting for something to happen after our abysmal season. There are more things in life to worry about than football, but MU does occupy at least 50% of my life. Missus 10%, kids 20% etc etc :)
Tk-red - I wish you'd come over to the arsenal page and tell them that. I'm an arsenal fan, and the extent of the butt licking gets a tad grotesque from certain individuals. Makes me feel a little queasy.
'Great post that mate', 'well said son', 'what a brilliant post mate, couldn't agree more'. Oh god, who cares!?
30 Jul 2014 15:52:18
Vidal not on the roster for the Juventus trip to Asia. Granted, he just returned, but still a good sign.
Its so on.
But there's no guarantee that if he is leaving, that he's coming to us!
Although they said we had to make a deal for Vidal before they go to Asia so maybe just maybe he will be that marquee signing we have not bought since RvP
30 Jul 2014 13:10:12
Hey All/Eds
So Fernando Felicevich is apparently still "working round the clock" to get the Vidal deal done according to some reports.
El Mercurio ( not sure how reliable ) are reporting a meeting with Juve today to discuss a Utd offer .
Some peps are saying that a Aug 6th will be the cut off for Juves transfers as they want to finalize their squad .
Any truth in any of this?
Im not convinced anymore that we will get Vidal after the comments yesterday.
Big thanks Eds for your insight and witty replies . Great site.
There must be a medical term for the addiction of checking a transfer rumours site about 20 times a day lol
This is killing me. It's like shnijda, thiago, berbatov, fabregas all in one. I find myself checking this website every 30 mins although that could be because I have nothing better to do at work.
30 Jul 2014 16:07:07
The very same El Mercurio said yesterday that we have "verbally" agreed terms with Arturo Vidal.
30 Jul 2014 14:33:58
Few questions
1. Does anyone know when Januzaj, Fellaini and RvP as expected to join the squad?
2. Has Reece James been good enough in the LWB role?
Can't see fellani going anywhere other than Italy and good riddance never a utd player
30 Jul 2014 14:02:38
Can see Vidal staying at Juve this season and going somewhere else next summer (Real, Barca or Bayern).
Think Van Gaal really wants Strootman but will wait until next summer to bid (in order to see if he has fully recovered from his injury).
If that is the case Utd need to look elsewhere for a 'stop gap' defensive midfielder - one who won't cost much, has Premiership experience so won't need much time to settle in, is used to working with Van Gaal & knows Van Gaal's systems.
One name springs to mind. Nigel De Jong.
He would do a very good job at a fraction of Vidal's cost and would settle in much faster (both to life in Manchester & into Van Gaal's way of playing).
You are the hard realist, King Eric. But fair play to you, De Jong would be a good choice if our dreams of Vidal are dashed.
30 Jul 2014 14:51:02
Aren't Barca expected to be banned next summer? Ed has said that the situation has been made very clear to Vidal's representatives in what he has to do if he want's to leave. It's up to him now. This whole saga is coming to an end one way or another very soon and for that I am grateful. I just hope that United have been told that if it comes to that,the player will do what is required and that's why Woody was so confident in his interview.
If we just need a stop gap CDM, then why not just push up Jones? All the right attributes for it, and he gets half a season of regular football to show what he can do. Also completely free.
30 Jul 2014 15:45:28
Don't rate De Jong at all, he is solid and a tough tackler but his football skills are limited. Can't really see De Jong playing much part in tidy little passing moves like United put together last night. If United are able to provide a package to tempt Juve and Vidal I doubt LVG would turn him away.
30 Jul 2014 13:48:55
Loads of media outlets now reporting that Cavani is virtually done - really cannot understand this one myself and to be honest, I'd have Rooney, RVP and Welbeck instead of him - really don't rate him at all.
Then you are clueless Fresh. Only an on form Van Persie is a better striker than Cavani, but he's 31.
30 Jul 2014 14:22:28
Fresh,
As far as I am aware no 'respectable' news outlets (if there is such a thing) have reported this and it is just 14 year old boys with nothing better to do on twitter.
Can't see it at all. We don't need him. Any attacking incomer HAS to be a winger.
Also what media outlets, I've looked at over ten so far and found no Cavani to MU done headlines. Are you sure you aren't on one of those dodgy Twitter accounts again mate?
I think it's just his agent trying to get a move by stating xyz are interested.
Just because I disagree with you does not mean that I am clueless. I would take Rooney over RVP and I think Welbeck would offer more in terms of pace. Cavani is not great and in my mind you are probably the clueless one.
Do stop being so patronising, you may think you're some sort of MU god but you're not.
Fresh you're bang on. Cavani is massively overrated & worth nowhere near what PSG apparently want. Rooney & RVP anyday.
Loll Rooney over van persie I would never do that on current form Fresh.
Cavani is good but not what we need at the moment because our priorities should be a cb and mf.
If you "don't really rate Cavani at all" then you are clueless. If you would prefer Welbeck over Cavani then you are again clueless.
I remember a time not too far away that someone wanted Rooney sold and Cavani was featured on the right of many Fresh formations.
I think the phrase that springs to mind is the "fickle football fan".
Im with fresh on this and i'm certainly not clueless, football is about opinion and nobody can say someone is clueless just because there view is not the same as theres, we aren't pundits or football experts were man utd fans who want the best for there team so let's try and keep a bit of reality here!!
Have to agree with fresh,I'd actually rather see how lvg develops wellbeck than sign an over rated/expensive cavanni,money needs to be spent on another defender and a midfielder anyway
I'm going with Fresh too. Not seen a lot of Cavani but what I have seen, failed to impress. SAF always went with 4 strikers so there would be room for him, just don't think he's good enough!
30 Jul 2014 15:59:05
Come on lads, calm down. Each to their own opinion. No need to get on like school boys arguing over MU/Liverpool.
I Would have Cavani over wellbeck all day long but does seem a pointless signing
30 Jul 2014 16:03:07
"If you "don't really rate Cavani at all" then you are clueless".
No he's not, Syd, he just has a differing view to you, as to a player's relative ability.
Does anyone need to bring up your old views on Cleverley, or your league table predictions?
Thought you were a bit better than that, mate.
General consensus Sydney would seem to disagree with you :O And he was in the team because it was looking as though Cavani was almost done and we had to fit him in.
Welbeck offers a lot of pace, power and hard work - if he improves his finishing which I think LVG will make sure of then we have some third choice striker on our hands. Cavani is not as versatile, is not as quick and won't be as content being rotated.
Cavani didn't impress me at the World Cup nor when he played against Chelsea and he was outshone a lot of the time for PSG in the League when I saw him.
I think the phrase that springs to mind for you is "know it all" and "big head".
30 Jul 2014 16:08:46
Cavani at Napoli was deadly, never really performed as well at PSG partly due to being in Ibra's shadow. I do rate him as a great player, in the right set up he's dangerous BUT not what we need right now, especially not for the money being asked it just makes no sense.
CB, CM and a winger all should be signed before we spend a ridiculous amount on a striker.
Fresh bang on its your opinion good or bad say what you feel. Sydney grow up mate expected more of you!
I think Messi is a shocking player. average at best. Nowhere near as good as Bojan. Barcelona sold the wrong player.
I'm not clueless, it's my opinion. Just because it's an opinion, it doesn't mean it's not stupid and more importantly incorrect.
Anyone who would turn down Cavani for Welbeck needs serious help :)
I am going with fresh cause it seems to be the trendy thing to do
I would sell Hernandez, Zaha, Will Keane, Nani, Kagawa & Lingard to accommodate Cavani.
Rooney, Van Persie, Cavani, Mata, Adnan, Welbeck & Wilson would be enough for next season IMO. There's always Young & Valencia to fall back on if we have an injury crisis.
The squad is in need of a good trim and we need quality over quantity. If MU decide they want to go out and spend millions on the likes of Cavani, then I would be more than happy.
I think Fresh n Syd need 10 minutes in the naughty corner.
Kiss n make up time gents.
StevieK, my views on Cleverley is that he's not good enough to be first choice. Not sure what views you are talking about? Anyone who thinks a world-class striker who PSG signed for €60m is no better than Welbeck is clueless. There's differing of opinion and then there's just plain stupid.
{Ed007's Note - But those weren't always your views on Cleverley were they Syd?}
Fresh, people think it's a signing that doesn't make sense due to the fact that we already have Rooney & Van Persie at the club and that is a fair assessment. However I don't think anyone on here agrees with you that they would prefer Welbeck over Edinson Cavani. If we could have Cavani without it hampering any other deals, IE Vidal and Hummels, then no one in their right mind would say no to Cavani. What makes me laugh is people were crying out for MU to sign this level of player last season, but because we are "linked" to Vidal (just linked, not signed) and just linked to Hummels, that we can turn our noses up to players like Cavani. We seriously lack talent and I wouldn't turn my nose up to any world-class player.
How much football have people actually seen Cavani play before January everyone said he was unbelievable, you then saw him play 2 games at right wing for PSG in the champions league against Chelsea where he didn't perform and then again at the world cup where he is playing out of position and second fiddle to Suarez, don't base your opinions on bad games because I can tell you now, when he is the main man playing number 9, there isn't many players in the world better.
Now you're just being incredibly childish Sydney. Certain players are better for certain teams - I would like to see him bring Welbeck through, if his finishing improves and he gets 20 a season as well as all his other contributions I don't think you will be crying.
You've made yourself out to look like a right prat today.
007, I have been badgering on about MU needing to buy central midfielders for the past 3-4 years. Have you ever seen me say we didn't need a Vidal, a Thiago or a Herrera because we have Cleverley? Of course not, because I am not stupid. Would you choose Cavani over Welbeck 007? Of course you would. Anyone would surely?
Calm down lads.
In the spirit of Kloot neither Fresh's or Syds opinions count as they aren't Mancunians.
Fresh, if Welbeck is able to get 20 goals a season then he would need to play 50+ games centrally.
If Welbeck is able to play 50+ games, then there's the reason why we should sign Cavani right there.
Who would want Welbeck playing 50+ games when they could have Cavani playing 50+ games. Hilarious.
30 Jul 2014 17:21:41
Anybody who calls a regular, inoffensive poster, 'clueless', for giving his honestly held belief - over a player that seems to split a lot of opinion, as opposed to your example - needs to go to Manners School.
I think some people on here forget that there are posters of all age on here - my wee lad, who is bright and well-clued up about Utd, reads it regularly and it's only a matter of time before he posts something - I hope for his sake, that the post is of sufficient seriousness and intelligence to meet your standards, Syd, or it'll probably be his only post.
Sydney had the view that Cleverley would be the greatest Man United midfielder ever.
I think don't rate him is an exaggeration and I was a massive cavani fan when he was at Napoli he was underrated until the season he left since then he hasn't been impressive especially in the World Cup however if you look at his goals and assists stats it's clear he is still world class especially considering the work he puts in tracking back and the fact last season he played the majority as a winger. Although we don't need him if signing him didn't scupper our other signing (which we would never be able to tell) the majority of people would be happy. Also fresh although I agree with a lot of your posts recently and can see the point your making here (waste of money), saying you'd rather wellbeck over cavani is IMO not clueless but rather stupid. And cavani although not as fast as wellbeck doesn't exactly lack pace. If money wasn't an issue which going on what Woodward is saying I think most of us would take cavani and I certainly would over wellbeck. Having said that wellbeck should be a winger not a striker as he can't hit a barn door
I didn't realise there were so many softies on this page. Call someone clueless who thinks Welbeck is better than Cavani and everyone starts crying. Perhaps a group hug is in order.
StevieK, ask your son if he would prefer Welbeck or Cavani in the MU team.
Carloto, I am a Mancunian.
Calling anyone clueless is just poor manners.
The practical point, even considering Cavani as a world class striker, is how would we possibly play Cavani, Rooney, and RVP together? All three are at their best playing centrally. And there is no sense paying big money, only for one of them to come off the bench.
Ryan, precisely my point. Welbeck over Cavani? Utter madness. As long as Cavani didn't have an impact on say Vidal & Hummels (examples) then why would anyone begrudge the signing of Cavani? I genuinely think anyone who rate Welbeck higher than Cavani are clueless. They are probably being sentimental as Welbeck is a MU player, but if you asked 1,000,000 football fans (not MU fans) who's the better player Cavani or Welbeck, you would get a million laughs.
30 Jul 2014 18:12:23
I agree and disagree with you both.
Firstly, Danny welbeck has shown great potential over the past few years. Has he lived up to it? No. But, has his progress been blocked by the two world class stars of RVP and Rooney? Yes. Therefore, I feel welbeck is a very good player, as fresh says if he can improve finishing he would add to his goal tally.
However, edinson cavani is a world class proven striker. When playing for Napoli against Chelsea in the champions league in Italy he tore the Chelsea defence apart. He scares defenders and earned his big money move to PSG. He hasn't had te best of times in Paris playing out wide and in the shadow of zlatan.
Overall, both players have moaned about playing out of position, but if we were facing a big team in the champions league, having the option of Cavani, RVP and rooney at our desposals makes me feel much more confident. So for me, I would rather cavani, but that doesn't mean I don't like welbeck.
30 Jul 2014 18:15:30
So Syd, is Fresh allowed to change his mind about Cavani over time, like you did with Cleverley?
Some people might say, predicting we'd finish 20 points above Liverpool, was verging on clueless too. Even I only bet +10 with my Pool mates. If they'd offered me 20, I'd have thought they were clueless.
Everyone on here has posted some eye-brow raising views at one time or another, even you, Syd. They can usually be dealt with by sharp wit, or scathing sarcasm (my favourite), rather than childish name-calling. Save that for the fans of other teams :)
ps. the wee lad says Cavani, but that wasn't really the point, was it?
pps. a group hug would be nice.
I think it would be a lot closer if the question was - Who is more effective stuck out wide Syd?
Why waste the money playing a striker out of position, that is surely why LVG is bitching about inbalance.
Personally I'd rather Welbeck wide left than Cavani.
StevieK, my opinion on Cleverley hasn't changed. I thought he deserved a fair crack at the whip and IMO he got it. I thought he would do better than he has, but he hasn't. I have always wanted us to sign world-class midfielders regardless of how Cleverley progressed. Just like I would buy Cavani regardless of how Welbeck progresses.
30 Jul 2014 21:31:30
Some of us might have regarded that earlier view of yours on Cleverley as a tad over-optimistic, Syd. I'm sure I'm not the only one on here who thought Tom was NEVER good enough to play for Utd. We didn't call you names for it, though.
And you still haven't addressed the Utd/Liverpool prediction. Was it clueless, as again, many of us thought?
You're also trying to move the discussion away from what the initial issue was. ie. giving abuse to someone who I have never seen argue with anyone on here, never mind be offensive to anyone. Fresh seems like a nice, young lad, and there was no need for the patronising insults.
I agree with you that Cavani is a better player, but I also feel we don't need him right now. When Fresh said he didn't rate Cavani, he was only using the sort of over-the-top phrase that we all use from time to time - I'm sure he didn't mean he wasn't a good player. He obviously is.
Sorry for butting in on the whole discussion, but I feel quite fraternal towards Fresh - he gets a lot of snide comments made against him and his posts. It just looks like people are picking on him quite a lot. Most of us don't mind a bit of slagging back and forth, but we forget sometimes that there are younger lads on here, who are only being enthusiastic.
ps. I could still do with a hug
I wasn't the only one wrong about that mate, the MU/England managerial team expected more from him too. Sometimes they step up, sometimes they don't. There's still time, but he hasn't looked the same since his injury and that's been a while now.
In regards to Liverpool, I think had MU still had SAF in charge and we signed his targets. I think we would have finished well ahead of them again. I think our bad form spurred them on more. We did finish 29 points ahead of them the season before don't forget.
But yes in hindsight it was clueless and very optimistic seems I did think Moyes was the wrong man for the job. You are right about Fresh, I like the lad too. I have defended him a lot on here when others have worn him down and he's got into a hissy.
Like I have said before, if it wasn't for people like myself and Fresh who post constantly, the side would be a graveyard. There is a good bunch of lads on here and I would have stopped posting a long time ago if it wasn't for 99% of people on here.
I'm going to get my hug now, after a day of decorating the missus is returning the favour :)
31 Jul 2014 09:36:53
Fair enough, Syd. Just thought it was a bit harsh on the lad.
No hard feelings, fella.
30 Jul 2014 13:35:13
Fresh- Evans is not verbal enough and is far too injury prone to be a captain if vidal comes in he is captain material leads by example a robbo and keano all wrapped up in one.
I could never envisage a new player coming in and being captain straight away.
{Ed008's Note - RVP will be captain IMO.
I Never said vidal would get it as we all know it's very rare a player captains his new club but he would be the best option for me born winner. I think rooney will be captain above rvp. Rvp is not verbal enough and his head goes down when's things aren't going right, u need a captain who can pick the players up lead by example and get them performing just like the great robbo ( captain marvel )
I totally agree.
30 Jul 2014 16:11:11
Ed008, do you expect RVP to play enough to be captain? I think Rooney will get the armband purely based on the fact he'll spend less time on the sidelines/resting than RVP, either way it's bound to be one of the two.
{Ed008's Note - I'm just assuming this as RVP was captain under LVG for Holland and the fact he hasn't announced who will be captain till now whilst RVP is away on holiday.
I expect RVP to play more next season, if it's true the training the Everton mob had them doing gave him problems now they've been dismissed he will hopefully play more.
30 Jul 2014 12:41:40
If there is any truth at all to the rumour that psg will let verratti go to fund the di maria move, we should defo make a move
30 Jul 2014 14:05:46
With you on that one mate
30 Jul 2014 14:20:31
Agree, totally, jred. I can't think of many better midfielders of his ilk around, especially at his age.
While I'd love Vidal, I'd be equally content to get Verratti. We'd get a few more years out of him too.
I swore I wouldn't get into all this transfer rumour nonsense, but I'll make an exception for this one.
{Ed008's Note - I can only see Verratti moving back to an Italian club if he were to sold likely to Juventus.
I can see Verratti being groomed to replace Pirlo. At Juventus, and in the national team. Very good player.
30 Jul 2014 15:01:58
Aye, Ed08, I suspect he'd be part of a Pogba to PSG move - just pure mindless dreaming on my part.
Still a bit groggy from a recent car crash - I'll put it down to that :)
Or a replacement for vidal when he Comes to us! Oh well we can all dream
30 Jul 2014 12:58:58
There's been some discussion about the need to bring in more defenders but it seems to me LVG will not be too concerned if that doesn't happen in this window. While it remains conjectural as to how the current squad will do against EPL opposition, it appears to me that the tactical changes fundamentally alter the qualities required of the individual defenders. Given the fact that we have only conceded a freaky goal and a PK, and for the most part the defence has looked pretty comfortable even when we bring in the young players, a case can be made that we don't need to spend at all in this area.
I won't argue about the preference for another CM but, overall, it is amazing how a good manager can bring out the best in the assets at his disposal. With 10 more goals scored and 10 fewer conceded next season the current squad would be well in contention for a top 4. I'm confident LVG can accomplish that with no further spending.
If they weren't so injury prone I would agree with u! We definitely do need at least 1 cb and with vidal we will be challenging for the title.
I wonder whether all the injuries were related to the desperate last line defensive system we have been employing. The back 3 seem to have a lot less running to do and also less contact with positioning and communication doing more of the work.
I think he definitley wants one and he has said he is looking to replace what we have lost. I expect Hummels or Vermaelen along with perhaps another Wing Back.
LVG: "And, when you see our three matches, we are doing well, I think. But it is right that we are looking for defenders, because a lot of defenders have gone."
We need a tkp centre back or else we will be doomed for this year.
if any of our deneders gets injured we will be struggling against the big teams and we need a specialist in cb position.
One can always acquire new players to improve both the depth and quality of the squad, but you have to make sure it is an improvement otherwise why spend the money. If Hummels is available, fine, Vermaelen, maybe, yes but for depth as much as quality. Who else can you see that's better than the current group, and realistically possible, given that LVG may want to give Blackett and Keane opportunities?
30 Jul 2014 12:41:41
It really is nice to see some of the younger players getting a lot of game time and praise like Keane and Blackett at the back. I think both will be in and around the team this year and won't be going on loan. Hopefully we can add Hummels to that back line but these lads have bright futures - especially in a three where there is more cover for them.
Blackett and Keane have shown growth over the three games. Nice to see. We do need one more center back, no question.
30 Jul 2014 12:24:08
Spoke to a sports agent who wouldn't have much info on football more horse racing and rugby but he pointed out that the wages in Italy are very poor compared to England and this was probably Vidal last chance for the big move and contract as clubs wouldn't see great value after 28.
30 Jul 2014 12:32:39
Eds or anyone in the know,
do we know if Juventus are still interested in Nani?
or are they now looking elsewhere?
thanks
30 Jul 2014 12:27:59
Two questions: when do RVP and Januzaj join up with the squad?
And secondly, where do you think Januzaj fits into this formation? Up front, number 10?
30 Jul 2014 13:09:42
We'll have to play 4-3-3 if we have to play Januzaj in the lineup, so he'll play in the front 3 along side Mata and Rooney/RVP.
During games if we need to change it up to a 523 with wingers. Although I think playing with 5 at the back is only temporary.
My understanding is they return to training at Carrington this coming Monday
But I cannot see any of Mata, Rooney or RVP being dropped. LVG has said that he has chosen this formation because everyone can play in it. I personally think that Januzaj and
{Ed008's Note - Januzaj can play the No10 role that Mata is playing atm.
30 Jul 2014 15:04:51
Fresh, Adnan can play anywhere behind the main striker.
IMO, he might probably be best in the 10 role - not as much requirement for pace.
30 Jul 2014 12:14:45
Ed's, what teams are showing interest in Schneiderlin?
He's just handed a transfer request in and I know he isn't a top top player but surely he's worth a punt if we can get him for around 15m?
Not a big player in terms of known world wide but a very affective one who goes about his business quietly, reminds me a lot of Fletcher at that age, and he was one of the first names on the team sheet around 2008, just a thought anyway, thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Arsenal and Spurs (in particular).}
Thanks ed, real shame if he ends up somewhere like arsenal because he will flourish there, I think he'd be brilliant next to Herrera.
30 Jul 2014 11:39:06
Having watched the 10 games LVG has managed since the start of the world cup I think 1 thing we can expect this season is that we will be hard to beat and judging by the pre season we seem to have found some creativity we were lacking last season.
I think if we could get Vidal and another CB we could challenge for the league. As things stand I think we'll be challenging for 4th with Liverpool and Spurs. I'm really looking forward to this season regardless of who else we sign and i'm hopeful we can stay involved.
I have a question tho if we don't get Vidal do we have any other targets? I would still like us to go for Carvalho or Mccarthy ideally we could do a deal involving Cleverly with everton. Just my opinion so what do people expect for this season?
If we don't get vidal then it has to be De Jong as a stop gap for when strootman signs next summer
30 Jul 2014 11:38:33
i no there's still plenty of time to go in the transfer time but there seems to be nothing happening now just lots of paper talk, ed woody left the tour again just like last season to sort out stuff and yesterday gaal said won't rush into signing players, understandable he won't rush into anything but it sounds like last season n other seasons when we need players and nothing gets done.is it going to be a last minute rush deal or have we finished with the players we have signed, like I said I no there is plenty of time left just get the impression the excuses are starting to come out, what does everyone think? thanks in advance.
Last season when woodward left it was stated as urgent transfer business. That was never said this time around.
Things seem to be getting done the right way this year and lessons seem to have been learnt.
Rather than the very public pursuits of players like last season the club seem to be keeping there cards close to there chest.
One thing I think a lot of people who like to criticise woodward for not delivering transfers forget is that a good few transfers had been lined up for moyes last season like garay and strootman and he vitoed the lot of them leaving woodward little or no time to get deals done.
This year lvg has given his approval on deals that were lined up for shaw and herrera and now will take his time to judge for any further ones.
30 Jul 2014 14:28:10
mark,
The difference between this season and last season is imagine if we got Fabregas and Coentrao in July, we would not have been in the position we were in on deadline day. Now I know a few players have left so we need more this summer, but we already have 2 and are on the way to signing more.
People take the window too seriously, I just enjoy it.
30 Jul 2014 11:21:27
After Yesterday's Match LVG said that he is Very Impressed with M.Keane and Blackett(so I guess they will feature a lot this season)
also Evans and Smalling are playing well alongside, so even if we buy one decent CB we will be fine this season.
LVG said today the he wants Kagawa to play an no.6 or no.8 role in the team which I think might not be a bad idea if can't sign another
CM this summer.
Also what would you guys think about Dani Alves for the RWB role as he will probably leave this summer. worth a Shout??
Absolutely not, overrated and personally I can't stand the guy, hope we don't get anywhere near him
Literally posted about Dani Alves a few minutes ago - he would make perfect sense for the role.
Further down the page someone mentioned buying a rwb and I thought dani alves could be a shout but didn't post but considering his age and the price he's likely cost I can't see it happening in a month of Sundays but I think we'd all certainly take him.
30 Jul 2014 11:05:58
How Good was Ashley Young in LWB/RWB role? Personally I think he did well defensively, and we could see him in Daley Blind role this season. Kept possession and also got few crosses in an around the box(not accurate though).
I didn't honestly think that he would do well there, but I am pleased to say I am wrong. He and Valencia are both doing well and are working hard. Out of the two I imagine Valencia will get more game time though. Also pleased with Zaha, he looked quite bright yesterday upfront. RVP, Welbeck, Rooney, Januzaj, Zaha and W. Keane up front is good options.
Sell young back to villa never utd standard
30 Jul 2014 10:03:46
After that words directly from the mouth of Allegri, I guess the deal is off.
Any thoughts guys?
Syd and Ed002?
I wouldn't think so. Allegri was expected to say that.
He didn't have to deny quite as strongly as he did.
Yeah new managers who aren't particularly fan favourites often come out and say that they're selling their best player.
30 Jul 2014 12:24:29
Not at all, it isn't positive words but it hasn't ruled the deal out. I feel juventus are just trying to make the fans feel everything is ok, but actually Vidal has said he wants the move. That's why he used the words 'if Vidal wants to stay'.
30 Jul 2014 10:03:36
Ed002, can I ask, have MU agreed to pay what Juve want, but Juve want Vidal to forfeit his loyalty bonus for the deal to be agreed? Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - I have explained the situation - and quite frankly it seems I was wasting my time.}
30 Jul 2014 11:02:15
I think we are at the sit tight and wait to see what happens by Sunday stage now Syd. Patience is going to have to be a virtue.
30 Jul 2014 15:05:36
i tried to search what you put ed, but it's just filled with people asking and you replying with RTP.
{Ed008's Note - Type Ed002 in search function scroll down plenty of answers regarding the Vidal transfer saga..
To be fair this was a post from yesterday.
30 Jul 2014 10:15:21
With this new formation there is less pressure on the centre backs as there is more cover, Van Gaal choose this system with Holland so that he cover for his less experienced defenders. With that in mind and the so far excellent performances from all five of our CBs. Do we need to sign 2 new centre backs?
I think given the uncertainty over Rafael, Valencia or Young as a right wing back then I think it is more important that we sign a CB and a RWB rather than 2 CBs.
Interesting point though who would you want to see targetted at RWB?
We have Jancko who can play at RB or RM so is perfect as an alternative at RWB. He is powerful and fast so we could look within. We know the role will suit Rafael if he is fit as he loves to attack and occassionally gets caught out of position pushing too far forward as a RB.
However this won't become a real issue with 3 CB's.
I think we need to get one quality CB in the squad who can work with the other players. Evans has proved himself, Jones we know is quality but his confidence is shot, Smalling looks to be improving, then M Keane is a real good CB and in my view could be the best as he is good on the ball. Then we have Blackett now emerging as well. With no european football I think one CB is all we need for next season. We have to give Evans, Jones and Smalling the chance to prove their fitness and quality and this season is the ideal time to do that.
I agree. It has worked beautifully. Smalling and Evans have been the most impressive, Hummels to slot in between these two would be very very good indeed. I even think Evans could have a case for the captaincy. As for the RWB, I like Valencia there and I think Rafael could adapt. Not sure Cuadrado is the answer as he is more of an attacker? If I could get anyone it would be Dani Alves - I know he is getting older but as far as wing backs go I don't see any better out there.
Did Janko play last night against Barnsley? I was suppose to be going but had to play myself and I missed the match.
30 Jul 2014 08:50:53
Fletcher seems to be having a good pre season, regardless of Vidal coming in I think he may have a big part to play as a squad player/ holding midfielder.
He is disciplined and has always understood the roll given him (remember how much we missed him few years back when he was banned)
Allows players to go forward knowing he will cover.
Agree: think he'd be a good shout for captain if his fitness could be guaranteed - LVG likes experienced pros as captain who know the club inside out (Van Bommel at BM, Blind at Ajax, Guardiola at Barca). He does seem like a LVG type of player.
However, unless his condition is (hopefully) much better, think either Rooney or Carrick will be captain instead. Not sure if RVP has been at club long enough to get it.
He has been back to his best and will have a role to play. He does more than Carrick for me.
Not really sure about Fletcher as captain, club captain maybe as this is less a playing role. However he is a leader and gives his all when playing.
AlwaY's thought he was a managers dream. clever enough to perform any role given him. decent engine if back to full fitness ( I have same condition so rooting for him on a biased basis) and not one to rock the boat if not picked.
Evans captain Fletcher vice captain but there fitness is something that isn't guaranteed
30 Jul 2014 08:01:08
How is it in all the press conferences with LVG no one has asked about Vidal isn't that strange considering all the stories etc?
The press are probably pre-warned by the Utd delegates that no questions on transfers will be answered and possibly even that if they do ask questions of that nature that the ress conference may be ended and cut short.
Don't know how good Tuttosport paper in Italy is for transfer information but they are reporting that a transfer for Vidal is very close. Player has verbally agreed to join and is allegedly being offered 13.6M euros a season 350,000 Euros a week and that it is a deal that VidaL can't turn down. No details on whether Juventus and Utd are discussing a transfer fee so may all be pointless if that is not agreed. Juve were interested in Nani previously so I would offer him and Chicarito plus some cash to try and broker the deal. Then we can get two players who hardly play off the wage bill.
However I am probably just dreaming of an ideal outcome rather than what is realistic.
If we could sign Vidal I think it would make a serious statement of intent and could lead to other players joining on the basis that it will just be one year with no CL.
Eh I think your maths is a little off there. I would imagine that if we are bidding for him he's open to a move whether or not he has agreed terms is another thing I just hope we get some confirmation either way soon and it doesn't drag out till the final day and we're left scrambling again. That's assuming that we have other midfield targets or maybe LVG will make do with what he has.
30 Jul 2014 01:19:35
It's 0-0 but how refreshing to watch the possession football. All the play apart from the final ball is in complete contrast to last year. I know it's a friendly but last season was like watching school boy football with shouts of "get rid!". Only 3 friendly in and the difference is there to see that it starts at the top with the manager. Fluid play in Obe half defending with a 532 /523 and it changes to 343/325, nice to see.
30 Jul 2014 02:02:12
Posting my post at 01.19 am, that's dedication for you people. God job ed's. I myself would have let it wait till the morning, especially after consuming so much wine and wondering wether (without upsetting anyone) I like the blue kit or not. Nike certainly trying to get their monies worth in their last season. Bring on next season when I expect the new Adidas kit to be suitable for not only football but electro arm waves, back spins & windmills. Show Betty how it's done.
{Ed007's Note - That's why we're the best site on the net!}
Any 0-0 game is entertaining when paddy crerand is commentating
Great game guys only if zaha couldve taken his half chance. These pre season games are for getting used to the new style of of formation.
30 Jul 2014 01:03:39
For anybody unable to watch the game; Valencia, Fletcher and Smalling have probably been our stand out player's in what's been a rather dull first thirty minutes.
{Ed004's Note - I agree smalling has been brilliant first half and was very good last game. He needs someone better than Jones on the ball beside him though. Maybe Hummels would play there? Though does Smalling drop too deep?}
Ed004 - I agree that on occasions he's been caught a little deep but am putting that down to the new system. Defensively he's handled everything the opposition has thrown at him. I have noticed that he doesn't look overly confident when on the ball though.
I don't think it's essential that he's played alongside a ball-playing CB if the midfield are willing to drop deep and take the ball from him. Obviously a ball-playing CB would be better in terms of the fluidity of our play but I'm still not convinced that a deal for Hummels can happen (although I did hear today that Barcelona ended their interest because they weren't willing to pay what Dortmund were asking which implies a deal could happen at the right price).
Back to the game - I expect we may well be outplayed this half looking at the changes. I hope I'm wrong!
Second half analysis.
Blacket was our best player in the second half by a country mile. Aside from one poor header towards the end he didn't put a foot wrong (I suppose you could argue that as it was a header he technically didn't put a foot wrong).
Shaw had a good 45 minutes and Zaha had a few good moments (although not to the point where I'd say he had a good game).
Nani played like a player with something to prove but unfortunately lacked the ability to prove it. He came off after 30 minutes for Hernandez (which seemed a little unfair as he'd been no worse than either of the other front three). Hernandez was pretty useless. I think we have seen the last of Nani and possibly Chico - which probably isn't a bad thing for the club or either player.
Big Dave had one save to make and it was a very good one. He got a hand to one of the penalties and one hit the bar and bounced out. There was nothing he could do about the other two penalties.
All in all it was a strange game. There were plenty of positives in terms of player performances but as a team we didn't look too dissimilar to how we looked at times under Moyes last season.
From a possession point of view we did OK but it seemed as though we didn't know what to do with it (especially in the second half). We'd get the ball in a decent position and then pass it back rather than trying to put a ball through. There were plenty of good runs being made but nobody had the confidence to try and pick them out. Two shots on target and four shots overall (there or there abouts) isn't good enough given the quality we have in our attack.
The biggest positive I took from the game was how well drilled the defense were in terms of keeping their line. We must have caught Inter offside at least ten times over the course of the 90 minutes. Winning a penalty shootout was nice as well (especially after the Sunderland game last season).
First half had a good tempo. Inter pressed high, which was a good test. We had a 22 pass move at one point. Fletcher was steady, and Herrera is just a joy to watch.
2nd half - Blackett did look more confident tonight, and M. Keane was solid again. Ashley Young was not bad, but Cleverley was, of course.
Biggest impression for me was seeing the intensity of the players. LVG setting the tone and players desperate to earn their place.
30 Jul 2014 09:22:50
Redseven, I think that's alittle harsh to suggest we looked like we did under Moyes last night.
We were organised and very solid at the back against a good team, Smalling, Evans and Blackett stood out, while both Jones and Keane did their jobs quietly and efficently.
We at no point last season looked this comfortable defensively, we also controlled the possession and dictated the tempo of the game. In the final third we created 5/6 chances/half chances and had we been a little more clinical could have scored a couple. I don't think it was a case of us not knowing what to do in the final third, but more of an indication that Inter's 352 lined up much more like 5122 with their wing backs sitting very deep and with one of their midfielders also playing very deep as a pure defensive midfielder. When a team always has at least 6 players behind the ball then it will always be differcult to find space. In these situations I feel the team would be better off switching to a more 343 type fromation with two more genuine wide players either side of the central striker in order to try and stretch play and get around the deep sitting defence. You will have much more joy attacking from wider angles against a 5 man defence than tryiny to play through them centrally. That is why I think LvG has mentioned he needs a speciallist wide player to allow him to successfully change tactics in that manner.
30 Jul 2014 10:24:17
Redseven,
The Moyes comment is an absolute joke mate, we at no point looked like we did last season last night, the team performance was quicker, better passing, looked more comfortable on the ball and looked dangerous on the attack. We also controlled the game and had all the chances like United teams of old, rather than letting them have possession and hitting them on the break.
Maybe you were tired as the game was on late, but if not that comment proves to me you will just say anything negative to get a reaction.
GDS2/Shappy -
The Moyes comment was made specifically in regards to our performance in the final third. As I said - defensively we were fantastic and the midfield controlled the play well (especially in the first half) - but from an attacking point of view we looked a little clueless at times (much like under Moyes).
There were chances, yes; a cleverly volley that went over, a Rooney snapshot which went high and wide, a Mata snapshot which went wide, a weak header from Jones that might have rolled over the line if there was no keeper, a shot from Nani that was aimed straight at the keeper and a beautiful bit of interplay between Fletcher, Herrera, Welbeck, Rooney and Mata which didn't end up leading to a shot - but I don't recall either of their keepers having to make any spectacular saves (there were only two shots on target if I recall). We just didn't look like scoring.
I'm not trying to be controversial - merely trying to offer a balanced opinion. To suggest that mine contains bias when you're suggesting that we 'looked dangerous on the attack' seems a little rich. Our best bit of attacking play didn't even lead to a shot. What exactly is dangerous about that from an inter perspective?