Manchester United Banter Archive August 04 2018

 

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04 Aug 2018 20:52:41
Wherever pogba ends up be it Manchester or Spain, I see he is very committed to his football, and I don't care if someone says he was in a world cup final or needs a break,
I'm not interested in that waffle
The league next week and he puts up a video stuck outside in the middle of a jungle.
Fair dedication from the show pony.
Everyone is entitled to a break.
4 days off I had this summer and I do real work. He does my head in.

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04 Aug 2018 21:27:27
Bit harsh.

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04 Aug 2018 21:50:49
Not sure it’s that harsh Park mate. PP seems obsessed with his image, a little more commitment to his club wouldn’t go amiss. I have no issue with his dance moves, his hair colour, or his lifestyle, assuming he does the business on the pitch. Last year, he rarely did that.

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04 Aug 2018 22:08:09
I thought he was our best midfielder last year and the criticism he gets is grossly unfair.

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04 Aug 2018 22:15:07
That’s the point. Put yourself in the media spotlight and expect to be scrutinised even further. His appearances last have been ok. Nothing more, nothing less. I won’t be sad if he leaves but we do need a replacement beige he is allowed to go.

Kovacic, Thiago or Kroos please. I’d even go for Ramsey at Arsenal. Or just bring Scholsey out of retirement.

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04 Aug 2018 22:15:14
Banf on target guys! Pogba thinks he's already made it. He needs a kick up the arse.

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04 Aug 2018 22:21:50
While I understand in principle what you guys are saying, I think we have to appreciate that this is a different generation and breed of footballers than in the past. I am one of the younger posters and have not lived through the pre Fergie times like yourselves and many other posters, so perhaps the social media age is not as much of a issue for me. I would much rather see a player messing around on social media, acting harmlessly, rather than being out drinking and enjoying the fame and party lifestyle that comes with being a footballer.

I agree that his commitment levels to the club have been unacceptable, especially the way he knuckled down and out in very good performances for his country during the World Cup. His talent is immense and I would be gutted to see him go. If we get an adequate replacement (Thiago, Milinkovic-Savic or Kroos) then the blow would be softened. I don’t think pogba has been as bad as everyone makes out. I know statistics only tell part of the story but they show how integral he is to our play. I think he will have a big season this year and really step up. Question is where? I hope it is at united and we would be poorer side without him. Just my opinion of course.

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04 Aug 2018 22:26:41
Every team needs a scapegoat.

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04 Aug 2018 22:37:34
Took same holiday as jessie and young didn't he?

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04 Aug 2018 22:40:35
A player who is more worried about himself over the club! So what.

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04 Aug 2018 22:46:34
It's endemic in modern footballers and tbh I have no problem as long as as the day job is dealt with competently.

Maybe I'm a little old fashioned but the videos, silly dances and handshakes do nothing for me I enjoy watching players ho look like they ant to play regardless of circumstance.

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04 Aug 2018 23:08:18
Jesse is back training.

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04 Aug 2018 23:10:57
He put himself about for France. He was very good, putting in tackles working hard, that my biggest problem with him, I've seen him play half a good game for United against city.

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04 Aug 2018 23:15:10
His social media antics or what ever h3 does outside of utd doesn't bother me. What bothers me is that he doeant want to be at united and only came here because he disnt get his preferred move to spain. He doesn't look happy and is no point in keeping a unhappy player. There is no doubt he is talented although he hasn't shown it so far at united .

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04 Aug 2018 23:22:35
it is a good job roy keane is not playing now.

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04 Aug 2018 23:38:30
Singh I agree. I'd have no problem with the social media and sky blue haircuts if he played like he cared.
I mean look at how proud Herrera was to be captain in pre season, now there's a boy who will play for the shirt.

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05 Aug 2018 01:07:39
Very true Leahy.

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05 Aug 2018 02:50:21
How dare he take the break he’s entitled to in his contract!

Say what you want about his performances but fact is we’re worse when he’s not in the side. His performances are criticised so heavily because of his price. If he’d cost 20m everyone would be saying how amazing he is. Deny that if you want but I’ll still believe the same.

As for him being unhappy and not committed, I’d probably be the same if I had to deal with Jose. Pogba will go elsewhere and be great, same as Martial.

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05 Aug 2018 04:11:55
Can't see anything being done with pogba at this stage. No time to get a replacement and I'm surprised nobody has taken the plunge on him.
Chelsea have made the best midfield signing imo jorghino is my tip for best signing of the summer so far. let's hope we pull a couple of if the bag before Thursday.

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05 Aug 2018 07:34:52
Pogba isn’t s scapegoat, nobody is saying he doesn’t deserve his holiday or that his hair colour is an issue. My understanding is he didn’t really want to come to us but we were the only club prepared to pay the money, his performances for us have been underwhelming, and I think most of us are frustrated as he has the attributes to be one of the best.

I would have agreed with ken about him not moving until I saw the press reports this morning about Barcelona putting together £100M for him.

As jred said, this week could see a lot of twists and turns.

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05 Aug 2018 08:14:12
Hello Ed001, I know you guys are busy and all. I hope my reply here wasn't out of line because it wasn't posted.


Thanks.

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{Ed001's Note - I have no idea, I never dealt with it or seen one, sorry.}

05 Aug 2018 08:31:45
Pogba for us, is nowhere near the player he can be. IMO he was our best midfielder last season yet we are all still pretty underwhelmed by his time here, which shows the expectations of him. He showed at the world cup just how good he can be.

For me, if he goes to a side like Barca, Real, PSG etc he will fulfil his potential and be seen as one of the best players in the world.

This isn't a criticism of Mourinho as some players just don't fit certain managers styles but as long as Mourinho is here and Pogba is here, Pogba will never be the player he can be. If we can get a replacement of the quality of SMS and are able to sell Pogba for over £100m, I think we should. Though that is very unlikely with such a short time left in the window.

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05 Aug 2018 08:34:49
Thanks Ed001.

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{Ed001's Note - welcome sorry I can't help.}

05 Aug 2018 08:47:06
Great point Leahy.

The Spanish players Herrera, Mata and De Gea have really embraced Manchester and United. Taking into account the clubs history etc.
Where as Martial and Pogba do not appear to be the same. Their image is that they sulk when things don’t go their way and that they won’t go the extra mile for the manager or team. My views on them may be incorrect to what they are thinking but their actions and body language make me feel this way.

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05 Aug 2018 08:58:02
Ken I'm not one bit surprised no team wants him. He is overpriced, his wages are overpriced I mean about 400 thousand a week overpriced
I don't know boys but the money we paid was top money for a midfielder at the time so you expect a lot better from the player than just trotting around the field.
You can make all the excuses you want but in no other job would you get away with it.
But just cause he is Paul pogba he can do what he likes
Out the door for me but if he stays I will have no other choice but support him because I support Manchester United.

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05 Aug 2018 09:24:37
The way transfers have gone fees have spiralled and wages have inflated everyone in football is ovepriced. But its the game we all love. On the performances for club vs country personally i feel you can't compare it. The pride of winning a world cup for your country than winning a premiership for a team you don't support. Jose wanted pogba he wanted a cm n that's who he got he must of known his style of play ed002 told us he can be seen as lazy. i'm not sure what's wrong with him enjoying his holiday the club knew some players may not be back. Jose personally asked young to come back when tony v got injured there was no uproar he wasnt at training the next day.

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05 Aug 2018 09:39:40
The boy is a massive talent we should be looking to get the best out of player with his talent .
If you can't get the best out of a player like pogba, your in trouble .
We should buy sms? A massively overrated player who is no better than pogba.

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05 Aug 2018 10:57:58
Jred while i agree that's what we should be doing in pogbas case i fear you will never get the best from a player who wants to leave.
Arguably savic stats are better than pogbas in that same league. Playing for a far worse team not that that is the most reliable info its a decent indicator of his ability. Savic lile pogba was is overpriced but is covated by every top side on europe but like pogba no body is yet prepared to meet his clubs high price tag. He is one of the most prmising talents about. Is he right for us? We won't know that unless we sign him but I've no doubt if we did he would do better than pogba has for last 2 years for whatever reason.
Personally i think pogba will do well with us if he stays but if he doesn't there is a high chance it will turn into a very negative circus like situation. If he doesn't want to be there will he be mature enough to give his all? that's not up to the coach its up to the player.
I think he will knucle down and play great but it won't take much to derail the situation if we he hits a few road bumps.

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05 Aug 2018 11:13:47
Your right jred. but you should have put if the manager can't get the best out of player like pogba he should be in trouble.

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05 Aug 2018 11:31:50
So, suddenly Pogpa knuckled down more in the world cup than the league. We probably were using the same players, system and tactics.

Or maybe he played the same role for both teams.

I don't care about antics off the pitch though I believe on the pitch, it's the responsibility of the players to perform but the biggest responsibility falls on the shoulders of the manager.

Simply put, Mourinho doesn't know how to get the best out of his players or he does but is too stubborn to change because it would mean he was wrong and others are right.

It's amazing the kind of crap people spit out. The same person defending Lingard for still being on holiday while Rashford is back is attacking Pogba for being on holiday and shooting videos for sponsors - which is also part of his job as the promotional face of Manchester United + Adidas advertisement ammo.

Furthermore, Pogba has already explained that he is put through his paces daily by his personal trainer to ensure he is fit.

I'm tired of Mourinho but I'll stand by him till the day he leaves, regardless of that, I blame him for non performance of our team rather than the players themselves.


We have medics on warfront for 5 years no days off some have died or lost limbs but they're not complaining that Leahy is in a conducive and peaceful environment getting 4 whole days off. Just cos you had 4 days off and you ended up doing work doesn't mean another person shouldn't get 300 days off.

It isn't relative.

That's why I'm surprised with all the people comparing their work nature and thinking others have it easy. No, they're not the same.


On a final note this team and players we are all attacking and castigating with the right mangers may not have won the league last season but will damn sure have given city a run for their money. Guardiola, Heynckes hell, even Bielsa would have done a better job.

Which better job?

Not winning any trophy but at least, having a football identity, a pattern, a style.

We know Chelsea's, Arsenal's, City's, Liverpool's or Tottenham's.

What is our current football identity? Style of play? Or is that also Pogba's fault?


I fell in love with our style of play which led me home, took me home.


Now I wonder how many young ones will watch us and be led to OT.

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05 Aug 2018 11:45:21
Jred,

1. It should be a manager's shame that another manager (a bad one in my opinion) can get the best out of a player by switching tactics and formation. Mourinho stubbornly tries to play a system that doesn't fit his best player (no arguments here) .


2. A manager should be at fault if he can't get the best of his personnel. The players are also culpable. But manager most.


3. Paul Pogba played 13 less games from season's 38 yet was outshone by KDB with 2 goals and 11 assists. A player in a stronger team playing a system that suits him.
We say Pogba was poor. If that's his poor performance, I'd rather have him and try my best to improve him than throw him away. Cos at his worst, he was rated in top 10 players of the season by all statistical and analysis outlets.


4. We get SMS and he doesn't fit in or Mourinho refuses to adjust, what then? We sell him and get Kroos? People here shouting down rooftops for Kroos, Modric or Veratti will be shocked.


5. Most of the people who have been supporting Manchester United for the past 25 years will tell you what got them hooked, what took them home the United road. Now tell me the new generation of kids, what will pull their hearts to Manchester United? Heritage? If it were heritage I would have gone with Liverpool when I began supporting us almost.


6. Every team has an identity - Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Liverpool, City, a pattern, a style such that even on its bad day you know the purpose or intent of the players. But even on our best day, we can't say what our football identity is, what the manager wants to stamp, to instill (is it total defense, one-route-football, physically overpower opponents? What is it? )


7. To the issue of Pogba's holidaying? I don't understand Leahy. Should Pogba lock up and cry or what? He won the World Cup, he dreams of traveling places and he has a very short holiday. He hasn't come back overweight or unfit. He eats healthy and is with his personal trainer who puts him through his paces daily.

You're complaining you had only 5 days of which you were working well boohoo! There are medics at warfront for 5 years without a break do they complain that you're getting it easy? It isn't relative cos there are people who work 5 days a year and rest 360 days, should we all be up in arms?


8. And about the videos, pictures and all. Hope you do realize that Pogba is the face of Manchester United and Adidas campaign advertisements. So some of those things are actually generating revenue for the club (& don't start about the income being invested or not, it isn't my argument) .


9. Provided Mourinho does not adjust to the world of football as it has changed and decides to stick to his archaic methods, he will continue to be trumped by managers and teams who do so.


10. I'm of course hurt as you're about our situation but I choose to see the truth. Take our team of last season and give to Guardiola, Pochettino, Klopp, even Bielsa. Even if we don't win, you'll see an identity, an intention and beautiful beautiful football football. I don't care if you say some of these teams finished behind us. Because if we lay the foundations for good/ beautiful football, we can build on that and try to challenge for silverware. Now we don't have the silverware, we don't have an identity and here is almost everyone blaming Pogba.

SMH.

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05 Aug 2018 11:46:58
Ken
You address the issue as to why the player is unhappy at the club

Using stats to compare 2 players in different teams playing different roles in different leagues is a stretch.

It wasn't that long ago you were telling everyone pogba was the missing link was going to be the best cm in the world etc .
.
Now you have no doubt that sms would be better?

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05 Aug 2018 11:52:32
He doesn't want to play for us so we should let him leave. There is no two ways around it. Player should be happy playing for you and if he isn't then ther3 is no point wasting your energy.

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05 Aug 2018 12:06:01
Singh
Rubbish again do you think players are always happy always get what they want?
Can you remember fergy chasing after cantona .
Your such an expert them tell me what the issue is with pogba why he is so he'll bent never to play for United again?

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05 Aug 2018 12:13:03
Manchester united crest is the face of United not Paul pogba.
Stats lol
If I stood in the middle of the pitch and kick the ball in to the keepers hands that's a shot on target.
Pogba didn't play half to what he should, he has the talent but would rather sulk.
Did you read what ed002 just said.
He is available for transfer, if he stays the club are stuck with a player that's not wanted, but hey you might know more.

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05 Aug 2018 12:13:03
Pogba doesn't want to play for us, Martial doesn't want to play for us. At several times times last season we've had several other players like Rashford, Herrera, even Bailly not wanting to play for us.

There sure must be a common denominator in this equation and we know who it is.

Don't know how true it is (99.99% of these media guys are spitting BS) but there was news that Kovacic was not interested in coming here because of the manager and his style of play.

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05 Aug 2018 12:45:52
Jred read the post. I was compari g savic stats to pogbas as young players in serie a.
Your so hell bent on having an argument you don't read.
Come on little denis wise up.

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05 Aug 2018 13:05:25
Ken
3 years apart for different clubs .
You told us all time and again pogba was the missing part best cm in the world .
Trying to use stats to compare players, even Dennis wise isn't that daft, it just grasping at straws
Now sms would " no doubt " do better.

It's just an other case of i want a shinny new toy .

Singh so we should get rid of pogba e an if we don't sign a replacement.

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05 Aug 2018 13:14:39
Well, if that's the case Manchester United should stop trying to buy a "poster boy".

How would he play half of what he should have been played out of position and in a system not suited to his strengths? Is that so difficult to understand?

Furthermore, people always see him as lazy because he's big and strong he is expected to burst a lung. That's isn't him (and it doesn't mean he doesn't put in a shift) .

I wish I could remember who it was attacking Lukaku earlier in the season during the live chat even hailing Morata and wishing we had gotten Morata.

Wish I could reference the person.

You all can say what you like but Manchester United do want Pogba and the only reason they want him gine is because the manager has made it his choice, also seeing that, with player/ agent power, Pogba has Droid up to Mourinho in his own way and that's why they would part.

If a new manager were to walk in and demand that Pogba is key to his scheme then he stays.

Ed002 has already explained that players, staff (including coaching team) are transient.

So stop making it look like Pogba is being pushed out of the door for another reason.

A manager going as far as supporting Fellaini holding us to ransom, a club that cannot push out its deadwood players and cannot attract the right players yet the fans are going crazy because their best and most creative player is on holiday.

Bollocks.

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05 Aug 2018 13:18:38
Your the expert Jred don't forget you are a top manager. You should tell me why he loves playing for united or why should mourinho beg him to stay.

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05 Aug 2018 13:27:12
That's awfull language to use.
The club want your messiah gone
The manager want your messiah gone
Fellani holding man United ransom lol
The manager wants him
But if he could do a few step overs and slow down play like pogba he would be fine.

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05 Aug 2018 14:21:04
Singh
Because he is under contract .

So again why is pogba so desperate to get out of United.
What is going on at a top club like United when they break the transfer record for a player like pogba only for him to want out after 18 month.

So you would be happy for pogba to leave and us not sign a fancy new name?

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05 Aug 2018 15:26:22
Yes jred i think savic would do better than pogna has done the last 2 seasons.
Pogba has been good but not great i think savic would do at least as well.
You were one of pogbas biggest critics last season.
We all know he can do better i think that would be helped by having better players around.
You told everyone on here he was not the main man in juve midfield most agree with that me included he is not the type of player many percieve him to be or want him to be.
My preference is to get the right players alongside him so he can shine. Is fred the answer? I don't know but i hope so. He still needs better options and support from the full backs to stretch the pitch.
Pogbas best assets are not complimented by our squad imo.

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05 Aug 2018 15:30:51
Jred when did i say pogba was best cm in the world?

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05 Aug 2018 15:33:32
Ken his biggest critic because he can do better .
You told us all time and again pogba was going to be the best cm in the world .
Now your telling us savic is better.

Pogba is a better player than MSM if we can't get a top player like him playing well dear me .
Maybe like a lot of players and the team he is not suited to the boring footy Jose plays .

A team like United having to sell a player like pogba because his attacking style doesn't suit us .

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05 Aug 2018 15:46:36
Ken
I told you a few month ago not to surprised if pogba left this summer . as all ways u didn't listen I shot me down .
Now pogba isn't that good MSM would of done better no doubt?
Pogba wasn't the player u made out although he can reach that level.

MSM isn't the player your trying to make out .
If ed hadn't mentioned anything you would still be fully behind pogba.

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05 Aug 2018 16:10:34
Are you reading. I am still behind pogna don't want him to leave. I've said that a dozen times .
In 2 years he has not been great. I tjink savic would pass those levels easily that's how much pogna has under performed why can't you understand a simple statement its not too dificult.
I never said savic was bettet or had more potential.
I said now read it slowly.
Savic coming in would do better than pogba has done last 2 seasons.
Its a low benchmark for players of that quality should not be too dificult for even you to understand.
If pogba is hell bent on leaving then he should go imo. But i'd try to get him back o side first.

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05 Aug 2018 16:46:37
Ken
Is pogba hell bent on leaving?
If the manager wants him gone why do u want him to stay . Because the amount of times you have posted. Back the manager . Get rid of the players Jose doesn't want
You think savic would pass pogba but you also thought pogba would be the best in the world?

Read this slowly .
We discussed pogba you were adamant he was the best cm in the world .
I tried to say that wasn't the case .
I tried to say he didn't really want to come as did the ed . You said you knee the lad he wants Manchester?
Months ago I let you know he wanted out you disagreed said we wouldn't get rid of a talent like him etc etc .

Your now telling me msm would do better than a cm you were adamant was the best in the world.
I've said it before but I now take it with a pinch of salt.

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04 Aug 2018 19:15:06
In relation to the VAR, why not give each team 1 call to have an incident looked at, be it a off side or peno call etc, just one each.

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04 Aug 2018 19:34:06
one seems a bit harsh, i think they should do it like in tennis 3, if the challenge is wrong you lose one, if its right you dont.

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04 Aug 2018 20:18:09
one for each half. Cricket and Tennis do similar and works well.

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04 Aug 2018 20:41:45
I was thinking about that, it would be a great idea.
Help to stop diving etc.

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04 Aug 2018 20:44:01
I think one call per team per match is plenty.

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04 Aug 2018 22:57:29
It should be used like rugby union. If the red need to check something, he gets it on the screen with all angles and makes his decision. He shouldn’t wait for a review panel to say check it, as at that point they will be doubting their original decision. They should be allowed to check it and make their own decision.

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04 Aug 2018 13:22:25
what are peoples opinions on Joel Pereira? find it slightly odd someone highly rated at this stage in their career chooses to go to a club in the Portugese league?

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04 Aug 2018 13:27:34
It's only a loan he will be back.

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04 Aug 2018 14:31:44
I’m pretty sure Jose said he picked the loan and it’s also his hometown club.

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04 Aug 2018 17:15:44
Im7 also he's only a baby in terms of a gk this spell away will do him the world of good. He's is highly rated and if ddg shall leave in the next few years we have quite possibly got the ready made replacement in him, but for that to happen he needs regular game time and not to just sit on a bench with the odd cup game his only real possibility of playing for us this season.

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04 Aug 2018 17:41:50
You’ve seen Jose’s comments about him. He’s highly rated. However we have DDG, and Joel needs precious game time. Maybe he fancies going home for a year or two as well to play some football and be close to family.

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04 Aug 2018 18:02:06
For me I think next year Pereira will be loaned again to either championship or lower end of Premier League with following year him coming in as number 2 dependent on what happens with DDG. Jose does rate him.

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04 Aug 2018 12:52:50
Martial to psg
Neymar to real madrid
Rabiot from psg to united
Pogba to barca/ juve
O dembele Barcelona to united
Rojo to everton
Smalling to wolves
Alderwerield to united

This is the mad scenario I've dreamt up for the last few days of the window, would be pretty happy with it.

As beast said below I would have taken Vidal for 2 seasons, he would have been amaze balls.

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04 Aug 2018 14:13:36
Vidal is old and busted. Look at the last player we signed from Bayern with dodgy knees.

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04 Aug 2018 14:17:08
If we had signed a 31 year old CM them 90% people on here would have started Jose bashing and how he's getting all old injury prone players and killing our future.
Just because Barcelona have signed him, now suddenly he was the missing piece. Same with Willian, as soon as we came to know of Barcelona interest half the people changed their minds about him.

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04 Aug 2018 15:38:21
The same Barcelona who signed Vermailen.

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04 Aug 2018 16:08:41
Good post Sailor. Some people will never be happy.

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04 Aug 2018 16:27:25
Our cm options look good to me if we can keep hold of Pogba. Excited to see Pereira.

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04 Aug 2018 18:03:45
I love vidal but am happy to give Pereira the space to play this year. Only if Pogba goes do we need a new CM.

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04 Aug 2018 11:34:20
If Pogba leaves and no central midfielder is bought in to replace him, we will have the same amount of midfielders as last year with AP and Fred being brought into the squad. The Pogba money could then go on to a right sided midfielder - Bale or Willian. Thoughts?

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04 Aug 2018 11:46:45
Think the Bale ship has sailed and wouldn't want to pay over the odds for willian . Agree it is an area that should be strengthened but can only see Pogba going if we possibly do a deal regarding a player from potential buying club. That is based on replies/ responses on here and nothing else ;just the way I read it.

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04 Aug 2018 11:49:03
Whilst I have no issue with Pogba leaving, that is based on us bringing in a world class alternative. He really frustrates me as he has it all in his locker, but is far too inconsistent for a team like us. Pogba could occasionally pull a rabbit from the hat, for the money we should get for him we should buy a more consistent magician. If we don't we will suffer, because we already lack creativity and composure in midfield, Pogba brings this some times. What he lacks is energy/ desire, so if we can get somebody with charisma and the willingness to work we should be fine and I'll be thankful to see the back of the 'Pogba Show' as it's tedious.

Can't help but feel Vidal would have been fine for a couple of years at the price Barcelona paid. Maybe Kroos as well as the manager seems to like him and he has grown on me. Banega looks tasty as well. I'm saying older players as Jose prefers these to young ones of course. Pulisic, Veratti, Sidibe and Rose would be the four signings I'd make if it was down to me - all debatable of course.

Most pressing issue is full backs, CM irrespective of whether Pogba goes and definitely RW. Same as the past 3-4 years though. 99% of people can see where we fall short, but time and again the club ignore or do nothing about these key issues. All I read about is CB's, but that area whilst not perfect is something we can leave be whilst we address much bigger issues with the team. I have no idea what we are playing at.

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04 Aug 2018 12:30:40
Beast to be honest, if Juve were PP next club I wouldn't be upset at Pjanic and Sandro coming our way as part of some sort of deal.

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04 Aug 2018 12:31:30
The only person I would like too replace pogba now at this late stage of the transfer window is Eriksson from Tottenham. Be a great buy. Plus he is proven in the league. I think any1 else is too much of a gamble. Maybe Eriksson and Toby for martial +cash. What do you guys think?

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04 Aug 2018 12:33:36
I absolutely don't want pogba to leave but if he does, willian is a definite for me.

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04 Aug 2018 12:39:33
My thoughts.
1. Pogba to stay.
2. Bale never. Probably unavailable anyway.
3. CB or RW? We have had a massive hole rt side for 2/ 3 yrs but had the 2nd best defence last yr so if we intend signing a 29 yr old would prefer willian to Toby.
4. RB we have Tony tfm and diadlot LB Young, englands lb plus Shaw. LB may need to be looked at next season but not this season.
5. Jose to stay. 2 trophies 1st season runners up in league and cup last season and yet people still say we aren't making progress.

Is everything perfect at the club. no. but the new season is almost upon us so let's get behind the club the manager and the players and wish all of them the best for the season.

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04 Aug 2018 12:44:18
Pogba can leave if he wants. He hasn't done much at United for us to miss him. He never wanted to come to us and has shown he doesn't want to listen to what the manager has to say for him to improve his game then he can go where he wants.

There is ni point keeping a unhappy playe4 for another year. If there is a chance to move Pogba on and get Dembele from Barcelona and Toby from spurs then we will be fine this year.

I actually think Perera has looked good tmin pre-season and Fred might surprise a few of us.

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04 Aug 2018 12:49:03
Eriksson is great if he is given time but then again so can be the passing of shelvy at newcastle. he dissappears if he gets closed down/ hassled imo. TA has never seemed a good investment at the figures quoted given his age but he is a good player and it looks probable tbh. I think most would want pogba to stay if he performs to his potential but the signs do look ominous.

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05 Aug 2018 11:34:10
I’m honestly shocked at the willingness to allow pogba to leave. Yes he doesn’t perform as consistently as a Keane/ Scholes etc. But only de brunye/ silva and Eriksson has better combined goals/ assists last season and those three did it playing for more games and all in a more advanced position that pogba.

He looked a terrific player under allegri and conte and also for France. It’s only under Jose’s safety first belt and braces tactics that seem to stifle him. He shouldn’t play without any responsibility but we should be giving this lad the freedom to express himself. We’ll regret it if we let him go, people asking for New shiny players to come in with no certainty they’ll perform instead of developing the huge talent we have is ludicrous. Kroos we don’t know who he’ll perform in the premier league. He’s not blessed with pace so him and matic together don’t fill me with excitement, SMS is unproven for that sort of money and have we seen anything to suggest he’s better than pogba? He didn’t blow me away at the World Cup. Ramsey! Behave yourself.

Give pogba a break and get behind him. Whatever you think of him I’d say he cares more about our club than the present incumbent of the managers seat.

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04 Aug 2018 09:48:04
All this talk of long term plans, remember in SAF last few seasons we were playing very poor football too and if pep were around then l think we would be still second. We picked the wrong man after SAF and the problem started there, the team he inherited was poor (even though champions) many players were on the way out and there was a big rebuilding job required. It was then Jose would have worked, but now the pressure is Hughes given cities development and the years since our last premiership. Lots of money spent but issue stems from way back for me.

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04 Aug 2018 10:32:22
Could be a fun few days if all this happens as I’d assune we will replace Pog if he agrees the move to Barca.

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04 Aug 2018 11:21:43
Apologies posted to wrong thread. should be to Kings below.

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04 Aug 2018 08:56:34
Hi all,
Thanks to the Eds as always.
Eds, few reports over the past 24 hours suggesting Pogba to Barcelona is happening. In your view and to your knowledge was Barcelona one of the 4 sides Pogba was offered to and is there any truth in the the reports Pogba could be heading there?

Best,

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{Ed002's Note - Yes, that has been explained.}

04 Aug 2018 10:04:10
Thanks Ed, I must of missed it.

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Review Of The Day 4th August 2018

04 Aug 2018 06:03:45
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 4th August 2018

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04 Aug 2018 08:42:37
Haha Darron 'la brujita' Gibson.

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03 Aug 2018 21:25:21
Just listened to the Sharkopod, thanks Ed for the great information as always.

One name I didn't hear crop up was Ousmane Dembele. I read an article that the approach for Mina could be a smokescreen for a move for Dembele instead when officials meet. With Barcelona reluctant to sell without replacements, could their serious interest in Willian make him an option?

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{Ed002's Note - Probably.}

03 Aug 2018 16:34:56
Question to all the Eds and posters. Most of the big clubs seem to have a transition plan lasting 2-3 years or sometimes longer. City have been building something for a good 6-7 years now, Real Madrid seem to have a 2 year plan and so do Bayern, pool seem to be building something too. with the post LVG plans scuppered are we thinking of something on these lines or are we just prioritising keeping on a manager for 3-4 years for continuity?

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04 Aug 2018 02:46:23
Utd don't have any plans, just waiting around for the next crop of 8 superstars to emerge from the academy.

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04 Aug 2018 08:36:50
Fergie ran the club pretty much from top to bottom for the 20 + years, have no doubts about that.
The football club went into a free fall when he left, like a school without a headmaster and only employing substitute teachers.
Moyes getting rid of the likes of phealan and meulenstein was a huge mistake.
I honestly believe that LVG would have brought great structure to the club and instead of screwing him like we did he should have been offered a DOF role as I think at his age he would have been happy working behind the scenes creating a footballing structure for the whole club, la masia type comes to mind.
I think this would have happened too if it were not for the toxics who I believe succeeded in cutting off their nose to spite their face when they got their wish.
I also could have seen allegri working under van gaal as a dof but alas we will never know.
We wanted instant success and unfortunately we're not prepared to let something blossom and grow.
There is no plan with Jose I feel, he is not that type of manager and that is not his fault. We wanted a winner, Jose is a winner, in my opinion corners are cut because of this, i. e. youth academy structure, potential transfers etc.
Problem we have is that this club needs a Dof, now may just not be the right time/ manager for this to happen.
I don't blame Jose for this, I blame the toxics.

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{Ed001's Note - you know LVG acted in that role at Ajax for a while and they had to rip it up and start again after he was booted out? He made a complete arse of it.}

04 Aug 2018 08:54:16
Ah, the toxics. The fans may have been whining, but they whined during SAF’s first few seasons, however Edwards had balls and toughed it out confident he had the right man. I think Woody isn’t cut from the same cloth, and the pressure for instantaneous results is enormous nowadays.

To blame the fans is trite, United is a huge multi million pound brand, if the people in charge crumble on the face of some disgruntled fans then God help us all.

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04 Aug 2018 09:09:55
100% ED and to be fair his ego probably caused him as much strife as it did success in his career.
And absolutely i may be wrong but i think van gaal seen Koeman as inferior to him. I think Van gaal's ego may have been tempered/ reigned in towards the end of his time at United, he was also at the latter stages of his career and knew United was his last chance at glory
Van gaal beleived Koemans Ajax were betraying the Ajax stlye and way of playing which I actually tend to agree with, given Ajax's downfall during this time and after van gaal was sacked, don't forget Koeman was sacked too shortly after. Although Zlatan and Van der Vaart are probably really to blame for this lol
Now i know Koeman had a great season or 2 at Southampton but Everton also stands out for me and the errors made there, mostly regarding transfers tbf.
I just think that Koeman was a lesser version of Van Gaal and i think Louis seen that.

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{Ed001's Note - Koeman played the style of football that LVG set out mate. LVG decided the crappy style of play that Koeman continued with after going elsewhere. It was LVG's boring style that was being used.}

04 Aug 2018 09:15:48
Thats exactly it though AJH, after Fegie left the club had no-one with balls.
Your bang on in what was needed was a Martin Edwards, Gill i wish could have been that man but i think sometimes he is also given a bit too much Credit.
Its because of this that the toxics ended up getting their way.
This is not my opinion, this is fact, we had a succession plan re van gaal/ Allegri but the pressure of winning instantaneously and pressure from toxics changed this.

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04 Aug 2018 09:22:02
The club overall need a strategy then a plan, if they have one it isn’t obvious. The only thing I can see is that the highly regarded McKenna was brought into the first team coaching arena perhaps the club have him in mind for an even bigger role in the future? I was pointing out the issues of transition before SAF retired but it seemed the club didn’t have a plan other than parachute someone in who had the right character rather than ability. I am sure Jose will have a plan but it will depend on whether it is short or long term and then whether the club supports it.

One point I will take up with you is the youth academy structure. We seem to have moved away from the previous aim of developing young players to sell them on for profit. Nicky Butt seems to have an aim, we seem to be bringing some very good young players on board from around the world, Puigmal for example. We have the current England under 17 captain James Garner who Carrick rates highly and made his debut on tour. I don’t know how much effort is put into local Manchester youth which is something City do strongly.

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04 Aug 2018 09:30:20
I have to disagree with you on this Ed001

"Having previously worked together at Barcelona, where Van Gaal was coach and Koeman his assistant, the pair linked up again in 2004 at Dutch giants Ajax. At first, the arrangement seemed clear: Koeman was manager, Van Gaal was director of football. This meant Koeman had to handle all matters connected to the first team, like any manager would, while Van Gaal had to interact with scouts and attract new players. That way, Koeman could to focus on matches without having to worry about transfers.

Concluding transfers and making deals in the boardroom, that was Van Gaal’s job. He wasn’t supposed to stick his nose into Koeman’s training methods. Van Gaal started arranging meetings with Koeman to discuss tactics. Again, Koeman felt like Van Gaal was undermining his authority. Why was Van Gaal trying to tell him what to do? Wasn’t he the manager, and wasn’t he the one calling the shots when it came to tactics? "

Sorry i've taken the above from 442.com cause i couldn't be arsed typing this much to explain myself at this ungodly hour


Also on what a **** Koeman was.

"There is a slightly darker side to Koeman which is not widely known - for example his relationship with Louis van Gaal is terrible because of an incident that happened when Van Gaal in the early 2000s when Koeman was a coach at Ajax and Van Gaal was the director of boxers, " said Winner.

"There was a problem in the dressing room. Rafael van der Vaart and Zlatan Ibrahimovic basically were fighting the whole time. They just couldn't stand each other and Van Gaal as director of football came to Koeman and said, 'You have to get rid of them, I don't care who it is because this situation can't go on. Your call, your choice'. And Koeman got rid of Ibrahimovic.

"A short time later, after Ajax lost, I think it was to Bayern, his excuse after the game was that Van Gaal had told him to sell Ibrahimovic. Now, this is not the kind of incident that reflects terribly well on Koeman. "

David Winner, author of renowned Dutch football book Brilliant Orange.

That bits not from 442 but again I've pinched from Internet but this is how i have always understood what has happened. I'm not saying i know intrinsically but my aunt lives in holland, her husband used to youth coach at psv (very small role), i used to get to go to go to psv matches when i was a kid and he reckons Koeman was a **** aswell.

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{Ed001's Note - Koeman is but that is not relevant. None of that is. You said LVG would play a different style of football if he had a choice. He wouldn't, Koeman played the way LVG wanted the game played. You are talking about something that has absolutely no bearing on anything I said and claimed you are disagreeing based on something that doesn't say anything of the kind. I can't be arsed, if you want to argue over nothing, don't waste my time with it.}

04 Aug 2018 09:31:25
It's just life after fergy .
People starting to see how good he was and how lucky we were to have him.

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04 Aug 2018 09:46:01
Ed001 there is a big difference between arguinh and disagreeing. I am doing the latter

I never said anything about VAn Gaal playing a different style of football if he had a choice, (although obviously he would by the fact he disagreed with Koemans) I said that Van Gall believed Koeman was betraying Ajaxs way and style of playing.
Koeman clearly didn't play the way Van Gaal wanted if van gaal was starting to interfere in trainings and tactics as he did.

as for the below
'You are talking about something that has absolutely no bearing on anything I said and claimed you are disagreeing based on something that doesn't say anything of the kind'

I clearly had too many pints last night to be abe to decipher this sorry.

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{Ed001's Note - whatever. Not interested. You are trying to start 'disagreements' when you are even admitting you haven't understood anything. Pointless talking to you. Copy and pasting other people's opinions when you haven't even realised they are utterly irrelevant just proves this whole conversation was useless.}

04 Aug 2018 09:49:48
United has no identity at the moment, or plan, we seem to be spending in hope rather than expectation, City had and still does have a real plan, United under Fergie had real plans, someone at the club needs to take the blinkers off and look at our traditions and history, but maybe the Ed and the Glazers are happy achieving top 4 each year.

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04 Aug 2018 09:52:59
Also sorry if you think i'm arguing with you, i have followed the site for a long time and appreciate the great work you and all the eds do in making this one of the best football opinion sites around.
I'm not having a go, just disagreeing, this is my opinion, it may be wrong but its my own.

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{Ed001's Note - I don't care if you are disagreeing or arguing, the point is you are not even discussing the same damn thing I was. You were so busy trying to prove yourself right, you never even bothered to understand what I said.}

04 Aug 2018 10:05:17
Your replies are out of order Ed001, i'm entitled to my opinion your entitled to yours.
What have I not understood other than your riddle I alluded to above. I have given a reason why I have copied and pasted these opinions rather than type, it was just faster and I have a terrible hangover. I have also clarified that I understood the van gaal scenario the same way.
I kinda don't understand your problem, is that I disagreed with you rather than just say sorry Ed your right I'm wrong?

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{Ed001's Note - you didn't disagree with me, that was my point, but you keep saying you are. You just said Koeman was an arse too. You are just making an argument over nothing and continuing it because you still think it is relevant to anything.}

04 Aug 2018 10:08:20
You basically said lvg was tried as a Dof at Ajax and he made a mess of it. I was trying to provide some context as to why that did not work out and showing that it wasn't a purely van gaal made a mess of it kind of thing. I'm used to fleshing out and providing context for my opinions, sorry won't be so foolish to do so on here again.

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{Ed001's Note - but none of it showed that LVG did not fail miserably did it? So you didn't disagree, but you keep arguing. And you are wasting my time. You still have not shown anything to say that LVG did not fail, just that Koeman was an arse.}

04 Aug 2018 10:21:25
Lol and your the one accusing me of arguing for the sake of it. If I am then we are 2 peas in a pod.
I never said lvg as Dof didn't fail at Ajax, I just tried to provide context of why he did fail.

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04 Aug 2018 10:23:17
And by providing the context I was alluding to the fact that I obviously didn't think it was a given that he would fail in the same way as he did as Ajax if he were to have been given the position as Dof at united.

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04 Aug 2018 10:26:55
Also koeman went to the Ajax board and basically said its either me or him boys. Van gall was sacked as DOF as he got on koemans tits for interfering and also apparently as lvg sold ibra to juve, but as I tried to provide context to earlier, koeman was actually the reason for 1 of zlatan or vdv being sold as well as the bad blood between the players.

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04 Aug 2018 11:30:21
Rosspique- let it rest dude. We are all here due to the eds great site and their hard work. Don't bite the hand that feeds you huh?

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04 Aug 2018 12:00:57
12 days this is what I posted above:

Also sorry if you think i'm arguing with you, i have followed the site for a long time and appreciate the great work you and all the eds do in making this one of the best football opinion sites around.
I'm not having a go, just disagreeing, this is my opinion, it may be wrong but its my own.

I posted an opinion, Ed001 disagreed with me, I didn't accuse him of wasting my time or invalidate my opinion like he did me.

I respectfully disagreed with Ed001, I didn't realise this was unacceptable.

I never set out to cause an argument with Ed001 but it seems I have, again I thoroughly respect yours and the editors works and I apologise if I have upset anyone.

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04 Aug 2018 14:24:37
Moyes was an absolute disaster. LvG wasn't great, treated badly though. And I don't think Allegri would have worked out.

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