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07 May 2019 23:23:01
As Liverpool are in the news, I wondered if any of the eds had views on whether Man Utd should be looking to appoint someone in the mould of Michael Edwards as DoF?
{Ed0333's Note - personally I think you should be looking to employ someone in the mold of Jurgen Norbert Klopp
07 May 2019 23:01:40
Stop the world I want to get off.
{Ed0333's Note - June 1st mate is the time too book a one way ticket to oblivion đ€Ł
07 May 2019 22:33:08
And that's why he shouldn't be in the discussion of the greatest players ever. Truly great players turn up when needed and turn the game.
07 May 2019 22:36:40
Messi is one of if not the greatest players to ever set foot on a football pitch.
07 May 2019 23:05:00
He is a fantastic footballer, but his performances for Argentina have shown that he cannot carry a team, unlike Ronaldo.
07 May 2019 23:06:53
Messi is Messi, one of the greatest but Liverpool deserve credit for tonight, very sharp they were great performance,
{Ed0333's Note - Thankyou Leahy
07 May 2019 23:08:05
Very true Mort. Ronaldo wouldn't have let a team beat him after his team being 3.0 up. Hats off to Liverpool for showing a wonderful team spirit tonight and players fighting for each other like there is no tomorrow.
Thats why it doesn't matter how much talent you have if you don't have the right mentality then talent will go to waste.
07 May 2019 23:17:12
Agreed Caolan. Reading that, youd think he's never turned up in big games.
07 May 2019 23:18:31
Give me the right medicine and half time oranges and I could have played in that Barcelona team a few years ago.
08 May 2019 00:22:32
Messi tried to turn up, but itâs hard to have impact when youâre side is being completely pinned back in their own half.
08 May 2019 00:29:21
you have got to give liverpool credit they stopped him.
08 May 2019 01:05:17
Congratulations to Liverpool. They had a mountain to climb to beat Barcelona after the first leg. But they stuck to it and willed themselves back into it. A great comeback for them.
Well done.
Could we have an all EPL final?
{Ed0333's Note - Thankyou Perth very kind of you.
08 May 2019 08:24:14
No worries 333.
{Ed0333's Note - have a good day mate.
07 May 2019 22:32:24
It would be easy to hide tonight however, Liverpool deserve plaudits for that, you have to say well done.
That happened for them as a result of years of build up. Liverpool and City each created a strategy, a plan, put the pieces into their jigsaw, brought in the right managers, the right players and worked towards success, it was obvious strategy. They took their fans on the journeys with them. They are both deservedly miles ahead of us. Liverpool play strong football, have always used a better style than us in Europe, yet we look backwards to how we used to play. We had the chance to look forward yet have gone backwards.
Not to worry, our bunch had a obvious financial strategy and brought in those all important noodle partners, whilst having no obvious football strategy. Even in the financial area Liverpool and City are catching up. Ask yourself would you want to sponsor the dynamic Liverpool or City or rudderless United.
One other point from tonight is that Barcelona also need a rebuild and once Messi is another year older it gets more difficult. However you can see City and Liverpool taking over if they keep getting their transfers right.
Liverpool should rightly enjoy that tonight, well done to them, just to say they still need to win the final.
07 May 2019 22:36:32
Appreciated Red Man.
07 May 2019 23:01:00
Well said red man. And we have to congratulate Liverpool on an incredible win. It was simply sensational. They play with passion and desire and their manager gives them this as he did at BD.
Do we see this from moyes, lvg and Mourinho? No. Will OGS have the same? Only time will tell.
But change has to start at the top with Woodward and co. So I'm not holding my breath.
{Ed0333's Note - classy mate Thankyou.
07 May 2019 23:03:35
Noodle partners đđđ. Love it.
07 May 2019 23:15:45
11th April 1999 Man Utd V Arsenal FA Cup Semi Final one of the most thrilling games of football I've ever attended. To see Schmeichel save a penalty in the last minute, our inspirational Captain dismissed, then for Giggs to do the unthinkable against a brilliant Arsenal team defines what you believe is possible on a football pitch.
From the magic of the Stadio Delle Alpi to the drama of the Nou Camp from the ashes of Munich to the pinnacle of Europe what has gone before prepares you for what it yet to come.
Great football Clubs are capable of producing the most amazing moments that defy logic and transcend sport. They remind us that anything is possible if we only dare to dream.
Hard work, desire, hunger, dedication, commitment, sacrifice these are the only things that will return us to the top of the game.
Congratulations to Liverpool for showing us what is possible when you play with heart, determination, commitment and desire.
To our rag tag bunch of charlatans and prima-donnas that is the level of commitment and desire we demand and the only thing that will allow you to experience moments like that!
{Ed0333's Note - youâre making me want to like youâre club DLIB đ
07 May 2019 23:17:52
Fair play Red Man.
08 May 2019 00:10:26
The amount of times on here that we have mocked klopp and his emotions and his finals losing record.
But he has brought that magic back to anfield. Supporters, players, ex players, owners, and manager all pulling in one direction. he's done an incredible job.
On another note, how is valverde still in a job?
{Ed0333's Note - wonât be next week.
08 May 2019 00:24:00
Ed0333 - Enjoy, it was spectacular, unbelievable, emotional even. As a football fan I can appreciate special moments and it served as a little reminder that our Club has also enjoyed more than it's fair share of heroic comebacks over the years.
Utd and L'pool are sporing institutions capable of producing truly magical moments that transcend the sport of football. The whole world will know what happened at Anfield last night it reminds us anything is possible no matter what adversity we face. What happened at Anfield tonight was inspirational and the raw emotion displayed by some of the players demonstrated just what it means to represent your Club they did you proud tonight.
{Ed0333's Note - agreed mate Thankyou but that can only happen when you have a leader that is beloved, revered and respected. You had that man in fertile and to replicate that again you need intelligent planning and stellar leadership from top to bottom, Iâm afraid you donât have that. I think thatâs organic and you need to start again. Get rid of Woodward and ole and modify the blueprint.
08 May 2019 06:58:02
Ed0333
You can see it, so can some of us, but unfortunately it wonât change until the owners sell, Woodward is no longer the driving force and Ole is back to being a playing legend.
07 May 2019 22:13:58
Anybody take Cahill for a season or two. Good pro. Good mentality and won't be afraid to give orders to hi team mates. My only reservation would be if he has lost pace because in today's game the attackers of top teams are so quick.
07 May 2019 22:39:52
I can picture it now, a back 3 of smalling, cahill and jones lifting the champions league in 2021.
*Champions League = Johnstons Paint Trophy*.
07 May 2019 23:02:06
đđđđđđ.
07 May 2019 22:05:16
Wrong page I know but hats off to liverpool tonight. Brilliant game, fantastic result.
That's how we should play. I believe the word is conviction. Liverpool had it in spades tonight. Well done and best of luck to them in the final.
07 May 2019 22:17:04
Itâs painful to say but we need to look at what theyâve done the last four years and learn from it. Stick with the manager, back him with the right signings, concentrate on youth and modern high pressing play. Well done Liverpool. Iâm feeling a tad jealous Iâm not ashamed to admit.
07 May 2019 22:25:07
They are a top top team with the best manager in the world for me at the moment! .
07 May 2019 22:27:15
Indeed. If Ole needs an example of what a Team is, heâs got a pretty good example there. And also an example of the right transfer policy. No superstar signings, just paying what needs to be paid for the type of player thatâs needed to fit the position for the system that the manager has in mind. Thatâs whatâs needed at Utd. Decide on the system, decide who can play in that system and then find the players who can fill the roles and are motivated to succeed. Forget the fantasy signings of Dybala etc, if Solskjaer wants to play fast counter attacking football, the first thing that needs sorting is the defence. After that, a creative midfield and pace on the wings. Young quick strikers we have in abundance. If they get the right service they will score at will. For me, Koulibaly, Chilwell and Pereira to compliment Lindelof and Shaw plus Bailly/ Tuanzebe as cover is a defence to build on. Then Brookes from Bournemouth and Jesus Navas from City and weâve got a team that can play to the managers formula.
07 May 2019 23:19:52
Jesus Navas? I thought legal highs were illegal now?
07 May 2019 23:31:13
I think Mikey might be on the right track. Klopp likes to press high but you guys don't need to follow that. Just need to work out what style best suits the way you want to play and then work towards it. But would require the backing of the management (did someone mention Woodward? ) and patience. It won't come overnight - I mean we still haven't won anything and Klopp has been in charge for a few years now.
08 May 2019 06:27:39
Just realise Navas went back to Seville, but my point is, if you want to play counter attacking football down the flanks you need a pacey winger who not only is fast but can take a player on and then deliver a cross from the byline. You could easily replace this name by Pedro, Willian, etc. i.e doesnât need to be a world beater or household name, but needs to fulfil the specific role the manager wants to play well enough that the team can deliver the managers tactics.
07 May 2019 22:25:07
They are a top top team with the best manager in the world for me at the moment! .
07 May 2019 22:27:15
Indeed. If Ole needs an example of what a Team is, heâs got a pretty good example there. And also an example of the right transfer policy. No superstar signings, just paying what needs to be paid for the type of player thatâs needed to fit the position for the system that the manager has in mind. Thatâs whatâs needed at Utd. Decide on the system, decide who can play in that system and then find the players who can fill the roles and are motivated to succeed. Forget the fantasy signings of Dybala etc, if Solskjaer wants to play fast counter attacking football, the first thing that needs sorting is the defence. After that, a creative midfield and pace on the wings. Young quick strikers we have in abundance. If they get the right service they will score at will. For me, Koulibaly, Chilwell and Pereira to compliment Lindelof and Shaw plus Bailly/ Tuanzebe as cover is a defence to build on. Then Brookes from Bournemouth and Jesus Navas from City and weâve got a team that can play to the managers formula.
07 May 2019 21:58:32
Congratulations to Liverpool. That was nothing short of amazing. As a united fans it hurts as we are so far away from having night like that.
07 May 2019 22:04:52
Other teams fans have ripped the piss out of Henderson over the years but my god if only we had a few players with the heart and desire he shows for his club.
07 May 2019 22:07:16
As a Utd fan it definitely hurts but we all should have the grace to acknowledge a special performance. I must say that Barcelona did disappoint me. I really thought they had a better mentality than they obviously have. That said Utds players should took a deep look at themselves and realise how badly they have let us down with their lack of desire and fighting spirit and even their inability to play with such intensity for 90 minutes (with two top attacking players not even playing)
07 May 2019 22:08:45
They have recruited well, and the coaches have improved almost every player. On top of that Klopp has fostered team spirit that drove this performance tonight. I admired his pre-match philosophy of play to win, and if you fail, do it beautifully.
07 May 2019 22:17:36
I hope some of our 'star's were watching, shame-facedly.
07 May 2019 22:43:46
Fair play to you lads, fair handed there, city and LFC might drag the premier League standards up and therefore more nights like tonite for all of us.
07 May 2019 23:07:35
Stevie, nothing will motivate our so called stars apart from money and greed. Apart from Mctominay and one or two others, rhe rest are shamless mercenaries.
07 May 2019 21:54:11
It hurts me to say, but this Liverpool has everything to dominate the EPL for a few seasons alongside City. Their are just miles ahead of every team.
07 May 2019 21:57:53
Didn't think this season could get any worse.
Bet Leeds win the play offs!
07 May 2019 21:58:13
I agree but only if they are able to keep Salah, Mane and Firmino for at least 2 more years. They play fascinating footy.
07 May 2019 17:12:21
{Ed's Note - PutneyRed has posted a new article entitled, 2018/19 is the best Liverpool team I've seen
07 May 2019 20:17:33
He's not sen many then.
07 May 2019 21:59:48
Think the OP might be on to something here.
07 May 2019 16:58:50
Id like to take a moment to speculate on our summer transfer window and look at the rebuiling hob that ole faces.
Its important to remember that there will be players staying that ole would rather sell but cant.
There is probably also a couple of players that will leave that he would rather have kept.
I think that
Pogba ddg lukaku and martial will all look to leave.
In my opinion it would make sense to let them all leave. We could possibly raise 250 to 300m for them alone.
Sanchez is a problem. Can we find a club to take him on. Will he lower his wage demand to secure a move. Can we pay him off to make a move?
Valencia. GONE
Herrera looks gone
Mata looks gone.
Darmian looks likely to be sold
Rojo looks likely to be sold if we can find a buyer.
So if they all leave we ciuld raise in the order of 300m from those sales and make loads of room on the wage bill for new signings .
I believe that would leave luke shaw as our highest earner on 190k per week. ( yeah i know that's hard to believe)
So that would leave a squad of
Grant romero (Henderson)
Young dalot shaw
Lindelof bailly jones smalling (tuanzebe)
Matic mctom fred perieira (garner)
Jessie rash (chong gomes greenwood)
Just look at that squad its pitiful in every single area. Shocking. It contains about 4 regular international starters. Devoid of leaders devoid of talent devoid of invention devoid of top class experience.
Even those staying have significant question marks over them
All 3 keepers
All 3 full backs
4 of the 5 cb's
All the midfield
Both of the attackers.
On that basis the task is huge.
We simply cannot Afford to lest all 4 of lukaku martial sanchez and mata to leave . Its a real conundrum because none really deserve to be kept. If pissed id rather keep lukaku and mata than the other 2.
Trippier aldewireld tierny 90m
Saul teilmans or neves maddison 190m
Sancho king 120m
Cavani swap with sanchez
Squad
Henderson romero grant
Rb/ lb trippier tierny dalot shaw young
Cb's Alderwireld Lindelof bailly tuanzebe smalling sell jones
Midfield teilmans or neves saul mctom matic fred maddison periera garner
Attack jessie rash sancho cavani lukaku chong gomes greenwood
Thats a squad that if they click can potentially win the europa and be 3rd in the league with a good wind behind them.
Lots of inexperience but a few older heads to count on.
Lots of talent lots of youth lots of hunger.
We can all argue about the players that come in as we all have opinions on who we like.
Im aware a couple on my list are not of interest or are not attainable but its the sort of player id like to see.
Some are players with a point yo prove some are raw but its the sort of mix id like to see.
We have the worst squad we have seen for 30 years so it won't be fixed over 1 window or even 3.
07 May 2019 17:22:41
The Cavani suggestion one of the best I've seen re Sanchez, think he'd be fantastic for Rashford and eventually Greenwood to partner up top and learn from. He's a tireless worker and I thought he was exceptional for Uruguay as a leader at the world cup. Getting in a couple of leaders is just as imperative as bringing in young, hungry players.
Hector Herrera another example. Believe he's a free agent this summer, and would replace his namesake nicely in the squad.
07 May 2019 17:57:27
That would be an incredible squad Ken, realistic too I would imagine it might take a couple of windows to get it done though.
{Ed025's Note - ken should be the next manager deano..
07 May 2019 18:07:55
I don't like the idea of bringing in an older head striker to guild the youngsters.
That supposedly was the thinking behind bringing in Zlatan, however, all it did was take up a huge chunk of the wage bill while stagnating the youngsters.
Rashford and Martial will not improve without playing minutes on the pitch. They can work on as much as you'd like during training. But they need to play games, make mistakes and learn from them. Simple as that.
07 May 2019 18:10:58
The fact that when we brought shaw we made him the highest paid teenager. Then after 3 years of injuries a inability to get himself into any sort of shape we then give him a almost double your money contract to stay. Tells you everything you need to know about the club. Watching chilwell last night everything he did was a upgrade on shaw.
07 May 2019 18:15:17
Lots of players could have been mentioned. But its that sort of profile. A couple of older leaders and some talented younger hungry players. Plus developing a jewel or 2 from tuanzebe garner gomes chong or greenwood.
A blend of youth and experience. Bale is another possible if he fancies helping returning united to the top as his legacy. It depends on what desire these guys have for a huge challenge having win the lot and massed the riches. A takes a special sort of character and talent to do that.
Picking the wrong ones is a nightmare as we have seen.
But we do need 2 or 3 of them to come in and start seeing new standards of professionalism.
07 May 2019 18:18:35
Good post Ken.
I wouldn't go for Tielemans or Trippier they don't look upto scratch for me.
I also will get rid of Young and Smalling and buy two top class center backs.
Realistically speaking - I think these are the playe4s we will buy thid year.
Cancelo, Milenkovic or Manolas, Dybala, Saul if Pogba leave which i r3ckon he will and we will look go and buy Costa from Juventus.
I would go for Cavani too and i'd think he is just the type of striker to score us goals which Rashford, Lukaku and Martial aren't capable of for one reason or another.
The most importqnt business we can do this summer is clear out the players we don't need or aren't good for us and then worry about buying top class players next year.
In terms of our players from the youth - It will be a major step up for them from playing in under 23s to playing against the likes of Van dijk and co.
07 May 2019 18:19:05
Ken, you are saying in an ideal world to bring in 8 new players?
07 May 2019 18:20:28
On a side note I would go all put for Ruben Dias if Juventus csnt obtain him. Dias, Milenkovic and Lindelof would be three quality center backs to have.
07 May 2019 18:30:59
CSF. i'm not sure its practical to complete in one window.
As i said it depends on who he has to and who he can't sell. But if he is lucky enough to get them all out in one window then they have to be replacedđ admittedly and obviously it is not all that realistic but if the cv lub has appetite for real change greying them all out in one window would be the ideal as far as I'm concerned.
{Ed025's Note - throwing them all out of a window sounds good to me ken.. :)
07 May 2019 18:36:00
Not from any ground floor window ed025 i'm talkin sky scraper top floor. Or even a blimp windowđđ.
{Ed025's Note - love it ken..
07 May 2019 18:40:50
Realistic Wishlist over 2-3 windows for me would be
Tierney
AWB/ Ricardo
Ben Mee (Promoting Tuanzebe to partner with Lindelof)
Neves
Maddison
David Brooks
Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
07 May 2019 19:36:35
I fully agree Shappy you are completely right it would seem many of our fans don't want to learn the lessons of the last few years.
Every day I read posts pleading for the likes of Greenwood, Gomes, Chong and Garner to be given their chance yet we'll ruin them before they've even started if we're not careful. How long will it take before people turn on Greenwood if he goes a few games without a goal or has a few bad games as all teenagers invariably will.
In Rashford we have one of the most promising and talented forwards in world football. He works incredibly hard, has been at the Club all his life yet most fans have already dismissed him as not good as he's struggled for a bit of form recently. The lad is only 21 give him a chance. Signing a pacy, mobile RW that can take on some of the creative responsibility and chip in with some goals would be a huge benefit to the likes of Rashford and Martial and give balance to the team.
There is no magic wand, no secret formula, no quick solution, patience and planning are the only antidote.
The brutal truth is 6 years on and we are still reeling from 2013 and the loss of our great manager. Within 12-18 months of SAF retiring we'd also lost Vidic, Rio, Evra, Scholes, Giggs with Carrick and Rooney in steady decline. It's almost impossible to replace that amount of talent and experience in a such short space of time. There isn't enough money in the world to replace that lot!
Madrid have fallen to bits since they lost Ronaldo. The likes of Kroos, Modric, Ramos and Bemzema are all approaching the end of their careers at the same time. They will find those players incredibly difficult to replace all at the same time.
When Barcelona lose Messi they will face similar problems.
There is no easy fix for us. We must show patience and understanding. Turning on our own will not help anything.
We all know the positions where we need strengthening. We must not get distracted chasing players we simply don't need. CB, RB, RW and CM must be the priority. Getting the right players in the right positions will make a big difference. We need to forge a team, recruit the right players with the right mentality and then look to sprinkle the star dust. Doing it the other way around won't work.
07 May 2019 19:42:57
Shappy how many more seasons do Rashford and Martial need to develop their game?
Martial signed in August 2015 and Rashford made his debut in February 2016?
Donât think Beckham, Scholes, Nevill, Butt and even Ole himself needed 3 to 4 seasons to make it.
I have no axe to grind with either of these players but they either deliver now or sit on the bench.
Plus an older head who is top quality with a real desire could help Rashford and Martial.
07 May 2019 19:56:44
Who is suggesting diing it the other way around dlib?
I looks like we will lose a lot of ecoerience from the squad. We will also prioritise some young talented signings. But its imperative we blend that with some experienced pros. We won't have enough in house so we need to bring in 2 minimum. Its not easy to find the right ones ill grant you that.
07 May 2019 20:19:17
Shappy, them men have been around long enough now to do it. A world class striker would probably help them, not hamper them.
At least when zlatan was here, he was a leader. And we had some cohesion in the squad. When he left we were void a real leader, despite his character, he did lead from the front and others seemed to have followed.
Good post Ken, really is a bad read and how badly off we actually are.
07 May 2019 20:21:54
DLIB, those lads are still kids and they'll be a few years away from making any inroads into the first team. It's nice to call for him to give youth a chance, but in reality they are not ready yet. We need to being in some real leaders right now, ones with experience and quality to boot.
Those young lads you mentioned should learn from them and enhance their skill by playing with better players. Not by throwing them, that could ruin some of them.
07 May 2019 20:40:19
I wasn't referring to you Ken your posts are always consistent and I agree with most of the players you have listed in your squad.
I'd personally stay clear of Cavani I think Rashford needs the game time and I think we need the experience and leadership at the other end of the pitch. Of course I don't have all the answers and I do understand your reasoning pal but in my opinion we should look to build to the future and try and forge a team rather than bringing in another player on massive wages with their best years behind them. I want to see Rashford improve and develop it's a process and we just have to be patient with him.
07 May 2019 20:42:24
I wouldn't touch Bale with a ten foot pole.
07 May 2019 14:59:36
If we were looking at players who can hit the ground running in the PL would it be worth exploring Neves and Tielimans. Both relatively young and maybe a year away from top level. Both seem to have the right spirit and could grow with us as a club over the coming year.
Both won't be cheap but would solve some of our problems.
07 May 2019 15:33:59
Neves, potentially. But Tielemans is another one who doesnât put in enough consistent effort. Like a lesser Pogba.
{Ed002's Note - Both of course prior targets of Mr Mourinho.}
07 May 2019 16:26:54
I mentioned Tielemans' lack of effort to one of the youth coaches at Leicester (a friend) and he was really surprised that this was the public opinion. Apparently in training he is an absolute beast - dedicated and committed and hard working. Strange one.
07 May 2019 16:30:31
He is far from lazy. That's nonsense.
07 May 2019 16:43:18
Interesting RWWD, the perception and opinion of many is that he is lazy.
Good to hear some actual insight.
07 May 2019 17:58:47
Not what I've seen when I've watched him to be honest, seems to put a shift in and has a bit of quality about him too.
07 May 2019 18:40:01
A couple of people start saying it, and it becomes the 'truth'. I think he's a great wee player, and going to get better.
07 May 2019 19:47:29
I mentioned Tielemens a month or so ago. I really like the lad, tidy on the ball, knows where the net is and can pick a pass.
He was captain of Anderlecht at 17 I think? Could probably get him for £35-40 million. Would be Moët well spent.
07 May 2019 13:07:53
Ed,
Interested to know if a player plus cash deal for Pogba with Madrid is plausible? Kroos and Bale linked, both would enhance the team.
I actually thought Bale would work quite well centrally with Rashford in that split striker role. And Kroos can pick a pass at least which is more than can be said for everyone else on the team.
{Ed002's Note - That would suit RM but MU have shied away from such deals.}
07 May 2019 14:13:23
Taking on bale or kroos would help speed up madrids rebuild, no one wants to take bale on a permanent deal due to his wages and transfer fee. It could easily be another alexis sanchez deal. Maybe as a one year loan could be an option but even then wages would still be an issue as madrid are hardly going to subsidise any proportion of the wages.
Only player i would take off madrid is varane.
07 May 2019 14:53:46
Fresh why would we want either? Both are at the end of there careers on huge wages. Kroos would add another body with a complete lack of pace centrally which is the opposite to what we need. Bale has serious wage issues and injury concerns. If we honestly want to challenge again in the next decade getting away from these signings are a must.
07 May 2019 12:40:00
So going by Ed002's last list our midfield targets are all unlikely or going elsewhere. Fernandes and Rodrigo to City, Rakitic likely staying where he is and Saul is only a possibility if Pogba leaves. Can't see Pogba leaving as I doubt anybody will be willing to pay what we perceive as reasonable.
Times are tough it seems. Not really sure how our scouting system works but let's hope there are other targets in mind.
07 May 2019 12:47:08
If pogba stays that can be turned into a positive if we durinf him with the right players.
Ie overlapping full backs attackers with sound tree niall ability and outstanding movement and midfielders that can look after the ball and are tecnically and tactically sound. It works for france and worked for juve. We don't have those players so oogba doesn't shine.
07 May 2019 12:50:02
Apparently Danny Drinkwater is available and knows the club.
07 May 2019 12:56:28
I'd sooner have TC23 Mort.
07 May 2019 12:58:13
Danny welbeck is available on a free too.
07 May 2019 13:09:06
I think Kroos will be targeted. A precious favourite of Woodward whose still in the driving seat.
Would love NâDidi based on this seasons peformances for his drive and energy.
07 May 2019 13:11:37
Thats the problem with essentially wasting or stagnating for 7 years. Even if we do rebuild âsuccessfullyâ the likes of city could still widen the gap between us and them if they continue recruiting effectively and efficiently.
On pogba, ed002 has said on the european pages that juve could offer a few players to exchange or fund a move for pogba. Cancelo, dybala and pjanic i think.
I would take cancelo and dybala for pogba, whether its a swap deal or seperate moves and go back to 4-4-1-1 with dybala off of rashford or martial.
07 May 2019 13:14:08
Declan Rice and Ruben Neves would be ones for me.
07 May 2019 14:00:15
Doherty / munier / cancelo (most likely munier as i have high hopes for Dalot)
Alderwiereld / Milenkovic (hopefully both, but unlikely)
David brooks/ tielemans (tough - but both are good herrera replacements esp. if they don't need to carry pogba's defensive work)
Saul (if pog-goes-back, has everything in him to be the heart of this team)
if lukaku/ sanchez/ mata leave - jota / zaha / malcom (that barcelona chap may want to leave esp. if they are considering salah as an option) . Might even give Arjen Robben a cheeky 2 year deal?
Starting 11 of DDG/ romero, munier, milenkovic, lindelof, shaw, matic, brooks, saul, martial, rashford and zaha is not a bad place to start - bench - romero / periera, dalot, smalling, fred, mctominay, greenwood, lukaku/ sanchez/ mata / robben;
top 4 may still be a stretch but its a talented young group without the big egos so solkjaer can mould them into a hard working team capable of flashes of brilliance. We are still missing a world class striker to bring off the bench (giroud? ), but i doubt we will change more than 5 of the first team this window.
07 May 2019 14:02:45
Ed002 has also said we don't want to do horse trading so player plus cash deals seem unlikely as well. Honestly no idea what happens this summer. Could be a huge mess.
07 May 2019 14:03:08
Pogba staying would not be a positive. Getting âthe right players around himâ is another way of saying we should bring in players who cover for Pogbaâs lack of work rate. Italy is a slower league, and Juve still had mids covering for him.
This is a player who wants out of the club, canât be arsed most of the time, and is setting a terrible example for younger players. When Jose was fired, Pogba put in some top class performances just to show Jose he was wrong about him. After he proved his point, he went straight back to doing the bare minimum.
There is zero point in keeping him at the club, and he would be a nightmare to deal with if heâs denied his dream move to Real.
07 May 2019 14:29:48
Danny i agree with all if that. No argument from me there at all.
But let's remember 1 thing. Ole will be left with players that he wants or even they themselves want to move on but we can't for whatever reason.
Its how ole manages those players going forward will be key to or success.
Example.
Rojo we can't find a buyer its not too dificult a situation you just leave him on the fringes picking up his wages.
But with pogba its going to be a different problem.
Sanchez a different problem again.
Does he want to keep lukaku martial?
They can't all leave. So the best he can do is blend the squad around who he has to keep.
Personally i'm up for a huge clear out ddg pogba martial mata herrera rojo valencia darmian jones.
Sign trippier tierny aldewiereld saul tielmans bale cavani this window. Plus youth and returning loanees) with henderson and romero competing for no1
Next summer look to sancho maddison neves if they all continue to impress and we are back in cl and maybe cup winners.
In the snr pros we recruit we must look to recruit players of the right character that want to embrace the challenge of putting united back in the higher echelons. Embrace the challenge of bring talented young players through alongside them.
Who fits that bill? I think the 3 mentioned are possibilities. Kroos?
Players who have won the lot but are still good enough and motivated enough to embrace a new challenge.
07 May 2019 14:32:41
Red rosie I've no idea what to expect. Can't wait to see what goes down.
07 May 2019 17:05:53
Spot on Danny he shows up when he wants which is when he has a point to prove ie mou getting sacked. The bare minimum an employee should bring is effort and willingness to improve and he does neither enough.
07 May 2019 12:30:33
Ed,
Are we looking at Dybala after missing out on Fernandes?
{Ed002's Note - All of Mr Mourinho's targets remain of interest to the club.}
07 May 2019 12:43:28
Imagine signing his targets after sacking him. What on earth is going on!
07 May 2019 14:14:55
Thanks ed.
07 May 2019 19:43:23
Will be keen to read Joseâs autobiography on this chapter of his career in the years to come.
07 May 2019 09:46:54
Eds, what are views on Harry Maquire? Will he be good for United? And do you see interest in him from United? Thanks in advance.
{Ed001's Note - there is longstanding interest from United, though I don't expect it to go anywhere in the summer. He is not good enough for United, but he would be an improvement on what you do already have. If it was a cheap move it would make sense, but he would not be cheap so it makes no sense. Better targeting an actual good defender.}
07 May 2019 10:46:53
The moment I watched that dribble forward by Maguire last night I was certain there would be a link to him again somewhere. (I am not accusing anyone in particular of MOTD fever) . But personally I don't think he is good enough to help transform our defense into top 3_4 in the league. And for the money he is likely to cost, we can't afford someone to just be a slight upgrade on Jones, Smalling etc.
07 May 2019 11:56:11
For me I would go for Romagnoli, he is a solid defender, good on the ball and plays on the left hand side. Other than him I would strongly consider Jonathan Tah, He looks a very accomplished defender who could be ideal. However, that would mean Lindelof continuing to play on the left hand side.
{Ed002's Note - I would not hold your breath.}
07 May 2019 12:22:21
I agree with Edâs opinion on Maguire.
The point that annoys me is Maguire was available for ÂŁ15M when Hull were relegated and at that time he was a good prospect and so why didnât JosĂ© or Utd go for him. This would be on the basis of developing him into what we needed. Instead we let him go to Leicester and 12 months later we here Utd are interested but after the World Cup he is priced at ÂŁ70M. If we had bought Maguire as well as Lindelof then we would not of renewed Smalling and Jones contracts and they would now be gone.
I know all of the above is theoretical but itâs just another situation that demonstrates to me the inadequacies on the Football side that has existed since SAF retired and probably before he retired.
07 May 2019 12:28:00
With smalling and jones on new contracts, i don't see us signing a new centre back this summer unless both rojo and bailly depart.
Also i think ole could give tuanzebe a squad place. Right back is obviously the pressing concern out of the defence.
07 May 2019 12:39:16
DSG,
Only Lindelof who is upto the standard required.
07 May 2019 12:39:35
Yeah I've got to say I'm not longer confident on a centre back. I think Tuanzebe will get his chance and we'll to move Rojo on and perversely persevere with Bailly, Smalling, Rojo until 2020 when they'll either go or Sam Allerdyce rejuvenates them.
07 May 2019 13:10:08
I can see a cut price move for Toby materialising.
Would make some sense but isnât overly forward thinking. Tuanzebe promoted also.
07 May 2019 16:59:25
Rb lb and cb are all pressing concerns anybody who thinks otherwise is imo badly mistaken.
Shaw needs cover and competition so does dalot.
My coves would be tierny and trippier.
Alderwireld is available for 25m although he would be relatively short term he is miles better than anybodywe have.
80 to 90m secures all 3. Which will leave funds for other areas.
07 May 2019 17:00:51
What is good enough for Utd these days Ed1?
I don't think they are in the same breath of the likes of Liverpool and City when buying players. If they can attract Varane from Real it would scream another mercenary to me as there are sides far better than Utd who would want him and he would only go to Utd for the money.
{Ed001's Note - you just need to improve recruitment.}
07 May 2019 07:29:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 7th May 2019
07 May 2019 12:53:18
Please keep the pointless lists coming :)
{Ed001's Note - people always love them but I never understand why.}
07 May 2019 13:55:45
Touch of the roy keanes about gattuso.
07 May 2019 00:33:21
Ricardo from Leicester would be a great addition to our squad in my opinion.
07 May 2019 06:14:48
He would be a good right back option as would Matt Doherty at wolves.
07 May 2019 10:29:28
AWB/ Ricardo both would be good, does anyone think we need a LB as well?
07 May 2019 11:03:31
I think another left back would be nice but not a priority. Doesnât have to be a world beater just needs someone that will work hard and provide a good option when Shaw has the dips in form that he is prone to.
I think work rate should be what we are looking for in any player this summer. Like one of the Edâs said about Klopp. Attitude 1st and then talent and ability. Canât think of many players that have come in post SAF with the correct attitude. Lindelof and Herrera the exceptions for me.
07 May 2019 11:13:23
Matt Doherty is also 27 so in his prime but with an eye to not blocking some of the youth set up lads coming through. But if AWB is available for the right money Im not sure many of us on here would not want him.
07 May 2019 11:58:37
AWB makes most sense, I don't think we need a LB this summer. Dalot has played at LB on several occasions both for us and Porto beforehand. In fact he made his Porto debut at LB.
Full back options of AWB, Shaw, Dalot and Young should be good enough. We also have Laird coming through the academy, although he looks a couple of years away if I'm honest.
07 May 2019 12:36:12
Didn't AWB say he was staying at Palace next season. I'd also like someone a bit more experienced as we need someone now who won't hold Dalot back. If we didn't have Dalot I'd push for AWB.
07 May 2019 13:10:49
Tierney the stand out if one was to be targeted.
06 May 2019 23:32:17
Hope all eds and readers are well.
Said I'd keep my powder dry until the end of the season, well at least until all was effectively done.
I'm going to start on a positive, to actually be in contention until the 37th game of the season is pretty unbelievable if you think back to where utd were after the defeat at Anfield. That is the only positive I can take.
So why are we where we are? Because we deserve to be. And it boils down to basics really. I've heard a pundit or 2 saying utd look like they are lacking confidence, true, no unity within the group, true, lacking leadership, true, lacking work ethic, true.
These are basic requirements for any player of Man Utd I'm sure you'll all agree. The basis for all of this is fitness. Without fitness none of the above is remotely achievable. To be lacking fitness at a club of our stature is simply unforgivable. None of the players are or have been fit enough this season.
And testament to that is the injuries we've had since OGS took charge. Ole wanted to play a certain way, high press, ratitatat football and it was working until injuries set in. How many unchanged sides did we have in the PL? 1 I think, open to correction on that but it's no more than that since, if at all since February.
Lukaku, Sanchez, Smalling, Herrera, Martial, Lingard, Matic, Rashford, Jones (not a good example as he is always), Fred, Mata, all out injured in the last 2 months and none with an impact injury. This is unforgivable in this day and age.
These are supposed supreme athletes who are payed astronomical sums to play the game they supposedly love, the least we can expect of them is that they are as fit as possible in order to conduct their occupations, or am I asking too much of them considering their social media engagements and off field ventures (not that I have a problem with ventures away from the game, just remember what gave you the exposure and ability to have said venture) . No I'm not asking much.
I watched MUTV when they were away for warm wea training, and I've seen under 8 teams train harder. This bunch of players are far from bad individuals but as a team they are rank. To get it right they need to trim a few and get fit asap.
Players to trim,
1 Paul Pogba, not a team player, undoubtedly a fantastic individual player but not a player to unite
2 Romelu Lukaku, not fit enough
3 Sanchez, divided an Arsenal dressing room, appears to have done same here
4 Martial, attitude stinks, has not kicked a ball out of his way since signing his new contract
5 Darmian, not fit, not good
6 Matic, not fit, passed it
7 Rashford, attitude stinks, I'm going to get stick for this but his attitude is wrong for a player of his age, get 100mill from Barcelona
8 Smalling, go eat your vegetables elsewhere
9 Jones, Burnley have a lovely physio table
I could go on. But a serious overhaul is required and I will not be happy if majority of above are still at OT next year
These players threw Jose under the bus, they won't have the opportunity to do it to Ole.
07 May 2019 10:42:55
I agree on all those players, however I feel a bit for Rashford. I donât think heâs been fully fit, and thereâs a lot of pressure on him. I think attitude wise heâs one of the few we have here who gets it. However I do see where you are coming from as heâs been cutting a very frustrated figure of late. A spell out of the side would have done him good but unfortunatley we couldnât do that. Wouldnât be opposed to another experienced number 9 coming in to help score goals, and also be a mentor to Rashford and greenwood.
07 May 2019 12:01:40
I think its simple, we don't play as a team but as a group of individuals. Which considering our transfer policy over the last 6 years its quite clear why that might be the case. Players bought and sold by three different managers plus people higher up wanting "club" signings for commercial reasons.
We don't have a team, we have a list of assets.
07 May 2019 14:14:50
Agree very much Shappy. Read G Neville's opinions in the MEN - no coincidence that none of the managers since Fergie have been able to succeed ( though Jose somehow managed to get us to second! ) . He has some rather sensible things to say about the way things are run and the club structure . Quite refreshing for one of the Cof92 to criticise the club.
{Ed025's Note - he spoke very well croaky and he told it like it is, i respect him for that mate..