Use our rumours form to send us manchester united transfer rumours.
09 Apr 2014 23:44:38
No shame at all in losing to Bayern Munich, much better team. We contained them well for and hour. I think the goal put our heads in the clouds and of course our concentration went. Badly need a new left back. Probably the main priority now. And our midfield is woeful I'm afraid. So keen to get rid of the ball, whereas Kroos was spraying everywhere all night. What I would do to have him.
09 Apr 2014 23:42:31
Not just this tie but the past month the players we have are starting to play well. Against Newcastle janazuj, mata and kagawa playing so well together.
Moyes comments after the game tonight were really positive in the front of taking the club forward ' stating the right players will be signed, and the rebuilding process is in place'.
In February, even march, if you asked me if I wanted moyes gone I would of said yes.
But I'm starting to see signs if progression and positive attditude going forward. So let's see how he does with his rebuilding process in the summer and see how we go.
Looking at tonight we were facing the champions if Europe. We played really well at times and players like Valencia and jones have shown there worth. We will be back in the champions league after next season, I hope.
I think one of the main things that's hindered Moyes' season is senior players that just can't be all that bothered anymore, the likes of Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick have had success with SAF and aren't as motivated to go that extra bit needed to remain very competitive. I have no doubt IF we sign some truly top of the range players this summer then Moyes will be able to make us a deadly team again.
09 Apr 2014 23:32:31
Look we need 5 new players. A left back a centre half two new centre midfielders and a world class winger are needed. David moyes is not a top 4 manager I don't care what anyone says. The football under moyes is terrible it is old style everton football from last season and is negative. Look at Martinez at everton they are great to watch. We will struggle to sign top players when moyes is coach with negative football. Managers make all difference look at pulis at palace look at someone at Madrid and look at mourinho who has got a average Chelsea to champ league semi. Manager is key. The minimum under moyes should of been top 4 we lost to wba everton Newcastle man city lpool spurs at home drew with Cardiff and soton games that cost top 4. If moyes was a decent manager he would have seen Patrice rio and vida were finished and brought in players yet he signed fellaini who is a liability and not Manchester United player. I think giving moyes 100 million plus could be horrific and even if he got w class players he would not know how to utilise them. Get a klopp a simeone or van gaal in who can inspire the players and who the players believe in. If we trust moyes I believe we will go the same way Liverpool did. I did not expect to win league or even top 2 but top 4 was a must. To lose cup games at ot to sunderland and Swansea is not acceptable and I think moyes is the one to blame. The players did not become useless over night. Under moyes everton were negative just like we have been now look they play great football and we are clueless. Moyes had no credentials to manage a top club and he only got the job through fergie which was wrong. We have regressed under moyes I believe in a years time we will be no better under moyes. He has to go for the future of this club and style of football that we want to play. I will not go with not sacking a coach because we are Manchester United if the coach is not up to it and moyes isn't you make a change. We will never challenge in the league or Europe under moyes he is a middle of the road manager who has not even won a league cup in his career. The facts this season have not lied and the players do not look like they fancy moyes methods tactics or style and it is the worst football since the days of big ron and with no sign of improvement in future. I honestly believe we will be fighting for the Europa league again next year under moyes. This man feels lucky to be here we need a coach with a edge and personality who can inspire this team to future greatness and moyes is not the man.
"We will never challenge in the league or Europe under moyes"
We just lost to the best team in the world in a transitional period, oh no we are doomed.
Some of the sensationalist bullcr#p on this site is hilarious.
Agreed JohnJoe. Yes we were very good defensively over the two games, but what is the point in buying better midfielders when your managers ONLY idea is to play long ball football out of defence? The Bayern players always had at least 1 player to pass to. Our players had no option, but lump it up field and HOPE. (Moyes's favourite word). Have massive doubts Moyes will take us back to the top next year and will need to go at some point. So why waste time?
09 Apr 2014 22:57:17
I'm looking forward to next season already, we have to build this team around De Gea, Jones, Kagawa, Mata and Rooney. We could have some team next season if all goes well in the summer.
{Ed004's Note - Smalling was fantastic tonight Vidic and Evra were at fault for the goals IMO we were solid on right hand side. Though we need a very good passer of the ball beside Smalling. What would people think of Garay (around 18 mill apparently) and Coentrao (12-15) mill only 30ish mill and defence sorted as I don't think Rb is a priority with Rafael and Varela/Janko/Vermjl (impressing on loan apparently), Valencia as well as jones/Smalling}
Thank you ed! I think Smalling did a better job tonight at CB than Jones would have done. His pace and strength is really quite deceiving. Evra and Vidic were at fault for the two stupid goals. If only we had Mata playing tonight.
What about Jones though ed? Where does he fit in? And yes I like the look of Garay, he was brilliant against Spurs and has been brilliant all season. Coentrao for me is second to Shaw, we will see what happens on that front.
{Ed004's Note - I'm not sure I just think Smalling is the better of the two ATM}
This season Smalling has been the more consistent player, think he deserves more praise tbh. I find myself shouting at the tv more often for a mistake Jones has made.
Ed04, I know his release clause is around the £18mil mark but I would have thought that, given he's going to be in the final year of his contract, we'd be able to get him at around the £10mil area?
The Smalling, Jones debate is a strange one for me. Smalling's had a decent season and is showing similarities to Ferdinand imo. Not saying he's going to be close to that quality but he's certainly going to be a solid defender. One thing he does need to improve on is his work on the ball which is one of the reasons Jones is better than him and is the better RB and CM. I feel Jones is going to be the better player eventually and shows more commitment to the cause. The thing letting Jones down is his versatility. Yes he's getting more game time because of it but he's also not playing at CB where myself and many others see him in the future. Its certainly going to be interesting next season to see how DM works it with Jones, Smalling, Evans, Keane and a new CB
{Ed004's Note - Would be even better if we could get him a bit cheaper still think we need experience in the backline which he offers and I reckon Jones is a bit more prone to injury while Smalling is quicker and better in the air. Whereas Jones is a better leader and more commanding in the tackle. They complement each other well however I think Smalling is better ATM though he needs to work on his passing}
09 Apr 2014 22:36:30
Who doesn't agree with me that we need world class players? we tried but we weren't good enough. Rooney's indecision in first half was unprofessional and cost us partly. They conceded too quickly, unbelievable! Carrick and Fletcher not good at european level, they were not imposing and courageous. Evra sometimes went missing at his position giving Robben freedom to dance anyhow, and I didn't like the way Jones brought Ribbery inside often in the second half, in fact that led to the first goal.
They really tried in the first half and first few minutes in the second half. There's hope if we can lure two quality midfielders, left back/ right back. With such a performance tonight if we had two good/creative midfielders to detect and control game we would have won.
So are you saying with a different we would of won tonight? Do agree with your observations though still not sure Moyes is the man for the job
09 Apr 2014 22:29:49
How good was Kagawa tonight. The guy was our best player by a country mile. Definitely a plus point from tonight's game.
I think it would be a disaster if we let him go. He can play a massive part in getting us back challenging next season.
Very composed, worked hard and looked a danger with the ball at his feet. He links best with Mata so hopefully we can see some more of that.
The Kagawa/mata combination holds the key to our future success, IMO. They are exceptionally gifted footballers. In the case of Kagawa, the guy is looking like the player we signed from Dortmund: a world class attacking midfielder.
I'd love to see Kagawa and Mata play in behind a fully fit RvP. Fingers crossed we don't sell him.
The problem is you can't have a team in which two or three players can play intricate Tiki-taka football and the rest are suited to physical, speed football. Players like Rooney and Januzaj look to fit that style too, but our defenders are terrible in possession, our wide players aren't good enough, and while I hope we keep and use both carrick and fletcher, it's clear that players like kroos, gundogan or Vidal would be better able to push forward and take part in the attacking play. I think with Rooney, kagawa, mata, januzaj and even welbeck at times, we have a solid foundation for a very exciting style of football (disregarding whether a certain current manager remains). Big key will be getting a lb who is reliable defensively but can also provide the width that will januzaj/kagawa the space to cut inside and a cb who can pass the ball out of the back. Too many long balls from Smalling, jones and co.
09 Apr 2014 22:18:56
For the first time this season I'm proud of our boys in a defeat.
We kept fighting and we never gave in!
Yes, we conceded 2 sloppy goals, slips in concentration but ultimately this team gave their all for United tonight.
We were beaten by the best side on the planet. But for the players, I have to say Thank you, because for only the 2nd or 3rd time this season you all stood up and were counted.
Well done Manchester United.
Couldn't agree more, Moon. I thought we were very very good and would have bea5ten just about anybody bar Bayern tonight
I think Moyes is gradually gettibg to grips with the job, and with some top quality summer signings and a few departures we will be challenging for the league again next time round.
Well done David Moyes; well done the whole team.
LUHG
Think we got the german transmition on our TV as the match we watched showed bayern on top with the stats to prove it. Still proud of our players but given what Moyes didn't achieve in all his time at Everton still not convinced he is the man for the united job
09 Apr 2014 22:17:51
I agree with Sydney, we were clearly beaten by a better team.
Our fragility and problems are clear to see.
Tonight rooney didn't look right, I'm never sure about players having injections to play. Hope it doesn't spoil his world cup chances.
Just seen Carricks comments, and to be fair he's deflated as we all are. It was a bad day at the office today for Carrick, poor ball retention. I felt we should have left fletcher on the field, just to try and hold onto 2-1, maybe bring evra off for buttner.
We saw the good and bad evra tonight, brilliant goal, then 20 seconds later, he's buying a hot dog in the stands.
You can question moyes, the tactics, substitutions etc.
We are united, I've not enjoyed this season, but moyes is our manager and no one expected it to be this way. I think he can change things, should he get more time? Get used to it, he will.
Like I said I've not enjoyed it this season, but I do feel more of a fan. I think karma is addressing, and it's a very beautiful thing.
First time in 18 years no ucl next year.
09 Apr 2014 22:00:42
Phelan, Hoddle and Andy Grey on Al Jazeera. Hoddle and Grey, who both picked us not to finish top 4 at the beginning of the season think we need a big revamp.
Phelan think this is good squad. He also laughed when someone mentioned that rooney was not going to get his contract had SAF been there and did not deny it.
It is a good squad, what we are lacking is a few first teamers. The depth is good, the starters are not quite as good though. When you look around, we don't have a Reus or a Vidal in the squad.
09 Apr 2014 21:58:54
A decent defensive performance tonight but ultimately we were beaten by a better team. Some lessons to be learnt, Phil Jones is not a full back or a midfield player. Carricks day has gone and sad though it is Fletcher isn't at the races any more. Now we can concentrate on giving some youngsters a chance and thinking about our Summer targets.
Paulo, it is clear that you know diddley squat. This was one of our best performances of the season against world class opposition. I thought the whole tean played themselves into the ground for the cause and deserve your support, not puerile sniping.
For goodness sake Mike B, grow up and smell the coffee. We were by far the inferior team over two legs, they tried hard but wern't good enough. I want the best for Utd, I don't want us to be completely outclassed by anyone and not being honest about how we played helps no one.
Mike the boys done themselves proud but its clear to see the gulf in class, we are Manchester United and we should be doing more than just defending and playing on the counter agaisnt the worlds best, currently we don't have the players to do anything else but there's no point sugar coating things, if we want to move on and get back to the level we should be at then I agree with paulo 100%. there's no room for sentiment in football and its time a bunch of these players were moved on!
09 Apr 2014 21:58:32
Just look what a defence without Evra and Vidic would do Smalling and Jones at centre back for me Rafael at right back Shaw at left back Kroos and Vidal in midfield same front four for me Vidic Rio and Evra are definitely leaving Giggs will likely retire Macheda Bebe and Anderson will leave Carrick might leave with Fletcher who's contract is running down Rvp could go or Hernandez Kagawa will stay and play behind Rooney with Mata and Januzai
There is absolutely no chance of Kroos or Vidal being at OT next year, at least try and keep it a little realistic, kroos will sign up with munich and vidal will be at juve or Real, just a little bit naive bloke.
09 Apr 2014 21:43:34
Beaten by the better team lads. We can see where we need surgery this summer. We need to keep our fingers and toes crossed that we bring in sufficient quality.
I want to see a Real Madrid Vs Bayern Munich final. But I have a sneaky feeling Chelsea will stumble through to the final again. Real Madrid Vs Chelsea semi would be good viewing.
I have a sneaky suspicion they may get Atletico Madrid mind. Jose will be rubbing his hands with that tie.
Yeah, time to rebuild. The best team won, just annoying. We looked beat as soon as they equalised. Our old boys certainly didn't fancy extra time!
The problem is that we will never dominate again if we base our team around Wazzer - he is good for mid table prem opposition but just doesn't deliver enough against the big teams anymore.
On paper A.Madrid would definitely be the best team for Chelsea to face, I honestly wouldn't be surprised too see A.Madrid do a league and CL double though.Simeone has done wonders and built an extremely talented and solid squad.
Sydney
I think Jose will prefer real to Athletico Madrid. AM are a very difficult side to play against especially if you don't have a serious goal threat upfront. They are so combative in midfield even barca struggle with them.
It will be very hard to call the winners of any tie and I think it will come down to one great moment for someone and one team, I think everyone will want to avoid Bayern.
We need a left back and 2 cm, Fletcher was quite poor and obvious to see at this level our guys are out of their element.
09 Apr 2014 22:12:53
We may have lost the match but we gained a player tonight, Kagawa finally showed on the big stage that he has a United future.
09 Apr 2014 20:36:24
Evra has done well, they all have apart from Fletcher who keeps trying to be Xavi. If we can get Welbeck on the shoulder of Boateng or Dante he has the beating off them, but can he finish if he gets the chance?
Ev has intercepted a few long balls, but Kagawa seems to be doing most of his job when the ball is on the ground. As we are playing the "park the bus" formation, we should be playing Jonny Evans at LB.
Great point and great question Fresh. So far our 2 best chances in both games have been missed. We won't get many more clear chances and will be out if we miss again.
09 Apr 2014 20:12:34
Did anyone do any bets tonight?
{Ed025's Note - hey guys...talking of bets..check out ED023.s tips on the masters golf, a really good insight into the players he thinks have a good chance...its on free golf bets on the main site...enjoy..
Golf is one of the few sports that I cannot get into. Unless it's the Ryder Cup of course :)
Had a few, 2-2, 1-1, Kagawa to score anytime and also had united to go through with both teams scoring.
Sydney
I bet 2.1 United!
Yes mate, a myriad, none look fruitful but all based on dreams.
Kagawa to score first and result 2-2 475 /1
However then bet kagawa to score last at 20/1
I Have a few combo's all losing at the moment. I have bet Rooney, Welbeck, Kagawa as first goal scorer but Kagawa is effectively playing as a defensive left cm to cover for Evra so that will not happen.
Valencia has been pretty poor and hope we see janusaj introduced if the score is as is.
Sorry, which site was that?
09 Apr 2014 20:10:18
Bayern seem to want to isolate robbery against jones. Interesting to watch how that duel goes.
Kagawa was wide open on the Rooney opportunity.
Kags has looked very good. Weak links as always central mid, they offer nothing.
Robben is being isolated against Evra not Jones.
Rooney also been non existent and very poor in front of goal.
Fresh it is suppose to say Ribbery.
09 Apr 2014 19:29:31
Biggest night of the season and like last week, I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst! But even if we go out tonight, I just hope David Moyes uses our last few games wisely, and plays some of our youngsters that may play a big part for us next season! Very nervous tonight, but the fridge is loaded just incase! Have a great night guys! ( still hoping)
09 Apr 2014 19:29:06
It is a game of football, eleven v eleven so we have a chance given Bayern have lost a little momentum since winning their league and we have managed to gain a little. The key will be keeping it tight until the second half, in a way if they score first it doesn't make any difference as we still have to score. Even if they score we shouldn't over commit and get caught on the break. I am a bit concerned at our fullbacks and imagine Jones may play centrally with Smalling at right back and Evra is a concern against Robben, we need to have some cover and show Robben outside not inside. Pleased to see Kagawa as Munich know his talent and if we are to get through, Kagawa and Rooney will have to break well.
It may be tight and if we can get near the end still in it we have a chance albeit a small one.
09 Apr 2014 19:19:23
Evra starts. Robben must be having goose bumps in his stomach with this thought.
My biggest gear for this game has already started.
09 Apr 2014 19:10:33
Starting to feel sick in the stomach believe it or not LOL.
Need to keep it very tidy in the first 30 minutes and not chase the game by giving away a silly goal. I have a bad feeling about tonight and we might be in for a hiding:(
I can't believe evra is playing, god help us.
09 Apr 2014 18:58:00
Reasonaly pleased with that but Welbeck has a huge game ahead of him down the left hand side, he will be playing left back, left wing and striker at times. Robben will be licking his lips.
09 Apr 2014 18:47:52
I was thinking how everyone would feel if let's say the following
happened LOL
1.City won the league Cup
2.Arsenal wins the FA cup
3.Liverpool wins the league
4.Chelsea wins the Champions League
We safely lock up our europa league place LOl
Banter please :)
It would spoil the World Cup for me because if Liverpool won the league I would have to watch it with the sound off because that's all we will hear and read about until next August.
09 Apr 2014 18:20:39
Just got my boy to play against bayern on fifa whilst he was on there and to let me know the score. Finished 2-2 and even went on to win 4-3 regardless.
Mystic meg says its 2-2, if only.
Shame if true fellaini is missing tonight. Not his biggest fan but just had an inkling he'd be lucky in and around set pieces this evening. Again praying for a fair ref tonight.
09 Apr 2014 18:39:39
De Gea; Jones, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick; Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa; Welbeck
subs: Lindegaard, Büttner, Ferdinand, Giggs, Januzaj, Young, Hernandez
No Nani in the squad, and Evra starts oh dear. Hopefully Welbz is left with Rooney up top and Kagawa in the hole.
{Ed004's Note - Just seen that Moyes showing some confidence in Kagawa. Hope he has a blinder}
Evra is going to get a mauling, but the faith in Kagawa is rising.
Good team but would like Buttner in there
Me too, ed. A two goal blinder. Either way score or not I'd really love kagawa take the game by the scruff of the neck
Tonight's a big night for Kagawa for me. Everyone says he plays well against German opposition so let's hope its true and he does it in a United shirt. Come on the boys!
Won't make a difference Ed if he's put on the left because he's a terrible winger. Also perhaps because Evra is playing means that Welbeck will play on the left to help him against Robben.
Also bayern seem to be playing a 442 with Gotze and Kroos in the centre. Don't think they like to get stuck in, sure Gotze plays in the hole, and Kroos started his career there.
Kagawa on the left? Why?
09 Apr 2014 18:03:55
This may be me getting old, (no comment required) but just had a look at the pictures on the tv website of the guys attending the memorial to the Munich disaster. Very nice and respectful of Nani to turn up complete with headphones around his neck. Whether you are entering the last couple of months as a Manchester United player or not, a little thought would be appreciated.
Old timers rant over.
Your enjoyed because he took his headphones off at the site? Good one
09 Apr 2014 18:17:13
I could have done with Chelsea losing last night, to allow them to focus on the premier league. Out of the three chasing the crown I would much sooner see Chelsea as champions than Liverpool or the blue half.
I have a funny feeling Chelsea have a strong chance in this years competition and somebody I wouldn't want to play, if we where to get through. However, as I was watching the game last night I was actually hoping a French side would beat the English. Every time I watch Chelsea and City I find myself seeing them as a foreign team, I don't know whether that is because I have grown up with everyone against United, or because they don' have the same feel as an English side anymore?
What's everybody else's opinion?
aaallj5
09 Apr 2014 17:28:11
It will be interesting to see what moyes does with welbeck tonight. There is no doubt welbeck caused them problems in the first game but Munich went one on one with him and that played into Danny's hands as it became a foot race. I can't see pep making the same mistake twice and am sure he will have a plan for danny, so will moyes sort of play a double bluff and give welbeck a different role
Hopefully he plays the same way, but I would hope that he has a plan to change things if Welbeck is taken out of the game. I just hope Welbeck doesn't fluff his lines tonight. We need to score whatever slim amount of chances we get. I think it's unlikely, but I would have Nani coming on as a late sub if we are holding on for a result and keep him on the halfway line ready to break.
I was just thinking what would people prefer for 150 million Shaw Garay Vidal Kroos or Reus Garay Shaw Kroos
Garay, shaw, kroos, reus.
How about £170m including sales and get Shaw, Garay, Vidal, Kroos and Reus, awesome. If only Fifa was real life :-)
BTW they would never cost that much boys, you guys remind of fifa and my youngest is always spending money on stuff on that game.
09 Apr 2014 17:15:47
Well, apart from missing our two best players in RVP and Mata I think we will definitely be without Fellaini and Rafael. I think Fellaini is the bigger loss of the two, I actually think he performed quite well in the first leg and was a nuisance when he broke forwards. I very much hope that Buttner starts and I think that we need Welbeck and Valencia due to their pace with Kagawa off Rooney.
Feeling quite confident at the moment, I wonder how I will be feeling at half time.
Also, apparently Woodward is going to speak to the Bayern officials about Kroos after the game. Could be interesting.
I think we lose 3-1. that is what I am betting.
And Woodward is deparate to get his man. He is prepared to break the bank for Kroos, and will offer £14.6.
Gcu
Betting against United, hold your head in shame .
I've gone for a very unlikely Rooney and 1:2
I could never bet on United losing that's just a crime. I would rather not bet than do that
Shame on you GCU, hope the away support lift United to a glorious victory. 2-1 United. Come on!
LOL Take it easy guys, I have also bet on a draw and bet on win as well.
I bet all kind of different things and combos to even things out. Betting is not good when emotions get in the way. Besides I have lost so much money on us this year betting wins, maybe this is good omen :)
I will gladly lose money against us going through.
In the same way that Woodard offered a joint bid of 30 million for Baines AND Fellaini back in the summer? Well we know all know where that got you after the panic 27.5 million signing of the mop on his own! So from here on forget about Barkley, Coleman, Mirralas, Jags and Naismith, because EFC are not selling. Look elsewhere because we're on the up and after tonight your season ends
Daveyboy
You are probably 12 mate, why on earth would we want those guys you have mentioned. Maybe mirralas and barkeley for a combined 35 million and not pound more.
On second thought Coleman would also make a good squad player for 12 million I would say. So yes you have 3 players who would improve our squad but not first 11.
09 Apr 2014 17:15:29
Rather stupidly before seeing team selection, however I dreamt last night that kagawa would score first, bayern would then be 2-1up before kagawa scores again, United go through 2-2 on away goals.
****** so £3 with a return of £973.
We can all dream.
Cue kagawa on bench.
Apologies ed, for leaving the bookmakers name, had a moment.
{Ed007's Note - No worries buddy.}
You've ruined it for everyone Karl! Kagawa will probably get about 5 minutes now at the end!
Strange, I too dreamt that kagawa would score, off the post :) hope its an omen haha
RD
I dreamt of something else but highly inappropriate to mention on a public website.
just heard Bambi has a boot problem, he slips and falls over without a bad boot god help us now LOL.
09 Apr 2014 16:21:11
After Kagawa's more recent justification of his place in our side I can see him staying with us for another season. A defensively minded midfielder has to be our priority and top of my list would be Vidal. Gundogen's fitness levels concern me even though when if the is a fantastic player.
I can see us playing a bank of 3 behind Rooney, one of the three providing width, Adnan and one more (hopefully Reus). Eds can you see a change in philosophy from United next season I.e. No more 4-4-2 with two attacking wide players? Is there a fixed number of signings targeted for the summer e.g. 4 - a midfielder, a winger, a full back and a cb?
Thanks
KingGiggsy
Moyes in recent games has clearly moved to the 4-2-3-1, that much is obvious. But it has involved us having just one of RVP and Rooney fit. My worry is that when both are fit we will revert back to the 4-4-2. I think we will get Carvalho who is very solid defensively which gives us the options of either him or Fellaini. Pairing either of them with Kroos or Koke (a passer) and we are on to something.
09 Apr 2014 14:45:39
Now today I just wish. Moyes don't go for evra.
Weakest link in my opinion.
I think Jones may be moved to midfield with Smalling at RB. I hope we stick with Buttner as opposed to EV. Neither can defend well, but Buttner has speed which will contain Robben more than Evra could dream of doing. I would think Buttner would start.
Does anybody think we could play Evra and Buttner together, with the lack of a left sided midfield I think they could work ok helping to snuff out Robben whilst taking turns to get forward when the opportunity arrives. Any opinions?
Jones Buttner Smalling and Evans and Vidic all have to start Jones in midfield
DDG
Jones
Rio
Vidic
Buttner
Carrick
Fletcher
Valencia
Kagawa
Welbeck
Rooney
09 Apr 2014 16:45:32
Sydney been saying that for a while against the big clubs I agree
09 Apr 2014 14:09:05
Well, tonight we have to be brave, and the most important hing is not to buckle.
So how does everyone think we should set up tonight?
I think the same back 5 as the first leg but with the wig and fletcher holding in the midfield.
Kagawa, Valencia and welbeck all behind rooney.
We have to play our way tonight! Take the game to them like man city done in Munich.
Wiggy is out, I believe he did not travel with the squad. I'd have Jones partnering Vidic in defense ( both of them are stronger than Ferdinand and would be better suited to challenge Mandzukic ). I'd keep Buttner at left back and rafa at rb.
I would play Fletcher and Carrick in midfield, which means we will most likely have a bit more possession than in the first leg, which is why Kagawa should start as a number 10. I'd complete the attack with nani and Welbeck on the wings to make the most out of our counter attacks, and rooney as a striker. i'd take Nani off for valencia if we're ahead, if not i'd introduce Chicharito and Januzaj for whoever is not playing well.
Don't think Fellani has travelled.
I think we will play deep and compact so pace won't be an issue so I think vidic and ferdy will start with a midfield 3 of Carrick, Jones and Fletcher
I hope we play fletcher, cleverly is terrible at the moment.
GCU, that sentence was 3 words too long mate.
09 Apr 2014 13:11:10
Is Demetri Mitchell expected to make it at Utd? He seemed a very good player when I first saw him play!
He's a good little player and could well make it here. Time will tell I guess.
09 Apr 2014 11:42:24
Senior - De Gea
Reserves - Janko
U18's/res - Wilson
Sydney
-------------------------------------------
I think Joe Rothwell deserves the "Reserve" POTY. Weird that he does not even feature in the shortlist. What say Syd/Mick/Katef/Others
Deeps.
He has come back from injury very well this season. Did you see his goal against Villa?
Syd, superb goal man. In fact Wilson's goal was great as well. We hammered them, didn't we! I think Joe is coming along better than Ben. I do think Pearson will eventually come good though. Sean Goss is there and thereabouts. Classy player and the best of the lot (midfield).
Deeps.
And Perreira, Daehli should still be there too. MU certainly stocked up on decent youth midfielders in the past few years.
ROthwell is poty for me. I believe him and Pearson were neck and neck at U18 level, with Rothwell's constant injuries putting Pearson ahead.
But Pearson made the step up to the more physical reserve footy much easier, it came more naturally to him, which is to be expected since he is more physically developed than Pearson, who is quite tiny. Pearson improved as the season went on, and it wasn't very easy for him since he was playing a lot deeper than he used to ( I think he is being developed as a Carrick replacement ).
All in all Rothwell is my pick for poty, with the ever present James and slowly improving Pereira as outside shots.
Couldn't agree more with all of that Mick. In the U21's, Thorpe done pretty well up until his loans too.
09 Apr 2014 16:48:04
Mick / Syd
This may seem to be an outragous prediction but I believe that Pearson Rothwell and Wilson will go on to play for United and England for many years
Rothwell reminds me of a young Lampard with power pace and passing and shooting accuracy and Pearson looks like a young scholes/ xavi
Wilson like a youg shearer. IMO these guys will save us a fortune and will all be ready for 1st team squad inclusion from the begining of the season after next. Maybe next season for Wilson
ken
{Ed007's Note - Will you make sure you are signed in Ken, cheers.}
Ken, I have strong hopes for all three too.
09 Apr 2014 09:43:26
EDS, If we got to the final of the CL but lost and the team that won already finished in their top 4 would we get a place in next years competition? Thanks.
RD
{Ed002's Note - Of course not.}
Haha, worth a try :)
Unfortunately England can only have 4 teams in the tournament no matter if 1 wins it or not.
Noname,
This is not true, if a team from outside the top 4 wins the champions league this season there will be 5 English teams in the tournament next season.
From next season if an English team outside the top 4 wins the Champions League and an English team from outside the top 4 wins the Europa League these 2 teams would qualify for the Champions League and only the top 3 in the league would qualify.
Obviously the 2nd scenario is very unlikely to happen.
Yes but isn't this not taking effect from 2015?
The 2nd scenario is, but the 1st scenario is already in place, maximum 5 teams.
Ah very nice, although a bit late for Tottenham hehe.
Thanks for the clarification.
09 Apr 2014 08:15:57
Is fellaini fit for tonight?
Depends what you mean by"fit"! Physically fit or fit for purpose?
Apparently there are reports that he missed the last training session and even reports that he didn't travel. Would be good if he's fit. Apparently a player bayern are scared of from set pieces hence guardiola's quotes yesterday.
Unfortunately he didn't travel with the squad due to illness, so he can't play today.
If that's true and depending on our set up he could be missed. I know Fellaini didn't get rave reviews by most in the 1st game and probably was at fault for their equaliser but he put himself about and provided a bit of fight in the middle of the park and sadly we miss that. The only solution would be to put in young Jones but then we lose his excellent skills against Robben and Ribery who I think contained them quite well on the 1st leg.
It sucks if he isn't playing. He does cause problems. And puts his self about. I hope Fletcher starts if he doesn't. Cleverly couldn't keep up with this calibre of game. Hell Valencia would be a better shout in centre mid with adnan out wide. Kags playing deep. A lot to ponder, moyes has got it correct on the most parts, tactically this last 4 weeks I'm hoping he does tonight
09 Apr 2014 04:26:45
Marco Reus! What a player he is. I would party whole night if we buy him. Dortmund will be looking for a striker this window so is there any poosibility that they may want chicha and we could swap him for Reus (adding money off course ). Reus would take our attack to another world. just dreaming
After Mkhitaryan's horror show in front of goal yesterday, I bet they would want Kagawa back.
Personally, I would be pretty pleased with a front 3 of Reus Kagawa Mata, with Januzaj covering and Rooney leading the line.
I agree with you Shrestha. Brilliant player and already one of the best. I will pay whatever it takes and hope we bid for him. By the way are you from Nepal by any chance?
Deeps.
Best option there is for a winger but won't happen I don't think. Dortmund are going to be foghting very hard this summer to keep the players, they will be losing Lewandowski and probably Gundogan so players like Reus and Hummels will be fought over.
09 Apr 2014 13:58:32
Deeps!
and I thought I was only Nepalese here :)
09 Apr 2014 14:03:44
Fresh!
I think reus and gundogan would be superb buy. Both will come for 50 millions . IMO we should take the risk in buying gundogan . If he can maintain his fitness then we will have hell of a team . As for defense we can look somewhere else.