Manchester United Banter 3

15 Jul 2026 14:52:30
To what extent are the FA's and UEFA's home grown rules going to affect our transfer policy from here on in?

15 Jul 2026 00:53:57
Wonder if United might swap Rashford for Cassado plus cash?

15 Jul 2026 17:29:24
Realistically, if we are going to sign players from Barca and Madrid who are not quite good enough and surplus to requirements, we should be looking at the same loan with an "option" to buy as Barca have done to us with Rashford.



I wouldn't even mind a loan deal for Camavinga as the third midfielder, of course, with an "option" to buy if it makes sense.

14 Jul 2026 23:45:33
So who does everyone?

1. Think the next midfielder will be.

2. Want the next midfielder to be.

For me, I think it will be Kone but would love a leftfield signing like Bruno G or Tchouameni.

I still think an offer of 150M for Bruno G and Lewis Hall would make Newcastle consider and would shape up to a solid window.

15 Jul 2026 06:49:12
Scott and Scott.

Bruno G is 28.

Touchameni, didn't he use interest to get a better deal?

Lewis Hall would be very good IMO.

15 Jul 2026 07:52:21
I like Scott or Wharton. Big engines.

I'm not a huge, huge fan of Kone, he's at Roma, no PL experience, and aside from a game or 2 in the WC, he wasn't fantastic, particularly last night. That's when he plays with the best around him.

We need someone who grabs the bull by the horns, industrious, scrappy, etc. I think Anderson was ideal, but after him Scott or Wharton for me.

But I'm sure the club have several options that satisfy their analytics.

15 Jul 2026 08:10:53
Baleba miles ahead of Scott for me for what we need.

15 Jul 2026 08:11:50
I think, with the approach it will be a Premier League proven player and I think Baleba. I know he had a poor season but I think one of the Ed's said he had an injury, not a great preseason and his head was turned and it didn't materialise. His profile is perfect but appreciate fee will be an issue and a decision on can they get him to his best again.

I think I'm edging towards Baleba as I think he offers a physical presence that others don't quite match but Scott would be a great addition.

With the first two additions, could be a left field addition. Sander Berge, Tyler Adams or Lucas Bergvall?!

15 Jul 2026 08:42:01
I too think it'll be Baleba.

£150m for Bruno G and Hall? What value are you putting on each player??? That's farcical money.

15 Jul 2026 10:28:36
Has to be Baleba.
We don't have legs in the midfield. Pace and power is what you need in the Premier League and Baleba has bundles of it. Playing for his dream club, I think he would be signing of the season come next year. I truly believe there's a gem there.

15 Jul 2026 10:39:58
I guess it depends on if we stay with a 2 or move to a 3. Someone who sits and breaks up play is completely different to a box to box player. I like Scott a lot, but also see the attraction of Baleba, assuming the price is sensible.

15 Jul 2026 11:34:58
I think it will be Baleba. I like Scott, but either would be good signings.

Don't rate Bruno from Newcastle, 29, be wanting big wages, and for the fee Newcastle are being quoted as wanting, no thanks.

15 Jul 2026 11:58:32
1. Joao Gomes.
2. Baleba.

Bonus: I'd take Palhinha on loan.

15 Jul 2026 12:04:34
Plenty young players have a dip for a season or two after a breakout year. It's a risk to assume it is just a dip, though. We can all think of players who we thought were destined for great futures, only to prove to be a flash in the pan.

If we do get Baleba, then I hope, like Kobbie, who also stormed onto the scene, he can put a poor season behind him and achieve his full potential.

15 Jul 2026 12:42:15
The £150M on Bruno G and Hall would break down to £80m and £50M, then add ons.

I forgot about Gomes. That could be the engine, but I also think Baleba is underrated for sure. However, Brighton won't budge on price.

15 Jul 2026 12:59:37
I like Kone from what I've seen at the World Cup. I've ruled out a 'marquee' signing in midfield. Players in their prime rarely leave Real, so Camavinga and Tchouemeni talk is wishful thinking, imo.
Keep seeing Scott mentioned, but didn't Bournemouth rule him out leaving weeks ago when Arsenal sniffed?

15 Jul 2026 14:21:17
Is 28 considered old for a player now, Red Man? Considering he would likely be signed for 4 years and finish his contract younger than Casemiro is?

15 Jul 2026 13:32:06
I think we've done a great job of adding players to midfield that have different and complementary styles of play.

What I think we are missing though is a big, powerful, athletic midfielder. Someone to add real physicality to the midfield. Carlos Baleba would be a good example, although I feel that we can get a similar player for a lot less than Brighton are demanding for Baleba.

Anderson and Mateus Fernandes are fantastic players, and I won't suggest now that I wouldn't have been happy if we signed them. However, if I'm honest I think that we have managed to sign some great alternatives for a lot less.

I feel like our signings have been much smarter this summer. So far we have avoided the "obvious" signings, but still managed to sign quality and potential.

Youri Tielemans will add a genuine playmaker, but someone who also won't shy away from their defensive duties. He also brings great experience and leadership, key things we need just as much as we need quality. EPL proven to boot.

Andrey Santos adds passing, and ball winning ability, he's an interesting blend of tenacious and measured, clearly an intelligent player. I think he's flown slightly under the radar, when he was at Strasbourg the only midfielders to beat him in key midfield metrics are the PSG lads. While they will typically perform better due to playing for the dominant side in Ligue 1. The only reason he didn't start more for Chelsea was largely political, you can't drop either Caicedo or Enzo Fernandez (both 100m+ players) for a youngster. That said the teams performances levels never dropped when he played ahead of either of them.

Those two alongside Mainoo gives us three options, who are all good enough to be regular starters, for two positions.

I'm also pleased that the club decided to pull out of the Ederson deal after an issue came up on his medical. Mistakes have been made in the past where we've had potential issues flag up on the medical but decided to sign them anyway (Hargreaves and Mount spring to mind). I feel sorry for the player, he's been messed around a little, and I feel for him. But the club have to do what is best for the club, and if a potential issue has flagged up then it's not worth the risk. Especially given that he'd be moving from a slower league to a much quicker and more physical one in the EPL.

If we can find that physically dominant midfielder for a reasonable fee then it will be an A* transfer window in terms of rebuilding the midfield. That is of course based on potential and not how they actually pan out as their potential suggests.

15 Jul 2026 14:52:10
I like Kone- he played pretty well yesterday in a midfield 2 against Spain's 3. Stupid from France are not down to him.

The Camavinga rumours seem to have started up since Tchuameni agreed with Real. Not sure if he is really considered, but age, experience, ability to play DCM and leftback cover at a high level are interesting.

Old MU would buy him in name alone. Will he fit with what new team are looking for? Unknown.

Hopefully, utd have a strong plan and will get who they need to compliment the current squad.

15 Jul 2026 14:53:42
A left-footed midfielder, Mainoo, Santos, and Tielemans are all right-footed. It would be nice to have a left-footer in there for balance. From those mentioned above, Baleba and Wharton are the only left-footers. However, if the player is long-term, playing with Mainoo, they need to make up for his lack of defensive output.

The best partner that's young, left-footed, a defensive beast, and at a club that you can pull him out of is Mamadou Sangare at Lens.

15 Jul 2026 17:29:40
Sorry, left out Baleba too.

DB gave up way too easily a couple of times last night. I know it's tough v a midfield three, but it shouldn't stop him trying.

15 Jul 2026 17:42:06
Sadiki from Sunderland.

15 Jul 2026 18:20:23
France in general played poorly, but he was still playing, getting in the ball and passing forward through to the end. Long after his teammates appeared to have thrown in the towel. Sure, the scouts will not react to a single game, and I haven't seen him enough to say whether he is definitely who I would go for.

I just hope we get someone who can cover a lot of ground, break up play when needed, and pass the ball well. A lot are being mentioned here who could play that role, so we are not short of options.

15 Jul 2026 18:50:53
Just had a look at Eduardo Camavinga's stats. Left-footed, high energy, passes forward, defensive beast, 23. He played in the 21/22 Champions League and league-winning side 40 times, and in the 23/24 Champions League and league-winning side 46 times.

At 23, to have the number of games he has for Real Madrid and the trophies he has is pretty remarkable.


Probably too expensive for our board though.

14 Jul 2026 21:16:15
Genuine question to all those that were unhappy at losing out on Fernandes.
Do you think Tielemans is more like what the team needs right now?
I understand the unrealised potential of Fernandes but we already have that in Mainoo.
Santos is probably a better player than Fernandes already and has just as high a ceiling by all accounts.


I think we have both for less money and less wages combined.
My expectation is that Tielemans will come in and hit the ground running.
Santos might do the same. He comes across very confident but may take more time to settle.

15 Jul 2026 07:54:31
Ken, I'm delighted with the signings. I think Tielemans is proven over and over. In his prime, he should hit the ground running.

I think Casemiro's goals papered over so many cracks in the middle of the pitch. Getting in runners like Santos and Tielemans is going to transform how we play, and, I have no doubt, will add to the goals and offer greater protection to the defense.



We may seriously surprise people this season. We are not far off.

15 Jul 2026 11:36:42
Not far off, you're joking. We have one rookie striker who is already picking up injuries. We have poor CBs with no pace, and they pick up many injuries. We have poor full backs, and a new midfield, plus we have no idea how Lammens will react to the World Cup blunder in the short term.

I would say that's a lot more than not far off.

15 Jul 2026 13:50:53
We have better players than lady session, and we were not far off. rd, I think writing 7 points of 2nd, so not far off.

14 Jul 2026 16:23:46
I don't know how true this is but there have been a few reports and several sightings of mainoos brother at the Whitehouse appealing to trump to 'free kobbie'
Trump according to reports tru. p is considering showing England play with 12 men v Argentina so that Robbie can play.

14 Jul 2026 17:10:04
Will the rest of Take That be in attendance as well?

14 Jul 2026 17:19:49
Should Ivan Toney's brother tag along.

14 Jul 2026 18:21:09
Worked the last time. 😂

14 Jul 2026 14:31:51.
Just rewatching the Omar Berrada interview with Andy Mitten. Fascinating insight into the man and his team.

Listen to him re transfers, very insightful and I believe they have planned for every eventuality.

So refreshing from where we were the last few years.

14 Jul 2026 13:48:55
I suppose Samuel Luckhurst's ridiculous article about how United's management team is a shambles because we didn't get Fernades or Anderson, and Ederson fell through, ending up with Tielemans and Santos, achieved its goal of actually getting me to click on it. Sports journalism is a an oxymoron with emphasis on the last 2 syllables.

We were never going to get Anderson. We were never going to pay £85m + £250k per week for Fernandes, and we probably made the right decision not to risk buying Ederson if he's got a meniscus issue. Meanwhile we have signed a back up goalie, clearing the way to sell Vitek for a decent profit, plus two quality midfielders, one with high potential and one with good experience, both of whom will be needed over the course of a much more intense season.

With 6 1/2 weeks to go in the window I'd say that the club has shown nothing but total professionalism. Instead of holding out all summer for Frankie de Jong, they've pivoted quickly and decisively, as all good managers need to be able to do. It'll be interesting to see who else comes in, and whether Rashford will end up with a new home, or back in the squad. We have had two managers for whom Rashford failed to perform. Could playing for Carrick see him reproduce his best form? I could see him doing well for us, especially in Europe. (I ralso have deep reservations - there are very god reasons to suggest we would be better off without him. )

14 Jul 2026 17:33:33
Luckhurst reminds me a bit of a petulant child newname wants attention because he's not front and centre

14 Jul 2026 21:33:28
He's just bitter cos he reports for the local paper/magazine, yet he knows absolutely f*** all and has no insights at the club. Whatever he says, the opposite tends to happen.

15 Jul 2026 11:39:54
Entitled to his opinion, but there you go again, derogatory because you don't like his opinion, an opinion that he is actually paid to have as well, so probably has more contacts and is a bit more knowledgeable than yours, but either way it's an opinion!

15 Jul 2026 19:17:24
Alright, Sam. Calm down, lad!

14 Jul 2026 11:32:15
Now City are pushing for Bouaddi and to get him this season, it would be another 100 million 😂. According to D. Ornstein he’s going to make a decision soon

I’m sorry but where are these valuations coming from?

Not scored a senior goal, played less than 70 games, he’s looked a good prospect in the World Cup.



But Jesus. Why’s the market so inflated on prices of players?

Average players and great prospects going for more than double what they are worth is baffling.

14 Jul 2026 14:59:29
City are just taking the piss now. Either that, or they know a transfer ban is imminent.

14 Jul 2026 16:07:45
Redseven, if I was being skeptical, I would suggest that an agreement between City and the Premier League has been met. One where the Premier League knows they cannot financially beat City, and City have accepted that some sort of charge needs to be given. An agreement that City will get a 2, maybe 3-year transfer ban, but they are allowed to get their house in order before this is announced, which is why they have gone heavy in January and this summer.



I absolutely appreciate this could, and most likely is, nonsense, but I have zero faith in any football awarding bodies nowadays to do the right thing.

14 Jul 2026 17:13:44
There's clearly something going on, Ports. I don't think anybody expects the FA to hand out a real punishment at this point. A transfer ban after they've spent half a billion would suit both parties.

14 Jul 2026 19:23:42
There is nothing agreed. It's more of a case that City believe they can tie the case up in appeals if any punishment is given.

City will keep on spending and acting like the charges don't exist. That is the entire strategy.

14 Jul 2026 09:55:50
Ronnie

If you are out there

You called it bud, Tielemans to utd.

Eventually ;)

13 Jul 2026 23:31:50
Hello Ed001 (especiallly) and friends. I would like your opinion on Sorloths famous pass that he didn't, to Haaland.
I see all people blaming him, the hate online is unheard. I think he is targeted unfairly, i think "journalists" create a tension of nothing, because (this kind of) bad news sells a lot.

Sorloth didn't had a passing angle, i was seeing the match live and the lad tried to pass but there was no passing angle, and then instead shooted the ball. What do you think?

{Ed001's Note - I didn't see the game mate. I don't watch international footie, it is just not the same as club stuff.}

14 Jul 2026 08:31:01
Totally his fault. All he needed to do was pass the ball. He had the angle, or could easily have manipulated that angle. He hasn't got the guile. He is an awful player, and he screwed that chance too. It's solely on him.

Anybody that's played the game at a decent level knows how simple this was.
Don't agree with the online abuse he is getting, but all he needs to do, same as Lammens, is say that he holds his hands up to the mistake. That's life.

14 Jul 2026 09:20:41
He just isn't very good. He also won't be the last player to try and score himself when there is a pass on. I didn't realise there had been abuse, people are idiots.

14 Jul 2026 09:46:23
He brought it on himself. The pass was on for any unselfish team player.

14 Jul 2026 09:54:02
He's a shocker of a player. I've seen him live a few times, and I think he really is poor.

That pass, or lack of, should I say, sums him up.

14 Jul 2026 13:21:34
He wasnt good, but thats not my point. He tried, but he couldnt pass because he is a bad player with the ball. Its not that he did it on purpose.

14 Jul 2026 13:22:17
It was just a poor decision under pressure, and plenty of players do it on the counter attack, which is why I find the narrative that if you score a counter attacking goal, it's less impressive than one that takes 30 passes and breaks open a deep defence.

The reason why there was no passing angle is because Sorloth is so heavy footed and can't shift his weight to move the defenders.

Look at Bruno's pass to Sesko/Mbuemo against Brentford/City, for an example of how it's done on the counter, to move the defence with his body movements and open up the right pass.

14 Jul 2026 14:07:26
He definitely isn't winger material, but what can you do. He doesn't get in the team otherwise. I thought he'd make a decent no.9 for a mid-table Prem team in a Delap/Fulkrug kind of way.

14 Jul 2026 15:53:33
No Heaven, you said there was no passing angle. That's nonsense.
He has to make the angle. There was time and space to create the angle. He just didn't do it because he had his head down, like the bad player he is. He tried to go solo, which was harder than creating space for the pass for most players.


He made an arse out of it because he is not good enough technically and likes to glory hunt.
Totally his fault. I'd expect a decent u 16 player to attempt and deliver the pass.

14 Jul 2026 17:19:28
And its true. There wasn't an angle. What i said is absolutely correct and you said it yourself too-he had to to make the angle, as you say.
Then there is an argument that he could create an angle, and that is another matter. The fact is he did not do it on purpose and my point is the abuse online is not fair.
Bad player yes, maybe. Doing it on purpose? Certainly not. You can't expect from Messi to win the headers Sorloth wins and you can't expect Sorloth to manipulate defenders the way Messi Hazard etc do.

So you critisize a player for what he can do and not what other player could do in the same circustances. The point is, they unfairly abusing the lad, like he didn't pass on purpose.
Maybe you can your time understanding the point before coming to have a dig and playing the smartest person in the room. You are clearly not

14 Jul 2026 23:00:09
Your point was that he didn't pass on purpose?
Of course he chose not to pass on purpose.
He chose not to pass because he felt he couldn't pull it off. He saw the chance to pass, and purposely chose not to pass.
It's not a case of trying to be smart at all.
No player loses the ball on purpose, but plenty choose not to pass and back themselves.
On this occasion, it went wrong. If he had ignored the pass like he did and scored, he'd have been the hero.


There are several options open to him; he makes his choice in a nanosecond, he has time with it.
It's like a penenka pen when it goes wrong.
He shouldn't be getting online abuse, nobody should, for making a wrong decision in a play like that. It's not a big deal.
But don't think he didn't ignore the pass on purpose. He definitely chose not to pass.

14 Jul 2026 23:19:24
I criticise players for their choices, their consistency, and their input to the team play, and for a host of reasons, but I genuinely don't expect them to do things they are not capable of.
I've no issue with teams playing long to a big man, for example, and if everybody plays to that plan, it is effective. You then judge players on that sort of criteria.
Players like Sorloth have their place in certain systems and teams, and he has his strengths. His coach picks him, he plays for a big team.
Any player at that level should make an attempt at that pass, but he made the wrong choice to ignore it.
He backed himself to pull off a 1% route to goal, instead of backing himself to play a pass that, in that second, he clearly didn't fancy.

He had probably a 40% chance of pulling it off. He chose not to try the pass on purpose. Poor call, as it turned out. I'd say Haaland was fuming and thinking to himself when he saw it with Sorloth, "oh dear, wrong man in the right place at the right time."
It could easily have been a header chance at the back post when he would have been the right man in the right place at the right time.
Same idiots abusing him would have been cheering him.
That's football.
So I agree with your 1st point on the abuse, but not your second that he didn't not pass on purpose.