Manchester United Banter 4

27 May 2026 22:32:30
I've not paid too much notice of Wharton before tonight's game in the conference final.
I thought he played well and he looks on that showing to be a very good player.
Been right at the centre of their historic 2 years so if he does leave Palace this summer somebody will be getting a very good player.


I've read that Liverpool and Chelsea are keen and I've not seen too much recent talk of United being interested.
Nice to see Henderson captain the team and he has shown himself to be a very good keeper.

28 May 2026 01:15:39
That was a solid performance from him, Ken.
I suspect he could be an option for Liverpool, but perhaps even a replacement for what seems an outgoing Enzo from Chelsea.

28 May 2026 05:06:50
I'm not sure Chelsea will be signing too many more youngsters. They clearly tried this path and it has not worked for them. I believe they might start signing some older, more wise heads. Enzo wants to leave, but money might be a stumbling block.

Good player, maybe questionable attitude, but how much of that is down to a basket case of a club atm? So, would take Enzo at United, but can't see that one happening or us interested in Wharton.

{Ed001's Note - Enzo's problems were not caused by Chelsea. They did not make him sing a racist song while he was away with the Argentinian team, that is an issue all of his own making.}

28 May 2026 13:48:01
I think Chelsea have scored a massive own goal with Enzo. They overpaid by a whopping amount, and now seem to want to recoup most, if not all, of it. I think he's very good, but is there a £100m+ player there?

28 May 2026 13:57:29
Absolutely Ed. I'd steer miles away from Enzo. Caicedo is the midfielder at Chelsea I'd most likely here

27 May 2026 16:27:25
Barcelona apparently close to signing Gordon yet they won’t stump up the very fair price for Rashford who I think is a better player. I don’t know what this means for Rashford, I don’t know what he thinks of the whole thing.

Potentially they’ll look to sign both but that would surprise me. I really hope there is another club prepared to make a bid for him.

Just out of interest, who does everyone think we’ll sign for midfield?! .😂

27 May 2026 17:32:38
If they can afford Gordon, then imo he is a much better buy and a much better player than Rashford.
Watching them celebrate, Rashford was like a lost soul wandering around on his own most of the time.
Let's hope they want both of them. If they do, will Rashford sign knowing he'll be on the bench even more than he was this year? He probably would sign for them anyway, I'm not sure he is that bothered if he doesn't play much.

They can flip him on in Jan or next summer for a profit.
Maybe we can twist someone else's arm, maybe Villa will take him.
Just 1 more conundrum for the club.

27 May 2026 18:04:35
For someone on the bench like you, insinuating he got enough assists & goals, many more than Gordon did. Earlier you were barracking Red Man for being biased, of course you're not, are you?

27 May 2026 18:24:10
He started 18 league games. Less than half.
No bias there at all. He spent more time off the pitch than on it, just a fact, not an insinuation.
If I had the option of signing either for a club, I'd sign Gordon. No bias, I just think he has more to offer, he works harder for the team.
Are Barcelona biased in their opinion? Is the manager biased against him, selecting him less than half the time?
Redman has a bias against the owners, and he owns and admits that.

I'm not sure what your point is. He readily admits this, it was not an accusation, more a statement of fact.
I'd have a bias against Ole, for example, but not against Rashford.
Preferring one player over another is not showing bias, it's just an opinion.
Hopefully Barcelona sign Rashford and Gordon goes to Bayern.

27 May 2026 18:30:17
I did not barrack Redman. People are allowed to disagree and make points, and Redman is entitled to disagree. Redman defends his position and opinion, and does it well.
Bias will come through occasionally, and on certain topics more than occasionally for most of us.

I'm sure some of your log in names show bias on some subjects, and other log in names show it on other topics. So, you probably don't know if you're coming or going.

27 May 2026 18:49:34
If they want to offer a lower fee, we should negotiate a sell on %.

27 May 2026 19:41:36
Both good players, but Gordon is younger, on lower wages, and has a longer contract, which means, on an amortised basis, he would cost Barca a similar amount per year to Rashford, all things considered.

27 May 2026 21:04:06
DSG, that's it. Not that he is a better player than Rashford (he isn't, by the way), but he will be cheaper.

27 May 2026 21:09:59
In your opinion, he is not better, Angel. Others think he is better.

27 May 2026 21:29:24
Agreed, Angel, Rashford is a better player for me. Think Tuchel will have the same view come the World Cup first game for England.

27 May 2026 21:31:53
DSG, I'd like to see your numbers on that, please.
Rashford has agreed to take 200k per week, allegedly, 14m per year circa 10m per year on a 4 year deal plus his fee of 26m. Total 66m.
Assuming Gordon is on a 5 year contract, his fee amortisation before wages is 14m a year, plus minimum 5m a year in wages.

Total 95m, with 1 extra year to use.
But let's face it, neither of us knows the figures, and we are both making assumptions.

27 May 2026 21:42:57
Barca and Rashford know how many people do not want him back, so the power is not with United. Barca will buy Gordon for the left, and then agree another loan with United, but with an obligation next summer instead. Rashford will then be used as a utility forward across the front line as needed.

27 May 2026 22:04:45
Not to get too knee-deep in the weeds on finances, as I am a football finance amateur, but:

Gordon = EUR80m over 5 years is EUR16m.
Rashford = EUR30m over 3 years is EUR10m.

Gordon salary EUR8m a year based on rumours.
Rashford current salary is around EUR15m a year with the Champions League reduction.

So annual cost for Gordon is 16+8 = 24 a year, and Rashford is 10+15 = 25 a year, even if he agrees to keep his Champions League reduction to join Barca on lower wages than he would earn if he moved back to United.



So pretty similar deals based on my assumptions, which could be wrong clearly, but not as simple as the "oh Barca will pay 80m for Gordon but cant stump up 30m for Rashy" narrative.

Rashford is one of the best paid players in the Premier League if he comes back to United based on the contract he signed. Going to be hard to shift if the Barcelona door closes.

27 May 2026 22:06:29
In fairness, they might be looking at Gordon or Rashford as a cf, with Lewy moving on.
I'm very much hoping they will still sign Rashford. He has proven he can be effective as a rotation player. He is also good in big games quite often, and he does score goals.

I think he is a sniper at 26 m, and a very saleable asset if he takes lower wages, as it will be a lot easier for clubs to afford him. A loan with obligation is kicking the can down the road for Barcelona, and that might suit them and us.

27 May 2026 22:19:35
Rashford is a snip in terms of his football output. However, Barca have seen him up close, so can assess his mentality. Barcelona nightlife may have been tempting, and he may have shown his United attitude, but we just don't know.

Rashford's salary is a consideration. He is in the England WC squad. Gordon is a good player, but hit and miss. Surprised at Barca, but it may relieve some financial pressure at Newcastle, making it more difficult for Tonali admirers.

27 May 2026 22:30:25
According to The Guardian, Gordon is set to double his wages to £300k pw and is going to cost close to £70m. That's apparently 50% more wages than Rashford would have settled for, and 2X the transfer cost.

We all know his shortcomings. I can't see him starting for us ahead of Cunha or Dorgu.

He simply doesn't have the defensive qualities needed in the EPL. He would provide depth for European games, but according to reports, the hierarchy don't want him back. This could well end up with just another loan.

27 May 2026 22:13:54
Yes ken, that's my opinion and you have yours, although you usually caveat yours with how far superior your footballing opinions are to others.

I think he's proven to be better at this time having played for Man United, Barcelona and England. Gordon is yet to reach those heights, that could change of course.

27 May 2026 22:42:51
Yeah, it's thought it might ease the pressure on Newcastle, Red Man, if we are indeed in for Tonali, which I'd like to think we are. Smashing player ino, and the sort of quality we need.
I think he is better than Anderson right now, but I also think Anderson has more improvement to come.
It might mean Newcastle will be harder to deal with.
They have Harvey Barnes, Elanga, and Murphy, so are well stocked out wide.

They, imo, wasted their Isaak money last year with 2 bad buys up front and were relying on a kid at the end of the season. Hall and Tonali are both likely to be sold for further investment, but they will need to spend their money more wisely, not unlike ourselves. Over a billion of tripe bought under Woodward and co.

27 May 2026 23:01:40
I have never once said my opinion is superior to anybody else's.
I am not a subject matter expert at that level of professional sport, nor have I ever once claimed to be.
I think you'll find the caveat I use most is 'imo'. Rarely, unlike yourself, do I give my opinion as fact unless I have something factual to back it up.
If I think someone has what I consider to be a dumb opinion, I'll say it and give a different perspective.

But that will only be my opinion of their opinion. If someone chooses to get offended by my opinion of their opinion, then that's not my intention, and perhaps a debating site of differing opinions is not the place for them. They need to remember it's just my opinion. No big deal.

27 May 2026 23:37:09
I wonder if the door is open for Rashy now Carrick has been appointed. It's no secret we are light up front, and are maybe looking at another wide forward. Rashford ticks those boxes as a versatile forward and costs us his salary only?

28 May 2026 02:09:06
Gordon a done.

28 May 2026 05:18:09
Rashford will post better figures in goals and assists every season than Gordon. I don’t think that’s a doubt; you're misreading the situation. Barca have no need to push on the Rashford deal. He is already there and stated it's the only place he really wants to be, so why would Barca jump in if they can do another loan deal for him, leaving money free for Gordon or whoever? Why are you reading it as one or the other player? It’s no great shame not playing every week at Barca, but it’s good when you are called upon that you score or assist.

I would take Rashford every day of the week above Gordon, and twice on Sundays. Barca are probably building a squad for a year's time when Pep heads back there, which is why I said previously we should approach Hansi Flick now as manager.

28 May 2026 08:27:54
Now, don't spit your dummy out, Jsu, as it's AI stats.
Last 3 seasons.
Rashford has 29 goals, Gordon has 38.
Rashford has 16 assists, and Gordon has 21.
Top scoring season for the last 3, Gordon has 17 goals, Rashford 14.
Maybe it's a language barrier, or they count differently in German.

28 May 2026 08:42:18
Anyone who wants Rashford back must have their heads buried in the sand. He was a disruptive influence, he disrespected the club when he was partying and couldn't attend training, and he meandered around the pitch.



He had the shirt, and he didn't respect it. Sell him for tuppence for all I care, but he must not come back. I do not want him, and if the club try this reformed character nonsense, they are back to the Ole nonsense era. Get rid.

28 May 2026 09:00:39
I think the vast majority of United fans would agree, Redman.
Gordon, imo, is a better player. He scores more, he assists more, he works harder, but the odd numpty will argue otherwise and tell you misleading info based on info in their own head. But if you have several personalities within the same head, there is bound to be confusion.

28 May 2026 09:06:07
The odd numpty. There he is. 😂

28 May 2026 09:07:21
EUR30m fee for Rashford is cheap, wages are not representative of the player's ability. His output in terms of goals and assists were OK at best. The fact he has had two loans, and nobody has taken him, especially Barce, as both parties were very keen to begin with, suggests there is more to this.

Barce got to try before they bought, and, on the face of it, have gone No thank you.

It is the stupidest contract this club has given out to date; the data showed he wasn't consistent. Crazy.

28 May 2026 09:17:50
Ken, you are so far up your own behind on all things football. You have put yourself on top of that mighty high horse that you can't see the wood from the trees. Sometimes I think you believe you have some God given right on here. I think even ed001 called it out recently. You have also been banned from the page having to set up a new profile 😂

I will have an opinion on something, mainly based upon stats, but I never claim it to be the right opinion, just mine. You on the other hand will resort to name calling, say that you have bast superior knowledge on the subject etc etc. And when called out on it, you'll probably resort to more name calling. But you do you 😉

And where has Gordon scored more goals and made more assists than Marcus Rashford. Google is your friend, and a simple search will tell you, that is not the case. Rashford comes out on top for goals and assists per game across his career.

Just take this season alone, I think Gordon only has 2 assists and has played many more games than rashford, not to mention minutes.

28 May 2026 09:47:11
Last 3 seasons were the stats I asked for, Angel. I think it's more relevant to a buying team to look at recent stats, as opposed to stats when one player was playing while the other was still at school.

28 May 2026 09:53:29
Don't be a handbag angel playing they're victim suits you but don't labour on it.
The respo se was to German fella who said and I quote
Rashford will post better figures in goals and assists every season than Gordon. I don't think that's a doubt;
So its not about opinion just facts disputing and outrageously incorrect claim yet again.

28 May 2026 10:41:40
He's only played the last 3 seasons has he? Fml.
Rashford only existed then. Gordon had 2 assists in the PL last season.

28 May 2026 11:18:53
Rashford had none in the EPL last season.
I think you will find buying clubs will be more interested in the more recent stats and outputs.
Oh, maybe that's why Barcelona bought him.
Rashford's stats from 4 plus years ago won't be taken into consideration by his next club.
Last 3 years is a fair reflection on most recent form.
59 g+a for Gordon and 43 for Rashford.

Google is my friend.
Now, last season is not comparable, as they were playing in different leagues, where they both had a combined 21.
So, the 2 previous seasons when both were in the same league.
Gordon had 38 v Rashford's 22.

Based on your criteria, Barcelona should be in for Olivier Giroud. He has more than both over his career. 🤣🤣🤣

28 May 2026 10:21:40
Now name calling angel. You called amorim a fraud among other personal insults. So do you only name call those that can't answer back. Get off your own high horse ya numpty🤣

28 May 2026 11:18:20
angel

Given your responses to me over a long period, I think you have some nerve calling out Ken.

28 May 2026 11:53:54
Oooh. 👜👛

28 May 2026 13:42:51
I think the brown one is Angel AJH and the pink one belongs to his pal Tinky Winky.

28 May 2026 13:51:43
I love English players being snapped up by the top European teams, whether Kane/Trent/Bellingham and now seemingly Gordon. Can only improve them, and also help our national team (I know most seem not to care, but I enjoy that too).

However, gotta admit I was stunned to see Gordon linked with Barca, and even more so now it appears to have actually happened. He's incredibly fast and direct, but I never saw his ability at that level.

28 May 2026 14:27:40
It came a bit out of the blue, spenno. But when you look at his figures over last 3 seasons they are very good, and much better outputs than Rashford.
English youngsters and snr pros should play more at the top clubs around Europe. It would help your national team, I think for sure.

28 May 2026 14:36:39
You and your alto ego come up with some belters. Usually you say you take no notice of stats, but today you made them up to suit your argument, as per. But the reality is, Gordon got 6 goals this season, 2 assists in about 26 games.

Rashford, 8 goals and 7 assists in the league alone; we won't even bother with the 5&3 in the Champions League.

But of course you rock on with your factual opinion!

28 May 2026 14:39:51
You talk some twaddle Ken and then get all gun ho when your wrong and start abusing everyone, but that's ok everyone knows.

28 May 2026 14:49:55
Tumble you should also invest in a new computer because you must have some 3rd world google too, that or you had too many sherberts and it's effecting your eyesight

28 May 2026 15:42:57
Gordon scored 17 goals last season. Rashford scored 14. Check your computer for a virus.

28 May 2026 15:52:10
Jsu, in the last 3 seasons, how many goals has Rashford?
How many assists has Rashford had in the last 3 seasons?
How many goals has Gordon scored in the last 3 seasons, and how many assists has he had?
Please then come back to me and explain why you quoted
"Rashford will post better figures in goals and assists every season than Gordon." I don't think that's a doubt.


Over the last 3 seasons, Gordon has scored and assisted more than Rashford.
I'm not sure why you made that up.
You're mistaken, or your perception was wrong. I was a little surprised myself by the gulf in numbers, but it explains why Barcelona fancy him. Is it your ego that won't allow you to admit that you were wrong? It's not that rare an occurrence, so you should be used to it.

28 May 2026 16:31:57
Wonder what looks the much better player returns! Do you need me to tell you which one is which player... Oh maybe not!

Premier League Games
297
176
Premier League Goals
89
31
Premier League Assists
53
26
Champions League Games
48
18
Champions League Goals
17
10
Champions League Assists
12
2
England Games
70
17
England Goals
18
2
England Assists
7
0.

28 May 2026 16:20:24
lol .

oh you you scoured the exact amount of seasons that suits your google search and according to you that makes it 3 years and again According to you that's the exact number of years we should be looking at, and so are you including just league goals or adding cup games too, are you also including whilst playing at other clubs too or you want to look first to see what suits your self opinionated claims then come back or maybe as usual your resort to derogatory comments!

28 May 2026 17:11:29
Total games. For whomever they were registered for. It's not difficult.

28 May 2026 17:46:23
Well, you can see that list above. Now, anyone looking at that, without being biased and without knowing names or anything about them, picks only 1 player out of those 2, unless, of course, they just like to peddle their own agenda when it suits.



Guess you'll be awkward, though, and take the one with the vastly lower figures in every stat. But, luckily, you don't pick the United team or the England team, or, in fact, any team... thankfully.

28 May 2026 17:09:48
Has Gordon scored and assisted more in any season than rashford?
The answer is yes and your original claim is so far wrong its funny. Back in your box.
In none of the last 3 seadon has rashford out scored and assisted Gordon quite simple really.

Your wrong and can't admit it. So you think one of your other personalities could admit it. i'd say German could but he was a bit dopey so your dropped that one. You are wrong and you just can't say it. Its ok. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

28 May 2026 19:17:37
Most sensible people with any sort of analytical mind would ask questions and look at trends before committing 10s of millions.
So, looking at career stats, Rashford's will show better numbers. He has played more games, had a few years more, and much more exposure to accumulate the numbers.
So before committing my millions id ask what are the most recent trends, last 5 years /3 years, 6 months etc.
Then id consider the circumstances behind the numbers.
The last 3 seasons is the example I gave to show that your claim there being no doubt that Rashford posts better numbers than Gordon every season. If I hadn't checked, I wouldn't have known. Your perception was wrong. Gordon has posted better numbers in g+a twice and the same once in the last 3 seasons.
Rashford has done well with his limited minutes. Nobody disputes that.
So if you looked at a VHS rental store's accounts from the 90s and they looked great and you invested your money in a new store today, based on old data you'd look pretty foolish.


Gordon is no world beater. I was shocked when I heard they came in for him. But if I had the choice of either id choose Gordon and if they sign both I think Rashford will play even less than he did this season.
Im not sure at all why your so blind to the fact you thought something and were wrong. Its not like it doesn't happen to us all every day in one way or another.
Its ok to be mistaken you know its not like we're experts. You just got it wrong, everybody gets things wrong from time to time.
I think if you'd asked 100 people, 70% + might have had your perception. But they'd have been wrong too.
I also think that 100% of those wrong would have been surprised and the same 100% would admit they were wrong. If you were an expert it would be surprising to be so wrong but your not nor do you claim to be so there is no shame in it.

27 May 2026 16:25:42
Ederson is looking pretty nailed on at the moment, we've been linked with him for a couple years now, so we have clearly rated him for a long time. I wouldn't have him as first choice, possibly not even in top 5, but I would expect there will be more glamorous signings later in the window. Given we are obviously looking to sign at least two midfielders, probably 3 if Ugarte leaves, it would be almost impossible to sign three top names in that position.

Personally, I would be ecstatic with Anderson, Fernandes, and Tchouameni, but that would probably cost £230-240 million, and would therefore severely limit our ability to improve several other areas this summer. Not to mention, that might actually disrupt the harmony within the squad, which seems really strong at the moment, since they would all expect to start most matches.

There are probably several among us that are not that excited with Ederson, given we have been linked with players like Anderson and Tonali all season, but I would be very content with Ederson, Fernandes, and Baleba for around £150-160 million, leaving enough cash for signings at left back, left wing, and hopefully either centre back, centre forward, or both.

I also think it makes sense to make at least one signing midfield as early as possible, since it leaves us in a stronger position to negotiate for other targets later in the window, which could easily save us paying an extra £10-20 million across various deals.

27 May 2026 16:16:02
Seems to be a lot in news about Barcelona wanting Anthony Gordon. Weird really, they don't want to pay a good price for Rashford but are willing to pay probably more for Gordon.

If all true and Gordon does end up at Barca, surely that means Rashford will be sent back to United.

Wonder where he will be off next, as I don't see him wanting to be back playing for United.

I just hope they try and get some money for him rather than another loan for him to walk on a free later on.

Shame really, on his day he can be very good.

27 May 2026 16:29:57
*Ed's feel free to delete my last post as same as this post from fall guy*

Fallguy, I literally just posted the same thing, what a strange situation Rashford is in. I wonder what he makes of it all. Hope there is another club prepared to sign him. Maybe Villa might look at him?

27 May 2026 17:47:19
For £25m ish, he could be a good signing for somebody. Assuming he significantly drops his wage demands.

Problem, though, he clearly wants Barca. If they don't want him, anybody else would be second choice, and there's a chance they end up with a sulky Rashford.



Read quite a few comments from Barca fans today. They don't want Gordon. But mostly agree that Rashford isn't great either.

27 May 2026 20:09:07
Cue another loan with them covering his wages. That's exactly the deal they want and we'll be backed into a corner by Rashford and have to accept later in the window. It's heading that way, sadly.

27 May 2026 21:12:31
Tim, it's a tough one. No point in him staying there. He started less than half their games without Gordon there, so maybe struggling to get into double figures for league starts next season. But, as I said above, I'm not sure he's that bothered about playing.

27 May 2026 22:10:25
I agree, Ken, but just think Barca are being clever about this, knowing Rashford's preference. Just getting his wages off the books would help, but a fee would be even better. Tbh, I'm not sure Rashford is that bothered about anything.

Other than a 3/4 month purple patch before the last World Cup, he's been average in output, world class in ego. That spell got him his current contract, and he seems quite content with that.

27 May 2026 16:11:25
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 38 - Quick Round Up

27 May 2026 14:11:02
All talk about midfield obviously, Anderson probably gone to City, so are looking at 4 now, Ederson, Fernandes, Tonali and Baleba. I can't see us buying 3 with Kobbie already there. Two would be great, who are your preferences?

27 May 2026 14:52:19
2 if Ugarte stays, 3 if he goes.

I think we will sign Ederson pretty soon, because it's an easy deal to do (1 year left) and he is not going to the World Cup (so will be available for pre season).

In all likelihood, all our main targets, apart from Tonali, will be at the World Cup, and realistically won't be entertaining transfer talks until mid to late July.



The club must be thinking to get at least 1 midfield signing over the line early, because if we get into late July, early August without a midfielder, it could get quite embarrassing and lead to panic buys.

27 May 2026 15:11:22
Surely can't even be a debate. If Ugarte goes, I said from day 1 it was very poor and got dogs abuse for saying such a thing. That's turned out well.
We certainly need a striker and a CB and a GK, so lots to do that's for sure.



We can't be going into a season with 1 striker who even lacks experience, poor CBs and only 1 GK. That would be ridiculous.

27 May 2026 15:34:15
Mate, do you read the other posts before you post your own comment? You know, you can just comment on existing threads, right?

27 May 2026 15:12:17
I don't know much about ederson in all honesty. Do people rate him? Eds?

{Ed001's Note - he was a very good player a couple of seasons ago, I haven't seen him play since then but he should be a massive upgrade on Ugarte. He is an aggressive ball winner, but decent on the ball too. Or was anyway.}

27 May 2026 17:40:59
Thanks Ed. Feels like an Ugarte replacement too to me when we move him on.

I'm sure we'll in for 1-2 more midfielders. Lots of movement possible - Rodri, Enzo, Anderson, any number of Madrid players.

27 May 2026 18:53:23
AJH, I understand your point on people commenting on existing threads, but the fact remains, once they go off the first page, they rarely get commented on. I've tried many a time, but if it's even near the bottom of the first page, it is too far of a scroll for people these days. 👍

27 May 2026 22:09:03
Jim, it's literally the thread below!

27 May 2026 13:43:49
We should put in a bid for Enzo Fernandez after buying Mateus. I'd look forward to the commentators saying Fernandez to Fernadez, on to Fernandez, back to Fernadez etc.

Seriously though, with Chelsea having no European football, and having made record losses in the last few years, they're going to have to trim their playing staff, so expect quite a few sales. On the other hand, like us this year, with far fewer games to play and a new manager, I expect they will be a lot more competitive in the league in 26/7. Is there anyone on their team you would want? One of the problems of amortizing over longer periods is that the book value reduces more slowly and a player whose market value is on the decline is even harder to sell without making a loss. One way or another you pay the price.

On the midfield question: if City keep Rodri does that mean they are less likely to sign Anderson, or is Anderson intended as a replacement for Stones? Does keeping Rodri make them less prone to being forced to meet Forest's exorbitant asking price?

It's going to be an interesting summer.

Clearly, from United's point of view, this management team intends to get out ahead of the melee. I've always been a vociferous opponent of the Glazers, and Ratcliffe is no angel, but I do think his arrival has completely refocused the club in the right direction. It would have been great to get rid of the Glazers but it wasn't an option. No one could force them to sell the whole club, and they didn't need to. Most likely, with their reported investments in land surrounding OT, and potential development projects, they had good retain a controlling interest. They got into football, but their primary business was always real estate.

27 May 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - MK Scouser has posted a new article entitled, Slot, Reijnen and a Summer of Big Calls

27 May 2026 07:21:06
So, it seems as if Ederson (£35m) and Mateus Fernandes (£55m) will be two of our midfield signings, but who will be the big one to finish off our new quartet with Mainoo?

Anderson: the 'plug in and go' option. PL ready and will only get better. Does the dirty work AND the creative work. Him and Mainoo would have to work out a defined way of dovetailing between 6 and 8, though. Ideally, both are 8s.

Tchouameni: the only physical beast mentioned. Casemiro's work from set pieces will be sorely missed and Tchouameni is the only one likely to help replace that to some extent. Also will sit as the 6, allowing Mainoo to express himself the most.

Tonali: my least favourite option. Yes he's physical and covers ground, but I have serious concerns about his attitude and have a feeling he'd be pushing for a move away in a year or so. Avoid.

Baleba: the one I think will happen. In fact, I think a deal may already be drafted. So much potential, both defensively and when driving with the ball, but his decision making needs drastic improvement. I also worry about him aerially. If it is him or Anderson coming in then Maguire and Sesko will be our only physical units in both boxes.

Wishlist in order:
1. Anderson
2. Tchouameni
3. Baleba
4. Tonali

Likelihood in order:
1. Baleba
2. Tonali
3. Anderson
4. Tchouameni

Who would you all go for and why?

27 May 2026 08:50:49
You do know Anderson lost possession on average 17 times per game last season. Shocking stat. His decision making is a lot worse than Balebas in that regard.
Tonali is the best player on that list imo.

27 May 2026 09:31:42
Ken, I'm surprised you say that. I'm not convinced by Tonali. He seems really good at times, but Newcastle seem to exhibit so little control even with him and Guimaeres. Something just doesn't add up. When I see him, I see very little short pass, controlled execution. That might be how Newcastle play, but it's a concern for me.

27 May 2026 10:40:51
I agree with Ken, Tonali is top of that pile. I think Anderson will become the better player, but, for the here and now, that's my preference. Anderson is probably second, Tchoumani, then Baleba.

Baleba is low down purely due to the season he has had. Statistically he is probably the best at actually breaking up play, which is what we lose with Casemiro departing.

27 May 2026 11:33:41
The one thing I'm extremely happy with is that United have clearly decided on their targets and are moving to make them a reality.

Years have gone by, and Casemiro is a perfect example of this, where we have panic-bought when maybe our targets were not attainable. Sometimes I'm not sure that the club really knew that they weren't attainable, and it led to us panicking and overspending.

What I'm seeing and feeling is that the club are calm; they have their targets, what fits the club both on the field and off it, and are moving to those targets.



So, however we rank the above players, imo all are upgrades on what we have, and if we keep building and moving towards a more solid squad, it will make Michael Carrick's job easier. It also means, in years moving forward, we will be able to hone in on single, big-money targets.

Right now, there are still many gaps to fill, but I think the club proved last season that they are capable of doing it in a very sensible way.

27 May 2026 12:01:28
I agree, Downsie, in that I think Baleba will be the one and I think he would be a much better player than this season showed.

27 May 2026 12:50:29
Anderson is the best option.

27 May 2026 14:20:44
I would have Bruno G & Tonali, then an experienced CB with pace, and an experienced starting striker with pace, plus we seriously need another GK who is able to push Lammens for a starting place.

Anything more than that would be unbelievable.

No way we can go into the season with 1 inexperienced striker, 1 goalkeeper and poor CBs if we only buy midfielders.

27 May 2026 06:38:03
Once it was “no value in the market”, now despite saying we want “best in class”, we are now “unwilling to overpay”.
I get it, we don’t want to be in a bidding war for Anderson. However, we tried that with last year's intake and paid what the clubs wanted in the end.


Anderson is the stand out player, if he isn’t in the shirt next season then I think it’s a mistake. No doubt people will say it’s too much but are likely to be the same ones saying it’s not our money.

27 May 2026 07:18:02
Red Man,

Egikdt, u agree with you. I think he wants City.

27 May 2026 07:42:52
MH

I know. If he wants City, ok, he may underestimate us.

However, we have had, what, 25 years of excuses under the Glazers. The latest "unwilling to overpay" just annoys me to hear. Why not just say "protect our dividends".

27 May 2026 08:59:28
What's your reliable source for this story, Red Man.
I've read the same article, you don't mention that he gave the ball away 17 times per game last season on average. You berate Bruno for giving it away less.
There were several stories this morning. Another saying we are calling him continuously, trying to convince him to join, but you don't quote that as it doesn't show bias against the ownership.
You are so transparent, we can see through your bias.
You have no idea what's true, so you quote random stories but don't quote the random stories that say the opposite.


You are biased and have a completely biased view, everybody here can see it.
Every single respectable news outlet is reporting that answers on has agreed terms with City. If that's the case, we need to move on. Let him go there and give the ball away 17 times a game in a position much deeper where you didn't like Bruno giving it away. Perhaps him losing possession so often in bad areas is why Forest struggled so much this season.

27 May 2026 09:01:22
How can you say you know he wants City, but also say it’s a mistake from us if we don’t get him? How much would you be willing to pay for him then?! City go in at £100M. He wants them. What do we offer? £110, £120, £150M?! For a player who doesn’t want to come to us? Then his wages?

We’ve spent over a decade getting mugged off by clubs, players and agents, and I think there is still an element of that that we are trying to undo. Everyone on here, I suspect, wants Anderson as the number 1 signing, but sometimes it’s just unrealistic. I don’t think we paid what Wolves or Brentford wanted last year for Cunha and Mbuemo.

I think we did better, and I believe at the time reports of their valuation and what we paid were different in our favour.

What we all don’t know for sure at the moment is whether we have a chance or not of getting Anderson. It’s only reports that he wants City; I don’t believe anything concrete from his side has come out stating this?! We also don’t know his feelings on United, and whether Guardiola leaving changes things for him. If there’s a chance and United say they won’t match the offer, then fair enough, we can be critical. If there is no chance of getting him, then you’re creating something out of nothing.

27 May 2026 09:31:17
Bruno in CM gave it away in dangerous areas. Anderson passed his audition at OT with flying colours. Superb player.

If he wants City that's fine, but what I rail about is the language around it as explained.

Yes, I am totally biased against the Glazers. I made absolutely no secret of it, even when people on here told me they were ok. I understand the financial implications, and understood it at the time they arrived and said so.

Poor things have had to do without dividends for a couple of years. I also am not impressed with Ratcliffe for enabling the Glazers to stay. So yes, Glazers out, Ratcliffe out.

If he wants City, say so, walk away, but don't give us a new saying "unwilling to overpay".

27 May 2026 12:25:14
Red Man, you and we all have been in the game for a long time, so we know that teams don't pay what they are asked to. You forget that some reports say that City only wants to pay 80 million, instead of Forest's 105 million asking price. It's negotiations, you can't just go and pay what they want.

City don't pay, and sometimes walk away from deals if the price is too big and not fair, like with Maguire.
Furthermore, we will always have the "unwilling to overpay" excuse for players that reportedly prefer other teams, to save face.

27 May 2026 13:06:22
RedMan, the challenge, especially for a club like United, is that you don't want to publicly go around saying we wanted X but he chose to go to Y. Better to say we wanted X, but under certain conditions which didn't work out.

27 May 2026 13:42:15
The club have said nothing. No comment at all, but you still quote like they have said something when they haven't.
Auditions are more than 1 game long, don't be so knee-jerk. The fact that he averages losing possession 17 times in a game can't be lost on you.

More than Bruno when he was playing deeper. So, please compare apples with apples, and stop extracting bits that suit you.
I like Anderson a lot, but there are 2 sides to every story, we can't just stamp our feet and talk about only 1 of those sides.

27 May 2026 17:52:00
TW,
Someone is feeding lines to the press.

I will talk about what the owners have done, we watched City buy players like Aguero whilst saying no value in the market. We saw what replaced Ronaldo when they got their £80m to hold up the financial accounts.

If a football decision was made because of someone losing the ball, that's one thing. However, we all know United decisions are not made on that alone, and I do think this overpay rubbish is an underlying issue. Rice went to Arsenal, where were we?

There are two sides to every story, the football side and the financial one.



AM2,
I understand the dynamics and am acutely aware of how to negotiate. Yes, there are challenges, but spinning it as they have done for a long time should be seen straight through.

Heaven,
Agree, but on Maguire I wonder if City played us a bit. Yes, I understand negotiations and have that in my skill set, yet did we not end up paying what clubs wanted for MBueno, Sesko and Cunha anyway? Just wasted weeks.

27 May 2026 21:18:34
Redman there are reports from Romano or whatever he calls himself that's we have been pestering Anderson to sign continously calling him. But you don't like that story so don't mention it. Who is feeding those lines. Time to stop making assumptions because they suit you.
I think Anderson is top target but if we can't convince him then so be it we need to move on.

Its a much better story from the club that we opted out instead of saying he chose city. Your bias as you say and will find fault with everything they do or don't do. Its hard to have a proper discussion when you live in your own echo chamber.

27 May 2026 21:23:00
Our owners, Redman, are one of the biggest spenders. It's not what they spend, it's who they spend it on. When Arsenal paid 95m for Rice, we were busy spending on Eth's love children, like Onana and the other little twerp on the left wing. So it's not a lack of spending, it's a lack of spending wisely.
Hopefully your ego will let you admit that.

27 May 2026 21:47:25
TW

Not getting into a deep discussion on our owners at this time of evening. Look at the costs of the debt & the debt still remaining, and the issues it causes us. Over a billion in costs. That could have gone towards building a stadium.

More difficult to borrow with existing debt.

No excuse for what they have done, none.

If Anderson doesn't want us, then I agree, move on. However, let's not give out the messaging that is out there.

27 May 2026 22:46:35
Red Man, even if you end up paying what they asked (Mpuemo, for example), you have to negotiate and not be taken for granted. Sometimes you will lower the price, sometimes you simply wont, but as you know, you must negotiate and I think you disagree because you are biased.
I dont think money will be a problem if Eliot chooses us, we will negotiate and find a solution with Forest.

But until he chooses us, we must save face, saying that we cant pay the price. The only way we cant compete with City is if they give him double our wages, but I dont think thats the case.

28 May 2026 06:51:59
Heaven

Negotiations are part of my business skill set, so I understand. SAF wasn't able to pay the price because of Glazernomics; they said there was no value in the market. Now we can't pay the price, and it's unwilling to overpay. Can't pay, don't want to pay, because dividends and profit are at stake, which drives these things.



I would be surprised if he hasn't made his mind up already, and City are waiting to see the price drop. I want to be his first choice, but top players like that have choices.

28 May 2026 12:59:05
I don't think it's about dividends. I think it's a strategic decision by Beralda. At City they used to buy players at a 60-70 million rate, so if, in 2 years' time, the transfers didn't work, they could sell. City could make a lot of 60 million transfers instead of fewer 100 million.
Of course you understand negotiations, but the problem is you think it's all about dividends if we don't pay the asking price for a player. What if we don't, but then go and pay more, as a sum, for other players and spend, say, 300+ million? At the end of the day, you forget that we are the biggest spenders, and that doesn't suit your opinion about only caring about dividends and not spending.

And, of course, the problem is that if you overpay once or twice, then you will always overpay and go back to the period we paid the biggest transfer fee for a defender that cost 20 million, Maguire.