Manchester United banter 5

12 Nov 2025 22:15:23
Fantastic game at O. T. with the women beating P. S. G. 2-1 in ECL. That's played 3 and won 3. Sitting third in the table.

All 3 goals were outstanding, Jess Park was excellent yet again. She has been a fantastic signing, so skilful.

Apart from the aberration against Villa last weekend it has been a terrific season, long may it continue. City at O. T. at the weekend, again live on BBC. Looking forward to it.

{Ed025's Note - i watched a lot of that as well IWOTB, like you i thought Park was excellent mate and the move for the winner was superb..

12 Nov 2025 22:50:26
Yes Ed it was a fantastic move for the winning goal.

Without wishing to sound patronising, the standard and skill levels within women's football has massively increased over a relatively short period of a few decades. If someone had said to me back then I would actively look to watch and then enjoy, appreciate and not compare it to the men's game, I would of asked serious questions as to their mental health!

Go girl's and keep improving as you all have.

{Ed025's Note - largest growing sport in the world Womens football mate, the standard has certainly improved over the last couple of years..

14 Nov 2025 10:00:37
My daughter plays for our local team and there are now more girls training than boys on an evening. Have to say it is great to see.

14 Nov 2025 15:43:25
Title ix here in the US mandated that federally funded schools had to provide equal sports opportunities for women which resulted in an enormous explosion in women's sports, and was no doubt responsible for US dominance until recently. I'm going back more than 20 years now to when my daughter played both High School and club and might have gone to college on a scholarship if she had been so inclined.

I do recall her final HS match against their nemesis which despite having had a poor season they won. When I congratulated her she responded "You know what I liked most, Dad? I made 3 of their girls cry! " Over the years of rivalries there were scores to settle. Those girls were brutal.

12 Nov 2025 15:32:37
Anyone with any knowledge of this, how credible Tuanzebe's case is?

If this is credible, not a good look for the club which has had issues with the medical department in other cases such as Malacia.

Tuanzebe Lawsuit Against Man Utd

12 Nov 2025 16:27:17
Tuanzebe’s case appears credible, its backed by detailed medical records and expert opinion suggesting United failed to diagnose and treat his spinal fractures properly. The lawsuit claims this led to chronic injury and reduced career potential. You could argue the player knew his limits and continued to play; however, that does not absolve the club of its duty of care.

Players often push through pain or normalize discomfort, especially under competitive pressure, which is why medical staff are expected to intervene and prevent long-term harm even when the player is willing.

12 Nov 2025 17:37:20
It says words like 'had the player been appropriately rested'.

Just my opinion of course, but I really liked Tuanzebe as a player and really thought we had a special player when he was coming through. Here's the but.

But he never really kicked on, lacking the mental attributes to success at the highest level. Without fact checking this, I don't think he played that often for us to argue he needed to be rested.

Tough one for UTD, the figure which we can assume is somewhere between 1-2m is small enough to just pay him to go away, but setting precedents like this are often better to be fought and avoid an onslaught of bitter folk knocking on your door because they failed mentally.

I imagine, even once we have seen the back of the likes of Sancho, Rashford etc, UTD will always be looking over their shoulder for crap like this from players like that.

12 Nov 2025 19:09:46
If there is any substance to his claim then Utd should pay up without going to court. Lawyers fees will add another substantial amount and if proven guilty the clubs reputation suffers too.

12 Nov 2025 19:32:13
Medical negligence claims are often no win no fee and United are insured. If the insurers felt they were at risk they'd have already settled.

12 Nov 2025 12:31:38
As we edge closer to January what are peoples thought on trying to make a move for
Conor Gallagher
Ivan Toney
Tyreck Mitchell.

12 Nov 2025 13:46:03
No. Not long term options.

12 Nov 2025 14:59:03
I don't like the profile of them players either but all 3 would improve us.
I do think we need the here and now type players like Cunha and mbeumbo and all 3 are prem proven and have been quite successful.

12 Nov 2025 15:15:11
Amorim has not trusted Mainoo, Ugarte and to a lesser extent Dorgu. So the question is, why is that?

Our midfield is terrible and we seem to win games I spite of it, rather than because of it. Mainoo might bring some more passing composure, but seems tailback the physicality to play in this system. Even more so, when Casemiro is being asked to do this next to bruno, who is not a midfielder and vacates the midfield or refuses to tackle.

So who would amorim trust to play in there? We need to find 2 of those players, possibly even 4 over the next year or so.

Bruno is not a CM.
Casemiro should not be extended.
Dury is out on Mainoo and ugarte in the double pivot he is trying to play.

I guess Kone is expected to come through the youth. don't anticipate anything left field like maz or martinez to play in there. So buying a decent player who he thinks will make a difference is a definite for me. Does that mean Mainoo goes out on loan to gain experience? Maybe. But we need to overhaul our midfield desperately, and need to start in Jan.

Dalot is poor at lwb and rwb in my opinion. Clearly amorim loves him, but he is also holding us back. don't expect movement there, but do hope we see more of dorgu than Dalot their this season.

12 Nov 2025 17:42:39
Ugarte out, Connor Gallagher in would be good business.

Not sure Mitchell would be value for money. Amass is doing well, I’d rather recall him.

Toney would be a good option but I’m unsure of his attitude and professionalism.

12 Nov 2025 19:11:56
Take Toney in a heartbeat. Experienced and he might get the chance to resurrect his England career if he does well. As long as he is not on stupid wages def yes from me.

Mitchell and Connor whilst good are not good enough long term but as loanees worth a punt.

12 Nov 2025 19:35:29
Actually I think Gallagher could potentially be another De Bruyne or Salah that comes back to the premier league to haunt Chelsea, I'd take him, he's better than some we have even as a squad player if he didn't set the wirld on fire.

12 Nov 2025 19:43:15
Value in Jan is especially hard to find.
A loan for gallagher would be worth a punt if we could get urgarte a loan somewhere it makes sense.
Getting a loan striker would be great.

13 Nov 2025 09:43:17
Gallagher on loan would be a good deal and he would definitely suit what Amorim wants from the 2 HM players. lots of energy and could work with either Casimero/Fernandes for the second half of season.

Long term I would sooner spend the money elsewhere. but I can imagine a loan to buy with him.

Mainoo. I am not convinced he will turn it round for Amorim no matter how much we want it. Could be another Garnacho where we have to let him go to improve the team, even if they then go elsewhere and play well. Just get good value.

Whilst the AFCON will be challenging for us I am actually looking forward to see how some of the youth do as we will need to bring some into the squad. Out of adversity we could get a gem ready for the first team now. akin to Rashford when he came through.

13 Nov 2025 15:06:52
I’d take Toney and Gallagher on loan, the latter with an option to buy. Toney would worry me a little, though. I saw some fan account on Facebook going on about what a great pairing he and Mbuemo were the other day, but I feel like it was only after the former went to Saudi that the latter really began to shine.

13 Nov 2025 17:38:54
I'd imagine zirkzee and mainoo might get playtime further up the pitch in December with amad and mbeumbo at afcon and seskos most likely not going to be fit to play every game after his injury.

14 Nov 2025 10:47:22
I know we're not looking for a player in his position but I am impressed by Schade at Brentford every time I see him.

12 Nov 2025 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Manchester City v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

11 Nov 2025 22:30:57
We're on pace to score 65/66 goals this season compared to 44. That's a tremendous improvement. Of course we're also on pace to ship 62/63 compared to 54. Not so good.

Thus far our 11 games have seen more goals scored than has any other club. As far as football in general is concerned we're offering good entertainment. Arsenal may be top of the table but they are hardly a joy to watch.

Is it any coincidence - both in defense and attack - that Bruno is playing in a more defensive role? We all know what has to happen next for us to make the next step up even though I'm not at all convinced we have yet found the right #9. Alan Shearer was pretty damning about Šeško, criticizing the fact that any decent CF would have cut in front of van de Ven thus shielding the ball, but he seemed completely unaware of the defender's presence. A big improvement needed there otherwise he'll go the way of Højlund.

12 Nov 2025 03:31:12
We are playing with 4, sometimes 5 number 10s on the pitch. And if we are lucky an aging Casemiro. This may be linked.

12 Nov 2025 05:17:31
I’d rather be Arsenal given the choice!

12 Nov 2025 10:42:10
We went into the season wanting progress whilst expecting an up and down run. I think this is exactly what we are getting.

We are now re-evaluating expectations as we are closer to the top than expected at this stage and rightly would like to kick on and aim for top 4 rather than top 6/8 which most people were talking about.

A number of players are not performing and we see a drop off when subs are made, this maybe the lack of game time to offer the whole squad. However, I would not be upset if we were able to do some trading in January (primarily for a midfielder) that would either improve from the bench or take some load off of Casimero/Fernandes. in an ideal world we would bring in someone like Anderson from Forest/Baleba etc. but we may have to be clever elsewhere.

All round I think it is positive.

12 Nov 2025 19:14:44
We all know the positions that need to be strengthened. We have definitely improved since last year attacking wise which takes the pressure off the defence so really we should be conceding a lot less goals. That we are still letting in so many is a real cause for concern. Let's hope that with the attack addressed in the summer that the midfield is next.

11 Nov 2025 13:17:25
So not too long now till jan window.
Outs in Jan probably on loan could be mainoo and zirkzee with both anxious to secure a wc squad spot they need to be playing regularly somewhere. i'm not sure if there are any other senior candidates. Possibly ugarte depending on incoming.
Incoming are a different story we need 1 x cm 1 x lwb as priority and an experienced striker.
As non priority a rwb cb and another cm i expect all non priority to be ignored in Jan and perhaps we can get 2 of the priority signings in in Jan.


Amass having a very good loan spell he could return and make an impact at lwb but still lacks a lot of experience.
I can only see forest palace or Brighton ripping us off for Anderson wharton or baleba so maybe we can get a good loan deal in and wait till Jan. I would loathe to see mainoo leave on loan unless we have a really good replacement.
Gallagher is a loan option I guess.
I think we will need to be creative it will be interesting to see which way they go.

11 Nov 2025 13:57:42
January has never been the best time to do deals unless you’re desperate.

Amorim held off last winter so that he could prioritise the summer signings. Unless a long term injury to the likes of Sesko is confirmed, then I cannot see much movement.

11 Nov 2025 14:22:52
No Man Utd incomings expected in January

Latest from Sky Sports News' Dan Khan and Rob Dorsett:

Manchester United are not expected to bring in any incomings in the January transfer window as things stand, despite losing players to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The club could move in January if a player becomes available – such as a target they are aiming for in a future window – however they are not expected to make a reactive signing based on three players going to AFCON, or the recent injury to striker Benjamin Sesko.

In relation to losing Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui heading to AFCON, head coach Ruben Amorim said at the weekend: “Let’s see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance. "

Sky Sports News has previously reported United are prioritising a new midfielder next summer, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton three players admire at Old Trafford and continue to monitor - though those players are highly unlikely to move in January.

11 Nov 2025 18:11:53
If mainoo amd or zirkzee get a move i'd bet my bottom dollar that we will get someone in.
Ill be shocked if they don't at least get 1 or 2 loans in.
Recall for amass might be on the cards we have that option in the loan deal given that he has played so well.

Dorgu can play rwb also to cover dalot while maz and amad are at afcon. We might see Shaw as a lwb.

11 Nov 2025 22:09:58
Why can't our scouting network find a cheaper alternative but just as effective as paying out £100m for a player. Brighton do it regularly. There must be players out there who would significantly improve our midfield but sensibly priced.

12 Nov 2025 03:42:39
Because as soon as man utd come calling it means by definition that the must be a $100m midfielder or we wouldn't want them. We are considered a rich final destination club by selling clubs and agents. Good luck finding a cheaper player who is ready to start for us who is less than $100m when all is said and done.

Caicedo, endo, declan rice the list goes on, a top class midfielder in epl is going for $100m. Wharton, baleba and anderson will all probably go for more than $100m, so is there no value in the market, or are we going to get back into the race?

I agree that it is unlikely we do much in Jan. But if we don't do some business in Jan we will miss out on UCL and with summer world cup, we will seriously struggle to get enough done in the summer.

12 Nov 2025 05:49:17
Baleba is never ever a 100 million plus player and should not be mentioned in same breath as Rice or Caicedo or Endo come to that.

12 Nov 2025 09:03:01
Oh dear, here it is!

12 Nov 2025 09:37:52
Baleba is a brilliant player. However this season, he isn't playing asqell as he can do. Perhaps his head has been turned by Utd.

He would be a great purchase, price depending, with Anderson and Wharton ahead of him.

{Ed001's Note - he missed pre-season with injury and is only just getting back to full fitness now.}

12 Nov 2025 10:47:45
I can see a loan for Mainoo with the World Cup coming at the end of the season, unless there is plans behind the scenes to get him ready to step up as the season progresses. At the minute, it looks like he is not in favour. Ugarte again could want out and if we could bring in a replacement I would not be against this, he has not been the same player this season.

We may need to use the youth players if we do not add anyone which would not necessarily be a bad thing longer term and we should trust them.

Bringing Amass back is definitley an option, looks to be playing well at Wednesday and could have an impact in games even if as a sub going forward.

12 Nov 2025 15:09:59
Pity we didn't pick Anderson up from Newcastle in the first place is what I'm more disappointed in.

12 Nov 2025 15:19:59
Thanks for the info ED001.

I do feel that Balena woukd be ideal for Utd. With Anderson or Whorton alongside him.

11 Nov 2025 07:39:03
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 11 - Quick Round Up

11 Nov 2025 09:16:33
Seems like good premier league managers like dyche Moyes Nuno are schooling others on how to survive and win matches we may not like there styles but the win games.

10 Nov 2025 09:34:55
I’ve said for a while now, judge Amorim after Spurs.

The early season form was a mess, but there was no real upside in making a change, and we were eventually rewarded with some solid results. Performances have definitely improved, though there are still a few sloppy mistakes creeping in.

For me, Lammens has made the biggest impact. You can clearly see the trust the team has in him.

As for Amorim, I like him, but I’m not a fan of the 3421. I don’t particularly enjoy our style, but I’m content for now given the recent improvements.

I think he’s earned a run up to February 2026. We’ve got a relatively favourable set of fixtures before finishing that stretch with City and Arsenal. By then, I’m confident we’ll have a much clearer picture of where both the team and the coach really stand.

10 Nov 2025 11:58:33
I'm pleased with how things are going on and off the pitch. There is a determination among the players that has been sorley lacking. Wilcox and Vivell are doing well. The training facilities have been updated (finally) .

The January transfer window will be key to how our season ends. Midfield is a priority, whilst we need other players to step up, Uguarte, Mainno, Zirkzee etc.

After the international break, will we see Martinez part of the back three, with Shaw as a LWB?

There has even been talk of Martinez been deployed in midfield, which actually makes sense, as he would add some steel and woukd be more effective than Ugarte, when Casemeiro comes off.

12 Nov 2025 10:08:49
Utd Road, I’ve stopped debating whether Amorim should stay or be sacked purely on the back of SJR stating that he wants to give him 3 years. We’ve seen improvements in the last few games so I’m content to see out this season and hopefully they’ll make some more shrewd signings in the summer and ship out some more deadwood.

With only the PL and fa cup to play for I can’t see a massive change to the squad in January. I’d imagine the rest of the season will be much like the last few months, dips in form and results with us playing much better against the bigger sides. We seem to thrive as the underdog at the minute.

09 Nov 2025 21:31:15
Regarding Ugarte, not sure if its been mentioned on here, but his reading and anticipation is really poor. Gave him a pass since it was his first season in a new league, more intensity, pace etc, but he just doesn't seem to have learnt, crazy how many times he dives into challenges and doesn't win the ball, even duels that are blatantly obvious he won't win, he still goes in for them and we're a man down on the opposition counter.

But the team looks to be getting better, his subs are sketchy to say the least but let's see if he learns, we have got better as the seasons gone on. However we do obviously need more signings; lack in quality from the bench is costing us points atm. Lwb is a priority, hear Mendes hasn't agreed a contract at PSG?, would be a hell of a signing but i'm dreaming.

Would really like to see a midfielder come in who can just control the game to put it simply, just pass and hold, we never have a good grip of the game when we have a lead, it's way too end to end but also unfair imo to ask Case and Bruno to do something they've never done.

Got some winnable fixtures after the break so onwards and upwards. Note, Mbeumo is bloody brilliant; so good. Will be a huge plus once its clicks for Cunha too.

09 Nov 2025 13:39:47
We all know, as does the club, that we need DMs. The club was clearly prepared to spend for the right player but was not able to come up with £100m plus over the summer. Not every hole could be fixed in one transfer window. Ugarte is obviously not good enough. I think it was him that lost his man in midfield as Spurs set up their equalizer. He's simply too slow and not strong enough. Another expensive mistake who will need to be moved on over the summer along with Zirkzee. Bruno has been doing well in the early stages of games of late but once we're ahead and, inevitably good teams start to press us more and build up momentum in search of saving the game, how weaknesses are exposed. We looked pretty brittle yesterday from fairly on in the second half.

Can anything be done in January? Qualifying for the Champions League should undoubtedly be the goal. How much would doing so be worth it to the club? One expensive midseason acquisition? You would think so. And if we can move a player or two on and someone is available, perhaps it could happen.

09 Nov 2025 19:00:20
Re central midfield, for me it is pretty simple at the moment.

CAS and Bruno start, they have done a good enough job to keep us withing striking distance of the top 4.

The issue arises when CAS legs get tired and a swap is required.

When this happens, retaining Bruno with either Ugarte or Mainoo doesn't work, they have not got the same wavelengths. Ugarte and Mainoo works, but not one of those pair plus Bruno.

I suggested it once before on here but when CAS is being changed, if Bruno isn't also being hooked, then we need to take off a 10/sesko and move the front 3 around.

Not ideal, but if we are in a winning position you need to ensure you make necessary changes to protect the game.

Don't disagree that a new mid wouldn't be welcomed, but am not going to advocate for one as it was kind of suggested by the upper management that we weren't really in for January or purchases.

09 Nov 2025 19:23:10
Anderson to play alongside bruno would be good. Honestly think we would be playing better as a team without bruno and two solid epl cms in this formation. We are a work in progress and top 4 this year would be an over achievement.

09 Nov 2025 21:41:30
Cannot believe people who think we would be better off without Bruno. He is consistently one of the best goal creators in the league. That said it is obvious that he can't keep playing game after game for 90mins at peak performance.

He is also going to drop his levels of performance as he gets older. So it is a no brainer to get another player in and introduce them slowly.

09 Nov 2025 22:41:07
Agreed Salford, bruno has to play.
From my side, I'm okay with the case/Bruno pairing as a starting pair. As highlighted though, my concern comes when CAS goes off, then Bruno doesn't work with Ugarte or Mainoo.

09 Nov 2025 23:20:35
I think we go for a DM ib January of one of our targwta is available and not too overpriced. If not i think we sit and wait, i just don't see the guys in charge moving if it means overpaying or settling for a guy not one of the targets to make do.

I also see us shifting on some playera not starting who want to puah for a WC spot.
Mainoo and Zirkzee stand out but Mazraoui is another whom i think could jump at the right chance.

10 Nov 2025 00:32:16
I really don't understand why we would get rid of Mainoo. He is so talented. Not had a lot of game time to get his rhythm. We need a strong squad. Played so well for England as others mentioned.

It pained me to see Scott go. Also upset that Garnacho wasn't kept as he is also young will def improve and showed yday what he is capable of.
If Mainoo goes that's three young payers who should be developing with and then playing in their prime years for Utd.

10 Nov 2025 08:31:25
Wouldnt agree on Garnacho, billy big boots who of course will have the off purple patch here and there but he's not special.

10 Nov 2025 15:28:41
If Bruno plays play him in his correct position he isn't a central midfielder.

10 Nov 2025 18:02:50
Salford I also agree on Mainoo. He should come on instead of Ugarte at least. He needs to improve but he has ability which I don't think Ugarte has. McTominay is doing great but he's not the answer. As for Garnacho, he and his brother are poison. He has ability but he was a big part of a toxic culture. We were going nowhere with him.

10 Nov 2025 18:16:56
I hear you Don but he is a youngster and needs to mature. I can't help feeling that if Fergie was still in charge he would have handled Garnacho better and developed him.

10 Nov 2025 23:15:15
Maybe so. I hope the lad sorts himself out, because he'll have a very good career if he does. Maturity is one thing, but a lack of team ethic is another. I'm not sure that actually is something that can come in time tbh.