Manchester United Rumours Archive April 26 2012

26 Apr 2012 21:17:25
Hi guys, everyone has been saying that we will spend big this summer but personally i can't see a net spend of more than £50 million (i know its not exactly peanuts). I have listed below players. Think Fergie could be interested in.
Clyne - £2 mil compensation. Defender
Kovacic - £cheap compensation only. Atm
Hoillet -£ compensation only left. mid
Erik Torres £7-8 mil. Str
Martinez £18-25 mil. Cb or Dm
and either Munuin or Ross Barkley Apr £20 mil.
Thoughts? I think this may cover the expected departures.
Mac {Ed004's Note - Martinez will cost a LOT more than that}

I think we're looking at £30 Million plus for muniain and around £42 Million for Martinez.

The Moon. {Ed004's Note - Maybe not as high as 42 million Moon lol}

Id be happy with £50 mlllion for Martinez and Munian

Martinez will cost at least 25-30m munian will cost 20-25m

Apparently there is a release clause for Martinez of £34 mil. Mac

Mac you say either Muniain or Barkley as if they're similar players?! Or we just have extra money to spend on whoever? Lol.

As for Martinez i can see him going for around the £30m mark depends who seriously gets involved.

I think Jordi Alba would be a serious target to replace Evra howevra ;) I think he wants to stay in spain, Barcelona need a new LB will likely end up there.. Shame!

Ozwald

I love how barkley can be valued at the same as muniain yet hes only featured in 4 league games while muniain has played almost 100 and has also played for spain

I would be happy with Martinez and Hazard and spend approx 50-55m and then say 10-15m on other payers to help the squad i.e clyne, maybe even a left back depending on who goes, prob berba, anderson, owen (wages), kuszack, possibly nani if the right offer comes in and then look at moses or hoilet? as we would have hazard to play there

Ed, the reason I say £42 Million is because Bilbao will want £30 Million minimum and I think it'll start off a bidding war between City, Madrid, Barcelona and PSG. So I can see it getting as high as £42 Million.

The Moon. {Ed001's Note - Bilbao would want in excess of 50m before they would let Martinez go. The intent is to build around him and Llorente, Muniain, on the other hand, is available for sale.}

Well that just goes to show that my £42 Million valuation is a lot closer than what people think :).

The Moon.

I note that the young lad Kovacic keeps getting mentioned as a United target. Is there any real foundation to this, as in are we confirmed as being interested in him and him in us?

Red Rob {Ed002's Note - Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and no doubt others have an interest in Dinamo Zagreb's Kovacic. Seen to be one for the future but I suspect that if he does move any time soon he could spend time in Germany gaining experience before a move to one of the more major players in European football. In the summer, Barcelona offered up a small financial payment for Kovacic on what I understand to be an 8 year deal with the first two years contracted to Zagreb followed by a six year deal with Barcelona. This would "overcome" a number of issues with the regulations. However, two clubs have been involved in very recent and ongoing discussions with Dinamo and one has now put an offer up for consideration.}

Thanks for that ED002.

I don't suppose you are at liberty to say who the 2 clubs involved in the discussions with Zagreb are? Or even if they're English clubs? And I really don't expect you to be able to confirm whether one of them is United? Just fishing ED, not looking to cause you any problems!

Red Rob {Ed002's Note - I am not saying who the clubs are because neither want this out in the open and there remains a fundamental sisue that could impact any transfer in the short term.}

26 Apr 2012 18:39:20
Manchester United are set to battle it out with Real Madrid to sign Brazil's next young superstar - Sao Paulo's 19-year-old attacking midfielder Lucas - in a £12m deal.

Is he good enough or is he going to be another anderson?

If it happens, guarantee it'll be for more tat £12m!

Ozwald

There seems to be a few of the transfer rumours today tha tlook liek they are newspaper headlines? Is this all the same person just copying and pasting caught offside the last month or something? :)

Fantastc player but Real, Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea & Arsenal are pursuing him. How long until City make him a ridiculous offer just to make sure we don't get hold of him?
20 Rising

I think SAF should just hand over 25million euros and sow up the deal NOW!! His passing and crossing can be wayward and he can disappear in a game, but most of the time this guy has the lot. Amazing pace, control, power, though right footed, he can use his left to great effect. This guys the next CR7 or Messi. There is no chance of him being an Anderson. Do yourself a favor and watch him play a whole game. He makes Hazard look slow and sloppy. He's already played 11 or 12 games for the full Brazil team and 70+ games for Sao Paulo. he can play on either flank, 2nd striker, ATM, or could adjust to playing right up front. What a player - Lucas= dynamite
Mik

Mik just to let u no tht brazil is not in Europe mind think u need to get ur atlas out u will find brazil in south America :)

I never mentions Europe, just Euros, they are currency, not a geographical entity.
Mr (whoops where's me IQ gone) know it all
Mik

26 Apr 2012 14:09:24
Just before I start, you may be scrolling a lot on this post. sorry everyone!...No seriously, this is probably the longest post I've ever wrote. so feel free to ignore it, read parts, of it, etc. I don't mind :). just be warned this is HUGE...but it has been ages since I've done something long ;].

So it's pretty clear to everyone here that we're looking at some form of midfielder, IMO it's more of the AM as we've got the likes of Pogba and Tunners for the Box2Box role and Carrick for the deep lying playmaker role...You may not think they're good enough but SAF clearly does.

We also need a LB, we all believe we need a first team LB but I think SAF thinks we need a back up LB but as it currently stands Fabio will be on loan next season, Fryers won't be at United and Blackett isn't there yet so we do NEED a LB regardless of whether it's first team or back up.

Seeing as Berbatov, Owen and Macheda are leaving it also looks as if we need a new forward because Rooney, Welbeck and Hernandez aren't good enough and keane isn't ready yet. What if Rooney gets injured? Welbeck and Hernandez don't have the skills to create AND score their own goals. so I think we'll also look at somebody there.

Finally is a winger, I think this all goes down to what we see Nani as..If he's a left winger then we need ar right winger and visa versa. We've always had 2 for each flank and I think we'll look at a left footed LW. Although, this does mean that Brady may not make the grade...

I'm tired of hearing Hazard, Gaitan, Hoilett, etc. so simply for the reason of having a discussion I thought I'd throw some new names out there...Obviously we're not going to sign everybody in everyone of these positions but these are the positions people think we need to strengthen..

Attacking Midfielder:

- Honda: IMO he's a terrific player and can do pretty much anything, slick and quick tempo passing, a great shot, pace, etc.

- Yoann Gourcuff: I understand that he's not the player he was at Bordeaux but he's improving and getting back to that standard, plus he has the physicality to play in our league. His shooting and passing technique are very good as well.

- Marvin Martin: He never get's mentioned alongside Goetze and co. but he's a great player, he's always on the move and his vision is superb. He can play both the 'Scholes/Xavi' role and the 'Iniesta' role which is a plus for us. but yeah, he's somebody I really like.

- Perisic: Another dortmund player with a big future, he's looked sharp and full of skill from what I've seen of him and I'm sure he'll be going far over the next few years.

There are plenty of other choices such as Lucas but Gourcuff, Martin, Perisic and Honda are 4 players who I feel have the ability to make it and at a decent price.

Box2Box midfielder:

Firstly, Moussa Sissoko is over hyped to f#ck. His passing and tackling is terrible and in all honestly I believed all the hype around him until I saw him play.. going forward he's talented defensively, well just no.

- Lewis Holtby: He's gone from a great attacking talent to a very good box2box player, he's got a good engine and his passing, shooting and tackling ability are all very good. although, i'm not sure if he'ls better than Pogba at playing the box2box role.

- Gabi: I'm not sure where this lad has come from but jesus he's been top draw for Athletico (unfortunately). People rave about how Barcelona want Martinez but Gabi would be just as good as him, what he lacks defensively in comparison to Martinez he'll make it up with his attacking paly.

- Ramires: Obviously it will NEVER happen, but jesus we missed a trick with him. what a player he's gone from somebody who I thought was 'alright' to quite possibly Chelsea's player of the season.

- Kvist: He's played at RB a lot lately but he is a CM, and the only reason I've put him on here is because he's brilliant at keeping the ball under pressure, his passing is as good as Carrick's but he's got that added something which makes you think he'll be a the under-rated player for somebody.

- Kim Kallstrom: I like him, he seems to create goals when they're needed and in terms of ball retention and passing he's not too bad either. Wouldn't be my first choice but he'd certainly be somebody I looked at.

- Nocerino would be my pick out of this lot though, defends like Keane and goes forward like Lampard! IMO he's currently the best Box2Box midfielder on the planet bar maybe Yaya and Schweinsteiger.

- Joao Moutinho: How he's playing for Porto still I don't know. He's got a great work ethic and engine, he can pass, shot, tackle, hold the ball up, etc. Although he's a Jack of all trades he's certainly a talented lad.

Defensive Midfielder:

- I love De Jong, obviously he'll never join us but I just thought I'd mention him.

- Cambiasso: I don't think many can look past him and although I think on his day Essien is the best CDM in the world I think that Cambiasso is a real 'hard man' in that role. Although, with that said I really want either Fletcher to return or for Tunners to get the CDM role next year.

- Tymoshchuk: I'm undecided on him, when I've seen him play he has been very good, but I've only seen him about 3 times. His injury record is terrible and he could be another Hargo...

first choice Left Back:

- Balzaretti: Never heard him mentioned and I don't know why not, he's not amazingly quick, granted. but he's big, strong, athletic, quick enough and can go forward impressively.

- Schmelzer: What a proper defender he is, none of this fancy playing football stuff, he goes in, gets the ball and gets rid of it and that's what you I want to see from a LB.

- Taiwo: I know he didn't do much at Milan and I haven't seen much of him at QPR but what I saw of him at Marseille was incredible. so if he's still that player then I would love to have him at United.

- Michal Kadlec: He's been pretty decent from what I've seen and by no means is he as good as the player above (IMO), but I feel he'd certainly be a good player to play behind Evra and learn/improve his trade at United.

Possible Right Back:

- Lichtsteiner: Best RB on the planet at this current time IMO, ever since the WC he's been getting better and better..Top defender, he defends brilliantly, attacks fairly well, crosses well and can play at both RB and LB. which is always a bonus.

- Torosidis: I'm not sure about this lad, he's been around a while and I've only started to hear his name the last 3 years. I think he's a good RB but I don't see what he has that Rafael and potentially Clyne don't have. although he has got buckets of experience.

Right & Left Winger:

- Giovinco, I know he also plays the attacking midfielder role but I think he's just so good in his technical play. As quick as walcott with the dribbling of somebody like Robinho. top quality youngster and he'd make a decent winger. 1 type of winger we haven't got is the place 'whore' type winger and I think that's him.

- Mertens: People rave about Hazard so much that most people forget that Belgium have other talented players, Kompany, Vermaelin, Fellaini and Mertens just to name but a few of them. Mertens, I believe is a top quality player, over 18 goals this season which I think is brilliant for a winger/AM. He's got to be one of the guys we look at if we're serious about finding a new winger. my only concern would be that although he is left footed he loves cutting in on his right which wouldn't be the best thing if we're looking for the same service that Toni provides.

- Bastos: Well, he's certainly a decent player with a decent cross playing well at a decent level. I wouldn't say he's the best winger in the world but I would say that he's got the ability to be one of the top dogs.

- Navas: I'll admit I haven't watched him this season that I can recall but what I've seen of him throughout his career he seems like a decent option to have on the right hand side, I see him as a hybrid of both Nani and Toni V because he can cross and he does have great technical ability.

- Matt Phillips: As a first team player, I wouldn't suggest him but as a back up/ future first team player I would. he reminds me a lot of Adam Johnson in his early days (although the other foot), IMO he should go to the EURO's this year but won't because he's in the championship. I think with Young on the left, Phillips on the right and Rooney up top you'll see Rooney score as many as he does with us.

Striker:

- Lewandowski: You've only got to read reports of how well he's playing in Germany to know he's making massive strides in become one of Europe's top forwards. I like him, a lot but I do think his asking price would be very steep.

- Doumbia: I'm a huge fan of this guy and I've mentioned him a few times on here. he's goals to game ratio is very good. Both in Russia, Switzerland and the Champions League. He's quick, powerful and just an all round top quality player. Before people criticize his international scoring record he plays on the left of a 4-3-3 style formation for Ivory Coast so he doesn't get the chances he would normally get.

- Moussa Sow: Pretty similar in playing style to Doumbia, the only difference being that Sow is stronger but Doumbia is faster. I would take Doumbia over Sow but I think both are very good forwards.

- Gameiro: I like this lad..he seems different to most forwards and like Rooney & RVP he likes to create and score the goals although he scores more than he creates. him and Rooney together would be very good as would Gameiro and Welbeck.

- Falcao: The pick of the bunch, I was unsure that he would make the grade at a higher level than Porto in all honestly regardless of his Europa League record breaking season last year. but he's done very well at Althletico and he is exactly what we need. We've never really played with a big striker but he's got great heading, a fair bit of pace, and a terrific shot. If Rooney and Hernandez can score headers from a Toni V cross then Falcao will have a field day. haha.

There's also a few player who I didn't mention who I feel would be terrific for us in all positions; Strootman, Alan Dzagoev, Dudka, Eriksen, Kjaer, Maggio, Koval (We don't need a keeper but boy he has talent), Gaitan, Ramirez and Rakitskiy as well as others.

I think that'll do for now, and as I mentioned I'm just throwing out some extra names of players who I think would be able to do a decent job for us in some capacity.


The Moon.

Now waiting from an even bigger reply from Shappy! :P

REDFAITH

Very long post, with some good thoughts in it i think. Personally, out of what you have mentioned i'd take Falcao, Bastos, Lichtsteiner, Schmelzer, De Jong, Ramires and Honda. Not that we will probably get any of them, but out of that list i would take those.

Just wondering, if De Jong leaves City this year, i think that we could get him. Is he on a free? It would be a real slap in the face to City as i think he is a top player and would be a great addition. We give them Owen 'Glass' Hargreaves, and we get De Jong who is top class. That would be great.

RedDevil19

The Moon

Cripes - Appreciate the time and effort mate - but how about a summary?

Thanks
Mike

I agree about Martin, I have him for United on FIFA :P If Martin came in I would be happy with the midfield, although I wouldn't be unhappy if nobody came in. I think we have enough talent and experience to be able to just buy maybe 1 or 2 players. I can't wait for Tunnicliffe to come of age, we need someone to knock people about a bit and show who's boss, not just all small skillful neat players. But I do think Martin would be great, and Ramires as well.

Percy

Yaaaaaaaaawn sorry nearly fell asleep reading that post !

A lot of very average players mentioned too by the way prob the names given to you by your FM2012 scouts : )

MACMAN

'RD19'

There isn't a chance in hell of Manchester United signing a Manchester City player. pointless talking about it, it will not happen, EVER.

I do not rate Ramires that highly either. Has some good games, but not consistent enough for me. Also is not available and pointless discussing it.

Strootman, Elm & Grenier are pretty similar midfielders and we are looking at these three so it would be a safe bet to think one of these three could sign.

Sydney!

I really hope Shappy does reply to this one haha.

RD - De Jong would be my first choice CDM besides Essien (if only he could stay fit). I believe he's on a free maybe one of the Ed's can help on that one?

Anybody know if De Jong is on a free?

Mike - Erm, well I want us to push Rooney up top so I would want a CAM/CF type player. so it's a little more complicated from my point of view haha. but If I had to pick 1 from each position I'd go for;

CAM/CF: Honda - simply because he can play as more of a striker than the others can.

Box 2 Box - Nocerino every day, what an incredible and under rated player he is. admittedly he got battered by Barcelona but IMO he's still the best in his position currently.

DM - If Tymoshchuk could stay fit for a season then I'd have him all day, he's a terrific player but I don't think he'll ever regain full fitness so in that case I would go with De Jong because of his ruthless keane streak, he's great defensively and good going forward plus we'd snatch him from City haha.

Although I do think Cambiasso is a terrific player as well but I think he blows hot and cold.

LB: I can't call this one, I think Balzaretti is an incredible player and massively under-rated but so is Kadlec, and well Schmelzer is making great progress and will soon be challenging Cole as the best LB on the planet soon.

I'll go with Schmelzer because he's on 'that' level or Balzaretti because he's consistently solid and you know what you're getting with him where Schmelzer sometimes has an off game..

Right back, Lichtsteiner - by far currently the best right back on the planet which says a lot when we're in a period with Maicon, Alves, Richards, Walker, Ramos and Abate. but I honestly believe he is.

However Torosidis would be perfect as someone to play 2nd fiddle to Rafael and help him out with his defensive and positioning issues.

Wingers, Well I've been a fan of Giovinco ever since he broke into the Juve team a few years ago but like Walcott he sometimes gets caught in two minds so although I would have him I think Mertens is better because of his dribbling, versatility and unpredictability, aswell as the fact he's both footed, like brilliant with both of his feet.

I'd also have Phillips because I think he's going to be something special within a few years, in fact I see a lot of Beckham in his crossing ability.

as for actually getting a striker, well Doumbia all day if we're going for out and out goals but if we want somebody to create the goals then Gameiro wouldn't be a bad shout. BUT if we're looking at another option up top then it has to be Falcao. So out of that lot I would have;

Honda, Nocerino, De Jong, Schmelzer/Balzaretti, Lichtsteiner, Mertens, Phillips and Falcao/Gameiro and out of the guys at the bottom I'd have Dzagoev for his play making ability, Dudka or Kjaer defensively, Koval for another world class young keeper and Gaitan because I like him :).

The Moon.

Keisuke Honda is so underrated i think! Or just not many people have heard of him, mainly because he's underrated haha! But seriously i think he'd be great, perfect age + 6ft tall relatively strong. Wouldn't cost much either neither would his wages also him being Japanese would mean extra merchandise sold there etc would probably cover his wages! Works very hard, reads the game well like you stated with a strong ability to control the tempo of a match. Then you have his fantastic vision, range of accurate passing. Also saw someone say he can play as a striker which is a very good point, deep lying playmaker or CAM. Not to mention his best attribute which are his free kicks! Scored countless free kicks including a beautiful one from about 45 yards out against Denmark in the World Cup!

Ozwald

MACMAN - Don't like it, Don't read it. And if you think the majority of those are average, well then I'd love to see what you call a bad player. Just because some of them don't have huge profiles doesn't mean they're not good players.

Maybe you can shed some light on to why these players are average?

Percy - Fair play if that's how you discovered him but don't base your opinion on a game watch him in action, terrific young man.

Syd, I don't think we'll even look at 99% of these guys, just thought we could open up the discussion a bit more on similar players who have great ability which would improve our squad/team in some way.

The Moon.

Grammatical wars Shappy V.S The moon


Anon

Dear The Moon....

Just wondering if you had a job because that would take me all day to write that...!

Well i must doth my cap and say i have well and truely been out done. lol. Theres not alot more i could add to what you've written without just repeating what you've said. You've picked up on less media hyped players which is something i try to strive for but i must admit only a few of the players you've mentioned have i seen regulary enough to have a real opinion on.

From what i've seen of Honda he looks a real player but he doesn't feel like a Fergie signing. I've seen alot of Perisic as i follow Dortmund and he has talent but i seriously doubt he'll make it to the top. Gourcuff is too tempremental for me but Martin is a player of real quality and someone i'd love to see sign. Kvist is someone who could do a great job but no one would notice him until he was gone. I don't rate Sissoko and Holtby is average imo. I haven't seen anything of Gabi and only a couple of games from Nocerino(and he was great in them but i don't watch italiian football unless it's to follow someone and i figured that as he's at Milan then he's out of reach). Kallstrom isn't someone i've seen much of for a few years, and Ramires has impressed me alot this year. But for me the pick is Moutinho who has it all and should with no disrespect to Porto be playing at a higher level. Cambiasso and De Jong are unachievable targets, and Tymoshchuk i haven't seen much of due to his injuries mainly but he has look good when i have seen him. The only LB you mentioned i feel is good enough is Schmelzer, Taiwo has alot of rough edges to smooth out and he's not a kid anym more, Kadlec is average and i haven't seen owt of Balzaretti to have any opinion. As for RB i feel Lichsteiner is looking a talent but i don't rate Torosidis at all, have you seen much of Ivan Piris? he is an outstanding young player who could be sensational and the only RB i would consider signing as we have Rafael who i like alot. I don't know a great deal of the wingers you've surgested as i haven't looked at any of them in any great detail. I've heard good things about Navas and Mertens but Giovinco and Bastos disapeared off my radar a few seasons ago.
As for your strikers, i don't rate Sow that highly and i haven't seen much of Doumbia but if he's similar to Sow then i may give him a miss. lol. Gameiro is an odd one as i've seen him be brilliant and awful in the same game, he has talent but how much is hard to judge. Falcao is a beast of a player and someone who'd score for fun with us, but he'll cost far too much for us seeing as Athlectico paid 38m euros for him last summer.

Overall i think you've picked on some great and differant players.

Shappy

Ozwald - I love watching Honda play, people rave about Sneijder, Nasri, etc. and they're both very good players but this lad can do what they do and he can put in a defensive shift! which is brilliant.

Anon - Nothing wrong a Grammar war ;).

Unnamed poster, I do have a job haha but today was my day off, it's raining outside so I can't go out and play ;). and there's sod all on T.V to watch so I thought I would write an essay for everyone. :).

Now, Mr. Shaps! Shappy! The Shapmeister!

Let's do this! haha.

A few of the players on the list such as Taiwo and Sow I've watched for periods and then forgotten about them so I'm basing my thought on what I've seen in the past. I also love finding players that aren't currently being plastered over every media website, just adds a little variation I feel.

I see what you're saying about honda, but we can all dream, ay? haha.

From What I've seen of Perisic I think he can make it but he's got to put the effort in 24/7. he has the ability and now he just needs to work on rounding up his entire game.

Yeah, I like Gourcuff a lot and although he's regaining some of his Bordeux form he's still not as good as some of the other players I've mentioned or that we've been linked with. He's still a decent player IMO though.

People rave about Goetze, Thiago, Tello, Pogba, Wilshere, etc. but I never see Martin get mentioned and he's just as good as all the players I've mentioned above in terms of potential. I think he'll be a player that joins a lesser team in a couple of years and people will rave about him then. sort of like what happened when Kranjcar joined Portsmouth, everyone knew he had talent but it took going to a lesser talented but more well known team to put it in the media's eye.

I agree, I also think that if we played poorly he'd be the scape goat too. I like Holtby, I wouldn't suggest him as the answer to our problems but I think he's got a decent all round game, although he maybe more Jenas than Genius. Sissoko had 2 or 3 good games back in september and everyone fell in love with him, since then he hasn't impressed me at all as such and I would rather have Tiote (and that's saying something).

Gabi came out of nowhere with me, I think Atletico signed him from Gijon? although I'm not sure. and he had a little uneasy period at first but now he's really doing well. if you see any of the Athletico games between now and the end of the season keep an eye on him, and obviously Falcao.

I never even knew who Nocerino was until he left Juventus then I kept an eye out for him a little while he was at Palermo, then he went to Milan and it was like Gatuso, Keane and Lampard had created some form of love triangle child. probably one of my favorite players around at the moment.

Kalstrom is still very much under-rated IMO, still a very talented lad but his talent won't be recognized until he's retired (IMO).

Ramires, especially this season has impressed me so much, it's got to the point that I don't know whether he's a box 2 box, AM, DM, etc. he's just got it all.

Exactly my thoughts towards Moutinho! having him and honda in the same side would be terrific, although I doubt we looked at any of them. I remember when Moutinho was linked with Chelsea a couple of years ago and I was praying he never signed for them just because I knew how good he was.

Cambiasso, from what I remember of an Interview wants to end his career at Inter, which y'know fair play to the man. and De Jong will always be the one player I like who plays for City. he may be a little violent at times but he's a very good, no nonsense player.

How old is Taiwo now? 24? he was very good before Milan but at the same time you could see he had a few parts of his game to work on, it also looks as if he's got a real problem with his attitude.

I wouldn't say Kadlec is average, I would say he's reliable, he's not going to do anything special but he never really puts a foot wrong.

And well, as for Balzaretti, He's not a young lad anymore and he's in his peak playing years but he's everything you need in a full back. Imagine Neville playing at LB with about as much pace as Abidal and that's what Balzaretti is..plus he's good in the air.

Torosidis is decent I feel but more of a squadie than a first team player, and I've seen bits of Piris but I think he'd have the same rashness as the twins. He's doing well in a fancy pants league. if he can play for a European club to show he's good enough first I'll be prepared to listen, but right now, I'm not convinced he's got that steel that we need. at RB I would love to see Lichsteiner, but like you I'm a big fan of Rafael and with Clyne (potentially), Jones, Smalling and at times Toni V I think we're covered for RB fairly well.

Mertens reminds me very much of the Robben that signed for Chelsea, he's got great feet, he's a little greedy but he'll often produce moments of magic when you need it. plus his crossing is top quality. the fact that you literally can't tell whether he's Right or left footed says alot IMO. and well, Navas was very good last season but this year he's been a little quiet and I'm not sure whether or not he improves on what we currently have. I lost interest in Giovinco when he left Juve on loan for Empoli?, but the season he signed with Parma on loan he caught my attention again. back in the Italy squad and he really does look like a different player. cross mata and walcott and you get Giovinco.

Bastos, well I think he's good, but I also think there are better options out there. he's knocking 30 now too so his legs (which he relies on massively) will start to go even more than what they already have.

Sow and Doumbia are similar in that they're both strong, that's it really I guess, I would say Doumbia is a lot like Eto'o in his style of play whereas Sow is more like Demba Ba. so they have a few similar characteristics but Doumbia is far better IMO.

Gameiro is very much like Rooney for me, not in terms of the same level of ability but they'll both have awful games yet come away with a couple of goals and an assist. I like how we could interchange Gameiro and Rooney during the game to pull the CB's about and open up space.

I agree, I wouldn't pay more than £30 Million for him simply because you could get a younger and slightly more rounded Higuain for a little bit more cash so I would rather have Gonzalo.

Here's hoping SAF looks at our amazingly intelligent posts and brings in some of these lads ;].

The Moon.

Oh no, I'm not basing him on a game, I'm basing him on watching him, one of the Eds suggested him last year. I bought him on Fifa after watching him.

Percy

I'd also add Joe Allen in there. I think he has a huge amount of potential and would be brilliant for us get him for maybe 10 million?

Percy

I think Moon must be a secretary as he seems to do 100 words a minute unless he doesnt sleep. I partly agree with Macman, not that you are picking the plaeyrs off of Football Manager statement. I only knowabout 2/3 of the players, and dont get me wrong they are all good players but I wouldnt consider barely any of them players that would improve the first eleven. I respect your post for trying to be different from the norm though. I dont get this sudden talk abot Strootman either, he is young and seems to have good character but unless the 5 or 6 games I have seen him have been his worst he looks a very average player to me, premiership standard yes, top four club no. Also Elm and Grenier I noticed menioned by one of the Eds recently (know doubt why Sydney mentioned them probably). I havent heard of either of them to be honest, anybody got much knowledge on either of them
Invisible STuey

Fair play Percy, as long as you've seen the genius at work ;).

And I wouldn't be disappointed with Allen, He's a decent player but I think he's slightly under the level of players like Honda, etc.

The Moon.

Think i'm going to need reading glasses soon. Glad there are other Honda admirers out there :) People who can see subtle talent when its on display! Anyway after reading all that all i can see is a Matrix like effect of words falling in front of my face think it's time to sleep! Haha.

Ozwald

I haven't seen Honda playing, but Allen's younger is he? He has time to catch up :P

Percy

Invisible STuey - Well I guess we'll never know unless we sign them. Just trying to show people that there are people available young players than what we're linked with and the majority of them have just as much ability. The deal with Strootman isn't because of club form, because that has been exceptional, it's because of how he's played for Holland too. Your best bet would be to watch the Euro's and see how he does when he's got great players around him and he's against great players.

All I know of Elm is that he's a big lad and he makes Berbatov look like Walcott. I don't think he's a bad player but I think he'll struggle with the speed of our counter attacks.

Oh, and I'm not a secretary but I'm alwaays with some form of computer :).

Soory Ozwald mate! I'll try to keep my posts short and sweet in future.

The Moon.

The Moon is still winning the longest post war! ;-)

Well, have to give it to you. A long essay indeed which does make sense to an extent. Wonder wts Shappy gonna come up with..:) I honestly think Honda would make a very good player in Utd. I hv said it before as well. Lets not forget wt Fergie excels in, buying players who are underrated at a bargain & have the capability to become a Utd player. Cantona, Vidic, Ole Ole Ole & Ronaldo are a testimony to it. So IMPO, SAF would never spend more than 25M on a player. Well there are always exceptions, but I think Fergie would do what he does best. Buy someone we aren't expecting & turn him into a class apart.

IBleedBlue

Moon mate, cut it short a little! waaaaay to long on your initial post, and just as bad in your replies! Points can be made with much fewer words. Some interesting things mentioned, however it must be said the majority is NEVER going to happen.

Absolutely nothing new in this drivel moon.its just a long post for the sake of being long.i bet you don t have anything more to say than the two lines you written about some of these players because its based on highlights and football manager.if you have scouted these players at great lenghts i suggest you get a life.

26 Apr 2012 11:36:24
Any truth with the Lucas rumours ed ?

Dio {Ed004's Note - I don't know}

I Frickin hope so!

Beyond the Haters.

Ed when will u have info on the "family" at old Trafford ? cheers ed

Dio {Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you are talking about.}

26 Apr 2012 11:50:26
Just wondering about peoples opinions on Yohan Cabaye. Its clear that we need a central midfielder, but i don't think we necessarily need one that is going to automatically take games away from Cleverly, Pogba etc. So a big name might not be the best idea for the harmony of the squad which is crucial to our success.

This season Cabaye has a pass success rate of 79.9%, not amazing i know. But he is the guy that makes Newcastle tick, he goes for the killers balls so naturally he is going to cockup a few times. Furthermore he sits deep, which is something that most of our targets like Eriksen don't do. His comments about how he loves to be on the ball and tries to complete 100 passes a game, shows that he has a good footballing brain and he has been very impressive throughout the season.

At a price of no more than £15 million, i think he would be worth a punt.

RedDevil19

He is the guy that makes Newcastle tick not united

Good observation, your point is?

RedDevil19

Newcastle United???
duggo

My opinion is that he would always be a 2nd class and cheap option just not good enough

Pardoe

I think that Cleverley is pretty ordinary and at nearly 23 possibly won't make the grade.Except for a couple of games at the start of the season he's done nothing. I realize he's been injured a lot this season, but I don't think I've ever seen him look outside the 5 -8 million level. Cabaye is a very good player and worth in excess of 15 million, or should I say if we won't him it will cost us 20m+/
I'd love us to get Lucas -12m - Baines (who could be got for 7 m apparently.) Ba whose got a cheap buy out clause, again just 7m, Strootman 17m and Hazard 30m+. This is a total of 70 -75 million. To get the cash we could sell Young 22m, Berbatov 6m, Macheda 2m Hernandez 12m, Anderson 7m Park 4m = 53m with the yanks coughing up the rest. Personally I'd wouldn't mind Cleverly going, he doesn't score, has little pace and can't tackle, but seeing as we'd only get 6m or so for him, giving him another season may be wise. Give him a chance to see if he can get through more than a month without injuring himself.
Mik {Ed004's Note - I wanted to stop reading after you said Cleverly was not worth more than 8 million, but I had to, to make sure there wasn't anything offensive in the post.... And then I didn't know whether to laugh or worry after I read you wanting to sell Hernandez for 12 million and to sell Young after 1 season!? So you want us to begin next season with the striking options of Rooney and Welbeck and an injury prone Owen for probably 60+ games?}

Deffo a football anager player. Strootman, how many times have you seen him and how does it validate your opinion he is worth £17m £5m more than both Lucas and Hernandez? - Youtube? Also if you think we will get lucas for £12m you are deluded. Baines, decent player, Man Utd player though?
You are right though Cleverly has done very little the second half of the season in the 2 or 4 games he has been invovled in after a very long lay off (yes this s sarcasm). If this comment was written by somebody over the age of 12 it has to go down as one of the worst posts I have seen
Invisible STuey

Hhaa.. You made my day, no offence. . Sell Young & Hernandez? It'll be a cold day in h**l when SAF does that. You do know tht Young has just been here for a season? Nd Hernandez is in no way less than 20M atleast..!

IBleedBlue

Yeah lets sell Hernandez and buy Ba... the worst idea I've ever seen on this site.

JJR

I have never player footy manager and only FIFA dozen times. I've only watched Strootman in 3 games, but as a regular Holland player I think it would take 20m Euros to land him. I do think Lucas would cost more, I got a touch of tabloiditus there. I'd rather him than Hazard. Chico is really poor outside the 6 yard box, I've heard all this "fox in a box" stuff but he is just awful. I could put up with that if he was RVN, but I think he isn't worth a pair of Ruud's dirty underwear. he can't trap a ball, pass, cross or shoot from further than 10 yards. Young is a player I never wanted, we've Tony and Nani who are twice as good as him. Hazard and Lucas are wingers more than anything, though Lucas can play in just about any attacking position. I see him as a 2nd striker. Fans keep needling players like Carrick, who has been as good as anyone this season, but get all possessive when Chico name is mentioned. He's pushing 24 and I would be happy to get 10m for him.
Mik

@ JJR Ba is a striker who scores all kind of goals, in the box, either foot, with his head. He can link play, can cross and would be worth a bid, though if I though we could get Papiss Cisse instead I'd rather him. Now as for chico lets look at his good points - he's quick and scores goals with odd parts of his body, ergo - back of the head, his face, whilst on the floor, against Chelsea in the community shield. The Mexican falls over regularly, can't trap, pass or cross. He does get into good positions, but alas he either falls over, or gives the ball away. I love United as much, if not more than anyone, but facts are facts. If he played for the scoucers or birties you'd be p******g yourself with laughter, This guy is the Djemba-Djemba of strikers. He does pray a lot, but as an atheist you can guess what I think about that. If God does exist, he ignores poor Chico
Mik

26 Apr 2012 11:17:57
Whats happend to Park? I can't find anything that says he's injured but he hasn't got a game or even a sub role in ages. Has he been blamed for our losses this year? Our losses have come when he's played.

Shappy

He was on the bench on Sunday.

GDS

He's surely off this summer. He was like O'Shea a good player to have but you didn't want him starting. Time to sell I think along with Kuz, Berba and Macheda.

United Till I Die 1987

I would argue that his lack of games, and lack of presence in the match day 17 would indicate he is on his way out in the summer. Perhaps he has been told he won't be playing and he needs to find a new club?

RedDevil19

Fergie has finally realised that he's not good enough...thank god!

simmo

He was on the bench hut never looked like he was gonna get on. Can anyone remember when he last played?

Shappy

Fergie has finally realised that he's not good enough...thank god!

Yeah but i bet he was good enough in your eyes when he was scoring the winning goal aginst arsenal or setting up countless goals which have proved vital to us
MANUTD4LYF

MANUTD4LYF

Sorry when did i ever post anything about Parks goal against Arsenal?
I don't think i even knew about this site then, plus have a read through all my previous comments and you will find out what i think about Park....silly man!

Simmo

His last game was on march 4th on 3-1 win at white hart lane coming as a sub for nani on the 80th min.

JM

26 Apr 2012 08:16:42
eds do you see united buying any established player like oezil/kaka/sneijder (just names for examples) who have considerable experience in european competitions..
i cant recall fergie buying players who have done extremely well but failed to win the competition or unhappy with the current team/looking for a move..
i hope this question makes sense..i mean united only have a record of buying young potential talent.

Rudi {Ed002's Note - I really don't know but experienced players have been sought and bought in the past.}

It is interesting to think what implications, if any, there maybe in Real MDrid going out. Mourinho may well see the ambition to win three with three different clubs more likely in England? Ronaldo may contemplate a move? Or RM may be shopping in the Summer!

Personally i think that the Madrid hierarchy will favour revolution rather than evolution, so many could leave and many come in. I could see Higuain, Di Maria/Ozil, Khedira et could leave. So a few good players might be available in summer.

RedDevil19

Think we will go for Snejider again and I hope we do class playeer on his day. We need to buy experience for cm and I reckon we could get him for between 15-20 million and he will drop his wages as he wants out of Inter and seems to regret not joining us last year. Don rate either Di Mari/Khedria but Higuain would be a great buy, can believe people are comparing Park to O'Shea, we badly miss O'Shea this year his versatility alone is costing us, do you not think he can be any worse than Evra or Rafael? Aslo we could have used him in his best position cb with Vidic out for the season. Would aslo like to see us try for m'villa but looks like he is off to Arsenal.

Damian M