Manchester United Rumours Archive January 07 2013

07 Jan 2013 23:19:36
Sky Italia is reporting a English club has had a 22 million + bonuses bid for Kevin Strootman accepted.

It must be Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, City or Spurs? Even when we're crying out for a tough tackling & forward thinking, young international that would be ideal for us & would improve us dramatically.

We don't buy midfielders, we just don't.

TJ

Signing a midfielder is like admitting the manager is wrong about our midfield so i agree that it can't be us if its true.

Even tho scholes can't run any more, fletcher clearley still has problems and anderson is injury prone i still don't think a midfielder will be brought.

We will probs sign 2 wingers and 2 strikers before we address the problem area of the team.

Or it may not be true?

The only way Strootman would cost that amount is if that's including his salary. £12m fee plus £40k a week wages for five years?

Sydney!

It's probably agents rumour trying to max his players worth. Even 22m Euros is too much. Fellaini has a 22m clause apparently, he knows the EPL and is really versatile. I've watched Strootman a number of times and the only time he seems really good is on YouTube, then everyone looks good on there. He is a better player then Scholes, Giggs, Fletcher and Cleverley though, who are old, unwell and average.
Mik

Tj,
Anderson, Carrick, Powell?
Flyhalfmitch.

Mik

You must of only watched him on You Tube then because he is a quality player.
Can you explain why he doesn't seem that good.
PS.don't look for your answer on You Tube!

Simmo

Simmo - It's not that I think he isn't a goodish player, I just think that we could do better for 20m+. He doesn't really stand out in a weak league. I'd rather go for Wanyama, also in a weak league, but has the kind of physical presence that we need. Or De Marco who looks good in a top league. I feel we need to rekindle the Scholes at his peak and Keane style partnership. Wanyama/De Marcos alongside Gotze/Eriksen.
Mik {Ed004's Note - But neither Gotze or Eriksen play in a deep position. Gotze usually plays on the right and Eriksen further forward}

07 Jan 2013 20:00:28
why by zaha for 20 million when you could play nani for free - wages

Zaha would cost around £10m and where Nani will not improve any further, Zaha has the potential to be a bit special if he can work on his end product. Being six years younger he has plenty of time to improve.

Sydney!

Spot on Sydney. I was more simply going to suggest Nani was crap but more accurately he has had his chances and is not United quality. Whereas Zaha, irrespective of who he signs for, COULD be something special and has age very much on his side.

Halesini

I don't think Zahra is ready for United to be honest I think his one for the future and that's why we may buy him
I don't see a connection between the 2transfers
jred

Oh my god you just went and called Nani crap.

Ozwald

08 Jan 2013 08:06:06
Zaha is not Utd quality, end of.
Paulo

Nani is by a street our best winger. It amazes me that Nani, Rooney and Carrick get stick, whilst Cleverley is praised. Nani is light years better than Zaha.Young is pretty ordinary and whilst Tony had a great season last year, his abject one footedness means that he has become predictable. I'd sell Tony or Young before I'd sell Nani. For all his inconsistancy, he is one of the very few creative players at OT. It's not wingers of Lewendowski that we need, it's mending that hole we call our midfield.
Mik

Mik, what amazes me is your lack of football knowledge. Cleverley, Hernandez, Young etc are top quality squad players. Only a complete nugget would want to sell our top squad players. Have you ever thought that adding to players like Young, Hernandez & Cleverley would be more practical?

Sydney!

Sydney, Cleverley just isn't a United level player and I see Nani as far stronger than Young. It dissapoints me that you don't argue your case without personal insults. I disagree with you often but as a fellow red, I save my spleen for City and pool fans. I guess who you support doesn't have anything to do with your quality as a human being
Mik

Mik, so a few weeks ago you wanted Hernandez sold, now you are warming to him he stays. Any chance you are what is known as a fickle football fan?

Sydney!

I'm not fickle, any chance your dogmatic?
Mik

Look at my posts then look at yours. YOU are stating your opinions as facts. That makes you dogmatic my friend.

Sydney!

Get a room

snakey

Oswald - Nani IS crap. And deluded opinion he has more talent than he actually he has.

For any 9/10 performance he will give you five times that as a 4 or 5/10.

I'd be happy to carry his bags for him whenever he decided to tootle off. I see him running his contract though as his wage demands will put most off unless backed by oligarch such as Zenit, PSG, Shaktar, Malaga etc.

Halesini

07 Jan 2013 18:36:11
Just reading that new page on a web site regarding Guardiola, it's amazing how they can create a page out of the comments he made. The guy gives nothing away, he really is a class act. His comments are respectful and sincere. Whether he does eventually come to us (hopefully so), i'm excited to see him return to coaching. Hands down i'd take him over the 'circus act' Mourinho. Mourinho is obviously a talented man, he's just far too crass and bolschy for United I think.

Andy S.

One question andy

why is it exactlyyou want guardiola to come?

I don't mean immediately take over. I think Ferguson has a few years left in him yet but after the inevitable (Ferguson retiring). For me (My opinion) I think Guardiolas' personality and temperament fits perfectly to United. Not to mention his style of play, passion and enthusiasm.

Andy S.

I have funny feeling he might make a surprise choice and go to Munich
jred

I honestly think United will be successful after Fergie retires as long as it's one of the two that take over. Just can't think who else would be big enough for the job.

Ozwald

Ozwald - Fergie wasn't the biggest name in Europe when he came here all those years ago.

07 jan 2013 15:46:38
strootman to sign next week! lauren blanc to take over from saf in 18months & i will be back to say " i told ya so "

Do you care to leave your name, so we all know who told us so?!

Unnamed posters are so annoying

RedDub

Shame you didn't leave your name. So if it does happen then I suppose any1 cn come on here and say "I told ya so" get bk on here and leave a name. T45

Leave a name then.

-JakeW

Yeh right

Simmo

Can see a little truth behind what you said about Strootman seeing as the have just signed a young prospect to take over, but i'm not completely sure bout Blanc!

Tommy.

...and we won't know what you're talking about because you never left a name

Gav

I could see Strootman signing next week but not for us. If we do get him it will be in the summer.

First time post / reply love the site!

Strootman, Blanc story by daleman55

In addition to the Blanc story, the guy has employed 2 fulltime English tutors who have banned him from speaking French between the hours of 9.00 & 17.00. daleman55

07 Jan 2013 15:13:20
With rumours of Zaha still circulating that he is valued at 20m I'm not sure I would pay that much for him. For a similar price is it not possible we could not get James Rodriguez?

On another note I know nothing about Taison but apparently an unnamed BPL side has bid on him as we'll as Chelsea, any chance it is us?
(I know nothing about the player other than he plays midfield/striker)

AvidDevil

Doubt its us.

Fresh!

James Rodriguez would cost a lot more.

PJ

Agreed! Don't think Zaha is worth that much. What do people think about Ince as a much cheaper alternative? I heard he's a better all rnd player than Zaha. Not seen enough of either to be honest.

Boyley(top of FF lge)

Chelsea has already signed him but why would we even bid for an unkown player in a crappy league in a position that is full

07 Jan 2013 14:25:09
Seen a few times today that SAF is ready to ditch DdG, surely if he were to leave Utd it would be to go back home (Real Madrid) . Also Iker Casillas has fallen foul of Mourinho, maybe some sort of swap deal if anything were to happen. Have the Eds heard of anything?

"99" {Ed002's Note - No.}

07 Jan 2013 13:46:40
So we have recalled Reece Brown. I imagine it is so that we can get a permanent sale of him fixed up. We will be adding him to the list of departures, as well as Brady, shortly.

Fresh!

07 Jan 2013 13:40:40
reading, hull, burnley, leicester and wolves all want tunnicliffe on loan

I'd risk loaning him out to Reading personally with the possibility to recall him if he struggles for games.

Fresh!

I would prefer to loan him out to a club wherever they play proper football... I guess that's the key attribute we have been looking at players now.. player with good control, passing and vision

07 Jan 2013 09:49:12
Ed 002. Chelsea is getting stronger and stronger with their signings even in the winter market.
Please tell me why manchester united is failing to address there key probelm since long? Or ots not a probelm in united's eye?
Are majority of fans and even commentators are blind to see this?
Isnt it a laugh towards the emmotion of fans? Going down ingames and digging the way?
Finally we are listening that all the blame of fragile defence and midfield is thrown on poor de gea..
Such a shame
Rodio17 {Ed002's Note - Given Manchester United are clear by some distance at the top of the league and through to the knock out phases of the Champions League, perhaps you are seeing problems that others don't.}

We believe in our team, our manager, our results!

I do to.. Mr no name..
I just want to know if a problem of mid field is going to be answered or its not a problem at all.
Rather manager come out and name scholes and giggs under VAST MIDFIELD OPTIONS.

So use your brain before be a blindo.
Rodio17

Wel diverted ed 002.
So in your eyes its not a problem..
Good enough..

Rodio17 {Ed002's Note - There is a natural progression that will continue at Old Trafford. But I suspect at a pace which will not impact the performances particularly.}

Ed002 ...natural progression mate ? Kindly explain that one to me please ..I for one don't see any progress in the midfield area at all

People are quick to slate the defense but forget that apart from Carrick they have nothing in front of them and lying wide open to attack every time the opposition have the ball

Bilko {Ed002's Note - You need to look at a bigger picture in that Manchester United are top of the table and have been since the EPL started with nothing less than third in 20 years. Players will arrive and be integrated in to the team - perhaps Bender, Strootman or someone else will arrive this season. Perhaps a wide player as in Zaha, but the club won't make any changes that impact the continued performance.}

It's a work inprogress, I would love fergie to go our and buy 4 or 5 players but you have to keep it in perspective. First, fergie can only have 25 senior players not counting reserves u21 etc. second, is there money available? Third, are the players we want available and affordable? Fourth there is the question of cup tied players. Fergie doesn't like to sign these anyway.

Yes the midfield needs work but its pointless buying bad players for the sake of it. The lads are doing brilliantly in the points part but performances are disjointed. Hang in there, could be worse... You could support the scousers or gooners!

Bryn Mez

Oh common ed 002. Wht progression? you r saying top of premier league nd progression of next round in cl.. But wht abt last year? Lost 8 point lead. Dumped out at group stage nd even out from europa.
No domestic cups.
Look even inthis years ucl we lost all matches after qualification wh is made by first 11 or say a few talisman. Other than that team was no whr near good. As thr is no quality depth.
Whr is progresion?
Rodio17 {Ed002's Note - See previous answers.}

Seriously Ed002 ?? I know all that but this is the worse midfield we have had in 20 years..two near 40 somethings and Carrick with nothing else !! Anderson shapes up every now and then and looks promising and thats it ..Cleverly is useless, Kagawa being played out of position and you come out with we are top of the league ?

Lets see what Real Madrid make of our midfield four in February

Bilko {Ed002's Note - So what are you expecting? I have said who the club are looking to.}

07 Jan 2013 13:10:19
its evolution not revolution. He's not going to come out and say i need a midfielder as all mine are crap. That would cause two negative impacts. It would hit morale and selling clubs would increase their price. The world and his dog knows we need a signing. But so far the forwards have bailed us out. We're top. No doubt we'll lose a couple of games but so will others. Not sure why your panicking about chelsea so much. Who cares what they do. They'll be on another manager in the summer anyway.

Ed002,

Totally agree with the natural progression thing, people want 4-6 players signed each transfer window when this is not the United way, AND the reason we are so consistant.

There is a plan for the long run and United will certainly be looking at midfield options, but will wait for the ones they consider right to become available.

Red Joe

Ed002 ..What am I looking for ?

I would love to see a player come in who could walk out at OT and put his foot on the ball and say I run the show here ..thats what I would like to see ..someone who can tackle ..find a pass and play the odd killer ball through to the forwards ...not the dross we have now

Bilko {Ed002's Note - So the players the club has been actively looking at are not good enough for you?}

Mr red joe..
No adult on this site would want 5 6 players.
Ppl r realistic here.
But since last 3 season we lack 1 class player in center.
Rodio17

I'm fully with Red Joe on this and not the other two...one who can't grasp which keys to press.

I wouldn't say Cleverley is useless. His progression is a sure testiment to how our squad and youth work and progress.

The midfield may be lacking the Scholes of old or the Keane...but we have the talent there to hold out. I would like to see a bit more solidity but to say it is the worst midfield is a silly statement. To be fair, Toni and Young running at defenders is scary enough to have Carrick hold back and Kagawa/Clev/Ando push up.

SB

SB ..What progression are you talking about ? How has he progressed ? All i see is a lad who has been hyped up by people like you and who delivers little to nothing !

Dont forget here we are Manchester United !! and quite frankly Cleverly is not nor ever will be the quality type of player we should have in the middle of the park !

I don't want 4 or 6 signings ! all I want to see is one world class ball winner in the middle of the park ..period !!

Bilko

Ed002 ...I didnt say that they weren't good enough did I ?

What I want is one of them actually pulling on the shirt ...Im tired of all the looking and the numpties on here who play fantasy footlball or are about 12 telling me that we are ok in the middle !

46 years I have been follwing the team and I think in that time Ive seen enough world class midfielders players playing for us to know that what we have now is not good enough {Ed002's Note - Given the club are making the efforts to bring the right players in I struggle to see the concern. If you want half a dozen new first team players I don't see that happening so quickly.}

And Bilko...

This world class midfielder you speak about

Throw some names into the ring.....

A great team has always had a spine
Fergie has always advocated this.look at our great teams from the past with Stam Keane the great dane Hughes Robson RVN Bruce Pally now look at our spine Dg Rio scholes giggs Vidic ( with his injuries) carrick.The only one who would walk in to any team from the past is RVP.We lost the league last year after being 8 points clear with a few weeks to go.We went to the council house and did not have shot on target.Barcalona showed us up twice in the Final.The problem has no just come its been there for a few seasons.yes we are top but that says a lot about the other teams not how good we are.God forbid if we had not got RVP I wonder where we would be in the league without him.The problems need addressing and quick or we might well see a repeat of last season

Bilko! You should be called Blinko! Take your blinkers off mate! Cleverly is class! He plays some fantastic one-two's and nice quick football.

Him and Anderson started last season fantastically until he got injured at Bolton.

Can't be that bad if he is playing for England either!

Get behind the team and be greatful for what we have

Steve the red

Steve the Red ...Playing for England ? Is that meant to mean something ? Do you remember Carlton Palmer playing for England? He was a class act wasnt he lol

Ed002 ..I said I would like to see one player coming in ...not 4 or 5 ..Im happy with every other dept

I can't believe a Chelsea supporter is having to calm down United supporters on this matter! Good work Ed002 : )

Seriously guys we all would like to see certain players come in, particularly in CM. But given we are 7 points clear in the EPL and thru' to the CL knock out stages - do you expect that to be a situation desperate enough to make SAF think the squad is struggling and needs instant changes?

We tend to improve in the 2nd half of the season due to momentum, players coming back from injury, our recent record etc. City may well look to throw money at their problems in January but that's not how we usually operate.

As the Ed has said - the club are showing interest in players and I'm sure we'll sign some of them before next season.

Is it really panic-stations ATM? I don't think so

Gav

Mr gav..
so you will only dig well if fire goes beyond control..til then you wil wait with a bucket?
I m sure you r wise enough to undstnd wht i mean.
Rodio17

10 Jan 2013 16:30:21
@Rodio jeez theres just no pleasing some people... you talk about our weak midfield and than put two champs league final appearences as references... you think those happened by accident... 2 years in a row we reached the finals ... if thats called haaving a weak midfield i`ll take it over anything else.

06 Jan 2013 20:13:39
Ed002; very general question, but do you know if we are looking to do any business at all in this window for incoming players other than Zaha? If so, do you have any names?

I've read plenty of conflicting reports, a majority of which are just garbage so curious as to whether you know or have heard anything at all.

Thanks,

rpc {Ed002's Note - Certainly the club is continuing to show varying degrees of interest in a good number of players I am aware of but that does not mean anything in terms of offers being made this month. From centre backs to strikers, and perhaps even goalkeepers. Certainly a decision will need to be taken about Zaha. Strootman could still move in January as well.}

Ok thanks!

rpc