Manchester United rumours 2

28 Oct 2024 14:55:33
British media are all over the Ruben Amorim links. On the face of it I thought it doesn't really make sense as he plays 1-3-4-3 and we have had multiple windows setting up for a 1-4-2-3-1. However, with Yoro, De Ligt and Martinez we could potentially move to a back 3 with Mazraoui/ Dalot playing the RDM role and Shaw/ Malacia playing the LDM role. Mainoo and Ugarte would be perfect for the two CM roles. Højlund can play the focal role in the Amorim system.

The only question for me is if our wingers and Bruno suit the wide forward roles in his system BUT its unlikely they can do any worse than their current output.

Statistically his Sporting team have scored 2.65 goals for every goal conceded. His sporting team average 2.18 goals per game. He turned Sporting into contenders, two leagues and two cups in 4 years is a great turnaround.

28 Oct 2024 15:09:00
First time I've ever seen someone put the goalkeeper in a formation.

28 Oct 2024 15:27:16
Whoever becomes the new manager, they will implement their own tactics and formation. Some players may find themselves out of favour or not suited to the new managers style. They will either need to adapt or be sold.

A young progressive manager is one option. However I find myself worried at the prospect of another manager being thrown under the bus by the players again.

Ultimately the club needs to move players like Rashford on, who seemingly play on their own terms.

Anyone else feeling like they are repeating previous posts from a few years ago ;)

28 Oct 2024 15:30:10
Luke Shaw and Malacia have now both been out injured longer than it took Christian Eriksen to recover from cardiac arrest. Whoever the new manager needs to address getting in a fit left back before thinking about formations.

28 Oct 2024 15:38:16
From what I’ve read it seems City are lining up Amorim to replace pep whenever he goes. No idea if that’s true or conjecture based on City taking the sporting director from Sporting in the same way they did with the director from Barcelona before appointing Pep.

I don’t know much about Amorim or how sporting play. Seen a few games in Europe and they looked ok. But so did Ajax under ETH, so who knows.

Not much choice out there for anybody with high level premier league experience. So may have to gamble on a foreign manager with some good experience. Needs to be somebody that can coach and motivate the players and will pick players based on performance and how they fit the system, not on how much they are paid.

I just hope they don’t go for Southgate. That would be a disaster.

I honestly have no idea who I would pick.

{Ed002's Note - Manchester City would like Guardiola to extend and have a preferred choice to Amorim - but he is certainly seen as an option for them.}

28 Oct 2024 15:41:54
I'm a fan of Amorim and think he'd be potentially a great option. The Ed's don't think he's a likely option and given the huge cost of releasing him and his coaches from their contracts it doesn't seem like we'll be seeing him in the Old Trafford dugout anytime soon unless it's managing the visiting side.

I actually like the idea of moving to a back three. I know not many sides do it, but maybe it's time to take the lead rather than trying to copy what everyone else is doing.

Having looked at our squad I think a back 3 system actually fits our current squad as much as a back four system would.

For a start it might actually suit the LB issue, as we could either try Antony there as a LWB. Or if not then the reduced defensive pressure on the LWB role might give someone like Amass a chance to play some minutes with less responsibilities than he'd have in a back four.

Players like Maguire and Lindelof if needed are probably better suited to a back three with more cover.

Having a two man midfield suits the limited number of options we have for central midfield. Although the high level of work rate might not suit the aging legs of Casemiro and Eriksen. Ugarte, Mainoo, Collyer and Mount would all be more than capable in those roles.

The width coming from wingbacks actually free up players like Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad to play in the half spaces rather than starting wider. That should suit them.

Højlund could play as a more traditional front man, or Zirkzee as more of a false 9 pulling a CB out of place for the likes of Rashford and Garnacho to run into.

The only player it doesn't really suit is Bruno. That said I think he could do a role as one of the wide forwards in that system very well. Maybe Rashford or Garnacho on the left looking to get into a shooting position. With Amad or Bruno on the right looking to be chief creator in the front line.

That said even if it didn't suit Bruno that is no reason not to play that way. We can't be allowing the needs of a 30 year old player dictate our tactics.

None of the players over the age of 28 will likely be a part of the next United team to win the title. Simply by the time we are ready to seriously challenge they will be in decline and need replacing anyway.

The older players should be the ones having to adapt their game to fit into a new style that suits the majority of the players and not vice versa.

Players like Evans, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno should be trying to fit into the side, rather than building the side around them.

It'll be interesting to see who gets the job and what tactics they look to implement. As you'd think that the next permanent manager should be someone who represents what the new management structure and owners at the club really want to do.

28 Oct 2024 16:29:40
Mad Hatter - I agree about the players throwing managers under a bus comment. I think a number of players leaving in the summer will help with that situation.

Shappy - Agreed, moving to a back three helps with the midfield/ fullback issues. Evans, Maguire and Lindelof are out of contract in the summer though so that's 3 CBs down plus Eriksen leaving leaves us short on numbers. Replacing those 4 won't be cheap unless we can promote from the academy. We probably need a LB, we tried to buy Olise, which would suggest there is a feeling we need a RW too.

Ashworth/ Wilcox are really going to need to earn their cash with sales to get us out this mess.

28 Oct 2024 16:56:18
Lot of folk pinning a lot of hope on Yoro - looks like a raw skinny kid to me who could be an utter shambles in PL -who knows.

Outside bet for manager . Eddie Howe . lot of tension atm at Newcastle a move away might suit all parties.

28 Oct 2024 16:57:09
If the club does move for Amorin, I'd imagine it will be next summer that he will arrive.

Surely the club would want the compensation paid out to SL to go into next year's PSR and not this year's?

28 Oct 2024 18:26:56
Plenty of players have been far from their best but the biggest issue has been midfield. We literally haven’t had one for nearly two years. Yes being addressed now but mindboggling it’s took this long, he’s not been short of money just shyte at spending it.

28 Oct 2024 19:07:28
Burren,

He’s certainly a kid and a bloody good one at that, not sure why you’d try and write him off before he’s even played.

28 Oct 2024 19:51:29
Looks like he’ll be here sooner than everyone thought and the board are willing to pay £8.3m release clause.

28 Oct 2024 20:58:14
Personally, I think the 3-4-3 would work for United because (from the players we already have and can see coming up) .

1. None of our CBs are particularly quick so the extra body in the middle would probably be helpful.
For instance, a 3 of - De Ligt in the middle providing a solid link between defence and midfield, with Yoro and Licha offering support for the wingbacks. For now Maguire, Lindelof and Evans would respectively be able deputies.

2. Both Dalot and Mazraoui are better on either side as wingbacks than disciplined fullbacks. Shaw lacks the athleticism for wingback and Malacia's never had the good fortune to properly stake a claim.
All 3 of Ogunneye, Amass and Murray are attack-minded players. Additionally, I actually think Antony could be molded into a proper player at LWB, he just needs to pull his head out. Let's stick with Mazraoui on the left and Dalot on the right.

3. Our first-choice midfield pairing of Ugarte and Mainoo would have the additional support of 3 players (De Ligt, Mazraoui and Dalot) to try pressing and swarming the opposition.

4. The wide forwards would need to be Bruno with either Amad or Mount (if he's ever fit) because, as much as Rashford and Garnacho are scary players, they add very little to any phase that requires discipline and control.

The striker should still be Hojlund, but a better team would fit his game better. I'd love to lean towards Zirkzee because his skillset is awesome, but he's more lazy than Rashford.

Now, before anyone pops a vein over my suggested omission of both Rashford and Garnacho, they are each currently just quick and aggressive players with little game IQ - that doesn't fit with a team with so little pace elsewhere.
Both can still improve though.

So for me, 3-4-3 works, but only if the team is equally reflective of it's set up and identity in both defence and attack - that was the main problem before Erik arrived and little has changed.

29 Oct 2024 06:27:05
Bruno always goes missing when he plays out on the wing.

29 Oct 2024 06:45:27
People seem to miss that we have a high potential Young athletic left wing back who may benefit from this change of formation, Harry Amass.

29 Oct 2024 10:28:04
"For a start it might actually suit the LB issue, as we could either try Antony there as a LWB. Or if not then the reduced defensive pressure on the LWB role might give someone like Amass a chance to play some minutes with less responsibilities than he'd have in a back four. "

I haven't missed that at all Red Man 😂.

29 Oct 2024 10:44:56
ED002,

Is Luis Enrique City's preferred option?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - No.}

29 Oct 2024 11:23:27
Cheers ED002.

31 Oct 2024 16:59:07
Bit wary of how often Amass is mentioned as a viable option like the second coming, he is 17 years old, years off being a first choice.

28 Oct 2024 12:36:37
You've prob been asked or will be Ed002 but whose the likely names in the frame?

{Ed002's Note - Ruud van Nistelrooy - the soft option - perhaps give him the job until the end of the season whilst the club try and sort out a deal for a full time appointment.
Gareth Southgate - could come to the fore given his relationship with Ashworth and I suspect he could emerge as the first choice but not available until next summer. If he arrives Jim Ratcliffe will want Steve Holland to join him, but Steve Holland will likely be heading elsewhere.
Xavi Hernandez (C) Xavi will perhaps take a year off and think carefully about his options. Middle East perhaps. Enquiries from Borussia Dortmund and Ajax went nowhere. His agent has said two English sides (Manchester United and Newcastle) and one national side (South Korea) approached him but his client wants time off for now. That could of course change
Edin Terzic - Well respected coach and available. Is another on the shortening list for Manchester United who have lost out on their first choice. However, I suspect he may not be interested at this time.
Thomas Frank (C) Bayer Leverkusen were considering Frank as an option to replace Alonso, but he is now staying until probably 2026. Some support for Frank at Manchester United but it would be a significant step up.
Zinedine Zidane - has a tentative agreement to take a senior role at another side subject to a takeover but is likely to wait for Deschamps to depart his job with France. Barely speaks English.
Ruben Amorim (C) Manchester City are waiting on Guardiola to decide whether to extend or not, but they have a preferred option to Amorim. Newcastle will offer a wildcard option and will pay the termination clause and the cost of terminating his staff but they will not be an attractive option. A wildcard could be Manchester United.
Sebastian Hoeness (C) - Stuttgart - long-term wants the Bayern Munich job - and they could look to him after Kompany - but Bayer Leverkusen could step in to add jim as a Xavi Alonso replacement in 2026. Spoke with Chelsea after a formal approach in the summer. Manchester United had offer to replace ten Hag firmly rejected in the summer.
Kieran McKenna - known to many of the staff and players and well liked - but a huge step up and therefore a huge risk.
Xabi Alonso - Wildcard with support from a key decision maker at Manchester United. Can't see him being interested with a clear target to repace Carlo Ancelotti in 18 months or so.
Massimiliano Allegri - Strikes me as unlikely but may be considered due to support from someone advising the club.
Eddie Howe - I understand that he has been discounted for now following internal discussions although there is support for him.
Graham Potter - I understand that he is down the list following internal discussions and probably dismissed as an option for now.
Simone Inzaghi - Inzaghi already has a job and he has no intention of leaving - it is hard to see the timing being right. Perhaps an option for Manchester United in the future.
}

28 Oct 2024 13:08:33
If Southgate becomes first choice then I would seriously worry about the ability of the new setup.

28 Oct 2024 13:49:18
Just imagine it's Southgate after everything.

28 Oct 2024 14:41:24
Let's just hope the new manager, whoever that may be, plays Rashford in his proper position. On the bench.

28 Oct 2024 15:11:49
My money is on Xavi. Not sure if he’s any good, but think that’s who we will go for.

28 Oct 2024 15:30:16
A fair few of those are available now so wonder if that will force their hand, as opposed to waiting if there's a clear first choice currently unavailable. Is the season salvageable in terms of winning something, or is it more a case of Ruud steadying the ship ready for a proper go next summer.

28 Oct 2024 14:36:54
Ed02 - out of curiosity, now that Tuchel is no longer available, who in your opinion do you think would be the best option?

{Ed002's Note - Terzic is a very strong character but I doubt he will be interested in the job. Xavi will need persuading and may not be interested until the summer. Again a good option. i don't know enough about van Nistelrooy but Ajax were keen on him.}

28 Oct 2024 15:44:30
I'll be very disappointed if it turns out to be Southgate. But whoever it is, whether it's my preferred choice or not will get my backing.

They will need the fan base United behind them if they are to have any chance of success. We can't keep letting our own fans sow the seeds of disharmony and discontent at our club. We really are our own worst enemy at times.

28 Oct 2024 15:50:25
Just read Carl Anka’s summary of Ruud’s coaching style on the Athletic: maybe a bit more controlled than ETH but similar otherwise, such as committing too many players forward and getting caught on the break. Thus be surprised if huge other, unless EtH’s alleged lack of clear communication skills was a huge problem and RVN able to communicate much more effectively.

28 Oct 2024 16:10:08
There will be lots of speculation and a media feeding frenzy and fans going out of their minds worrying about things that will never happen.
All we can do is wait and see.
Insaghi or amorin look like great options but will hardly leave their posts mid season. The other 2 I like are xavi whi is free or hoeness but with him the same issue of leaving his team mid season.
Any of those 4 appeal to me more than Southgate or howe or mckenna.
Really looking forward to seeing how it all works out.
In the meantime RVN casks the shots. One of my favourite ever united players. I really hope he does well and steadies the ship and gives the players a happier and more enjoyable Working environment.

28 Oct 2024 16:24:40
There is also the highly realistic possibility that Ruud will be even more out of his depth and league position will drop further, in which case he won’t get the chance to see out the season so a permanent appointment could happen sooner.

28 Oct 2024 17:46:08
Amorin is interesting but not sure he done more than Villas Boas at this stage.

I like the idea of McKenna, but that’s probably romantic and unrealistic.

If I was putting my work hat on I’d go for Pep. Give him full control of game model and direction of youth coaching and equity in the club based on performance. Wait up to seasons to make possible. Again unrealistic.

Naglesman is the one for me, realistic, experienced, versatile and with potential. I’m convinced he is getable for end of season or in dual role to 2026. I’d go for this guy.

Southgate, I don’t like as a coach but as a “Manager” I think he could work but he’d need to delegate. He’d be a steady set of hands to 2028 before a planned successor ie McKenna.

I think the logical option is Ruud gets a run out to see if he can keep us going until the end of the season, if he wobbles or doesn’t quite have it I’d take Ole back until end of season unless he wins Europa or finishes top 4.

I like this option as if Ruud works out until end of season we can reassess and look at market again which may include De Zerbi, Alonso and others like Zidane to learn English. Also if Ole works out best case to 2028 the club know his limitations and can succession plan effectively.

29 Oct 2024 02:00:44
I think we look back at Ole’s tenure with rose tinted specs. Sadly not good enough, albeit I wanted it to work for him. If he was that good, he’d be in a job by now.

29 Oct 2024 05:19:23
Do you not think Amorim is the right pick Ed in your view?

{Ed001's Note - I know you weren't asking me, but as it double sent I held one for Ed2 as well and it gives me the chance to stick my snout in. I would look at Hoeness personally.}

29 Oct 2024 05:55:47
Thanks Ed 1. I like this shout. Amorim for some reason doesn’t feel right to me. Or Terzic.

{Ed001's Note - Amorim worried me with his attitude last summer when a few clubs looked at him. He was playing every one off against each other, and ended up with all of them looking elsewhere instead. It felt like he was not worried about what fit him, but just how much money he could get. When you have the biggest clubs in the world looking at you, money shouldn't matter as they will all pay enough to set you up for life. He wasn't bothered about who gave him the best platform to succeed, which suggests his focus is all wrong.

Hoeness has massively impressed me and I think now is a good time to step in for him.}

29 Oct 2024 05:19:10
Do you not think Amorim is the right pick Ed in your view?

{Ed002's Note - I think his preference would be for Manchester City but he will be aware that they have a preferred option and would ideally like Guardiola to stay longer in any case.}

28 Oct 2024 12:28:44
Ed002 are Thomas frank and nagelsmann options we are looking at?

{Ed002's Note - Julian Nagelsmann (C) Contracted to the German National side until after the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Frank (C) Bayer Leverkusen were considering Frank as an option to replace Alonso, but he is now staying until probably 2026. Some support for Frank at Manchester United but it would be a significant step up.}

28 Oct 2024 11:47:39
ETH gone, lots of journeys confining on Twitter.

28 Oct 2024 12:14:22
I was really optimistic when he joined us - and thought he’d bring a good style of play.
It hasn’t worked out for him - we replace players with new players that don’t seem to perform - whilst the players that leave have a revival at their new club.
We’re 14th in the league and the table doesn’t lie- I wish him well and that the club gets the next decision right.
Hopefully we don’t wait till the end of the season to replace him.

28 Oct 2024 12:42:03
Yes jacko it promised plenty but never materialised.
Like you I'm hopeful we can get our permanent new manager in well before the season ends.
I hope now that the black cloud that's been removed that's been hanging around for too long we can restore some sort of attack minded football.
The right leader in place will see significant and sustainable improvement quickly imo. I hope so anyway.

27 Oct 2024 01:06:44
Bit of an old school rumour here fellas, haven't posted in a long time, but it came to me and wanted to share.

It's beyond third party information, so take it with a pinch of salt.

One of my good friend's Dad works with Kieran McKenna's brother here in Northern Ireland. Apparently United offered McKenna the job before the FA Cup final last season, however after we won, the club asked him for more time as they weighed up all available options.

Supposedly our indecisiveness put him off in the end, and he declined taking the job whilst we were still making a decision. Understandable I guess, as it's not just him waiting, but also his current club.

The brother said that United kept stalling and changing their mind by the day, which ultimately led to McKenna saying "F*ck this, i'm not waiting around forever".

An interesting point to add, apparently McKenna told United that we've a squad full of players that were overpaid and overrated, which United didn't take well to.

An interesting one to say the least, but also could be the brother chatting out of his rear end, or a touch of Chinese whispers. Wouldn't surprise me if the bridges are burnt between the club and Kieran McKenna.

27 Oct 2024 03:32:26
Classic rumours are always the best.

27 Oct 2024 08:02:18
Overpaid and overrated is true. I do love a good rumour.

27 Oct 2024 08:49:26
Good rumour MPez

I have used the word dithering about the new board on here.

27 Oct 2024 11:12:21
I love a classic rumour.

If true I wonder who got their knickers in a twist over the overpaid and overrated comments.

After all SJR has spoken out about how we have overpaid for declining players on high wages.

While the club have actively been trying to reduce the wage bill, which suggests they accept that we are overpaying players. Along with comments from Omar Barrada about a multi-year rebuild of the squad further suggests that they don't think the current squad is capable of achieving what they want to achieve.

If this was happening early in the summer then this would be before Barrada and Ashworth would have been in place. Maybe suggesting that the people McKenna would have been talking to would have been those responsible for building the current squad.

That might mean that any burnt bridges are with people no longer at the club, or at least not in the key positions.

I like McKenna and think he could be an interesting choice. Plays good football, and a record of improving players, but very untested at the highest level. Depending on his personality he may be able to step up to a big club, especially one where he's worked previously. But I'd have thought he could do with an interim step before moving to a top side.

27 Oct 2024 13:13:23
Proper rumour there MPez, we need more insider gossip like this.

Personally I think a move back to United would have been bad for him. Needs more time to establish himself as United could kill his career at this stage.

27 Oct 2024 16:47:19
i posted on here in summer that he wouldn't be joining- i'm also in N. I. couple of lads i know played in same teams as him since they were 14 nationally and club level and still meet up with him regularly - all Iknew was he said he wasnt leaving Ipswich for anyone else before end of this season at earliest.

28 Oct 2024 06:25:41
Since we are talking rumours. Pay attention to michael carrick rumours as the season goes on. That has some truth to it, although they still really believe in eth and think its a matter of time before things click.

28 Oct 2024 10:26:00
I've heard that we have had a regular scouting presence at Middlesbrough games. Supposedly Hayden Hackney is a player of interest, seen as the next Adam Wharton type signing to come from the championship. But we could we be keeping a watching eye on Carrick as well.

28 Oct 2024 10:47:37
God I hope not.
I don't for 1 second think Carrick would be under serious consideration at this time.

26 Oct 2024 09:31:14
Morning Ed,

Are we interested in acquiring Alphonso Davies from Bayern?

{Ed002's Note - Alphonso Davies (LWB) Bayern Munich previously told Real Madrid and Chelsea he is not for sale but a discussion over an exchange involving Aurelien Tchouameni happened last year - but went nowhere. PSG will offer an option to take him as a Free Agent in the summer whilst Bayern Munich will continue to look to extend his contract - but right now a move to Real Madrid seems very likely if he runs his contract down over the next year - and he is on their list for 2025 and Chelsea provide an option. Player has made it clear he wants to move to Real Madrid. Other clubs will try to persuade him to move with Manchester United sending a highly respected ex-Premier League player to scout a couple of games this season.}

27 Oct 2024 09:20:54
I’m interested in Margot Robbie and have about the same chance of landing her as Utd do with Davies.

27 Oct 2024 16:21:45
Not sure Eric, the way we are performing and competing currently I'd say you have more of a chance!

23 Oct 2024 09:14:51
Morning Ed,

Would Xavi be under consideration if we change manager?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Xavi Hernandez (C) Xavi will perhaps take a year off and think carefully about his options. Middle East perhaps. Enquiries from Borussia Dortmund and Ajax went nowhere. His agent has said two English sides, Manchester United Newcastle, and one national side approached him but his client wants time off for now.

Manchester United have preferred targets should they need a new coach.}

23 Oct 2024 18:53:54
Ed002 should the need arise for a new coach is the current inter Milan manager one of the preferred choices?

{Ed002's Note - Simone Inzaghi - Inzaghi already has a job and he has no intention of leaving - it is hard to see the timing being right. Perhaps an option for Manchester United in the future.}

24 Oct 2024 04:02:28
I know how Xavi feels, I could do with a year off as well.

24 Oct 2024 15:28:11
I'd love a year off 😂.

25 Oct 2024 14:44:22
Take this year of nick and come back from holiday when we have a proper manager.

19 Oct 2024 17:15:05
Ed are we interested in Florian wirtz and if Bruno was to leave what players would be target to replace him?

{Ed002's Note - Florian Wirtz (AM/F) Arrived as a replacement for Havertz and made an immediate impact with admirers in Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, PSG, Liverpool and Bayern Munich sending scouts. Newcastle have a very experienced third party continuing scouting players in Germany for them and have also looked at Wirtz. He signed a new long-term contract in 2024 but struggled to play early last season due to serious injury. Newcastle remain keen if he could prove his fitness but chances of them signing him are very low. Bayer Leverkusen will not want to sell and will point to the length of his contract. Chelsea have him on a list of possible AM additions but have a preferred option. Liverpool have not made any offer for the player as many of the fans think and can likely be discounted with other English sides. Expect Bayern Munich or Real Madrid to try to negotiate a transfer, probably Real Madrid would be favourites but the player himself wants a move to Bayern Munich. A wildcard would be Barcelona or Manchester City.

Florian Wirtz (AM/F) Arrived as a replacement for Havertz and made an immediate impact with admirers in Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, PSG, Liverpool and Bayern Munich sending scouts. Newcastle have a very experienced third party continuing scouting players in Germany for them and have also looked at Wirtz. He signed a new long-term contract in 2024 but struggled to play early last season due to serious injury. Newcastle remain keen if he could prove his fitness but chances of them signing him are very low. Bayer Leverkusen will not want to sell and will point to the length of his contract. Chelsea have him on a list of possible AM additions but have a preferred option. Liverpool have not made any offer for the player as many of the fans think and can likely be discounted with other English sides. Expect Bayern Munich or Real Madrid to try to negotiate a transfer, probably Real Madrid would be favourites but the player himself wants a move to Bayern Munich. A wildcard would be Barcelona or Manchester City.}

20 Oct 2024 07:58:20
Witz will be one of those top top players, not sure we are at the level when we can currently get the best players, we need regular CL appearances.

21 Oct 2024 20:15:26
He'd be a phenomenal signing, but not one I could see us getting any time soon.

He's a cherry on the cake signing, and we haven't even made the sponge yet.

22 Oct 2024 12:06:45
Agreed Grim. I've always felt that no player should be considered unobtainable to Utd, but sadly it's definitely shifted in the last few years. I don't see us attracting the very best young players right now, but it would easily swing back in our favour when CL is back on the table. Yoro is a good example of where we should be looking; not top end yet, but a growing reputation and great age to invest in. Wirtz is a step ahead IMO.

22 Oct 2024 12:16:22
Spenno,

I agree with you. Also Utd should be looking at buying young talent to develop and potentially selling them on for a profit in the future if needed.

Buying an established star player seldom works well for Utd.

22 Oct 2024 22:20:09
Back in the 80s and 90s we could buy the cream of English talent and usually the best of the Scandinavian countries.

Even then the best players in the world ended up mainly in Italy and then Spain.

Sadly we are now a once great team, foraging around in the nether regions of the football world.

{Ed025's Note - now you buy Dutch players that are not worth a carrot Grim.. :)

18 Oct 2024 10:38:41
Hi ed002

Hope all is well. Are united interested in Rios from Palmeras and do you see us making a move for another midfielder in the jan window,

{Ed002's Note - Richard Rios (CM/DM) Wolves, Liverpool, West Ham and Arsenal sent scouts to the Palmeiras game against Flamengo and all were apparently impressed by the youngster playing in CM. Manchester United and Leicester interest has likely gone. Real Sociedad considered him a Zubimendi replacement but stepped away because of the price. A wildcard would be Real Madrid, Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea/Strasbourg or possibly PSG. Interest of Getafe and Everton will go nowhere. €100M release clause and a long contract to fend off European clubs but financially they could be forced to accept less.

I expect a couple of departures from and an addition to midfield in January.}

18 Oct 2024 13:59:36
Hi Ed I hipe your alright.

Can you tell us the targets for january please?

{Ed002's Note - Frenkie de Jong (CM/DM) Barcelona will look for a new contract with reduced wages else he will be sold with possible interest remaining from Manchester United. PSG have spoken with his agent and additionally his agent has raised his availability with Chelsea whist discussing another player but they have no interest in him.}

18 Oct 2024 14:00:11
Also couls you tell us which players are likely to leave in January?

{Ed002's Note - Casemiro (DM) Manchester United would be willing to let him leave but will take a huge loss. Michael Emenalo spoke of him as one option for Saudi clubs but will be concerned about persistent injuries but MU will be hoping for a call or an offer from perhaps Turkey or Brazil.
Christian Eriksen (AM) The player has a contract until 2025 but will be allowed to leave in January. Interest of Real Betis in a loan was rejected as the club wanted a sale. Anderlecht or Ajax may take him else MLS or Middle East beckons.}

18 Oct 2024 16:18:52
Dr Jong will be awesome for us and will transform the midfield! Best news!

18 Oct 2024 19:37:55
De Jong is a great player, but I’d like to see us steer clear of Ten Haag’s targets from here on out. He’ll be gone by the start of next season (hopefully, a lot sooner), so it seems foolish to waste anymore money on players to fit whatever his system is.

18 Oct 2024 23:17:38
Redseven

So FDJ is a great player but because eth wants him you don't want him. okay then that makes a lot of sense.

19 Oct 2024 03:14:20
Ahmad. Yes. Not signing a player to play a certain “style” of football when we almost certainly won’t be playing that “style” of football in nine months makes a lot of sense.

I take it from your response that you’d rather we drop another 500m on Ten Haag targets in January just so the man can further prove how utterly out of his depth he is? I guess if he gets us relegated, we might actually finish higher than eighth next season.

{Ed004's Note - I think the main reason in getting the likes of Ashworth, Wilcox etc is that they should be shaping our squad for a certain style of play regardless of who the manager is. Last summer was not the correct time to judge their signings with Ashworth only joining 1 July etc but going forward I would hope our record in the market is a lot stronger.}

19 Oct 2024 09:05:40
Redseven

A midfielder who has an excellent first touch and turn who advances the ball, intelligent and good passer and a good engine on him can play for most good teams.

Don't muddy the waters. If he is healthy and if we genuinely want him and can be secured by people who are a lot more qualified than me and you, I am happy to go with it.

19 Oct 2024 20:36:41
Cas out and de Jong in would make be a very effective window.

20 Oct 2024 23:44:34
Given eriksens form, i'd hope he stays this year.

18 Oct 2024 01:47:09
Hey ed002,

Hope you are good. Just wondering if you get timd to answer is sebastien hoeness of stuttgart a candidate to replace ten hag? Thanks and have a good weekend.

{Ed002's Note - No.}