Manchester United rumours 2

08 Apr 2024 14:59:27
Potter turning down the Ajax job. must have his eyes on a job elsewhere! 🤷‍♂️.

08 Apr 2024 16:55:56
May have something to do with the rumoured/ reported mess Ajax finds themselves in as a club. Not sure the detail or truth but sounds like they’re pretty chaotic themselves at the moment?!

08 Apr 2024 17:24:12
Ports is right, Ajax are not the side they were when EtH left. Overmars has left, EvdS has left. Basically the whole team or at least the main people driving the recent success at the club are no longer there and they've been a bit rudderless this season and seem a long way from where they should be. They've sold many of the key players during EtH's time at the club with those that remain past their best. They have done a poor job of refreshing the squad and they need a lot of work.

For someone like Potter he would need a club capable and ready to have an impact in European competitions to help rebuild his career. Even if he was able to win the league with Ajax in the next couple of years that wouldn't be given much credit in the English media or with English fans.

He was successful at a very well run Brighton, he then had a nightmare at a poorly run Chelsea. I'd imagine he'll be pretty keen on making sure his next job is at a well run club.

08 Apr 2024 17:50:05
They sound like Utd.

08 Apr 2024 19:33:36
Oh I know, thumped by feyenoord at the weekend. they’ve been a shambles since eth left. Depending on what happens with us he could end up back there! Who knows.

07 Apr 2024 14:35:44
Rumours potter is close to the ajax job.
May only leave Southgate available.

07 Apr 2024 15:26:49
Oh God, No.

07 Apr 2024 16:22:21
Or is this an indication that EtH could be given a further year?

07 Apr 2024 18:45:43
Hasn't Southgate got a job?

07 Apr 2024 18:54:47
Eth going no where and boy if Southgate comes i ain't supporting the club no more.

07 Apr 2024 19:07:31
Really good move for Potter if true.

07 Apr 2024 19:08:28
That being said, I’d have thought Potter might be on the FA’s shortlist if Southgate moves on? Any insights into that Ed?

{Ed002's Note - Sure, he will be an option.}

07 Apr 2024 20:01:18
I agree Eric, I think he Is a much better manager than his Chelsea spell showed, whilst I don't think er should go for him, I do think he has the potential to be very good and Ajax should help him regain his rep.

07 Apr 2024 20:45:48
More chance of David moyes managing united again than Southgate.

07 Apr 2024 20:51:37
Singh if that's the case you won't be missed. More fickle than our players.

08 Apr 2024 05:27:26
Lollll I don't need your validation. Ill b bk once southgate leaves lolll.

08 Apr 2024 08:54:50
ETH will be our manager next season. Mind Big Sam was in the directors' box with SJR. Careful what you wish for lol.

08 Apr 2024 09:20:46
Apparently Potter turned down Ajax offer. Probably has better options for next season.

08 Apr 2024 09:39:00
Old Trafford being one dev1l.

On Southgate, if we have a decent Euros, I’ve no idea why he’d leave the England post. We’ll paid, high profile, and has cultivated a good culture with a very exciting influx of top young players.

08 Apr 2024 10:27:04
Southgate has done a brilliant job for England if he has a good euros again then I agree EricI'm not sure sjr he would leave that post. It's a great job to have and one he is doing really well.

08 Apr 2024 11:17:02
It depends on how you judge Southgate. England have always struggled at international tournaments due to a lack of belief and an inability to work together.

On that front Southgate has totally turned that around, there is no bad blood, controversy or personal issues in the England camp. They all believe they can win major tournaments and the whole squad gives 100% every time they go out on the pitch.

For that Southgate should be commended, and to be honest given the United dressing room issues over the past decade, this is something that maybe Southgate could be good at resolving. Although club football is a very different beast to international football due to the fragmented time international football has compared to the day to day grind of club football. Could Southgate be as effective at keeping the dressing atmosphere in the right place at club level. Especially as it's much harder to remove a bad influence in club football compared to just not selecting them at international level.

Case in point Southgate just not selecting Sancho for England was an instant fix, whereas EtH has had to send him to the under 21's for a couple of months before him leaving on loan. Meaning that 6 months later Sancho is still an issue for EtH and the club to resolve.

Where Southgate has let himself down is his tactical acumen and his decision making in the key moments.

He plays with far too much caution, typical maybe of a manager who was a defender during his playing career. Maybe he doesn't know the best way to attack, or maybe he feels safety first is a better/ more consistent approach.

Either way for a club like United that is known for playing with attacking flair, even a cavalier, risk it all style of play, that seems a poor fit. As previous managers have found out, a defensive style of play will only be tolerated for so long by the United fanbase, typically that is while we are winning. Boring football and no trophies will only lead to the sack.

His in game management also seems poor, with him rarely making an impact from the bench. Or at least a positive impact. Be that trying to see out the Euro final for 80 minutes after Shaw's early goal, or an inability or reluctance to make an attacking change to try and claw back a game. Too often it seems he zigged when he should have zagged.

He tries to shut up shop with 30+ minutes left of the game. Or he waits until the 80th minute to make an attacking change when a goal behind from the first half.

I don't know whether it's a lack of tactical intelligence to be able to see what is happening in real time and being able to think up the solution to make the changes, or whether it's a lack of confidence to make those changes. Either way, it is that part of his managerial makeup that has stopped him lifting silverware with England rather than a lack of talent or because the squad has issues.

Maybe that is where the Gary O'Neil as an assistant manager type role is coming from.

Are they fully aware of Southgate's weaknesses and are looking to hire him alongside someone like O'Neil to add that tactical intelligence to the backroom team. Southgate to lead and create a harmonious and driven atmosphere along with his experience of dealing with big players and the press. With someone like O'Neil to take the majority of the training sessions and be the tactican on match days.

That is a model that has previously worked at United with SAF being the leader and his assistant managers running the majority of training sessions and having a big input into the tactics.

It's not what I'd go for but it's about the only way I can see Southgate having any chance of working at United. Given the way INEOS have started their running of the club, the changes they are making and the sensible hiring they are doing it doesn't make much sense to hire Southgate. Unless they have him fitted up for the role of getting the players mentally in the right place and making the dressing room atmosphere conducive of what you need to challenge for and win major titles, with someone whose a tactician and top class coach who has proven his ability to get the players playing good football and improving them to work alongside Southgate to mitigate his weaknesses.

That might be the solution as it's difficult to find someone who has both the ability to get the very best out of the players and create a winning mentality/ atmosphere at a club as well as having a tactical intelligence to be able to adapt to the modern game and the constant tactical changes that happen in it.

Those managers are rare, and to be honest if there are any like that available this summer then we will face an up hill battle to get them.

The club has also shown an ability to go and find top people like Jason Wilcox and convince them to take a sideways or even backwards step in terms of their job title/ responsibilities to come and work at United. Could they do the same with convincing someone like O'Neil to leave a managers position at an EPL club to become an assistant at United (albeit one that might have far greater impact/ responsibility than most assistant managers) . Maybe.

Like I said Southgate isn't someone I'd personally consider as a good choice for Manchester United, yet he might be the one we end up with.

If he wins the Euros this summer and comes in on the back of that success, and has a top class assistant manager like a Gary O'Neil or similar to run the training sessions and tactical side of the team then maybe it could work.

08 Apr 2024 12:07:31
I don’t believe any Premier League 1st team manager would want to go to be an assistant regardless of the club stature. Wilcox role at a football club is not comparable with O’Neil’s IMO.

08 Apr 2024 13:06:37
I think intl football suits Southgate shappy.
I would not be a fan but I respect the job he has done with England. He has made them competitive.

08 Apr 2024 14:38:39
Ken, I'm not sure if you're taking the Mickey or not.

But england, with the talent he has, have been poor IMO. They haven't beaten anyone they weren't supposed to. When they came up against a big team, they have failed.

07 Apr 2024 19:08:28
That being said, I’d have thought Potter might be on the FA’s shortlist if Southgate moves on? Any insights into that Ed?

{Ed002's Note - He would be an option.-}

08 Apr 2024 17:30:38
Ken, I tend to agree. Some managers are just better suited to international football. I think Jose Mourinho could be a phenomenal international manager. His style of play is well suited to knockout football, and he has always been more successful in cup competitions as opposed to league football. I think the ability to drop players who don't work in his system, along with the reduced contact time (making his intensity less draining for players), along with his pragmatic style all suit international football. Plus he has the ego to carry a nations hopes on his shoulders.

I think if Southgate just had that person with some real tactical nous in his ear and part of his team then he could have won something. Someone who can see how a game is going and think of the best solutions to developing issues. That's my one real hang up with Southgate as England manager, he is far too cautious and slow to react to a changing game state.

08 Apr 2024 17:47:49
No I'm not taking the mickey at all.
England have only once won anything they are minnows in intl football.
Italy France Spain Brazil Argentina Germany are the intl powerhouses. Lots of other countries have also won since.
Only 2 managers have ever got them to a final and Southgate is one.
English players are fine under forgien coaches and alongside forgien team mates.
Put an all English team together they have never won anything for 60 odd years. Put a bunch all in one room together without their forgien teammates and they can't cope.
Southgate has a few talented players at the moment that's true but he doesn't have a top keeper or top cb imo and take kane out and they miss him badly.
I'd argue that every England manager for the past 30 years has had top talent but they never even got to a final. Becks Scholes Gerrard Adams walker Robson shearer Pearce Cole barnes all walk into this squad imo.
Why on earth the English think they should be beating the likes of France Germany Spain Argentina Brazil etc is preposterous imo. They are not beating them now Angel but when did they ever? So if you think his failure is not being able to beat better teams then I suppose that's fair but it's a stick that's unfair to beat him with imo.
I think this euros he has built a team that could compete as France are the only other standout team at the moment and he has got them competing against the best better than England ever have since the 60s.
I'd like to see them win something but it will be a monumental achievement if they do.
It's also not easy to manage a team that not only the opposition want you to lose but also pretty every other neutral in the world wants them to lose too🤣🤣.

09 Apr 2024 09:16:14
Steve Holland.

05 Apr 2024 02:24:35
Thanks very much for the swift reply ed002 really appreciate that. Do you mind me asking who the preffered options to Amorim are?

{Ed002's Note - Southgate and Potter will head the list.}

05 Apr 2024 09:32:17
Having watched last night's debacle, the idea of either Potter or Southgate taking utd back to the top is hilarious.

Both would be completely out of their depth and would fail spectacularly.

I'm watching Utd now for the laughs, not with any expectation that they can seriously compete or ever will if they are seriously considering Southgate (ha ha ha ha ha ha) or Potter (tee hee hee hee) . Oh dear, it's too much.

Utd should start performing at the Edinburgh fringe or at the London Palladium. Funniest act since Peter Kaye.

05 Apr 2024 10:10:53
Out of those 2 potter all day long Jesus Christ.

05 Apr 2024 11:50:43
Ye God's and little fishes. We are in very deep cack!

05 Apr 2024 11:49:04
Hi Ed001, please correct me if I’m wrong, but think you rated Potter quite highly and how he did things differently in Sweden. Do you think he could be a success for us with the right setup?

{Ed001's Note - yes, given time he could be. But is he likely to get that? I am not convinced he would. I am not sure there is any big club right now that would give him the time and public backing he needs to succeed. So yes he could be, but I don't think the conditions are right for him at the moment.}

05 Apr 2024 12:15:11
Is Peter Kaye a tribute act?

05 Apr 2024 12:33:25
If that's the 2 choices heading the list then dear me. Ineos clearly starting off on the wrong foot. Does the incoming CEO have a say in the matter as to who the new manager should be ED02 or does that decision falls squarely on the shoulders of the DOF.

{Ed002's Note - The DoF will certainly have a significant say, but right now they are yet to appoint one.}

05 Apr 2024 13:43:01
Ed001, the problem with Potter is that he failed spectacularly at Chelsea which is a similar loony bin to Utd.

Maybe he is a good coach but e doesn't have the gravitas or the temperament for the overhaul that Utd needs to go through.

{Ed001's Note - I agree, the way the club is it would not be the right choice.}

05 Apr 2024 16:59:40
I would rather ETH stayed than appoint Southgate. Awful choice.

05 Apr 2024 16:07:04
Ed002 obviously the Dan Ashworth situation hasn't been resolved, do you think they may move onto another target or will they stick with ashworth.

I'm aware the optics of moving away from that after causing disruption may not be good, so just curious.

{Ed002's Note - I suspect they will need to look to talk with Newcaste.}

05 Apr 2024 21:52:46
Potters post match talks often reminded me of the dark days of Moyes and partially of OLes last days- that beaten, defeated rabbit in the headlights look that just screams I really don't want to be here the job is too much for me.

06 Apr 2024 07:07:04
What’s your view on ETH Ed 1? I’ve mixed feelings, but I think they’re more in hope that he does well and succeeds rather than an expectation he will come good.

{Ed001's Note - it is very difficult to judge him, he is being hampered by the club itself and the mess it was in, but he has not helped himself. His judgement on signing players is suspect and he seems unable to get the most out of the players at his disposal. Taking away the recruitment and putting a professional set up in that area will help him a lot. I just don't see a man capable of coping with the huge egos in the dressing room. Being strict is not a problem, both Guardiola and Klopp are strict with their players, but he doesn't seem to have that motivational quality that is needed to just get that tiny percentage out of the players. That is often the cause of inconsistency. Players are up on their own for the big games, they don't need to be motivated to give everything, they are hyped up ready. But for the grind of every day Prem games, there is a need for a little motivation from the head coach. You just don't feel that players will run through brick walls for Ten Hag.}

06 Apr 2024 10:39:01
That’s why I’m conflicted, it’s hard to judge. You’re absolutely spot on though. I made a comment about teams like Liverpool, City, Spurs, Luton, Arsenal etc all running through brick walls for their teams and coaches. We just don’t seem to be able to do it. Whether that’s a coaching issue, or a personality issue with the current squad, or a little bit of both is tough to call.

I’m still inclined to say give him a season under the new structure, but he’s not helping himself that’s for sure.

{Ed001's Note - that's the thing, he certainly hasn't helped himself. But you would have to say if the alternative is Southgate, then I would not want to change either!}

06 Apr 2024 11:57:43
Ed001 it's very hard to judge for me I think it's best to change, that's not just on the manager but because we will be changing so much over coming months, if we stick with ten hag then things are still as they are in November December next year and you end up sacking him then it feels like you've wasted 5 months if you include pre season.

I agree on Southgate I just don't understand what he's done to earn such a big job, and if we get him and he has an awful euros it looks even worse.

Think it will be potter or Amorim, I think Liverpool may end up with naaglesman because they won't pay sportings fee for Amorim. I only think we may get him because sporting may be more willing to negotiate with us, I've seen ed002 saying about the strained relationship with Liverpool and sporting.

06 Apr 2024 15:06:07
Those two are very underwhelming choices imo. if we are going to make a change which I don't want at least get someone who can handle the job and expectations and the players.

06 Apr 2024 18:47:32
J just don't think these are the types of players that will run through brick walls Ed001. We have many very weak mentality players Nd although our captain does keep running and gets fired up (in his own way) he doesn't really rally and organize the players on the pitch in moments of adversity.

I could see EtH having more success with a fresh squad after the longest serving players have been removed. Much like arteta has at arsenal. His ajax team was full of players playing for him and running through walls. Not sure he will get that chance at man utd, but I would much rather see a big clear out and EtH given a chance to build a new team than to endure a new manager coming in and trying to pander rashford into trying a little harder and bruno into trying to keep the ball for longer than 3 seconds.

07 Apr 2024 09:32:29
Another worrying thing about Potter is he hasn't worked since leaving Chelsea.

You would have thought that he would have taken another job to re-establish himself and his credentials.

Going from complete failure at Chelsea to somehow the saviour of Man Utd just isn't credible.

{Ed025's Note - he may be just taking time out to recharge the old batteries MM?, i think he is a top coach myself mate..

07 Apr 2024 12:39:08
While Ed002 would know better, it strikes me as odd if those two headed the list. Ineos have been clear about targeting the best in class. They've done so with Berrada, Ashworth, Wilcox. All of those are rated universally highly. That just isn't true of Southgate and Potter. They certainly have admirers but not without question marks.

07 Apr 2024 14:02:17
Im not saying he is a bad coach ed025 and i can understand him wanting a rest, but it's over a year since he was sacked by Chelsea and you'd think he would be back in the saddle by now both to show that Chelsea was an aboration and to put himself in contention for another top job.

He certainly had something to prove so the idea that he just walks straight into the Utd job is ridiculous.

{Ed025's Note - to be fair to him MM I don’t think he stood a chance at Chelsea mate. He probably got players he didn’t even want and ended up with a bunch of individuals who have got no team ethic..

07 Apr 2024 19:15:59
Sounds just like Utd Ed25!

{Ed025's Note - it really does Eric..

07 Apr 2024 21:27:53
Mmm ed0025, that sounds like another club we know.

{Ed025's Note - that will change when you get a DOF MM..

04 Apr 2024 00:03:57
Hey ed002,

Hope all is well and sorry to bother you as i know you are very busy. Just on the manager front, do united still have a chance in hiring Ruben Amorim or is he definetly off to liverpool? Who do you think would be a good fit at united? I feel if he goes to liverpool our options aren't good. It feels as though the structure is being set up for an english manager though whuch in my opinion is a bad idea. Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - He is not definately off to Liverpool but Manchester United still have preferred options.}

04 Apr 2024 11:48:50
There are definitely options when you look around, I'd imagine they will be looking for a younger more progressive manager whose ideas match that of the clubs (whatever those are now) .

Managers like Ruben Amorim, Xabi Alonso, Thiago Motta, Roberto De Zerbi, Arne Slot, Simeone Inzaghi, and Julian Nagelsmann are probably the most obvious options.

Although if Amorim is a serious option for Liverpool then I'd imagine he'd choose to go there over coming to us this summer. While Alonso has ruled out leaving Leverkusen this summer (I actually think that is the best option for him right now) .

Motta seems to be the hipsters choice, while Nagelsmann is probably the best option available all things considered. That is if he is to leave the German national team, if they win the Euros this summer then he might want to stay. While he might also have other better options than us this summer.

You then have the outsiders like Tuchel who is available (although he is linked with Real Madrid) and some of the younger British managers like Potter (outsider in terms of who the fans would want, but seems well in the running with those who will actually make the decision), O'Neil and McKenna.

I've even heard whispers of Ole being potentially considered. Although I'd imagine that would be a challenging appointment to sell to the fans.

The problem is that while there are some potentially very good options available, there are a number of top jobs open this summer, Liverpool, Bayern, Real Madrid and possibly Chelsea as well. Three of which would definitely be more appealing to many of the potential candidates. Meaning we might have to take our 2nd, 3rd or even 4th choice option if the others choose to move elsewhere.

So it might not be a case of is our 1st choice option a better option than EtH, but is our 3rd choice option a better fit than EtH.

04 Apr 2024 13:17:42
OMG, the return of Solksjaer? That is mind blowing. Surely you're on the wind up Shappy?

I'd go for Arne Slot, just on the name alone.

04 Apr 2024 16:37:02
MancMan, that's the rumour, how accurate it is who knows. Personally I'd be very surprised if INEOS thought Ole was the right man. Although there is a small part of me that wants to see that just for Ken's reaction 🤣🤣🤣

Of those I've listed above my opinion is that Nagelsmann would be the best option. Great record everywhere he's been, tactically astute, good communicator, experience at a top club. The only things that count against him is that he apparently rubbed a few people up the wrong way at Bayern (particularly in relation to his new girlfriend), and he has never managed outside of Germany, so we don't know how he adapts to different leagues/ counties.

After that it'd probably be between Amorim and Inzaghi.

Slot I don't think has enough experience, Alonso won't move, I like De Zerbi, but there is something about him I can't quite put my finger on that makes me feel like he isn't ready for a top job. Thiago Motta is an interesting one, tactically he is out on his own, doing things no one else is doing. While it would be interesting to see if he could get his style to work in the EPL or at a top club, it very much is his style and if it didn't work then we would have started to rebuild the squad again to suit a manager who does things so differently that there isn't someone similar to step into his shoes if he left.

I think he'd be great at a club just outside the elite sides in Europe, somewhere with a little less pressure. Where he'd have more time and freedom to pursue his style without demands of immediate success.

He could be similar to Simeone at Atletco Madrid, someone who has success by bucking the trend and doing things differently to the top clubs, but doing it so well that he is successful with it. I'd like to see him at a club of that level.

I'm not as against Potter as most, I still think he's a very good manager who can be very successful. I don't think he had the support or was given the time at Chelsea to be successful. The problem is that failures like that hang around your neck and heal the pressure on to prove them wrong despite the context or reasons for why you failed.

Pochettino has a near identical record in terms of results this season to Potters at Chelsea. Despite having a more settled club than the one Potter was having to deal with.

I would back the club if they decided to go for Potter, but would appreciate that he would probably be given less leeway by the fans who will likely be skeptical of his appointment.

I really like O'Neil and McKenna and think they are doing great things, it might just be a little too soon in their careers for the step up to United, especially at a time where the club will be in a state of flux. Maybe in the future with a settled backroom team, and the club running as a well oiled machine, then we might be able to take a chance on those inexperienced up and coming managers who look to have great potential. I'm not against the idea of hiring a manager like O'Neil or McKenna and giving them the space to develop, while also helping to mould them into the ideal Manchester United manager. But to do so we would need much more support behind the scenes for that manager. Experienced people for them to lean on, and who can keep the pressure off when things aren't quite going to plan.

04 Apr 2024 18:22:24
Weirdly enough, I’d not be against OGS. Not sure why, it think he did a decent job. Also very much not against Erik being given a chance next season under the new structure. If he fails in year 3, time to go.

04 Apr 2024 18:40:44
Ed, if you don't mind me asking. Do you still expect ETH to be moved on in the summer?

Sly sports reported Ineos planned to keep him, but I'm not sure if that's just lazy journalism as 24 hours before they did a story on Southgate.

{Ed002's Note - I think that there is a strong chance that he will be replaced and the club options. Right now he is not the solution that the club need.}

04 Apr 2024 22:18:05
Shappy seems strange that Real are looking to offload Ancelotti a couple months after giving him an extension no? Are Barcelona not also looking for a manager after Xavi announced he’s leaving at the end of the season?

Out of the managers you listed, Amorim, Alonso and Motta are pretty much 100% not options for Utd. Think the list is Tuchel, De Zerbi, Potter and Nagelsmann. Some outside shouts of Zidane, Southgate and maybe OGS.


Think De Zerbi is top of the list for Deco at Barcelona also high up for Bayern I believe. Nagelsmann could end up staying with Germany. So realistically think it’s Potter and Tuchel as the front runners.

05 Apr 2024 10:48:03
Shappy’s whispers are as reliable as the game in primary school where you try get the kids to pass the same sentence the whole way round the circle 😂😂😂.

05 Apr 2024 11:21:43
What's that song the cranberries had zombie.
It's in your head
It's in your head
Zombie zombie zombie hey hey hey.

05 Apr 2024 13:52:52
Who would be your choice to succeed him Ed2?

{Ed002's Note - Arne Slot would be a great option.}

05 Apr 2024 14:12:20
Thanks Ed. Let’s hope the club are considering this.

05 Apr 2024 15:19:11
To stand any chance of success the next Utd manager has to be a rare beast indeed. A good coach and a sound tactician, sufficient experience at the top level and with a strong personality without being a bit of an arse. Oh, and they need to have an attacking football philosophy and a commitment to developing youth.

That all sounds like Ange at Spurs.

06 Apr 2024 14:15:44
Mancman

Spurs have spend 385 million in 3 windows on 13 players and no loan deal and all proper buys. They have no european football this year and were out of both domestic cups early on. They had a bit of injury issue with Maddison and Van der ven but nothing major. Their fullbacks are really good imo and have made a big difference.

He knows how to charm the press and talks a big game but let's see how they do next year with european football a congested schedule which will bring injuries and how he deals with first signs of real adversity. They are The Newcastle of last year for me.

06 Apr 2024 22:56:02
You might be right Ahmad and when you put it like that perhaps I'm one of those who has been charmed.

Like you say, it's perhaps too early to say for sure

However, I do admire his approach to the game and he has brought in some excellent players which I think will gell into a really good team given another season.

03 Apr 2024 12:14:00
Hi Eds, any news of us trying to sign Thalys, the Brazilian forward at Palmeiras?

{Ed002's Note - Thalys (S) Discussed with Chelsea during negotiations over two other players. Barcelona, Spurs, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all sent scouts with Manchester United and Benfica both declaring an interest with Palmeriras.}

03 Apr 2024 16:45:50
Thanks Ed.
I assume even if we do sign the youngster, he will be sent on loan to develop. Will work permit be an issue?

{Ed002's Note - No the WP will not be an issue and MU do not have the structure to loan out youngsters at this time.}

03 Apr 2024 21:50:57
Thannks Ed. I was thinking this for years why can't we sign players like Chelsea does when it comes to South American kids.

04 Apr 2024 15:20:18
Very useful info Ed, much appreciated. I miss the days of the Royal Antwerp connection, perhaps with Ineos we may establish one with Nice . or perhaps its wishful thinking.

{Ed002's Note - Perhaps.}

01 Apr 2024 19:06:16
Wilcox resigned apparently.

01 Apr 2024 22:47:11
It sounds like he's the solution to the delay over Ashworth starting. Someone with the ability to "sub" the role short term this summer, until Ashworth is fully in place, then drop back into another role. Or at least something to that effect, or so I've heard/ read.

02 Apr 2024 07:56:25
He’ll do a job on the left wing.

02 Apr 2024 16:09:35
Imagine a winner that crossed the ball. Rasmus wouldn't know what to do with himself.

03 Apr 2024 09:16:44
The only way Højlund is going to get service from Rashford is if he signs up for his free meal programs 🤣🤣🤣.

29 Mar 2024 07:19:31
Hi Ed. Are we showing any interest in Marc Cucurella at Chelsea?

{Ed002's Note - Marc Cucurella (LB) Attracting interest from Atletico and Manchester United still. Real Madrid enquired but they should now be able to secure their first choice. Wants to stay at Chelsea but he will be made available.}

29 Mar 2024 10:43:44
Thanks Ed. I like him as a player - seems to have not worked out at Chelsea for some reason.

{Ed002's Note - He has been out injured for three months.}

29 Mar 2024 16:42:00
Chelsea spent big on him and Chilwell though - was always going to be a tough assignment.

30 Mar 2024 11:35:06
Would be a great addition.

31 Mar 2024 12:28:11
To be fair, he's the player we should have got last summer on loan instead of Reguilon. Unfortunately we couldn't even afford the loan fee, which just highlights the mess the club has been left in.

31 Mar 2024 14:01:49
Shappy, I’m fairly certain it was our insistence on a break clause that held the deal up. Then they played him in the cup and made it that he could only play for one more team this season so if we broke the loan in January they wouldn’t be able to loan him again.

01 Apr 2024 09:39:27
Branders that was my understanding too, but it’s all paper talk.

01 Apr 2024 12:21:12
Think we should be be aiming higher.
While a fine squad player I’d prefer someone who immediately levels up the team like Theo Hernandez, Udogie, Balde or aestupian.

02 Apr 2024 11:38:27
I think it's a bit of both to be fair. I'm sure if the loan fee was 1-2m for the season then we'd have seen Cucurella at United this season regardless of break clauses etc.

Utd Road, I think Cucurella would be a really good fit for us currently. He's similar to Shaw in that he can play LB, LCB, invert into midfield or play on the overlap (although he's better when played deeper) . He's not a physical as Shaw, but is slightly better technically and more tactically astute.

I'm a little torn over what to do with the LB slot. Shaw and Malacia's continued injury issues means we have a issue there that needs sorting out. Yet if we sign someone and Shaw and Malacia are both fit then we have an embarrassment of riches in that position while probably not having well balanced first 11, as other positions need a first choice player signing, let alone squad depth.

While the young Harry Amass continues to impress and if he develops a little more physically over the summer he could be ready for a few minutes next season (given his age he could develop physically very quickly and at any time over the next 6-24 months.

Personally I think there is something more a miss with Malacia than is being made public. The constant delaying of his return to injury without any clear information on what his injury has been or why his return keeps getting delayed just seems a little off. Maybe because he's a squad player the media aren't asking the questions about him during the press conferences🤷🏻‍♂️

If we buy someone for LB then we should probably look for someone in the 21-24 age bracket who is ready to push or even take Shaws place off of him. With Shaw then becoming the back up allowing Amass to take Shaws place in a couple of seasons time, while looking to challenge the current first choice for his place. Although that does leave us with what to do with Malacia. Maybe keep him around due to Shaw's injury issues. New player as first choice with two injury prone players in Shaw and Malacia as back up.

No point signing a young prospect under 20 years old as we have Amass on the books or even Alvaro Fernandez if we want that profile of player. Signing someone that young would only block the pathway for Amass.

It needs to be someone either top class or on the cusp of becoming top class.

Although signing a LB this summer probably means not signing a RB and keeping AWB for a the final year of his deal to be back up to Dalot.

While RB does need an upgrade (although Dalot has probably been our most consistent player this season), the continued injury issues at LB probably means that it is the left hand side that has become a higher priority oddly.

02 Apr 2024 21:18:30
Speaking of LB's Rayan Ait Nouri has really had a break out season at Wolves under Gary O'Neil. He'd be the kind of player I'd personally be looking at to bring in at LB. Someone whose star is rising and they look ready for a bigger stage to step up to, but who has a good level of experience and is well suited to playing in the EPL.

26 Mar 2024 18:36:30
Ed002 are we interested in Kvaratskhelia.

{Ed002's Note - Not really. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (LW) In late 2021 Torino, Borussia Dortmund and Lokomotiv Moscow were speaking with Rubin Kazan who said they were not willing to sell at that time. Previously the player had been watched by Bayern Munich and his agent had been hawking him around the Premier League clubs including Everton with, according to him, Leeds showing some interest. Ancelotti had been open to the idea of replacing Bolasie and Bernard with him but it was clear something was going on in the background. Obviously neither side would even be approached nowadays. Remarkably he was sold to Georgian side Dinamo Batumi for a small amount of money but well beyond their means in March 2022. For 3 months Napoli and Juventus discussed a deal with his agent and on July 1, 2022 he moved to Napoli, giving a small profit to Dinamo Batumi. A move to Spain with Real Sociedad was ruled out. Paratici had originally identified him for Juventus and it is was surprise Spurs did not follow up that interest. Roma waited too long to be a viable option. The transfers are potentially going to be looked at by UEFA. Don't rule out Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal or Manchester City looking at taking the player in a year or two and he has also attracted scouts from Liverpool and Juventus. Newcastle have a declared interest but a move seems unlikely. Chelsea have a solution in mind involving another player which may suit Napoli, but they are difficult to deal with. Napoli have no intention of selling and will offer a new contract - which I expect to be initially rejected. Barcelona offer a wildcard option but may have difficulty funding a move.}

26 Mar 2024 21:30:30
Really good player. On the negative side seemd to excel in a position we’re covered in unless something changes, and would eat up a lot of whatever budget we have. On the plus side I was dreading having to pronounce his name every day all summer.

26 Mar 2024 13:23:57
Anybody know if TyC Sports is a credible source of news from Argentina?

Only asking because the rumours surrounding this Anselmino lad are getting louder.

Is there real traction or is this just yet another dubious outlet?

{Ed002's Note - Aaron Anselmino (C) Braga and Benfica have been regularly scouting Boca Juniors games and together with Milan have identified multiple targets including Anselmino. Interest from Manchester United will halt with the player being ineligible for a Work Permit in England and wanting to stay Buenos Aires with his family.}

26 Mar 2024 14:40:10
Cheers Ed002.

26 Mar 2024 11:28:56
Morning Ed.
Hojlund looks the real deal and I'm interested to see who the club look to bring in this Summer to provide healthy competition for him.
Who are the club considering in this position?
Thanks as always.

{Ed002's Note - If Greenwood and Rashford go then the club will look to an addition. The problem will be persuading someone to join who may be second choice.
Jonathan David (S/AM) Lille, like many French clubs were hit hard by the loss of broadcast revenue and will need to sell some of their more valuable assets even though they do not want to. Jonathan David is valued by Lille at an unrealistic €50M but moving in to the last year of his contract will need to accept perhaps 30M. Napoli and Spurs no longer see him as a possible addition. Real Madrid have previously declared an interest but their focus has turned away as they wanted to include a player in any deal. He has been recommended to Chelsea by an ex player but they have a preferred targets. The Manchester United coach tried to take him to Ajax and could potentially look to taking him to Manchester United - and I would not discount them even if ten Hag departs. Aston Villa or Milan may offer a viable solution.
Joshua Zirkzee (S) Manchester United had a third-party scout watch him in a game against Roma in December. Milan has declared an interest knowing Giroud is coming to the end of his contract but don't know if Zirkee will match his goal tally. Bayern Munich have an option to buy the player back but will likely not be interested in following up on it. Napoli offer an option when Osimhen moves. Milan will be favourites as they want Sesko and Zirkee. Player will not move to become cover or second choice so would need persuading to join Manchester United.
Victor Osimhen (S) Napoli made it clear to Chelsea who enquired in 2021 that even €100M would not buy the player - but they do maintain an interest and he has been first choice and expect an offer to be made in the summer - they have already assured Napoli that they will pay his release clause in full. Al Hilal may well have offered Napoli the huge fee they were looking for, but that may not suit the player just yet. Real Madrid could look to him as an option but Madrid would want to offer players in exchange. He has signed a new contract and, at the behest of his agent, included a release clause. Arsenal have a preferred option and see the price as too high. PSG have him on a list of potential Mbappe replacements - but perhaps not top. If Manchester City were to lose Haarland, he would be an option. Manchester United may offer a wildcard option but the change of staff could end any interest. There is a suggestion that Liverpool have negotiated directly with the player and his agent and not spoken to Napoli. Given Napoli registered a complaint against Liverpool over another player last year, it would seem unlikely, or particularly stupid. In the players hands next summer - may decide to stay but there will be a return from Michael Emanalo with a very good offer but I understand that Chelsea have already informed Napoli that they will pay his €130M release clause in full in the summer - but they have not had a positive response from the player - perhaps because of the lack of Champions League football. Chelsea are already looking at options but could make a take-it-or-leave-it offer below his release clause with discussions over two other players going on between the clubs.
Benjamin Sesko (S/F) RBL could be offered a quick profit. His agent has not stopped offering the player around since his move to RBL. Described by a well known ex-Premier League player and high-end scout as "raw but improving". Was on the list for Spurs as a potential Kane replacement and Newcastle enquired. Chelsea spoke with his agent but have preferred options. Milan offer an option as a potential Giroud replacement. A wildcard may be either Manchester United or Arsenal. Milan will be favourites as they want Sesko and Zirkee.Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (F) Manchester United asked for a loan of the player from Bayern Munich in January. I have no idea why.
Viktor Gyokeres (S) After only joining in the summer Sporting have no interest in selling but fear a club could simply pay his €100M buy out clause in full and try to persuade him to move. Sporting fear Chelasea may do that and have avoided the subject during discussions over another player and a separate issue. He has attracted scouts representing Manchester United and Arsenal with Arsenal seeing him as an option to Toney. Sporting are looking to a new contract and an increase in his buy-out clause.
Brian Brobbey (S) Everton interest remains but so does their financial plight. Eric ten Hag has a remaining interest but I doubt that position is supported by the club. Ajax will not want to sell.
Thalys (S) Discussed with Chelsea during negotiations over another player. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all sent scouts with Manchester United and Benfica both declaring an interest with Palmeriras.}

26 Mar 2024 12:27:57
Ed, a few questions if you don't mind, do you think there is any chance that Greenwood will return to MU? and is there any interest in Rashford?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Anthony Martial (W/F) Has to go but there little clear interest. Juventus had an interest but he would not be first choice now. Out of contract in the Summer with Fenerbahce keen to take a chance, else it will be the Middle East or a new contract.
Mason Greenwood (F) Time to move on - offered to Marseille and Atalanta. Turkey or the Middle East might provide permanent options. Atletico Madrid or Real Sociedad may offer an option but the fee will be too high for Getafe to buy but they will try to find a creative solution or another loan. He is on the list of Michael Emenalo, but that may not suit the player,
Marcus Rashford (LW/F) Much will depend on what happens in the summer regarding a new coach, but I am sure Manchester United will be regretting the new long-term contract. A third-party has spoken to clubs, including Juventus and Arsenal about him on behalf of Manchester United,but I am not aware of any serious interest. Suggestion that he could be a Mbappe replacement at PSG seem far-fetched given they have other clear targets in mind.}

26 Mar 2024 12:51:16
Ed, if you don’t mind do you think we will be able to sell greenwood? Seen a few reports saying clubs are being put off the fee we are demanding.

Obviously it sounded like Ratcliffe was leaving the door slightly open for him to return- but likely to try and protect some value if possible imo.

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United are being unrealistic in what they have quoted Getafe for Greenwood. They will need to reduce their demands considerably.}

26 Mar 2024 13:11:24
Sorry Ed,

Just seen the updated response on Mg.

26 Mar 2024 13:16:04
Brilliant summary Ed002 thank you for your time.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

26 Mar 2024 13:39:15
I don't think Hojlund can be considered a clear first choice, nor that anyone who comes in will be merely playing second-fiddle to him. They'd probably end up playing pretty much the same across a season I'd expect, where both will go in and out of form and be injured etc.

26 Mar 2024 14:18:26
Thanks Ed.

26 Mar 2024 14:28:58
I know Rashford is not flavour of the month but would be concerned if we sold him leaving only Hojlund and Garnacho as the only players who have shown themselves as having the capability of playing premier league football and that's only been for half a season really lol.

The idea that just because we have new owners, our recruitment of replacements for the current squad is suddenly going to be successful is a huge leap of faith.

26 Mar 2024 15:15:26
Huge thanks Ed as always.