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03 Aug 2019 14:20:49
I’ve loved reading the posts this week and for what it’s worth, here’s my view.
Maguire is not necessarily the greatest defender but he seems like a big character and as has been said he is better than what we have. The price is irrelevant to me, fees are soon forgotten (unlike wages) . I think he will settle quickly and make a difference.
AWB looks a quality buy in a position where we have struggled so I’m confident that will look a steal as the season progresses.
James has huge potential, looking forward to seeing how he develops.
Dybala I don’t want. No idea where it came from and we really shouldn’t be entertaining it. Fancy name, not pulled up any trees for a couple of years, really don’t see where he fits in.
Fernandes look quality and would be a good signing and if we are interested then I have no idea why it is taking so long.
We need to ship Pogba out as quickly as possible, assuming anyone has made any sort of sensible offer. I don’t buy the line that he’s really popular. If he isn’t committed to the cause then he needs to leave.
Sanchez also needs to go. I’d even let him go on a free or nominal fee as it would free up at least £15M because of his ridiculous contract.
Lukaku also needs to go and again I’d take the best offer that is on the table. We may lose on the fees but the benefit to team spirit and morale of shipping out players who don’t want to be her is immense. There’s a bunch of other players we need to move on and again we should make it attractive to potential buyers. Darmian and Rojo for starters.
Imagine those 5 gone, 4 new signings (I’m assuming a CM is coming), and a few from the youth promoted. The feel and mood will be lifted and with the extra fitness and energy, with everyone committed and pulling in the same direction, who knows where we will get to.
I fear there is not enough time left to move players on but for me that is just as important on bringing new ones in.
1.) 03 Aug 2019 14:37:38
It would be foolish to let pogba leave so late in the window, no chance we have enough time to obtain a replacement.
Saul would fit the bill, but that would be a complicated deal and there are questions marks over whether he would even want to come.
Are SMS or fernandes as good as pogba? if looked at objectively you would say they were not on his level.
Dybala is probably the clearest route to getting rid of lukaku as inter milan are unable to source the funds to do a deal, so this swap deal is a pretty good compromise to get rid of a player who doesn't fit oles style and bring in a player who does.
25, 5 year contract means we have plenty of scope to get a resale value when he inevitably pines for a move to madrid or Barcelona like pogba. Could be a shrewd bit of business by the club.
2.) 03 Aug 2019 14:49:29
DSG, if you put my reservations aside, Ed002 has said Dybala doesn’t want to come. If he’s having to be convinced then we shouldn’t do it,
3.) 03 Aug 2019 15:15:18
Tony do you honestly expect Dybala to happily want to leave a team with Ronaldo and several stars which is guaranteed at least a major trophy and also UCL football every season and come over to us because we are Manchester United?
That ship has sailed!
No matter how attractive a team is, it still has to make an effort to appeal to a prospective player.
4.) 03 Aug 2019 15:18:42
I honestly think you will be surprised how many player would not want to join us this summer. No champions league is a big loss especially in a window where bayern, real, Barcelona and juve are all making big deals.
Look at sancho, he realised that coming to united this window would be not be ideal for his development when we are undergoing significant changes and his development was much better suited staying at dortmund.
Does that mean we shouldn't go in for him next summer when we will still need to convince him we are the right club with the right stability for him to continue his development?
Dybala is an oppurtune signing granted but if he does join it won't be against his will, quite a few player over the year have needed to be convinced/ persuaded to join clubs.
5.) 03 Aug 2019 15:23:18
I really don't get why people would wants Pogba to stay. Old may say all the right things about Pogba having a great attitude blah blah blah, but the player clearly wants out.
If we keep hold of him against his wishes we will just have the same circus every transfer window. It's unsettling for everyone, including Old, despite what he may say in public.
Pogba is obviously talented and is a match winner on his day. I understand that, but keeping an unhappy player is counter productive.
On the flip side, we shouldn't be forced to sell him on the cheap. But over inflating his price so that he is effectively priced out of a more is daft in my opinion.
Despite the fact that some fans 'hero worship' some players, Pogba is not worthy of that label. Talent is nothing without application, effort and desire and Mr Pogba is severely lacking in the later.
6.) 03 Aug 2019 15:35:43
Until last week his name hadn’t come up, nobody on here had suggested we try and buy him or he would add anything to our team. Now suddenly many are drooling over him and I don’t get it. We should have learned from Di Maria. He doesn’t want to come, allegedly he wants £350K a week, allegedly his agent wants £13M, it’s possibly taken our focus from Fernandes. The only positive I can see is we lose Lukaku, that’s about it.
I don’t really buy the Champions League argument. Actually I do buy it and it hacks me off. There’s only a few teams that will win it, and there seems to be a snobbishness that has materialised with players ‘not wanting to take a step down’. I’m not sure how we’ve allowed it to become so important, for me the domestic title is still the biggest trophy by far.
7.) 03 Aug 2019 15:37:47
Of course he needs convincing AJH. He is not a fan like is. He is at a top club where his life family and friends are and you think a good pitch and lots of reassurances are not required.
You don't seem to be the sort of chap to make knee jerk life changing decisions without due consultation and thought process and advice. Do you think dybala should?
8.) 03 Aug 2019 15:56:18
Is aguero not a good example why is it always di Maria.
Do people think aguero was a life long city fan desperate to move to a team that had won nothing for years?
Or did him and his agent need a bit of convincing and a bucket of cash .
I'm not saying we should or shouldn't sign him but there's a bit of a line in the sand starting with one or 2 players,
9.) 03 Aug 2019 16:02:27
Of course he's reluctant. We're not exactly known for stability are we. He enjoys life in Italy and is reluctant to leave. But Juve are forcing him out.
10.) 03 Aug 2019 16:03:54
Madrid have been making sensible offers for Pogba throughout this window.
UTD think they can get more with very little other clubs being able to afford him.
Only a few clubs or so at the over inflated fee and wages able to afford Pogba which sees UTD keeping a player who wants to leave *evil laugh*.
Barcelona not going to sign Pogba.
11.) 03 Aug 2019 16:09:33
What offers have real made?
12.) 03 Aug 2019 16:24:59
Guys AJH has a point. The problem is not there is a convincing required for Dybala. But why to convince a player who is not seen as much needed who is not willing to move to us who will demand monstrous wage who has stalled for the past year. If it is someone who we have identified as main target it's worth going through the trouble. Imagine we sign him and has not really worked out then we will have another player on 350k wages very difficult to move.
13.) 03 Aug 2019 16:35:27
I said the same to shappy last week jred.
People are saying don't sign him he doesn't want to be here. Yet those same purple are saying keep pogba even though he doesn't want to be here.
If dybala comes and he and the team are successful he will love it at United. Just like aguero has done.
Im not desperate for him to sign if he does it would be potentially a very good and exciting signing.
14.) 03 Aug 2019 17:00:59
My wider point is he hadn't been mentioned by anybody, the fans hadn't suggested him nor were the club pursuing him. Suddenly a swap is on, not exactly thought through is it?
15.) 03 Aug 2019 17:02:49
You could say the same with pogba, if go his and uniteds way he may have a change in heart .
Not sure why everything needs to be set in stone .
I'm far from convince dybala would be a good fit in the epl, who who knows.
16.) 03 Aug 2019 17:11:34
Is it possible for a player to come in, not really wanting to come in at first and then change his mind? If he is the consummate professional, he might also put in some decent performances.
Also, he could just say no right now?
17.) 03 Aug 2019 18:00:01
Ajh
He was mentioned a few month ago, don't know if the reports where true but he was linked a few months back.
But some times a player becomes available and you take a chance, any Cole, king Eric.
Angel
Is it possible that a player wants to leave then circumstances change and he changes his mind, Or do we hold it against him for the rest of his career.
18.) 03 Aug 2019 18:01:09
The club have had interest in dybala for 12 months according to ed002. i'm not convinced but he is a very talented player so if he settles it could work out.
Pogba is here and if he stays and does well he may well have a change of heart i agree but i'm not one for keeping unhappy players it usually doesn't work out. We can on my hope it does if he stays.
19.) 03 Aug 2019 19:33:15
Hi jred, not at all. I think if a player has a change of heart and wants to stay, put in the performances etc, he should most definitely get the chance. I think that's quite fair. But definitely no point keeping a player that is unhappy and wants to move. Does this answer work?
Is there a particular player you are talking about or just anyone in general?
20.) 03 Aug 2019 20:00:04
Angel
To many to mention to be honest once any one makes a mistake or reportedly does you want them out.
Lazy bad attitude said this said that.
21.) 03 Aug 2019 20:17:14
No, I'd like you to mention them. Very happy to give you my reasons behind everyone.
I'm quite sure that when I have shown my dissatisfaction in a player it is usually merited, justified.
I don't call for players to be bought and sold like in a game of FIFA.
I also am very happy to back good, hard working and loyal players when many dont. Again, when I feel its justified.
Feels like you're just having a pop though. It's something you like to do quite often. I hope I haven't upset you at any point. Or will you hold my opinions against me for the rest of my time posting on here? 😊.
22.) 03 Aug 2019 22:15:30
We have appointed Director of football - it's AJH
All sound decisions taken. 🤫.
23.) 04 Aug 2019 09:23:15
Reading the page the last day or two it’s clear we don’t need any insight from Ed002 as maxlfc knows absolutely everything about our club lol.
24.) 04 Aug 2019 20:42:32
Oh man :P
Wrote a post about how the youngsters are doing, and how you feel about them and this turned into Pogba/ Dybala debate.
25.) 05 Aug 2019 07:31:02
To be honest guys I don't care and the reason is we are focusing on players not playing for our club.
When the focus should be #GlazersOut.
24 Mar 2018 10:31:23
There are some that said Jesse wasn’t good enough and I guess there are still some that think he is at best a squad player but you have to give the lad credit. He keeps popping up scoring important goals and he plays with a smile on his face and seems to enjoy every moment. I’m so pleased for him and I hope he can take that final step and be consistent.
1.) 24 Mar 2018 16:25:04
He has always been highly thought off within the club. It was always accepted that he would take longer to find his feet due to his size. I read an interview with him where he said that Sir Alex always said he would become a real player when he's 25 like Tigana. I wonder how much of him really stepping up this season is down to him feeling that this year was going to be his year.
I did worry when we signed Sanchez as it was going to push either Lingard or Martial out of the side when arguably they we our best two forwards at that time. Maybe its time for Sanchez to be dropped for a game or two and make him fight for his place against players who are in form.
2.) 24 Mar 2018 16:40:40
Shaps, I don’t know why we bought Sanchez other than to stop City buying him. We had needs inother areas way before a left sided attacker was needed and even if he starts firing it just relegates Martial or Rashford. This smacks of Woodward and his marque signing obsession. I don’t want to upset you but if Bale is available you can bet your mortgage Ed will be there waving his chequebook.
3.) 24 Mar 2018 16:46:51
The thing with Jesse is you know he will work on the pitch and not hide. He has proven this year that he has more in the locker than people thought imo but he had the beginnings of a good season couple of years back when he got ani injury early on at Swansea I think. Change of personel and management has not deterred him and I think he has saved us a good few bob on bringing in a n other player.
4.) 24 Mar 2018 16:58:44
I was one of those thinking he wasn't going to be up to it and would be sold, at times I feel foolish, but then he can be anonymous far too often for me (like most of our attacking players) .
I still think in order for us to be competing at the very top we need better than Lingard. But if he improves again as much as he has over the past 18 months then he will deserve a regular berth in a top Utd team.
I love his energy and clever runs, maybe there is even more to come from him once we get back to playing proper attacking football and those runs will be picked out by players that currently refuse the pass and opt for 'safety' instead. I certainly would like him to impact games more consistently as well, 10 seconds of brilliance now and again is good, but we need more than that over a 90 minute match from an attacking midfielder.
5.) 24 Mar 2018 17:39:38
I agree Beastand that was my point about consistency. When he is good he is very good but often you can forget he is on the pitch, which is very frustrating when he gets himself in such good positions and scores such important goals. He needs to turn up for more games than he does, which I think he will if he continues to develop as he has done in the last year. And he is home grown which means a lot to me,
6.) 24 Mar 2018 17:52:11
Does he go missing or as mentioned above is it a case of him making good runs and his team mates not playing the creative pass to find him?
The best players score in the big games, which he does more consistently than those around him. H deserves his place in the team, he works hard, he offers movement and he can finish. I think he will thrive if we add more quality to the midfield. He is a bit of a social media whore, but as long as he performs on the pitch it’s not a problem. I wish pogba put half the effort in he does.
7.) 24 Mar 2018 18:33:58
Agree with all of the posts regarding jesse in some degree, better than dele alli in my opinion who plays a similar role especially this season.
8.) 25 Mar 2018 05:21:49
I must be the only one who doesn't yet rate him. He for me is going through his Smalling patch where player looks good for a season or 2 but with lingard it has only been 2 months rather than the whole season.
He was mostly anonymous until December and has been anonymous for most part since February. That is 2 good months in 3-4 years. Yes he scores some important goals from time to time but he going to have to perform much better to be more than a squad player.
9.) 25 Mar 2018 16:58:04
No MU player apart from De Gea has been sensational for long, playing good for some time and then playing poorly.
10.) 26 Mar 2018 14:14:47
CSM, that's not really fair, even if he's only started looking like a real top player this season, he's actually been doing well for the last couple of years. He was hardly "anonymous" before December anyway. 8 goals and assists in 17 games, 11 of which he played 30 minutes or less in, may not be setting the league on fire, but it's certainly not "anonymous".
Re: the consistency, I'm inclined to agree with Huggy. He's suffering from the way the team is playing, and would have a much more consistent impact if the runs he makes were picked out a bit more often by players behind him. Now, I'm not saying he's doing everything right, maybe he'd still be a bit inconsistent with players behind him looking for those runs and playing more positive football, but the point is that we don't really know, and I don't think it's fair to judge him too harshly when we don't really know how much of the inconsistency is down to him, and how much is down to the way the teamas a whole is playing.
I would really love to see Herrera used in a more advanced role, ahead of Matic rather than alongside him, where he can look to play the passes that someone like Lingard can feed on. It's too easy to see his great defensive performances last season and forget that he's a great passer of the ball, with an eye for getting team mates in behind the defence.
11.) 26 Mar 2018 14:23:10
That FA cup winning goal seemed to really kick him on and he’s improved a lot since then.
CSM,
How you can say he’s been anonymous is beyond me, he’s probably scored more important goals than any other player in the last 2 years.
12.) 26 Mar 2018 14:53:27
Gds important goals don't mean consistency. Yes he scored against Chelsea and in fa cup final but can you remember a run of games until December where you could say he was consistently good. A first team player needs to be consistently good and unlike rashford or martial lingard isn't exactly in the youngster category.
Thorne he has been good this season but last season he had 5 goals and 3 assists in 42 games in lvg's last season he had 7 goals and 4 assists in 41 games. Those are not good figures and he needs get similar to his current nos before we can be sure that he has improved rather than going through a purple patch.
Also where exactly will he play next season jose wants savic added to the team and jorginho as replacement for carrick, so we most likely will be switching to a mf 3.
13.) 30 Mar 2018 18:44:50
Good player, nice lad, silly dancer.
17 Feb 2018 08:31:11
Interesting rumour this morning, Real ready to move for Pogba. Could be paper trash talk of course but if they did and the money was big, would you sell? Clearly the boy has talent but he has yet to dominate a game or deliver on his potential. Is that down to him, the Manager, or a combination of both.
If the money was silly should we cash in? The problem with that is that he may go on and become the dominating player we believe is in there somewhere, and replacing him will cost a fortune too. For me, I’d seriously consider it though.
{Ed002's Note - There is zero interest in Paul Pogba from Real Madrid. They have very, very different ideas who they want.}
1.) 17 Feb 2018 11:41:22
There is no way we should be selling Pogba it would be crazy to do so.
Its likr selling the next messi and then trying to go buy a next ronaldo because we are noy patient enough.
2.) 17 Feb 2018 11:59:12
"Cash in" wtf? So some now want to sell Pogba when we have few midfielders for a pretty poor return? You bored with FIFA?
3.) 17 Feb 2018 11:20:17
Yay. Thanks ed for that.
12 Jan 2018 21:19:21
All this talk of Sanchez has masked the rumour that Vardy is also being considered. Not sure if they would sell or at what price but I think he would slot in much easier, albeit he is a like for like with Lukaku. Sanchez’s attitude worries me, the stories from Arsenal about his isolationist approach do not bode well for team spirit. Hey ho, what do I know?
1.) 12 Jan 2018 21:28:45
I hope not. Hateful diving git, Gerrard, suarez, terry, barton, keown, cattermole, Vardy. all the same to me would of hated to see any of them in a red shirt.
2.) 12 Jan 2018 23:05:33
That's one heck of a team those lot would make. Lacks some wide players tho.
3.) 13 Jan 2018 05:53:05
bfbw, there too much hate in your heart, i'd have had Keown and Suarez any day of the week. Go hug a tree man.
4.) 13 Jan 2018 08:10:14
AJH Vardy is a player Maze likes and admired over the years for his tenacity as well as his rags to riches story but to say he is a better option than Sanchez is silly, very silly.
Wake up AJH you are dreaming of poorly fabricated scenarios.
08 Dec 2017 20:28:41
So, first of all, I share my birthday with Jonny Evans so put that your pipe and smoke it. Secondly, I may have had a little wine tonight so forgive me if I am less coherent than Ronnie during a transfer window.
Sunday is a big game and I hope that Jose wakes up and has an epiphany but I fear it will not happen. I believe it is better to die fighting than running away and in football that is also true. Inspire the troops, give them hope and belief, rouse their spirits, fill their hearts with pride and desire. Let’s not turn up to stifle and try and nick a goal on the break. I don’t care if they are the best team, like Pierre the famous French fighter pilot, let’s go down in flames (google it) .
We are United, a team steeped in history and tradition, we live or die by our standard, there are times to stand up and be counted, Sunday is one of those times. We win, or we lose in a blaze of glory, to be a United fan there are no in betweens.
Time for more wine.
1.) 09 Dec 2017 01:43:34
Jesse's performance at Arsenal will have given him food for thought. Maybe we can press high with a few players and cause some chaos amongst their back line. Worry is that Matic and Ander would have to play out of their skins.
The motivational piece is way more important than formation. Win your battles all over the pitch and you'll get a win.
2.) 09 Dec 2017 10:50:17
We’ll park the bus and try to catch them on the counter and via set pieces.
AJH's banter posts with other poster's replies to AJH's banter posts
28 Feb 2020 20:20:54
A few thoughts sprang to mind this week.
1. I wonder how Herrera is feeling, sitting on the PSG bench pretty much every week.
2. Not signing Bruno in the Summer has to be one of the dumbest things we’ve ever (not) done.
3. Is Pogba really injured? I can’t help thinking there is something underhand taking place here.
4. Back to Bruno, imagine if our next 2 signings are of the same standard and have the same type of impact.
5. The Everton game will be a litmus test of our progress, last year we surrendered, will we fight for it this year?
6. If Henderson is ready, we need to think about making the change this summer.
7. James needs to bulk up, he has lots of potential but a gust of wind knocks him over.
8. Great to see Scott back, he’s still getting stick but he has been excellent this year.
That is all.
1.) 28 Feb 2020 20:55:38
Agree with everything apart from number 6. I think we should stick with David after screwing him around with his move to Madrid for the last few years.
2.) 28 Feb 2020 21:58:04
Who is going to match DDGs rumoured £400k a week wages, he ain't going anywhere soon.
3.) 28 Feb 2020 22:09:32
On 3.) surely those rumours were put to bed when pogba put out a video of him undergoing surgery.
Did he make that up as well? Its pretty unfair to cast aspersions on his character when he has previously foregone a pre season after the world cup to start against leicester when Barcelona were bidding for him and he wasnt getting on with the manager.
7.) James doesn't have a lot of potential in my opinion. Completely understand the club taking a punt but his skillset looks distinctly average, lucky for him he didn't come through the academy otherwise he would be getting pelters on here.
4.) 28 Feb 2020 22:09:52
Who cares about DDG for the next year, we bought him for about £18 million and have had our moneys worth, let him see out his contract and also promote Henderson.
5.) 28 Feb 2020 22:20:48
I hope we give lots of thought to the logistics of the squad and how it's made up, I'd like 2 players for every position with as little drop in quality between first choice and second choice and some youngsters breaking through making up the other squad places .
It looks like 4231 is preffered style so how does the squad actually stand remembering players away on loan haven't gone yet .
Gk we will have 3, either Henderson loan again or look to offload one
Rb 2 fine
Lb 2 fine
CB 7 if you want another one it may be a good idea to get 3 out or we will have a mighty high wage bill for CBS
Cm as it stands mctom fred pogba matic and Andrea's, maybe bruno can play there but for now I have him as a 10 a bit more advanced . Numbers are ok at the minute but depends on departures.
No ten, bruno Jesse mata Sanchez, if you want an attacking midfielder may be a good idea to let some go or again a mighty wage bill for the position and if another added as it stands 5 players after the position lw rash and james fine
Rw the number one position I'd address and not depending on sales, I'm happy for mason greenwood to fight for the position but not fight fill Ins for it . Sancho apparently super expensive I can't help but like traore but the club will have their own ideas
St this needs a player aswell regardless of sales, it's not like the spurs situation where it's going to be a clear back up to kane, a new striker at utd would very much be in competition with martial for the spot .
I know the quality of some of these players could be better but we don't want something like 8 CBS and no rw
I haven't included likes of Chong and Gomez they are the sort I mentioned earlier youngsters bolstering the squad .
6.) 28 Feb 2020 23:01:49
Ajh, agree on all apart from James, he hasn't got the skill, trickery, dribbling ability, crossing quality of a winger. He reminds me of Michael Owen with no finishing ability. I don't hold any hope for him.
Also, the dumbest decision has to be not getting Haaland at all costs, if we got him and Sancho, we will be challenging next year.
Totally agree on Ddg, but no one will pay for him ot his wages, another stupid mistake by Woodward.
7.) 29 Feb 2020 00:21:15
Good post ajh.
I'm not sure mctom gets much stick. I for one really like what he brings to the team.
Ddg is an interesting one. If someone is interested and he wants to move with the emergence of Henderson i wouldn't stand in his way. If that offer doesn't come in loan henderson for another seadon and look at it again the following season.
I'm sure herrera is happy enough he went for the money no doubt about that. He will probably move back to Spain with a big pay off in the summer.
Yeah pogba has had an injury. He has also been a prat.
James will cause defenders problems but i agree with you he needs to bulk up and improve lots of aspects of his game. Doing ok tbh not special but ok.
Bruno has been a great boost.
Looking forward to everton 2 teams in good form needing 3 points. Big test. I'm cautiously optimistic. I just hope we attack and don't play I the back foot.
8.) 29 Feb 2020 04:36:01
Agree with you on most part AJH.
Imagine Saul and Sancho as our next 2 signings, top quality signings are what we need.
We now need proven players to get the best out of the squad and ease the pressure on the youngsters.
Regarding James, I think he can put teams under severe pressure when coming on as a second half substitute because of his electric pace.
His decision making will improve with more experience, coaching and playing along with quality players. Furthermore, he is just 22 and therefore has a lot of scope for improvement.
9.) 29 Feb 2020 06:12:25
As Klopp said this week, nobody really stood a chance of getting Haaland, he was always going to Dortmund.
10.) 29 Feb 2020 06:57:59
DSG, Pogba has clearly had an injury up there has been conflicting reports about his recovery, just smells fishy to me.
Ken, you’re right about Scott, perhaps I should have said he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
All, James has pace to burn but he isn’t showing it in games, I think he has a confidence issue. As I’ve said before he looks amazed he’s paying for United. I think he does have potential, he needs to use that pace and stop getting knocked off the ball so easily.
19 Feb 2020New image uploaded to the Manchester United Player Sightings page entitled, Liverpool FC League win Bus
1.) 21 Feb 2020 02:25:45
As a Liverpool fan that actually made me laugh. Then I reminded myself that at least the wheels haven’t fallen off our bus.
18 Feb 2020 13:14:28
Good win but it will be in vain if we don’t beat Watford. Chelsea play Spurs on Saturday so whatever their result we benefit, IF we can beat Watford.
Scrappy game last night but a win is a win. Some good performances throughout, the issue for me was up front, Martial and James were pretty poor, midfield wee moving the ball well, we had width, but there was nothing up top. If we can fix that we can push on, big if though.
1.) 18 Feb 2020 14:04:51
James not good enough for me.
Can't fault his effort and work rate though he does try but for me he's just not good enough.
2.) 18 Feb 2020 14:09:39
AJH - I think the ball is very much in Ole's Court now. He seems have found a formation which perhaps best suits our squad especially whilst Rashford is injured.
I think Ole should probably just stick to playing 3-4-1-2 until the end of the season now.
I know we invested heavily in Maguire in the summer and I think he's an excellent player but I think he's vulnerable when left exposed. He's lacks a bit of pace and mobility and I think it helps having two faster and more agile players either side of him to cover. The formation also allows us to keep numbers in midfield, it provides width and enables us to play two upfront. We also don't have to solve the conundrum of who to play on the right wing.
When teams sit deep and against lower placed opposition especially at home I think there is an argument that Dalot could play at RWB. I like AWB he's an excellent young full back and brilliant in 1v1 situations but his distribution and attacking intent is definitely an area of his game where he can improve. His cross last night was quality and sometimes he just needs to simplify his game. The problem when we only play Martial upfront is he often doesn't make the runs across defenders like we saw last night therefore there is often no point in delivering the ball into the box. I think AWB should always look to beat his full back and put crosses into the box. It's up to Martial to make the correct runs and be a threat in the box. If we play two upfront we'll have another body in the box.
The formation also allows us to play two upfront. Sometimes Martial is left isolated or doesn't get himself into goalscoring positions enough in between the sticks. Against teams that sit deep I think Greenwood can be excellent. He's deadly when he gets the ball in or around the box. He makes intelligent runs and can shoot from either foot with power and accuracy. When teams sit deep Greenwood has the quality to manipulate the ball in tight areas and shoot making him a real threat in these games which we've lacked on occasions this season.
In my opinion it's the best formation that give us the most balance in attack and defence at this moment in time.
3.) 18 Feb 2020 19:41:04
I can accept martial being useless for 89 mins if he scores on the other minute but he is a tough watch.
Great run and header for the goal. But if a player can do it once he can do it all the time but he doesn't, either because he can't be arsed or because he doesn't see the run.
Im not sure which it is but it frustrates the life out of me i'd hate to play with him.
Reminds me so much of nani. As a cf playing with nani it was difficult because you never knew when he would release the ball, with becks you knew to make the run as the ball was coming as soon as he could get a yard to cross.
4.) 18 Feb 2020 21:50:12
Ken - I totally agree pal, Martial is just so frustrating. I think he's just one of those players that wants the ball to feet. I just don't think he will ever make those kind of runs consistently enough as I'm not convinced he's see the value in making countless runs when most of the time the ball doesn't arrive. He wants to dribble and run with the ball not without it. If we get can another player up alongside side him that will make those runs and provide a threat in between the sticks it would take the pressure off him somewhat. Ultimately we might just have to decide does he offer enough. I still think his best position is probably off the left and think he should battle it out with Rashford on that side.
He reminds me a bit of Berbatov with his attitude. He was a fantastic player but I'm not sure Utd fans ever really took to him or if he made the most of his incredible talent. Sometimes he'd do a brilliant piece of skill in the middle of the pitch or play a great pass but then never busted a gut to get on the end of it. He almost stopped and admired it. I've always preferred forwards that could do the lot like Rooney and Tevez. I can admire the beauty and elegance of players like Berbatov and Martial but the very best also have a work ethic to go with their talent.
{Ed047's Note - still waiting fella 🤷♂️
5.) 18 Feb 2020 23:11:55
I presume your talking about Pogba Ed and if so I apologise I think I was being a bit facetious.
I actually quite like Pogba and have some sympathy for him but can understand why he's unpopular. He's a good player that hasn't lived up to expectations and I think Utd have been guilty of keeping too many players that haven't performed. I think some of the criticism was a little over the top but on reflection maybe vitriol was a bit strong and I hope there are no hard feelings I must have been in an argumentative mood for which I apologise.
{Ed047's Note - thanks mate, I was questioning his attitude in honestly not using personal slights against him because I don’t know him from Adam.
Just from outside his behaviour, as a pro footballer, toward your club and you guys as fans is terrible.
Definitely no hard feelings DLIB. 😁
6.) 19 Feb 2020 05:12:14
Yeah Agree Ken. He is not a typical Center Forward.
But he can produce those special moments, however not consistently enough for a top club.
7.) 19 Feb 2020 11:24:02
Martial is somewhat of an enigma. Clearly talented and on his day unplayable. In that sense I can see some similarities with Nani, but with Nani you never got the impression he didn't put in a shift every game, just sometimes it worked out others it didn't with him.
With Martial when it doesn't work for him you look at his game and wonder if maybe he tried a little harder it might have worked.
If Martial just had Lingard's off the ball work rate we would have one of the best strikers in the world. Which is what makes it so frustrating with him. He has the ability, but does he have the drive?
I have made excuses for him in the past, injuries and being played out wide, having his number taken away from him, etc. But he is 24 now and has been here for 5 years. This year he has been given every opportunity and he just isn't taking them. It's becoming clear that he either won't take that next step or the penny won't drop until he sees the end of his career in sight.
Like Depay maybe a move to a top club came too soon, maybe he needs a bump back down to earth to give him that push he needs.
Either way we need a top striker in the summer.
8.) 19 Feb 2020 13:51:57
Shappy, You can't just add an attribute to a player and say they'd be brilliant. Plus, I disagree on Martial even with added effort. His finishing just isn't good enough to call him anywhere near top class (think the chance against Liverpool). The man needs a magic boost to composure, finishing, decision making, movement, hold up play, strength - then we can were looking at one of the world's best strikers.
9.) 19 Feb 2020 16:26:02
Nizza, some of our best attacking phases over the last few years have often included Martial not in the role of scorer but actually working off the ball and with our other attackers. Darting runs, quick one twos, a little flick or pirouette all done at pace.
The problem is he doesn't do it enough. As for finishing I would say, bar Greenwood who has a freakishly clinical finishing ability, that Martial is the best finisher at the club. Every striker misses a sitter or two every now and then. But on the whole when given a chance Martial has ice in his veins.
His hold up play is decent, but then he isn't a target man type striker so I wouldn't expect it to be. That said, his hold up and link up play is streets ahead of Lukaku who is significantly stronger. Which goes to show brute strength and the ability to hold up the ball aren't mutually exclusive. Plus many great strikers who weren't particularly strong have been very good at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. Inzaghi, Henry, Villa, Aguero and Suarez all spring to mind, none of which are built like an Ox.
Remember is a defender goes in too hard it's often a foul. Having enough strength to reasonably hold off a player, with he quick feet and good technique to keep the ball away from them with the vision to see where your teammates are and get the ball to them at the right moment, is about skill and understanding more than brute strength.
For me I don't see Martial being brushed off the ball too easily very often, while he does have good technical ability to control the ball and bring others into play.
Look at how many more goals we score and chances we create when Rashford plays left and Martial plays centrally compared to when Rashford plays centrally and Martial plays wide.
This season along the majority of Rashfords goals have come when Martial is playing centrally, often with the two linking up.
Martial wouldn't be a perfect striker with improved work rate, every player has weaknesses, but if he improved his off the ball movement and work rate he would score maybe an extra 10 goals a season and create an extra 15-20. That alone would have our front three scoring at an elite level.
10.) 19 Feb 2020 23:53:21
Shappy, you're not wrong in most of what you say there. However I took issue with the claim that with more off the ball work rate he would be 'one of the best strikers in the world'.
You go on to compare two of his other attributes unfavourably. Not even the best finisher at the 7th best club in England. And better hold up play than Lukaku of all people. Not exactly the benchmark of hold up play.
We have a tendancy to overrate a lot of individuals at United because we remember the hype of the signing, the highlights, the glimpses of potential. But many of us acknowledge our squad is poor, demonstrated by our league position.
LAS point,
16 Feb 2020 22:00:27
It may just be me but I’m not sure Merson ever looked like Brad Pitt, Shrek maybe, but not Brad.
24 Jan 2020 13:12:31
It’s a complete disgrace, Woodward is a muppet, Ole is useless, all the players are crap, just spend the money, we need a Director of Football, can’t believe we let players go, we have no plan, we’re a laughing stock, Ole’s gamble hasn’t worked, the medical team are dreadful, the whole club is a shambles, Joel Glazer is sticking his nose in, Maguire was a waste of money, I can’t believe we are letting Chong leave, why aren’t we playing more youngsters, Fernandes is just what we need, just sign Cavani, there’s only 5 players I’d keep, we just can’t break teams down, bloody Glazers, etc etc etc.
I think I’ve covered most things so can we move on or are we going to carry on with this nonsense? Used to be a bit of a laugh on here but apparently the world is ending.
1.) 24 Jan 2020 13:21:29
I agree AJH. I had posted a couple things berating the manager and club a week or so ago but haven’t bothered since as everyone is pretty much saying the same thing.
Unfortunately it’s just a product of how everyone feels and what they see in front of them. People use this platform to vent as well as have a laugh.
I feel like I’ve vented enough now and do not want to waste any more energy. I don’t see much changing soon and until it does I’ll just go follow every match as normal. I find myself joining in the banter we get after every defeat now! One way to not be negative about it I guess.
2.) 24 Jan 2020 13:23:54
Let's be honest though, there isn't much else to talk about.
The positives are becoming very hard to enjoy with so much going wrong.
3.) 24 Jan 2020 13:32:30
Wait til people see who were trying to sign on loan! Islam slimani, odeon ighalo and Carlos tevez 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.
4.) 24 Jan 2020 13:34:59
No problem. What would you like to talk about?
5.) 24 Jan 2020 13:40:46
Yet what is rather more pertinent is that none of the above will happen.
6.) 24 Jan 2020 14:04:04
Our striker options if reports are to be believed are Islam Slimani and Odion Ighalo. So call me negative but I don't see how anyone can have a laugh as utd fans, unless it is at ourselves for still supporting this club and believing it will be fixed some how.
7.) 24 Jan 2020 14:22:11
CSM it would be a little bit funny if we ended up with Slimani, Ighalo and Tevez though. People in charge of transfers must be playing FM2013. At this rate I'm waiting on Cherno Samba and Fernando Cavenaghi to come in as our new CF's.
8.) 24 Jan 2020 16:04:55
Has Nicolas Millan got his work-permit cleared from Colo Colo, yet?
9.) 24 Jan 2020 16:49:04
I can’t believe we let chicharito go to LA Galaxy. He is just what we need.
16 Nov 2019 11:13:10
I’m not arrogant Danny. Whatever our current travails, we pay well, we remain one of the biggest names, we will still attract players. There have always been players who didn’t want to play for us, I’m just getting bored of the ‘step down’ jibe.
16 Nov 2019 07:40:55
If players are choosing a club based on the cup they are in then they are welcome to go where they wish. If Sanchez thinks United is a step down from Dortmund then his head needs a wobble.
{Ed002's Note - Maybe “Sanchez” realises it is a club run by amateurs with a coach who is not up to the job?}
13 Nov 2019 16:59:33
Sounds like sulking. They can see others getting game time and are throwing their toys out. If they were contributing then they would be playing more, like Williams, or Greenwood. Ole seems obsessed with youth so if they were showing him anything he would be getting them on the pitch, so they clearly aren’t doing enough.
13 Nov 2019 16:57:47
Ive they to see him do anything to make me take notice. Gomes had some nice touches, Garner can find a pass, Greenwood is scoring, obviously Williams has been a revelation, but Chong has been forgettable every time I’ve seen him. They can’t all make it.
31 Oct 2019 19:34:34
So far, only 4 teams have conceded fewer goals. Defence isn’t the problem, scoring goals has been the problem.
29 Feb 2020 06:57:59
DSG, Pogba has clearly had an injury up there has been conflicting reports about his recovery, just smells fishy to me.
Ken, you’re right about Scott, perhaps I should have said he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
All, James has pace to burn but he isn’t showing it in games, I think he has a confidence issue. As I’ve said before he looks amazed he’s paying for United. I think he does have potential, he needs to use that pace and stop getting knocked off the ball so easily.
28 Feb 2020 14:36:01
Chelsea need a keeper, just saying.
27 Feb 2020 08:00:22
I think TRD is right. Its crunch time, the next 4 league games will pretty much decide if we can qualify for ECL or not. Bring it on!
27 Feb 2020 07:58:12
Tris is not a fan! I like him I like his swagger and I like his skills. He glides past players, sees a pass, and can score.
There are 2 clear issues for me. He doesn't work hard enough (which can be fixed) and the swagger I mentioned could morph into a Billy big boots attitude.
If he was joining the past United team full of leaders then I think they would have sorted him, this team I'm not so sure.
He will either let it go to his head or he will step up 6become a great. I'm happy to take the risk.
And I don't agree that 99% of his fouls aren't fouls, refs aren't that daft (sorry Tris) .
{Ed001's Note - are you serious? Refs are that daft, they are terrible. Did you not see the ones that have been given against Zaha? There was a piece about how opponents are ganging up on Zaha done in one of the papers. The 'fouls' referred to were shown on TV here and not one was a foul on Zaha. In fact a lot of them were him committing the foul and getting a free kick! Refs are terrible, just go back and look at the Lo Celso stamp if you still think they aren't that daft, then remember that the ref who was on VAR is now on FIFA's international list. So he is adjudged to be one of the best we have, not just in England, but in the world!}
25 Feb 2020 14:59:38
I like Matic, top pro, vastly experienced, the issue came with overplaying him as he has generally looked knackered. He wouldn't be first choice but we need old heads right now and if he's happy being a squad player (doubtful) then I'd happily keep him.