Manchester United Rumours Member Posts
AJH's Profile
Current Avatar:
Flat Out Racing:
Not played Flat Out Racing
Not played Flat Out Racing
No Profile Picture uploaded
Team: Where from: Favourite player: Best team moment: Interests: Timezone: |
AJH's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To AJH's Posts
To AJH's last 5 rumour replies
To AJH's last 5 banter replies
AJH's rumours posts with other poster's replies to AJH's rumours posts
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
29 Jul 2020 20:39:45
Lots of names being bandied about but for me, Sancho and Rice would be an excellent window. Another exciting attacking talent, and a player with huge potential who can slide into Matic’s shoes. Being greedy, a top top CB but I’d be happy with that.
Move some on, promote a couple of youngsters and keep the progress going. My only main concern is I remain unconvinced by Martial. Right now he looks great but I’d like to see him do it consistently.
1.) 29 Jul 2020 20:57:39
I’d hold off on rice myself AJH. I think we’ve an excellent player in garner on our hands, a year in the championship playing every week would be excellent for him. I think with matic and mctominay we’ve enough cover until garner is ready imo.
2.) 29 Jul 2020 21:19:32
Garner is not a dm player at all caolan. Neither is mctom although he could develop into one with the right coaching.
It's a special-ist position very few can do it to the highest standards.
3.) 29 Jul 2020 23:27:20
Ken garner played as a defensive midfielder pretty much until this season where he showed a goal scoring ability in a more box to box role. He could definitely do that role imo.
4.) 30 Jul 2020 05:14:08
I think Garner will very much settle as a defensive midfielder. He has been likened to Michael Carrick and you can see the resemblance. Tall, elegant with the ball at his feet and an expansive range of passes in his locker. He is also defensive diligent, reads the game well and is more than capable of a physical battle (at least at youth level) .
Michael Carrick started out as a CAM, as did McTominay actually. Before finding their feet deeper in midfield.
I can definitely see Garner developing into a Carrick/ Pirlo type CDM. Although he needs time and regular games, a loan would be best next season. Supposedly Swansea are interested and that seems like a good option on the surface.
For me currently the two big positions in our first team that have a question mark above them are RW and CB. While a long term replacement for Matic and better quality squad depth at CAM.
I think with Matic signing a new deal, McTominay developing nicely and Garner on the back burner I think we can afford to wait until next summer at least before deciding whether we need to go into the market for a CDM.
For me the dream summer would be Sancho, Gimenez and DvdB.
5.) 30 Jul 2020 05:35:55
the lad needs to garner some games.
6.) 30 Jul 2020 07:07:30
He'd cost a fortune but for me I'd like to see Ndidi lining up in the red of Manchester. From what I've seen he's a cracking player that would do an excellent job of mopping up after Bruno and Pogba.
7.) 30 Jul 2020 08:15:54
Didn't Ole say Matic and Carrick were both coaching McTominay to play that role?
8.) 30 Jul 2020 09:15:39
A few years ago I mentioned I felt Fosu Mensahs best position may end up being a defensive midfield player. Not sure if he has been tried there, however, he has the right attributes.
9.) 30 Jul 2020 09:16:55
Sancho, VDB, Zakaria, Pau Torres
These 4 in and 7 plus out would give us a much better more balanced squad.
10.) 30 Jul 2020 09:59:49
have to agree with Shappy here. I think Matic getting a 3 year deal may be a blessing for garner as it is the perfect time scale for him to get used to the role.
Rice has been mentioned as a possible CB target for other clubs and i like that idea. Ed has also mentioned that he has good positional sense which we desperately need in the back line and his versitality will not go amiss. But i would not mind us swapping cash and sanchez for Skrinair either.
A summer of sancho, rice/ skrinair and DvdB would be a fantastic summer. But we are talking of over £200m outlay before agent and fa fees. A proper striker in the january window adn we may even see us play a proper 4-4-2 in some games this year.
27 Jul 2020 19:58:10
The Table doesn’t lie.
So here we sit at the end of the season in 3rd spot, but a long way behind Liverpool and City, but take a step back and look at some of the season’s stats.
Only 1 team lost fewer games than us, Liverpool albeit by some way, City lost 1 more game than we did. Our keystones cops defenders conceded fewer goals than all but 2 other teams, and they both finished above us. But for goals scored, we lie fifth, and that is also misleading as it has got a whole lot better in recent weeks.
So some of the stats look good, but here we were fighting for the top 4 on the last day. You need to look to earlier in the season to understand why. No Fernandes, no Pogba, very little creativity meaning we drew far too many games and also lost some we would have expected to win, games like the home loss to Burnley, the away losses to Watford, Bournemouth, and Newcastle, and far too many bore draws to mention. An inability to break teams down cost us dearly.
The squad isn’t deep enough, meaning we stumbled along huffing and puffing and it could have gone either way. It seems odd to remember that Rashford was pretty much carrying the team before he got injured. But then several things happened at once.
Fernandes joined and what an impact he had on those around him. Greenwood was introduced and trusted to grow into the role, and latterly Pogba and Rashford got fit giving us a much stronger first 11. Matic also looked well rested and he’s a different player when he isn’t knackered. However, the depth issue remains, take out 3 or 4 of our big hitters and we will likely struggle.
We need to buy very very well and address a couple of issues. DDG has been patchy for a while now and that needs to be sorted. Ighalo is committed but not the answer for me. Sancho makes the team and squad better, Grealish makes the squad better, who takes over from Matic, can we take a step up at CB?
And so to Ole, who continues to divide opinion. For me there have been more pluses than minuses, more expansive, more trusting, introducing youngsters, buying well (mainly), some tactical innovation, but then the offset of that is not always having a plan B, not changing things quickly enough, continuing to pick players out of form.
But he deserves to continue, we’ve seen glimpses and are moving in the right direction, what he has not been able to do so far is get consistency, a brilliant run, followed by a shocking run, followed by a brilliant run. Still, spend well and maybe we can take another step forward.
1.) 27 Jul 2020 20:49:24
AJH - Good post mate and I think it's been a story of survival for Ole. Just as he's looked dead and buried his team have found something to help keep him in a job!
Since Ole has arrived he has jettisoned Fellaini, Herrera, Sanchez, Lukaku, Smalling, Young and Rojo. The likes of Jones, Pereria maybe even Lingard and Pogba will follow them out of the door over the summer so there is no doubt this was a rebuilding period which saw Ole holding on by the skin of his teeth at times.
His faith in Rashford, Martial and Greenwood has now been vindicated and he'll get another season to continue his rebuild.
Big decisions await on the futures of De Gea and Pogba and his summer recruitment will be crucial in taking Utd another step in the right direction. A return to Champions League football and the step up in quality will test the depth of his squad so careful consideration will be needed regarding both Sancho and Grealish.
He must progress not stagnant or his powers of survival will be tested again.
2.) 27 Jul 2020 21:12:15
In an ideal world I'd like to see the following:
GK: Sell DDG, even if only for a small fee and save on his wages. Let Henderson and Romero battle for the no.1 shirt
LB: Enough cover, see if any of the youngsters can challenge Shaw for a starting place
CB: Sell Rojo, Jones and Smalling bring in a pacy CB to partner Harry Ruben Dias, Ibrahim Konate/ Skriniar?
RB: AWB is solid and enough young prospects for back up
CDM: Would like to see someone brought in to challenge Matic and gradually replace him. Not sure whether a ball winning midfielder (Ndidi) or a deep playmaker (Ruben Neves) would be better. Taking Kante from Chelsea would be best of both worlds but he's not young
CM: Sell Pogba, he wants to leave, hasn't lived up to his potential and hasn't really convinced in a deeper role. Replace him with a less skilled but harder working CM like Fabian Ruiz or SMS. Sell Pereira promote Garner
AM: Sell Lingard, look to a loan for a back up to Bruno. Perhaps James? Or give Chong a shot. Grealish is over priced
LF: Rashford and Dan James should be sufficient.
CF: Martial, Ighalo, Greenwood should provide enough options
RF: The tricky one. Until lockdown ended we could all agree this was our area of greatest need and a world class player was needed, then Greenwood burst onto the seen smashing in goals for fun, but, he is young and inconsistent. Is it worth spending over £100m on another young star in the making who would limit Greenwoods game time. Chiesa is a cheaper option, as is Traore, but is his end product good enough? Would Buendia or Sarr be able to step up? Personally I think I'd try Traore, he knows the league is unstoppable on his day and would be content to be rotated with Greenwood.
3.) 28 Jul 2020 07:59:00
How can you tell if Traore will be content with being rotated with Greenwood?
For midfield I'd take Abdoulaye Doucouré if available.
4.) 28 Jul 2020 13:00:32
If we are looking for a winger similar to Adama Traore then we should strongly consider Ismalia Sarr. Strong, direct, excellent playing on the counter. But would cost half or less than half of what Adama Traore would cost, but is maybe 6 months to a year behind in his development.
25 Jul 2020 11:00:54
Ole has had some stick this week, but at the restart if we’d been offered sitting in 3rd needing a point for Champions League qualification we’d all have probably been delighted.
We’ve seen the potential of the team albeit against lower table opposition, but hasn’t that been outer big issue in the last year or two, the inability to dominate and beat ‘lesser’ teams? The front 5 looked up for it, fit and focused and for a while we just rolled teams over. I particularly liked the Bournemouth game. You score 2, pfft, we’ll score 5.
It’s the end of the season, things get nervy, it’s all about the result so I guess we have to be happy with the current situation, but the approach to the West Ham game was worrying and blinkered, happy with the draw it seems. Watching how poor we were maybe he’s right? It seems Ole is happy to let everything rest with the Leicester result, whereas beating West Ham would have heaped more pressure on Chelsea. Brave, or foolish?
Since we came back, 6 wins and 3 draws in the league, scored 22, conceded 7, and this has put us in a position where it comes down to the last game. Pretty much every player was poor against West Ham, we really need a few to rediscover their form. Pogba and Fernandes were poor, Rashford had a shocker, Martial was pretty anonymous, that happens again and we are in trouble.
But, but, but, our squad has bet been deep enough this season. Pogba out most of the year, Rashford was carrying the team when he got injured. A fit Rashford, the Fernandes we bought, a motivated Pogba (! ), a hungry Martial, a developing Greenwood, 2 or 3 top quality new players, and I think we will be a good team. Probably not Champions material but who knows? As for Ole, well I guess he will continue to divide opinion.
Let’s hope the real Man United turn up tomorrow.
1.) 25 Jul 2020 11:25:51
No team has the perfect game every week especially in the EPL, other teams will always have a say.
As AJH says since the resart we have played 9, won 6 drew 3 that's pretty good .
Scored 22 and only conceded 7 I think that's excellent.
I would be interested to know what peoples expectations where before the restart and there has been a lot of negativity so if the above isn't good enough what would be considered, good enough.
2.) 25 Jul 2020 13:47:58
Expectations differ with each individual jred. A poor man's expectation is to be able to feed his family today while a rich man's expectation is to have a million dollars in his accounts everyday. They differ for you and me. You are happy with us being in a position to seal a CL place tomorrow while knowing perfectly that we could have sealed it by now if Ole had made a few correct decisions and choices in a few games through the course of the season. I would have been happy if we didn't need to hold our breaths tomorrow.
Tony, why Ole divides opinion is because some see him as the hero who gave them 99, while the others see him as nothing more or less than a Manchester United manager, arguably the biggest club in the world. Why because Jose, LvG were criticized heavily for boring football while Ole gets a free pass even though his team has played some of the most pathetic games i have seen in my life. They want to cover all that up with the run post C.V. I don't think that's fair, because it has nothing to do with Ole, the entire run is because the the was galvanized by Bruno. Ole is still making those poor tactical decisions and still lacks in game management skills but he gets away with it because he scored that goal in 99. that's what turns my head in. Practicality goes for a toss.
We could all see that the players were tired, so why on earth didn't Ole play Ighalo ahead of Martial or Rashford in atleast one of those games. Forget starting, he has to wait 85 minutes before being brought on, why? Against Chelsea or West Ham, i would have pulled Bruno and pushed Pogba further forward because Bruno was tosh. Just some decisions that Ole dithers to make.
I am glad that we will play CL next season and hopefully sit in the top 4 comfortably next season and not have to wait till the last game to know our fate.
3.) 25 Jul 2020 14:35:44
We are always 2 good results away from being back as the best team in the world or 2 bad results away from being potential relegation candidates. That is the extremes of modern society, there is no measured response. It's hard right or hard left. No comfortable middle ground.
The truth is simple, we have a massive rebuilding exercise going on at the club, bigger than most give it credit for. A lot of it is self inflicted, poor choices of managers, poor recruitment and a lock of long term planning along with snap decisions being made by people with limited experience.
For the most part our squad is very average, if we finish in the top 4 with this group of players, with the long term injuries we have had to our best players for large parts of the season then it will be a good return.
That said a potentially 3rd place finish should not see us resting on our laurels. Chelsea are making a big push, we need to do the same. The already have Ziyech and Werner in the bag, while Havertz might follow and they are looking at GK's, CB's and LB's. They will spend big to close the gap and rebuild the squad.
The gap between us and City and Liverpool is large, while teams like Chelsea and Leicester are around the same level as us. Then there are teams like Arsenal, Spurs, Wolves and even Sheffield United who are making pushes to climb up the table.
Let's wait and see what happens tomorrow.
4.) 25 Jul 2020 14:58:43
We've definitely did well since the restart, played some really good football at times but the wins were ones Man Utd should be winning. Leicester have been decimated with injuries too, we're not playing in a vacuum.
The negativity comes from some of the performances and what the manager does during the games. The idea that the players are tired is a ridiculous one. He would have known the fixture list. The idea that the team is tired is one I can't excuse. If Martial is tired, play Ighalo. Rashford is tired, play James, if Bruno is tired, push Pogba further up. There's a few players who could play wide right. Midfield has options, defence has options to rotate. Playing the same 11 five games in a row then moaning the fixture list was unfair is a joke.
There's also 5 subs to combat tiredness. Some of the games we won we were out of sight early on. Changes could have been made to rest some players but as has been one of Oles poorest areas, the in game management is quite poor.
At the start of the season I would have said top 4 is what is needed. Him and the team have done really well to claw back the points deficit but that is because we needed to claw back points because we were awful for long periods at the start of the season.
Ole doesn't get to have his cake and eat it. He has been getting praise for the great performances but he also must face the music when we are poor.
The problem for me is when we look like we've turned the corner we revert to our own turgid displays. When we do the hard work and put ourselves in a posistion to consolidate 3rd or 4th we turn up like we did for the Southampton game and look truly awful. With a final against Arsenal waiting and just before kick off Leicester get thumped, you'd expect the players to be up for it, but that performance was probably one of the worst we've seen in a very long time. West Ham also was pathetic.
After 18 months of the manager in charge I still don't know how he wants to play? That's because the performances are so disjointed from week to week. Sometimes we look like the Harlem Globetrotters and other times with look like Harlem crackheads.
Before the season started I thought top 4 was achievable. With one games left, 3rd place is achievable. It's been a weird season but not only for United. If Ole can get what's needed to secure Champions League football that is a major step for the club. Finallcially it will be massive, considering the bump in money for qualifying and we won't be penalised by our sponsors for not qualifying. We can maybe get some players that would not be interested in playing Thursday night's.
We were in a position we wanted to be last season and we capitulated. We've had our last 3 games to kick on in the league and the cup and we've not done well when pressure was on.
One game, one point, one goal. Let's get it done.
5.) 25 Jul 2020 15:14:18
Mumbles
Did ole say the players where tired.
Again since the restart we have played 9 won 6 free 3 scored 22 conceded 7.
What was peoples expectations?
Also if people really don't know how we are trying to play thst says more about them than united imo.
6.) 25 Jul 2020 15:34:55
Jred, are you reading the replies or just repeating the same thing without context. Since, you are so wet about the performances since the restart what about Spurs, Norwich, Chelsea, Saints, Palace, West Ham? All since the restart and some of the most horrible displays even with Bruno, fit again Rashford, fit again Pogba, Martial rejuvenated and Greenwood scoring.
I think most, if not all agree that if we get Top 4, Ole deserves to keep his job because he has achieved the "bare minimum" but let's not forget the context and also not change the yardsticks that were in place for all previous managers. I am sure if we strengthen with more transfers, our team will improve in general but i still believe that we will drop points and lose a few because Ole will continue to dither and make poor tactical decisions next season. He is getting on the job training at the most high profile position in club football.
7.) 25 Jul 2020 15:52:57
You're the king of being pedantic jred. You show me where I specifically said "Ole said the players are tired"?
Played 9 and won 6 is pretty good. It's a lot better than played 26 and won 11 as was the stat before the restart.
Anyways mate, I love a good argument but I do not enjoy conversing with you one bit and it's a waste of time to be honest.
8.) 25 Jul 2020 16:13:52
Mumbles no need to be rude .
Thats my point has ole said the players are tired? Has he used it as an excuse? Or is just another thing for the same people to complain about?
Again since the restart we have played 9 won 6 drew 3 scored 22 and conceded 7.
What was peoples expectations?
9.) 25 Jul 2020 16:28:15
I think the players look tired, you make a good point Mumbles, we could have used the 5 subs a lot earlier in a few games.
I can see how Ole wants to play and when it has clicked it has looked great, its just still a bit inconsistent.
On a down side I'm not sure how far 'create the right atmosphere and have the players feel good about things' will get us, but on the upside we now clearly have preferred starting 11, and we have seen the emergence of William's (still raw) and Greenwood (a revelation) . Martial looks re-energised and the signing of Bruno has been astute, I'm guessing it's not Ole's fault we didn't sign him sooner.
If he can't get the players up. for tomorrow then it's probably goodbye. I don't mean we have to win, I mean we have to see a plan, some effort, passions, and a desire to get the job done. We shall see.
10.) 25 Jul 2020 16:49:32
There are definetely positives Tony in regards to Ole but it's time to ditch the stabilizers and put on his big boy pants. There is a world where Ole has done well but still deserves to be sacked. If he can't get us over the line, which will be very significant in our evolution of this team, then he's blown his chance.
I think we'll win personally and I do hope we back him again in the market.
11.) 25 Jul 2020 19:47:43
Shan, it's fine to say we'd have sealed a CL place if it wasn't for some daft decisions by Ole when they are the only thing that have hindered us from doing so already which is what you seem to be suggesting.
They aren't the only thing though, De Gea, Maguire, Shaw, Williams, Lindelof, Pogba and probably more have made clear individual errors that have cost us just as much if not more than tactics. I've not mentioned the forwards but they've missed some easy chances as well. We can debate changing to 3 at the back or not playing with a high enough press all day but none of it matters if De Gea is letting in shots he should save easily, Maguire is hugging his own team mates at corners and Pogba is deciding to have a game of volleyball in the box.
It would also be fine to say Ole gets a free pass for poor performances compared to previous managers if he did, but he doesn't. The negativity on this site from some has been just as bad if not worse than under previous managers. There have probably been at least three occasions where it looked incredibly likely Ole would be gone not just due to performances but also due to fan opinion (I've suggested this myself actually saying in posts on here that he is not the coach we should have) . He's also constantly called out by most pundits as soon as United lose or drop points.
I'm not convinced long term that Ole will be the right appointment but the problems with the team aren't just tactical.
12.) 26 Jul 2020 04:02:15
Everyone saying we could make changes but everytime someone comes on we look worse than before so either ole is making the wrong substitutions or they are just not good enough.
18 Jul 2020 08:12:56
VAR, success or failure?
The principle is sound and it has corrected some bad decisions but it’s also confirmed it’s fair share. I realise it’s only as good as the people using it but I am left scratching my head at some decisions. The penalty that Bailey conceded against Bournemouth for example, it looked pretty clear that it his his shoulder. The penalty Fernandes won against Villa was never a penalty. I know some decisions will be open to interpretation but those 2 just seemed bizarre, and they are not the only ones.
We’ve talked about the offside nonsense, if you have to look at it for more than 30 seconds then it isn’t a clear and obvious error, we were fortunate on Thursday, I still don’t see how their ‘goal’ was deemed off side.
Overall, great concept, badly executed, a more common sense approach is needed. If we continue to use the phrase clear and obvious error, then that should be the guiding principle.
1.) 18 Jul 2020 08:45:45
I'd say it is a work in progress. It will take a couple of seasons more to fine tune it. Although, the refs in charge if VAR need to be impartial and not afraid of going against the refs decision.
2.) 18 Jul 2020 09:42:44
Football is often subjective and open to interpretation therefore introducing VAR was always going to be problematic in my opinion.
We're in this position because people couldn't accept the referees decision. Curiously we're still in the same position as people now can't accept the VAR decision. Football is open to interpretation and using technology to try and alter decisions that are often subjective and open to interpretation was always going to provide inconsistent results as the infringement is often in the eye of the beholder and rarely a matter of fact.
Did the game really need a forensic examination of predominantly subjective decisions where often referees can't even agree let alone players, managers or fans.
Unless it's a glaringly obvious mistake, which let's be honest are relatively few and far between I'd go with the on-field decision or certainly encourage the use of the pitch side monitors so the referee remains the principle decision maker.
I'm not convinced VAR was needed and nothing I have seen has changed my mind thus far.
3.) 18 Jul 2020 09:48:34
Tony, it really does ones head in. But i think there are certain decisions that require a human touch per se. For instance, a penalty or a foul are things that the onfield referee is the closest to. VAR can only look at it for a clear misjudgement or a clear and obvious error, like whether a player was fouled or was it a dive. Or handball decision, whether it hit the arm or not. Those are decisions that have an element of doubt and may be seen as being made by a human. Was the arm close to the body, was it flailing. Was the ball hit too close to the man or not. These require human interpretation of the laws. Having said that, refs watch each others backs. Bailly one i thought was a pen as he moved his hand to the ball and it did hit him right on the joint of the shoulder and arm, human interpretation again. Bruno one was never a penalty.
But on the offside rule, unless the rule changes i think VAR is right. It is like the goal line tech. Even if its a millimetre, off means off. As one of the refs said, its a matter of fact rather than human interpretation.
4.) 18 Jul 2020 10:13:08
VAR is a technology. It is not right or wrong. The issue is that the standard of officiating is poor, and refs are trying to use the technology as a decision maker rather than a tool to help them make decisions.
5.) 18 Jul 2020 10:42:27
I didn't really want VAR and since it has come in it hasn't really changed my mind .
I think it would be better if the ref reviewed it on the pitch tho at least then the man on the pitch is still in charge of the game.
6.) 18 Jul 2020 11:12:34
Agree jred.
And also, the referee should have access to pitch side monitor.
I also feel VAR should intervene play and send players off for nasty challenges (If the on-pitch referee misses the incident) .
{Ed002's Note - The referee has access to a pitch-side monitor.}
7.) 18 Jul 2020 11:12:35
VAR is a work in progress, typically as is the English mentality we have taken something that on the whole works elsewhere around the world but think we can do it better so deliberately use it in a different way then wonder why is isn't as successful as those using it abroad.
8.) 18 Jul 2020 12:23:53
For the marginal offside decisions, I feel an 'umpire's call' situation similar to cricket, where you stick with the onfield decision should the difference be miniscule. Yes, Jordan Ayew was technically offside looking at the images the other day, but if that's outside the margin of error for the technogy, then I feel it should be 'umpire's call'.
9.) 18 Jul 2020 12:50:47
If you had seen real Madrid's VAR decisions, you would question whether it has been successful abroad.
I struggle to see how it will work going forward.
10.) 18 Jul 2020 13:08:37
Can be improved upon massively.
Agree with jred ref on pitch should review the monitor at lot more than we see particularly for very close or the more subjective calls.
11.) 18 Jul 2020 14:50:16
I love VAR and tbh i think Utd have done ok by it . We have definitely had more correct decisions in our favour. 😀😀.
12.) 18 Jul 2020 18:20:55
VAR is rubbish but that's what makes it OK. I'm against the principle of VAR because it makes the game too clinical. In practice it creates more controversy that it solves.
Anything that makes the game more dramatic is good. I hope either they get rid of VAR or keep it like it is. I don't want to see it working effectively.
12 Jul 2020 21:59:39
If Carlsberg did weekends, they’d struggle to beat this one.
1.) 12 Jul 2020 22:52:40
Unbelivable Geoff.
Need to hammer it home tomorrow night.
Leicester look done. No maddison or chilwell and their cb out for 3 games sheff utd spurs and us. They could even be out of it before we play them.
Our team look to me to be in a much better place, stronger both mentally and physically and they look happy.
3 games in 6 days is tough i expect mctom ighalo willams and possibly james or mata to start in 1 or 2 of these games its hard to see the same starting 11 in all 3. Looking forward to the week ahead.
2.) 12 Jul 2020 23:09:02
Great weekend for us! I reckon we need 9 points to make top 4. hope we finish it off before the last day of the season.
3.) 13 Jul 2020 03:46:45
Looking at the remaining fixtures, I doubt it will even take 9.
I can easily see Leicester dropping points against Spurs and Sheffield United, so it could end up being a case of us beating them on the last day of the season and losing the other three games. That said, I think we’ll pick up 7 points in our next 3 games making the last game somewhat inconsequential.
4.) 13 Jul 2020 09:39:22
Yet you want to'sacrafice' an fa cup final place redseven. give your head a wobble mate. 😂😂.
5.) 13 Jul 2020 10:46:24
I believe I spelt sacrifice correctly, Ken. Perhaps it’s your head that needs a wobble? 😉.
6.) 13 Jul 2020 12:33:37
Bit harsh calling out his spelling. Why do you think he goes by Ken instead of his birth name Kenilston.
7.) 13 Jul 2020 13:04:14
ooooh Red seven. Miow!
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.
26 Jul 2020 19:52:58
I’m with rodio. Everything is screwed and our squad is all over the place. Give people, games, concentrate in next season, secure signings, get players fit, anything that happens in the Europa is a bonus.
25 Jul 2020 16:28:15
I think the players look tired, you make a good point Mumbles, we could have used the 5 subs a lot earlier in a few games.
I can see how Ole wants to play and when it has clicked it has looked great, its just still a bit inconsistent.
On a down side I'm not sure how far 'create the right atmosphere and have the players feel good about things' will get us, but on the upside we now clearly have preferred starting 11, and we have seen the emergence of William's (still raw) and Greenwood (a revelation) . Martial looks re-energised and the signing of Bruno has been astute, I'm guessing it's not Ole's fault we didn't sign him sooner.
If he can't get the players up. for tomorrow then it's probably goodbye. I don't mean we have to win, I mean we have to see a plan, some effort, passions, and a desire to get the job done. We shall see.
21 Jul 2020 06:25:18
Nope. If we beat WestcHam by 4 Leicester will need to best use by 2.
19 Jul 2020 21:17:21
First defeat since Jan, poor display all round but it happens. Bruno has made a difference, as has having Rash and Pogba back, but the squad is thin. Huge improvement in recent months but more depth needed.
19 Jul 2020 09:54:51
1983, Arsenal 1 United 2. Went 1 behind, then Robbo and big Norm scored screamers. One of the best matches I’ve ever been to,