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13 Jan 2025 21:34:40
Looks like Nkunku could be on his way out of Chelsea with PSG or Chelsea interested. With the Sancho deal in the summer and potentially good relations between the clubs is it worth looking at a loan to buy option for him?
I think he could work well in our number 10 positions.
1.) 13 Jan 2025 22:51:22
Nice company for Mount and Shaw on the treatment table?
2.) 14 Jan 2025 09:04:51
On his way out of Chelsea but Chelsea are interested? How does that work lol?
3.) 14 Jan 2025 09:08:33
With Chelsea anything is possible Fizz! I meant to say Bayern.
Had not considered he was that much of a health risk Eric, you are right though looks to have had a few issues.
I do like him as a player and think could fit, maybe for the money there are other alternatives out there.
4.) 14 Jan 2025 10:39:18
Fair shout re Chelsea Brad LOL.
5.) 14 Jan 2025 13:33:21
Love it Brad.
11 Jun 2024 22:22:25
Ten Hag staying as manager next year according to Fabrizio Romano with possible contract extension being discussed.
We now know and can start the plans for next year.
Whatever side of the fence it is at least not Southgate!
1.) 11 Jun 2024 22:47:57
This won’t be news to Ten Hag!
2.) 11 Jun 2024 22:52:23
I am really surprised and very disappointed but they have made their choice and he I support it as they have spoken to several others and decided on eth. Who am I to argue.
Imo they need to back him fully now and give him the security of a new contract.
I now live in hope that he can turn the mess of last season into something better next season.
Personally I'd be happy with top 4 and some decent progression. We can't do much worse in the league onwards and upwards.
@ angel I was wrong.
All we can do is support their decision and hope for the best.
3.) 12 Jun 2024 02:06:05
I think progression would be getting back in the UCL tumble with another cup run
We should be one of the favourites for the europa
And given we will make signings and sales if recruitment is done correct I don’t see why we can’t enter that competition with the aim to win it and at least go to the semi final stage
We do need much better depth it’s clear to see when we missed certain players in certain positions the quality was miles off
Get some young hungry players in and let him coach, he was great at building his Ajax team who were young ( English football is a lot different ) trust the process imo
1 more trophy in England and he’s competed it ??.
Jokes aside I think ten hag does need to be better at his subs but I can’t really moan when the players we have had on the bench have been nowhere near as good in quality
Hopefully rashford can be the player he was the season before and having a proper summer break will do him good
Players like Mount and malacia it’s make or break for them next season, hardly seen Mount so can’t really judge proper, I like Mount and hope he can get some fitness over the summer and start the season well
For me sales wise
Casimiro
Linderpoo
Van de beek
Greenwood
Sancho
Antony (not sure we would find it so easy to sell)
Wan bissaka but not a priority
Pellestri
Erickson
Martial (already gone)
Varane ( already gone)
Then you have to look at players like malacia, mount if they can’t stay fit I can’t see them being there after next season
Even players like shaw, these can’t be trusted if they can’t play games to a consistent amount just get rid
In terms of buys I think we need
2cbs
A left back
2 cms 1 more defensive
A winger
A striker
Obviously no one gets that many players in but with the money saved on wages and possible sales and looking at the squad I think it’s needed.
4.) 12 Jun 2024 03:30:28
Terrible decision. The only consolation is that he’ll probably be gone by Christmas. Let’s just hope they don’t let him waste any more money on dodgy signings between now and then.
5.) 12 Jun 2024 05:33:17
Tumble
You are a good man and respect. let's hope for a good window both outgoing and incoming and players coming back from copa and euros without any major injuries.
6.) 12 Jun 2024 05:45:36
That's the spirit Red.
Ten Hag's future depends on the fitness of Licha, keep him fit and our whole defence suddenly looks a lot better.
Like everyone else, I go into seasons eternally optimistic until proved otherwise.
7.) 12 Jun 2024 06:28:00
Fair one Ken, lot harder to say you were wrong than people think ?.
8.) 12 Jun 2024 07:49:40
Nice1 Ken. Nowt wrong with a bit of humble pie. ????.
9.) 12 Jun 2024 07:56:05
Fair ken, I'm confident he has the ability to do it. And agree, he needs a contract, just for security and to keep the rumour mill at bay for a while.
But if he doesn't show progression, he will be gone, I'm under no illusion. I just couldn't bring myself to properly judge him on last season alone.
He does have 3 cup finals and 2 trophies in 2 years, so he has solid ground under him to build.
10.) 12 Jun 2024 08:45:12
redseven, what team are you going to support now?
11.) 12 Jun 2024 13:54:26
Good to see you can say you were wrong Ken, fair play.
Enjoyed the banter along that journey ?.
12.) 12 Jun 2024 14:34:00
I'm wrong about things everyday jimbob. Everybody is. As long as I get more important stuff right than wrong I'm happy out.
All I can do now is hope. I'm not expecting anything different to the last 2 seasons over the next 2 but all any fan has is hope so I'm hoping for the best.
13.) 12 Jun 2024 17:05:25
To be fair weed, I'd say the review would have been a lot harder on him had he not won the fa cup. I'm glad he's staying but I don't want any whinging about injuries or anything else next season.
19 Jan 2024 13:56:04
In the summer we appeared to be interested in Goncalo Ramos with Bruno making favourable comments in the press. With his gametime limited this season and rumours of PSG possibly looking to move on already could we look at a 6 month loan deal?
Would likely be a more expensive loan deal than we were looking at but could be someone that going forward we may have an interest in if EtH remains.
Might be wishful thinking.
{Ed002's Note - They will want to assurae a sale if they can.}
1.) 19 Jan 2024 14:42:15
As long as it doesn’t hinder any bid for Solanke!
2.) 19 Jan 2024 14:52:06
Would make sense from there perspective but I assume that we would not want to commit with so much uncertainty on structure/ manager going forward.
Swap with Rashford!
3.) 20 Jan 2024 13:24:17
I can’t imagine by the summer there will be any uncertainty. There will be a new structure in place, and frankly a new manager most likely. Mixed feelings on this. I think we have a very good coach in ten Hag, with some help he could be a success.
08 Jan 2024 17:47:15
Looks like we are spending the first part of the window moving out players not in EtH plans for the short term/ rest of season. Van De Break, Martial, Pelestri, Sancho, Mejbri and maybe some more.
I guess it allows them to get game time for either return in the summer or a window to show there ability and then move them on and also generate a loan fee whilst getting some wages off the books.
None are getting any playing time so we will not miss them
Hopefully we will see a couple of loans in. can't see any permanent ones.
1.) 08 Jan 2024 18:28:19
Especially don't need them since the amount of games will be reduced now.
2.) 09 Jan 2024 09:14:08
Not to concerned about these players going out on loan. Free’s up space for likes of Forson and Kambwala to be in the squads and in and around the first team on match days. Dan Gore as well.
3.) 09 Jan 2024 09:35:33
I think Pellistri will get sold so will Hanibal if we get decent offers. Neither in all honesty are ever going to be good enough unless they are happy to be third choice in their positions if they stay.
Sancho and Martial are not going to be here either next year. A lot of cleaning up this squad.
4.) 09 Jan 2024 11:00:35
Unfortunately Pellistri’s end product looks too erratic, despite admirable efforts, so probably best if he goes on loan to try to be more consistent or be sold in the Summer.
Hannibal would surely have been rewarded with more first team appearances by now if he were good or consistent enough. Again, maybe a loan will help decide whether his future lies at United or elsewhere.
Willy Kwambala looks like good and am hoping Dan Gore starts to get more minutes.
Can’t see any other younger players breaking through in the short term, though some really good prospects in the Under 16s - 18s who will hopefully emerge in the next few years.
Am looking forward to the Summer overhaul though - perhaps too much to do for one window though.
As well as questionable futures of Pellistri and Hannibal, definitely move on:
Varane
Casameiro
Sancho
Greenwood
Maguire
Erickson
Donny VDBeek
Scott McTominay
Martial
Though will never get fees back that United paid for then, will free up wages and space for new players.
Hoping, at very least, we get:
Centre Back
2 x midfielder (6 and 8)
Right wing
Striker.
5.) 09 Jan 2024 12:55:32
Ken will be devastated if Pellestri goes, he loves him.
6.) 09 Jan 2024 21:24:38
After the World Cup I really wanted to believe we had a real talent on our hands. But for me the kid Pellistri is too lightweight and his final third decision making is not what it should be. He was at a similar stage as Garnacho and he just hasn’t cracked on the same.
7.) 11 Jan 2024 21:17:47
Pellistri is a better player than antony is we paid 90 mill for he hasn't cracked on as much as garnacho probably at least in part he's had much fewer opportunities than him sadly we are stuck with Antony otherwise I'd get rid of him and give pellistri more time.
8.) 11 Jan 2024 22:06:20
Maybe I'm mad, especially given the issues with Antony, Greenwood and Sancho, but I wouldn't have right wing as a high priority this summer.
Obviously there is a greater need to improve the spine, especially at CB and CM. With us needing at least one top level CB and two midfielders. Ideally we'd get two CB's but that might have to wait. Maybe we can keep Lindelof and Evans for one more season and give Kambwala a few more minutes.
We also need a striker, some people feel we need a back up option to Højlund. Which I understand, but personally I see it slightly differently. I'm not a fan of signing squad players, or back up players. For me it's a waste of money to buy a player who isn't good enough in their own right to be first choice. Especially as any "B" striker is still likely to cost upwards of 40m. It seems madness to me to spend 40m on a player who isn't good enough to be first choice.
I'd rather sign a striker who is a slightly different profile of striker to Højlund but one who is either already good enough to be first choice in their own right or at least have the potential to be good enough (and probably pretty close to reaching that potential given the age of Højlund) .
We were very successful with Yorke, Cole, Solskjaer and Sheringham. All 4 were good enough to be first choice in their own right. Obviously we tended to play with two up top then so you wouldn't get away with having 4 top strikers when you play a one striker system. But surely we should have two top strikers?
So far then that's four players good enough to be first choice, a CB two in midfield and a ST.
For me I'd there is money left in the budget then a top class RB would come before a RW for me. My reasoning for this is simple. We have seen enough of AWB and Dalot to know neither are really good enough to be first choice. Personally I'd keep Dalot as a great squad option and move AWB on, who if we are honest isn't good enough to play for a side that should look to play positive, progressive and technically superior football.
However, while options are slim at RW, there is at least potential in the squad that could develop into players who are good enough. Amad Diallo deserves the chance to prove himself, he's a talented player with a high ceiling. How are we supposed to tempt the best young players to join our club if we aren't giving the ones we have a shot.
Then we have Garnacho who has looked very good playing on the right in the two games he's played their this season. Maybe he should get a few more games on the right to see if he can tie down that position himself.
Finally we also have Mount and Bruno who can play RW depending on our tactical set up.
So while the loss of options like Greenwood and Sancho, along with Antony's clear inability to be good enough, we do have maybe more options than first thought.
Also maybe cheating but the RB I'd sign is Frimpong who has the 8th most assists of any player in Europes top five leagues over the past 18 months. He is more than capable of playing RW as well as RB.
31 Aug 2023 21:49:24
So looks like Reguilon will be coming in as LB cover. Would have preferred Cucurella only based on his Brighton form and not seen much of Reguilon. however we are in a position of balancing the books hopefully for other positions.
But. what should we expect from Reguilon. what sort of a player is he.
1.) 31 Aug 2023 22:00:43
Defensively frail but was good against us in the Europa League when he played for Seville.
2.) 31 Aug 2023 22:01:48
Played for both Madrid sides. Spurs paid £30m for a fullback. So was highly regarded. Just never really took off at Spurs.
3.) 31 Aug 2023 22:38:13
A mediocre one. Would be better off trusting in our youth options. Heck. I’d sooner play Dalot there.
4.) 31 Aug 2023 23:41:04
Another bad signing.
5.) 01 Sep 2023 06:24:29
Let’s hope the poor lad doesn’t read this forum ?
He’s a short term fix to an injury crisis and may only be here for 4 months. No doubt match going supporters will be right behind him.
6.) 01 Sep 2023 09:10:43
Clearly had some pedigree at some point, I'm sure he'll be at least a decent option until our LB injuries subside. Would have preferred Cucurella as he could cover at CB too and was great bombing forward in his Brighton days but looks like it was turning into an expensive option whereas Spurs need to clear a few out.
7.) 01 Sep 2023 09:18:01
Wazza if he read this forum he’d never of signed ??.
8.) 01 Sep 2023 09:48:23
Wazza,
We will mate, think it’s utter madness when people write signings off before they have played a game for the club.
9.) 01 Sep 2023 09:48:24
Seem to remember people upset we didn't get him a few years ago to replace Shaw who the same people wanted out.
10.) 01 Sep 2023 09:50:14
Crazy that Alvaro Fernandez didn't get a shot at left back.
The mind boggles, he looks a quality player.
ETH talks about players not quite being ready and loaned out but until you get that chance nobody will know.
Rashford is a prime example.
IMO Fernandez would do as good a job if not better than Reguilon who is very poor defensively.
11.) 01 Sep 2023 10:26:16
Before he played a game. He played for spurs. He isn't good enough for the spurs team.
12.) 01 Sep 2023 10:49:10
LeahCorky I don’t think he’s what anyone at the club would have chosen, but needs must. Dalot looked very very shaky at LB last weekend and with Shaw out for a considerable amount of time we have little options. We’re not going to sign a LB permanently as Shaw has been an excellent player for us for a long time now and the money needs investing elsewhere in the squad. Cucurrella has been seemingly overpriced by Chelsea and also on high wages, I think I read it would be 15 million all in all to have him for the season, it’s a huge fee considering he’d probably be second choice when Shaw is back. Nothing wrong with signing an out of favour PL LB for a few months until our first choice is back.
13.) 01 Sep 2023 11:20:42
When you consider Spurs are well stocked there too.
Udogie
Perisic
Sessegnon.
14.) 01 Sep 2023 11:30:14
‘For the club’ was the important part of that you missed out Leahy. Some players look poor at one club and look great at another, most wanted AWB out under our previous manager but ETH has turned him into a decent full back, no reason why Reguilon can’t do a job.
Not sure what the plan is for Alvaro Fernandez, he isn’t ready to play for us in big league games, maybe he will get chances in the carabao etc if he doesn’t go on loan, I’d be extremely worried if we had him as our first choice full back for the next few months.
15.) 01 Sep 2023 11:44:55
Long long time reader first time poster. Can't believe how some on here seem to just settle for mediocrity. This is Manchester United . Reguillon is not good enough to get in the Spurs team so I'd much rather give youth a chance. Also JE888 Shaw has been an excellent player for us? Apart from a few performances he has been shocking. Mentally not up to it. Shambolic in the two hammerings against Liverpool. Doesn't like it when the going gets tough. Support them through thick and thin but could be a long season again. Failed to address the major issues in the team but yet we've spent over 150 million.
16.) 01 Sep 2023 11:45:12
My guess with Fernandez GTS is that Ten Haag doesn’t want to put too much pressure on him. I think if the team was firing and playing well it would be easier to introduce him, but to simply throw him into the first team that is misfiring a little at the moment with little other option will put a lot of pressure on the kid. Some players may thrive under that sort of pressure, but some crumble and never recover. Introducing a new player to the team is make or break time, and it needs to be done slowly and smartly. Just throwing him in at this time isn’t a good idea and a short term loan seems sensible. Fernandez may be highly regarded and may get his chance this season, but it will be likely done slowly like Garnacho was to begin with.
17.) 01 Sep 2023 12:07:01
KDWR Shaw was our player of the season a few years ago if memory serves me correct. You can pick out a couple of games of any players career and point at bad performances. I’ve always felt when Shaws been injured we’ve been weak down that side, especially in the final third. He may not be the greatest defending full back, but attacking wise he has a great understanding and link up with Rashford. We will miss him over the next few months.
18.) 01 Sep 2023 12:18:28
Somebody explain to me why Avlaro isn't ready for the big games.
He played a full season in the Championship last season, won Preston's young player of the year.
Didn't Mason Mount do the same thing at Derby County and the next two seasons he ended up being Chelsea's player of the season.
It's boll*cks this excuse that he isn't ready. ETH needs to grow a set of balls and give the kid a chance and coach his way out of the predicamenthe is in instead of getting second rate defender on loan that will increase the wage bill.
19.) 01 Sep 2023 13:06:21
Fernandez is a good player. But we need two with Malacia and Shaw out for 3 months. Fernandez and Reguilon for LB and AWB and Dalot for RB.
20.) 01 Sep 2023 13:11:19
You’re seriously trying to say that because a player did well in the championship you’re automatically ready to start for a club challenging for champions league spots in the Prem Sim0? If that’s the case why don’t we just go and sign Burnley’s left back, they were gray last season in the championship, but now they’re looking like favourites for relegation. There’s a huge step up between the leagues, and I trust Ten Haags judgment as he sees the kid every day. I’d be willing to guess you didn’t watch a single Preston game last season, but you’re demanding our young kid who played for them starts. I’d also be willing to guess you’d be the first to criticise the club if we did play him and it was a disaster and ruined the young man’s confidence and potentially his career, and asking why we didn’t look to bring some cover in for Shaws injury.
21.) 01 Sep 2023 13:20:42
Ever considered that EtH has been watching him during training, seeing him close up try to do what the manager has asked tactically.
Maybe he hasn't impressed, playing well on loan in the championship is a good start, it doesn't mean he's ready to play regularly at the top end of the EPL.
We have a manager who has given Garnacho a chance, a real chance. While he's supposedly looking to do the same with Mainoo this season. It's not like he's not prepared to give youth a chance when he thinks the are ready. If he's not giving Alvaro Fernandez a chance then it's probably based on something he has seen in him close up.
22.) 01 Sep 2023 13:40:17
Yes sim all players that win young player of the year are ready because one player was a few years ago. I’d rather trust the manager watching him day in day out that he’s not ready than you who’ve seen him play a handful of games in the championship. Why would they need an excuse? He just isn’t ready yet.
23.) 01 Sep 2023 13:57:48
Because the coaching staff and amanager who work with him daily have decided he isnt.
I saw him several times as Deepdale, was fast and a exciting going forward, they uses hin more as a wingback.
Knocks exactly what you would expect from a kid, bit lightweight, gassed as games wore on and needs experience to learn how to read a game bettwr.
PnE fans of whom i have a few in my family really thought highly of him. I thought he would go to another loan this year to be honest.
24.) 01 Sep 2023 16:15:00
Stop being so stupid JE888.
I was saying that the kid deserves a chance considering all the injuries we have in the left back position.
And where does signing Burnley's left back come in to the equation tell me, what a silly thing to say.
If the kid isn't given a chance then how is anyone going to find out if he can cut it.
I keep referring back to Rashford, where would he be now if we didn't have those two injuries against Midtjylland?
Typical United we go out and cough up another few million pounds on a sh*te full back who can't even get a game at Spurs.
25.) 01 Sep 2023 16:42:19
Sorry but I trust the manager over you mate. He works with the player every day. The coaching staff will know if he’s ready. You do keep referring to Rashford, but forward players are different. A mistake at the top end of the pitch is far less likely to lead to a goal. We can’t just throw a young kid in to a top 4 challenging team with no other player who can adequately cover that position and hope for the best. It could destroy his confidence if he doesn’t do well.
Young players need bedding in. Who knows, he may get a chance and take it with both hands during Shaws injury. He may do brilliantly and keep anyone else out of the team. However he may get a chance and not do well. Then we’ve got a player who is faltering and struggling game after game and no real alternative. If that was the case he may never recover his confidence for the club.
He may end up wasting all the talent he has because we forced him to step up too soon. Have some patience. Ten Haag gave Garnacho a chance. I’m sure Fernandez will get a chance as well in time, if he’s good enough. We’ve had high hopes for many players in the past and few have worked out. Rashford so far is pretty much the only academy graduate in over 10 years who’s made the grade. Why put all this pressure on the lad?
26.) 01 Sep 2023 19:31:34
Je888 how old is Fernandez? You say can’t chuck young players in without bedding them in could destroy there confidence, yep correct, but don’t the same then apply to our new striker, who is only 20 and will have more eyes on him then any full back but we are expecting him to go straight and and be our Number 9. Why don’t same rules apply to him then as what you pointed out?
Please I’m curiuos.
27.) 02 Sep 2023 09:57:37
Why do some of you think he won't get a chance?
With Shaw and Malcia out for a few months, it would be uuter stupidity to rely entirely on Fernandez. What if he got injured? Or just couldn't handle the workload or pressure of playing nearly every game?
With Reguillon, we can give Fernandez chances and playing time, but without being totally reliant on him. Dalot isn't great on the left, and we need him for cover on the right too, so only having him and Fernandez for left back for 3 months or more wouldn't be smart.
I think Reguillon might do better than some of you think, too. If AWB plays on the right, he is well suited for staying back to form a back three when Reguillon pushes forward, giving us width when Rashford comes inside.
Reguillon may not be who anyone, fan or management, would have preferred, but I think he'll do a decent job for a few months.
Brad76's banter posts with other poster's replies to Brad76's banter posts
02 Feb 2025 13:10:29
Regardless of incomings which we know we will need over the next few windows I think the club are doing good business with players leaving which we know is difficult based on salaries and how much we paid initially.
Loans for Rashford, Sancho, Antony which hopefully will turn into permanent moves. Malacia being discussed as loan this window. Casimero, Lindelof and I expect Shaw to be moved in the summer will mean big wages have gone and we have recouped some money.
Not saying all our problems are solved but it is a step in the right direction and I like the age and profile of the players being discussed coming in.
Turning us round will take a while but the first few steps are happening.
1.) 02 Feb 2025 13:43:19
Agreed on all but Shaw. He staying or leaving will depend on how he gets on till end of the season. We should have salary space but I don't know if that will reflect in enhanced budget. Getting in a starting midfielder, forward player (or two) and squad reinforcements won't be cheap and probably need to happen in the summer. It's going to be busy.
2.) 02 Feb 2025 14:24:19
Hopefully Shaw can stay fit and have an impact for the rest of the season, so much that another club comes in for him.
That would be the perfect scenario.
3.) 02 Feb 2025 15:51:14
Come to the conclusion it doesn't matter who comes in, they're a disaster. yoro today, my god how gad.
4.) 02 Feb 2025 16:07:05
The team is awful, you could bring in a front 3 of Haaland, Salah and Mbappe and the team would still look awful and not score.
5.) 02 Feb 2025 17:33:37
At least Martinez will come back from injury not like Shaw, Shaw no excuses needs the door.
6.) 02 Feb 2025 18:26:40
Nick,
What did Yoro do today that was worse than any of the others? Seems random to just pick him out for abuse.
7.) 02 Feb 2025 19:24:01
Where do I start? Throughout the fame he qas just weak, he didn't have a clue where the players where. and his passing, wow not sure he actually managed a hit a red shirt. Maguire was poor, in fact all 11 to 15 were, but he was as bad as I've seen from any defender. not first time either, been hopeless since he's started playing.
8.) 02 Feb 2025 20:37:18
Yoro had a 94% passing accuracy from 57 passes today, Maguire 79% from 73 passes and Martinez 86% from 68 passes. Martinez was actually the 2nd highest in the team. 94% is extremely good for a player that never hit a red shirt. For context Van Dijk had an 89% pass success in their game yesterday.
Interesting how different people see the games isn’t it and how you see what you want to see, but stats are a good way to check if what you’re eyes are telling you is correct.
9.) 02 Feb 2025 21:58:53
I am not in the slightest bit interested in passing accuracy. A totally skewed statistic especially for defenders that pass it 5 yards (eventually) sideways.
10.) 03 Feb 2025 00:03:03
Keefy,
Absolutely fine but Nick said Yoro never passed to a red shirt when in fact he passed to a red shirt more than any other player on the pitch.
11.) 03 Feb 2025 09:19:48
Yep not arguing that mate. Just that skewed or totally irrelevant stats are my absolute bug bear.
31 Jan 2025 08:55:42
A couple of thoughts from our recent games and the window closing on Monday.
If Dorgu comes in this will give us a genuine balance and wingback option on the left, with Shaw if he gets fit/ Malacia if he remains as cover. This will allow us to rely on Dalot/ Amad on the right wingback role, which I think currently are the best players suited to that position.
Mazouari is one of my favourtite players at the minute, he is really good in any position but is excelling whenever played as the right sided CB. We should play him there and allow for Yoro to develop and get minutes as the season goes on. Martinez/ De Ligt/ Mazouari should be our starting.
The switch of Mainoo/ Fernandes seems to be a bit of a master stroke and currently seems to fit boths atributes whilst limiting there weaknesses. Mainoo alongside Garnacho if he stays could really grow as the season goes on, they have a real connection together.
Striker, if we can loan a player in this would be the best option to get us through the season. If that is one of our long term targets put in option to buy, if not then straight loan. Zirkzee I can see offers something, Hojlund needs a reset as at the minute nothing seems to be working. Even when he was getting some goals it was very streaky.
All in, I can see shoots of positivity. let's get some of the players out we need to. we all know who they are.
1.) 31 Jan 2025 10:51:17
Agree Brad. New left sided player is priority, and then striker.
Ferguson at Brighton was mooted on here but would be a huge gamble, David at Lille hasn’t moved for whatever reason…. who else is there?
2.) 31 Jan 2025 12:04:17
Dorgu looks like he could be a shrewd signing. We've obviously paid the United tax, but I don't think we can get away from that.
Yet we've actually signed a player who looks to have huge potential, especially in the role we want him for, but he hasn't yet had his massive breakout season where you end up getting the same top sides all looking to sign him, pushing his price right up.
I remember when we were linked with players like Caicedo before he joined Brighton and Enzo Fernandez before he joined Benfica. Yeah they went for peanuts at the time, but we all know you could increase that by 50% if we had actually tried to sign them.
Dorgu will obviously go straight into the first team squad and probably pretty quickly into the starting 11. I think he will improve us immediately, but that it'll be a season or two before he really starts to click into gear consistently.
Yet it is a shift away from waiting until a player has a massive breakout year, or for them to move to a mid-level "stepping stone" club and do it there for a year before we try to sign them at a massively inflated fee by that time.
I don't think it benefits us to wait to see if they are successful elsewhere before we sign them, it doesn't actually make them any less likely to flop. Either they have the ability and mentality to succeed or they don't. Amad is an example, he took a few years to continue to develop and had to go out on loan. Yet if he was playing this well for Atalanta right now he'd cost us 70-80m based on what they charged us for Højlund. Instead we paid an initial 19m rising to a maximum of 37m depending on various clauses.
At the time that wasn't even a great deal, we could and should have been able to negotiate a better deal than that. But that was how the old regime did things. However, in hindsight that deal looks pretty reasonable, if he keeps up this form and maybe even goes up another level then it looks a great deal.
13 Nov 2024 09:49:58
With all the silence and false dawns around Malacia it was great to see that he was on the pitch for the U21's yesterday.
I imagine it will be a while before we see him playing with the first team but it is just great for the lad that he has managed to get 45 minutes of playing time.
If he can stay fit and develop he does feel like the sort of player that Amorim may like in the wing back positions.
1.) 13 Nov 2024 10:10:48
Great news and probably a few weeks away and few more games with U21 and 60 minute sort of preps. Shaw also seems almost back. The more the merrier. RA will need all the bodies who can help and some might surprise. Martinez coming back as he seems to have injured his hip and hope nothing serious.
I think it might be a first ever that we may have almost no injuries after the break and full squad available assuming they come back from internationals okay. Last 18 months half have been missing at one point or another.
Really cool pics of RA meeting some of the players floating around.
{Ed077's Note - Is it just me or is Martinez getting injured a bit too frequently? }
2.) 13 Nov 2024 10:47:03
Ed077
Hopefully nothing serious. Injuries across europe by the looks of it and lots of acl tears. Lots of CB's picking up injuries in the league. The volume of games and intensity takes its toll.
RM are a walking hospital and looks like lost 2/ 3 more players. some long term too.
{Ed077's Note - Hopefully nothing serious. But he has picked up a fair few injuries in the last 18 months and its not ideal to have your main CB miss games again and again.
3.) 13 Nov 2024 11:11:40
Ed he is barong above his weight physically every week.
He also theirs himself into challenges unnecessarily. However that's his style and you lose something from his game if you curtail those habits.
He will always have his share of knocks simply bevvies he is a little man with a huge heart and sometimes the 2 don't always workout.
{Ed077's Note - wakey wakey TW. Or is it Fot Fingers ? ;-P
4.) 13 Nov 2024 11:32:01
Ed077 - you do have a point with Martinez and it could be that he just can't shake previous injuries and they keep flairing up.
My 11 year old asked whether he is actually injured or whether he did not want to risk it on international duty and wanted to focus on being available for our fist game back. Was proud he is as cynical as the rest of us!
{Ed077's Note - no DNA tests necessary :-D
5.) 13 Nov 2024 12:39:16
Martinez just needs Rhythm, he took a couple of dirty challenges at the weeked and probably down to one of those.
Also you are more likely to get injuries when you've just returned from one. The body needs to get used to impacts for conditioning.
23 Oct 2024 16:29:57
Looking at the travelling squad for the Europa game, with a number of players out, there are a number of things I hope we see.
1. Harry Amass at left back, let see what he can do and whether he can be a rotational piece as the season progresses. Keep Mazraoui rested for the premier league so play Dalot at RB
2. With Fernandes out let's see what Zirkzee can do in the AM/ 2nd striker role alongside Hojlund. Erikson needs to have minutes monitored so think this is a good game to try the 2 of them.
1.) 23 Oct 2024 17:21:21
Good suggestions Brad, although I fear far too sensible for ETH.
2.) 23 Oct 2024 17:56:04
Brad I'd agree with you every other year bar this as I think the el is our best route back into cl. Financially there will be far reaching benefits for that. We are not secure yet for next phase so personally I'd prioritise thur above Sunday on this occasion.
3.) 23 Oct 2024 20:26:01
Giving a young lad a debut in turkey away might not be the best idea.
4.) 24 Oct 2024 13:22:18
I've never seen a more written in the stars defeat than tonight! I'd keep the young lads away from it personally . How I look forward to mourinho fist pumping his way down the touchline after Fred's overhead kick ?.
5.) 24 Oct 2024 15:15:01
We can win this one. These are not great. Fingers crossed.
6.) 24 Oct 2024 18:57:51
Or it could be the making of him, Backpass.
06 Oct 2024 16:34:34
At the beginning of the season I thought I was seeing small signs of progression even if the results were not always showing it. Over the past 4-5 games it has been the exact opposite.
We seem to have no energy in games, the in game set up seems to fall apart as soon as the opposition exert any sort of hold on the game. No connection between the attack/ midfield/ defence leaving gaps everywhere.
Substitutions being made by the manager that at best appear odd, at worst appear to not address the problems on the pitch as make us worse. When we needed a spark in attack bringing on Antony rather than Amad is crazy, Lindelof on for Mazraoui rather than MArtinez at left back and switching Dalot across. or even better actually having one of the youth left backs on the bench to bring in!
I have always wanted it to work with EtH, but at this point I think he is done. It will be interesting to see what the leadership group think having watched it today and at their meeting on Tuesday. it may not even get to then!
1.) 06 Oct 2024 16:47:13
Could it be any flatter? Such an uninspiring team to watch. We didn’t look like scoring in a month of Sundays.
2.) 06 Oct 2024 17:53:02
Bringing on Antony instead of Amad was likely because Antony can defend better. This was a game that ETH didn’t want to lose and that was the mental approach, rather than how he might win it.
3.) 06 Oct 2024 18:23:43
Thought a draw would save his job so set us up to survive…joke manager!
16 May 2025 09:19:31
Cunha all day long. Agree with comments about his temper and agressive nature at points, but on the flipside you have a player that lives for goals and assists and will not be pushed around by defenders.
We can have a player like this in the team and will transform our attacking play.
29 Apr 2025 15:50:27
Can't help but feel that Gore has been over taken by other players in the picking order of younger players and his loan deals have not exactly worked out for a number of reasons.
I would expect we either give him another loan in the Championship with a view that this is final chance, increase value or can come back and fight for a place. Or, we decide it is better to sell and get him a move with either a sell on clause/ buy back option.
Unfortunately I think he will not get to the standard we need going forward.
23 Apr 2025 08:19:03
Cunha looks 100% the right player for what we need now and the situation we are in.
He is 25 so coming into his prime years, not a young player so will add experience. He has some nastyness to him which I am certain we will have issues with at times but will add some grit and desire to the team.
Plays in a position that we keep saying we need an upgrade in so will not need an adaptation period to the system, has 2 years of a certain level of success in the premier league.
Feels right player right time to me.
10 Apr 2025 07:57:06
In some cases I can understand these stories especially with players of a certain age or if they have been competing on the CL with there current club (someone like Osihmen maybe its an influence) . Players should also consider the life of their contract they sign, if not year 1 what is it likely to be in year 2/ 3.
However, for someone like Delap he needs to be considering what is the best place for his next development not what European football that team will be in. If the two points align great, but being second/ third fiddle for a CL team would not be the right move.
Plus as Ed says, quite often wages can appease players!
25 Mar 2025 10:22:04
I think Amad was superb in the RWB when he played there and definitely best option as a rounded performer from the current squad.
I imagine we will retain Dalot as an option for next year.
Looking at other options we do have Diego Leon joining in the summer so along with Dorgu we have the start of a good group.
I have read that Mantato is well thought of in the u18's and is viewed as a potential RWB in a similar switch that Amorim did with Quenda.
Priorities may be elsewhere first.
16 May 2025 23:14:10
Bolger I think we can agree that Hojlund has been awful, whether he can recover his career in a different league/ team only time will tell but he currently looks a few years away.
Unfortunately he will lead the line on Wednesday as we have no other option, we have not tried a false 9 so think he will start and change if needed.
16 May 2025 09:12:47
Rather than those players I think Cunha has a touch of the Cantona in him, and no I am not suggesting he is as good.
He is a bit of a maverick, has an agression about him that we will need to accept he may get yellows/ red cards.
However, could be transformational in the 10 position for us.
Personally if we could sell Rashford, Antony, Sancho (lost nothing from the current team and get upwards to £100k) and end up with Cunha. and maybe a Mbeumo (or someone scouted on continent) . We will look like a different team next season.
I would then say choose which of the current squad fill the other 10 places in squad from Mount/ Garnacho/ Fernandes (think he might drop deeper) / Amad (think he may be used as RWB next year) / Mainoo etc. can we keep all or need to sell to reinvest. Then move on those that don't fit.
08 May 2025 16:52:03
I think Garnacho has impressed Amorim with his hard work and it appears like he is developing more into the role he wants. Whether that is enough and Amorim sees a future for him only he knows. It is possible he does not rate him and getting £40/ 50m for him will be seen as good business and we can get an upgrade in.
Another aspect may be where Amorim sees Mainoo (and potentially how much he rates him) . Is he best in the number 10 role, does that make Garnacho more disposable, what does that mean for Mount (lots will say get rid but if fit Amorim seems to like him)
Some of it will come down to finances, if we have enough money to bring players in (we will hopefully be bringing in close to £100m from Rashford, Antony, Sancho, Malacia) then maybe we see what Garnacho can do for another year. If we need money then he is an easily sold asset.
Aside from all of this, what does he want to do. Does he even want to play in the inside forward position or does he want to play as a winger in a 433 by which point he may be pushing for a move and the decision is taken a bit out of the clubs hands.
On the comparisons, he is currently miles off but that does not mean he can not springboard next year.
01 May 2025 11:25:11
I think that statement is looking at the current season in isolation, so in that case one trophy does not save what we have all agreed has been a painful and awful season.
If you look at it from a progression, what it means for next season or that we are developing then I agree it is important. But, nothing will solve the current season. But will help.
28 Apr 2025 09:07:39
Back in 2022 Ragnic said that we needed open heart surgery and whilst the fans agreed the club continued on its path repeating the same mistakes of the past.
Ineos came in and made some dramatic comments about the state of the club and playing team, suggesting it is going to take years to correct and get us back challenging (2027!) - wilst not what we want to hear he fans agreed
Amorim came in and made statements that ideally he wanted to wait for the season to end to get a full pre-season, stating that it was going to get worse before it gets better and we will feel pain. But for the long run it would be for the best. YThe fans liked the honesty and agreed that it was going to be a tough period.
My point is that our problems are not new, we all understand the pain and agree that we have to re-set. We need to judget the manager next season after a summer transfer window and training period where we have the players he want and system is imbeded with more players suited.
I agree this season has been painful and not easy to watch, also Amorim and his system is not for everyone. However, what we have been doing previously has not worked so we have to give this time. I think he will come good.