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30 Jul 2025 15:28:14
Ornstein drops the Sesko bomb!
Cunha Sesko Mbuemo
Is a ridiculous upgrade on what we had last season.
I believe that once Antony, Sancho and Garnacho leave, there'll be one more big one, too.
1.) 30 Jul 2025 16:28:58
Big hurdle concerning transfer fee first. Newcastle will pay over the odds to save face now.
2.) 30 Jul 2025 16:33:12
Exciting if true. I know it’s a gamble, but I think he will go on to be one of the very best.
3.) 30 Jul 2025 16:33:54
Newcastle not out of it yet by all accounts, could be bigging up our chances so they can salvage some pride by saying they beat us to his signing. Will see what happens. The fee will be the big issue, we saw how long mbeumo took ?.
4.) 30 Jul 2025 17:33:41
Now being reported Rasmus Hoijland going the other way to Leipzig.
5.) 30 Jul 2025 18:02:17
That would be ideal Wallace. If that was the case, they should still see if we could offload Garnacho to Villa and bring Watkins in.
I know transfers don’t always work like that but if the powers that be could pull that off then our frontline would be considerably better than last season .
6.) 30 Jul 2025 19:14:30
It's rumoured that Sesko has a clause in his contract whereby his transfer fee is a reduced if an 'elite' named club (we are one of the named) approach.
Seemingly a bid of approx £70m would be the amount needed.
Vivell has flown back from the tour and of course his previous association with Leipzig should give him an inside knowledge.
It seems Vivell is pushing very hard for Sesko over Watkins.
We shall see. Clearly Watkins would be expected to have a greater impact short term, but Sesko has a much, much higher potential ceiling. Of course Cunha and Mbeumo are both proven at Premier League level so playing with those two much reduces the risk associated with a young player in a new league.
I personally hope we go for Sesko, anyway, who's to say he will struggle initially? he might hit the ground running and there is no absolute guarantee Watkins will deliver.
7.) 30 Jul 2025 20:25:33
£60m for Sesko.
Leipzig buy Hojlund for £40m in separate transaction for PSR.
Sell Antony, Sancho and Garnacho for a realistic £85m combined.
Buy Baleba for £70m.
Buy Donarumma for £40m.
Net outlay of £45m.
Cunha and Mbuemo’s money went on 24-25 books.
If the above happened, we’d come top 4.
8.) 30 Jul 2025 20:43:27
Would prefer Watkins and spending more on GK and CM. But more importantly, hope this is sth RA is on board with.
9.) 30 Jul 2025 20:46:05
Downsie, Donarumma would be an outstanding signing. Can’t see it happening but he would be a massive character to have in the team. One of the top keepers in the world.
10.) 30 Jul 2025 21:08:15
If that happened Downsie we'd be challengers.
11.) 30 Jul 2025 21:36:01
It sounds like Watkins was the preferred option, but Villa are demanding too much and we've switched to Sesko now.
It would be very handy if we could agree a deal that sees Højlund go to Leipzig as Sesko's replacement.
However, we needed a striker to compete with Højlund. Effectively swapping Højlund for Sesko (while potentially an upgrade) still leaves us a little light on options up front.
I mean what do we do if Sesko takes a while to settle, gets injured, or flops entirely? Who do we bring in to the team for him?
If Sesko or any striker joins AND Højlund leaves I think we still need another striker as well. Definitely if the new striker is young and/ or unproven in the EPL.
12.) 30 Jul 2025 21:39:53
Imagine
Donarumma
Yoro De Ligt Heaven
Amad Baleba Bruno Dorgu
Mbeumo Sesko Cunha.
13.) 30 Jul 2025 22:09:07
Cunha and Mbuemo's cost will be going on the books for the next 5 years and only a very small amount of Cunha's fee will be charged to 2024/ 5.
14.) 30 Jul 2025 22:13:24
Having no Højlund is effectively the same as having Højlund in the squad. Both scenarios will end with no goals for Højlund.
15.) 30 Jul 2025 22:31:20
Watkins will go to Newcastle now.
16.) 31 Jul 2025 00:18:49
I actually think Watkins will get more EPL goals next season that Sesko does. But it’s the seasons after that I’m focusing on. And I still think Sesko will break into double figures.
17.) 31 Jul 2025 01:21:22
Anyone know what donnaruma is demanding for his wage?
Even PSG who has all the money can't find an agreement with him.
18.) 31 Jul 2025 05:00:47
I think PSG have come to realize that having a team of players who fight for one another is more important than having eleven individuals who are only there for a paycheck. I’m sure they could easily afford to pay him what he wants. They just don’t want to.
I’m kinda torn myself. Players wanting to maximize their earnings makes perfect sense to me, so him coming in on a big wage isn’t necessarily an issue. But if he flops, we’re stuck with him. Plus the last Italian goalkeeper we tried didn’t really work out too well for us. RIP Taibi.
19.) 31 Jul 2025 05:09:55
Sesko and Hoijlund are the same age with the latter having the benefit of acclimatising to a new country/ league for two years and the benefit of a pre-season under RA, the former reportedly having a very high ceiling but an inconsistent last couple of seasons albeit in an inconsistent team.
With Cunha and Mbuemo either side of the striker I have higher hopes for Hoijlund and higher hopes for a new ST (be it Sesko or anyone else) than I did when we had Garnacho and Rashford. I'd hope that we keep Rasmus as we need to ADD a striker, not necessarily replace one, however with PSR constraints and trying to get Sesko before Newcastle have the funds to sign him (presumably needing to sell Isak first) .
I just hope RA keeps and let's go of who he wants to and the club are trying to fulfil HIS vision of the squad. We need to back him, this may be me being more hopeful than logical, but I just feel he's the one who IS and WILL instill our clubs values back and do the much needed and delayed 'open-heart surgery' we ran away from under Ralf Rangnick.
If Sesko is who Amorim wants, then Sesko is who we should get. If Hoijlund is who Amorim doesn't want, then Hoijlund should be moved on to facilitate future signings.
I can see a lot of positive changes in the pre-season (yes pre-season I know) games in terms of attitude and tactics.
In Ruben I trust
In Ruben I trust.
20.) 31 Jul 2025 20:33:34
AMPN, he wants 400k per week and a fresh virgin every Sunday.
21.) 01 Aug 2025 01:52:08
Brighton will want closer to £100m for Baleba as they have zero need to sell. And £95m for Sancho, Antony and Garnacho is a bit of a stretch. Likely £15m for Sancho and perhaps around 20-25m for Anthony depending on who buys him and around 40 for Garnacho if a buyer can be found which doesn’t seem likely at the moment.
22.) 03 Aug 2025 11:52:25
Donnarumma 40 million, I very much doubt that…… we give more for a clown, I think they be queuing round Paris if that was the case! He fancies a bigger deal one would expect and he in the perfect negotiating position.
15 May 2025 17:52:02
I'm not buying the Semenyo rumours at all. He'd be the L10, which is exactly where Cunha is being bought to play.
L10: Cunha/ Garnacho
R10: Mbuemo/ Amad/ Mount
LWB: Dorgu/ Shaw/ Amass
RWB: Amad/ Dalot.
1.) 15 May 2025 20:38:04
What makes you think Cunha is nailed on? Remember Olise lol.
2.) 15 May 2025 20:47:04
I would take Semenyo over Cunha every day until the end of time, there is simply no comparison.
I'll say again RWB, no for Amad.
Dumfries, Ait-Nouri are two to consider.
3.) 15 May 2025 21:56:05
Yeah I think we need a wingback too. Vanderson of Monaco also linked recently who looks a good player.
4.) 15 May 2025 22:20:55
Jimbo red. Really Semenyo over Cunha? Cunha is far more talented and can play in many positions. He would be able to play in any of the top teams. Semenyo is a good player but I could never see him play as a number 8 or number 10 to the same level if at all. Cunha is a little bit Cantonaesque.
5.) 15 May 2025 22:32:54
Cunha is a bit like Cantona in every department. A bit lazy, a bit of a temper etc etc.
Watched both play, believe Semenyo offers more to the team. Cunha is about Cunha.
{Ed025's Note - a loose cannon Jimbob, but very talented mate..
6.) 16 May 2025 03:00:24
Not denying his talent Ed25, my main concern is whether he is the 'right' fit at the right time for us.
If we had an established squad that was competing week in week out, sprinkling a Cantona/ Cunha type player into the mix is a great idea.
I just have a feeling throwing Cunha to lions with our current squad could have far reaching damaging consequences. I would love to be proven wrong. Maybe I am just scarred from previous examples!
{Ed025's Note - i get what you are saying Jimbob, the thing is that he is a goal threat which is something you are missing mate..
7.) 16 May 2025 06:41:36
Rooney and Keane were loose cannons aswell. Sometimes you need players like that.
{Ed025's Note - i agree MH..
8.) 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.
9.) 16 May 2025 10:10:33
Totally agree Ed, he fits the bill for goals/ assists.
I was and still am in the Cunha IN camp, I just have that slight reservation. But I guess you could apply the same concerns to any signing!
{Ed025's Note - he would certainly improve the team Jimbob..
10.) 16 May 2025 19:31:44
I think they sell garnacho.
11.) 16 May 2025 22:23:30
Garnacho and Hojlund should be sold.
12.) 18 May 2025 00:03:09
Garnacho needs to stay.
13.) 18 May 2025 11:17:21
Not for me, Garnacho needs to go too, his finishing is atrocious and becoming a one trick pony. If they can get 50 mil plus for him then use it to get more goals into this team.
14.) 19 May 2025 09:04:25
Or get a world class goalie.
15.) 19 May 2025 10:16:39
We need goals badly and a GK and a CB.
16.) 19 May 2025 17:11:55
With Garnacho I'm fine either way.
If we keep him then we have a young player with potential who has shown ability to be a very good player. He will need to knuckle down and develop further though to have a long term future at the club.
While if we sell him then we receive a large fee, entirely profit that can be reinvested in the squad. Hopefully on players more ready to be first team players and make a consistent impact in the team.
I mean we are almost certainly going to sign Cunha, and with Bruno and Amad in the squad that probably puts Garnacho 4th choice in one of the No.10 positions. If Mount can stay fit and rediscover his best form then Garnacho would be 5th choice. While Mainoo might be best in one of those positions rather than deeper. If fully fit and with a good pre-season behind him then he could well have an impact next season similar to last season. Which could then push Garnacho down to 6th choice.
He is a player I think we can afford to lose as his impact right now is not where it needs to be, and we have a lot of quality in those positions. So selling him could be the difference between adding a second striker signing, a midfielder or a keeper this summer. All of whom would be more likely to be first choice and improved the he starting 11.
17.) 20 May 2025 10:36:58
I not at all sold on Garnacho at all and think he should be sold, but to say Mainoo would be in front of him in that position is pushing it a bit too far….
Mainoo or Garnacho should not be in our starting 11, if we want to improve, we need to be setting our sights higher than either of these two.
02 Jan 2025 21:12:22
Gyokeres rumours for a JANUARY transfer heating up.
Can imagine us sending Antony and Lindelof there to lower the price. £50m plus those two, £30m of which will be recuperated by selling Casemiro to Saudi. So a £20m outlay on Gyokeres plus huge wages saved. Then Rashford to PSG in a loan swap for Nuno Mendes. £20m Jan window outlay, which sounds realistic.
1.) 02 Jan 2025 21:35:02
Give this man Ashworth’s job….
2.) 02 Jan 2025 21:49:21
Thought RM said on day 1 he wouldn’t go for any Sporting player in January?
3.) 02 Jan 2025 21:55:25
Sounds, great but wishful thinking I fear.
4.) 02 Jan 2025 22:57:43
Gyorkeres would struggle in this team.
5.) 03 Jan 2025 01:01:50
Sounds like fifa career mode. How on earth do you think that's realistic?
6.) 03 Jan 2025 11:17:12
Sounds good until a blind man whispers in the ear of SP CEO and says . that Antony fella isn't worth 5 mill. and Lindelof has all the confidence of a one armed boxer once he's within 10 feet of a football.
7.) 03 Jan 2025 13:14:50
Burrenwayboy,
I still can't believe the club triggered a 1 year extension for lindelof.
8.) 03 Jan 2025 18:28:57
Maguire?
9.) 03 Jan 2025 19:35:09
Casimero for 30 million to saudi? that is absolute gold! thank you, thank you.
10.) 03 Jan 2025 19:39:28
Why do a lot of folk continue to refer to Ruben Amorim, as RM? Is there a reason?
11.) 04 Jan 2025 19:32:59
No chance of Gyokeres this window.
12.) 05 Jan 2025 04:00:46
Ruben M-or-him? ?.
13.) 05 Jan 2025 13:27:03
Probably years of writing RM in short for me, (whilst having a shout ? at me) that’s in their auto spelling.
14.) 07 Jan 2025 22:29:52
Jimbobred,
RA sounds too scouse.
21 Aug 2024 07:33:49
Ugarte likely to come in very soon, possibly even today.
Pellistri, Mejbri, Oyedele all out by the weekend. Eriksen to follow next week.
I think McTominay will stay, but expect Sancho to leave next week, probably on another loan deal.
I just have a sneaky feeling we are going to do something big and unexpected in the last week, too. I think INEOS will want to make an absolute statement signing on deadline day to really hammer home their arrival.
1.) 21 Aug 2024 08:06:30
I wouldn't be surprised if we tried again for branthwaite, he was obviously a top target but i think that depends if Lindelof goes.
2.) 21 Aug 2024 09:59:42
I'd be delighted to keep Scott McTominay - he always gives 100% and never let's you down. He isn't a technical midfielder the way e. g. Eriksen is, but he offers other things. I'd happily say goodbye to Eriksen and Casemiro - both have been fantastic players but their age is catching up and slowing them down. At their peak they would have graced any team but their best days are behind them. I think both still have a lot to offer going forward, but defensively they are too exposed and that makes it very hard to Mainoo etc. However, it's not their fault that Utd paid too much, and both deserve respect for their achievements in the game - at his peak Casemiro was world class in his role, and Eriksen has always been a joy to watch and a model pro.
Sancho I am not convinced has the heart to be a Utd player - wonderful skill but also not a fighter for the cause: if we can get a good price I would sell and move on just to clear the decks.
So, my ideal purchases in last days of window would be Ugarte, a young and hungry left back (Shaw and Malacia just too unreliable with injury: the Turkish guy looks good but I think the Hungarian guy at Bournemouth is more PL proven - but what do I know? ) and if possible another effort for Branthwaite. Unlikely to get them all, but it would be a truly fantastic window if we could achieve this.
3.) 21 Aug 2024 10:58:38
We need a player like Ugarte in midfield, if that means moving McTominay I'd be fine with that. Ugarte's energy and ball winning ability is something we lack in the squad.
McTominay is the 2024 version of Fellaini in my eyes. Gives his all, limited on the ball, can't trust him defensively but if you put him in the opposition box, he's going to cause problems.
As for other departures and signings, I'd say Sancho, Hannibal and Pellistri need to go as they're clearly not at the forefront of Ten Hag's thinking.
If we are to bring in another with Ugarte, I'd target a wide player rather than a left back. When fit, Shaw will start so why sign a short term fix again? We saw how that worked with Weghorst, Reguilon, Amrabat and Sabitzer in recent years. In our wide areas we have youth in Amad and Garnacho and two horribly out of form players in Rashford and Antony. I'd say that is just as big a concern as the likely fitness issues at left back.
4.) 21 Aug 2024 11:39:29
RJmanutd interested you would stick with Shaw and Malacia - I agree Shaw when fit is still quality, but he's not been consistently fit for a log while now, so my sense is that we need to look to the future with a young player who can develop. Amass looks a good prospect but we can't expect him never to lose form or fitness as he develops physically and tactically in next few years, so another young player (like Kerkez at Bournemouth) would be a sensible way to balance risk. If Shaw gets fit consistently he can take his place back, if not he hs to work for it same as everyone should. Last season I think LB was a major weakness for us (although lack of left sided CB with Lisandro injured did not help) and we were targeted. Amrabat is not a bad player, but chopping and changing where he played didn't help him or the team - trying to use him at LB was insanity! I agree that Reguilon and Weghorst weren't great, but I actually thought Sabitzer was a good player and he's looked good for Austria, and in the upper levels of German league (Bayern, RBL and Dortmund - although I can agree their levels are a little lower than EPL overall, Bayern don't buy too many complete mugs) . Biggest problem has been we have brought in some players who look good in other teams and systems, but we haven't coached them well and we haven't had a consistent style of play, so each match we have lurched from system to system. Hopefully this is something Wilcox and Ashforth will address together with Ten Hag but it's not an instant fix and I suspect it will take at least 2 seasons to sort properly. But if we can settle on a style of play, buy players who fit that system and coach players to work in that way, we should see progress. although some players are not very adaptable (either too thick or too ego driven to do so) . Even a team like City - with a huge amount of money and some serious talent available to them, and a well defined system of play by now - buy players and then it takes months for them to really fit the system and settle in - and some (e. g. Phillips, Grealish) don't ever really convince. This season I expect progress, but breaking top 4 will be a big achievement and we shouldn't expect a lasting challenge at top end of the table. I am pretty sure most of us don't expect that, even if we would love to see it.
5.) 21 Aug 2024 12:21:07
I'm not sure we will move for LB now. It's a bizarre situation we find ourselves in, looking for a player who technically could only be 5th choice in that position behind Shaw, Malacia, Mazraoui, Dalot. Last resort should be Martinez, then Amass. Better solution is to find a long-term starter in this position next summer. I think at least one of Shaw/ Malacia will be offski.
6.) 21 Aug 2024 12:27:34
Phil, I totally agree that Shaw and Malacia as LB options is risky. Shaw when fully fit is a very good left back, hence why he is first choice. It's just I don't see the club buying a new 1st choice left back this window, and ultimately, they'd need to be a pretty good player to justify not playing Shaw when he is fully fit. Some of the players linked like Alonso are very short term signings, then players like Chilwell who are good but just as injury prone, if not more so, than Shaw. Others such as Kerkez could be good signings but with limited funds don't seem too feasible this window.
I'd rather see us spend the limited funds we apparently have available on a replacement for Sancho this window. That'd give us sufficient depth in wide areas and still allows for Amad to continue to develop or maybe Rashford / Antony to regain some form. Then next summer sign a top left back to takeover from Shaw.
7.) 21 Aug 2024 19:11:59
Or keep Sancho in the wide areas and see what he can do?
8.) 21 Aug 2024 22:34:42
Eric,
We’ve seen what he can do, nothing.
22 Jul 2024 11:56:48
Now confirmed that we've bid £30m for De Ligt this morning.
In my opinion we absolutely need him, but that must surely mean that the departure of Lindelof (or Maguire? ) is imminent? We can't possibly justify Martinez, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof and Evans being at the club.
1.) 22 Jul 2024 12:11:41
I'd prefer keeping Lindelof and getting rid of Maguire, but I expect Lindelof will leave.
2.) 22 Jul 2024 12:29:02
I would let them both go tbh. However Maguire performed better last season without the Captaincy and didn’t do much wrong. As cover either is fine, DeLigt and Yoro this window would be very good though.
3.) 22 Jul 2024 12:31:05
I'm sure they will push to sell both Lindelof and Maguire. From there they can hopefully bring in de ligt.
Having Evans, Martinez, Yoro, De Ligt and AN other would be a fantastic selection. i still think they go back for Branthwaite.
4.) 22 Jul 2024 12:31:10
Really good news if true, it would give us 3 very good options at CB.
Maguire surely has to go if he’s got anything about him. He can’t sit on the bench at 31.
I’d sooner keep Lindelof. He’s a good passer of the ball, and I think is better than most seem to think. It wasn’t long ago that Barcelona were sniffing around him.
5.) 22 Jul 2024 13:04:50
Would be a great signing at that price. Can see why we wanted to get the Yoro deal wrapped up first. Not sure if he would have signed had he known we’d be bringing in a CB of De Ligt’s quality in the same window. I’m sure that both will get ample game time next season, but between them and Martinez, only two can be first choice.
6.) 22 Jul 2024 14:28:00
I would be relaxed with either Maguire/ Lindelof to leave or both if it was possible but we may want to be mindful of injuries again. If one of them stays for a further year as 4th/ 5th choice then that's okay.
I would be happy with Martinez/ De Ligt/ Yoro sharing the game time and think De Ligt/ Yoro are intelligent enough to cover left side when Martinez not playing.
We can then clear out all of the remaining next season with one additional CB/ bring through from the youth team.
7.) 22 Jul 2024 13:42:38
If you consider that we didn't have enough CBs last year (see Casemiro playing CB), We have lost Kambwala and replaced/ upgraded with Yoro (prospect ready to play first team games) . Varane (starter) has left and not been replaced - so i would see de Ligt as filling the Varane slot, bringing us back to as many capable CBs as last season, which wasn't enough (granted - bit of a freak with number of injuries) . Lindelof also covered (tried to) a bit at LB last year (as did Amrabat, who won't be staying), and there doesn't seem to be strong links to a new LB so his perceived versatility may count in his favour.
8.) 22 Jul 2024 15:52:47
We need another premium cb for sure the thought of going into the season with the prospect of maguire or lidelof playing 20 plus games fills me with dread.
9.) 22 Jul 2024 22:40:27
My tuppence worth is that Lindelof is far better than a lot of fans give him credit for. He’s suffered from the anti Maguire campaign by association. He’s actually pretty decent on his feet and can also fill in at right back. I’m not saying he’s a starting selection by any stretch, but as a back up player, the captain of Sweden isn’t a bad option. Maguire on the other hand is only going to get slower given his age and physiology, so it doesn’t bode well!
10.) 23 Jul 2024 13:47:33
Agree, Fireman. Lindelof's versatility and comfort on the ball compared to Harry, means if one goes it's Harry for me.
11.) 22 Jul 2024 13:49:52
Angelred,
Getting another cb after buying Yoro and De Ligt makes no sense. No club in the world has so many cb options. Martinez, Yoro and De Ligt is amazing, one of Maguire and Lindelof will surely stay, plus we have Evans. 3 top cb options plus two who can get minutes in cup games and when the main guys need rest.
Downsie53's banter posts with other poster's replies to Downsie53's banter posts
22 Aug 2025 09:00:16
Angelo Stiller is an excellent central midfielder. At less than £40m, he really is a fantastic option for our midfield: press resistant, outstanding passing range and one of those players who always look like they have time on the ball. Those of you who haven't seen him, he's incredibly similar in style to Adam Wharton at Palace, with a little more of an eye for a goal due to his set-piece prowess.
However, he is completely different to Baleba in terms of skillset. Baleba's all-action style is polar opposite to Stiller's ability to be the metronome in the middle of the park. So my concern is 'the plan'. It is reminding me a little of the Frenkie De Jong / Casemiro summer - clearly wanting one profile of midfielder and then going and getting a totally different style of one. Additinally, there's absolutely no way that he and Bruno could play in a midfield together - nobody to win the ball back.
Ultimately, I'd love him at United. But he needs to play next to a physical beast - just like Bruno and Mainoo need to.
1.) 22 Aug 2025 11:39:39
Feels very different to the De Jong/ Casemiro deal to me.
There are a few ways to look at this, firstly do you identify a style of player that you want and go through the players that suit that in which case look at Baleba alternatives. Or, do you say you want the player and through discussions agree that it will not happen now but that both the player (Baleba) and the club (Brighton) are willing to agree a deal for the player next year so you do that.
It feels like either the latter or that there is still an opportunity that Baleba could happen this year. I also feel that by the time we get to next season they want 2 completely new central midfielders to replace Casimero and Fernandes and the style you want for these match the Baleba/ Wharton or Stiller combination so you get one of this year the other next.
2.) 22 Aug 2025 11:49:49
He's a good player, but I can't see us seriously being interested in him. He's a pure playmaker, offering very little defensive work or real ground coverage.
He just isn't the profile of midfielder that Amorim uses. His playmakers are the wide CB's and the two No.10's. the midfield is there to provide energy, work rate, and positional coverage. They fill the gaps, do a lot of hard running, win the ball back, then pop it off to someone else. In the event that there isn't an easy pass on then they should dribble the ball forward to break lines of pressure before passing it off to one of the forwards or wingbacks.
While many fans, myself included, would prefer someone who can progress the ball with their passing to be signed to control the tempo of the game, that just isn't typically the type of midfielder Amorim plays with.
3.) 22 Aug 2025 12:48:03
In a nutshell Shappy.
Mainoo's style fits the Amorim system better than Fernandes, but the latter's level is higher atm so the former just needs to wait.
We need legs and an engine at DM, but also someone who can ping it on tidily and keep momentum flowing.
Stiller is an exceptional talent, but he's every bit a wrong fit for RA.
4.) 23 Aug 2025 19:12:29
Exactly Shappy…Amen at last! and the huge problem is we don’t have 2 CBs who can be playmakers, we barely have 1…. That’s the huge problem in RA system especially when the Wing backs are not great either, a new shiny midfielder won’t solve this problem either a ball winner or playmaker don’t solve the issue….
The squad is not that bad now, but we just so short of playing this way it just leaves us too light in so many positions…
Problem is the club needs to be careful what it buys, because you can virtually guarantee when RA goes which could be sooner or later 99% the new manager who comes in never ever plays this way.
16 Aug 2025 12:29:55
With Baleba probably not happening (wouldn't surprise me if we tried with an official bid in a week or so if we shift the bomb squad quickly), it will be incredibly interesting to see the plan.
Personally, I see absolutely no point in buying a non-elite option to fill the gap. Why spend £50m on a player who in an ideal world wouldn't be in our starting XI in 12 months time if we got Baleba in 2026?
Bruno, Ugarte, Mainoo and Casemiro as options for the two midfield slots really isn't ideal, but I don't see the point in bringing in someone who isn't going to raise that floor SIGNIFICANTLY, as Baleba would have done.
Options:
Hjulmund - I promise you all that he is no better than Ugarte and would be a monumental waste of money.
Ederson - decent, but not elite. The kind of ideal third choice CM in a champions league side.
Hackney - never ever going to be a starter. So why waste £20m+ on him? I'd genuinely rather keep Collyer long-term as the sort of 5th choice, which is what Hackney would become.
Wharton - by far the best option on this list, but a completely different profile to Baleba, so I would suggest that he won't be of interest to Amorim. Wharton isn't the 'cover every blade of grass' midfielder that we clearly need - he's more the orchestrator, which is what Amorim wants Bruno to be in that deeper role.
I think we'll stick with what we've got and that will be it for incomings now.
1.) 16 Aug 2025 14:30:03
Downsie, 3rd choice in a champions league side is better than first choice in a side that finished 15th and didn’t turn up to a europa league final to a sh*t spurs side.
Ederson is a decent option.
2.) 16 Aug 2025 17:27:34
What about a Wharton/ Baleba combination Downsie for next season.
3.) 16 Aug 2025 18:02:17
We should be looking to sign at least one midfielder this summer, and I reckon we will struggle to finish top 6 if we don't. Ederson would be a good option, though not proven in the Premier League, and Boubacar Kamara would be a great option, and while expensive, there is clearly money available if we were looking at Baleba.
Whoever we might sign, they will surely be an improvement on our current options, and even if they aren't first choice next season because we sign Baleba next summer, they would then provide great strength in depth in a position where we currently lack both strength and depth. Which, if we manage to improve enough to secure European football for next, will be very important.
As far as I'm concerned, as much as we all want Baleba, we need a midfielder now, and we probably need 3 or 4 midfielders over the next 2 or 3 years, since Casemiro is far past his best, Ugarte and Collyer aren't good enough, and Bruno is not getting any younger. Only Mainoo and possibly Kone have any long term future at the club.
4.) 16 Aug 2025 18:05:01
Funnily enough downsie, ill take the opinion of qualified coaching staff and scouts over your promises as to whether Hjulmand is adept at playing the required role in midfield.
5.) 16 Aug 2025 18:48:27
Logically, you'd wait a year then try next summer, or even winter.
Trouble is, this midfield is going to cost points, with sides already targeting it - Amorim may well not be around to see it come to fruition. If there's an obtainable more cost-effective player who dramatically improves the midfield in the meantime, it would surely be worth the risk, then still move for Baleba down the road.
6.) 16 Aug 2025 22:12:00
Maybe if we sort the keeper, our new goals for might counter the goals against up until Xmas.
If they want Baleba and it is a firm no now, why force a player that isn't wanted on the squad, we've been down that path.
7.) 17 Aug 2025 03:32:21
Completely different opinion on this.
1. We need an elite starting CM now. Maybe Baleba comes next season, maybe he doesn't. Maybe this CM is better than Baleba, maybe he isn't. What is clear is that there is a need now, and it will only add to squad strength a year down the line assuming more CMs are added.
2. Definitely taking your opinions on Hjulmand Ederson etc with a pinch of salt. They are generally well regarded by folks who do this for a living, so unless you share some additional information to back up your assertions, kinda hard to take them very seriously.
Also, for all we know all this is posturing by both Brighton and ourselves. Think Caicedo to Chelsea was quite similar as well. Brighton said we will not sell, player wanted to move, manager said all is good, Chelsea said we are walking away (this one is a bit hazy in my head and can't be bothered to check), and then deal happened. so let's just wait and see. for once the club seem to be more in control than the media about what we are doing :)
05 Aug 2025 21:02:08
Outgoing seem to have dried up:
Onana?
Casemiro?
Sancho?
Antony?
Hojlund?
The only one who seems nailed on to leave is Garnacho, but even then it seems it'll be a deadline day cut-price deal to Chelsea.
1.) 06 Aug 2025 06:09:48
I very much doubt Onana or Cass are going anywhere
Antony probably another loan
Hopefully Sancho and Rasmus get sold, but even that’s fingers crossed on Rasmus.
2.) 06 Aug 2025 08:12:43
Heard that RB want Hojlund on loan to replace Sesko, which would be a good move for everyone.
3.) 06 Aug 2025 08:57:28
can't get rid of these boys. will do desperation stuff late in the window to move them.
4.) 06 Aug 2025 09:41:07
Seems like a few of them at least have rejected moves, probably what prompted Amorim to speak out a few weeks ago to clear up where he stood with them.
5.) 06 Aug 2025 11:24:05
RA made some poor mistakes, hope he learnt from them, it’s no coincidence that hardly anyone is getting offers from epl clubs, when their own manager banishes them!, I like RA but he been terribly naive…I just hope he learns quickly, I think the 20 years statement was ridiculous too, he be lucky to see out this season.
26 Jul 2025 16:39:33
With virtually a month of the transfer window left, what do people GENUINELY BELIEVE will happen between now and the end of the season? No discussion on this post or derision at anyone's scenarios please, just lists of what you expect will be ins and outs. Mine below.
INS:
Lammens
Watkins (once Villa get Jackson from Chelsea)
OUTS:
Antony (loan to buy to Betis)
Sancho (permanent to Juventus or Turkey)
Garnacho (permanent to Villa or Chelsea)
Malacia (permanent to a Dutch side)
Collyer (PSR friendly move Brighton/ Brentford)
Bayindir (permanent to Turkey)
1.) 26 Jul 2025 16:58:23
Ins
Watkins
Martinez
Hjumlund
Lammens
Out
Sancho juve
Antony somewhere in spain
Malacia Holland
Garnacho villa
Onana on loan somewhere
Bayindir turkey
Shaw loan to buy
Hojlund late to italy.
2.) 26 Jul 2025 17:12:55
Hjumland definitely not I think. Amorim is clear that we need pace in the middle. Hjumland is a super player but is quite slow. Can't see us getting 2 keepers in and shipping 2 out either. Shaw loan isn't sensible either imo. Remainder of your list 12days is plausible I think.
3.) 26 Jul 2025 18:40:04
I think we will bring a forward in and a CM, but we may be getting 3rd or 4th choices. I agree with the outs, hopefully they won't be last minute.
4.) 26 Jul 2025 19:20:00
Ins:
Lammens.
Outs:
Antony - another loan, followed by another again the following season, simply because nobody will pay what United want.
Sancho - Juve.
Malacia - another loan, then off on a free next summer.
Bayindir - Turkey.
Amass - loan to another EPL team.
Kone - loan abroad.
Moorhouse - loan to a Championship team.
Biancheri - loan to Championship/ Lg1 team.
5.) 27 Jul 2025 09:09:52
In:
Lammens
Wharton
Sesko
Out:
Sancho
Garnacho
Casemiro
Shaw
Malacia
Onana/ Bayinder.
6.) 27 Jul 2025 09:25:49
Ideally would have liked to have brought in
Ins summer 25
Lammens
Vanderson
Helland
Guerra
Sesko
Out
- Either 1 of Onana or Bayindyr on loan with remaining as 2nd choice behind Lammens
- Dalot - doesn’t fit system as either right sided centre back or right wing back and would bring decent profit and allow for player in vanderson to compete and develop with Amad / Mbuemo in right side of team
- Casemiro - behind ugarte, Mainoo and possibly Collyer and Kone
- Antony, sancho and Garnacho out asap
- Hojland. Sadly he just isn’t up to it and with his lack of composure in front of goal, too chances created would go missing: having spent £130m on extra creativity this summer not bringing in a clinical finisher (or 2 if club could move on zirkzee) too would be poor
- Zirkzee as above
- malarcia. Isn’t up to it. Poor signing from day 1. Typical of that period. Behind dorgu, Leon, shaw for left wing back position
I’d move on Martinez too once fit - despite injury record would command a reasonable fee and would prefer an Ignacio type if another left sided centre back was needed depending on how Heaven and kuckonki develop over the next 6-12 months.
7.) 27 Jul 2025 11:40:49
I think we will sign:
Lammens
Jackson
I think Garnacho will hold out for a move to Chelsea and that will force our hand to sign Jackson rather than Watkins (who I think is the better option) . Also Villa are reluctant to sell Watkins, yes they need to sell someone to keep within PSR, but selling Watkins would force them to have to sign another striker (which isn't easy or cheap) . Which makes me think they will be less likely to bring down their asking price.
Whereas Chelsea have already got their striker signings done and Jackson is surplus to requirements, meaning there might be more scope for negotiation of the asking price.
While I'd ideally like to see us signing a midfielder, I don't see us being able to raise the funds to do so. Realistically we had Rashford and Garnacho as the big assets to sell and raise funds. Money from Sancho and Antony doesn't really raise much if anything due to the outstanding cost we have on them.
With Rashford only leaving on loan that means the majority of the money we will have left to spend will come from the Garnacho sale. Which will probably have to be used entirely on signing a striker, leaving little to nothing left to sign a midfielder as well.
While, I also think we would ideally need to see a midfielder leave to make space. With Bruno, Casemiro, Mainoo, Ugarte and Collyer giving us 5 options for two positions, I don't think a 6th option is needed given the reduced number of games and travelling we will have this season.
In an ideal world Casemiro and his large wages would leave, and we would bring in a replacement. However, that doesn't look likely until next summer.
My perfect signing for midfield would be Carlos Baleba, but his cost will be huge and probably not possible for us. Lucien Agoumé at Sevilla could be an excellent, high potential but much cheaper alternative.
8.) 27 Jul 2025 14:38:48
The problem is letting Cass leave, even with his weary legs, he still the best midfielder we got by a country mile, if only playing one game a week and if we don’t sign a midfielder Cass will start the majority of games, apart from Bruno in midfield. he is the most experienced we have the best finisher the best passer best with his head too…. He only goes if we sign a more energetic midfielder with better legs better passing ability and more mobile, no one comes near to him currently in our squad.
Dalot is going nowhere he starts nearly all games at RWB.
24 Jul 2025 19:23:06
Sesko to Newcastle. Watkins to stay at Villa. Mateta to stay at Palace. Vlahovic not suited to Amorim's tactics. Jackson perfect for Amorim's tactics but United fans have already scuppered that move - trust me, he'd have been the best foil for Cunha and Mbuemo.
Why is nobody talking about Ivan Toney? He's a great fit, Prem proven and a good age so as not to get in the way of Obi's development. Knows Mbeumo's game well. Also likely to be £40m at absolute most.
No brainer for me. .
1.) 24 Jul 2025 20:20:55
I'd have Watkins every day of the week. Experienced EPL striker, knows where the goal is. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Handy with the assists as well. If it was a decent price, I'd be all over him. (No innuendos, Danny)
We need to get past this obsession with age.
2.) 24 Jul 2025 21:35:38
I didn't realise it was a supporter obsession - I thought it was the (well documented) club's vision to buy young players with potential to save a few quid?
3.) 24 Jul 2025 21:37:01
Sesko for me. He has the ability and the presence to fit Amorim's system. 40m is way too much to pay for a player 29-30 years old. That's a poor investment.
4.) 24 Jul 2025 22:43:59
Sesko for me but go and get Tony too. They guy will score goals. Leads the line will help the younger players espec Rasmus if he stays plus he rarely misses a pen.
5.) 25 Jul 2025 00:07:42
Maybe fans have scuppered that move because his 12% conversion rate isn't good enough.
6.) 25 Jul 2025 05:44:23
Toney would fit very well in United and would work well with Sancho in destroying whatever positive vibes that's still remaining in the dressing room further. I'm fully supportive if he moves to you guys ;)
7.) 25 Jul 2025 06:32:03
Do we even know Toney is anything like the Toney who left the UK to play in the sand! Plus is the hunger even still there, I would have said yes when he left Brentford, but now would not touch him.
Still I would go Mateta or Watkins, if Isaak not coming…LOL.
8.) 25 Jul 2025 10:42:34
Wouldn't touch toney with a barge pole.
9.) 25 Jul 2025 11:15:42
That's worked really well so far hasn't it spenno? Sometimes you need to make an exception. Rasmus was signed as he was seen to have potential, we don't need potential, we need a finished article.
10.) 25 Jul 2025 12:47:51
I'm not defending it AJH, just going along with it.
It's all well and good buying potential, but you need to buy players for the here and now too, which we haven't, and we've overpaid for the potential too.
11.) 25 Jul 2025 18:22:37
We need some experienced players in, players that been there done it and still can.
I’m sure we got plans in place, after all RA knows he needs GK, CB, Mid, striker, so sure they have options A, B&C, maybe 2 of those best we can hope for in this window, for me that’s a striker and CB…. love to say GK but can’t see anyone buying the Clown, so we maybe stuck with him for a while.
24 Aug 2025 07:54:44
If we had signed Baleba, then I’d be all for it.
But we didn’t, so I’m not.
Tell them they can have Casemiro instead.
06 Aug 2025 20:43:08
Ed025 - lack of quality defenders? Yoro walks into any side in the PL bar perhaps Arsenal and De Ligt is criminally underrated. Add Licha and Heaven into the mix - only one game per week remember.
Yoro De Ligt Heaven
Amad Fernandes/ Mainoo Baleba Dorgu
Mbeumo Sesko Cunha
Is comfortably the best United side post-Fergie.
{Ed025's Note - bit early to tell with Yoro Downsie but he looks the best of a very bad bunch for me mate. De ligt is absolutely S**** and Heaven has hardly pulled up any trees but at least he does have scope to improve, Martinez is a joke and Harry is well...Harry, Bruno is your only decent Midfielder and the rest dont get in any top 10 team, Mbeumo looks very good and Cunha definitely improves you and if you do get Sesko..(big IF) your attack could look very impressive, the problem is though that you may have to score 4 to get a point with that defence and especially that guy you call a keeper, sorry to be so blunt and of course this is only my opinion but i do like United and respect them as a great club, but its no use me telling lies or even making outrageous statements like they could easily make top 6, thats just pie in the sky and i think we all know it my friend..
06 Aug 2025 19:58:07
Even more reporting it now - even Ornstein and Romano. €100m asking price (£87m) so that suggests there’s a deal to be had around £80m.
For me, this is the ‘sales funding a further purchase deal’. Cunha’s initial payment went on the 24/ 25 accounts and I believe we had around £60m to spend this summer: £20m on the first down payment for Mbeumo and £40m on the first down payment on Sesko.
Let’s see if we can sell the likes of Malacia, Antony, Garnacho, Sancho and maybe even Casemiro and Hojlund.
Baleba on top of the others in so far gets us top 6 comfortably.
{Ed025's Note - really Downsie?, unless you address the keeper situation , the lack of quality defenders and the gaping hole in midfield i would say 10th would be the best you can accomplish this season mate..
04 Aug 2025 19:57:06
There is absolutely no difference between Hjulmand and Ugarte. Both lack pace and finesse on the ball. Would be a total waste when we have his carbon copy already.
04 Aug 2025 07:46:32
People are ignoring the most important thing - Hojlund doesn’t want Leipzig.
In fact, Hojlund doesn’t want to leave at all.
Which is why I firmly believe we won’t sign a striker and that Amorim will tweak things slightly and use Cunha and Mbeumo as split strikers with Bruno between them.
11 Aug 2025 18:05:16
Issues at LCB?
I’d suggest that with Martinez, Heaven and Shaw having that as their strongest position and Yoro also doing well when played there last season, LCB is one of our strongest stocked positions.
10 Aug 2025 16:41:22
1. Liverpool
2. City
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. United
6. Spurs.
04 Aug 2025 07:52:29
Yoro
De Ligt
Martinez
Heaven
Mazraoui
Shaw
Maguire
Fredericson
All of the above’s best position is within the back three. We aren’t signing another defender and neither should we.
RCB - Yoro and Mazraoui in that order of preference.
CCB - De Ligt and Maguire in that order.
LCB - Genuinely cannot decide between Licha and Heaven.
All of the above mean that we should be looking to ship Shaw off (even on a free) . I am sure that the likes of Palace, West Ham and the Saudis would be all over him on a free. Fredericson can be 7th choice. More than enough considering we are only likely to play 45 games this season.
27 Jul 2025 10:32:26
I thought Mainoo and Ugarte looked transformed. Both fit and strong. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a United side dominate the midfield in a game like that.
Poses the Bruno conundrum again. For me, he has to play in the front three. Maybe we don’t need a forward this summer….
23 Jul 2025 20:35:50
Ivan Toney would be better than any of those mentioned.