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22 Aug 2024 17:27:27
Another one bites the dust!
Maxi Oyedele has completed his permanent transfer to Legia Warsaw. He is a Polish U21 Int, (his mother is Polish) so should have no issue in settling.
Don't know fee, but is based on appearances, a high sell on clause, initially 50%, we have matching fee rights and a buy back option.
Who will be going tomorrow!
1.) 22 Aug 2024 18:04:05
I actually like this new approach to the academy players. If there isn't a clear pathway for them then let them go and don't hold them back. But keep your finger in the pie with a buyback clause or a large sell on fee.
People questioning the smaller fees we get right now won't complain when we either get to bring back a top young player for a reasonable fee, or when we get extra millions added to the transfer budget because a former player has moved to another club.
For too long we've stagnanted the development of our own youngsters by not knowing what to do with them once they are too good for academy football.
Either there is no pathway into the first team for them, or they aren't ready for it. So we keep them in the under 23's and they stop improving and developing.
We need a better loan network, and a better structure to support them in the leap from youth football to professional football.
2.) 22 Aug 2024 18:42:45
You mean “an approach” shappy. I don’t think you can call the running of the academy over the last decade any sort of approach.
3.) 22 Aug 2024 22:06:45
Good Post shappy.
{Ed025's Note - his short ones always are Ken, its the ones that are longer than "War and Peace" that let him down mate, hes a very good poster.. :)
4.) 23 Aug 2024 08:36:58
He is a good poster imo ed025 but more waffle than birds eye on many an occasion.
{Ed025's Note - i really like the guy ken and he is very good literally and must spend a lot of time doing these posts, i must say though i tend to skip the really long ones mate, sorry Shappy..
5.) 24 Aug 2024 11:32:04
I probably know him better then anybody on here and I can tell you he is a good guy for a fact.
21 Aug 2024 17:13:04
Further to my post of last night, the deal for Pellistri has been completed.
As I said, 6m euros upfront, additional 2m in extras. It seems there is a 3 year buy back option along with a substantial 45% sell on clause.
Seems a decent deal for all, wish him all the best for his future and hope he makes it.
Talk of Will Fish to Cardiff this week, could see quite a few deals in next 10 day's.
1.) 21 Aug 2024 18:00:56
I think we'll see a deal for Ugarte by Monday, while I doubt we'll see any other incomings unless we have a significant departure. The club seem pretty set on only buying good long term options. No more short term fixes.
In terms of departures I expect we'll see quite a few leave before the window slams shut.
Already see the likes of Martial, Varane, Shoretire, Williams, McNeil and Forson leave on free deals, while Amrabat's option wasn't taken up.
That's seven out straight off the jump.
We've also sold Donny, Alvaro Fernandez, Pellistri, Kambwala, AWB and Greenwood.
Meaning we are up to 13 permanent departures already. While Vitek and Hugill have also left on loan.
Between now and the end of the window any/ all of Lindelof, Eriksen, McTominay, Hannibal, Gore, and Sancho either permanently or on loan. I think three, maybe four of these 6 leave this summer.
Which brings us to a maximum of 19 potential permanent departures (13 already confirmed) .
While a raft of youngsters are expected to head out on loan to gain first team experience. Players like Fish, Bennett, Murray, Oyedele, McAllister, Ethan Williams, Ennis, Missin, and maybe even Ethan Wheatley all possible candidates to join Vitek and Hugill out on loan.
2.) 21 Aug 2024 18:10:01
When you put it out like that shappy. That is some amount of exits in one window.
They are not messing about.
3.) 21 Aug 2024 18:48:04
Angel, they are clearing the decks, players who hardly contribute, and youngsters who they don't think will make it (or who need more game time than we can offer to develop) are being sold.
Ultimately they are players who cost the club far more than they contribute to the first team. While they also make is particularly difficult for youngsters to get the chances they need to succeed at the club.
13 leaving on permanent deals, with as many at possibly 19 by the end of the window (realistically 16-17).
2 players out on loan, with probably another 5 or 6 to join them no doubt. Meaning another 7 to 8 players out on loan hopefully getting game time.
That literally maybe 25 players leaving either permanently or on loan this summer.
We've signed 5 players (Mazraoui, MdL, Yoro, Zirkzee and Obi Martin), probably 6 with Ugarte, while players like Collyer, Amass and Wheatley have been added to the first team squad for depth.
Whichever way you cut it that's a massive clear out and squad turn over.
With the club still reportedly interested in adding another CB (left sided), a LB, at least one if not two midfielders AFTER Ugarte and maybe a forward/ winger all by the end of next summer's transfer window. Another 4 or 5 players, with probably a couple of academy lads also added to the first team.
While departures will still be on going, any of the 6 mentioned above who don't leave this summer will certainly leave next summer.
Then you have the likes of Shaw, Maguire, Malacia, Casemiro, Antony and possibly Rashford all potentially up for the chop next summer.
This time next summer our squad won't be recognisable from the one that was here when INEOS took over.
4.) 21 Aug 2024 19:19:47
It's mad how cheap we have sold some of these players for. Pellestri at 6 million euros is crazy, I know we have a buy back and healthy sell on fee, but he is a full international player for a decent side in Uruguay.
You have players from other top sides going for silly money in comparison to the peanuts we are selling some of our players for.
5.) 21 Aug 2024 19:53:06
Shappy, Maxi Oyedele is moving to Poland on a full transfer, also Will Fish is going to Cardiff (if deal finalised) on a full transfer.
No loans there.
There seems to be a clear plan of action, if it's felt a player has no long term future at the club then move them on. A refreshing change.
6.) 21 Aug 2024 20:29:56
I agree the number of players out is important, and they are working hard to make that happen (in some cases with both hands tied behind their backs due to book value and stupid wages) . I would not class letting players contracts run out for no fee, the same as agreeing a sell in fee. These are not the same.
Jnfirtjnately, some of our toxic contracts (not players, contracts) we may have to wait till they have all run out for no sell on fee. Another stunning glazer legacy.
7.) 22 Aug 2024 08:35:34
I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a number of the following go by the end of the window Lindelof, Eriksen, McTominay, Sancho, Casemiro, Maguire and Rashford. We have 8 days to go, the last week is normally where you start seeing deals come out of nowhere.
8.) 22 Aug 2024 11:08:51
@Danny you're right, the money we get for some players is very little, but I don't think it's because of incompetence with Ashforth etc. I think it reflects the prices we paid for some individuals and the high salaries we pay even relatively junior players. When e. g. Pellistri goes to Greece, even on his earnings as a junior player at Utd he would be in top 10% in the league so hard to find teams who will take him, and harder still to find a team who can afford him. Pity, as he's a decent player - just a little but physically lightweight for EPL (and I've heard he doesn't always apply himself in training) . I think the same problem is magnified for e. g. Sancho for whom we paid a high fee, and is a big earner. When he is in the mood and in form he is a very good player indeed, but not many clubs would want to match his salary so we need to discount that a little to secure a sale. It will take a year or so to clear all of those issues from the squad (Sancho, Antony and to a lesser extent Casemiro and Eriksen who are excellent professionals, but were given overlong contracts at high salaries given their ages and stage in their career) .
9.) 22 Aug 2024 13:19:13
At least Phil a bit of common sense and understanding.
20 Aug 2024 16:47:47
Look's like Pellistri off to Panathinaikos for 6m euros, along with a sell on clause. Probably as good as could be expected. All amounts to the pot gratefully received.
Also Maxi Oyedele in talks with Legia Warsaw, who are keen to get a deal done. Right thing for him to do, don't see him getting opportunities at O. T. he is behind Toby Collyer so him trying to get his career moving is a good thing, suspect will be small fee with significant sell on clause, maybe buy back option.
This is the type of thing that previously would not be happening, this shows things are moving in the right way.
No deal yet done for Ugarte, think we are in a game of chicken that could go to deadline day. We have to decide whether we are serious or not about not overpaying for players, however much they are needed.
I think that we have to be resolute to get credibility back.
1.) 20 Aug 2024 17:27:27
Historically we’ve always lost the game of transfer window chicken and ended up spending way over the odds on deadline day.
I’d imagine the new regime are better than that. Guess we will find out in around 11 days time.
2.) 20 Aug 2024 17:43:04
Exactly Fallguy, precisely why we have to be resolute.
3.) 20 Aug 2024 18:38:28
I’m not sure how we’ve managed to sell Pellistri for 6 million Euro’s, a player who’s played in a World Cup, whilst the scousers have managed to offload Lee Clark’s lad for 10……. ?♂️.
4.) 20 Aug 2024 19:46:58
Strange that Pellistri is out before Antony.
5.) 20 Aug 2024 20:26:46
At first glance it looks low but there must be a reason why there is a lack of interest and can't be his wages. Personally never though he would make it at united and heard the rest of the squad saw him as a light weight.
No outstanding traits, pace, technical ability, passing, crossing, goals, assists or physical presence. Decent in something but nothing to get your attention. he did himself no favors on the loan stints and actually lost value.
6.) 20 Aug 2024 21:02:54
And to further your point Ahmad it’s a Greek side after him, and not even the best one, not the top sides in the other European leagues. He’s just not that good.
7.) 20 Aug 2024 21:23:17
It seems we started out asking for 12-15m for Facundo but have settled for 6m which is just the base fee, seemingly there are extra's on top though don't know how much. Ultimately if no one comes forward with a better deal, then we have to go with it or keep the player, the time has come for him to move on.
Kurtis, don't think for a second Antony will leave this summer, who on earth is going to come forward with a deal anywhere close to acceptable.
Fireman, have seen players at a world cup wouldn't give twenty quid for.
8.) 20 Aug 2024 21:48:32
I'd have sold pellestri for 6 million rupees tbf.
9.) 20 Aug 2024 21:51:04
His wages are too high it's not rocket science.
10.) 21 Aug 2024 06:25:39
He is on 20k a week. Its not his current wage.
11.) 21 Aug 2024 07:02:05
The lad is getting some stick yet his only crime is that our scouts decided he was good enough to play for Manchester United.
He always tried and was never seen throwing his arms in the air or moping around the pitch, like others who earn fifteen times his salary yet barely manage to jog.
I'm sure there's a sell-on clause in there if recent sales are anything to go by. Good luck to the lad. I hope he does well.
12.) 21 Aug 2024 07:39:28
We bought him for €8.5m, got loan fees from Alaves and Granada, I don't think we have done too bad on this deal considering he never made it at United.
13.) 21 Aug 2024 09:31:55
Bit like casimero wazza but he gets a lot of stick of some.
14.) 21 Aug 2024 09:30:47
Ahmad he earns £27k basic a week rising to £31k so approx €36k per week which would put him in top 10% or earners in that league and most leagues outside the top 5 so his wages are a big issue. Clubs can't afford the fees and wages. Something has to give and that is usually the fee.
15.) 21 Aug 2024 12:11:23
Pellistri and Casemiro are very different players, what a strange comparison.
16.) 21 Aug 2024 14:38:19
Wazza
I was not taking a pop at him. He is not that good if we are being honest and no one in top 5 leagues came in for him. Even the next tier of Dutch, Belgian and Turkish leagues a transfer fee of 10 mill and his current wage would not be an issue if they thought he was worth it, reality is they did not.
Him going might be news but his agent probably knew for months and knocked on many doors as they all do, so teams knew he was available and we were willing sellers. He is going to be 23 come December and for wingers you either have it or don't.
Hope he does really well and gets a bigger move and we see a better return.
17.) 21 Aug 2024 14:45:01
I didn't compare them as players wazza. I compared the stick they get from fans.
You give casimero stick and a lot of it which is your opinion and fine but then don't pull up others for criticising casimero. It's just their opinion they are allowed an opinion on pillistri like you are on casimero.
You refer to pellistri's 'only crime same can be said of casimero.
18.) 21 Aug 2024 17:04:13
Ken, Casemiro arrived for a huge fee, is on huge wages, and has a stacked trophy cabinet. Therefore more is expected of him and he becomes more open to criticism. Pellistri arrived for a small fee, he had little expectations. Good luck to him and I hope he makes an impact at his next club.
The one thing that both Casemiro and Pellistri have in common is that neither have really worked out. That's where the comparison ends imo.
11 Aug 2024 17:25:12
Ed002, if I could ask, have seen a number of reports saying that we may bid for Evan Ferguson of Brighton. Is there any truth in this?
{Ed002's Note - Evan Ferguson (S) Maybe an offer from Newcastle will eventually happen but they have other targets. Spurs are trying to offer a structured way forward for the player who needs to stay where he is for a while and with Brighton having agreed a new contract which places him out of bounds for some years whilst the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea look on. Won't move this summer unless a huge offer is made.}
1.) 11 Aug 2024 21:19:33
Much obliged Ed. Agree he is best staying where he is for a while longer.
2.) 12 Aug 2024 11:55:54
Had a great breakout season, but then had a more tricky second season which isn't uncommon for young players.
Personally I think he still needs a couple more years at Brighton before stepping up to a bigger club with greater expectations.
3.) 12 Aug 2024 14:36:09
Agree Shappy, didn't he have injury problems last season as well.
4.) 12 Aug 2024 16:42:20
He was home over the weekend he was in the house but I wasn't there to twist his arm.
One of the boys got a scholarship to the States and he came back to surprise him.
The lads asked him and he knew nothing about any move. (Or so he said) he had surgery last season on his ankle (minor) so I highly doubt he will move this summer.
5.) 12 Aug 2024 17:12:41
He is at the right club for him at this stage, hope he stays at least one ideally two more years.
07 Aug 2024 15:49:41
It seems Obi-Martin has completed his medical with us, but there will be a delay until the club can announce the signing.
It will take time as it will be subject to PL 5 steps investigation, but all set to be signed. (yeh, no idea either, suppose they want to be sure we have not kidnapped him! )
1.) 07 Aug 2024 17:10:01
Have had a look and it seems as follows,
Step 1: The new club submits a signed registration form to the Premier League.
Step 2: The Premier League appoints an independent third party (usually a law firm) to conduct “exit interviews” with the player, parents and both clubs. However, further interviews or requests for information are also permitted.
Step 3: The two clubs involved in the agreement, including the player’s parents, are required to sign a declaration that no financial or value-in-kind inducements have been utilised as a part of the move (including contra deals) .
Step 4: Through the independent third party, a report is then produced for the Premier League’s board, coming up with a recommendation regarding the club’s application to register the player.
Step 5: The Premier League’s board can either approve or reject the registration application. They also have the autonomy to take disciplinary against the club if they were found to breach their youth development rules.
Understand they want to ensure all rules have been correctly followed, takes about 3-4 weeks apparently so just have to wait.
2.) 08 Aug 2024 11:30:00
IWOTB,
Fantastic insight mate, thanks for that info, had no idea.
3.) 08 Aug 2024 14:00:26
Quite welcome GDS mate, seemingly this process takes place when every transfer involving an academy player between two Category One academies goes through.
It makes sense when you think about it, as there needs to be adequate protection for kid's, clearly there is potential for skulduggery!
Everton for example, were handed a two-year academy ban in November 2018 and a fine of £500,000 ($608,000) for offering incentives to a player and his family.
In 2017, Manchester City were fined £300,000 ($365,000) and also banned from signing academy players for two years after the Premier League found evidence of contact between City staff and family members. Incidentally, in that same month, Liverpool were deemed to have breached similar rules when offering inducements to a Stoke City player and subsequently banned from recruiting in the academy for 12 months. They were also fined £100,000 ($122,000).
Just as an aside I looked at one of the Arsenal fanzines to see what they think of this transfer, they think they are better off without him! as they think he is clearly being used by his handlers to make a quick buck at the detriment of his career, bitter and twisted or what. Never mind Arsenal gave 13 mins of playing time to teenagers last season and we gave 2,898 mins and clearly he is coming to us as he knows he will get opportunities and will benefit his career.
Would love it if he get's a game against them and he scores a hat trick.
4.) 08 Aug 2024 19:26:42
IWOTB, I’m not surprised to hear that’s the Arsenal fans view. Their players are the best in the world, until they leave and then they become the worse players in the world. Total extremists. If this lad was staying they’d be raving about him.
United track record when it comes to youth is much better than Arsenal’s.
I Want Our Trophy Back's banter posts with other poster's replies to I Want Our Trophy Back's banter posts
29 Nov 2024 17:35:39
So, Chido Obi-Martin is 17 today and he has signed his first professional contract.
He has started 2 games for the U18s and scored 4 goals.
It seems he has been impressing at training and is expected to be upgraded to the U21s in pretty short time and may even join in some first team training.
Can't wait to see how he progresses over coming times.
1.) 30 Nov 2024 09:44:59
He's one of a number of youngsters in our academy who will be hoping that they catch the attention of the new manager. Especially given his record of giving youth a chance and developing them.
I'm actually really excited to see which youngsters Amorim brings into the first team. I'm not expecting him to do it anytime soon unless there is an injury crisis. I'd imagine he'll be wanting to work with the senior players and find out their capability to play how he wants them to play. However, by February time you'd imagine he'll have this squad sussed out and he'll know who isn't for him and who can play a role. At that point he might look to the academy to see if there are any young players who can step up and play a role in the first team.
My view is that there are a number of youngsters who might get a chance due to either a lack of numbers or a lack of quality in the first team.
Harry Amass is likely one who'll get an opportunity to show the manager what he can do in that LWB position given the lack of options we seem to have in that role. While I have a feeling that Bendito Mantato could end up playing as a wingback in Amorim's system. He's one to keep an eye on, although I think he's a little further away from possibly breaking into the first team.
I've got a lingering concern over the LCB position which is a worry I try to push out of my mind as Martinez is probably my favourite player in this squad and I don't want to think about him possibly being replaced in the line up. Yet those concerns still persist. Can he stay fit? Can he return consistently to the player he was before the injuries? Finally is he really a good fit/ can he adapt? On the ball he's brilliant, perfect for what the manager wants. Off the ball he is aggressive in winning the ball back, yet that can lead to him being out of position and he doesn't have the athletic capacity to recover, or potentially cover in the wide areas. The wide CB's in a back three need to be quick as they are somewhat of a hybrid between a CB and a fullback. With Martinez one of the reasons he moved from midfield to CB was due to a lack of athleticism. Something that becomes more of an issue as a wide CB. Personally I think he suits the central CB position much more in Amorim's system, the aggressive player who'll step into midfield. While the other options we have for LCB is Shaw (who if he can stay fit looks very well suited, but we know he can't stay fit), and Evans who despite being an excellent defender hasn't got the legs for this system sadly. That might open the door to the 16 year old Godwill Kukonki who at 6'4 is a physical freak for his age and is getting rave reviews from the staff at the academy.
In midfield we have a declining Casemiro who might still be able to play a role, but should be phased out of the team. Ugarte and Mainoo look like solid options, but Eriksen isn't suited to the midfield role that exists under Amorim. Collyer might be able to stake a claim for a more prominent role this season. While Sekou Kone also looks like the perfect tactical fit. He's one who could maybe start making a few appearances before the end of the season. I'd imagine Amorim will want to see if he has the potential to step into the first team squad for next season.
In the attacking midfield area we are in an odd spot where we have quite a few players, but I'm not sure how many of them really suit what Amorim has typically done in the past. Players like Rashford and Antony are typically players who need to start wide and move into the inside channels rather than start in those areas. Garnacho is as well, but being younger should be more mouldable. Although I think he'll need to play more of a bit part role as he adapts. Amad and Mount look perfectly suited to the role Amorim has asked these players to do in his Sporting team. While Bruno has many of the qualities needed, he plays best when he is given more freedom and is allowed to play off the cuff. Something that typically Amorim doesn't allow in his teams. So given that we have 2 maybe 3 players who long term should be good for these two positions then there might be a chance for some of the academy players to maybe get a chance here. While I think we actually have a lot of depth for these positions in our academy, they might struggle to get game time this season given the number of players in the first team ahead of them. Players like Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey and Amir Ibragimov all look like exciting prospects who would suit this position well.
Up front we seem to have an issue that I think will be addressed with a new signing. Højlund I think is well suited and will thrive under Amorim, but he's young and he cannot do it all on his own. I think Zirkzee will be a casualty of the Amorim appointment. I like him as a player, and think he offers something very different, but I can't see him getting the game time he needs to both adapt to the EPL and build up his confidence. Amorim has a very clear role for his CF, and he doesn't change that role. He changes the players and the roles of the wider forwards/ attacking midfielders to alter his attack, but he still wants his CF to be strong, run the channels and be able to hold up the ball and bring in others. That isn't Zirkzee's game, he likes to drop deep which doesn't work when your "wide" players are already playing in the inside channels as you have too many players in the same space. Maybe Chido Obi-Martin gets a chance to be back up to Højlund. However, what we really need is for Højlund to have someone to develop under rather than being the main man himself. I'd expect us to maybe look at Victor Gyökeres or maybe Santiago Gimenez, Marcus Thuram or Victor Boniface as possible options. Sesko is another the club have followed closely, but given he's the same age as Højlund and not really any more experienced than him I'm not sure he's the right fit. Personally I'd go with Gyökeres as he knows the managers system, or possibly Marcus Thuram as he looks a good fit and at 27 is the ideal age and profile to take the pressure off of Højlund but not totally block him.
There should be plenty of opportunities for youngsters in our academy to break into the first team under this manager. I'm really looking forward to seeing who gets the chances and who steps up to take them.
2.) 30 Nov 2024 14:37:29
Shappy,
I think you're overthinking Martinez's injury concerns. He was rushed back last seasons. EtH knew that the team played better with him at the back.
I'd understand if it was Shaw, Malacia, followed by Mount, Lindelof, and Maguire, all of whom have had plenty of time out injured.
Hopefully these gems in our Youth setup can step up over the next 18 - 24 months. Casemeiro and Ericsson are too old and slow in midfield.
3.) 30 Nov 2024 22:08:22
An additional midfielder and LWB is there the most urgent surgery is required. I think we can muddle through with the rest for now if budget is a concern until the summer.
4.) 01 Dec 2024 01:17:13
Shappy overthinking. Get out! ?.
5.) 01 Dec 2024 02:00:15
Can see fernandes playing some games at CM. We have not moved on from having to play our captain it seems, I think this was part of EtH downfall. Bruno has not always warranted a place in the starting 11, or to stay on the pitch. a lot if first steamers to give minutes to, not sure I see amorim bring too many youngsters into the first team any time soon.
6.) 01 Dec 2024 11:15:50
Mad Hatter, we are a third of the way through this season, and Martinez hasn't yet recaptured his pre-injury form from 16 months ago.
That has to be a concern, whatever the reason behind it.
Then when we consider how he fits the new managers tactics/ system we find that he isn't an ideal fit (even if he still has many good qualities) .
The central CB is the one who steps into midfield, but they also need to be aerially dominant as they are the only CB who is always defending the central space. While Martinez suits being the ball playing CB who steps into midfield, he isn't aerially dominant. Which could leave us exposed to high balls if he played in the middle of the back three.
The wide CB's have tended to play more as sweepers, they need to be good on the ball, press resistant, mobile and quick so they can move out wide and defend in the channels. They need to be good 1v1 defenders who don't tend to dive in but stay on their feet and hold up the attacker. While Martinez is great on the ball and is press resistant, he isn't particularly quick or mobile, and he's an aggressive player who has a tendency to dive in to win the ball. Maybe he does that because he doesn't want to stay on his feet and enter a foot race with opposition players as he knows he'll likely lose it.
On the ball I think Martinez is well suited to play either central CB or LCB for Amorim. Off the ball he lacks the aerial ability to play centrally and the pace and mobility to play LCB.
He's far from a bad player, yet as we saw against Bobo/ Glimt his tendency to try and jump out to win the ball can leave space behind and he doesn't have the recovery pace to get back into position. That left Malacia (who is severally short on fitness and form due to the long time he has been out) to try and keep up with the oppositions quickest player as he drove into the space leading to a goal conceded. That space is where Martinez should have been.
Hopefully he has the ability to adapt his game and learn the role he needs to play in this system.
While that might mitigate his weaknesses a little, they will still be there and can be exploited by the opposition. The issues he has are physical things that he can't really do much about. He can't make himself a more athletic player capable of keeping up with the quickest players. Nor can he make himself any more aerially dominant than he is now, if he was to play as the central CB.
I don't think that means he should be sold as soon as possible. But it does raise the question of his long term suitability to play this system.
Someone like Branthwaite for example who is good on the ball (although not at Martinez's level) but also stronger and quicker, is comfortable defending in the channels looks a much more natural fit for how Amorim has tended to play. While the thing that Branthwaite needs to work on (his passing choices and quality) are things that can be coached and improved on as opposed to Martinez's physical deficiencies that can't really be significantly altered.
I can see a situation where if we were to sign Branthwaite then he will force Martinez out of the line up over time. A back three of Yoro, MdL and Branthwaite looks far more suited to an Amorim system than a back three of Yoro, MdL and Martinez.
We also have the young Godwill Kukonki who is left footed and highly thought of. He might start to really push into the first team squad in 2-3 years time. At which point you'd expect a player like Martinez to be the one to make way for him.
7.) 01 Dec 2024 11:40:41
Dodgy, Bruno is a player who is very well liked by all his coaches/ managers. As fans yes his antics on the pitch can be a little annoying/ embarrassing at times, as well as his tendency to give the ball away too often (although to be honest I blame the other attackers for that more than Bruno, they just aren't on his level and don't make the right movements. He often plays the right ball, but no one has made the run to be there) .
Yet he's hardly ever injured, works incredibly hard trains incredibly well, is well liked and respected by his team, and has a great record in a very average United team for goals and assists.
He isn't the kind of player a new manager will want to alienate.
The tricky thing for Amorim is how he fits him in his team, as while he's a good player he has a few flaws that make him less than ideal for many of the roles in Amorim's system.
For example as one of the attacking midfielders his tendency to press individually and not as part of a pressing structure opens up gaps and means teams always have a way to play through the first line of pressure. While his tendancy to drift into different pockets of space can be very useful in an attacking sense, but completely breaks down our defensive shape and leaves us vulnerable to a quick transition if we lose the ball.
While many of those issues also exist if he plays as one of the midfield pivot. He can leave even more dangerous gaps when he presses unsuccessfully or drifts into space. Yet the trade off is that he has a better vision of what's in front of him when deeper and that tends to lead to better choices in passing options.
I actually think he might be better suited to playing in the pivot in this system as it relies heavily on the front line pressing successfully as a unit and being more patience with the ball in attack to work openings and not needlessly give the ball away. While this system allows one of the pivot players to move forward when in possession with the central CB stepping up into midfield to keep the pivot. That suits his game where he likes to drift into pockets of space to receive the ball. This movement is good for getting an extra man forward into space often unmarked enabling overloads.
While Bruno has always had excellent work rate and energy which is also key for the midfield in this system. All that needs to be coached into his game is to press within the team structure. Something that shouldn't be too difficult for Amorim and his team to do.
I can see Bruno and Mainoo being the two options for the midfielder tasked with progressing the ball. Which is ideal as Mainoo shouldn't be heavily relied on yet, and Bruno is 30 now won't be a long term barrier for Mainoo. Maybe this season Bruno will be first choice with Mainoo working on the training ground and coming in for some games and later on in matches. Then next season it's more of a 50/ 50 shared role (with Bruno being 31 and Mainoo 20), then the following season Mainoo takes over and Bruno becomes the back up/ rotation option) .
Ugarte will be first choice as the ball winner in the pivot, but we will need to find a reliable back up/ rotation option.
As for the youngsters, I don't think we will see many given a chance before Christmas. I imagine the manager will want to both see what the senior players can do, but also make sure his system and ideas are well bedded into the team before asking a youngster to step into the line up.
Amorim has shown he is very good at giving youth a chance ans developing players. But to enable youth to flourish you first need to create the right environment for them. It's a massive step up from academy level to senior football, those youth players need to be able to focus on themselves and their game as they make their way into the first team. It's too much to expect them to do that and carry some of the burden of settling into new tactics and shape as a team. They need to have the players around them comfortable in what should and shouldn't be happening and who needs to be where and when so they can guide those youngsters as they come into the team.
I've fully faith in the manager to get this right, he has done an excellent job with this previously.
16 Nov 2024 16:33:21
Have just seen the incredibly sad news of Ed02s passing. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Clearly, this will take from all the different club sites on here and this because of the very fact he was so much respected and believed.
There are zillions of 'experts' within the media who supposedly know all that is happening at every club, yet I can say the only person I truly trusted and believed was our Ed02. Many times I have told friends (whoever they support) to use this site as there is 'this bloke' who genuinely seems to know the truth about what is going on about their club. A sad day.
13 Nov 2024 14:19:26
Hopefully not to serious, but Sekou Kone, the Malian and very highly rated player we signed last summer and who has been seriously impressing at Carrington, left the U21s game last night on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Hope for his sake it's mainly precautionary.
1.) 13 Nov 2024 17:09:14
He looked pretty good last night. You can tell he has something about it. Don’t know too much about the injury though. Was there last night proper reds singing all night.
2.) 13 Nov 2024 23:53:36
Blackpool,
Did you watch the game? He was the worst player on the pitch, gave the ball away a number of times and got injured because he got caught in possession for about the 3rd time in his own half and he only played 40 minutes. I’m sure it was just a bad game and his first start he was probably nervous and I’m sure he will improve but don’t pretend he played well last night, he really didn’t.
Malacia on the other hand looked fantastic, best player on the pitch as he should be really when the rest are kids or lower level players, but exciting for him and hopefully he can come back in well.
11 Nov 2024 20:13:56
So Ruud goes with huge thanks and his reputation done no harm at all from his short period in charge.
Now we see a new era begin, hopefully a repeat of what was achieved by Ruben at Sporting, see below his full record there.
Ruben Amorim's Sporting Lisbon Record (2020-24)
Games 231
Wins 165
Draws 33
Losses 33
Goals scored 515
Goals conceded 202
Points per game 2.29
A 71% win percentage, 2.2 goals scored per game, .87 goals conceded per game.
More of the same thank you!
1.) 11 Nov 2024 20:39:17
It's the hope that kills you!
Seriously though it really will be a huge achievement if he can get us back on top. Let's hope he gets time and backing to do it from us fans and the board.
20 Oct 2024 15:53:56
Thought dad's army, particularly in second half, did well, controlled passing by eriksen.
Very impressed with Rasmus, his hold up play was excellent and his bringing in others with his lay off play was good, also took his goal very well. All three of the forwards played well. It show's what can be done when the ball is given to them.
For those interested Chido Obi-Martin made his debut for U18s yesterday, away at Sunderland, we won 4-3, keeping up our 100% winning start to season in the league. He came on for last 20 odd mins and no, he did not score! Don't know how he played.
The club are very keen to keep both him and Sekou Kone under the radar as much as possible. There was no announcement about his debut yesterday, they want to give both of them time to acclimatise at their own pace and also to get their fitness up to standard. It is much like was done with Garnacho when he was signed, if they achieve a similar level as quickly as he has then that would be a major result.
I Want Our Trophy Back's rumour replies
13 Sep 2024 00:06:09
Unruly, afraid you are wrong, Angel Gomes is the godson of Nani.
12 Sep 2024 16:31:44
Very good post Shappy, agree with everything you said.
He has said, when asked about returning a while back, OT was his home, mind you, they all say thing's like that.
He is Nani's godson so maybe he will give him some good advice!
29 Aug 2024 17:12:24
dio, you are referring to Sekou Kone, an 18 year old defensive midfielder.
He is going into the U21s, although he is considered as having very high potential and could be fast tracked if he demonstrates he can operate at the level required.
He may well need time to settle and acclimatise to a very different culture.
Manchester may well be a tad cooler than Mali! then again he might want to see a bit of snow!
22 Aug 2024 21:33:14
It seems that Christopher Vivell, new director of recruitment, has a hand in this. He previously had roles at RB Leipzig and Salzburg, apparently they have a connection with Guidars.
Time will tell if this works or not, seemingly he is a defensive midfielder.
Will be a big cultural change for the lad, wish him good luck and hope he makes it.
22 Aug 2024 14:29:39
Think Ederson is a very good player, watched him when Atalanta played in Europa league against Liverpool, he was outstanding and dominated them.
Bit surprised there has been little talk of Morten Hjulmand of Sporting, he is an excellent player and whilst not as good defensively as Ugarte, he is a complete midfielder who I would be quite happy to see at O. T.
Main thing of course is to get a premier midfielder in, would be very happy if it is Ugarte.
I Want Our Trophy Back's banter replies
29 Nov 2024 20:02:24
Totally agree about Rasmus, have said before that he is starved of proper service and needs to be used much better. Was watching M. O. T. D. last Saturday and the City match was on, Haaland had about 6 goal attempts from balls played to him, in the box, by his teammates. I thought at the time it was probably more opportunities than Rasmus has had all season!
I have no doubt whatsoever that if he is used properly, he is capable of being a top goal scorer. I fully expect our style of attacking play, under Rubin, to change and be more striker orientated. Look at what he has done with Gyokeres.
Last season Rasmus had the second highest conversion rate of goals to chances, only behind Haaland, of all premiership strikers. The answer is not going out and spending zillions more on new strikers but using what we have properly.
I thought Mount looked decent and can see him, subject to fitness, becoming an important part of the team, his game is well suited to the style we will be implementing. Agree that Ugarte is looking more and more settled.
Like most, am struggling to see a future for Marcus and Bruno in the system but casualties are inevitable.
23 Nov 2024 23:03:58
It would actually be 5 points off 2nd place, but take your point, it would not be a significant gap. Obvious thing to say but we need to try and get a run going.
12 Nov 2024 23:59:31
To put it bluntly he definitely has my vote.
In other news Malacia played 45 mins for the U21s tonight.
30 Oct 2024 16:48:26
Well done Downsie, very informative. Have to say have thought before that we may suit a 3 at the back system. It may well be the case that the players we have are well suited to it. We shall see!
25 Oct 2024 19:24:08
Norn, he was asked a question last night and answered it quite rightly, what do you expect him to say? We have had injuries all season, like other teams, and to suggest it has no influence is ridiculous.
There are enough valid reasons to criticise without having to rely on twisting and misrepresenting and taking thing's out of context.