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22 Nov 2025 19:33:08
Matheus Cunha was due to switch the Christmas lights on tonight, in Altrincham, but the council have issued a statement to the effect he will not be doing so, due to the fact he had been involved in an accident at training today.
The club are yet to make any statement, but hopefully it's not to serious an issue. Probably Mount would play on Monday if he can't make it. Don't want to start getting injuries with Afcon on the horizon.
1.) 22 Nov 2025 20:18:40
Sully is investigating, he will provide an update if he can find anything out apparently.
26 Sep 2025 15:57:27
The global talent search continues.
Cristian Orozco, a very highly rated 17 year old defensive midfielder who plays for Fortaleza, in Colombia has signed a pre contract agreement and will become a United player when he turns 18, next July. A deal similar to that of Diego Leon who signed last summer.
He recently captained his country to the final at the South American U17 Championships, but were beaten by Brazil.
This drive for worldwide talent is being led by Jason Wilcox and Head of Recruitment Christopher Vivell who discovers the talent.
Even if all these signings don't become first team regulars it is hoped that a pool of talent will be created and sold to help finance new signings.
A very solid business strategy, if successful!
1.) 27 Sep 2025 09:46:14
Over the last decade we have spent over a billion on players most of which haven't even come close to being value for money. Huge fees, huge wages and underwhelming performances.
Many of these players we have ended up stuck with after they've flopped as no other clubs are willing to match their wages.
I'm not saying we shouldn't spend big on some signings, but we need a more balanced approach.
I really like the idea of scouting the world for the best young talent at academy level and looking to bring them into the club.
The signings of Sekou Kone, Ayyden Heaven, Chido Obi, Diego Leon, and Enzo Kana-Biyik have all happened under the new ownership. If even one of them becomes a regular first team player then that represents the best investment in players our club have made in over a decade. With the club having spent only a few million in total to bring them ALL into the club. While their low wages and high potential means even the ones who ultimately don't make it, we will still be able to sell them for a profit.
We have actually seen this model used at our club before the INEOS take over. We signed young players like Hannibal, Kambwala, Alvaro Fernandez, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, the Fletcher twins, and Garnacho from other academies both in England and abroad, with us selling Hannibal, Kambwala, Fernandez, and Garnacho all for a profit. If Amass and Collyer don't make it to the level we need, then no doubt they will also sell for far more than we paid to bring them in.
With the tighter financial regulations in football this has to be seen as a sensible way to run the club both from a financial perspective and a footballing one.
It allows us to bring in some of the best young talents from around the world, players who maybe initially flit between the under 21's and the first team while they settle, they may even go out on a loan or two (look at the new role for Jonny Evans), or provide squad depth for the first team. Quality depth, who aren't being paid a fortune, and who are happier to be a rotation option.
If they take their chances then they become first team regulars, if not then after a 2-3 years we sell them at a profit and reinvest that money into the first team squad.
If every year we spend 3-5m on a handful of young academy players, but we sell 3-5 ex-academy players for 20-50m then we are making huge profits. Occasionally we will get a first team regular out of it, or maybe a player like Garnacho who has talent but isn't the right fit for us who we can sell for a huge fee on their own.
Over the past decade our best value for money transfers haven't been brought into the club through the front door with the big fanfare, but quietly slipped in through the backdoor into the academy before flourishing into the first team.
It's not the only approach we should look to do, but definitely an important one that we can and should be exploiting far more.
2.) 27 Sep 2025 10:19:42
I was confused when INEOS were banging on about this, this was United’s transfer policy for years under Fergie.
We all remember the famous remarks he made about no value in the market and then some random 20year old would turn up from some unheard of country and not last long, or be shipped off to Antwerp. Occasionally he would get one big spend like a Berbatov, van Perise or a Cole.
It wasn’t until Fergie retired that the Glazers started throwing money at the problem, obviously not their money, and it hasn’t really created a stable side and long term success.
3.) 27 Sep 2025 18:08:53
Global search for a decent manager would be a good start….
Then get the club all teams to play same way under that managers direction.
What we got now is just bordering on insanity, if this kid is special talent, he leaves, that’s 100%.
09 Aug 2025 12:06:41
The club has officially announced the signing of Benjamin Sesko, 5 year deal with a year's option.
Obviously, an element of inexperience exists, but over the past two seasons Sesko has scored the most goals of any player under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues.
Wish him all the best luck in his future with us, hope for his and our sakes it is a massively successful future.
07 Aug 2025 17:35:04
Being reported that RB Leipzig have this afternoon accepted our offer for Sesko, which is approx £73.7m.
They have also given permission for him to fly over to England such that his medical may be carried out.
Should be completed pretty quickly now, the club want to introduce him to the crowd at Saturday's friendly against Fiorentina.
Could we really get Baleba as well? Think if someone said a few day's back we would be going for him I would of suggested an urgent appointment with their doctor.
Please, please make it happen.
1.) 07 Aug 2025 18:58:08
Considering how long Mbeumo took, this has been surprisingly fast, and now we are talking to Brighton about Baleba. Seems we have some urgency to get all the signings in before the beginning of the season, then spend the rest of the transfer window on sales maybe. Refreshing anyway.
2.) 07 Aug 2025 22:22:36
Newcastle made us act fast here.
3.) 08 Aug 2025 06:55:01
Are we waiting for the Barcoders to make an offer before we move? ?.
4.) 08 Aug 2025 09:04:29
My boredom was brief.
17 Jul 2025 14:53:58
According to David Ornstein we have today made a new bid for Mbuemo.
Apparently it is £65m fixed with £5m in extras. If true and they decline we must walk away. If accepted he is on the plane tomorrow.
Reckon today this whole saga ends.
1.) 17 Jul 2025 15:09:56
Fingers crossed. Wonder if Newcastle interest in Wissa has forced an offer although sure it was coming.
2.) 17 Jul 2025 15:26:05
I imagine there is some give from Brentford on payment terms that help us out.
We want to improve on negotiations and behind the scenes things will be but unfortunately clubs know our situation and PL clubs are not necessarily desperate for sales.
Hopefully we will see a few more through the door next couple of weeks.
3.) 17 Jul 2025 15:42:57
Frustrating for fans but if he’s on the plane for the USA tour then it’s job done and onto next couple of transfers hopefully. A quick double would be nice with Mbuemo and maybe the Lyon CM we’ve been linked with recently.
4.) 17 Jul 2025 15:46:57
Would not be completely surprised if it gave a little 'nudge' spenno, but if it brings resolution I am all for it.
We are not going to sign 5 or 6 new players but another 2 of good quality can make a big difference.
Don't subscribe to the linear theory that all players will just continue in the same way they were playing last season, some are much better than they performed, and some of the younger ones have got more experience, add in some decent newcomers and there is good reason to look forward to the new season.
I can't wait!
5.) 17 Jul 2025 16:44:13
Sancho agreement was the trigger.
6.) 17 Jul 2025 16:44:33
Good player, but the whole negotiation reminds me of Maguire and Leicester. At least this time we didn’t wait all summer.
But £70M for a guy with a year left is definitely us being BrENT Over.
I’m also thinking that might be us at the top of the field.
7.) 17 Jul 2025 16:57:26
Utd Road, I know you want to create this narrative but Brentford had the option to extend by a year which gave them leverage. Until we know they exact break down of the fee and payment structure £70M in today’s figures for a player who was involved in 30 G/ A last season is probably fair.
8.) 17 Jul 2025 17:34:33
Don't forget that Brentford have the option of the 1 year extension. Technically, he has 2 years left.
9.) 17 Jul 2025 17:37:45
£70m for one of the best signings we could have made. I think he’s undervalued!
10.) 17 Jul 2025 18:00:34
Hopefully this deal gets done now.
As for Newcastle's interest in Wissa, personally given the lack of options available he should be a player that we should be considering now. Only has a year left on his deal, valued between 30-40m, scored 19 goals last season and links very well with Mbeumo.
11.) 17 Jul 2025 18:10:30
He would be a great option at a fair price, and of course has a telepathic understanding with Mbeumo. But of course they're not going to give us both on a platter.
12.) 17 Jul 2025 18:42:25
I genuinely believe if Salah hadn’t have signed his extension, Liverpool would be looking at Mbuemo as his replacement.
Only problem if we can get him signed is that we will need Cameroon to not qualify for the ACON so we don’t lose him, but we need Cameroon to qualify so Onana pops off for a few weeks ?.
13.) 17 Jul 2025 22:27:01
Wissa, Vlahaovic, Watkins. All good options for No9. Oh and did I mention Rashford ?.
14.) 17 Jul 2025 23:42:46
Ports a factual narrative that you don’t like as it doesn’t fit your narrative.
We are paying exactly what Brentford asked for 3-4 weeks ago, the same value as Spurs allegedly offered.
BM is a good player but to suggest our negotiating and commercial expertise has improved is false.
I know little of BMs contract but had previously understood in general the player had to agree to any extension.
Man City, Liverpool or Chelsea would have secured a better price or paid the price when asked.
15.) 18 Jul 2025 00:40:19
Utd Road we have gotten a really good player at a fair price. Given our position that we could add Cunha and Mbeumo is great work. Our negotiating team clearly did an excellent job convincing those players that we're the best place for them.
Your assertion about those other teams is completely unprovable. Liverpool are paying 120M for Wirtz, Chelsea could pay over 80M for Mudryk and City paid 100M for Grealish.
We have two players good enough to play for any side in the league at fair value, and at reported contracts of c.150k/ w that are also fair value. If you don't see improvement then you stay in your bubble of negativity.
16.) 18 Jul 2025 05:50:12
Don, Cunha or Mbuemo would not get in regularly any of the potential top 4, whilst both very good players they are not great players, let’s not kid ourselves and take off the tints.
You moan about people being negative, but be realistic, what we seen in recent years to be optimistic about.
Even RA who I like a lot and want him badly to succeed, he not showed anything in past 6 months that actually transforms to us doing exceptionally well this coming season, if we are being realistic.
We need hell of a lot more yet, because even if we score more goals we certainly will let a lot more in.
17.) 18 Jul 2025 07:18:06
It’s not factual Utd Road, it’s an opinion.
18.) 18 Jul 2025 08:54:25
Just amazed at the responses treating this as a done deal.
19.) 18 Jul 2025 09:24:48
German, our metrics beyond goals were trending in the right direction last year. We simply didn't take our chances. Defensively, other than the GK, we have good players. I think there is far too much negativity about the standard of the squad. My viewpoint is that last year we'd half a CL level side playing with half a championship level side. And our attack was certainly the main issue.
20.) 18 Jul 2025 12:48:00
It is AM2.
I Want Our Trophy Back's banter posts with other poster's replies to I Want Our Trophy Back's banter posts
25 Jan 2026 18:33:40
Yeeees, another excellent performance, fully deserved win.
1.) 25 Jan 2026 18:44:24
Couple of worldies, solid performance. Need to kick on.
2 out of 17 cup finals won, 15 to go, title still on.
2.) 25 Jan 2026 18:58:53
Loved it. Aftv and chill tonight ?.
3.) 25 Jan 2026 18:58:59
Nice irony to see the Arsenal fans complaining about our time wasting.
4.) 25 Jan 2026 19:32:20
Super stuff. Balance of game was probably more like a draw but we've been unlucky in other games and the positivity of the changes got their deserved reward. Thrilled. The recruitment in attack has been excellent. Unselfish players making good decisions, really good technique. We've plenty to work on but, when we've our best players available, we're a serious side.
21 Jan 2026 19:27:28
So the Premier League have come out and admitted to another VAR mistake made against us.
The goal 'scored' by Licha against Burnley was valid and therefore, obviously, should of stood. I could of told them that 10 seconds after the goal was scored!
If we had not been robbed of those 2 points then we would be in 4th position in the League now, a Champions League qualification position. If the end of the season comes and we miss qualification for ECL by a 2pt margin then there will be some righteous anger and annoyance.
{Ed025's Note - you are not the only ones IWOTB, it has happened to a lot of clubs mate, Everton have had 2 apologies this season and last season Wolves had at least 5, VAR is embarrassing and should be kicked into touch, the officials are using it as a crutch so they dont have to concentrate..
1.) 21 Jan 2026 19:45:34
Ed25
I still think they should look at the details of the third goal by Mount in the derby that was disallowed. The graphic looked like Cunha was further forward than in the still photo. Did the frame of the photo exactly match the graphic? I have real doubts and that would cast doubt on the validity of the decision. It just didn’t look right.
{Ed025's Note - im with you Red Man, i have lost all faith in the system mate and would not trust them to make a jelly..
2.) 21 Jan 2026 20:04:27
That's as maybe Ed, but the fact remains that whilst very annoying for all parties concerned, there is clearly a degree of consequence for these errors. If it result's in the loss of a Champions League place over, say, finishing 13th in the league rather than 11th or 12th there is clearly justification for greater anger and annoyance. What would the financial consequences between those 2 examples be, many, many millions!
Not having a pop or such like Ed, Just think the consequences of essentially the same mistake can have significantly differing outcomes.
{Ed025's Note - it can for every team IWOTB, teams can be relegated and leagues lost on wrong decisions mate, some will obviously become more important than others but i suppose every team has its own agenda..
3.) 21 Jan 2026 22:00:00
6 more points for those 2 apologies amd Everton would be in a cl place too.
I never look to blame on pitch refs and I don't think I ever have.
They make mistakes and have done since the game began. Players make their jobs impossible with their constant cheating.
Then they have to put up with energy decision analysed from views and speeds they don't have or see its bloody ridiculous.
But now the refs on the pitch are not in charge its a joke.
Wat hi guys challenges and fouls in slow motion and freeze framing a millisecond moment in time is just nonsense.
Having too many laws that are not black and white leads to interpretation and huge inconsistency.
Var should be only be used on request by coaches twice per half, they did this in the world youth Cup and it worked very well.
My view is leave the ref in charge on the pitch and if a coach feels there is an ott challenge that's been missed he can have it checked.
4.) 22 Jan 2026 06:59:16
TW
Bit like Cricket, maybe if the challenge proves correct then they keep it. I would also limit the review to 1 min, if it isn’t proven in that time it isn’t clear and obvious.
5.) 22 Jan 2026 09:16:13
Agree redman. 2 looks in real time amd move on.
6.) 22 Jan 2026 10:36:05
Agree wholeheartedly. Will help the game flow better and all the players and coaches moaning during the game can now be countered with, use your appeal, if you genuinely believe the decision is wrong.
7.) 22 Jan 2026 12:03:07
The problem you have with coaches requesting the use of VAR is time. They will want to review the incident before requesting and by this time the game would have restarted. Or you are pausing for every little incident for a potential review. The game would be really bitty. If you allow players to request it then you have the issue of players requesting everything BUT player request maybe better as they are up close to the incident. And if they know it is subject to two reviews then that would restrict them.
For example the Martinez penalty incident, if he was adamant then he tells the captain instantly who requests. Coaches probably couldn't see the incident clearly so then they'd review on IPAD and this is all time. Who's job is it to bring it to the attention of the Coach?
I'd also be concerned about coaches using it to stop the flow of the game, Eddie Howe for example. He got the GK to go down so he could get some instructions to the players.
However, I do agree it needs a better system if it is here to stay which I'd be happy if it wasn't.
8.) 22 Jan 2026 12:30:49
Watch how it worked at the youth world cup so you can understand it.
Look at what happened before coming up with a bunch of things that have already been addressed.
9.) 22 Jan 2026 12:43:04
Great idea Ken.
Not sure if it would work but definitely better than the nonsense we have now. VAR saps the fun out of football. You can't celebrate a goal any more, totally detrimental in my opinion.
Also agree if players weren't cheating all the time probably wouldn't have been introduced in its current guise.
10.) 22 Jan 2026 13:11:50
Didn't know they used it at the youth world cup so just looked it up, perhaps your point of it at the youth world cup would have been better delivered had you given the full picture of how it was used or perhaps you didn't understand how it was used?!
So the referee first identified a situation that could be reviewed and then the coaches have a limited time to decide whether to review it or not. This would work for incidents where the game is stopped, Goal scored, red card, penalty awarded. But it's not going to work for incidents like penalty claims that referees miss or don't think were.
11.) 22 Jan 2026 13:49:03
Ports there is the Internet to look up I'm not here to explain or interpret things for you.
If you had read the post you would have seen where I said it was adapted at youth wc. let's not look for a load of hypothetical negatives when a trial has been completed and worked very well and was well received by players coaches and refs.
Read up on it if you like and give everybody's and executive summary.
12.) 22 Jan 2026 14:28:03
Just scrap var. everyone hates it. Fans hate it players hate it clubs hate it yet fifa want it. personally its only in for tv to add drama, but even tv hate it now, so why have it. It's ruined the game so why onbearth football still has var.
{Ed025's Note - im with you Nick..
13.) 22 Jan 2026 14:52:11
I did use the internet to look it up and have given everyone a summary of how it was used. It’s in the post you replied too.
14.) 22 Jan 2026 16:32:42
I was watching the derby in a bar in Alicante.
2nd goal, I didn't know whether to celebrate or not.
I hate VAR for taking away that spontaneous feeling of utter joy when a goal goes in.
15.) 22 Jan 2026 17:23:16
I don’t blame VAR. I blame refs for using it as a cop out for making difficult decisions.
The offside rules are a farce. The refs should be making common sense decisions based on the facts (VAR) and the spirit of the game (was the forward so blatantly offside that it gave them an unfair advantage over defenders) .
The problem is that refs are too cowardly to take responsibility, and want the technology to make decisions for them.
{Ed025's Note - absolutely Danny..
16.) 23 Jan 2026 00:46:27
It would make sense to have a review system for yellow cards and red cards, and possibly offsides, though hopefully technology will soon be good enough that it will be completely automatic like in tennis where they don't even use line judges in the major tournaments any more. That way there will be no more mistakes by the assistant referee and no more mistakes caused by the VAR referee using the current technology incorrectly.
With regards to yellow cards and red cards, model it on cricket. Two reviews per match, it must be the captain that asks the referee for the review, and there is a timer that starts as soon as the referee has made their initial decision.
Ideally another timer that starts as soon as the referee has started to review the incident on the monitor, for example 1 minute, since if they can't decide whether or not they've made an error in 1 minute looking at replays, then they've probably not made an error, certainly not a clear one, so get on with the game.
Only issue with reviews in cricket is that sometimes the third umpire spends 5 minutes on a single review and there is already a significant issue with over rates in test cricket, and I would hate to see football start taking forever over every decision.
09 Jan 2026 23:07:12
From a personal perspective Cameroon losing to Morocco tonight was good for us as Bryan Mbeumo will be returning to Manchester soon.
Tomorrow night Ivory Coast play Egypt, so again being selfish, I hope Egypt prevail and Amad will then be returning.
So far Amad has been one of the players' of the tournament, 4 games played, 3 goals scored and 3 man of the match performances. Would almost like him to do the business again and advance in the tournament. Hope he plays well whatever and brings his good form back when he returns.
1.) 10 Jan 2026 11:41:13
When we reflect on this season the AFCON might ultimately be the thing that details our season.
We lost both Amad and Mbeumo to the tournament, two of our best and most important attacking players.
While they were there we lost to Villa, and drew with Burnley, Leeds and Wolves. In all those games we were the better team, created more chances, and had more shots. But ultimately failed to take those chances. That's between 6-9 points dropped during that time down to being unable to get the goals we needed despite being the better team.
That would put us on between 38-41 points, making us 4th with a 3-6 point cushion over 5th place and within touching distance of 3rd place.
Make no mistake the AFCON has royally screwed us this season.
30 Nov 2025 20:59:09
If Adam Wharton was auditioning for a potential transfer, his first half performance would certainly have done a lot of good. He was excellent, his passing was incisive, accurate and effective. Not as effective in the second half but that was probably down to us taking control of the game.
Have to say I thought Luke Shaw was excellent defensively, his best game for some time. Good to see Licha back as well, the issue will be what level of performance he will be able to achieve going forward. Hopefully, for all concerned, we get the old player back.
1.) 30 Nov 2025 22:36:44
We have played Brighton, Forest and now Palace within weeks of one another and been linked to a CM from each team.
Based upon the 3 games, the order of preference currently has to be Anderson, Wharton and then Baleba, perhaps 2 of those are destined for our team, there will be a lot of interest.
I feel Anderson and Wharton are compatible together and that would be a significant step forward by the club, however I still maintain that WB will be an area we need to focus on in equal measures, either this window, the summer, or both.
I would not be against a WB and a CM in both windows.
2.) 01 Dec 2025 10:11:59
Anderson right footed, covers the ground extremely well, drives forward with the ball, passes forward, incredible work rate without the balk.
Wharton left footed, covers the ground, more of a deep lying playmaker, great work rate. Defensively robust.
Two proven Premier league midfielders, both cover tremendous amounts of ground with extremely complementary attributes.
If we were to get both of these lads it would be ground breaking in terms of the improvement to the team. The back line and wide channels would get way more cover and we would stop conceding due to midfield runners. They would give way more control when on the ball meaning we could be less direct in our build up. it would get the 10's in the game a lot more in a more productive way.
Anderson is an absolute no brainer for me. Wharton is quality but may need cover as he did pick up injuries last year, this could just be a blip though as he's only missed two games this season and played 42 in he 23/24 season.
3.) 01 Dec 2025 15:48:18
We'd have bruno as cover!
4.) 01 Dec 2025 21:15:33
I think Bruno leaves to buy two players of that price.
5.) 02 Dec 2025 00:35:03
Bruno can move to his more suited position again. or Saudi.
6.) 02 Dec 2025 10:29:43
I agree Rewz, i think we need a reset and i would get some money in for Bruno whilst we can. He's been a great player for us over the years but he's going to be 32 next year. I said in my previous posts that Amorim is currently putting square pegs in round holes. Bruno isn;t a central midfielder and if Amorim is going to pesist with this formation i would rather have a front three of Cunha, Sesko and Mbuemo with two natural central midfielders like Wharton and Anderson.
It gives the team much more balance and security especially in the central midfield area where we have been lacking massively over the years.
7.) 02 Dec 2025 14:56:01
I hope i am wrong but I think Wharton and Anderson are being overhyped at the moment.
8.) 02 Dec 2025 16:06:28
Anderson has been exceptional since the start of last season and has been quality for the national team. He offers a lot in and out of possession. Statistically he's one of the best players in the top 5 leagues in Europe at the moment but more importantly the eye test shows he's got a top top work rate. He's a play i'd love to see in the red of Man Utd.
Wharton is a very different type of player BUT one that would compliment the skillset of Anderson. He's more your scanning 6 with the regista style of passing.
The most important thing for me is would would be able to build in midfield much more and have more dominance on the ball, also with their passing range we could still be direct when required., we would do less stupid shots from outside the box from midfield too which is one of the things that annoys me the most. There's a great pass o for a high probability chance but we always take the hollywood shot like idiots.
I'm not really fussed if its Anderson and Wharton, we just need to completely overhaul this midfield.
29 Nov 2025 17:46:35
Oh what joy! The U18s were playing in the league today, away at Liverpool.
We won the game 0-7, JJ Gabriel scored a terrific hat trick, this guy only turned 15 a couple of week's back and already look's too good for the U18s.
Let's hope for three thing's.
1. He stay's with us .
2. He avoids injury.
3. He continues developing as he is doing.
I know it has been said of many other's and there is a long way to go, but he truly could be very, very special.
1.) 29 Nov 2025 17:25:08
He's the main man in my current FM save! ?.
2.) 29 Nov 2025 17:37:25
Could be a load of BS. But I think I saw somewhere that other clubs are after him.
3.) 29 Nov 2025 19:17:50
Other clubs Fallguy! Real Madrid and Barcelona are trying all sorts behind the scenes to get him to sign, every single major club in Europe has expressed a desire to sign him.
I can only assume you do not have any interest in, or knowledge of the academy as he is most certainly not worthy of being described as BS.
4.) 29 Nov 2025 19:26:05
Fallguy
Yes all the top teams. There was even a story about Arsenal being keen to get him, to punish Utd for taking Obi and Heaven.
5.) 29 Nov 2025 21:31:01
Anyone who may be interested in seeing the 7 goals we scored against Liverpool can go on to the club's website, there's a 5 minute highlights reel. It's worth seeing.
6.) 30 Nov 2025 03:47:07
Sounds like Real Madrid are favourites to sign him too, which would be another sad day for United if it happens, hopefully not, but would not be surprised, Arsenal even play a 15 year old occasionally to give him so incentives, we don’t even play kids who he puts on the bench when drastically needed to try something different… if RA stays the kid might just go, RA likes a Robot.
7.) 30 Nov 2025 08:48:41
Been watching the youth teams a bit on YouTube recently but still limited exposure. The number of selfish players is frightening. Every forward will try to beat as many defenders as possible before shooting. No one seems to look up to play a ball to a teammate or for a better opportunity once the get to the 18 yard box.
It’s an awful trait in the first squad that needs sorting. Obviously only watched a handful of highlights, but it was obvious and a bit worrying. Is this thing or just coincidence?
8.) 30 Nov 2025 14:38:49
JSU/German/Romanian or whatever you are hiding behind today, it has to be said your ability to talk utter twaddle never ceases to amaze, (aMAZE-get it! )
Arsenal play Dowman because he is a very, very talented youngster, not to give him incentives as you suggest. Furthermore he is almost a year older than Gabriel and consequently a bit further ahead in his development.
Part of the reasons both Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi left Arsenal to join us was because of the fact Arsenal give nowhere near the opportunities to youngsters that we do, look at the stats.
Very often academy youngsters are named as substitutes to give them experience of first team involvement, with little intention of game time, unless maybe a large lead is held or suchlike.
As for opportunities for JJ, I have no doubt whatsoever, he will get opportunities under R. A. but don't forget he has only just turned 15 a few weeks ago so physicality will remain an issue in the short term.
Finally, I have no idea why this issue concerns you as surely it only matter's to Utd supporters, something you assuredly can lay no claim to be.
9.) 30 Nov 2025 21:17:48
I’m pretty sure Dowman can play epl games as he is 15 but was turning 16 during this calendar year, so JJ would only be able to play epl matches from next season, well I believe it’s something like that.
10.) 30 Nov 2025 22:40:26
Maze, you don't like RA, we get it.
11.) 30 Nov 2025 23:23:30
Yes, EWAM, there is a minimum age rule which states that to play in the Premier League this season you have to have turned 15 by August 2025, which Dowman had but JJ did not reach that age until October so he will not play in the Premier League this season.
Although JJ could play in the FA Cup in January as the rule does not apply in that competition.
However he is physically nowhere near ready yet for first team action.
I Want Our Trophy Back's rumour replies
24 Dec 2025 14:58:37
SWYW- Utter nonsense.
24 Nov 2025 15:53:54
Been quite a bit of talk that RA has been impressed by his performances this season and that he was close to a call up.
Think he may well get an opportunity come Afcon time, he play's right side so could get a chance to see if he can step up and maybe getting him in the first team squad now is a precursor to this.
Seen him a few times this season and he has looked pretty impressive, would really like to see him show what he can do. Would not be surprised to see Jack Fletcher also get a call up, his performances have been good as well.
12 Nov 2025 14:14:45
What utter nonsense.
06 Nov 2025 16:34:03
This is not a surprise to me, have been saying to friends for some time I thought Barcelona would try this on.
They know how keen we are to move Marcus on, especially considering his huge wages. They feel if they apply pressure we will concede to them and reduce his fee, this was agreed at 30m euros (quite low if he is performing reasonably well, let's face it they will only try and buy him if he is performing to a good standard, so it would be a good deal for them)
As you say Brad they have player's to move on, so someone like Araujo, who when fit and healthy I think is a fantastic centre back could be an ideal potential trade.
I have no doubt they will find the money to facilitate any purchases they really want to make. I just don't want them trying it on with us. Also there is no penalty fee for them to pay, like Sancho with Chelsea. They also did not pay any loan fee to us, so overall, if he is playing well, they have a pretty decent deal overall.
26 Sep 2025 15:01:38
Couple of days ago it was reported that FdJ has agreed a new contract with Barce until 2029 on reduced wages.
Given his known desire to stay at Camp Nou, on a scale of nought to a thousand on the credibility scale I would struggle to give this rumour a score of more than 2.
I Want Our Trophy Back's banter replies
26 Jan 2026 18:33:07
Spot on, can't believe I am saying this but Harry Maguire was, by far, the best Centre Back on the pitch yesterday and to be fair his performances over recent month's have been of an impressive standard. The issue, of course, if you are playing a much higher defensive line he is going to be caught with his lack of mobility and pace.
This weekend for instance against Fulham, who I suspect will sit much deeper than City and Arsenal thus requiring us to adopt a much higher line could be problematic. Not sure MC will change anything but a good argument could be put forward for Ayden Heaven or Leny Yoro to come into the side to bring some of that needed pace. Would still be happy for HM to get a new deal (reduced terms) could still do a good job in the right games.
Agree about Shaw, he has been excellent all season, both as a Centre Back and Full Back. Obviously fitness will be the issue of concern for him.
What has pleased me over the last 2 games, possibly more than the results, has been the wins were no smash and grab jobs but we went toe to toe, face to face with them and beat them purely by playing better than them. This, is very encouraging going forward.
Don't know if you have seen the comments from Arsene Wenger following the game, but they seem pretty damning to me as to what he thinks of their tactics-
''I would say the goals scored on both sides illustrated a little bit the way the two teams played. Man United built up well and had good cohesion, and Arsenal's goals were decided more by power and fighting on the corner for the second, for example, and the first goal too — it was not clean play.
They gave everything, Arsenal, but they lacked a bit of patience and technical cohesion, which Man United had. I think there is something going on in this Man United team between the way they beat Man City and they beat Arsenal today. The way they played was very convincing.
When Arsenal came back to 2-2, usually it's the home team that wins the game. And they found the resources again to score the third goal and to win 3-2 away from home in a top level game.
So I must congratulate Carrick, he has created something. "
Wow, he praises us and makes clear he is fed up of Arteta ball and their fouling and manhandling of players and goalkeepers on corners which are meant to cause chaos and allow them to physically dominate and score a goal. Not sure that epitomises the style and philosophy of Wenger!
Finally, disappointed with Keane, his comments were clearly entirely personal and had no basis in football achievement or abilities, fancy him bearing a long term grudge! You should be better than that Keano.
{Ed025's Note - to be fair to Slab head IWOTB he has played well the last 2 games, you need to keep him in the side if only to keep the useless Yoro and Heaven out of it imo mate
21 Jan 2026 20:04:27
That's as maybe Ed, but the fact remains that whilst very annoying for all parties concerned, there is clearly a degree of consequence for these errors. If it result's in the loss of a Champions League place over, say, finishing 13th in the league rather than 11th or 12th there is clearly justification for greater anger and annoyance. What would the financial consequences between those 2 examples be, many, many millions!
Not having a pop or such like Ed, Just think the consequences of essentially the same mistake can have significantly differing outcomes.
{Ed025's Note - it can for every team IWOTB, teams can be relegated and leagues lost on wrong decisions mate, some will obviously become more important than others but i suppose every team has its own agenda..
20 Jan 2026 20:41:31
Well, well, well newname, I watched the 20 min highlights package on the club's website earlier and noticed the exact same thing and thought I would post about it later! Great minds eh.
First of all the free kick given in favour of Haaland was ridiculous, was never a foul. Cherki then took the free kick which he played straight ahead of him this was met by Harry and he headed the ball straight back towards Cherki. Mbeumo had moved into the space in front of Cherki and as soon as the ball reached him, instead of attempting to control it he immediately flicked the ball round the side of himself to Bruno.
Now given Bryan did not try and retain the ball Cherki had no opportunity to foul him and given his newness to City he may not be fully immersed in their practice of the dark acts yet.
I have no doubt whatsoever had someone like Rodri been where Cherki was, then Bryan would of been fouled and the move stopped and subsequently we would not of scored that fantastic goal.
Given the risk and reward of these constant ''Pep'' fouls should the Premier League not be looking at greater punishments for them. (YES they should)
Just had a look at tonight's scores, Oh dear, how sad, well never mind! City have lost 1-3 at Bodo/Glimt and Rodri was sent off. They are not having a good week are they!
19 Jan 2026 19:39:32
Right, so you're saying City not even 2nd best team in Manchester now, but down to third place! Have to say Ed I totally agree with you, although a good argument could be made to push them down to 4th behind Salford City.
{Ed025's Note - i would love it if you finished above City IWOTB, i dont like to see cheats prosper mate..
19 Jan 2026 19:17:35
Spot on Fizz.
{Ed025's Note - yeah..Stockport are doing very well.. :)