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11 Jul 2024 21:14:04
ED002,
Are Utd conducting their transfer business in a more professional manner this summer?
Previously you mentioned how "Amateurish" the club was when dealing with transfers. Of course it is still early days.
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - They are shaping up to move to a better approach, so I guess yes.}
1.) 12 Jul 2024 09:34:53
It's almost criminal that the previous individuals involved in transfer business were so poor, you not only wonder how they even got to that role in the first place but also how they held on to it! The argument can't be that they were there to save Glazers money because they wasted millions of pounds.
I don't know the ins and outs of the process for transfer business but how they previous lot appear to be so spectacularly poor compared to, current performance of new individuals is amazing really.
2.) 12 Jul 2024 09:46:08
That's a good guess ed ?.
3.) 12 Jul 2024 15:56:56
Ports, it comes down to Woodward. He was arrogant enough to think that he actually knew something about football. I am led to believe by one of the football directors that all the decisions were his.
You may also recall him saying (echoing Arsenal? ) something about how winning the title was not important from a financial point of view. I remain amazed that the Glazers kept him in that position for so long. Maybe he had some kompromat on them!
The buck, as they say, stops with him.
4.) 12 Jul 2024 16:08:58
Shaw, I disagree. The book stops firmly with the Glazers. They appointed Woodward with no past experience of such a role. Woodward's ego was never going to stand up and say "thanks, but no thanks".
Business owners employing incompetent people to positions of power should not happen at this level, and if it does, it should be identified and that person (s) be removed very quickly.
This tells you all you need to know about how much the Glazers care about football.
30 Jun 2024 07:48:08
ED002,
Do you see Utd pushing for a deal for Branthwaite today?
Do Everton still need to sell players before the end of today?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Manchester United and Everton are miles apart in valuation.}
1.) 30 Jun 2024 11:22:37
If this deal is to happen it'll be after today's PSR deadline.
In truth the PSR deadline has already passed. Clubs need the funds in their account by today, it's not enough to just have the deal agreed, but the transfer of funds has to have happened. Transfering large sums of money on a Sunday isn't likely or even possible in many cases.
I think United offered as much as they could while staying inside the PSR boundaries for themselves. That's why they looked at including players to bring the offer up as they needed to sell those players to raise the funds to add to the deal. As they couldn't sell them they looked at including them in the deal instead. Which was flatly rejected by Everton.
Once the deadline has passed and one of the really bad years (where we made a big loss) has dropped off United will be able to offer more. This increases further once they start selling some players and bringing in funds.
I fully expect United to go back in for Branthwaite and for a deal to be done for around the 60m mark, maybe including add-ons or with additional add-ons. Depends on how well we can negotiate and how much Branthwaite pushes for the move, as Everton don't HAVE to sell and they know that he will likely increase in value over the next season or so. Keeping him means they keep a great player and have an asset that is increasing in value. Absolutely no reason to sell on the cheap. That said I think United will still push hard for this deal. He is also one of the few players that might be worth paying a bit more for.
2.) 30 Jun 2024 13:01:29
Shappy I would be surprised if your interpretation of football club finance is correct, at least if clubs are run like traditional businesses, the money does not need to be in the bank account.
As for Branthwaite I’d be hoping the club is looking seriously at other options if Everton are demanding in excess of £60m.
3.) 30 Jun 2024 16:00:04
Wazza, that's the interpretation I've heard from several "football finance experts".
Any income after midnight tonight counts to next year's accounts not this year's.
4.) 30 Jun 2024 17:11:13
Shappy sorry pal but you are blurring the lines between cash in the bank and signed agreements. They are two very different things. At least from my experience running businesses. I’d be surprised if it was any different for a football club.
5.) 30 Jun 2024 17:34:32
No it doesn't.
6.) 30 Jun 2024 20:26:48
This is why accountants exist, to make sure the money on paper is where it needs to be when it needs to be.
United seem to think that the have the chance to get a player for a price that suits them quite possibly because of the position that the other club find themselves in.
Everton don't want to sell him cheap, United ont his circumstance have to be prepared to walk away if Everton will not sell for what they are prepared to pay.
Branthwaite isn't the player I would be prepared to go all in on, Silva is if we are looking at young CB.
7.) 30 Jun 2024 22:41:24
Oakbark, while I think Silva and Yoro for that matter are talented young CB's, I don't believe either is any better than Branthwaite is right now, having watched both of them on 5 or 6 occasions.
I think there is a lot of snobbery when it comes to talents playing in the EPL for "smaller" clubs. With fans preferring the fancy foreign name who they've never seen play more than once if at all.
Maybe Silva and Yoro go on to become better players than Branthwaite, they are both a couple of years younger after all.
Yet neither have shown themselves capable in the EPL, a league that has chewed up and spat out many top class players with more than 5 times the experience of either Yoro or Silva.
Absolutely no guarantees that either of them will adapt to the EPL.
While has proven he can excel in the EPL, that has to be worth something over the the others. He can also comfortably play at both RCB and LCB, meaning he can play with or cover for Martinez. Something neither Yoro or Silva could do. He also ticks a box in terms of homegrown players. Something that we have to consider given that both Evans and Heaton will either leave this summer or next. Along with Sancho, Greenwood, AWB, Maguire and McTominay. Which would only leave Rashford, Shaw, Mount to fulfill the 7 homegrown spots we need. None of which are guaranteed long term options.
Branthwaite is on par with both Yoro and Silva currently (albeit he is a little older), he is EPL proven, and counts as homegrown. For those reasons he is worth paying a bit more for as he is less of a gamble and offers more.
8.) 01 Jul 2024 05:17:19
Branthwaite being on a par with anyone is another completely unmeasurable opinion of course, he’s English and young and I get the appeal. I saw him completely rinsed on several occasions last season and don’t see the fuss. I suspect we’ll get him though and hope he rises to the occasion.
9.) 01 Jul 2024 05:57:58
shappy/ spenno
Everytime i have watched him against better teams and players he has been poor. maybe its everton and who he has around him. he does not strike me as a guy who is a transformational defender to build around. On yoro not being better I would have to disagree shappy. Totally different player and ceiling is very high.
Shappy you keep saying pl proven. The last two pl proven defenders we signed for a total of 130 mill have not exactly proven as good business. The only one I can think of that has being a success is Rio but then again he was different.
{Ed025's Note - you have obviously not seen a lot of Branthwaite ahmad, he is top quality mate and miles better than you have, i think he will end up at Old Trafford but not at the low ball price you are offering im afraid..
10.) 01 Jul 2024 06:17:57
Branthwait is potential. He's nowhere near the england team even when HM is ruled out with injury. So he is nowhere near a $70m player today.
Everton have every right not to sell him. Utd have every right not to buy. If we do end up getting him it will be a slow burner.
{Ed025's Note - he only just missed the cut for the Euro,s DB, so him being nowhere near the England team is not actually true mate, i agree that if slab head was fit he would have been selected before Jarrad but that says more about the incompetent England manager than anything else, i believe he will go to United though as he wants the move but i would have loved him to stay at Everton...hes the future..
11.) 01 Jul 2024 06:30:54
I wouldn't be upset with us getting any of three mentioned. Everyone will have the favourites amongst them, I suspect all three will be good buys over time.
As an aside supposedly as the 30th is a non working day, deals that go through today can be registered for the purpose of the accounts as occurring on the 30th.
12.) 01 Jul 2024 09:13:50
Ahmad, all three are young defenders learning their craft. As such all will make mistakes, it's how they handle those mistakes that will define them. Silva had a nightmare the other night for Portugal. It happens.
There is also a world of difference making a mistake for Lille or Everton and making a mistake at Manchester United.
Branthwaite has more experience, is a little older and has played for different teams and in different countries. From what I hear from people who have worked with him he has a top class attitude and mentality. Maybe Silva and Yoro do as well, but I've not spoken with anyone who would know that.
Considering that all three will be around the same price, and are probably all around the same level currently (potential might be different between them, but that means nothing unless it's realised) . We need to consider other aspects to see which is a better deal. Branthwaite is EPL proven, will have a lower chance of failure, is British and counts as homegrown, and is more flexible and able to offer more tactical flexibility to the squad. It's also likely that Branthwaite has more longevity at the club as English players rarely push for moves to big continental clubs. We know Yoro has his sights set on Real Madrid, and I wouldn't be surprised if Silva would want to got to either of the two big Spanish clubs if they came calling in the future.
Branthwaite isn't the sexy name, but for all those reasons when all three will cost the same it means Branthwaite is probably better value and the better option.
The only argument I've seen anyone put forward for either Yoro or Silva over Branthwaite is the very wooly and subjective "more potential" debate. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. They are different players who at this moment in time suit different styles of play. All three in my opinion have the potential to be amongst the best CB's in the world in 2-4 years time. Which for me means their potential is fairly similar. Yet as I've said potential is also potentially nothing.
They could flop at a bigger club, or in a different country, or they could pick up serious injuries that detail their progress.
While there is an argument that Yoro and Silva are performing at a similar level at a younger age, you can also argue that the physical nature of playing CB on a younger body that is still developing and growing could bring about more injuries in the long term. When I think of CB's who were playing regularly at the top level at 17 or 18 years old I think of Varane or more recently De Ligt. Both have struggled with injuries throughout their careers.
I hope that neither Silva or Yoro go on to have injury issues, but it has to be a consideration. While bringing them to the most physically demanding league to play in one of the most physically demanding positions at such a young age and while their bodies are still growing/ developing should also be something to consider.
13.) 01 Jul 2024 08:44:14
ED025,
I've not really seen much of JB, but he what I have seen of him, is that he does slightly remind me of Vidic.
Personally I think he would thrive alongside Martinez at Utd.
{Ed025's Note - i would think so too MH..
14.) 01 Jul 2024 09:52:33
Ed25, correct me if I am wrong but you support Everton? If so can you tell me if he is predominantly left footed or not? Obvs if we got him he'd play next to Licha, so would be on the right hand side and I've seen JB say himself he is both, but just wondering what your thoughts were. Thanks.
{Ed025's Note - hes left footed Elvis, i do support Everton mate and thats why i can tell you you would be getting an excellent young player if you did sign Jarrad, him and Martinez both being lefties would not be a problem though imo because they are both decent with their right foot as well..
15.) 01 Jul 2024 13:57:28
JB is best option available imo and I think he will do well.
Much better option than Silva or yoro imo if they are looking at him coming straight into the team. Miles ahead of yoro in terms of experience and proven ability.
All 3 are very good players obviously with JB carrying the least risk imo due to his epl experience.
Personally I wouldn't go near de ligt.
I think that ajax team had a freak season. None of the star players sold went on to achieve very much after their moves. All talented players who were young at the time had momentum on their side that season but no real superstars and they have proven that over time.
16.) 01 Jul 2024 14:52:22
ed025
I have watched him quite a few times given we got linked to him early in the year. I do actually watch a lot of games just to see players we get linked to or if its someone who all the big clubs get linked to. I am not slagging him but not a player I have watched that grabs my attention and I go wow. Solid decent young Pl defender but vey basic passing and distribution imo.
Tarkowski has better stats than Branthwaite by the way, that's for Shappy who loves stats.
All I am saying is maybe maybe the club did not low ball the bid and genuinely see him for that kind of value and there is a major valuation gap between us and Everton.
I think we would have already signed Todibo had it not hit a snag, which I would assume is a priority for us to get a right footed CB and might have nothing to do with BT signing or another left footed CB.
IMO if we are going to sign a left footer, Inacio from Sporting is a better player and makes a lot more sense, Release clause not too far away from BR bid that we made. age, passing, technically no comparison and speed all tick the box.
Finally, Is the Branthwaite interest really a back up for Martinez. Lots of reports last few days about us signing two CB's and maybe the club thought we can get him in as cover for Martinez at a reasonable price given ETH desire to have a left footed CB on the pitch at all times.
Finally, if he as good as some think, where are the other bids given Everton's need to sell. Chelsea, Villa, Spurs, United and even city who seem to buy a CB every year and a host of teams are looking for CB's.
If people are advocating paying 60 or 70 million for branthwaite then i am not in that boat. I would put that on the table on someone like arujo from Barcelona and see if we can get someone like him. oceans apart imo.
Finally, united fans never change, we all get transfer heat and want the club to splash money to only later say we were stupid paying that much for this player and that player lol.
{Ed025's Note - i think he will end up at UTD for £50m +add ons ahmad, but he will not be back up to anyone mate, if you get him he starts..
17.) 01 Jul 2024 15:02:05
@shappy you should go back to your 'several' football Finsbury experts and tell them they are not exists. They are talking rubbish or else you have missed heard or misinterpreted what they told you.
18.) 01 Jul 2024 15:17:45
Ed025
You may be correct on that one. I am just going by what eth has said in the past, where he wants a natural right footer and left foot cb combination.
Last year we had 5 right footed and one left footed cb in the squad and he always talks about balance and passing lanes. I don't believe he will play BR and Martinez together but let's wait and see. It goes against his philosophy, which btw most other top teams do the same thing.
I trust whatever the club decides to do and believe we are in the market for two cb's. Lefties are harder to find and he may be our best option if Inacio is not gettable.
{Ed025's Note - you want him and he wants you ahmad so i believe there is a deal to be done mate, top players can play on either side imo..
19.) 01 Jul 2024 15:42:09
50 mill is decent ed. I think anything around 70m is just crazy.
They're also quoting DeLigt at 40m+, I think that would be a better bet. But I'd imagine they are looking at both. God knows we need it ?.
{Ed025's Note - yeah angel but the home grown factor and the fact he is young may make Jarrad the better option for you mate..
20.) 01 Jul 2024 16:20:57
And now I feel truly old, with de Ligt at 24 being less than half my age. Not even in his prime.
21.) 01 Jul 2024 18:49:52
Ahmad, with Martinez being out most of last season which left footed CB did we play to meet EtH's preferences?
Hell, we played most the season with a right footed left back let alone a left footed centre back.
Yeah, sure I'd imagine most coaches would like a right foot/ left foot balance throughout the team, but given that less than 12% of people in the world are left footed that makes it practically impossible.
22.) 01 Jul 2024 18:51:39
I wouldn't go near De Ligt personally. Massive wages, patchy injury record, and he hasn't truly convinced at either Juventus or Bayern since leaving Ajax.
He has potential flop written all over him.
23.) 01 Jul 2024 19:52:20
Thanks Ed, yer I think so too. Still not certain we will definitely sign him but he is a top prospect for sure.
{Ed025's Note - yeah Elvis, that SJR needs to put his hand in his pocket mate and start spending, its not as if hes spending it on hairdressing or anything is it.. :)
24.) 02 Jul 2024 22:34:20
If your club was not in the PSR door do and needing to make transfers prior to the end of season deadline, I would be delaying sales until after the new season start, could also be the case that teams spending want to wait. There is also the Copa and Euros going on which I think may slow down a fair few deals. I think it's quite understandable if a player wants to sort I tbout post tournament and just concentrate on that for now.
I know the American sports with salary caps, yearly bonuses etc are strongly guided in their actions by the financial aspect and what counts and when and would assume that the number crunchers in football are thinking along the same lines whilst the mechanisms are very different, the timing of the deals will now be important to clubs, they need to account for PSR, amortization etc etc you have to know what you spent over the last 5 seasons and what your still accounting for and then freeing up in sales on the accounts this year money to spend which you may account for over 5 years but knowing that you have to also consider you need to potential nake sales in each of the following four years for this year's purchases.
Football manager is going to start getting really complicated now.
25 Jun 2024 12:32:39
Afternoon ED002,
Is a move for Lunin still viable if Onana leaves this summer?
Do you see Onana staying?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Lunin is not an option.
Andre Onana (G) Not worked out and could be offered to Michael Emenalo as Manchester United look to upgrade - could stay as second choice as Bayindir wants out and Heaton will be out of contract.}
1.) 25 Jun 2024 13:21:27
Thanks ED002,
It's quite quiet at the moment for Utd. Do you expect that to change once the Euros have finished?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Yes.}
22 Jun 2024 12:34:40
ED002,
Is Mourinho interested in taking Lindelof to Fenerbace?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Victor Lindelof (CB) Manchester United invoked a one year contract extension in January – although Fenerbahce offer an option. Rejected a proposal to move to Everton as part of a deal for another player. A wildcard might be Inter Milan.}
1.) 22 Jun 2024 14:54:24
Thanks ED002.
2.) 22 Jun 2024 15:31:45
Sounds like we may still be working on a deal for branthwaite.
22 May 2024 14:23:44
ED002,
With the recent Ashworth fiasco, could Utd still look elsewhere for a Sporting Director etc instead of Ashworth?
Or, are they now going to be forced into doing a deal with Newcastle for Ashworth?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - They will not be looking elsewhere at the moment. They have to find a settlement.}
1.) 22 May 2024 15:00:08
Thanks ED002.
Mad Hatter's banter posts with other poster's replies to Mad Hatter's banter posts
03 Sep 2024 13:32:55
Hopefully Ugarte can get at least 60 plus minutes across the 2 friendly games for Uruguay. Hopefully he can play two full games, although I'm not sure if it is feasible, given his lack of match fitness.
1.) 03 Sep 2024 14:12:07
Only just saw that he actually played (and excelled) at CB in the Copa semi-final. Another square peg, but good to know, you never know what will be required during matches (ie Fernandes also filling in at CB! ) .
2.) 03 Sep 2024 14:48:40
Pretty sure Ten Haag’s comments about Ugarte’s fitness were just so that he can justify saving him for the Carabao Cup game against Barnsley. got to make it three trophies in three seasons, and his best chance of doing that is with the Mickey Mouse cup.
3.) 03 Sep 2024 18:30:33
3 in 3 would be a decent return with the crap that we have had, and continue to have at our disposal.
4.) 03 Sep 2024 20:55:43
Second best team in the country over the last 2 seasons according to Erik.
5.) 04 Sep 2024 02:28:35
Jimbobred. You could argue that Bruno and Martinez would get into just about every other starting eleven the world over and Casemiro was one of the best CDMs in the world when we signed him. Varane was also one of the best in his position (when fit), and let’s not even get started on Ronaldo. When properly motivated, Rashford has shown that he has the potential to be a 30+ goals a season player too, and in Mainoo and Garnacho, we have two of the brightest young players in world football.
Are these players crap, or is it the coaching?
As for the rest of the squad, we’re at a point where most of the players ETH has at his disposal are ones that he’s signed (Onana, Evans, Antony, Erickson, Malacia, De Ligt, Ugarte, Mazroui, Zirkzee, Hoijlund) or opted to retain. The club has spent an insane amount of money bringing in players for this guy, so if the squad is “crap”, he only has himself to blame.
Off the top of my head, the only players who are still at the club who haven’t been offered new deals in the two years since Ten Haag came in are Lindelof, Shaw and Maguire, and we’ve brought in four new CBs at a cost of over £150m (Martinez, Evans, De Ligt, and Yoro) and two left backs (albeit, one on loan) during that time to replace them.
6.) 04 Sep 2024 09:59:16
Redseven,
I disgaree with most of what you said, I don't thing Bruno gets into the top clubs starting 11. most don't even play a number 10 . Martinez is good but he has started the games where we conceded 6 against brighton, 4 against brighton, 7 against Liverpool and again 3 against liverpool he is the best we have but I don't think he makes the top clubs starting 11 either. Varane certainly wasn't one of the best center back in the world when we signed him he was carried by ramos most of hus career who was the actual world class center back next to varane. Casimero was one of the best DMs in the world but he had modric and kroos to pass the football for him and he was in decline a good 18 months prior to us signing him as madrid tried to replace him twice prior to us signing him. Rashford only plays well 12 months before his contract is up for renewal as per his last 2 good seasons was before 12/ 18 months before his contract expires. Garnacho is overrated busy player but lacks the final touch and quality he started over 30 games last season and hit 3 goals if he didn't already play for us we wouldn't be rushing to sign him. ronaldo was over the hill for the premier league. I would say the players are crap and the coaching is also crap.
7.) 04 Sep 2024 12:06:12
Ronaldo was the third highest scorer in the league the season before Ten Haag came in despite playing in a side that suffered what was then our worst ever league finish. Past his best, most definitely, but still one of the best finishers in the league and a whole lot better than any of our other strikers then or now.
Martinez isn’t quite on the same level as Van Dijk, Saliba, or Diaz, but he players alongside them in a back two at their respective clubs, and stat wise, Bruno is up there with the main creative players at Liverpool, Arsenal, and City despite playing in a poorly performing (and poorly coached) team.
Varane was absolutely a world class center back. You don’t last as long as he did at Real Madrid without that being the case. Ramos certainly helped to cover for some of his limitations, but the opposite was also true. He also won a World Cup with France and was runner up in the last one. Last time I checked, Ramos wasn’t playing alongside him there.
I take your point about Mainoo and Garnacho and do think that we as fans and the British press have over-hyped them a little, but there’s clearly a lot of potential there. Certainly as much as there is at some of the other big clubs in the league, anyway; if not more so (there weren’t many clubs with two players in the race for the Golden Boy award last season, I’m sure) .
Our squad still has issues (both when it comes to depth and the quality of some of the players who are still on the books), but this idea that Ten Haag has over-achieved with the players he has at his disposal really baffles me, because when it comes to both league position and performances on the pitch, he has clearly failed to deliver.
Even if you want to argue that the squad is “crap”, whose fault is that exactly? Most of the current squad were either signed by Ten Haag or given new deals during his tenure, so any deficiencies should fall squarely on him.
8.) 04 Sep 2024 20:00:40
People keep referring to certain players were eth players because they were signed during his tenure. Do you know if they actually were his choice or were they given to him.
Also, players like Maguire, Lindelof, Eriksen etc have done and will continue to hamstring us. Yet. he has 2 from 2, and you wouldn't bet against him getting 3 from 3.
Assuming that happens, and he stays another season and then ends up 5 from 4, when do the haters stop hating and start supporting?
9.) 05 Sep 2024 02:33:29
It’s crazy the lengths that some people will go to to make excuses for this man. Next you’ll be telling me he’s only bald because somebody at the club chose his hairstyle for him.
Fans would start to get behind Ten Haag if he could imprint some sort of recognizable style of play on the team that he’s now spent more than half a billion pounds assembling and start taking accountability for some of his many failings. Sadly, he’d rather brag about finishing eighth in the league and winning the FA Cup thanks to a dodgy VAR decision against Coventry and then laugh in the face of anybody who points out that our performances on the pitch just aren’t good enough.
27 Aug 2024 17:06:20
So,
If Utd make another two signings before the close of the transfer window, which positions would posters like to see strengthened?
1. LB
2. If Sancho goes then another Winger, if not another CM.
1.) 27 Aug 2024 17:40:41
Sancho's replacement would be my main priority as Antony and Rashford haven't had any form for over a year, Amad is young and will be inconsistent.
Hope we don't sign Sterling though.
Outside of that, I'd go left back but unless that's someone coming in to be first choice ahead of Shaw, I don't see much point.
2.) 27 Aug 2024 18:23:55
Midfield for me has to the the priority. Yes Ugarte helps but that still leaves Casemiro, Mainoo and Collyer as the only other options. Casemiro is on the decline and the other two are young inexperienced players.
Beyond midfield it depends on who leaves. If Sancho stays then maybe a LB or LCB. Although if Sancho leaves then we probably should look at a wide player.
The important thing though is that we do have sign any short term or options because they are "cheap".
We should only sign quality long term options who either are or have the potential to be first choice.
3.) 27 Aug 2024 19:10:03
I think we need another CM who can cover and compete with Mainoo. If Shaw and Malacia are going to be out for more than a month then a left back should be high on the list, otherwise, I expect we’ll look to bring in another wide player (especially if Sancho leaves) .
If it were up to me, we’d be signing another goalkeeper as well, but it looks like we’re going to be stuck with Onana between the sticks for at least another season.
4.) 27 Aug 2024 19:21:39
I think a LB and Winger is priority, providing we can move Sancho on.
Not bothered by Branthwaite, we have plenty of CB cover this year so would only want to see us make a move for him if we move one on.
We desperately need LB cover, unless Malacia or Shaw are closer to returning, which you're then gambling on their fitness.
A winger to replace Sancho would also be needed and I'm not overly against Sterling as a back up. Still has pace and is very direct, might also provide some experience for the likes of Amad and Garnacho.
5.) 27 Aug 2024 20:01:04
I think we need a box to box midfielder who can compete with Mainoo.
6.) 27 Aug 2024 20:44:06
Left back and central midfield for me.
I’m also seriously concerned about the lack of goals in this squad.
At left back I’d like to see us go out and find a first team replacement for Shaw but I’m not sure that’s financially viable at this stage of the window.
In midfield I’d like to see Hjulmand.
7.) 27 Aug 2024 21:03:41
I will be pleasantly surprised if Shaw and malacia combined play for a whole month without needing Mas or Dalot to cover for them.
Mainoo needs competition, but maybe cassemiro can push him, in a more advanced role with cover behind him he could be good.
Looking forward to the window slamming shut and then we can get on with it.
8.) 27 Aug 2024 22:21:40
A ball playing controller in midfield should be priority for me.
9.) 28 Aug 2024 11:01:37
Proven Striker!
13 Aug 2024 21:29:20
ED001,
With Utd being linked to Danilo as an Ugarte alternative, what are your thoughts on him as a player?
Thanks.
{Ed001's Note - decent enough player, bit better on the ball than Ugarte by the looks of it and has the advantage of Prem experience. However, I am not sure he did enough to warrant a step up. I know Ed2 called it a highly successful spell at Forest, but I am not sure it was personally. He was good, but not outstanding. However, having said that, I do think the potential is there to make the step up, but it might take a bit of time to adjust to a more ball-dominant style of play.
I did like his mobility and he showed a good attitude, workrate and determination, which are very important. It was all in a team where he had little time on the ball though. They sat deep and played on the counter, when he got the ball, they were mostly just able to put it out onto the wings quickly, so no way to judge his press resistance or vision. He does have good technique though and I do think he was their best midfielder last season, but it was a very hardworking midfield that concentrated on quick forward passes, with no attempt to keep the ball at all.}
1.) 14 Aug 2024 01:39:41
Thanks ED001,
Thanks for the reply.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome MH.}
2.) 14 Aug 2024 12:26:17
I like the look of him, he's the kind of left field signing that a club makes and suddenly he takes off and becomes a top player.
He seems to have everything in his locker, but is being limited by the club/ manager he plays for. Give him the right club/ manager and help him develop his game and he could be a really top player.
10 Aug 2024 12:36:45
How about the club make a bud for Chalobah. They clearly want rid of him and I think he would be a good signing.
I'm sure we could probably get him for £25 million, with the seemingly desperate to part ways with the CB.
I'd certainly prefer him to MdL.
1.) 10 Aug 2024 13:17:32
Me too MH.
but he is not Dutch. Maybe mclaren could give him Dutch speaking lessons before he leaves.
2.) 10 Aug 2024 13:35:21
Me too MH.
30 Jul 2024 09:06:43
ED001,
What are your thoughts on Mazraoui?
Thanks.
{Ed001's Note - very quick, skilful but very weak defensively. A modern day full-back really. However he can't stay fit, so it is irrelevant how good he actually is. On his day he was really good, but it is just so rare that he gets up to speed. Sad really, he looked like being one of the best full-backs of the current generation.}
1.) 30 Jul 2024 11:39:36
Thanks ED001,
I'm surprised that the club appears to Interested in a player who is so injury prone.
I take it no one sat down and said, let's do a lessons learnt.
{Ed001's Note - it does seem a strange one. I guess they feel the risks are worth the potential reward, for me though, I would think that you only get injury-prone players if there is a youth player that is on the verge of breakthrough in that position. Then it ensures there is plenty of chances for the young lad to play. Like the risk of hanging on the tubby lad on the left, whose name completely escapes me right now, is worth it with Amass there.}
2.) 30 Jul 2024 15:51:36
ED001, I suppose that might be their thinking?
Utd only have Amass and Murray fit for now. Both have impressed during pre season.
{Ed001's Note - Amass is a left full isn't he? I have not seen Murray but if he is a right-back, that would make sense.}
3.) 30 Jul 2024 18:25:14
ED001,
Murray played lb during pre-season and was more impressive than Amass.
I'm not sure what his actual position is.
{Ed001's Note - ah ok cheers.}
4.) 30 Jul 2024 18:52:21
Sam Murray is a lb a couple of years older than amass.
Same youth team as mainoo and garnacho.
Good player but amass is regarded as a better prospect at this time although he probably needs more time to develop physically.
Sam is a real steady Eddie and has done well pre season.
5.) 31 Jul 2024 10:49:45
Amass very similar to Shaw, though needs to bulk out a fair bit.
Needs to ask Shaw for some advice there.
6.) 31 Jul 2024 11:18:16
We need to get the left side sorted and centre midfield. It worries me that we haven't yet managed to buy in these positions. Crucial to get this right.
On mazraoui, very good player, but like Ed said, injury prone. I'm just hoping the risk/ reward is worth it and if he is just a back up, maybe it's not so bad. Would be a touch if he manages to stay fit.
7.) 31 Jul 2024 11:51:27
I'm a little concerned about the Mazraoui rumours to be honest. Losing AWB (whose hardly ever injured) to bring in Mazraoui as our 4th fullback alongside Dalot and the regularly injured Shaw and Malacia seems short sighted.
Do we really want 3 of the 4 senior fullbacks to be injury prone. Especially as it's one of the most physically demanding positions in modern football.
It was bad enough having to choose between playing Dalot or AWB out of position at LB last season. With Mazraoui replacing AWB it could be a case of having to play someone who isn't even a fullback at LB (or RB with Dalot at LB) at times this season.
In terms of young players in the academy who could step up. Sam Murray looks more physically ready at LB, but he doesn't have the same potential as Amass. Who looks good going forward, but is clearly still growing into his body and defensively has a lot to learn. While at RB we don't have anyone who really looks like they could be about to breakthrough.
While the only CB's we currently have who I think could do a job at RB are Lindelof (who'll be leaving) and Yoro (whose injured and without another CB signed will need to play at CB) . You certainly couldn't play Maguire or Evans at RB.
If we sell AWB (which looks fairly certain at this point) then we need to sign someone who has an excellent injury record, as we cannot afford to sign players who won't be available when we need them.
While I think Mazraoui is a better player than Dumfries, the fact that Dumfries is hardly ever injured for me makes him a safer option as an AWB replacement.
8.) 31 Jul 2024 12:42:42
I get the concerns with Mazraoui, but more from a financial perspective because why so we want to pay a player with a track record of being unavailable. If something is in the contract to mitigate that, then it's problem solved.
Dalot is rarely injured.
I would rather give AWB's minutes to a young full back, as he's simply not a very good footballer and needs moving on asap.
9.) 31 Jul 2024 13:29:36
It not about what the fans want it's what the manager and buying team want that's important.
10.) 31 Jul 2024 13:39:46
Wazza, the problem is Dalot cannot play both RB and LB at the same time. We don't really have any young RB's in the academy who looks ready.
I don't really care if we pay Mazraoui his full wages or not when he's unavailable. What I care about is having a squad of players who can compete at the level we need and put in good performances.
You won't be so happy when we lose 4-0 due to having only one fit fullback in Dalot and a young Harry Amass gets torn apart because he isn't quite ready and we don't have anyone to bring on in his place.
11.) 31 Jul 2024 13:41:16
And ken, they are extremely competent. They won't get every transfer decision right, but they know what they are doing. I trust them.
12.) 31 Jul 2024 15:34:24
Been saying that for 6 months angel. They won't get them all right but uts what they want is all that matters.
13.) 31 Jul 2024 15:58:08
Who says he is coming as our 4th full back. My guess is he will win the rb spot within a few months and be no1 choice there when fit.
14.) 31 Jul 2024 16:10:02
Shappy, Wan-Bissaka started we when got "torn apart" 4-0 by Crystal Palace. We are talking about replacing AWB, not selling him with no replacement, so your point is not relevant.
As I said a few days ago, I would rather bring in and mid tier right back than have Wan-Bissaka continue at the club. Firstly I'm sure he's a lovely bloke. But from a footballing perspective he offers literally nothing. Cannot control a ball, looks incredibly nervous in possession, positionally poor, does not score, does not assist. He makes good recovery tackles after being caught out of position. That's it. There is a reason West Ham are looking at him, and not Bayern Munich or Barcelona.
15.) 31 Jul 2024 19:39:02
I remember hearing or reading some expert saying that the most important attribute for any player is availability and that any question around that should mean you back away.
07 Sep 2024 14:08:51
Just to get their teeth done.
27 Aug 2024 15:21:50
Cheers ED002.
27 Aug 2024 14:57:19
ED002,
Would you be able to elaborate on those one or two signings?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - They would be from the list I provided.}
25 Aug 2024 10:06:09
ziko87,
I would have kept Mount and Bruno on. I do agree with you about EtH in that respect. With hindsight it's easy to criticise.
The lack of quality on the bench is there to see. Hopefully Garnacho starts ahead of Rashford on Sunday.
25 Aug 2024 09:16:38
Blame the manager again. Rashford still can't be bothered tor in and when he does he is in an offside position. He shouldn't be caught offside so easily, yet he is.
Perhaps Sancho and EtH made up for the sake of it etc as more of a PR thing. The reality is, we really need another top winger this season. Perhaps holding out on players like McTominay may come back to haunt us. Last season Utd turned down £35 million, now, we can get just over £20 million.
04 Sep 2024 09:37:26
Great post ED001,
The worrying thing is how clueless the players looked.
The club should have taken a loss on Casemiro and moved him on earlier on.
{Ed001's Note - at least he shouldn't be much of an issue again as Ugarte should be ready before the next match. And thank you.}
02 Sep 2024 18:53:56
Eric79,
I wouldn't play him.
01 Sep 2024 05:34:59
Ed077,
I think you've summed it up well.
I wouldn't have been against Ericsson and Anthony leaving on loan. Although it was perhaps a little too late in the window for them to go. But with Anthony it doesn't really matter if he stayed or left. No one would notice.
{Ed077's Note - I like Eriksen but honestly, would anyone notice if he made the 25 man squad or not? I would prefer someone like Collyer get those sparse minutes rather than him and I would guess he too would prefer to move elsewhere and okay more regularly if given a choice. But the worrying ones are Antony and Casemiro. Because if we can't move them on, we are stuck with them for 2/3 years more on big wages ?
31 Aug 2024 19:20:43
I think Ugarte will go away and play in the Uruguay international games first to get some minutes and match sharpness under his belt first. I'm sure he hasn't been registered in time for the Liverpool game.
30 Aug 2024 18:46:27
AJH,
I think Bruno will play deeper and Zirkzee as a false 9, now that Mount is out.