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16 Jun 2024 12:32:54
Just wondering if anyone on here would take Ian Maatsen for the £35m release clause?
{Ed002's Note - It does not work like that. The fee is an option that Borussia Dortmund can buy the player for after his loan.}
1.) 16 Jun 2024 13:53:00
With respect Ed002, I've not seen any reference to that 'option' anywhere, but have seen every reference to the £35m price being a release clause (including two that specifically state this clause applying to any club) .
Any idea if he has a clause that would relate to United?
{Ed002's Note - That figure is from the loan contract between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund. There are other interested sides, but not Manchester United.}
2.) 19 Jun 2024 20:49:12
Off to Villa?
14 Apr 2024 14:50:13
Apparently, along with Bayern, we're having 'concrete' discussions with Frimpong's camp.
Personally, I don't think we should bother wasting our time - he surely won't leave a title-winning club for what is essentially a mid-table club in the midst of wholesale change.
I don't think he'll go to Bayern either though.
Real Madrid are looking at new defenders and I reckon he'll follow Alphonso Davies from Germany to offer a frightening extra dynamic to their game.
I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt we're even an attractive prospect for Matty Cash if not for the, erm, cash.
1.) 14 Apr 2024 15:28:41
Good to see some positivity.
2.) 14 Apr 2024 15:58:05
Frimpong has had a phenomenal year at Leverkusen absolutely no doubt about it. However, I've often said a big problem with our recruitment is we sign players who are playing well in a totally different tactical set up to what we play.
Frimpong is a talented player without a doubt, but his current form is only possible because he is playing in a system that maximises his strengths and minimises hie weaknesses.
The 343 system suits him perfectly as it gives him the extra player in defence to cover his defensive shortcomings, while the front three means he's able to double up with the wide forward (Wirtz) to find space on either the over or underlap.
Unless we are hiring a manager who will employ a 343 type formation then it seems foolish to sign a player who has only ever thrived in that sort of team set up.
3.) 14 Apr 2024 16:11:53
Shappy’s right. We should be looking to sign players who are currently playing for teams with no tactical set up. That way, they can slot right in. Am fed up of this square pegs for round holes approach. We need players who can perform for a tactically naive manager.
4.) 14 Apr 2024 18:39:04
That's what we did with mount. Played 10 or a little wide right for Chelsea but eth wants him to play in a position he never played before. I don't think that's smart I'm not saying it can't be a success but it's an odd way to go about it imo.
5.) 14 Apr 2024 19:07:39
Rather fed up with this season now; bring on the Summer to ship out unsuitable players and bring in new faces that help us build towards success.
Hopefully - PSR and wheeler-dealing allowing - see some new players coming in.
The peerless Ed002 has already suggested that the following players might be our preferred targets:
Antonio Silva (CB)
João Neves (DM/ CM)
Denzel Dumfries (RB)
Furthermore, the Muppetiers (who some mistrust as click-bait, but generally seem well-informed), have suggested the following preferences also:
Jarrod Branthwaite (CB)
Jean-Clair Todibo (CB)
Andre Onana (DM)
Morten Hjulmand (DM)
Michael Olise (RW)
Benjamin Sesko (S)
Plus a focus on younger talents from South America.
All of these look like they would cost a lot of money, so just hope INEOS can raise lots of funds through plater sales and wages saved.
If cheaper options are needed as a result of limited funds and the sheer number of positions that need addressing, wondering if:
Anyone has heard of cheaper/ lesser known options we might be looking at?
Younger players at United who might be promoted to the first team squad?
6.) 14 Apr 2024 21:36:35
At the moment we are a long long way off challenging for a league again. 3 or 4 seasons realistically and that's getting the recruitment right every window. We seem to be getting the correct people in place to make the right signings. Top of the list aswell has to be to stop giving wannabe fashion designer rappers 300k a week . We seem to get it wrong so many times with signings compared to Liverpool and City who very rarely get it wrong.
7.) 14 Apr 2024 21:53:27
We're hardly a midtable club are we.
Sometimes reading people's thoughts is both amusing and baffling.
We have had a poor season, yet. we've also been through a protracted buyout of a portion of the club, a buyout that will bring fresh ideas and direction, something that is already starting to play out. We've also had a few injuries to contend with (although I think a squad should be able to work through these when the setup is right, see first point as to why we've struggled here) and lastly, we struggled to get rid of players deemed 'surplus to requirements' last summer, again see point one as to why this occurred.
The new owners are literally going to bring a night and day scenario to next season, in my opinion.
It is for that reason that, if Frimpong is the right person for the role we are scouting (not saying he is or isn't), then I firmly believe Manchester United is very much a big pull.
As an example, let's assume Villa make the top 4, do you think Villa in the CL is a bigger pull than Manchester United after an off season?
8.) 15 Apr 2024 00:00:25
U agree with a lot if that jimbo.
I'm not so sure we will see a night and day approach with the financial restrictions.
They will only be able to work within the rules and we have quite a financial impact to work off due to the haphazard rudderless spending.
We can only take so many hits on the books and it often makes more sense financially and to stay within the rules to keep a player rather than sell them at an unsustainable loss age taking into account all the associated costs of a transfer which are substantial.
I'm not well read on the regulations so can't give any informed opinion on what they need to do to navigate them whisky getting as close to night and day as possible.
Here's to hoping.
9.) 15 Apr 2024 04:22:58
That's why I think it will be night and day.
Write off the no hopers, even if it restricts us, to the point we are backed into a corner financially, meaning we will both, promote from within, and only sign people who understand the longer term vision.
10.) 15 Apr 2024 10:23:33
This is where our new scouting and acquisition team can earn their stripes.
Take the plight of Alex Grimaldo, who was a free transfer to Leverkusen at the start of the season. Now one of the most desirable full-backs in Europe.
The signings are out there, but we rarely find them. I'll stand by Cantona as being our biggest ever bargain. Leeds couldn't get rid of him quickly enough and the rest is history.
26 Mar 2024 13:23:57
Anybody know if TyC Sports is a credible source of news from Argentina?
Only asking because the rumours surrounding this Anselmino lad are getting louder.
Is there real traction or is this just yet another dubious outlet?
{Ed002's Note - Aaron Anselmino (C) Braga and Benfica have been regularly scouting Boca Juniors games and together with Milan have identified multiple targets including Anselmino. Interest from Manchester United will halt with the player being ineligible for a Work Permit in England and wanting to stay Buenos Aires with his family.}
1.) 26 Mar 2024 14:40:10
Cheers Ed002.
15 Mar 2024 14:49:53
£35m bid for Sancho might come from Dortmund apparently.
Yes or no?
1.) 15 Mar 2024 17:15:35
Bite their hands off.
2.) 15 Mar 2024 20:36:12
The entire city? That’s a lot of hands.
3.) 15 Mar 2024 23:15:36
10 times as many fingers oh and thumbs. I feel the need to be inclusive.
4.) 16 Mar 2024 03:02:30
If we can get £30m for him and his salary off the books, that's the equivalent of £60m to the bottom line over 2 years. I wouldn't offer him any compensation for loss of salary. Play hardball.
5.) 16 Mar 2024 06:28:08
30m plus a player we might want even better!
6.) 16 Mar 2024 13:31:54
I'd take £35 for him.
7.) 16 Mar 2024 15:59:32
Good idea Shaw ?♂️. See where that got us with martial and maguire.
He ain't walking away from millions nor should he.
14 Jan 2024 14:10:03
I've just read a piece about the prospect of Alvaro going to Benfica making it an easier win for the signature of Joao Neves - I sincerely hope this is rubbish.
If this is true, then the sheer arrogance that has made us look ridiculous for years still hasn't left.
I'd be stunned if he came to United at all, but the suggested 'offering' of a youngster given no gametime by the club as some kind of sweetener is pathetically desperate at best.
1.) 14 Jan 2024 14:29:35
I think developing a good relationship with Benfica is an excellent idea.
The generate so many quality players, smart move.
Silva and Neves are both targets and huge talents, we really need to develop and edge in the transfer market.
Alvaro Fernandez isn’t ready or good enough right now, and we have plenty of LBs at the club. Whilst I don’t agree with decision to Loan him and sign Regullion, tbf he performed when needed.
2.) 14 Jan 2024 15:54:57
Why is it bad business if Utd can come an arrangement with Benfica that benefits both parties.
I'm not saying that this is what is happening, but it does make sense.
3.) 14 Jan 2024 20:13:33
I was impressed with Fernandez tbh. We don’t have a wealth of left back’s and I’m surprised we’ve let him go. That said, the coaching staff will have seen him every day and will no doubt know more than us.
4.) 15 Jan 2024 11:31:53
Maybe the lad wants to play some football. Benfica are a huge club with a great reputation for building careers. Why not go there rather than not even getting on the bench at Utd or going back to Preston?
5.) 15 Jan 2024 14:09:44
Utd don't exactly have a great reputation at the moment for mapping out youth players careers.
I rate Fernandez, but going to Benfica is a really good move for him.
6.) 15 Jan 2024 16:37:31
Well could be worse ork they could put you in charge?
You've no idea of any of the facts but have decided it's ridiculous.
Do you know how ridiculous that is?
7.) 16 Jan 2024 20:26:22
João Neves looks a real top prospect, however, personally I'm not sure he's a player we should be chasing this summer.
Coming from Benfica you can be assured he'd cost something north of 80m. For a 19 year old with less than 40 professional games under his belt who has never played in a league as physical or competitive as the EPL that's a huge amount to gamble on him.
We also have the 18 year old Kobbie Mainoo in our squad who's arguably been out beat midfielder this season. I'm not sure Mainoo and Neves form a natural and complementary duo, and I'd be very surprised to see any manager regularly play two teenagers in the heart of midfield for United or for any team expecting to play regular UCL football.
Given our need to buy players who are ready to step up and play every week right now at the sharp end of the EPL, and the need bring in 5-6 players this summer I really can't see us spending the kind of money João Neves would cost on a young, unproven play like Neves.
Let's take a leaf out of Liverpool's book, they could have pushed for the 100m signing of star young midfielder Jude Bellingham last summer. But realised they needed to sign several players and couldn't afford to buy Bellingham AND the other players they needed so I stead they bought 4 midfielders and totally rebuilt their midfield.
I think signing 2-3 midfielders is the smarter option for us given the massive squad rebuild we need than spending big on one player who might not even be ready for the step up.
We kind of did that last summer in the striker department. Spent big on a young player who has massive potential but probably isn't ready to play every week for us. The difference is the striker market has far fewer good options and is massively overpriced. We should be able to scout 3 or 4 really top drawer midfielders who wouldn't cost the earth but would help totally change our side for the better.
Ork's banter posts with other poster's replies to Ork's banter posts
16 Nov 2024 17:50:37
I'm still relatively new to the site so hadn't had the pleasure of a great deal of interaction with Ed002, but I know he was very well respected and valued by all who grew to know him through these pages.
RIP Ed002.
11 Nov 2024 17:57:01
Thank you Ruud. ???.
06 Nov 2024 13:48:53
Training squad today included Yoro, Mount and Malacia.
Yes, I did say Malacia and I am absolutely made up for the lad. Whether or not he ultimately succeeds at United, it's good to see him back. ???.
1.) 06 Nov 2024 14:02:40
I think he has issues with the surgery and recovery itself. Hope he gets back to full health as there was a decent LB in there.
2.) 06 Nov 2024 14:30:19
Looking forward to seeing Yoro, especially under Amorim. Needs to bulk up a bit possibly but the raw materials are definitely there.
3.) 06 Nov 2024 15:02:39
Malacia showed potential early on. He picked up an injury at the WC and never looked right after that.
Fingers crossed he can return, stay fit and have a positive impact.
4.) 06 Nov 2024 15:53:31
Malacia has been training with the team for over a month now. I'm a little surprised he hasn't atleast made the bench already.
5.) 06 Nov 2024 16:28:25
Say what you will about Malacia, obviously something very wrong happened with whatever along the way and you don't wish that upon any professional. Hopefully he can make a comeback, with United or not.
6.) 06 Nov 2024 17:13:43
Unruly,
He isn't being rushed back, which is the best way. I'd imagine we might see him after the international break.
7.) 06 Nov 2024 17:14:24
Unruly,
I
I think it’s longer than a month. It’s great to see Yoro back out there, hopefully Mainoo back soon as well.
8.) 06 Nov 2024 17:55:02
Completely agree MH. We also need Mainoo and Maguire back after the break. I think Maguire will suit a back 3 if that is what Amorim will go with, so a good option to have. I also think Luke Shaw could comfortably play on the left of a back three, as an alternative to Licha, especially given Shaw's fitness issues. At CB he'll have to do less running which is probably good for his glass feet.
{Ed025's Note - i think if you are looking for players who can get you up the table Unruly, then Maguire and Shaw would be the last players i would pick mate..
9.) 06 Nov 2024 18:53:12
Ed025 I see your point, Maguire isn't good enough and Shaw is never fit. They both are solid options to have off the bench though.
{Ed025's Note - they are both very well paid Unruly and to be honest they are not up to the job mate, if United want to compete you have to have better and both of these are squad blockers, Harry is very slow and always seems to have a mistake in him while Luke is a total waste of space as he is always injured (unless hes on England duty of course), these are the type United have to get rid of...high earners who contribute very little, well thats my opinion anyway..
10.) 06 Nov 2024 20:42:44
Err I think it's the opposite, especially Shaw. utd have badly missed Shaw as utd tend to win more when Shaw plays.
{Ed025's Note - you must have a very good memory Nick.. :)
11.) 06 Nov 2024 23:23:09
When we have played with a back three wit Shaw on the left he was outstanding. We have missed his forward runs and link up with Rashford.
12.) 06 Nov 2024 22:05:07
We are indeed miles better when Shaw plays Ed. It's only that we can barely remember the last time he did. Both definitely plus a couple of others need to be moved on in the summer though as you say.
{Ed025's Note - yeah mate i believe quite a few need to be moved on, Amorim will have his own ideas of course on who that will be will be decided when he evaluates the squad, i dont think it will be a quick fix though as some of the players who need moving on are on very lucrative contracts and to find a suitor will be difficult..
13.) 07 Nov 2024 04:55:28
Shaw when fit is one of the best left backs around in terms of ball retention, passing, defending and link up play going forward. Unfortunately you can't plan forward with shaw given his injury record and I would think the Hungarian guy kerkez playing for Bournemouth has to be our number one target. PL proven, age and profile ticks all the boxes. Really good player imo.
14.) 07 Nov 2024 06:34:27
ED025,
I agree with you. The real issue for Utd was offering Shaw a long term contract on big wages.
Consequently Utd are suffering from being unable to offload these high earners.
Personally I'd like to see Shaw, Maguire, Rashford, Lindelof, Ericsson, Casemiro, Anthony, Mount leave in the summer. I'm sure I could think of others but it's too early in the morning.
{Ed025's Note - all of them should be under consideration MH, of course it wont be done overnight mate but hopefully the attitude will improve on some of those players and Amorim can get a tune out of them for the rest of the season..
15.) 07 Nov 2024 13:15:01
Contracts ending over the next three years
Diallo, Maguire, lindelof, Evans, Heaton, Erikson end in 2025.
Casemiro, Malacia, Wheatley and Gore in 2026
Fernades, Mainoo, Shaw, Antony, Martinez, Bayinder and Collyer in 2027.
Some of them have an option of another year.
There aren't many there I would think we keep and sign to a new deal, Mainoo and a couple of the young lads, Martinez possibly however that may change by then depending on the clubs incoming between now amd then.
There are very few I think that you could sell amongst that lot so a lot you are stuck with. I don't see you being able to clear any of the players you want such as Antony because who on earth is going to pay the wages we are for 2 or 3 years, so you have a lot of dead wood blocking you getting the players you need.
I do think we will make a move for a CB or 2 next year and unless Amass convinces Amorin he's the future a LB as well but I don't think there will be huge movement as we simply need to get more gone.
Hopefully the execs can surprise me and shift a couple of others on but I am expecting an evolution rather than revolution amd a couple of years of shoehorning what we have into Amorins team till he can get the players he needs to make this really work.
I just looked at the next three years but there are still a number of high earners who are underperformed on longer deals.
16.) 07 Nov 2024 13:50:38
So some of them have contracts longer than the new managers contract.
17.) 07 Nov 2024 10:19:12
Ed025,
It feels like a big ask, when it shouldn't be. Some of the players across like spoilt brats.
{Ed025's Note - they really do MH, i have to say im very disappointed with Rash the most, came across as a really nice guy but his attitude for a while now has been very poor mate, i think hes really talented but if he doesn,t buck his ideas up then he should be one of the first out the door..
18.) 07 Nov 2024 17:37:06
Ed025,
I think the club will struggle the sell Rashford, unless he goes to the ME, as they will be the only place that will pay his huge wages.
19.) 09 Nov 2024 12:51:10
More and more people are saying they'd sell rash ed025.
I was very much in the camp of keeping him because of his talent. He looks awful sulky, his demeanour has been off for a while.
But I can't comment on him really because I don't know what's going on if anything is going on at all.
What I do know is that he is now in his prime year's and he needs to deliver or the years will fly by and we will just sit here and talk about that one season for the rest of his life.
I really hope Amorim can get a tune out of him.
{Ed025's Note - so do i angel, when hes at his best he is unplayable mate but what we are seeing now is a shadow of that, he looks as though he is not enjoying it at all and a lot of the time he looks like he just cant be arsed, i hope Amorim makes the difference and he starts to enjoy it again because if he does he can be the difference to United, but if not then he has to go for me im afraid..
20.) 09 Nov 2024 21:05:39
He's a left back ed 25, utd haven't had a fit one in yonks and when fit is usually one of utds best players. hence why utd won win more and move up the table if he plays. Not memory just basic fact.
{Ed025's Note - my memory is not that great Nick. I can’t remember him not being injured mate. And to be honest if you see him as a good player you are setting the bar very low imo..
03 Nov 2024 20:41:26
To add to the post-match inquest, I noticed a very disturbing trend amongst our entire team today - being so easily read.
Players standing almost entirely still when waiting for a pass - that's only called showing for the ball at a bus stop, players not moving into spaces being created, players being so easy to press in defence.
I'm not joking, I spent a lot of the second half wondering if I'd missed a sending off because Chelsea just seemed to have more about them - more running, more effort, more pressing, more aggression, more first balls won, more purpose and just more fight.
In fact, the only similarity between the two today was how pathetically toothless they were in front of goal.
Today we earned a point simply because our opponents were garbage in front of goal and we've now just entered midtable - meagre progress delivered with an alarming display of initiation apathy.
I'm looking forward to the arrival of Amorim, but my word does he have work to do - only something maverick like a profound system change will rattle out a significant improvement before the summer panto.
1.) 03 Nov 2024 21:54:59
Excellent work sherlock. Chelsea were able to field a completely different team with their squad of 60 or so in the week. We didn't have the luxury.
2.) 03 Nov 2024 22:38:53
Supasub
Sherlock? Pull your head out.
It makes no difference if Chelsea could field 2 separate teams in a week, the point was that the basic intuition of a footballer wasn't fully on show - whether it's a fear or capacity issue, it wasn't there.
No need for basic sarcastic snides if your counter is made of hyperbole and other such nonsense - level up buddy. ?.
3.) 04 Nov 2024 07:24:26
2 good pays ork.
4.) 04 Nov 2024 10:21:53
I think your right ork. It been so obvious for some time that our way of playing is not aligned with any of the consistent or big clubs.
Hopefully that gets put right soon.
Chelsea are not unlike us at all in many respects. Several managers / mish mash of a squad etc but are 4 or 5 months ahead of us with a proper coach.
5.) 04 Nov 2024 11:40:05
Looked to me like we are in the classic phase where a manager had set us up one way, and after two years the players just can’t switch off straight away. The mind set has been engrained and needs purging. We look like we are trying to pass the ball forward more and that will likely come from RVN but you can’t just switch instantly.
6.) 04 Nov 2024 21:25:27
It's been like this for a while. Our players only really seem comfortable if they are counterattacking.
Otherwise it's pedestrian very little movement with the one aim being that somebody steps up and creates a moment of magic to open a team up.
Under Ten Hag we created a lot of overloads either to the right or left, but what would then happen is we would have 5 static players biased towards the left or right and either hoped the winger would come I side to shoot or more likely straight back to the CB. You very rarely saw intricate little passing with 3 or 4 players in motion to create a gap for someone. You never saw that overload work as a unit to create an opening for someone somwhere.
7.) 05 Nov 2024 20:05:08
No-one in our team seems capable of passing the ball in front of their intended target, allowing said target to take the ball on the move. They're having to take the ball from a standing start, and with the way teams press now, it puts them under pressure straight off.
Also, Mainoo is the only player who seems capable of receiving the ball on the half-turn.
25 Oct 2024 12:57:04
Just the 2 things for me.
1. We deserved to lose that game.
2. Andre Onana - let's put some respect on that man's name. ?.
1.) 25 Oct 2024 13:29:14
Onana has been good all season. Fair play to him.
2.) 25 Oct 2024 13:37:09
The 1st save of that double save was phenomenal I'm 1st one to give him a hard time when he screws up. But he has played much better this year in every respect.
3.) 25 Oct 2024 13:50:55
Always said he is good goalie so not surprised. Like sveryone he will make a mistake too.
4.) 25 Oct 2024 14:22:32
Ork we did deserve to lose that game. Ugartes block was even better than the double save by onana. Best piece of defending I've seen from a united player all season.
He needs to play games and should be one of 1st names in team sheet imo.
He is off the pace a little as he has Bennett played epl but only games can solve that.
5.) 25 Oct 2024 16:38:37
Couldn't agree more Ken - that was a world-class action from a player who does need a run of games to get going properly, especially when our other available senior midfield options right now are all 30+.
As for concessions relating to players - I think Rashford is starting to look decent on the right - those 2 crosses for Garna were class. I've given him some over the years and I stand by all of it, but if his contributions are of that level on the right then he should be given a run there.
The one player I really do feel sorry for ATM is Amad - ten Hag has just properly taken the p*** out of him. To look on from the bench for 3 straight games when he's been little worse than anyone else this season, to then see Antony come on ahead of him - I bet he's raging.
I get that some doubt he'll ever reach the level we're aiming for, but he is the level we're at now and damn well grafts harder than most of his teammates - some could with a reality check.
Ten Hag might well have made Amad's mind up for him - I fully expect Amad to now demand a move and, imo, he'd be 100% vindicated in that decision.
6.) 26 Oct 2024 08:48:10
I’ve given Onana a lot of criticism since joining but he has been better this season, still a bit to go for me but it definitely seems like his shot stopping is getting better. Hopefully a sign that the new GK coach is doing well.
7.) 26 Oct 2024 09:36:10
Ive been critical of him but Onana has looked good recently ad so has Ugarte.
28 Oct 2024 20:58:14
Personally, I think the 3-4-3 would work for United because (from the players we already have and can see coming up) .
1. None of our CBs are particularly quick so the extra body in the middle would probably be helpful.
For instance, a 3 of - De Ligt in the middle providing a solid link between defence and midfield, with Yoro and Licha offering support for the wingbacks. For now Maguire, Lindelof and Evans would respectively be able deputies.
2. Both Dalot and Mazraoui are better on either side as wingbacks than disciplined fullbacks. Shaw lacks the athleticism for wingback and Malacia's never had the good fortune to properly stake a claim.
All 3 of Ogunneye, Amass and Murray are attack-minded players. Additionally, I actually think Antony could be molded into a proper player at LWB, he just needs to pull his head out. Let's stick with Mazraoui on the left and Dalot on the right.
3. Our first-choice midfield pairing of Ugarte and Mainoo would have the additional support of 3 players (De Ligt, Mazraoui and Dalot) to try pressing and swarming the opposition.
4. The wide forwards would need to be Bruno with either Amad or Mount (if he's ever fit) because, as much as Rashford and Garnacho are scary players, they add very little to any phase that requires discipline and control.
The striker should still be Hojlund, but a better team would fit his game better. I'd love to lean towards Zirkzee because his skillset is awesome, but he's more lazy than Rashford.
Now, before anyone pops a vein over my suggested omission of both Rashford and Garnacho, they are each currently just quick and aggressive players with little game IQ - that doesn't fit with a team with so little pace elsewhere.
Both can still improve though.
So for me, 3-4-3 works, but only if the team is equally reflective of it's set up and identity in both defence and attack - that was the main problem before Erik arrived and little has changed.
28 Oct 2024 19:43:26
Even my goolies are crossed.
21 Sep 2024 08:37:52
United have been tracking him for some time now so there's hope.
I would be happy if he and Nypan each signed in the New Year and remained at their current clubs - on-loan - until season's end.
Just imagining those two joining Mainoo, Kone, Ugarte, Collyer and Gore to create depth of incredible quality to our midfield for years to come makes for a vision of real progress for the club.
The legacy of the great moronic pit-dig that was Brexit is now finally being managed with purpose, instead of the stumble-stew we saw before, and I'm keen to see how it pays off.
29 Aug 2024 18:34:39
I've heard they spent time together over Christmas, guzzling down bottles of Baillys.
23 Aug 2024 22:24:09
Palace have just announced Guehi as captain, they wouldn't do that if they weren't absolutely certain he'll be staying - they aren't run by mugs.
Guehi won't be going anywhere this summer.
03 Dec 2024 11:47:03
Math
Oh dear, you strike again. Perhaps you should rename yourself GOTCHA.
The stats I mentioned are respective of goalscoring, not the opposition or what quality you and your soapbox believe applies to 'lesser' teams.
The first batch of stats are reflective of how well the squad's 'goalscorers' are doing compared to before. The next batch simply reflect the obvious. Then I opined - is that not what we're on here for?
Since you like to bin off stats so readily, I'll remind you of the last time United actually played a real League One side - Barnsley at home in the Carabao Cup in September, 7-0 win.
7-0 and 3-2 - yes, they're very similar scorelines, aren't they?
02 Dec 2024 12:01:08
I'm feeling confident.
RA is really getting a tune out of the players expected to provide a goal return and that massive step shouldn't be overlooked.
In 3 games under RA, Rashford's got 3, Hojlund's got 2, Zirkzee 2 and Garnacho 1.
Of those 4, only Garnacho (2) returned goals from the 4 games under Ruud.
From ten Hag's 13 games this season, Rashford got 4, Hojlund got 2, Zirkzee 1 and Garnacho 5.
Under RA so far, we average 2.66 goals per game.
Under Ruud - 2.75.
Under ten Hag this season - 1.46.
Imo, the reason our strikers failed under ten Hag is clear - the wide attackers he preferred simply didn't put in enough work for the central striker. Now, if we use Rashford as an example being played as one of the tens, there's no room in the RA system for an attacker to hide.
We will need to see rotation between Hojlund, Zirkzee and Rashford up top, just as we'll need to see the same between Rashford, Bruno, Garnacho and Mount as the 10s.
Arsenal will be the first real acid test for how well the players respond to high-level pressure in the RA system.
I think we'll see Shaw at LCB trying to prevent Dalot getting skinned by Saka too badly, we should surely see Casemiro next to Ugarte, we might even see Zirkzee and Rashford keep their places.
While we'll be weak on our left flank, Arsenal might also be rather weak on their left if Calafiori doesn't make it - the game could easily be won by whoever of Saka and Amad performs best.
Moving forward, we have enough players to be rotated sensibly.
Before the turn of the year there are 18 PL points available to us, I'd expect the objective to be a return of 12 minimum.
If we could get 12 points from the games against Forest, Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle, we could be in the top 6 come January.
Under ten Hag this season, we were all desperate to feel some positivity, something to get our inner ids feeling the Panini/ Subbuteo feels, get us enthused - but we felt flat, to me the games felt like stale reenactments with little more oompf than a gaggle of Larpers.
Under Ruud, and now under RA, the positivity has returned, the workrate has returned, the fight, the spirit, the small doses of that special something which makes a fan feel the game.
Under RA, we now see the application of an identity, a footballing structure that has purpose. The positivity is growing amongst the players within this new performance culture, we need to reflect the upturn in application from them by showing our appreciation and support while also being positive.
Obviously, we could stink the house out throughout this run, but I'm feeling confident - I'm even feeling confident about our visit to them drawn to the Asda, maybe we can give them a Rollback.
24 Nov 2024 15:51:47
Well done for posting the latest compelling splodge of self-aggrandising pish. ?.
19 Nov 2024 11:07:23
Ole, Ole-Ole-Ole, Ole, Ole.
Morning Ken. ?.
14 Nov 2024 16:14:30
Then the club should ditch any players still singing from the previous hymn sheet.
One of the reasons for our multi-season malaise is the erroneous culture of player power that developed under the previous regime.
Unfortunately, the legacy of that regime has a lasting impression in the form of the remaining clique.
If the club is to move forward on all levels, then any grey area must be corrected - this does call for the purposeful eradication of this pervasive culture of precious players holding sway over everything.
In INEOS and Ruben I trust, but if the former neglect to address any prospective player-culture problem then they are just as weak as the previous regime.
No more invertebrates please!