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18 Jul 2024 21:58:37
Personal terms agreed for Ugarte. What is happening to this club!
1.) 18 Jul 2024 22:11:03
It's like Glazers are not running the club anymore :D.
2.) 18 Jul 2024 22:15:55
Club now being run by competent people who form a dynamic, agile and proactive structure.
imagine where the club will be in a few years time if this professional approach is maintained - and reflect upon the previous incompetence and wasted years previously. We're now finally acting like other well-run clubs such as Liverpool and Man City.
still SO much to do to rectify the mess the club has become but a really good start to the window.
3.) 18 Jul 2024 22:20:33
If we pull this one off too, that would be 3/ 3 so far for me in terms of acumen and identification.
4.) 19 Jul 2024 08:51:54
We certainly seem more ruthless and clinical don't we. Would just temper the expectations of Zirkzee Yoro and (potentially) Ugarte. I haven't seen evidence they are necessarily starting quality for us. Not trying to be negative about them, as I'm pleased to have them at the club; but I'm not getting carried away.
5.) 19 Jul 2024 11:04:04
Absolutely love to see it. I don't expect every signing to work out perfectly, no club gets it right every time no matter how well run they are.
Yet the difference between this summer and the past decade is absolutely night and day.
They have assessed what the team needs most, scouted, shortlisted suitable targets and have just gone about getting them done quickly and efficiently.
We will still over pay on a few targets (everybody does), and we will still pay more than most other clubs (impossible not to when you are one of the biggest clubs in the world) .
Most signings will work out, but some will not. That is always going to be the case when dealing with individuals. You can scout talent, you can select players with skill sets you need, you can even background check players to see what kind of person they are.
Yet how they fit in with the other players in the squad, how they adapt to that new environment (possibly a new country), how their loved ones who move with them adapt, and how they blend with the current players are all things you cannot predict. Those are the reasons players should be failing. Not because they don't have the right skill set or are not at the required level.
That is something that excites me most about our signings so far. They all seem to have the right skill set for what we need and have either shown themselves to be at the required level or have the potential to get to that level.
Zirkzee has shown himself to be a great player in Serie A, won the young player of the year award and been a key player for an exciting Bologna side. He has a complimentary skill set to Højlund, offering something different. His style of play should work well in creating space and chances for a forward line that has shown itself capable of scoring goals, but lacking in creating chances.
Leny Yoro is a phenomenal talent, someone whose skills seem very well suited to playing alongside Martinez. He's a mobile, athletic, sweeper who can clean up behind the more aggressive, front footed Martinez. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and can build up from the back. He's a good replacement for Varane who made a great partnership with Martinez when both were fit and playing. Obviously with a young player there are concerns over his ability to adapt to a more physically demanding league. He might take time to adapt and he will make mistakes as he learns. But the talent is there, it's now down to the player and the club to develop him into the player his talent suggests he can be.
Manuel Ugarte looks like he'll be the next through the door. Terms reportedly agreed, the player opens to the move, and PSG open to a sale. He looks every inch the kind of combative, ground covering, ball winning midfielder we need to pair alongside Mainoo to give him licence to focus on progressing the ball. His passing isn't expansive, but his safe controlled passing is what we probably need alongside a young player who will be looking to progress the ball forward and Bruno whose preset pass is an aggressive, high risk forward pass. He could be an excellent deal, especially if it's a loan with an option/ obligation to buy in a years time. Off-setting expenditure this summer when funds seem tight.
All three signings seem well suited to improve the team and add skills we need to become a better side. Hopefully all three settle quickly and adapt to the club, country, and the league.
While being decisive in making sensible signings the club have also been quick to move players out.
With Greenwood finally leaving and drawing a line under a very unfavorable period at the club, making it 10 departures already (Greenwood, Varane, Martial, Donny, Alvaro Fernandez, Kambwala, Shoretire, Forson, Williams and Amrabat) .
While they continue to discuss possible departures of players like Sancho, Casemiro, McTominay, AWB, Lindelof, Eriksen, Hannibal and Pellistri. These players are the ones who are likely to bring in fees to bolster the transfer budget and enable more signings.
I expect to see us continue our pursuit of Branthwaite, who would provide cover for Martinez and looks a good potential fit alongside Yoro in the long term. We will over pay for him, but that is always the case when signing homegrown players.
We are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Adrien Rabiot, who on a short term (3 year) deal could offer us some quality and experience for a minimal cost. He isn't a perfect signing, but he would represent good business I think. Whether a deal happens or not remains to be seen.
While signing a player like Rabiot on a free might free up funds to make the signings of Branthwaite and possibly a new fullback if AWB departs to West Ham or somewhere else. Although I've heard that we have spoken with Bayern about Sascha Boey on a loan with an obligation/ option to buy. We have reportedly looked at a few options like that, both in terms of players we could sign and players we are struggling to sell (Sancho) .
It's so refreshing to see our club actually being well run, with a plan, and with experts pulling the strings. While we won't be back challenging for major honours this season, if this approach continues and even improves further then it will only be a matter of time before we get back to the top.
6.) 19 Jul 2024 18:19:00
Agree with all the points.
Only caveat is no one signed is EPL proven.
It could take a season to come together.
7.) 19 Jul 2024 23:44:42
ThaT os The THing THough, these signing s aren't for mext year. They are picking players they think will developing players who will be part of a title challenge in 3 to 5 years and going forward.
I expect us to to develop each year, and these. Players to improve.
Now I do think each is am upgrade, Zirkzee better than any of our options to spell Hojlund. Yoro better than what happened last year to us at CB, Ugarte is not a significant upgrade in fairness. But I also understand their will be growing pains, they will make mistakes they are developing and learning. I can live with that as long as we are developing as a whole.
I am not excited next season because I think we will challenge or these lads are the finished article, I am excited because I think these lads could be one day and will grow into the players we need with some luck.
I think there are youth players coming through that will make it too, Amass I eel very confident about. So much so I would ignore left back and focus elsewhere, he is very young but is good enough that I think we have to avoid blocking his pathway with a new signing. Lacey too I think will make it, but unlike LB we don't really have anyone currently playing at a high enough level. Garnacho could develop into that player on the right, Diallo I am less sure of.
8.) 20 Jul 2024 10:40:42
Oakbark, I think we are on the same page. I'm excited to see the shoots of growth this season, not because I think we will genuinely challenge for major titles. That said I think we should focus on the Europa League as I think we have a good chance of winning it. EtH has shown he is good at winning in the cups, with three finals in two years. While there is no UCL drop down into the Europa league this season, meaning who is in it to start with is the only competition we will have. I think we are one of the stronger teams in the competition, with a winning manager and a history and pedigree of winning.
Personally I'd focus more on that competition as winning it means UCL qualification, while it would also improve our UEFA coefficient meaning we would be less likely to draw a tougher UCL group then following season.
I'd play the kids and squad players in the domestic cups. With our main focus being the league and the Europa League.
Yoro and Zirkzee in theory improve us, although until they play in the EPL you never know how they will adapt. Yet the real benefit of them is as you say the potential they have, and the players they could become.
I actually think Ugarte would be a big improvement, finally having a tenacious, aggressive, high energy, ball winner in midfield who'll pair nicely with Mainoo. Giving Mainoo more licence to progress the ball forward, which is his best quality.
I'm hopeful that Amad can get more game time, he looked promising every time he played last season. He probably should have got more minutes.
While if Mount can stay fit he'll be like a new signing.
I agree with Amass, he looks like he could become a top level player. Defensively he still has a lot to learn, but a real threat going forward. If we do sign Branthwaite, then I could see either Branthwaite or Martinez covering LB with them either staying deep or dropping into midfield rather than bombing down the wing. That would give us more options on the left, along with Shaw and Malacia hopefully staying fit.
I'd certainly be more inclined to sign a RB to compete with Dalot and allow AWB to move on. As our options on the right are far more limited. Maybe Yoro could play there in a pinch, which might be good for him as he adapts to the EPL. Other than that the options seem very limited, with no one in the academy who looks ready to push for the first team squad. Unless there is a change of position for one of the midfielders like McAllister for example. That sometimes happens with academy players, moving into a different position when stepping into the first team. Although we can't count on that.
9.) 20 Jul 2024 15:32:34
Utd Road, while I personally prefer to see us sign players from within the EPL as they tend to be successful more often and adapt quicker, the reality is that there are many players who have moved to the EPL and hit the ground running.
If they are well scouted, and well suited to fulfill a specific role in the team they are moving too then they tend to work out fairly quickly.
We'll see with Zirkzee and Yoro. Personally I think Zirkzee will adapt quickly, being Dutch he shouldn't have any issues understanding what the coaching staff want him to do, and he seems fairly well suited to both the EPL, and to be the link man in the forward line who makes space and creates chances for those around him.
I expect he'll quickly become first choice, with Højlund being an option off the bench, or possibly playing some games from the right hand side.
Yoro I think might take a little longer to settle and will make a few more mistakes. If he learns quickly from them then he'll be fine.
10.) 21 Jul 2024 08:15:44
We need another right back ??.
11.) 21 Jul 2024 10:42:09
Fireman, it's an awkward situation as with Shaw's and Malacia's continued injury issues there is a fair arguement that we need a consistent and regularly available LB.
However, assuming everyone is fit we have Shaw, Malacia, Martinez, Dalot and Amass who can play at LB.
Whereas, we only really have Dalot and AWB who can play at RB.
If the club looks to sign a second CB, if they get a left footed player who can play LCB and possibly LB then I think that should be fine. Then we can look at a RB as a higher priority.
Ideally it would be best if we can delay trying to bring in another LB for a season or two. That would give us time to see how Malacia fairs and give time for Amass to develop. If they don't step up or are enough then we could look at bringing in a top young LB.
I do worry though what we would do next season if Dalot misses a big chunk of the season.
17 Jul 2024 10:19:07
Ornstein reporting that Leny Yoro is flying to UK to take medical and finalise personal terms. Still work to do apparently but it's closer than I think anyone would have expected. What is happening to this club!
1.) 17 Jul 2024 10:39:33
Professionals in charge now.
2.) 17 Jul 2024 12:23:49
Still expecting a last minute hijack, maybe I have been conditioned after the Ed years.
3.) 17 Jul 2024 12:47:03
Praying Everton cave in last minute and sell us Branthwaite on the cheap!
4.) 17 Jul 2024 16:58:42
Lindelof will most certainly leave, unless he wants to stay back up to Dalot and fill in at right back?
Depend if anybody wants to take Maguire off our hands. West Ham seem to signing CBs elsewhere.
16 Feb 2024 23:37:58
Ed, I know this is an impossible question to answer but if you could, with all rumours surrounding the new “leadership” with regard to football at United, how many transfers in realistically could you see at United this summer? 3 or 4 seems to be fairly standard for a “rebuild”, Chelsea last year was completely out of the ordinary but what in your opinion could happen at United? I appreciate this is a very ambiguous question.
{Ed002's Note - There will be a total of 16 departures.}
1.) 17 Feb 2024 09:55:13
Is that how many people are out of contract by any chance?
{Ed002's Note - No.}
2.) 17 Feb 2024 10:30:05
Are they all playing staff?
{Ed002's Note - Of course.}
3.) 17 Feb 2024 13:53:53
Never know if you’re playing with us or not Ed002!
Reports floating about that we’re interested in Mathys Tel from Bayern - any truth to these rumours please Ed?
{Ed002's Note - Mathys Tel (F) Bayern are not looking to sell and whilst there may be interest from Spurs it would not be as a Kane replacement. Tel's representative is a complete flake and has constantaly linked the player with other clubs and says that Manchester United scouts spotted him whilst watching another player. He has also cited Liverpool and Arsenal constantly ringing him. Marseille offered a return to France as a starter but his value has gone up considerably since then. The player has made it clear he wants to stay at Bayern Munich.}
4.) 17 Feb 2024 14:56:12
Brilliant detailed info - thank you for your swift and insightful response!
5.) 17 Feb 2024 15:28:15
Ed002 are you sure it's 16? Can you tell us if there is a liklihood or possibility that there may be a deviation from that number or if you can give an idea of timings of the 16 exits? ?.
{Ed002's Note - It will be exactly 16.}
6.) 17 Feb 2024 15:39:59
Can you lads not detect sarcasm. Ed is in the know but not a clairvoyant!
7.) 17 Feb 2024 16:05:34
brilliant ed002 lol. made me laugh so hard.
8.) 17 Feb 2024 18:58:43
If only the original post asked about how many departures.
9.) 18 Feb 2024 19:45:10
Lolll he fell for it that has to be the funniest rubbisht.
06 Jul 2023 22:44:29
Ed’s. With the rumours of the GK from the Japanese league, I was wondering if since ETH we’ve had a change of personnel within our scouting team or just a new approach directed from ETH?
{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of the rumours. Onana remains the new first pick and a youngster from the US remains of interest to provide long term cover.}
1.) 06 Jul 2023 23:03:45
The lad in Japan was born in the USA, has a Japanese father and a mother who is from somewhere else. So he was eligible to play for three countries but chose Japan and has made his senior debut.
No idea how good he is ??♂️. Only 21 though I think.
2.) 07 Jul 2023 08:27:06
Brendan perhaps then Zion Suzuki is the USA youngster the ed is referring to.
{Ed002's Note - No. I have explained before.}
3.) 07 Jul 2023 10:55:09
After quick Google search for young US keepers linked to United, found the name of Djorge Petrovic, a 23yr old Serbian international who seems to be doing well for New England Revolution in the MLS.
4.) 07 Jul 2023 13:32:17
Big step up from MLS to EPL, but then again Ten Hag rarely change his goalkeeper last season.
If we sign Onana then I would imagine he would play every game apart from the eaely league Cup ones as happened last year.
5.) 07 Jul 2023 15:52:01
Great conversation about GK's apart from the question was really about our scouting system and set up. I was just using the GK as an example of what appears to be a very different approach to perhaps what we are used to and wondered whether ETH has given a different approach to our scouting team or got different personnel in.
21 Jun 2023 12:52:24
Rumours are Fulham are sounding out Fred. If this is true then I would certainly be going back to them and asking about Palhinha. Especially as Fulham have supposedly set an asking price for him now.
1.) 21 Jun 2023 13:38:44
90 million ports ?.
2.) 21 Jun 2023 14:21:01
Palhinha breaks up play and fouls a lot doing it. not what we are looking for.
Ports's banter posts with other poster's replies to Ports's banter posts
26 Jul 2024 08:49:56
Andreas Georgson joining United coaching staff. Was a set piece coach at Brentford, Southampton and Arsenal and worked with Jason Wilcox previously. Hopefully another positive appointment.
1.) 26 Jul 2024 10:00:13
Especially if Toney comes too.
2.) 26 Jul 2024 11:20:13
Toney won't be coming thank God. He is a poor man's lukaku.
Good to have a set piece coach and I think Brentford were decent in both attack and defence on set pieces last year. Our lack of aggression in attacking and defending set pieces last season was evident. It would help if Bruno didn't have 29% of his corners cut out by 1st man. Our delivery was so poor that 22% of our corners were short corner routines that produced zero goals. Bruno involved in all but 2 of those. ?♂️.
3.) 26 Jul 2024 11:25:01
Given how poor we have been on set pieces at both ends of the pitch this seems like a sensible move.
While that resume is impressive when you consider that Brentford and Arsenal have been amoungst the best sides at scoring and defending set pieces over the past 5 years or so.
4.) 26 Jul 2024 12:50:22
When you look at the profile of the players we are signing and looking at, not only young and talented footballers but also tall players. Might suggest we are looking at tightening up this area of the game which certainly is needed.
5.) 26 Jul 2024 13:01:23
If i'm not wrong we recently had a season where we scored like 1 goal from set pieces in the entire season, not sure if it was under Ole or ETH.
But suffice to say this new guy doesn't have a particularly high bar to beat in the set peice department.
6.) 26 Jul 2024 13:20:13
Our crossing is atrocious dsg.
A high class player like bruno can't take a decent corner it's farcical.
7.) 26 Jul 2024 15:49:06
Is it though Ken? Or do we or have we lacked some desire to get on the end of a cross? Genuine question because truthfully, Fernandes is one of the most technically gifted players we have so are his corners bad? Do we lack some b*#@cks when crosses are in the box?! Maybe a mixture of both?!
8.) 26 Jul 2024 16:04:48
Ports definitely a mixture of both. No plan and a lack of attention to detail but 29% of our corners didn't beat 1st man. That is not world class delivery.
22% were taken in a short corner routine involving the 'world class ' Bruno to no avail.
Bruno is miles better passing in motion than he is from a deadball situation and his stats back that up. Someone needs to tell him to steer clear from deadball situations his stats read like ronaldos for free kicks. Useless.
9.) 26 Jul 2024 16:19:13
Toney a poor man's lukaku? Are you on crack?
10.) 26 Jul 2024 17:28:57
Ha you’ll get used to the fishing Greg.
11.) 26 Jul 2024 18:00:48
No Greg I don't think he is as good as lukaku. Do you think he is better? His stats are no better. He is slower and less mobile than lukaku. Doesn't score as many goals.
12.) 26 Jul 2024 18:27:53
I saw somewhere that one of the first things arteta did when joining Arsenal was to pinch city's set piece coach, who he had worked with previously. Arsenal instantly jumped to the top of goals scored and least goals conceded from set pieces and started challenging for the title.
It is a hugely underestimated part of the game by utd. We can't take corners, we a poor at defending them. And we surely must be the worst team in the league on our own throw ins. The number of times we lose possession with 5 seconds of our own throw in is disgusting.
13.) 26 Jul 2024 18:47:48
That's coaching DB. I agree with you. The coaching has been non evident.
14.) 26 Jul 2024 21:54:44
Toney would be a backwards step. He is at his lever where he is.
15.) 27 Jul 2024 00:08:13
A backwards step?
24 Jul 2024 21:50:15
Hojlund new number 9. Like that. Give Garnacho number 11 next.
1.) 25 Jul 2024 07:24:34
I’m sure Garnacho once said he wanted the number 11 because of Giggs?
2.) 25 Jul 2024 15:03:14
Don't know if he said that Wazza, but would be slightly surprised as he is absolutely obsessed with Ronaldo (it's why he signed for us, wanting to follow his footstep's) so would of thought No7 would be his wish.
Would imagine Mount (current holder of No7 shirt) is pretty much on trial this coming season, he will have to perform or could be on his way. So tell Alejandro if he keeps his performance levels improving he is in with a good shout of being the No7. Hopefully this will incentivise him on.
3.) 25 Jul 2024 17:46:03
Iwotb your correct he said he wanted the 7 but it was given to mount which was odd. Shirt no's don't mean anything really anymore. Of course some players have a preference but it's not a big deal really in most cases.
4.) 25 Jul 2024 19:01:28
Not sure I agree with that Ken, think it does matter to plenty.
5.) 25 Jul 2024 20:40:03
It shouldn't. All it is really is symbolism. Means nothing to me as a fan,
If it really matters to a player then the club should try and accommodate their wishes if they can.
6.) 25 Jul 2024 22:48:12
I think if you give a kid number 9, that’ll mean a heck of a lot to him because it shows your belief in them. Same with Garnacho and the number 11. I wouldn’t expect a senior player to be to concerned (unless you’re ronaldo) about a certain number but for a kid at the start of their career I think it would mean a lot.
7.) 26 Jul 2024 02:35:29
If it means more to him than pulling on the number 11 I think there is questions to be asked. It's complete vanity imo.
8.) 26 Jul 2024 06:34:40
Yes that’s it iwotb, he said 7. Alzheimer’s getting the better of me.
9.) 26 Jul 2024 09:47:15
numbers mean a lot - especially if your kid gets 11 and hojland changes to 9 on the new home shirt! bacon eating t*^t!
10.) 26 Jul 2024 09:50:39
Ken,
Just because it means nothing to you doesn’t mean it means nothing to anyone else, it definitely means something to kids as fans wanting numbers on their shirts and also players are superstitious and would like a certain number. You’ve fallen into the trap of thinking because you think something that means it’s true for everyone.
11.) 26 Jul 2024 10:36:51
Gds2 do you even read. that's exactly what I said. Most players don't give a toss and where they do the club should try to accommodate. So keane and Carrick wearing 16 must have broken kids hearts.
It's been over 30 years since teams lined out 1 to 11. Shirt no is meaningless to most whether you like it or not.
12.) 26 Jul 2024 11:31:56
Maybe giving Højlund the No.9 has more to do with a show of faith in a young player who had a mixed first season at the club last year despite showing real promise.
With the signing of Zirkzee it would make sense that Højlund will question whether he'll play as much or is considered as important a player this year.
If they gave Zirkzee the No.9 this summer, then the symbolism attached to that is that he has come in to be first choice and bench Højlund. That might be what happens, it's not all about how an individual performs but how the team performs with those individuals.
So giving Højlund the No.9 is a show of faith and will hopefully help keep his head up and focused when he inevitably plays less football this season.
Also I think Zirkzee has worn the No.11 at a couple of clubs and he might have a preference for that shirt number. If so then it's two birds with one stone.
13.) 26 Jul 2024 20:33:47
It mattered to Martial anyway. He was raging over the no 9 shirt.
12 Jul 2024 17:58:35
Sancho and ETH have had positive clear the air talks. Well that is something I certainly was not expecting to read in this transfer window! Genuinely not sure how I feel about that. There’s a player in there but for me he’s burnt his bridges. But if the club and coaching staff feel he can offer something then you got to trust them.
1.) 12 Jul 2024 18:51:24
I don't even think there is much/ enough of one. Maybe sweet talking him to make him help the transfer situation.
2.) 12 Jul 2024 18:51:33
Perhaps they apologised to each other or perhaps they didn't but have had their heads banged together and both parties have realised how they let a stupid war of words and 2 egos get in the way of what's best for the club and squad as a whole.
Ports let's hope he improves on the pitch I'm not sure where he will play or if he will even stay but let's hope it stays nice and calm from here on in.
3.) 12 Jul 2024 19:02:44
call me cynical but unless he suddenly learns to beat a player, pass forward or put a decent cross in and track back then he's not much use to us. i'd rather see Diallo and Garnacho get playing time instead of him. Had an attitude problem wherever he has been.
His 4 goals and 4 asssits in 22 games at Dortmund -hardly inspiring-seem to have excited some people.35 mill in the bank and him off the wage bill would be the preferred option for me.
4.) 12 Jul 2024 19:07:08
Hopefully he's learnt his lesson and gets his head down, we all know there is a really good player in their. Or the hierarchy have told him to come back keep his head down and go along with this for a couple of weeks and he can leave, protecting his value to the club as if he's not back with us and is trying to leave his value goes down.
5.) 12 Jul 2024 19:27:29
No, no, no. The way Sancho behaved suggest he has an attitude. As well as the fact he stank the place out.
6.) 12 Jul 2024 19:34:23
Hopefully he is sold, be is crap compared to Amad or Garnacho. Sure we also have academy guys banging on the door for the wings.
Get rid. He's a clown.
7.) 12 Jul 2024 20:03:59
Agree AJH, he has an attitude. Nothing about '2' egos. Sancho has form and he went against the manager, not on.
But like the rest of the club, it feels like a second chance for a lot of people and ETH has obviously decided to afford Sancho the same opportunity. So, he better make use of his second chance.
8.) 12 Jul 2024 21:08:22
Get rid he doesn’t have the heart or desire
Another modern day footballer with an over flated ego.
9.) 12 Jul 2024 21:54:26
I think its just window dressing things. club will sell him if they can this window but finding it difficult to find buyers. I wonder why.
10.) 12 Jul 2024 22:16:56
Sell him. Bad attitude.
11.) 13 Jul 2024 08:50:43
Leahy, ideally, yes. But it's quite obvious that no one has met our valuation for him yet.
He does have a bad attitude, well documented but something about this screams 'last chance saloon's to me and he will know it.
If he can contribute to the season ahead in a positive manner, I'm all for it. If he disobeys again, then he goes.
12.) 13 Jul 2024 11:22:08
There are so many valid reasons why we should sell Sancho.
Firstly he has not contributed anything of significance on the pitch.
Secondly his wages totally distort the wage structure. It's going to be hard justifying to any player in the squad that they're wage demands are too high when you have Sancho contributing half as much as any other player while being paid twice as much.
Finally, his attitude stinks. While it's good that he and the manager have finally put the dispute to bed, for me it's too little too late from Sancho. While the manager hasn't covered himself in glory over this situation, I do feel he had exhausted all his other options with Sancho. He had supported him in the previous season, organised a private camp away in Holland with special-ist coaches to help him get back to form. Something very few other coaches would have done to support the player. Yet Sancho returned, we saw a slight improvement for two weeks then he slumped back into the same old habits. He will never succeed while he continues to blame everyone else and takes no responsibility for his poor form. Most recently he's stated that it's because he plays best on the left and not the right. Well a 19 year old Garnacho felt the same way, but that didn't stop him knuckling down and putting in great performances on the right this season, despite it not being his preferred position. If a player 5 years your junior is showing you up then that's on you and not anyone else.
Sancho has the talent, but his mentality is weaker than a digestive biscuit that's spent 5 minutes soaking in your tea.
He has probably been out worst ever signing when you consider the fee and wages he costs compared to the performances he has put in, and the problems he has caused.
The club need to sell him ASAP. The problem with that is that with PSR so tight we need to make sure we don't take a massive loss on him. Which means we need someone to take on his obscene wages AND pay us a fee of around 40m just to break even. Any shortfall in that we have to pick up the tab, which could then potentially count as a 10-25m loss on our accounts.
I suspect the current situation is an attempt to calm the waters, and show other clubs that we aren't backed into a corner and give us some way of negotiating the kind of deal we need to get in order to move him on.
As a side note, the rumours of Juventus being interested and even looking to sell Matias Soulé to raise funds for Sancho sound promising. To be honest from how Soulé has played this season in Series A I'd be tempted to include him in a part exchange deal with Sancho if the numbers worked.
Really talented, exciting RW player who could become a top player.
13.) 13 Jul 2024 12:02:17
Just another toxic contract that we now have to deal with. Seems that ineos will tackle these issues effectively, so let's see where this ends up.
Player with a bad attitude is one thing. But the bigger problem is his ridiculous salary and his poor ability on the pitch to match that salary.
14.) 13 Jul 2024 19:59:54
Just another Pogba. Not worth the column inches.
15.) 13 Jul 2024 21:57:58
Agree manc man. Let's hope we get him out.
16.) 13 Jul 2024 23:49:36
More like a rich tea Shappy.
17.) 14 Jul 2024 12:33:54
Peter, nah Rich tea has far more resolve than Sancho ?.
25 May 2024 09:05:51
Interesting interview with ETH with a Dutch media company. Sounds to me like he hasn’t known for a couple of months ?.
1.) 25 May 2024 09:32:27
Ooooh don't you be doubting the encyclopedia ?.
2.) 25 May 2024 10:19:47
He makes some decent points, and backs them up with facts. The injuries have been ridiculous, but we've still been complete rubbish and ripped apart by supposedly lesser teams far to often to just simple blame injuries.
Was reading some generic comments on that article from random Internet strangers and someone said it might simply be him trying to attempt to control the narrative to save what he can of his reputation to help get his next job, which I though was an interesting perspective.
Regardless, dude's gone by tomorrow.
3.) 25 May 2024 10:30:43
What, you mean to tell me he hasn't known for months? But lots on here have told us he has known for ages.
Wafflers, wait until the club make an actual announcement before professing to know everything.
4.) 25 May 2024 10:34:25
For the sake of stability and forward planning, you have to think the club would have made a statement about his future, if he was staying, long before now.
5.) 25 May 2024 10:52:33
He has known for some time angel. You don't have to believe that its totally your perogative.
6.) 25 May 2024 11:19:56
Scathing of the British pundits, then proceeds to tear into the decisions of his former club in the exact same manner.
Weird interview all together.
7.) 25 May 2024 12:30:25
This is cup final day. The manager B/ S can wait. Couple of beers and snacks and hopefully the boys win a trophy.
8.) 25 May 2024 12:53:49
Fingers crossed banjoe. I'm bodily if not expectant.
9.) 25 May 2024 13:56:46
I think we can pull it off, but probably won't. I think it'll be a pretty eventful few days if the rumours transpire and EtH will probably be wishing he'd deeded van Gaal's advice to stay well away.
10.) 25 May 2024 14:36:56
I don't think he will regret taking the job Spenno. He has done his very best and done it his way 12 of the 20 today are his signings or youth he introduced. He has made 3 cup finals won at least 1.
He failed miserably in the league and Europe this season.
None of his signings have lived up to his or our expectations.
You can't finish 8th and say we are better off than a year ago.
Really hard working guy and I think he will have learnt a lot I hope he gets a good job next and I'd like to see him do well. He will surely have learnt some things that will stand him in good stead for the future.
Imo you learn more from the hard times than you do in the good times.
11.) 25 May 2024 14:47:30
We should be maestros by now then but we don't seem to have learnt a lot in the last ten years.
12.) 25 May 2024 15:41:16
You say it like you know ken, you don't ?.
13.) 25 May 2024 19:52:20
As you were.
14 May 2024 12:34:55
So Varane is off. Shame didn't quite work for him, like him as a player but certainly not what we need now. But with that news, I just looked up United weekly wages and if the following players, who I think we'd expect to leave do go we would be saving a huge amount of weekly wages.
Varane, 340,000. Casemiro, 350,000. Martial, 250,000, Eriksen, 150,000. Amrabat, 65,000. Evans, 60,000. Sancho, 250,000. Van De Beek, 120,000. Greenwood, 50,000.
Then if you include Williams, 65,000 and Lindelof, 120,000 that's a saving of 1,820,000 a week on wages. You'd hope the club will be capable of using that money a lot wiser moving forward.
1.) 14 May 2024 13:28:43
Hopefully Maguire goes aswell, otherwise he will leave for free next year.
2.) 14 May 2024 13:30:51
It's incredible the bad value we have got from them imo ports.
When you consider we spend over 300m to sign that lot and probably more than that on their wages. That list of players alone will have cost somewhere in the region of 600/ 700m over the last few years and delivered little or nothing really, and that's before you get into the Anthony or onanas of this squad.
If we recoup 100m from all the names in your list in fees before associated costs we'd be doing well.
On the brightside nearly all the decision makers are gone the rest soon to be gone. So we can only hope and I think it's fair assume that they won't be repeating these hideous decisions.
Sadly we will be paying the price still for a couple of seasons until they sort out this mess.
3.) 14 May 2024 14:03:01
The biggest indictment for that money is that I don't think we will see much of a hit to the first team should they all go. Yes Verane and Casimero when fit and well would be in but the rest will have little or no impact.
Side note, I am a fan of Evans especially as a leader/ mentor and would not object if he wanted to work on his coaching badges with us.
4.) 14 May 2024 14:31:58
He is a really nice guy Brad and I think he has lots of potential to coach but also he could be set for a career in within the media.
The world is their oyster these days when they retire thay have so many opportunities.
5.) 14 May 2024 15:02:38
Brad, Evans is certainly the sort of character you would like around the younger players. Certainly Big Willy and a couple of the others. I agree, wouldn’t be a bad thing for him or the club to stay and do his badges with us.
Also thought the same when I listed the players, what impact will it have on the starting 11, not a great deal!
Ken, I have a look at Palaces wages also and Olise and Eze are both on £100,000, Ghuei is in £50,000 and Wharton on £35,000. We could offer them all a £50,000 pay rise and still be in a better position. Obviously there would be big transfer fees but the point being, players are out there who could make huge impact on the team and I hope the new set up allows us to find and get these players.
6.) 14 May 2024 15:15:20
Shame that with a lot of these high profile more experienced players we've bought over the years like Schweiny/ Sanchez/ Falcao and Varane we've never had many glimpses of the players that earned their reputations. Ibra showed it in glimpses and had the character to boot.
Good luck to Varane, still young enough to offer something to a top team if he can manage his injuries.
7.) 14 May 2024 15:35:51
Think Shaw should be moved on as well, Spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch, a good player when fit but that's not often these days.
8.) 14 May 2024 16:11:24
You could say the same about Jose and LvG, spenno.
9.) 14 May 2024 16:33:54
Maybe sack the clown (s) that agreed such wages, if not already done.
10.) 14 May 2024 17:33:46
It makes for dire reading.
We're giving out Real Madrid level contracts, without the Champions League medals in return. The club has had ideas above its station and has behaved in a delusional manner at the very top. No wonder our players behave the way they do.
11.) 14 May 2024 19:54:07
Massive wages off the books, problem is whoever comes in will likely be the same.
12.) 15 May 2024 05:19:54
Took the words right out of my mouth, Danny. Fully expect us to see us handing out ridiculous contracts again this summer. Hopefully, though, the players we sign are ones who will earn their keep and retain some kind of resale value if things don’t quite work out.
25 Jul 2024 15:14:54
I’d be happy to let McTominay go for £25M. Think that would be a fair price for him. I’d look at replacing him and Eriksen with Collyer and Oyedele. Get Ugarte in for Casemiro and then that’s a good midfield ion of Ugarte, Fernandes, Mainoo, Mount, Collyer and Oyedele.
Premier league a consistent 3 of Ugarte, Fernandes and Mainoo with Mount rotating with 1 and then Collyer and Oyedele picking up minutes where they can and in League Cup and Europe I think we’ve got a bright future for Midfield IMO.
22 Jul 2024 09:29:48
Tim_99, I’ve watched a couple of 3 minute video compilations of him since I first heard of him yesterday and can confirm he’s probably the best CM in the world currently.
20 Jul 2024 06:53:49
You’re assuming Casemiro would be happy in a role as cover though. Not sure at this stage in his career he would be.
17 Jul 2024 11:56:18
I wonder if this puts us in a good position to negotiate a better price for MDL as we, hopefully will have a CB in and therefore the need for another one is not as high. I don't know whether Bayern have to sell MDL before they can buy or not?
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.
26 Jul 2024 21:08:48
To be honest. If Maguire understood and accepted his role as a, most likely 4th choice CB, I’d keep him ahead of Lindeloff. I actually thought he proved his worth last season when we needed him and he is a better player than being a 4th choice at United so I think he should move for himself, think he’d be excellent for a West Ham or even Newcastle. But if he wants to stay then I wouldn’t be annoyed.
26 Jul 2024 15:49:06
Is it though Ken? Or do we or have we lacked some desire to get on the end of a cross? Genuine question because truthfully, Fernandes is one of the most technically gifted players we have so are his corners bad? Do we lack some b*#@cks when crosses are in the box?! Maybe a mixture of both?!
26 Jul 2024 12:50:22
When you look at the profile of the players we are signing and looking at, not only young and talented footballers but also tall players. Might suggest we are looking at tightening up this area of the game which certainly is needed.
25 Jul 2024 22:48:12
I think if you give a kid number 9, that’ll mean a heck of a lot to him because it shows your belief in them. Same with Garnacho and the number 11. I wouldn’t expect a senior player to be to concerned (unless you’re ronaldo) about a certain number but for a kid at the start of their career I think it would mean a lot.
19 Jul 2024 18:50:37
Chelsea.