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03 Jan 2021 10:51:49
Hi Ed002

Appreciate your advice. Below you mentioned we agreed to complete the transfer of Amad Traore by December 31 to allow him to move in January subject to a Work Permit. Ole says he is looking forward to his arrival, yet there are stories in the press that Atalanta want to keep him, even want to just loan him to us for the rest of the season. Is this just noise or is there a change of position?

{Ed002's Note - I suspect there is a misunderstanding. Atalanta don't want to loan the player to MU they want to take him back on loan.}

1.) 03 Jan 2021 11:23:46
Thanks Ed002

I would have thought going to all the trouble we have with the work permit/ passport that United would not want to do that.

2.) 03 Jan 2021 12:16:17
Red Man, not sure where you heard about a loan move to us. The deal was all agreed some time ago with only the paperwork left to be dealt with. He's our player now by the look of things but Atlanta want him to stay longer and want him loaned back for the rest of the season.

I am sure he is heading straight into the U23's to assess him further and get him used to the physicality of our league. Probably a loan move to a premier league side down the line for him and Pellistri would suit them both and help them progress their careers.

3.) 03 Jan 2021 13:05:31
Hi Letsplay

The BBC gossip page indicated that Atalanta are keen on loaning Diallo to Manchester United for the rest of the season, it looks like a typo. There have been other reports saying Atalanta wanted to keep him, but as Ed said they want to loan him from us.

Looks like the sale is going through. Personally I think he should come to us and acclimatise, start to work with better players, be ready for next season or if he makes an impact even appearances this season.

4.) 03 Jan 2021 13:27:55
Hi Red Man,

Probably the media outlets doing their typical mixed reports to keep things interesting especially when it is United news.

It is too early yet and we can all assume what's best for him but it's up to the coaching staff and Ole to find the best route for the player. Hopefully Diallo fulfills his potential at United as he does look a very exciting prospect.

5.) 03 Jan 2021 13:40:03
Red man I think it was an error as gasperini had said that Atalanta hoped to loan him back to the end of the season.

6.) 03 Jan 2021 13:45:51
Red Man. I think it’s a little unfair to suggest that our U23 side are ‘better players’ than Atlanta’s first team, no?

7.) 03 Jan 2021 14:07:25
Did redman suggest that? I don't think he did.

8.) 03 Jan 2021 15:09:46
I don't quite understand why Atalanta wants him on a loan, he barely played there. Ed, do you know something?

{Ed002's Note - They don't want their squad weakened and his replacement is not available before the summer.}

9.) 03 Jan 2021 17:07:06
The reports are now saying United want him this month and don’t want to loan him back.

10.) 04 Jan 2021 00:57:51
Surprised Atlanta want him on loan. Is there a reason why they’ve hardly played him? Is it because the transfer was agreed and they didn’t want to risk the deal? Or simply that he’s not at the level?

Also, why is the WP taking so long to complete. should this not have been done earlier so he could arrive at OT on the 1st? Are you only allowed to apply for WPs in a transfer window? I always get the impression we fall asleep in between transfer windows.

{Ed002's Note - I have explained all of this - try searching.}

15 Dec 2020 06:30:05
Reports this morning that Henderson is not happy and was left vexed by Solskjaer breaking promises to start him in certain home games. Add this to how DvB has been treated and a pattern emerges.

1.) 15 Dec 2020 10:08:17
No sh1t that Sherlock isn't surprised to read this.

2.) 15 Dec 2020 11:05:12
I think Ole now only really trusts a few players, and as such they are undroppable. DDG, Maguire, Lindelof, AWB, Fred, Bruno and Rashford are all nailed on to start if fit.

All managers have their favourites, maybe this is part of the reason someone new coming in with fresh eyes might be a good idea.

3.) 15 Dec 2020 11:36:33
The problem is DDG has made and continues to make mistakes. Henderson deserves a run in the team.

I'd imagine a few players will be thinking about what they have to do to get game time, when players keep DDG make mistakes and are continually picked. His mistakes have been be going on for awhile now. It's partly done to the coaching staff getting him to play out with his feet. It is still clear to see that he isn't comfortable doing that.

The zonal marking for set pieces is atrocious. Maguire makes basic mistakes.

I'd like tk see Bailly and Tuanzebe in defence. Then play higher up pitch and dip the two holding midfielders.

4.) 15 Dec 2020 11:41:07
Some of Ole's decisions this season have been questionable.
No matter how many mistakes Maguire and Lindelof make, Tuanzebe is still not getting enough games to cement his place.

He even bigged up Mengi saying he is similar to De Ligt as he can get into our side at a young age. But again, he is not getting chances.

VDB has to play over McT and Pogba. Reasons are obvious.

Ole also stressed on having 5 subs in EPL, yet he used only 1 sub against City in the derby.

5.) 15 Dec 2020 11:41:33
i can understand Henderson's frustration especially as for this back 4 / 5 he is a better fit given how much more vocal and brave he is.

We are gettignto a point where we have more quality options in the squad than we did over the last 5 years. it is easier to manage good players not playing when there is trust in the manager and the team is doing well. Ole needs to up his management game.

6.) 15 Dec 2020 12:07:49
Agree with TRD that Ole is making some questionable decisions on a regular basis.
Henderson coming back to us in a pre Euros year didn't make any sense to me unless he was given assurances around game time which clearly are promises not being kept. Not as though De Gea is producing the world class quality we know he has on any level of consistency. I admire Henderson for coming back and having the confidence to stake his claim for the No.1 spot - but it is being ignored.
Henderson MUST start in all cup games for me regardless whether that's against Tinpot FC or Milan in the Europa League Final.

Van de Beek is a very strange one too. Clearly the lad has bags of talent and we look more of a threat going forward when he plays. How he is not making appearances at least in front of Pogba is a mystery.

Ole's reliance on Fred and McTominay for me says more about his not trusting his defence hence more creative players like VDB are not getting as much of a look-in.

Even then though if we can play Mata at RW on occasion surely VDB can fill that berth too.

We have a mix of defence and attack minded midfielders now but other than Fernandes there is nobody who stands out as a must pick.

We are 3 players short for me, 4 if you include Henderson playing more than De Gea.

The Maguire-Lindelof partnership simply let's too many goals in. A new CB has to be our main priority as strengthening the back will allow us more creative players in midfield. There is no rule that says we can only have Bruno as the creative influence!

Ideally we would swap out Pogba for a completely different player in Saul but one who could offer so much more balance to the team overall. Giving a better platform for both defence and attack.

And finally as much as we harp on about our lack of a RW it is a 25 goal a season centre forward we are crying out to replace the woefully inconsistent Martial with. Appreciate Greenwood will fulfil that role in time but we need our new No.9 now.

We do have some good players at the club and in what is a very open year league wise it would not take too much to get this team into a title challenging position. Ole has to be much braver than he is to do that. Any big name can be sacrificed if they are not performing whether its De Gea, Maguire, Fernandes etc. Ole lacks the balls to do that though I fear.

7.) 15 Dec 2020 13:53:27
On the plus side I'm glad we have players who aren't happy to be out of the side. I would have to question a players mentality and ambition if they are happy to be on our bench and not in the team.

Shows we have a few more players with the right attitude now. While Romero might be a great keeper, does he have the right mentality to be a keeper at a club that should be aiming to win the top honours? He's spent 5 years on the bench and been happy to pick up a cheque and not play during his peak years. Only kicking up recently when the club refuse to sell him after bumping him down to third choice.

While DDG has still made a few mistakes this season, he has on the whole improved on his form from last season. Is that due to Henderson breathing down his neck?

We need competition for places all over the pitch, players on the bench in every position who is arguably good enough to start. They shouldn't be happy to be on the bench, they will need to accept it and work on their game to improve themselves and push for a starting spot.

How much of our decline on the pitch can be put down to a lack of competition for places?

8.) 15 Dec 2020 16:06:11
Very unlike Shappy to kick a player when he 8s down. Romero now. Did he contact you that he is happy like that or do you want a player coming out in the press and creating a storm?

9.) 15 Dec 2020 17:43:33
Mad Hatter. Premier league footballer having to use his feet! Imagine that? The fact that de gea cannot play football, doesn't command his area and doesn't marshall his defense means to me that he isn't a very good goal keeper.

Reaction saves are not enough at the top level. It looks like you are saving your team points whereas a more rounded keeper wouldn't need to make the save in the first place because they would have prevented the danger before it got to that.

10.) 15 Dec 2020 19:00:59
MancMan,

It was never an issue for DDG until OGS took over. The zonal marking for set pieces doesn't help either.

Every player has strengths and weaknesses. When OGS took over DDG was world class. Not he looks bang average. The whole tactical set up isn't working. Players are actually regressing.

11.) 15 Dec 2020 19:34:53
Hatter, I disagree DDG started declining under Jose. The issue I think with DDG is that over the past 8 years there hasn't been another keeper who came close to DDG's shot-stopping ability. He was just hands down the best. However, those world class saves (often a 2 or 3 per game) masked the other weaker areas of his game.

At no point in his career has he commanded his area well, he doesn't communicate much with his defenders, his coming out for crosses has always been poor (a bit of a flapper), while his distribution has never been more than average.

The difference now is that his reactions have started to slow slightly, as such he makes less world class saves and the other weaker areas of his game are becoming more apparent.

We have seen this before, look at Iker Casillias, considered a world class keeper until his form went off a cliff in his early 30's. Almost entirely down to his reactions slowing and a big dip in his shot stopping ability.

12.) 15 Dec 2020 20:39:29
I've posted before I know him and his the family and in regards to henderson the above is rubbish .

13.) 15 Dec 2020 20:42:35
Shappy,

I know DDG isn't the keeper he is once was. Romero should have been given a chance last season to be the clubs number 1.

The main issue is that OGS continues to pick under achieving players. My main concern is that I can ee players like Henderson and VDB leaving before Jones and Rojo do.

I'm fed up of how poor Maguire is.

14.) 15 Dec 2020 21:08:31
He didn't reclined with Zose. With Zose at 17-18 he had of his most successful years with us conceding 17 goals less than we should consede as per expected goals against. Then he went with his national team for the tournament, made mistakes and his confidence was low. Then it was Zoses third season syndrome and we had a toxic atmosphere and we conceded goals with all ways, none was marking decent and the fact that he conceded a lot of goals don't help the confidence. Then Ole asked him to play the ball from the back and things got worst.

15.) 16 Dec 2020 00:29:43
every body else herrera but ole. he thinks fred and mctom are going to take us to the promised land.

16.) 16 Dec 2020 04:33:33
DDG has improved this year due to Henderson. Ddg is still an excellent keeper. Henderson is the future. Sure Henderson will get game time and he needs to keep showing the mentality to play at a big club. He will be alright, don't worry about that.

17.) 16 Dec 2020 12:14:26
Shan, have a look who Romero's agent is, if he wasn't happy his agent would have got him a move.

18.) 16 Dec 2020 14:21:28
Like pogbas agent did? Romero is unhappy moves were blocked this summer. He was treated poorly.
He will move asap but buying clubs need to match our valuation and his massive money. Not many clubs that are interested in him can afford him. That's the situation.
Henderson will be our no 1 soon enough imo. Ddg is still a very good keeper. He is on the best contract of any keeper anywhere in the world. Ole convinced him to stay he has the man he wants. Henderson can wait or force a move its up top him. Henderson imo will be a top keeper but he has achieved very little to date i'm his career. I've not heard him moaning and if he is unhappy he is right to keep it in house and take it up with ole privately.
He seems a veey level headed but ambitious lad he has the world at his feet. United are his club but he may well have to move to play under s different manager. I hope not.

03 Sep 2020 21:19:17
I read a rumour that United are not going to be held to ransom over Sancho, they will wait a year. The worrying part of the rumour was they were willing to bring in someone on loan for a year whilst the situation is resolved, this may be a message to Dortmund of course. The rumour as to who they are looking for the years loan, is Bale, hence why he was even quoted as appealing to be given a chance to leave. Personally I think that chance should have gone but it's a rumour.

1.) 03 Sep 2020 21:42:10
I'm not a fan of Bale, he is clearly a very talented player. Yet his apparent attitude over the past few years has been awful. Refusing to take the medical advice of his club, his childish antics on the sideline, while his refusal to attempt to learn Spanish doesn't sit well. Plus when you factor in his age, his injury record and his wage demands it has Alexis Sanchez written all over it.

Yet, a loan deal might not be the worst idea. With Sancho seemingly unavailable, and with Greenwood pushing to start maybe bringing in a player who isn't a long term option might offer the club some experience in a key position, without blocking Greenwood.

It doesn't have to be Bale, there could be other options. Dembele at Barcelona for example. Both players who considering their cost and their injuries a permanent deal looks like a bad idea. Yet a loan could be worth exploring.

2.) 03 Sep 2020 21:53:47
Theres an update on dortmunds transfer plans on the european pages, situation remains the same as it has been.

No serious buyers for sancho at the moment, united won't pay the huge sums needed to sign him.

Time to move on alternatives i think, but i'm not sure there are any alternatives that really fit the bill as first team starters, might have to resort to cover for greenwood.

I wouldn't go in for bale, madrid created a problem for themselves by giving him a huge contract a few years ago and not letting him go to china last summer. I don't think its in uniteds interest to solve madrid or barcelonas issues.

3.) 03 Sep 2020 22:05:57
Shappy

I suggested Barcelona’s Dembele a few weeks ago. I would be concerned at Douglas Costa. There are rumours that Ole wants this Dayot chap but the transfer committee thinks he is too young. We shall see but deals need to be done.

4.) 03 Sep 2020 22:34:36
I’d love to see Bale for a season. But he isn’t really a suitable Sancho replacement, being LW. So Dembele seems a credible alternative if indeed the club are looking for a credible stopgap. The total Sancho cost at present is pure greed. They’ll be keener to deal as the prospect of him leaving for free draws a season closer. It’s a shame that all of that side has become to frequent these days. Don’t remember much player power in the heyday of Olsen and Strachan tearing down the flanks.

{Ed0666's Note - did strachan ever tear down a flank?

5.) 03 Sep 2020 22:41:46
Im torn on bale. He falls into the category of players i wish had signed for United. But that was some time ago. The ability is there still i don't doubt that but i doubt his drive and commitment to be as good as he can be.
I still think we will sign sancho but i could be wrong. The deal is there to be done and with the sums involved there will be compromises made by all parties imo.

6.) 03 Sep 2020 22:51:31
Dembele or Coman are good options.

Bale on a season loan is not the worst idea I’ve ever heard though until the Sancho desk can be done next year.

7.) 03 Sep 2020 22:52:06
I totally agree with Shappy. Bale seems to be the perfect case now . He allows us to spend more money at other positions and his injury record means that he will rotate with Mason at right wing. And if, and its a big if, he finds his form he will be one of the best in the league. If we can't find a solution with Sancho then Bale on a year loan its a very good option.

{Ed0666's Note - bale is a left winger no?

8.) 04 Sep 2020 00:47:50
I don't think ed666. He is effective at right cutting in and shot. He was a left wing back and left back at Spurs, maybe he can still play there but he isn't left winger. At Real Ronaldo was playing at the left and Bale at the right, although i think he is best suited at a free role behind the striker . I have seen him play there with his national team previous years and he was fantastic, a special player. If he comes i think he will start from right but he will be more centrally most of time.

{Ed0666's Note - okey dokey smoky.

9.) 04 Sep 2020 04:52:09
I wouldn't say Bale is the perfect case, just not an awful option on loan with the caveat that a chunk of his wages are performance related to make sure he is doing his best to be on the pitch.

There are dozens of players I would pick for our RW spot ahead of Bale.

I don't think we need to go for a big name player, I think in an ideal world Sancho would be an excellent signing based on age, ability, skillset with the bonus of being a homegrown player. Yet the reality is there is a huge cost attached to Sancho which might not be able to be surpassed to get the deal over the line. If the club feels that there is a genuine chance of getting the deal done next summer then a short term solution might be the best idea.

Invest in other areas this summer, bring in a loan option for RW. Then go all in for Sancho next summer when hopefully the club doesn't need to bring in quite so many players, and when the Sancho deal might be a little cheaper and more affordable. When all the uncertainty over C.V. has been cleared.

Personally I think depending on how Ole wants to play other RW options should be sought this summer. When I look at our squad, I think a more traditional RW might be a good idea, someone who can hug the touchline and stretch play. AWB is first choice RB, but isn't the most adventurous. I think having a LW like Rashford who will tuck in we could play a LB the bombs forward on the overlap and have a asymmetrical attack with the RB staying deeper and attacking width coming from the RW on the right.

If the club wanted to do that then the ideal candidate would be Adama Traore, although he would cost upward of 70m, maybe a better alternative could be Ismailia Sarr who could be available for half that amount and is maybe a year or so behind in his development compared to Traore, but has just as high a ceiling.

It all depends on what the club is looking for from a RW and whether the club feels that next summer is the best time to get Sancho if he is considered that highly by the club. Ultimately what we really need is a top class Sporting director who can make these calls and create an overarching vision for the club over a medium to long term.

10.) 04 Sep 2020 08:39:15
We need a right winger, why are we even discussing Bale?

11.) 04 Sep 2020 08:39:59
But are the golf courses in Manchester good enough to attract Bale?

12.) 04 Sep 2020 09:35:53
If Sancho is unobtainable my preferance would be going for Ocampos, thought he did a decent job against us.

13.) 04 Sep 2020 09:55:26
Dozens Shappy? :p
Can you list 24 players you would honestly rather have than Bale at RW?

14.) 04 Sep 2020 10:27:59
I don't blame Bale tbh, Zidane hardly been treating him fairly either, I'd sit on £600k a week if being benched or left out all the time too.
Not many can afford him or those that can do they need him, takes both parties to terminate a contract so what's Bale to do, sure he would play if treated fairly in the first place but way past that now.

15.) 04 Sep 2020 10:49:54
Personally I said weeks ago, that if we can’t deal with Dortmund and Sancho, I would look at Ousmane Dembele.

16.) 04 Sep 2020 10:59:26
I do like Dembele but he would seem to be one of the younger players Koeman might want to hang onto. And I think Messi will stay for a year and get his free transfer at the end.

17.) 04 Sep 2020 11:12:54
Did barcelona not say dembele is not for sale?
Only managed 5 league games last season has had a operation on his hamstring, be interesting to see if he can get past his injury issues. Bad injury for such a quick player.

{Ed002's Note - I would ignore such statements.}

18.) 04 Sep 2020 12:06:33
Jred

Barca have spent mountains of cash, such as on Dembele and Coutinho plus been paying Messi a very large salary.

I suspect Dembele may be someone they can realise cash on to help rebuild and I would be surprised if it was anywhere near the mountain of cash Sancho will require. I may be wrong but think Fati is the one they really want to keep.

19.) 04 Sep 2020 12:37:30
Redman
He also cost mega money and managed 5 league games last season .
Seriously torn hamstring for such a quick player, it will be interesting to see how he returns .

20.) 04 Sep 2020 13:10:54
Jred

He did cost mega money, as you put it and if they sell there will be a big loss on him.

Giggs had terrible hamstring issues but we found a way to resolve it, I think with Yoga. That’s why they have medicals.

21.) 04 Sep 2020 13:13:09
Spenno, I really don't want us to sign Bale permanently. I would just about accept a loan deal if half of his wages were as a bonus for making the match day squad. He has a terrible injury record, and has shown very little drive to play football over the past couple of seasons.

For that reason if we were looking to sign a player permanently Bale would be so far down the list there would be dozen's of players I'd choose ahead of him.

Sancho, Buendia, David Neres, Brooks, Tsygankov, Ismailia Sarr, Moussa Diaby, Kulusevski, Leon Bailey, Mahrez, Salah, Bernardo Silva, Ferran Torres, Chiesa, Gnabry, Adama Traore, Mbappe, Bergwijn, Stengs, Tete, Ziyech, Pulisic, Willian, Thorgan Hazard, Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa, Dybala, Lo Celso, Lucas Moura, Justin Klivert, Zaha, Richarlison, Odegaard, Lozano, Raphinha, Under, Zaniolo, Chukwueze, Hudson-Odoi, Dembele, Trincao, Fati, Bryan Mbeumo, Ihatteren and Messi.

All players who can play RW who I'd want more than Bale, a lot of them just won't be available such as Mbappe for example. Some are very young and probably aren't ready for the EPL such as Ihatteren. While others are good solid players without being anything special such as Lucas Moura.

All however I feel would be better signings than Bale.

22.) 04 Sep 2020 13:29:21
Redman
Owen would be a better example similar injury as opposed to giggs persistent injuries .
I like dembele, great to watch but there will be question marks about his latest injuries.

23.) 04 Sep 2020 13:29:21
Redman
Owen would be a better example similar injury as opposed to giggs persistent injuries .
I like dembele, great to watch but there will be question marks about his latest injuries.

24.) 04 Sep 2020 14:16:06
Shappy I was assuming they would all be realistic and obtainable alternatives, think only a handful of those would be. But I get the point re: Bale.

25.) 04 Sep 2020 14:57:22
Bale doesn't even like playing football. He gets £600k a week to play his preferred game of golf in the sun. Why would he leave the golf course and come to rainy Manchester?

26.) 04 Sep 2020 14:57:31
Spenno, conservatively I think around 27 of them could be realistically obtainable.

27.) 04 Sep 2020 15:11:42
Thank god for Google, hey Shappy.
Complete bolloxology again.

28.) 04 Sep 2020 21:43:47
Betty, I don't need Google, I'm a full time student so I have plenty of time on my hands to watch plenty of football.

The thing with Bale is just about any player is better than him as they actually want to play football. His injury record is atrocious, his game relies on explosive speed, which is causing his injuries. He expects to earn 600k per week and only wants to play golf.

29.) 04 Sep 2020 23:17:26
Why do people feel sancho will be cheaper in a years time, it's a genuine question .
I've always rated bale but that ship surely has sailed . I'd have liked him 3 year ago not now . He seems Madrids answer to sanchez, large wages no takers if a fee is involved or he duznt have a rethink on wages but if you were him would you.

30.) 05 Sep 2020 08:15:11
Slate it's not about him being cheaper in a year's time. Although I vaguely remember someone saying something about agent fees might becoming under some kind of legislation for next year which might bring them down. But that's neither here or there in the grand scheme of things.

The issue isn't spending that amount of money, it's spending that amount of money while there is so much uncertainty around football currently due to the events of this year.

No one knows when fans can come back to stadiums, the financial hits of this year haven't been fully felt yet and how that knocks on to next year. What if there is another stoppage in sport? How will what has happened effect sponsorship deals moving forward. While club's are concerned about image, spending 120m on a player while several million people have lost their job and the country has gone in to a deep recession, can reflect negatively on the club. Speaking of recession, the Glazers took over the club in 2005, then the 2008 global recession happened which meant the club had to borrow further, along with the additional interest increased the debt by around 300m and meant that 12 years later the debt still hasn't been paid off. So the club has been stung by global recessions in the past.

Until there is more certainty sanctioning such a large spend in one player isn't something the club can do out of hand. Due diligence needs to be done, along with making sure the deal is as good as possible for the club in terms of bringing the fee down and spreading the the cost.

31.) 05 Sep 2020 10:39:44
Wouldn't touch Dembele personally.

32.) 05 Sep 2020 17:15:23
I'm guessing then shappy that if the 120 million you quote was spent on say 4 other players youd be just as against it what with the financial uncertainty and people losing jobs and other things you mention otherwise your simply saying youd spend it differently .

33.) 05 Sep 2020 18:10:43
Slate, I'm not saying I'm against the club spending 120m or 200m. If the club has it and can afford it then fine.

What I'm saying is there is a concern about spending so much money on one player.

Like I've said, I would be happy if we get Sancho, he looks one hell of a player. Yet I would have a concern if the club were to put all their eggs into one basket. If Sancho was our only summer signing I'd have concerns. However, we have signed DvdB already. If Donny and Sancho were our only two summer signings then fine. However, I'd have concern over our defence, I think we could do with a couple of quality signings in defence.

31 May 2020 15:03:20
Saul Niguez has apparently said he will announce his new club in 3 days. Will be interesting to see where that is.

1.) 31 May 2020 15:15:26
He looks City bound, i think he'll fit in any Pep side.

2.) 31 May 2020 15:56:54
Im not sure how reliable that teller is redman. hope your well.
If he is announcing it in 3 days then its been kept very quiet wherever he is going.
My guess would be city although i really hope its us. He is one of the top midfielders in Europe imo. If pogba where to go saul can replace most of his qualities and add more.
Saul and sancho and ighalo in this window would be the stuff of dreams.
Maybe get a player in return for pogba that could add depth.
Grealish is another target according to ed002 and the club are keen on him and Bellingham so saul is probably less likely.

3.) 31 May 2020 16:43:56
Hi Ken

I am well thanks, but not everyone in my family is, but we shall see on that. Sat drinking vino in the garden.

Someone said this was similar to what Griezmann did. It seems strange announcing it that way.

It would be interesting to see Ed02’s view on Saul and where he is going or if he is at all?

4.) 31 May 2020 17:34:47
It's his new e-Sports team.

5.) 31 May 2020 17:41:21
Fabrizio Romano has said this has nothing to do with a transfer.

Which seems to make sense. Saul has always appeared pretty commited to Atletico, at least publicly. I can't imagine he would announce himself leaving before the season is finished.

I'm expecting some sort of sponsorship or the other to be announced.

6.) 31 May 2020 17:47:50
Saul is a top class player and would fit in well in pretty much any side. If it was United he is due to sign for, that would surely signal the club are confident that Pogba will leave this summer? Even though the club appear to be dicking about in letting him leave.

7.) 31 May 2020 21:04:47
When do we ever announce a signing this early?

It will be a sponsor.

8.) 31 May 2020 22:48:25
Following United on twitter Orr instagram now apparently 👀👀 that 100% means were nailed on to sign him 😂😂😂.

9.) 01 Jun 2020 09:35:03
People will grab hold of anything, fair play to him for playing everybody like this and getting attention on himself, madness what people believe.

10.) 01 Jun 2020 10:02:17
I am sure the Atletico fans are really pleased with the circus he's created around him. Straight away i have been put off him. Sounds like he's feeling sorry for himself and is suffering from lack of attention due to lockdown bless him.

11.) 01 Jun 2020 15:38:11
Nothing official from athletico madrid or from any other club. so is take it with a massive pinch of salt.
Im sure any club sending that sort of money will want to maximise the coverage and to their unveiling.
Sounds like a load of BS to me.
Him and sancho are the dream signings this summer. Along with ighalo they would breath new life into this team. With maybe another player coming in to boost the squad in any deal for pogba. The likes of raibot would increase competition.

18 Oct 2019 07:02:23
Interesting seeing photos of Pogba and Zidane meet in Dubai and apparently chat for 10 mins, a coincidence meeting on the beach.

1.) 18 Oct 2019 07:34:54
I couldn't care less. Le Sulk can move to RM. I doubt we would notice he had left.

2.) 18 Oct 2019 08:54:50
We need quality but we also need 100% commitment from everyone. The reason we are in this mess is the lack of desire and pride for the shirt. Pogbas a good player but doesn't have the mentality we need. Time to go.

3.) 18 Oct 2019 12:24:27
Yh i agree if our new recruitment plan under ole is to bring in players with limited technical ability and do their best work off the ball but with more passion and work rate then pogba doesn't really fit in.

4.) 18 Oct 2019 14:04:23
I like to try and be more realistic in what I expect from footballers. I don't expect them to have an undying love and passion for the club, that's the fans job.
If they do then that's a bonus.

What I expect is for a footballer to be professional, as that is what they are, professionals.

I expect them to work hard, look to develop their skills and be committed to the team. They don't need to love the club.

But they need to respect their position, they need to respect their team mates and they need to respect their manager and coaches.

Without seeing how Pogba is in training it is hard to say if he is showing that. Yet his on field performances are often inconsistent at best which suggests he isn't working as hard as he should be. He has all the talent to be a top player, but does he have the drive and application?

If he wants to be elsewhere, then fine. I won't hold a grudge, but he needs to being working hard for his team mates or eventually they will turn against him.

I think Ed002 was right on the money again with Pogba, his career belongs in Spain or back in Italy. Yet with Juventus having 7 midfielders on the books (Ramesey, Pjanic, Khedira, Can, Raboit, Matuidi and Bentancur) I don't see a place for him unless several leave. Real Madrid's interest seems to stem from Zidane, who himself might not be there all that much longer with Jose apparently a possible replacement. His options might be growing thin. With Barcelona having recently signed Frenkie De Jong and Arthur, they are unlikely to look to spend the 150m+ it would take to bring him in, plus they have wage limitations unless they can shift one or two big earners. Ultimately PSG might be the best possible escape route for him. With both Real Madrid and Barcelona circling for Mbappe and Neymar respectively PSG might have some funds to reinvest and they have shown an appetite to try and bring in some of the best French players in the world.

So, I feel PSG might be the place he ends up next, either that or he will sign a new increased long term deal with us.

5.) 18 Oct 2019 14:34:03
you can count on one hand the number of top performances pogba has produced for us. you can say its because of the talent around him but i don't think that's totally accurate. Pogba has immense talent, however there are games where he doesn't even do the simple things well (pass to a team mate, control the ball, track a runner) . like the above post i don't expect him to die for the shirt but I expect him to put a shift in. Our problem is that our players are either short on talent, high on workrate or high on talent and short on effort.

This may all be a result of him being demoralised and wanting to leave, thus affecting his performances. whatever the reason a move away may be best for all parties.

6.) 18 Oct 2019 20:23:51
The reality is Pobga has no support around him, literally nothing. We play mostly rubbish football, I'm not shocked he doesn't enjoy himself. We have 4 average midfielders that create nothing/ do anything to support him. Pobga, as he has shown with France and Juve, with quality players around him, he is also a quality player. We are a team devoid of forward talent, quality or movement, or tactical knowledge form the sideline.

I implore anyone to play midfield in a team like this and excel as a creative player. It just doesn't happen at the highest level. Yeah he has rubbish games, yeah his good ones are not frequent enough but he is still the only one of those midfielders that comes close to being on an high level (couldn't consider him world class or elite) .

7.) 18 Oct 2019 20:33:01
That's the thing MrGoodKat, he has played better at Juventus and with France. Yet, he has been just as inconsistent with both his previous club and his national side.

8.) 18 Oct 2019 20:58:24
I agree, he goes missing - but he is still clearly the best midfielder we have, and the sad thing is, it's by a long way. It's good to see McTominay play for the shirt but lacks any real quality (in terms of what we expect a Man Utd player to be), Matic lacks mobility and any real influence on the game and Fred lacks everything technical about a footballer.

I disagree with the "Pogba doesn't track back etc" complaints. What I really want from him is to create something, get on the ball, run forward. Play to strengths and not square pegs round holes situation. I want United to but some players that have a dedicated position in the front 4. To be able to say, with confidence that this is the best player to play Striker or Right Wing or Attacking Mid.

9.) 19 Oct 2019 07:56:16
That's the annoying thing with Pogba, he isn't just our most talented midfielder by a long way. He has more talent than 95% of all midfielders anywhere.

He does track back, but he is even more inconsistent with his defensive work than he is with his more expansive and creative work. My issue is even when he does track back he doesn't do so with any purpose. He jogs back and never looks like he is going to attempt to put a tackle or a block in.

The fact that over his time at United he averages 0.8 tackles per game shows his lack of desire to do the dirty work.

To be honest I'm not too bothered about that. Not all midfielders need to be crunching in tackles. What disappoints me with Pogba is that he at 27 is still so inconsistent with the parts of the game he does enjoy. His passing, shooting and chance creation some games is world class, while woeful in others.

He reminds me a bit of Nani, a player on his day is unplayable and will win you games on his own. However, "his day" might only be one game a month, in the others he is distinctly average.

Red Man's banter posts with other poster's replies to Red Man's banter posts

24 Jan 2021 22:30:15
Great to win a game like that.

Ole got the tactics right, we were more adventurous than the last game, in fact that's what we should have done last week. The substitutions were decisive on 65 mins when we usually wait too long. I don't understand why Lindelof gets picked in front of Bailly, he wasn't very good, nor was McTominay but it worked overall. Shaw was excellent again, especially first half.

Well done to Ole for the decisions today. We don't win anything today, he has to make today count at the end of the season. Let's hope Rashfords knee is ok.

1.) 24 Jan 2021 23:42:55
Red man I think Bailly had a knock. honestly I’m not 100% on that mind.

2.) 25 Jan 2021 00:37:49
Well done to our team and Liverpool too. They were good and match could go either way. I don't agree with Redman, Shaws positioning wasnt good and Maguire was worst than Lindelof but he has a free pass sometimes because he is English?
But the player that let me down is Henderson. I think he is slow at reactions, leave his goal for no reason sometimes trying to become the new Noier and his reflexes is nowhere near De Geas. For a huge man he isn't excellent at the air too. Henderson himself were the one saying all time that he is good enough and he didn't want to go to another club at loan and that's the reason we "lost" best numper 2 in world football Romero and Dean doesn't play in order to improve. I think it was a terrible mistake keeping him and i think that's all is his fault.

{Ed0666's Note - Henderson is excellent he just needs a run of games to prove his capabilities.

3.) 25 Jan 2021 02:42:20
Henderson is a very good keeper.

4.) 25 Jan 2021 04:43:58
Red Man, except for Shaw I agree with everything else you said. Shaw got caught out several times with Salah and others making a run behind him and we got lucky they could not make the most of it.

For both their goals he was slow to react even though he exactly knew what was coming. For the first goal both him and Lindelof were at fault, Lindelof not holding his position and Shaw just let's Salah go past him without tracking his run and he repeats the same for the second goal as well. It's almost like he is indecisive in such situations and delays a second or two making a decision and allows his runner to get ahead of him. And this keeps happening with him almost all the time.

Herrera, it's a little harsh on Henderson who has only played a couple of games for us and he needs a run of games like Ed0666 pointed out. One thing that DeGea struggles with is commanding the box and he hesitates to step out of his line when balls are played through and the defenders expect the GK to be coming for the ball. Henderson is much better in that regard and is decisive in such situations. His overall game is better than DeGea and has the potential to be a fantastic keeper for us in the coming years.

5.) 25 Jan 2021 03:21:10
I am not so sure Ed0666 but ofcourse i wish you are dead right mate. But i think it was a wrong decision anyway because he has only played one Premier League season . I would like to loan him again to have a run of games and grow as a keeper.

{Ed0666's Note - his time is now mate. He’s proved at Sheffield United he’s more than able to be England’s No 1. You can’t expect him to be top of the pops by playing a game here and there. No rhythm equals no form. Just as we saw with Conor Mcgregor you stay away from the octagon for so long and rustiness creeps in.

6.) 25 Jan 2021 06:53:32
Henderson is a bit dodgy but he might improve with game but he isn't going to get that at United and he is not as good as DeGea.

7.) 25 Jan 2021 09:30:41
Herrera is never happy lol.

8.) 25 Jan 2021 12:48:28
McGuire has been excellent recently. He has really started to play well. I think Salah goal was also caused by confusion that lidelof had swapped next to shaw - didn't notice why that had happened in the build up - but mcguire and shaw had played Salah very well in both games.

Their second goal looked like hendo could have done better, but is tough to move feet quick enough to save that. We are used to seeing DDG doing that, and is one of his strongest attributes. Hendo is a good keeper and is doing well. More games to come for him, and he has pushed DDG on this year.

9.) 25 Jan 2021 14:34:53
Caolan i am clearly not mate. That doesn't mean i am not over the moon with the results recently. But i am afraid with our own golden boys a lot. Historically we get there a lot of times. He played only one year top flight football and that's it, because of that he is ready and he is good etc and we gave him i think a new big contract and he was the reason we lost the best numper two in world's football Romero. We and he must have accepted that he is a work in progress and he must go to another team to play regural football.
I am not saying he won't be good, Ed01 said he is good, 0666 saying the same. Although i don't see something special i respect these mans opinions but at the moment he must have been at another club playing regular.

21 Jan 2021 18:02:25
First chance to comment on last night.

What did I see. A team that was trying, working together and it almost looks like they suddenly realise they are up there and are trying to take that chance. We were more aggressive and pushed further forward, although didn't have them hanging on. It looks like Pogba really wants to win the league and is making a difference. Shaw was excellent again.

Even so, I can't ignore Martial who is just not pulling his weight. It seems we are just playing him on the basis of trying to play him into form, yet he appears his usual phlegmatic self. It is hard to understand why he stayed on the pitch so long.

We won, three points are what matters, not brilliant performance wise but a win. We nearly blew it with the deflection off Bailly at the end and we came under pressure, when really we should have been able to control them better . I found it surprising that no substitutions were made until the 84th minute, it brought pressure on us when fresh legs would have helped. Martial should have been off a lot earlier. We need to be more decisive with ingame management.

3 points, let's hope we can keep it up, plus can Diallo add a bit of zip?

1.) 21 Jan 2021 20:29:06
Martial always throws a paddy when he isn’t the main striker. Did the same when Zlatan arrived and is doing it again with Cavani. He doesn’t have the mentality to be at a top club, or the quality to be a number 9 for Manchester United.

2.) 21 Jan 2021 22:55:03
Martial is having a stinker of a season that’s for sure. Think the club will address it in the summer. Would love to see Calvert-Lewin at No9 for us with Cavani sticking around another year.

18 Jan 2021 08:16:49
Neville said during the game we were playing Liverpool's reputation and not the Liverpool team and that struck a chord. Going to fortress Anfield when they are in their pomp means a tough game, a draw might be of merit, however, was that what it was yesterday? Or actually were United too afraid to lose against a weakened Liverpool with no crowd support? In honesty it doesn't get much easier than yesterday, yet we were full of fear.

As Micah Richards indicated we won't win the league doing that and we won't with a don't lose attitude. Much will be made of a point and still being top, yet there were Liverpool, no central defence and we resorted to sitting deep, denying space. It is the wrong mindset, it is the mindset of Mourinho who was lambasted for it.

If we really wanted to win we would have been more positive, put Bailly at CB enabling us to push higher because of his pace. Instead we sat deep and played Lindelof. Why didn't Cavani start? I don't understand the love in for Martial, why did Greenwood only get 4 mins? Why was Pogba on the right?

Whilst some glory in a point, City came right into the picture, Liverpool will come back and I suspect at the end of the season we will be scrapping for the top 4 again. I doubt anyone will run away with it this year, so our league trophy will be that, yay, closed the points gap trophy. A point is a point but yesterday was a missed opportunity to set out our stall as potential champions, show that we are back amongst the top two, yet we shivered in fear of losing. No doubt some will deny it but it is there in front of us, we could have rebalanced the situation, yet just didn't dare.

1.) 18 Jan 2021 08:43:37
Agreed Redman. Shame on Solksjaer really for not having the courage to try and win.

Moreover, shame on Solksjaer for not having a plan apart apart from frustrating Liverpool; it's the mindset of Crystal Palace or West Brom.

The team selection was horrible and the tactics stank. I could have lived with trying to nullify them for 60 mins then making substitutions and going for the win but even that was obviously beyond the wit of Solksjaer.

I wanted Jose out because the football was rubbish and for the same reason I still want to see the back of Solksjaer.

Yeah sure Utd are top of the league blah blah blah but that's ANOTHER two hours of my life wasted watching joyless football. How many times has that happened in the last 7 years?

It really has come to something when Man Utd managers are scared or winning football matches and supporters are OK with it because they're so wowed with being top of the league.

Yesterday was embarrassing for Man Utd.

2.) 18 Jan 2021 08:54:49
People need to get a grip the scouse are a good team .
Liverpool v United are normally crap games.
The same people who where saying we are average team with an inept manager think we shoukd put 3 on liverpool at there own place .
Redman think of all thd stuff you have posted and yet we sit top of the league and you still think you know better?

3.) 18 Jan 2021 09:40:12
I think if we were sitting well off the pace in the table and played like that then it would be fair to say why didn't we go for it more but a draw away against a rival when we lead them isn't a bad result
For thirty minutes I feared the worst and I thought we were being given the run around and yet by the end there is a little frustration we haven't won . We didn't take the two best chances in the game and our keeper hasn't had a great deal to do
I understand you mancman that you don't want to see utd have so little possession and not attack more and it duznt matter to you who the coach is its just not the way you want utd to play, others seem to have no issue with a manager they approve of doing that but not one they don't approve of .
We sit top still i doubt we will win it but its the first time in a long time we are actually in the tittle race.

4.) 18 Jan 2021 09:42:26
I agree with Neville and with Redman to a certain extent. But Liverpool did not play anywhere near the level that the 11 on the pitch are capable of. If they had we would have been well beat, and a point is a better result for us than it is for them.
Not to mention our 11 did not play well at all and should have done so much more. Have to agree on Martial - his form slump has gone on for 6 months now - too long for it to be considered a slump. We are cyring out for a CF and a winger to add to that front line.

We have setup to attack teams on many occasions this season - e. g. Leeds. I don't think we can expect the current squad to go toe to toe with everyone in the league yet. So i don't mind the pragmatic approach. The issue with MouMou was that he het up defensively agaist mid-table sides and Sevilla.

5.) 18 Jan 2021 09:51:41
Liverpool haven't lost a home league game since April 2017. Three and a half years.

While a lot has been made about them being a "weakened" team due to injuries. Yet when I looked at their starting line up the only players I would consider to be first choice who weren't on the pitch was VvD and Gomez. They had their first choice goalkeeper, their first choice full backs, their first choice front three and all three of their first choice midfielders on the pitch (even if two of them started in defence rather than midfield) .

Fabinho started his career as a defender playing RB, he then moved into CDM and he clearly has the physical and technical ability to play CB and be a very good player there. I would argue his displays at CB this season have been better than any we have seen from our CB's this year. In fact several Liverpool fans I know think that Fabinho should be a starting CB for Liverpool in their strongest 11 alongside VvD in defence. With Thiago and Henderson in midfield with Jota playing a free role behind Liverpool's front three.

So while Liverpool are certainly struggling a bit for form currently, I would argue that their starting 11 isn't significantly weakened. When Liverpool were thrashed 7-2 by Villa earlier in the season they had what many would consider to be their strongest 11 out on the pitch.

Personally I remember something Sir Alex used to say about a winning team. He said that you always needed to add 1 or 2 players to a winning team to keep them up there. Players who weren't part of the success and are hungry to force their way into the side. Those players kept the others on their toes, and their hunger is infectious. I think Liverpool had that with Jota until he go injured. But with him out and the first 11 mostly being those who won the league last year they look tired and mentally drained. In need of a spark.

Could we have won yesterday? Absolutely, we had the more clean cut chances. While if we timed out runs slightly better in the first half we might have carved out an extra couple of chances.

That said, we made 33 clearances and blocked 8 shots. Had we not been so defensive solid and played in a more open manner then it highly likely that some of those clearances and blocks wouldn't have been made and we likely would have conceded.

The feeling I got from the match was that if we were a bit more adventurous we could have scored. Yet the facts suggest that if we were more adventurous we would also likely have conceded.

You'd be a fool to go to Anfield and try and out play Liverpool, especially with the likes of Maguire and Lindelof in defence and a midfield of Fred and McTominay.

Our best hope was to stay compact, defend well and try and hit Liverpool on the counter. It almost worked. But our forwards look a little jaded and out of form at the moment.

Greenwood is young and shouldn't be a player we should be relying on. While the lad has also had a hard time off the pitch and has been dealing with things few people of his age are equipped to deal with.

Rashford has been an absolute Trojan for us, playing through injury, and giving his all on the pitch. He looks like he needs a rest.

Martial continues to blow hot and cold. He does seem to struggle when he has competition for his starting spot. Some weeks he looks unplayable, while other like he can't play (or worse doesn't want to) .

Cavani is about to turn 34 and is playing in the EPL for the first time. When he has played he has moments of class that show through, but he does seem to lack the endurance to play at his peak level for 90 minutes.

Bruno looks exhausted, he has out ran every single United player, he has covered more ground than all bar 4 players in the EPL. That kind of physical and mental demands on him look like they are weighing him down. Personally with Pogba in the best form he has been for a while and with Fulham and Sheffield United up next I would rest Bruno for both games.

6.) 18 Jan 2021 09:55:26
No one would suggest all out attack or going toe to toe but we were set up and played with an obvious fear of losing. Is that right for a team aspiring to win the league?

7.) 18 Jan 2021 10:22:15
Red Man, we were playing the league champions on their turf. A team that broke records last season.

You seem unable to understand to difference between being cautious of a very good team and fear.

I don't think we played with fear, we were respectful of a team that on form is arguably the best team in the world.

Personally the only fault I could find with our performance was that we didn't take or make a couple more chances. I think a lot of that is down to both Bruno and Rashford looking jaded and tired. They need a rest, I think Ole has made a mistake in playing them in cup games where he could have rested them. Not playing them against City in the Semi might have had them slightly fresher for this game. Maybe they would have grabbed the winner.

This is exactly what I mean by saying we need to be selective over which games and which competitions we play our best players in.

I agree with you that ideally we should be going for every competition. But the reality is that we don't have Solskjaer and Sheringham, or Berbatov on the bench anymore to bring in. We have a kid and an old man (Greenwood and Cavani), Lingard and James maybe.

We don't have the quality in depth that we once had that allowed us to go full tilt at every competition with squad rotation that didn't impact the quality of our starting 11.

Our choices now are picking which games we send out a weakened team in or burning out our first 11 by trying to play them every game.

8.) 18 Jan 2021 10:49:12
Red Man. Are we trying to win the league? You keep telling everyone how poor we are and you take every chance you get to have a go at the manager.

It was widely regarded that our season objective should be CL qualification and to close the gap on Liverpool.

Yet here you are complaining that we didn’t put 3 past Liverpool at Anfield.

Which is it?

9.) 18 Jan 2021 10:49:27
I think realistically if you take the league position out of the equation we are challenging for the position of 'best of the rest' behind Pool and City. We all believe that the league position is slightly artificial and that we are not playing 100% how we would like the team to play (consistently), OGS sees the game pragmatically (which is possibly why he was so good as a super sub) and OGS decisions are not always as we think they should be.
With all of the above, I think it was obvious that we would play this way against a team that have been dominant in recent times. For all of his talk of wanting to be attacking I think OGS unashamedly has his eyes on what he wants and nothing from us will change that. At the end of the season this point could be crucial.
I want what we all want, attacking football. However, after the past few years I am willing to accept the way we are this year to be in the title race but hope that OGS develops a lot along the way.

10.) 18 Jan 2021 12:16:08
Wazza

I am not complaining we didn’t put 3 past Liverpool. I am pointing out what the pundits also said and that is we set up not to lose, it was our mindset and I thought we should ha e found a better balance. I think it was a missed opportunity to win at Anfield because we were scared to concede.

11.) 18 Jan 2021 12:47:09
So just to get this clear in my mind. Ole is useless. Rashford and Fernandes are awful. McGuire and Lindelof can't play together. Fred and McTom a joke. And inspite of all this ineptitude Utd sit top of the table. Yes city can win their games and take over top spot, but we are top.

Imagine we go on to win the league and we look back and read some of these posts. Sometimes it is just embarassing.

12.) 18 Jan 2021 13:04:18
Dodgy imagine we don't win the league then would you be embarrassed by your posts?

13.) 18 Jan 2021 13:07:55
Wazza, we are trying to win the league which should be the aim every season. The league is won by winning football matches.

I'm not suggesting that we shoud go to Anfield and play like Keegan's Newcastle, but we should try and win the game.

It's pathetic that the only way we try and score is playing off the cuff like a Brazilian beach soccer team. That's not a plan for winning football matches.

Shappy pointed out that our forwards looked tired. Knowing that we were playing Liverpool who are our current rivals for the title, why were they not rested?

We have very talented players in our squad who are not getting a look in (eg VdB and Mata) . Why can't Solksjaer find a way of playing that gets the best out of them so he can rotate his creative players?

Shappy also pointed out that Liverpool were at their weakest in central defense. So why leave out a rested Cavani and play an out of form/ crap Martial who isn't going to bother them at all?

We struggle to move the ball from back to front so why play McFred?

Bailly has been great but he gets dropped for Lindelof and Utd play 10 meters further back and we find it even harder to get the ball up the pitch.

Why no plan B? Bring on Cavani, DvB and Greenwood for Rashford, Martial and Fred at 60 minutes and we look a different proposition.

Sure, a point at Anfield is not a bad result but its the way in which Utd approach and played the game which is so disappointing.

JRed says that these games are normally dull affairs. That doesn't make it OK then to continue the trend and be on the back foot.

Ultimately I suppose it comes down to what you want out of football. Why do you watch and follow the game? For me football is about skill and joy. It's about managers outsmarting each other to gain the advantage and win games. It's about bravery and excitement which are things that were sorely lacking at Anfield yesterday (and against City) .

12 Jan 2021 22:18:36
Great result but more than that. The first half we physically competed, when we needed to. For 20 mins of the second we looked focussed and controlled and got the goal we deserved. Yes we might have had better control after that, yes we might have made better substitutions but we really competed when it mattered. That felt like a step forward to be honest.

1.) 12 Jan 2021 22:35:02
Best word to describe the performance is professional.

2.) 13 Jan 2021 01:47:48
Wohoooooo we top afyer a bloody long time.

08 Jan 2021 18:32:29
Reflecting on the semi final, a one off game, at home when the team are supposed to be in peak form. Ole has got it wrong three times and is now saying there are no excuses. Semi final at home, it is the easiest route.

However, we set up like any other game, nothing special, just looked at the opposition, feared what they could do and set up accordingly. We were not brave. Even Brentford gave Spurs more trouble than we gave City, why? Because you have to be brave in semis, there has to be an edge, especially if you are the underdog. That's one clear aspect, it's not just about team selection, it's mentality and we set up to edge it rather than go for it.

Secondly five substitutes available. After they scored the first a change was needed, in shape and use your subs, however he sat on his hands, let City gain in confidence and ultimately the second goal came along. Then with 3 mins to go, DVB, what on Earth is that about.?

Sadly it is just the sign of inexperience and lack of a spark and ingenuity. Three losing semis now becomes four and the latest badge of honour being four semis. It's the word loser that matters.

1.) 08 Jan 2021 19:13:44
Red Man, I'm no fan of Ole, however, there are games where you come against a better side and I think the other night is an example of that.

I also disagree about the line up. We set up the same way as we would against a side we should be beating. More often than not when we have played very good teams under Ole, we play 3 at the back or some system which is negative, counter attack focused and in my opinion generally means we are awaiting 90 mins of shoving 10 behind the ball and hoping to counter and nick a win. Basically admitting our side are inferior. That has been both successful and unsuccessful for Ole. I'd say that's a positive despite our loss as it shows a bit more confident in our ability to go toe to toe against good sides.

2.) 08 Jan 2021 19:18:15
Red Man - As is the case following every defeat the reaction is typical of a Club divided with many fans not convinced by Ole or many of his players. As I've been saying for some time Utd are always one defeat away from a crisis.

At the moment we are a team that can lack a cutting edge especially in the big games! Our forwards still blow hot and cold whilst at the other end we have defenders capable of making horrific individual errors or losing concentration.

Whilst I'm bitterly disappointed to go out against City the Champions League exit was the bigger failure and without wanting to make too many excuses City are still a very good team. They have better players, a better manager and more experience. This was always going to be a very difficult game!

A more meaningful measure of progress is our league form and the team mustn't let this set back effect their confidence. I could argue that the forthcoming fixtures against Burnley and Liverpool are more important and I personally would gladly exchange a League Cup Semi Final defeat for a victory in the League at the Etihad come the end of the season.

Of course it's always nice to win a trophy but a league cup victory would not save his job or criticism of his own fans if it came at the expense of a top 4 finish which probably tells us where our priorities lie.

If we are to evolve as team then we must cut out the silly individual mistakes at the back and be more clinical upfront especially in the big games where mistakes are ruthlessly punished.

I'm not concerned by Ole. I think we're doing ok and it's nice to still be near the top of the league after Christmas for the first time in nearly a decade. It gives all our games now real meaning and will hopefully help to focus minds and keep the players motivated. We've still got a lot to play for and Ole will either improve and build a team we can all be proud of or continue to be blighted by inconsistency and lose his job.

I appreciate many don't rate him but whilst he's hanging around the top of the league and certainly still in with a chance of the top 4 he's going no where so I say let's get behind the team and dare to dream. In this most unpredictable of seasons anything is possible.

{Ed025's Note - good post that DLIB mate..

3.) 08 Jan 2021 19:50:14
DLIB. A very well balanced and sensible post, there is a huge divide in support at the moment with some fans totally unimpressed with the manager and for some he rubbishs gold. I fell the Truth is exactly where you have pointed. Great post.

4.) 08 Jan 2021 19:50:39
Good post DLIB.

5.) 08 Jan 2021 21:44:56
Red Man, I think we were all disappointed. I'm not sure we had the easiest route to the final. Brentford and Spurs would have been much easier than City (a team that has only lost twice in the EFL cup since Pep took over 4 and a half years ago) .

It was a tough game and it looked it before the game. As it was we lost. Which is pretty disappointing, but it is what it is.

We are the most in-form team in the league, and a win against Burnley sends us top, even a draw would.

Ole does look a little too easily out-thought in big games. Which is clearly a concern. But as DLIB states above, while the team is up around the top of the league Ole won't be going anywhere any time soon.

6.) 09 Jan 2021 10:38:29
Berbatov: “It's now four semi-finals in a row that Mufc have failed to win and this is a bad habit that they need to break. Four times in a row is too many to be just a coincidence. ”

Too many to be just a coincidence

What is the constant?

7.) 09 Jan 2021 15:43:57
Your posts mate, that is the constant.

Red Man's rumour replies

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10 Jan 2021 14:06:40
When you talk about a planned path to the first team, for the youth to have milestones, what about right back? We had Dalot, shipped him out, bought AWB who doesn’t attack in the way the manager wishes to play. We have Laird, Williams, Tuanzebe, TFM, Lindelof all who can play RB, so naturally we are looking to buy another RB.

In the summer the club brought in a young RB from Barca, Mark Jurado, too young for the first team, just yet. So what is the plan for him? Don’t worry about us having 5 RB and buying another, we will sell you on in 3 years. We can’t guarantee he is good enough but what will be the path for him?

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03 Jan 2021 17:07:06
The reports are now saying United want him this month and don’t want to loan him back.

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03 Jan 2021 13:05:31
Hi Letsplay

The BBC gossip page indicated that Atalanta are keen on loaning Diallo to Manchester United for the rest of the season, it looks like a typo. There have been other reports saying Atalanta wanted to keep him, but as Ed said they want to loan him from us.

Looks like the sale is going through. Personally I think he should come to us and acclimatise, start to work with better players, be ready for next season or if he makes an impact even appearances this season.

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03 Jan 2021 11:23:46
Thanks Ed002

I would have thought going to all the trouble we have with the work permit/ passport that United would not want to do that.

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10 Oct 2020 11:14:18
Cheshire Red

Just had chance to read your posts in full, enjoyable read and for someone in the financial field they make logical sense. In answer to your question, I would rather be Man Utd without Sancho but I was saying for weeks we should have walked away from that deal and looked elsewhere. I am actually pleased we didn’t crumble for once and didn’t just pay up the full amount. It will help us in future negotiations, the club we are buying from at least may know we mean what we say, for a change.

A few months ago on here I wrote a piece about how I didn’t think we would have a big net spend due to the impact of CV on finances, particularly revenue but it also affects cash flow, my assessment was correct. There is no doubt there is financial expertise at the club, I have worked with these type of finance people, they are almost always very astute. Their problem has been trying to operate on the football side too much, limited manoeuvre wriggle room due to the leverage (debt) the club is in and from what I have seen, lacked ability to negotiate.

Negotiation is an art, a special skill, one which ordinary financiers are not usually expert in. It’s why we are still dealing with Brexit, previous PM May started from a soft position and we haven’t recovered since, regardless of views, if you start soft you will get a worse deal in any negotiations. Maybe just maybe, the step away from the Sancho deal indicates the club negotiators have learned, or of course the just couldn’t afford it full stop. Whatever, it’s a good clear message we won’t be held to ransom.

Red Man's banter replies

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23 Jan 2021 11:13:13
Ken

Agree, I think it’s important to stay in the FA Cup, we need to win competitions. It’s only halfway in the league and we will have to do better in the second half.

I want to see a bit more positivity in set up tomorrow, plus I hope Diallo makes the bench, would like to see him at some point.

Liverpool have been struggling to score, let’s keep it that way, as you say we don’t want to give them a kick start.

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22 Jan 2021 08:19:37
It’s only halfway, we need to get a grip, get reality in sight and realise we need to actually do better in the second half, because even this season I can’t see 80 points being enough.

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22 Jan 2021 06:31:34
The implosion is great because it was Burnley, but we should have been more adventurous than we were last week. We didn’t look to win just not to lose and it was a missed opportunity.

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20 Jan 2021 12:22:29
Dazw

Actually Rodgers had trials as a schoolboy under SAF, but he didn’t make it. He spoke highly of how SAF treated him.

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19 Jan 2021 21:02:51
Ken

Was Rodgers not a junior at United a long time ago? I have it in my head he was.