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Team: Manchester United Where from: Bristol Favourite player: Ole Gunner Solskjear Best team moment: Champions league final 1999 Interests: Manchester United duh. lol Timezone: (GMT) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca |
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25 Mar 2020 11:41:28
The world is a dark and uncertain place currently. So, let's discuss something a little lighter.
Odion Ighalo has been a breath of fresh air, he offers us something different and according to several sources been a positive influence on the dressing room.
So do we sign him permanently for the reported 15m deal that we have lined up? Or do we look to sign someone else?
The positives of signing Ighalo are that he is already settled, wouldn't take a significant amount of time to negotiate a deal, would be relatively cheap, wouldn't block Greenwood long term.
The negatives are that he hasn't yet proven himself for more than a few games, his age means we are only likely to get 2-3 years service from him. Then for some people he will lack the superstar pulling power, while some might prefer we sign someone to oust Martial and be genuinely first choice which Ighalo isn't likely to do.
For me it really comes down to what we do with Martial? As the question of whether Martial is going to be first choice or not will ultimately dictate whether we sign a genuine world class striker to replace him, or a top quality back up striker.
This season Martial has scored well when fit, but without fully convincing. He never leaves you with a feeling he gave his all and did everything possible to win the game. Which is fine when we win 2 or 3 nil, but in those games we lose or draw people will always question whether we might have got a different result if we had a striker who worked harder or made more gambles with making runs.
However, his recent performances have shown more application, and maybe with more reliable passes coming from midfield (Bruno) maybe Martial will make more of those runs and score more goals.
Personally I think Martial has shown just (literally by the skin of his teeth) ability and application to be given the chance to lead the line next season with more creative players behind him. Martial along with Greenwood who with a full season under his belt (one where he has scored 12 goals in 15 starts) offer pace and very lethal finishing. Maybe adding someone with experience like Ighalo could offer us a back to goal work horse striker who could help round off the younger two strikers games.
Add to this that very few top level strikers are available, and those that are cost a lot and are difficult deals to get over the line. Kane for example would be 120-150m at least, Martinez has only had one good season and looks set to sign for Barcelona. Aubamanyang is a possibility but we have got our finger burned signing 29 year old forwards from Arsenal in recent years. He is only a year younger than Ighalo but would be 4 or 5 times the cost in both fees and wages.
Then consider that this summer with the current world situation means deals will be extra difficult to complete. There is concern from clubs that throwing large sums of money around when many people will have lost their jobs and be under extreme financial difficulty might seem crass or provide backlash on those clubs. Also how much money clubs have to spend might be reduced if the season isn't completed with a reduction in TV money. While movement of people will be difficult, there might still be restrictions on international movement. Thirdly, most clubs work on a sell a player and bring in a replacement, this might take longer to sort out with clubs maybe being more restricted about where they can bring players in from and finding a suitable replacement will likely take longer. Finally with domestic seasons possibly being extended there is a issue with many contracts ending in June which will need sorting before incoming transfers.
Personally I think we would be best placed to bring in players from within UK boarders where possible to avoid restrictions or clashing with leagues being extended outside of the UK that could be on going. Therefore signing someone like Ighalo might make sense for many reasons.
1.) 25 Mar 2020 11:55:27
Ighalo should stay atleast for 1year as along as he accepts bench role.
Unless Martial is sold which is unlikely i don't see any of the strikers linked with utd accepting to sit on the bench.
Martial has improved recently along with the whole team and still there is Greenwood.
Martial, Greenwood and Ighalo are good options with different applications.
The club needs to focus on the Rw, DM, and AM positions especially if Pogba leaves.
2.) 25 Mar 2020 14:47:43
Sign ighalo and spend wheres its needed the most - cdm, right wing, cam and a rapid cb.
3.) 25 Mar 2020 19:36:53
Keep him. Rashford will be back next season too and if we get Sancho I think we will have a very creative front line.
Sancho would be my priority signing.
Then a DM - Zakaria, Soumare, Neves.
That would be my first 3 signings. Then we would need to look at a new CM if Pogba were to leave and a new CB if we were able to sell Jones and Smalling.
4.) 25 Mar 2020 22:36:35
Shappy - I think the re-building of this Utd team is almost complete. I've always maintained we were only 2-3 players away from having a very good team. That being said wether it'll will be good enough to challenge the likes of Liverpool and City remains to be seen.
Fernandes has now given us a creativity and goal threat from midfield we've been sorely lacking and just emphasises how the right player can re-galvanise a team and improve those around them. Fred and Mctominay look capable of forming a solid partnership providing industry and discipline in midfield.
Maguire has stiffened the defence, AWB is defensively one of the best full backs in the league and Shaw finally looks capable of fulfilling his potential. I think we probably need a bit more pace and physicality alongside Maguire however Bailly has looked promising since his return and I still have very high hopes for Tuanzebe.
Rashford and Martial have both shown glimpses of real quality and added a touch more consistency to their game. Ultimately their upper ceiling may just dictate how successful this Utd team will become.
In my opinion a RW should be our next priority signing. We need to bring balance to our attack and we need a consistent presence and threat from the right side. Sancho would appear to be our main target and a front four of Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho and Martial looks a mouthwatering prospect. I know Martial
divides opinion but I think he will be given another season to prove himself.
What we perhaps lack most is strength in depth and maybe it's this that needs to be addressed over the summer. Having said that many of our promising youngsters will be another year older and more experienced.
The world has been turned upside down by recent events and we just don't know what the landscape will look like when football returns.
In answer to your question I think the Club will probably sign Ighalo on a permanent deal. He's settled in quickly and made an immediate impact. He's appears content with a squad role but will fight for his place and has proven he is capable of making an impact when required. He certainly adds depth to our attacking options and gives us something others don't.
Could we see one superstar leave and another arrive in the coming months.
A first 11 of De Gea, AWB, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw, Fred, Mctominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Sancho and Martial isn't too shabby.
I wish everyone the very best in these most unnerving and surreal times. Stay safe guys and look after each other.
5.) 26 Mar 2020 11:09:17
I would keep Martial but I wouldn’t rush to offer Ighalo a new contract. He has done really well but it was and should remain a short term fix. The focus should be on bringing someone in who we can rely on for 2 or 3 seasons.
6.) 26 Mar 2020 11:15:00
Apparently Ighalo has been offered two years contract worth 400k by his club.
7.) 26 Mar 2020 13:06:26
I read that it’s a 4 year deal and think he’d be mad not to take it.
I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen of him since he came to the club and would be happy if he stayed with us next season, but let’s be honest, once Rashford is fit again it’s likely that he’ll be a bit part player for us.
When it comes to players over 30, we seem very reluctant to offer more than 2 year contracts.
If it comes down to choosing between being a superstar in China and earning more than £80m over the next 4 seasons or earning just over £12m while barely playing for us over the next two seasons, I think he’d be a fool not to take it.
I understand that it was always his dream to play for us and respect that he took a cut in wages to make that happen, but the money being offered by SS could keep his extended family in riches for the next few centuries.
8.) 26 Mar 2020 15:58:38
I think we should keep Ighalo unless Harry Kane is a serious possibility. We need strength in depth and Ighalo offers something different. Rotation without weakening the team was one of Fergie's main strengths.
9.) 26 Mar 2020 17:07:48
If Ighalo is happy to stay for a year or two i think we should make his loan permanent. Sign Sancho for RW, Van de Beek or Niguez to replace Pogba and Koulibaly to replace Jones and Smalling. A luxury would be that Bellingham kid everyone raves about to replace lingard / perriera.
A dream match day 18 for next season would be:
DDG, AWB, mcguire, Koulibaly, Shaw (or) Williams, McTom, Niguez, Bruno, Sancho, Martial, Rashford. Subs; Ighalo, Greenwood, Fred, Matic, Dalot/ williams, Lindelof, Romero.
Rotate James, Williams, Tuanzebe, garner, Bellingham, Mata, bailly as required.
10.) 27 Mar 2020 19:10:12
Sancho will be essential as that would be the first out and out winger the club has had in nearly a decade.
CDM to come in, Zakaria seems to be the name touted.
Ighalo was signed as a short term fix and that's how it should stay. Mertens available on a free and would provide great support to the front three.
If they could add a centre back such as Upamecano who is young strong and quick, I think you would have a top 3 side there. I feel like we might have to wait another year yet to get a complete side. But the below could be a target:
Henderson - De Gea
Shaw - William's
Maguire - Lindelof
Upamecano - bailly
Bissaka - dalot
Zakaria - Matic
Bruno - Fred
Pogba - Mctominay
Martial - James
Sancho - Greenwood
Rashford - (Mertens? )
That's easily a top 4 side with a chance to work through the champions league.
Leaves Jones, Rojo, Smalling, Pereira and Lingard to find a new club though. Fifa transfer market but a boy can dream.
04 Mar 2020 15:17:23
Ridiculous rumour time, apparently Harry Kane would be open for a move to Manchester United rather than spend the next few years at Spurs while they under go a rebuild.
Now putting aside the fact that Kane might be one of the best fit strikers for us. Or the tantalising prospect of United signing both Kane and Sancho in the summer and lining up next season with the English trio of Sancho, Kane and Rashford.
How ridiculous is this rumour? He would be happy to leave Spurs because they are in the middle of a rebuild and he wants to win at least one major trophy in his career. So he would be happy to move to United even though we are in the same boat as Spurs at the moment in that we are in the middle of a huge rebuild.
Seriously you can't make this stuff up. Well not unless you live and work in the fantasy world of sports journalism.
The only way I could see any chance of this happening is if Pochettino is being lined up to replace Ole in the summer and Kane knows this and wants to go join his old boss.
Although there is a wonderful irony of Kane wanting to win a major trophy so he follows the only "top drawer" manager never to have won ANY trophies.
1.) 04 Mar 2020 15:53:58
Sounds to me like Neil Ashon PR guru is working his magic.
2.) 04 Mar 2020 16:26:45
I don't think that would make much sense unless it ends with United actually signing Kane. If this is an attempt to unsettle and eventually sign him then its a risky move. If not then it just increases the fans expectations with them ultimately feeling let down when a move doesn't happen.
3.) 04 Mar 2020 17:03:49
I would suggest that Kane is sending a message to Spurs that unless they invest in a team capable of winning things, he’ll go. As for the link with us, we’re one of the only clubs that could afford him, and I’d sell Martial and bring him in in a heartbeat, despite his injury problems, if it was possible.
4.) 04 Mar 2020 17:06:03
Sounds too good to be true Shaps. Like you said, there is a sliver of hope if Poch joins but otherwise it’s most likely wishful thinking. The thought of Kane in a Utd shirt is mouth watering. Genuine world class no 9 that we haven’t seen leading the line since Rooney in his prime. Would make sense as there are doubts over Martial. But Sancho, Kane and Grealish in one summer is a pipe dream under Woodward/ these owners.
5.) 04 Mar 2020 19:54:02
We don't need him we got igahlo 😂😂.
6.) 04 Mar 2020 20:48:41
I don't think it will happen. But if it did Kane would be the best striker we have had since RvP.
7.) 04 Mar 2020 22:21:54
Even if we got Kane with only Bruno to provide the bullets from midfield I woukd worry.
8.) 05 Mar 2020 00:32:20
Maybe the talk about trophies is just a polite way of saying earning a lot more money than is available at Spurs.
9.) 05 Mar 2020 01:22:32
is it seaon ticket renewal time.
10.) 05 Mar 2020 12:02:27
How much would harry kane cost? £150 -180 million?
11.) 05 Mar 2020 13:28:08
At least, I wouldn't be surprised with him approaching 200m if Coutinho is worth 140m. Kane is English, in his prime, has 4 years left on his contact and you would have to deal with Daniel Levy.
It's not going to happen, just thought it was funny how we have even been linked.
12.) 05 Mar 2020 18:50:30
Probably about 120m max.
13.) 06 Mar 2020 18:19:11
Not a chance Ken. Has years on his contract, won’t down tools, and Levy doesn’t sell cheap unless he has no other option. Upwards of £150m or he simply won’t be sold.
04 Dec 2019 10:10:25
So here we go, the latest rumour is that Gareth Southgate is one of the top candidates for the club if they sack Ole.
We will not improve by sacking Ole unless the club has people who understand football making key football decisions.
Southgate will come in, struggle much the same way Ole and his predecessors have and the club will just slide further down.
Red Man will be over the moon, another manager who's last job in club football resulted in the relegation of Middlesbrough to the Championship from the EPL.
A man who has won less than Ole, has never been at a top club as a player or a manager, and someone who doesn't even understand the culture of our club.
But don't worry sacking the manager will work, it's always worked before.
1.) 04 Dec 2019 10:25:25
it doesn’t matter who comes in, in the short term they’ll pick up a few extra points but until there are wide scale changes behind the scenes we will not progress. As Ed002 often says we act like amateurs. We then proceed to call ourselves the biggest club in the world. Maybe we should act like it.
2.) 04 Dec 2019 11:03:57
Exactly Shappy.
Whoever the manager is, will struggle with a team having midfielders such as Fred and Andreas.
The squad depth is so thin in quality that 1 or 2 injuries severly impacts the team.
3.) 04 Dec 2019 11:33:51
Nail on head there Shapps
With Ole now there's no point in changing anything however I do think Ole is underperforming but the change in management would only result in marginal improvement for a cost of going back to square one.
We will come Jan 1st how seriously the club are backing Ole.
As for the future I want to see the Direction come from above in whatever role - sporting director / director of football.
That needs to happen first or we are are stuck on the same wheel.
Looking at the scouse that's basically what they did when they sorted out their transfer committee. Different problems but similar solution. Every business or team or organisation is led from the top and a reflection of their priorities.
4.) 04 Dec 2019 12:16:53
The point that there's no point in changing the manager because the squad is poor is a ridiculous one.
Is Ole getting the most out of this squad of players?
If your answer is "Yes". Then you are lying.
If your answer is "No". Then why would a decent manager not be able to get more from them?
5.) 04 Dec 2019 12:38:37
Because mumbles we've had decent managers who failed to get anything from them. The first signs of trouble and certain players hide. Or cause stuff behind the scenes.
6.) 04 Dec 2019 12:47:37
Mumbles, look at the past record. We sack a manger, we get slightly better results for a while before it all comes crashing down again.
A new manager probably would get better results than Ole. But who would that manager be and are they good enough to lift us back to the top?
Will the new manager be able to bring in the players required? Or will they have limited impact on transfers?
What happens when the new manager slumps?
Sacking Ole will only provide a short term bump without long term changes being made at the club. The club runs the risk of the new manager potentially damaging the progress of our talented young players. Or upsetting the dressing room.
For what? Would a new manager with this squad be able to get us into the top four this season? Probably not.
7.) 04 Dec 2019 13:11:16
Yeah Mort and they lost their jobs. Why should we afford a manager with average C. V more time than serial winners in L. V. G or Jose?
Jose finished 2nd and was sacked 15 games into a season from poor results resulting in us in 6th place.
Ole has us now in 10th at the same time of the season and two huge games coming up.
Why is a manager that has slowly taken us down the league be afforded more time when he has shown very little to be positive about?
8.) 04 Dec 2019 13:29:10
Shappy you said a couple of months ago that top 4 was the minimum for Ole. Now no manager would get us into the top 4?
Spurs went from no hope to right back in the mix for the 4th position in a few games.
I get your point that the club itself is a mess, which makes it even more important that we have a manager in charge that can get the most out of this squad and Ole is not doing that.
9.) 04 Dec 2019 13:44:07
Because that manager has lost fellaini, hererra, sanchez, lukaku without replacement.
Because that manager was left with darmian and young as rbs, smalling and Jones as cbs, matic, pereira and Fred as cms, no right winger, pogba and matic both wanting to leave.
The results are obviously not going the right way but Ole has:
Gotten rid of dead wood/ bad influences
Bought well in the transfer market, better than I would say any of the previous 3 incumbents.
Bought the signing of the season in Dan James.
Brought through Williams, greenwood and tuanzebe as first team regulars
Has given chong, gomes, garner minutes also.
Given martial back his no. 9 and has trusted him up front.
Trusted rashford at all times.
De gea signed a new contract.
I would say he's improved Williams, greenwood, Dan James and of course Scott mcTominay.
Sure a new manager might get a bounce of wins, of course Ole did but what if an allegri was brought in, would he sell some of these young players Ole has and is in my eyes developing, remember van gaal sold the likes of Evans who should never have left the club.
I still believe in Ole and in what he is doing to transform the club.
10.) 04 Dec 2019 13:53:24
Mumbles, Spurs have great first 11 and a decent squad. They were playing poorly due to issues off the pitch which Pochettino was unable to keep a lid on. This of course wasn't helped by Pochettino suggesting publicly that he might leave if Spurs won the UCL.
All that Spurs side needed was a little stability and some nice words in their ears. They've got that and are now playing to their potential.
I standby both statements, Ole does need to get top four to keep his job, AND I don't think this squad is good enough over a season to get top four.
The club have sacked managers for not getting top four, they have previous for it. Whether they should? Well that's a different question. We have a squad who have qualified for UCL twice in 6 years by finishing in the top 4.
Which suggest this squad has a 33% chance of getting top four.
We aren't good enough, if however we can keep our best 11 fit, play to our potential, and probably get knocked out of most of the cups early then we stand a decent chance of finishing in the top four. But over a 50-60 game season with injuries to key players and the drop off in quality that causes we will struggle.
11.) 04 Dec 2019 15:19:29
if we lose our next 2 games should the manager be sacked?
{Ed047's Note - 100% NO
12.) 04 Dec 2019 16:40:46
100% NO.
13.) 04 Dec 2019 16:50:19
Shappy there's been games this season where only Pogba has been missing from our first team and we've struggled. The last 10 games of last season he had a full squad and we struggled.
He hasn't had it easy the last few games missing midfielders, but you can't make excuses for him winning 1 in 4 and blame injuries.
14.) 04 Dec 2019 17:21:31
Mumbles, name me another outfield player capable of playing to a world class level like Pogba is?
He might be inconsistent, yet Pogba is the only midfielder we have who is capable of making the passes that split the lines and open teams up. I saw a stat the other day that said United score on average 2.72 goals a game with Pogba in the side under Ole, wile we score 1.01 goals a game under Ole when Pogba doesn't play.
Considering that Pogba has missed the last 12 games in the league then that would be an extra 20 league goals we would have scored if Pogba maintained the form he has had under Ole.
Where do you think we would be in the league if we scored an extra 20 goals, hell where would we be if we scored an extra 10? If those 10 goals meant we got 3 more wins rather than two draws and a loss then that would put us even on points with Chelsea in 4th, but ahead of them on good with the extra 10 goals.
15.) 04 Dec 2019 22:15:57
If my aunt was a man she’d be my
uncle bob.
27 Oct 2019 12:08:45
What do people make of the link this morning with Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United?
I think he could be another shrewd signing from the Championship.
We've also been linked with Dier and Rice, Phillips is more mobile than Dier and has a potentially more creative passing range than Rice. Obviously never tested at the highest level but if Marcelo Biesla is prepared to build his team around him then you know he is a good player. The role as the deepest midfielder is a key role in all of Biesla systems.
He might be more attainable from Leeds than Rice or Dier might be, and he would certainly cost less than Rice (upward 80m) or Dier (upward of 50m) would be. It really depends on how Ole wants to play and whether he would suit that better.
1.) 27 Oct 2019 14:02:57
Dier is not costing upwards of 50m, his stock has fallen dramatically since we were in for him under mourinho. That being said i don't think we should sign him even at a cut price fee.
I am more than happy to take punts on a couple of young players from the championship as long as they are shown patience and persevered with and at least have a base level of technical ability.
2.) 27 Oct 2019 14:03:13
I said this at the end of last season. he's a very good player, gets stuck in.
3.) 27 Oct 2019 14:54:19
Last Summer Leeds refused a 27m bid from Spurs. So Philips won't come cheap, especially if we try to get deal done in January.
If we wait till Summer and Leeds get promoted then it s highly unlikely.
4.) 27 Oct 2019 15:11:44
Do we need to sign another midfielder?
Ole said we got a new premier league quality midfielder on Thursday night, so perhaps we should see how this new guy works out first.
5.) 27 Oct 2019 15:48:11
DSG, maybe so, but we would still have to negotiate with Levy. Plus he will be trying to recoup the money they will lose by Eriksen going on a free in the summer.
Dev1l, they did as Bielsa said he wouldn't stay if they sold Phillips. Which goes to show you how highly he rates him. However, things change. Bielsa falls out with football club owners and chairman like no other manager in world football. If they get a good offer in January, especially if we maybe include a loan back option until the summer then maybe they will bite.
Personally I think signing Kalvin Phillips even for 40m in the summer might be a better deal than spending 80m+ on Rice next summer.
6.) 27 Oct 2019 15:52:22
Danny, I'd love nothing more than to see Garner become a regular for us. Sadly, even for a lad if his ability I think he is a season or two away from being ready. If we can bring someone in during January I would try and find a good loan club for Garner in the Championship until the end of the season to give him a run of games at a higher level than the under 23's.
7.) 27 Oct 2019 15:53:19
That one who he prefers The great Brazilian Fred over.
8.) 27 Oct 2019 18:47:39
i haven't seen much of him, but remember us being linked to sean longstaff as well. his brother doesn't look too shabby either. we may get sean for 40m or matty for much less. big decision on who we pick - ideally i would love saul and maddison in the next 2 windows for a midfield squad of McTominay, saul, maddison, garner, fred, perriera, but don't see that happening.
9.) 27 Oct 2019 20:30:34
I’d rather we continue developing mctominay and garner. Phillips is a decent player, but I think those two have a much higher ceiling and they’re our own lads too.
10.) 27 Oct 2019 20:46:58
Realistically we need 4 midfielders to fill 2 central midfield positions. In those 2 positions, you need two workhorses and this may mean more injuries.
Mc Tominay, Fred and Garner can be 3 of those (though Fred is inconsistent and Garner is inexperienced. I also consider Matic good as gone) .
Seems the Options are: Dier 40 m, Philips 35m, Longstaff 50m, Rice 70m and Zakaria 45m.
(figures I put in are highly speculative)
11.) 28 Oct 2019 06:58:28
Dier isn't an improvement on what we already have at the club.
I would avoid him like the plague.
12.) 28 Oct 2019 09:53:25
Caolan, McTominay is a great young player who is improving game by game. However, he is at his best when given license to roam around, yesterday Fred sat which allowed McTominay to do that. Garner may grow into that role in the first team, yet his best performances for the under 23's this season have come as a box to box player rather than a holding player.
The only player we have who you can say is a true holding midfielder, i.e a player who'll patrols in front of the defence and acts as an out ball for defenders or midfielders under pressure, is Matic.
The problem is his legs have gone. So we do need a player who can slot straight in to that role. My preference was for one of Rice of Florentino Luis. However, Kalvin Phillips could be an equally as good option, and one we might not have to break the bank for.
13.) 28 Oct 2019 09:54:29
Don't know the player well enough to be honest, would be a great player profile.
I saw him a bit on the Amazon documentary, looks a good character.
The reservation I have is we: we are on our backside at the moment and shopping in the Championship is a gamble. Dan James has been great but too many signings like that and we become Bournemouth.
Philips + someone like: SMS, Bruno Fernandes, Erikson, Saul etc is the way forward. If Garner is better (which he already appears) than Fred he will get games (he needs 3-4yrs to make a place for himself) .
12 Aug 2019 20:23:08
Why is the narrative that we were "lucky" because Chelsea hit the post/ bar twice?
If we hit the post those same people would be call us unlucky. They would say it was a poor shot.
Why is a shot that hits the woodwork called unlucky while a shot that whistles just past the post is considered a shot off target therefore a poor shot?
If your shot isn't saved by the keeper and it doesn't go in then you missed. It doesn't matter if you missed by a yard or by a kick of paint. A miss is a miss.
We hit the woodwork 14 times last season, had all those shots gone in we would have won and extra 7 points and qualified for the UCL.
So we're we unlucky to not finish fourth or did we miss vital chances? It can't be one rule for us and another for our opponents.
1.) 12 Aug 2019 20:35:04
Don’t try to apply logic to a Chelsea fan. Climate change is happening and it’s starting to effect the plastic fans.
2.) 12 Aug 2019 21:30:43
I'm just wondering what you had to do to get the stats on how many times we hit the woodwork and where we would've finished if they'd gone in.
3.) 12 Aug 2019 21:35:15
Technically snappy a shot that hits the Woodward is classed as off target.
Chelsea saying they were unlucky to mask the fact that they were easily beaten.
Get over it.
4.) 13 Aug 2019 00:09:09
According to some any shot that hits the Woodward is a pretty good shot Bolger.
5.) 13 Aug 2019 06:04:12
Pogba hit the post 7 times in his first season.
6.) 13 Aug 2019 07:08:34
Not saying you were lucky you won. I think most people would agree with me on that.
What I am saying is that the 4-0 flatters United as you struggled to create much of note, and with better finishing from us the match could've been a lot different. We didn't take our chances, and you guys did. That was the difference.
The unlucky part for us fans is that for all of our inexperience on (and off) the pitch, we were ultimately let down by our most experienced guy on the pitch. Azpi switched off twice, for your 2nd and 3rd goals. That was the real shame, for me at least.
You deserved to win as you took the chances you got. We didn't as we didn't finish ours. Simple as.
7.) 13 Aug 2019 08:28:56
Spot on that Shappy.
Jackson, "with better finishing from us the match could've been a lot different" and in other news if my Mum was male she'd be my Dad.
We were clinical, we took the chances that came our way. It's that simple. You can be lucky in the odd game winning by 1-0 but if you win 4-0 you fully deserve it, which I know you have already stated but some of the posts on the Chelsea page are laughable mate.
{Ed0333's Note - I don’t concur mate I thought Chelsea were wasteful and should of been 2 up before you scored. That wasn’t anywhere near a vintage performance from you’re lot and if you'd have played City, Liverpool, Spurs on that form you’d have been soundly dealt with. I didn’t see anything from United that worried me but I agree you did make the most of you’re chances.
8.) 13 Aug 2019 09:09:12
Okay, so I don't speak for most other Chelsea fans on these pages at least :p
But on other platforms most echo my sentiments. We were wasteful and defensive transition was bad. You were clinical indeed. That's mostly story of the match.
9.) 13 Aug 2019 12:23:13
@Jackson
I pretty much agree with your assessment. I think we were lucky to lead at Halftime. But the 2nd half i think tactically we were spot on and deserved to win based on converting our chances.
Good Luck for rest of the season mate.
10.) 13 Aug 2019 12:26:27
Shappy, given the scoreline we can't say that we were lucky to win it but you can't deny that we were certainly lucky not to concede. De Gea was beaten twice and had to rely on prayers that the ball not deviate inside of the post.
11.) 13 Aug 2019 12:36:29
Thanks, SH :) getting top 6 should be possible. Good luck to you, too. If you play up to your talent level it should be a good one for you guys!
12.) 13 Aug 2019 13:43:07
Last season, away at Barca, Rashford went through on goal in the opening minutes and hit the bar.
I genuinely believe that had that gone in we would have beat Barca. We had them on the ropes in the first leg, we were all over them and their defence was in bits.
But that didn't happen, we made silly mistakes at the back and Barcelona were clinical. After the game we were pummelled by the press.
The main difference being, Barcelona were applauded for their performance in winning 3-0, whereas we apparently got lucky against Chelsea winning 4-0.
13.) 13 Aug 2019 16:39:36
Dont put the ball in the net you don't score nothing to do with luck.
14.) 13 Aug 2019 16:42:04
If so, if that. If it was against Liverpool/ Spurs we would struggle, if Chelsea scored from their changes, then we would struggle. We would never know. The fact is, it was Chelsea, we scored from the chances we got, and won the game.
We didn't stop after 2-0 or 3-0 and kept going for more. There were a lot of positives about the way the team went about it in the 2nd half.
15.) 13 Aug 2019 19:51:17
My point is we scored 4, luck doesn't come into it when you score 4 unanswered goals. Yes Chelsea were wasteful and yes Dave saved a few but Chelsea not finishing isn't our problem and isn't your keeper supposed to make saves?
I thought Pogba was poor all game but then there are glimpses of the player you know he is, the ball for Rash over the top and the drive through midfield to set up DJ typifies him. For me he will worry teams and cause problems.
In Rash, Martial and Jesse we have players with pace who can run in behind and run the channels, this will also cause teams problems. I actually think we will be better suited to play against teams Like City, Liverpool and Spurs etc. Teams that will have a go and press high giving the pacey front 3 chance to stretch them at the other end, that's where Pogba will be very important for us with his vision, It's imperative he is motivated and he stays until replaced if we want to be top 4.
As for teams that will defend in compact blocks (that's where we will struggle) I think Maguire will become essential in bringing the ball out from the back and creating an overload in the middle. Can we break them down?
I thought we were poor at the back, great individually but we didn't defend well as a team, partly because Shaw was doubled up on for most of the game with Rash not really tracking back but I do think that will come.
City- I thought were phenomenal and are the team to beat again.
Liverpool- While good I thought Norwich created a few good chances, I have a feeling they can be got at this year. It's whether or not teams can outscore them.
Spurs- I thought ran out of ideas until Eriksen came on, he's important for them.
Arsenal- I really didn't see anything much from them, I thought Newcastle were always in the game (who looked very poor themselves) Auba is excellent and does what he always does.
All in all I'm excited, I'm enjoying watching us again which is amazing. I even got my Mrs cheering us on! I think we will surprise a few this year. I don't think we will be as far away as last year :)
16.) 13 Aug 2019 12:40:58
Ed I did reply to you mate, not sure if it's been lost somewhere.
{Ed0333's Note - not sure mate.
17.) 14 Aug 2019 09:27:04
Chelsea got done. Simple as that. Looking for ‘what ifs’ is just a waste of time. Going into a game against Liverpool tonight they need to think about team selection rather than hitting woodwork. Quick tip: play Kante in CDM. Simple. That centre back pairing was not up to it.
18.) 17 Aug 2019 20:49:48
this game reminded me of when we lost 3 nil to spurs having had 3 great chances to be 3 up, it happens from what i saw a 1nil utd would of been fair, but that's football chelsea were naive pushing for an equaliser and got caught out simple as.
I agree a city etc would of punished us but we will hopefully play better as the season goes on.
Shappy's banter posts with other poster's replies to Shappy's banter posts
24 Mar 2020 11:01:03
Just seen the link at the top of the page to the mental health site. I just want to say what a fantastic idea, and a huge thank you all the Ed's who have worked hard to set this up.
I'm assuming that the majority of people on these pages are men and us men are notorious for not talking or opening up about our feelings. This leads to the extremely high suicide rate in men. Something like 4 out of every 5 suicides are men.
We are about to enter an extremely tough time, many people will be under pressure financially, while many others will lose loved one's to Covid-19. There might be a few of us who are spared financial difficultly and avoid losing a loved one. However, ALL of us will find the isolation hard at times, be that being lonely or driven mad by living in a full house and feeling like you're living on top of everyone. Our mental health will suffer, so anywhere or way people can openly discuss how they are feeling will be vital.
I might not think a lot of our current PM, but he is right when he says we all need to get through this together. Social isolation only means physical isolation. We need to speak and connect with each other more than ever. If your thinking of a friend or family member why not give them a call rather than send a text. The sound of a voice could be the difference between someone having a crappy day or a day when they connected with someone and felt uplifted.
As I type this I can hear my wife laughing and joking with colleagues on a video call, without a doubt today will be her best day "at work" this week because of that interaction.
This situation has the chance to bring the best and the worst out of us, strive for the best. Be kind.
{Ed047's Note - it was always there but stop getting used, g62 from the Arsenal page, asked about it coming back and between them, Ed01 and Ed033 sorted it.
It’s a great way to chat about all the current concerns and any others posters may have.
Nice post mate.
1.) 24 Mar 2020 17:10:42
another great page is the conspiracy page, go and take a look and read the posts with an open mind, it might just make people open their eyes as to what could be happening.
2.) 24 Mar 2020 17:21:47
Good post, Shaps, and good job Eds. We have a virtual pub set up, with about 40 family members, and you can log in any time for a chat and/ or a drink. Keeps everyone in touch. I rarely drink in the house, preferring the social aspect of going out, but I think that's been slowly changing these last couple of weeks! Hope everyone's keeping well, or as well as can be expected.
3.) 24 Mar 2020 20:53:23
Wiggy I don't think the mental health page and conspiracy page would go well read together at this time.
To all posters on all sites, stay home. Stay safe. See you all on the other side!
4.) 24 Mar 2020 22:13:05
Reading those pages will make u more depressed. In times like these just stay with family and watch things which will cheer u up!
I agree with posters that calling a friend and emptying your chest will lessen the pain which most people are going through at the moment.
5.) 26 Mar 2020 14:08:37
And if you have no family near you Singh?
6.) 27 Mar 2020 07:30:22
I live in Czech Republic and have found the isolation very hard. I live on my own in an apartment. The measures taken were harsh starting 3 weeks ago. borders closed, pubs etc closed down, day by day new measures. masks to go on public transport. then masks just to go outside. then no going outside if possible . then reducing to not meeting more than 1 other person .
if necessary . army on the streets . only 8 deaths and 1800 cases . polls show 92% of population support the measures but the not being able to go out messes with your head . looking forward to a trip new NYC in May but cancelled of course. one thing we don't have is this panic buying. supermarkets relatively full . the toilet roll thing is seen as a joke here . no one buys more than usual. Until it happens to you then its hard to put into words what its like. empty streets day after day, no noise, no chatter no hustle and bustle -I live in a city centre. Anyway. depressed myself now. stay safe one and all.
16 Mar 2020 20:15:25
Well with the UK government no longer "supporting" mass gatherings we can probably say that's the end of any chances of finishing the league.
Without policing or ambulance attendance, matches can't be played.
They also suggested this could go on for months, with 12 weeks suggested. That would put us in the middle of June before anything else could start.
What now for the footballing authorities?
{Ed002's Note - It c hanged to a Plan B.}
1.) 16 Mar 2020 20:42:49
Wow, Ed002. Would you be able to divulge what plan B entails? Cheers.
{Ed002's Note - It is as I have explained - a line needs to be drawn across.}
16 Mar 2020 09:07:29
So the latest rumour is that we can sign Orion Ighalo for around £15m/ €18m.
I have been really impressed with how he has settled in. His goals aside I think his movement and hold up play have been excellent and have added a whole new dimension to our attack.
We definitely need a striker in the summer, so do we pull the trigger and sign Ighalo on a permanent deal?
My preference was always Raul Jimenez, EPL proven, peak age at 28, excellent hold up play and movement while adding more goals this season. He would still be in my opinion a great signing. But he would cost between 50-60m at least.
Is he really worth FOUR times what Ighalo would cost? Plus he is already settling into the side.
1.) 16 Mar 2020 09:32:16
Ighalo has been excellent Shappy. Been really impressed with his hold up play and attitude. He is living the dream, and we want more players with that desire and commitment to the badge on the shirt and the cause.
It depends if Ole sees Martial as first choice. I am seeing things for Martial in the past month or so that I am really impressed with His ability has never been in question, more his application at times. He has struck up a nice understanding with Bruno, and you only hope it will get better. If he is first choice, then Ighalo is a more logical purchase. Then you put that 50-60m you would have to spend on Jimenez into another midfielder which is more pressing imo.
For the record, I love Jimenez and think he is a phenomenal player. 13Gs 6As this season, proper old fashioned no 9. Would not complain if he was leading the line next season.
2.) 16 Mar 2020 09:56:01
No brainer for me he wants to be at Utd will give it his all won't block the progress of Greenwood and the others and costs around the same as james did.
I would sign him up even if it meant we were going to buy someone else as well. He is a genuine number 9 and the only one at the club in my opinion. More options the better.
3.) 16 Mar 2020 11:11:31
Nope no chance. We should be buying top top players, not over the hill never has beens. Don't get me wrong i like Igaho and what he's done for us so far, but we need a lot better quality. And this blocking others nonsense is just that nonsense, if they are good enough they will come through and take their chance.
4.) 16 Mar 2020 11:44:47
Odion Ighalo has started well but let's not go overboard, his goals have come against a championship club and 2 europa league clubs from austria and belgium. Is that really a standard of a utd signing these days, a few goals against small clubs and they are good enought to play for us. This is what has led to likes of lingard, periera and jones sticking around the squad season after season.
5.) 16 Mar 2020 12:16:26
He would be a squad player I would keep him AND buy another striker to give Martial proper competition.
6.) 16 Mar 2020 13:27:42
CSM, he was excellent in the 10 minutes he came on against City and played a big part in us getting the second goal.
It probably is a little early to make the decision. Yet, there is a good chance that we won't see any more club football this season. So we might only have what we have seen to go on.
I think with the improvements in Martial this season, along with Greenwood scoring 13 goals in 15 starts suggests we might not need a guaranteed starter, but a different type of striker to supplement what we have.
We haven't seen how Rashford and Bruno will play together yet. They have the potential to be dynamite.
I'm not saying Ighalo is the answer to all our problems, just gauging public opinion on whether he could be the right option.
14 Mar 2020 15:48:28
Currently, sadly I looks like we might have seen our team play for the last time this season.
I doubt the matches will continue, the UEFA games certainly not. At best we might see the league and FA cup games played behind closed doors.
However, I wanted to talk about a player who have been on the periphery of the squad this season. What does the future hold for Eric Bailly?
In his first season he showed ability. An athletic player with pace and strength, but also good defensive instincts. A little rash at times and a few rough edges to polish. But potentially a very good player, maybe even a top player.
The game against LASK he was excellent, albeit not against the best opposition.
With Tuanzebe himself struggling with injuries this season and with Lindelof's patchy form, there is a chance for Bailly to claim a starting spot alongside Maguire.
Sadly, with very little chance of the season finishing it looks like he won't get that chance until next season.
So what is everyone's thoughts on Bailly? Is he good enough to grab a first team spot? Or do you think injury will strike again?
1.) 14 Mar 2020 16:22:46
I like Bailly but you can’t rely on him as he’s injury prone. A fit Bailly in an asset.
2.) 14 Mar 2020 16:59:14
I like bailly. I initially thought he would have been better than he has done shappy.
Lots of injuries and he seems to have a pretty low pain threshold. Best partner for maguire in a back 4 when fit imo.
3.) 14 Mar 2020 18:40:41
I'd keep him. We need a good squad, and he's great in the tackle and composed on the ball.
4.) 14 Mar 2020 19:24:27
Bailly is the type of player if he could just put 10 consecutive games together you’d think wow. He’s got everything you need to be a top centre half (can be a bit rash) . However you always worry about his injuries.
Personally I’d be surprised if we go for a cb this window. Can’t imagine it’s a priority. Don’t forget we have Teden Mengi emerging who looks top quality.
5.) 14 Mar 2020 20:06:28
Think he deserved a chance. He’s a great player.
6.) 14 Mar 2020 23:32:09
Teams are about squads. Bailly certainly has earned his place. He needs to do a little more get the starting place. He has it in his locker though, and he does need to make sure he is fully fit after a long time out.
Tuanzebe also has a chance, probably 4th choice right now due to time out.
Jones and Smalling I am assuming will go.
Lindelof and Maguire range from looking a natural partnership to looking a complete disaster. Remains to e seen whether they can settle down as a partnership, but both Bailly and Tuanzebe will be pushing hard.
7.) 15 Mar 2020 06:06:58
He needs to stay clear of injuries by eliminating the rashness from his game.
Another player is Dalot who too has poor injury record.
8.) 15 Mar 2020 08:48:08
I mean if Phil bloody Jones got over 10 years at the club, Bailly deserves a lifetime contract. He’s got the ability, just been unlucky. Definitely keep for at least as a back up.
10 Mar 2020 21:40:24
Julian Nagelsmann has often been described as the new "Mourinho". That can often just be lazy writing, yet in this case there are shades of similarity.
Well either way the new Mourinho is currently schooling the old Mourinho.
Jose is a great manager, while few will have the same level of success. Yet it's ever more looking like he is yesterday's man.
The modern game has changed and evolved and sadly Jose doesn't look like he has adjusted with it.
I hope he has at least one more last hurrah. But if you're a club trying to look forward and be progressive I don't think Jose is your man.
1.) 10 Mar 2020 23:39:54
I really wanted jose at united, but imo it became obvious he was outdated .
Since his last season at Chelsea he has looked outdated, that's not to say he hasn't done a good job .
It just seems football has moved on and his philosophy is looking more and more outdated.
2.) 11 Mar 2020 00:13:55
As of right now, Man Utd are the only club Jose hasn't won the league with. We're the stain on his record. If we had of backed him in the transfer market and let him get rid of the players he wanted, who knows what would have happened?
I wouldn't be writing him off yet. If Spurs back him they could be dark horses in the league next season if they keep everyone fit.
He's a fantastic manager, seems like a really nice guy off the pitch. Had a great connection with our fans and you enjoy the man struggling?
3.) 11 Mar 2020 07:22:40
I very much enjoy watching him struggle. In fact I enjoy watching him wallow in his mire. I NEVER wanted him anywhere near Old Trafford. His 'record' becomes insignificant when compared to his reprehensible behaviour at times.
Why our great club sullied our name to employ a person who would approach the coach of an opponent FROM BEHIND and attempt to gouge his eye is completely beyond me.
The great Sir Bobby Charlton warned that JM wasn't the right man for United. The board should have taken his advice. That's just a single example of the 'man' that is JM. We almost sold our soul in the hope of glory when we employed that egotistical maniac.
So fair to say I am no fan despite the success he has had in the past. Yesterdays man. be gone with him.
4.) 11 Mar 2020 08:58:28
I actually wanted him as manager and he had to be better then LVG? I thought JM would get us back to the top and if he had of been backed who knows but I was wrong, very wrong.
scoobydog is more far sighted than me, as now I know, it was a poor decision to employ him. It was all about Jose and Jose, players being told publicly what they had done wrong, how many times did he mention he'd won the prem?
5.) 11 Mar 2020 09:37:20
Mumbles, I don't enjoy watching his struggle, in fact in my OP you can see i clearly state I would like to see him have at least one more last hurrah.
For what its worth I think Jose would have been successful at United if he followed directly from Sir Alex. A squad of winners, with experienced players would have suited Jose's style.
However, I think Jose changed while at Real Madrid, he became sulky and sullen. Quick to anger, or quicker to at least. Far more defensive and guarded, less friendly and less banter.
That lead to the Eva situation at Chelsea that ultimately lead to his downfall there. He then came to us without really wanting to be here, just saw us as a paycheck until the next job he fancied came along. He fluttered his eyes at PSG and it didn't happen.
In the end his style and the timing of his arrival made him a terrible fit for us.
He is still a very good manager, one of the best, but clearly on the decline. The football landscape has changed while Jose hasn't really adapted to it.
I think he is more suited to manage sides that are seen as underdogs, or to have a go at international management. I think his style is well suited to knock out cup competitions, so international football should suit him stylistically at least.
6.) 11 Mar 2020 10:11:36
IMO Mourinho hasn't been the same manager since he and Faria parted ways. Maybe Faria saw it coming and Jose wouldn't listen.
7.) 11 Mar 2020 10:41:28
Just my personal opinion but I'm not convinced his tactics are outdated just yet. Defensive organisation and solidarity is often the bedrock of any successful team. There is only one way to play football and that's the winning way. No point in playing pretty triangles or scoring lots of goals if your don't win football matches. Fans want to see their team win and I haven't read a single thread yet that was disappointed with our result against City despite not seeing the ball for long periods. Lose that game and you don't have to be a betting man to predict this site would have been full of posters calling Ole out for being negative, out of his depth and playing an outdated brand of football. Results matter despite what some would have you believe.
I'm no expert but Jose's recent struggles appear to me that he can can sometimes find it difficult to really motivate and inspire his team. Players used to run through brick walls for him, he once turned Samuel Eto into a winger. His players loved him. They shared and mirrored his hunger and desire to win or die trying. His teams were often just mentally stronger and more resilient and never knew when they were beaten.
I think Jose can be successful again but he almost needs to surround himself with players that have the right character and mentality. What Jose needs are men of war. Players that take responsibility not make excuses, players that will sacrifice themselves for the team and often play out of position, players than can take and understand criticism, players that want to train hard everyday without distractions and players that simply want to win and improve. Once he gets the right characters and develops the necessary mentality within the squad I'm sure success will follow.
8.) 11 Mar 2020 11:09:25
I don't think Jose will win anything with Spurs, he certainly won't win the league as Liverpool and City are miles ahead of them. While Chelsea are as well. I think us, Spurs and Leicester are around the same place, Decent first 11, but lacking squad depth. How all three add to their squads in the summer will dictate a lot about what happens next season.
For me Spurs would need about 5 or 6 top class players to push for the title next season. With Levy in charge of the purse strings I can't see him sanctioning the 200-300m that would likely cost.
I think Spurs need to rebuild their entire defence, they have Aurier as their best RB, Davies as their only LB. While Vertonghen will leave in the summer and Alderwereld looks like he is declining and is struggling to stay fit. At bare minimum they need a couple of CB's and a RB, while a rotation option at LB would be useful if Rose leaves permanently.
NDombele hasn't been the success they want in central midfield, with Dier, Winks, Sissoko, Skipp and Gedson, solid players but none look quite at the level to lead a title winning midfield.
When everyone is fit they have a very good front four, with Kane, Son, Bergwijn and Lo Celso. Depth in the wide areas is decent with Lamela and Moura good cover. Ryan Sessegnon hasn't lived up to his billing yet. But they have no cover for Kane and an over reliance on him.
So, need a first choice RB, 2 CB's, a commanding CM and a back up/ rotation option for Kane. While maybe a back up LB.
I don't see Spurs challenging for the title next year, how long will Jose last before it all blows up?
9.) 11 Mar 2020 11:58:59
DLIB, when I said his style I didn't mean his playing style but his management style. Being solid defensively will never go out of style, you really at a fundamental level only have two choices, a defensive side or an offensive side. There are a million different ways to do either. But essentially all you are doing is setting up your side to score or to not concede. Obviously you aim to do both, but you will focus on doing one before the other.
Simeone plays in a very similar style to a typical Jose side.
For me where Jose has failed to adjust is in his ability to connect and inspire modern footballers. You even hear occasional lines form Jose something along the lines "I don't understand why this player does/ doesn't do something", or "I need players who'll do this for me" etc. I think more than ever Jose needs an assistant manager who can inspire the players and motivate them, as he seems to be losing that.
Watching last night with Jose leaning against the advertising hoardings looking at a loss as to why his players aren't dying for the cause. A lack of fight, drive and determination from Spurs last night. Which is the exact opposite of what you would expect from a typical Jose side.
Tactically I don't think Jose is being out thought. I do think more managers are wise to what he is going to attempt to do and as such are better prepared for it.
His tactics are not particularity nuanced or revolutionary, strong back four, no more than one full back pushing on at any one time. play with two holding midfielders, let the front three find space when your team have the ball, but the wide players need to work hard and stay in shape when out of possession. A strong centre forward who can hold up play and act as a target man. Sit deep and narrow only giving space in the wide area, look to counter quickly and make the most of set pieces.
What set Jose apart was his ability to get the absolute maximum out of his players. That is what he has lost.
10.) 11 Mar 2020 12:09:34
He was the wrong man for Utd from the outset. He doesn’t play attacking football he doesn’t promote the youth (unless forced) he willingly belittles his own players in the media anyone recall him moaning in preseason because he was having to play the younger players basically what he is doing with the spurs players now.
I don’t know what others think but at utd you rather win 4-3 every week then 1-0 its all about winning but in an attacking way.
People were staying away when he was manager I remember countless times getting texts to buy tickets to the matches which never really happened before. I hope he loses every game possible for spurs sick of the sight of him rocking up to a club spreading his negativity and leaving with a massive pay off.
11.) 11 Mar 2020 12:32:20
Agree mnk397.
12.) 11 Mar 2020 17:17:40
"There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures. "
Unfortunately for Jose his tide went out and I really don't think it's coming back in again.
08 Apr 2020 14:52:16
Mumbles, I agree we need to tread carefully with Sancho. We could easily get our fingers burned if we splash out on huge wages for him.
That said, sometimes it is best to spend what is necessary to get your first choice target if they are available. Liverpool waited until both VvD and Alisson were available then spent a huge amount to bring them in. Those two signings lifted the club from top four challengers to title challengers/ winners.
If Sancho is the final piece of the puzzle, then spending big to make sure we get him might make more sense.
However, great scouting might be able to unearth a better fit. Let's see what transpires. It's a long way between now and next season. We have this season to try and finish first, then the whole transfer window (whenever that is) .
{Ed002's Note - Liverpool forced VvDs availability through an illegal approach and him going on strike. Alisson was not first choiuce for them.}
08 Apr 2020 12:12:27
Sancho seems like the clear first choice, and its obvious why. He has a higher ceiling than most other possible targets, while also being English would provide a top level homegrown player.
For United the idea of having an English front three of Sancho, Greenwood and Rashford will be very appealing. While Chelsea might be looking at a similar thing with Sancho, Abraham and Hudson-Odoi.
That said unless the overall cost of the transfer can come down it might be a hard one to get over the line.
That said there are still other options out there, Chiesa, Ferran, Ousemane Dembele, Bernardeschi, Cengiz Under, Zaha, David Brooks, David Neres, Leon Bailey, Adama Traore, Richarlison, Berardi, Zaniolo.
It really depends on what kind of wide player you want, do you want a counter attacking knock and run player like Traore, or do you want someone who can come inside and be a playmaker such as David Neres.
07 Apr 2020 10:44:52
Mejbri looks a fantastic talent, he certainly looks like he could suddenly step up out of nowhere similar to Rashford or Williams.
I just wonder if it might be a season too soon for him. He has only been in the academy for 6 months. Certainly one to keep an eye on.
06 Apr 2020 20:21:18
I think Lingard probably will leave, he has hired an agent renowned for moving players around. I also think at his age he will want to be somewhere where he is first choice and playing most weeks. Which is fair enough, the career of a professional footballer is a short one and if it was me I wouldn't want to spend time on the bench of any club I would want to be out on the pitch playing. I could spend the next 40 years after I retire sitting on the sidelines after all.
That said most people feel the club need to sign a ST, RW, CDM, CB and AM in the summer, the reality is we might sign 3 maybe 4.
So we haven't really got the budget to be replacing squad players this summer. So although Lingard will likely leave, we might have to settle on an aging Mata or Andreas Pereira next season when Bruno is unavailable.
In an ideal world Gomes would have kicked on similarly to Williams and Greenwood this year and signed a new contract then he could have stepped up to replace Lingard. But at the moment he doesn't quite look ready and as yet hasn't signed a new deal.
06 Apr 2020 12:01:59
I don't think Lingard has a long term future at the club. However, if we sold every player most of us don't think is good enough we would be going into next season with about 9 players in the first team, three of which would be goalkeepers.
Ultimately we need to decided which players we can afford to let leave, and which we might need to keep for another year.
Lingard is a useful player in certain situations. He isn't first choice, but if Bruno is out injured or suspended who would you pick, Lingard, Andreas Pereira or Mata?
Lingard might be the best of a bad bunch (Mata is a great little player, but doesn't have the legs to play the way we set up) .
07 Apr 2020 10:58:42
This highlights how everyone will be touched by this in one way or another. My deepest condolences to Pep and his family. This situation is horrific.
Keep safe everyone, look after yourself, your loved ones and anyone else you can during this time.
04 Apr 2020 11:05:12
Congrats, glad mum and baby are doing well. Great to hear some good news atm.
03 Apr 2020 09:02:05
Edwin van der Sar
Rio Ferdinand
Zindine Zidane
Ronaldinho
Cristiano Ronaldo.
02 Apr 2020 13:06:01
Jarrod Bowen stood out in the Championship as a player far too good for that level. It's always hard to tell with players from a lower league if they can step up, although with Bowen as with Bellingham or Kalvin Phillips it is clear that they can play at a much higher level. However, it is where they step up that will be key. If they join a side too high up then they might struggle for game time, if they end up at a club fighting relegation it can be a tough atmosphere to adapt to.
I like Bowen, I even said he could be an outside bet for us in January to add a goalscoring wide player who plays from the right hand side. I wonder how well he will adapt to West Ham under Moyes in a relegation dog fight. Will he be able to adapt his game to a more defensively demanding manager while stepping up against better defenders and keepers? If West Ham are in the EPL next season he could be a good pick for fantasy football players.
02 Apr 2020 12:24:51
It's a sad state of affairs and just further goes to show how far removed football clubs are becoming from the people they exist to entertain.
Not that it will ever happen but I wish the FA and the Government would come together and agree some sort of a pact where the FA impose a two window transfer ban on all club's that either lay off staff or take tax payers money to pay them.
If you can't afford to pay your staff then you can't afford to spends millions in the transfer market.
Sadly that will never happen.