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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 May 2022 17:27:35
New name linked, young Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili as an understudy to DDG.
1.) 25 May 2022 17:35:07
Worth a few bob to the club when you get that name on back of jersey.
02 Apr 2022 10:33:11
Ed002, I see reports suggesting that when AS Roma approached Boubacar Kamara they were told a deal had already been agreed with Manchester United.
Is this just paper talk or is there something in this?
{Ed002's Note - There is no agreement but one club in particular are talking with Marseille.}
1.) 02 Apr 2022 17:07:00
Cheers, could you divulge which team that is here or should I ask on the European pages?
{Ed002's Note - Atletico.}
2.) 02 Apr 2022 17:33:19
Thank Ed002. Atletico would be a good move for Kamara in my opinion. I assume he'll be a Saul replacement and act as competition with Kondogbia and Llorente in that defensive midfield role.
3.) 02 Apr 2022 19:33:01
Ed could you tell us which defenders are we targeting this summer. Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - it is too early for a definitive list and the new coach will want some input.}
4.) 03 Apr 2022 01:49:02
Thanks ed!
02 Jan 2022 17:30:01
Well the January transfer window is open and the player we are linked to most strongly is Julian Alvarez.
Who on the face of it doesn't seem to fit our most pressing need, yet maybe that is why he might be a good option.
The January transfer market is notoriously difficult to make good signings in. Clubs are not prepared to lose their best players mid-season while they will either be fighting it out for honours or battling relegation. While typically only the players either not playing well or not playing at all are keen to move, those doing well often don't want to disrupt themselves.
Look at our squad, its players like Martial and Donny who want to leave, players not getting much game time.
For us while CDM might be the most important position to address, it is because its such a key position which is why we might not see a signing there in January. It's not a position/ role where we can afford to sign our 4th or 5th choice, or worse just whoever is available.
It's a position where we absolutely need to sign our first choice, and only if they are available in January should we sign them.
I'd be more inclined to recall James Garner from his loan if we absolutely needed another midfielder in January (only if he is going to play) rather than sign anyone just to get a body in.
That is why a player like Julian Alvarez makes more sense, its not a key position we need for the first 11 immediately. While with Martial looking to leave, Cavani off in the summer and Ronaldo 37 by the start of next season it is an area we will need to address in the not too distant future.
Therefore signing a player who is happy to move in January while taking advantage of the clause in his contract that allows him to leave for the fairly "cheap" fee of 17m makes sense.
As for that midfield role the only signing for me that makes sense in January would be Boubacar Kamara IF he is the clubs first choice.
Paying a relatively small fee for a player in January who we could get in the summer for free isn't normally the best thing to do. Yet in this case for two reason's I think it might make sense. Firstly the fight for top 4 is real and a tough one this season. Spurs, Arsenal, Leicester and West Ham are in with a chance along with ourselves. So any signing we could get that helps would be greatly appreciated. Secondly, I think the situation with Marseille is such that if he left for free it would create "bad feeling" between the clubs. Which is always best avoided if possible.
1.) 03 Jan 2022 00:32:23
Rangnick said himself midfield is the priority, and another player repeatedly linked is Haidara, maybe because yes he has played for Rangnick but also (supposedly) has a release clause. I agree we shouldn’t be going for players too far down the shopping list, but also hope we’re not just looking at the easier premium names like Rice when we’ve already proved the marquee signings aren’t always the wisest.
{Ed002's Note - Try searching - there is interest.}
2.) 03 Jan 2022 06:53:26
Denis Zakaria will soon be out of contract.
I feel he is perfect for the EPL.
3.) 03 Jan 2022 09:46:07
Id argue with our midfield options of Matic and McFred, even getting our 4th or 5th choice would be an upgrade in that position.
Even a loan deal stop gap signing would be worth pursuing in January to get someone with a half decent first touch and not scared of passing the ball. Even someone like jonjo shelvey would be an upgrade on our current midfield options in terms of passing certainly.
4.) 03 Jan 2022 10:32:40
I’m Assuming that’s tongue in cheek DSG. Shelvey would look out if place in League One. Awful.
5.) 03 Jan 2022 12:14:24
DSG, that's not true though. We didn't sign a midfielder in the summer because we still had Matic, Pogba and Donny on the books.
Therefore signing a sub-par player now just to get someone in could mean we are stuck with that player in the summer and they restrict our ability to sign a top class player then.
Spenno, sometimes the obvious choice (Rice) is obvious for a reason. He would instantly improve our side and is both a top player and someone with potential to get even better. That doesn't mean he should be the player we sign, but I wouldn't be against the club signing him just because he is an "obvious" choice.
TRD, Zakaria looks a bit of a beast. I doubt the physicality of the EPL would be too much for him, in fact I think he'd thrive in it. He reminds me a lot of Patrick Viera, tall, strong, strides forward with the ball but technical and a great passer as well.
Personally I think we need less of a box to box player and more of a holder. Matic is the only natural holding midfielder, McTominay and Fred work better when given the freedom to roam around a bit more.
That's why I feel someone like Rice or Kamara would work better than Zakaria or Haidara.
6.) 03 Jan 2022 13:26:18
We actually can get Zakaria and Kamara combined for probably less than 20 million.
But need to move on Matic, Lingard, Martial, Mata and few others.
7.) 03 Jan 2022 14:40:33
TRD, maybe so but do we NEED both?
Would both be able to settle at the same time?
Typically it's never a good idea to bring in two new players in the same position at the same time. Invariably one succeeds and the other struggles. Case in point when we signed RvN and Forlan at the same time. Both quality players, but it's difficult for two new players in the same position assimilate into the team at the same time.
Football is a team game and the team dynamic is important. Players knowing how the manager wants them to play and be used to those demands. Players knowing their colleagues and knowing when, where and how to pass to them, or where to move to receive the ball etc.
I'd imagine over the next couple of windows we'll see us sign a CDM, a CAM/ winger, a ST, then maybe a RB and maybe a CB depending on departures.
I think we might see a couple of youngsters be added to the first team on a more regular basis. Maybe someone like James Garner, which would give us potentially a second "new" body in midfield.
22 Dec 2021 07:27:40
Looks like Ralf Rangnick isn't letting the grass grow under his feet in finding a replacement for McKenna.
Ewan Sharp looks to be joining the club, another link initially through the Red Bull group, but has also worked with RR at Locomotiv Moscow.
Along with Lense and Armas it looks like Ralf will have a team he knows and trusts, which ultimately is better than expecting him to work with the existing coaches.
With Martyn Pert also leaving with McKenna that leaves more or less just Richard Hartis as goalkeeping coach and Eric Ramsey as set piece coach left from the previous regime within the first team set up. As well as Phelan who according to Ralf doesn't actually coach the players. Although looking back it was obvious that he didn't coach them, no one did.
1.) 22 Dec 2021 09:56:03
Them cones don't put themselves out Shappy.
2.) 22 Dec 2021 12:51:00
Phelan will stick around until the end of his contract.
27 Nov 2021 11:05:23
The EPL is probably the strongest league in the world right now, and I don't see how other leagues in the near future will be able to challenge it.
Look at the managers that have been attracted to the EPL:
Pep, Klopp, Tuchel, Conte, Rangnick, Bielsa, Benitez, Rodgers, Potter and Hasenhuttl, along with young promising up and coming managers like Gerrard, Viera, Lage and Howe.
It's a competitive league and with the money available to sign the best players to play for the best managers it's not surprising to see more British clubs go further in European competitions.
There are no easy games now, and the level of competition means that we will see more and more tougher games against sides we would have traditionally think was an easy win.
That's why in my opinion it's vital that we've brought in someone like Rangnick now, we need to set the club structure and aim for excellence. In the coming years we won't be able to fudge it and still get top four.
1.) 27 Nov 2021 16:24:48
The EPL has the money Shappy.
The best players and managers will follow the money like the seagulls with the trawlers. I hope that the club is finally starting to realise that building a modern club structure is essential to competing in the new EPL era.
2.) 28 Nov 2021 13:19:56
Are we doing a Cantona appreciated thread?
"My best moment? I have a lot of good moments but the one I prefer is when I kicked the hooligan. "
Disclaimer: This post does not endorse violence of any kind, even against hooligans.
3.) 29 Nov 2021 11:59:22
'Probably' the strongest? I doubt it's even close. Think a £2b deal has also recently been struck for US TV rights. We're lucky to have it.
Shappy's banter posts with other poster's replies to Shappy's banter posts
24 May 2022 17:19:31
Do managers have favourites?
Yeah of course they do, every manager does.
I understand the frustration that fans have when certain players keep getting picked. Yet few ask why.
They just assume it's favouritism.
But why does a manager favour a certain player?
I doubt it's due to their haircut or the number on their back.
It's most likely based on performances in training, application, attitude and how they are around the team.
Do you pick the guy who knuckles down and listens to your coaching, taking on board the tips and guidance you give.
Or do you pick the clown who doesn't try, ignores your advice, and does his own thing?
When you work hard planning a coaching session, only for a player to disregard what you're coaching it's unlikely to make you feel you can trust them to do what you ask when on the pitch in a game.
Maybe certain players aren't getting picked because they don't apply themselves properly and respectfully in training.
1.) 24 May 2022 19:15:12
I imagine there is a significant crossover between the players who fail to apply themselves in training and those who have become disruptive influences in the dressing room. None of the pundits want to name these players but it may be the case that Bailly for example falls into this group. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the "teacher's pet" who trains hard, follows instructions and consequently plays most games. Players like Fletcher are examples of this kind of player under Ferguson, and I wouldn't be surprised if McTominay is his latter day equivalent.
2.) 24 May 2022 21:44:04
The only difference between Fletcher and McTomminay is footballing talent.
3.) 24 May 2022 21:46:37
Of course it could also be that the manager doesn't have a clue!
4.) 25 May 2022 08:07:48
I'm pretty sure anyone with half a brain can assume that players aren't just picked because of their names, it's what they do in training in the lead up to the game that dictates whether they play or not.
5.) 25 May 2022 10:16:40
Obviously, you choose clowns, Pogba and Maguire for example.
6.) 25 May 2022 13:35:50
Dont really understand the point of this post, of course most of the selections are made on application in training and suitability for the game plan.
But there is no doubt some players are picked because they are the managers favourite or some players aren't picked because the manager just doesn't like them or the cut of their jib.
A perfect example of this is Rudiger under Tuchel and Lampard, was sidelined by Lampard and portrayed as a bad egg and toxic in the dressing room, something a lot of their fanbase fell for hook like and sinker.
As soon as Tuchel comes in Rudiger plays and looks like a world class defender who is now a leader and role model in the dressing room.
Are we supposed to believe his non selection and selection under Tuchel and Lampard was down purely to his performances in training?
7.) 25 May 2022 13:42:09
DSG, Rudiger could easily be a tactical misfit.
Lampard tended to play with a back four and when Rudiger played in Lampards system he looked okay at best.
Tuchel has played with a back three and Rudiger seems far more at home and suited to that sort of system.
16 May 2022 17:27:58
Depending on what happens with the fixtures this week we could be about to have one of the most exciting final days of the season in living memory.
We could have the title decided depending on Liverpool/ City results.
Any of Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs could finish 3rd, 4th or 5th. After all the pomp about Chelsea challenging for the title this year they could end up 5th and out of the UCL for next season.
While at the bottom of the table any of Burnley, Leeds or Everton could get relegated on the final day depending on results.
I think this goes to highlight the competitiveness of the EPL in its current guise. Which goes to show the sheer size of the task for EtH to get us competitive again.
As the only thing for United on the final day might be whether we can better West Ham's result to qualify for the Europa League. Otherwise it's the Europa conference league for us.
We have fallen, now we see whether we can pick ourselves back up and climb back to the top again.
I have a lot of hope going into the new season, but I am fully aware that the task ahead is huge and that success for us next season has to be relative to our current situation and not based on historical success.
1.) 16 May 2022 19:03:11
Hope gets us through the dark times, but in reality, hope is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.
Friedrich Nietzsche.
2.) 16 May 2022 22:04:45
Grim, that's true if hope is all the person is doing.
Just hoping things will get better leaves it up to chance as to whether they will.
Hoping things will improve while actively doing things to try and improve your situation will more often than not improve things.
However, it's impossible to actively do anything to improve your situation without hope that things will get better. Why would you do anything without hope.
3.) 17 May 2022 18:23:41
I’m extremely hopeful and excited for the next few months. Trying to remain positive, perhaps I should give this place a wide berth for a while!
4.) 17 May 2022 19:11:36
Shap, sometimes I wish I supported a team that has never won anything, no expectations or disappointments.
5.) 18 May 2022 00:06:39
Chelsea are guaranteed top 4 and CL. Spurs pretty much nailed on for 4th as they play bottom of the pile Norwich and only need a draw.
The top 6 are who was predicted to be in the top 6 at the start of the season, pretty much mostly in the order most predicted them to finish. (Perhaps Utd 5th instead of 6th) With the bottom 3 in Norwich, Watford and Burnley also most peoples picks for relegation.
Everton with their summer ffp issues and transfers and Benitez in charge were predicted to struggle.
This isn’t hindsight in the slightest. Apart from Brentford, Palace and maybe Wolves, the majority of teams are where they are and performed to the level expected at the start of the season.
6.) 18 May 2022 01:06:55
Grim, every club has expectations. They just differ depending on circumstances. Maybe the expectation is to win the league, for qualify for Europe, or be comfortable mid-table, avoid relegation, get promoted, make the playoffs ect.
Everton's expectations are to push for a European place, yet they are fighting relegation. I expect many of their fans feel disappointed.
Norwich and Watford fans will be disappointed to be back in the championship next season. Leeds fans didn't expect to be fighting relegation after sacking their most successful manager in over 15 years.
I'd rather be disappointed that we didn't win/ challenge for the title than disappointed that we got relegated.
7.) 18 May 2022 13:48:10
When I was growing up I watched Liverpools juggernaut winning everything. We were never really in with a shout of a league, had to settle for a Cup here and there.
The club had some cracking players (Whiteside Moses Robson) but seemed to be lurching about never threatening. They then signed a Scot who had a bit of success outside the Old firm, didn't know a lot about him, had seen his team in Europe a couple of times.
Things were a bit up and down and then the EPL era started and the Scot got things going and suddenly everything went ballistic at OT and from Mid teens on all I know was success.
My dad and grandad used to rave about Best Charlton and Edwards most of all and these Legends of past eras and suddenly we had new Legends at OT rather than really just Robson in the 80s.
Fergie changed my expectations of Man Utd rather I imagine like Klopp changed Liverpools now.
Before Fergie no one was demanding or expecting titles, it felt everyone just wanted and hoped we would get there, was more of a wish or dream.
16 May 2022 02:52:50
While I'm excited to see how EtH does with us, what excites/ intrigues me most is the host of people leaving the club in a variety of roles.
Woodward has left as CEO.
Bout and Lawlor have left as head of global scouting and chief scout respectively.
Matt Judge has left as head of finance/ chief of negotiations.
Hemen Tseayo has left as head of Corporate finance and strategy.
And chief of staff Patrick Coyle has now left.
Six people in key roles in areas of the club that many fans have questioned over the past 8 years or more.
Something is happening behind the scenes. Are they jumping ship? Do they know something is going to happen soon? A sale maybe? Or had the club decided that the past 10 years have been a failure and are looking to remove many of the people they feel has contributed to that failure.
Obviously in all walks of life people move jobs for all sorts of reasons. Yet the sheer number of people leaving after holding these positions for many years along with the timing seems to suggest something is a foot.
It might be a wait and see thing. With way and am positive for next season and am looking forward to the team and hopefully the whole club looking at moving in a new direction.
1.) 16 May 2022 06:12:18
They've left because they were unhappy with certain things at the club shappy.
2.) 16 May 2022 09:24:53
Angel, how true is that? Ed Woodward certainly didn't leave because he was unhappy. By all accounts he was a driving force behind the club's ambition to join the super league. When that whole idea fell flat he has fallen on his sword.
What about Tseayo? Head of Corporate finance and strategy along with Matt Judge. Two key people in terms of club finance and running the club.
Many if not all of these people have been at the club for over 10 years in different capacities. They were happy enough to stay here for the long term under the Glazers and Woodward's stewardship. Never seemed unhappy previously. So what has changed?
Why have many long term employees sudden become unhappy to the extent that they seek employment away from the club? What's changed or is about to change?
Are they having powers removed, changes in responsibilities, greater accountability?
Something has changed, something that is driving many people who are partially responsible for the mess we are in to look to seek employment away from the club for the first time in over 10 years.
Maybe a touch hyperbolic but the sheer number of people leaving at the same time could be called an exodus.
It won't be as simple as they are just looking for a new challenge. If they are unhappy the question should be why when they have been clearly happy for many years. What has or is about to change?
3.) 16 May 2022 10:39:10
I will look at these moves as a positive regardless of the reasons for the move, we can't keep doing the same things over the past 10 years and expect a different result so to me these are all positive.
As for the logic that they are leaving due to not being happy with things happening at the club. In all companies you hear this from people leaving roles when companies have actually challenged them to perform, work harder, work more productively. suddenly they don't like what is happening. maybe the club is starting to make these roles more accountable and modernising it rather than an old boys club that you get sheltered by Woodward as you are in the inner circle.
Regardles, in this case any change for me is positive. We just need good football decisions to replace.
4.) 16 May 2022 11:33:36
I’m with you Brad. Change is good, change is to be embraced, and change is desperately needed. We’re an archaic corporate entity and the people leaving have all been part of that issue.
5.) 16 May 2022 11:52:34
Over the years, up and down the country and the FA included, football clubs have been set up as a job for the boys. There will be a narrative that these individuals are leaving because they are unhappy with the club and how badly it is run. Fact is they have been a part of all that and I see no coincidence that Woodward leaving has created this snowball effect.
Louis Van Gaal first identified the issue publicly when he said the difference between Bayern and United is that Bayern is run by football people and that United is a commercial club. Well you are only successful commercially in sport when you are successful in the actual sport. When Chelsea were brought by Abramovich we weathered that storm and remained successful, then City were brought and for a while we competed and was successful as well but the emergence of Liverpool, I don't think anyone running the club saw as they were not involved in a big takeover, they just got a football man running the club and team and suddenly there were 3 clubs challenging United and in fact, sadly, overtaking and pulling away from United.
Whilst United, commercially were successful, Woodward and his cronies were safe and could show the owners what they wanted to see but commercial income has been falling since 2018 and matchday income has been falling since 2017 (appreciate C.V. has been a big factor in this) . It has only been the broadcasting income that has been successful but with no Champions League and poor cup runs, the brand can only get you so far, the club need to get back to being successful on the pitch and these people don't know how to do that so rather than get the Spanish archer and have that on your CV, it's better for them to walk away and blame the club and the running of it as to why they are leaving than explaining to future employers why they failed and one of the worlds largest sport brands.
Unfortunately, from a British point of view, it as taken a number of foreign managers to identify the issue with the club, Van Gaal, Mourinho and now Rangnick. From a positive point of view, it seems we are getting a better structure and better individuals involved in the club and hopefully moving to a structure similar to that of the German clubs who I always consider to be very well run clubs.
And the final piece will be new ownership and as Shappy alluded to, potentially another reason for these individuals to jump ship but I suspect this will be a lot harder to happen then replacing the personnel that is currently happening.
But, could be miles off with all this but hopefully made for a nice read ???.
6.) 16 May 2022 15:22:31
Ports. Woodward was a failure despite the initial surge in value thanks to great brand marketing. Stock price is down. Other clubs are more valuable. Club is a shambles from top to bottom. Jose nailed it when he said coming second was his greatest achievement given what was going on behind the scenes.
There is no coincidence that all these folks are jumping ship. Woodward's departure and this season's awful performances do not flatter them. The structure of the club requires major changes and they know it's coming and none of them can point to any positive achievements during their tenure. Whatever is coming next can surely not be any worse than it would have been had they stayed.
7.) 16 May 2022 16:45:34
Shawthing, in our eyes as fans yes Woodward was a failure because we look at success on the pitch. But to his bosses? Well they come from a sport where success doesn’t dictate the financial income. Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable franchise in the NFL but not won the super bowl since 1996. New York Giants are 3rd and not won it for 10 years. Washington are 5th and not won it since 1992. So as long as Woodward was putting up numbers for the Glazers, they would, I assume view him a success. But football is a global sport and success makes football clubs more valuable. So currently we are not successful and the owners are facing a group of fans desperate to get them out, almost by any means necessary. I guess the club as well is not that appealing to any potential buyers currently. When you want to sell your house and you want top dollar, if it’s in a poor condition, you got to give it a facelift. I think we are going through our much needed facelift at the moment and hopefully will result in some interested buyers.
8.) 17 May 2022 06:31:49
Shappy, because ed002 says it is.
9.) 17 May 2022 11:44:59
I have never understood the praise commercially Woodward got. I honestly reckon I could get United a few sponsors lol.
01 May 2022
New image uploaded to the
Manchester United Player Sightings page entitled, Is Garner ready?
Click picture for larger image
1.) 01 May 2022 11:37:22
Probably not but will never know until he plays.
Cant be any worse than Mctominay surely.
2.) 01 May 2022 11:46:04
I dunno, what were Rodri's stats from yesterday?
3.) 01 May 2022 11:57:18
Pity he can't play Swansea every week.
United are considering selling him so not sure.
4.) 01 May 2022 12:06:20
Those stats are based on Championship performances. we've seen so many great players sign from that division and not make a dent when they've got their big move. Not against giving him a go though even though Hannibal is coming through too. Just hope there are a couple of better midfield options. Surely Forest will be doing all they can to keep him.
5.) 01 May 2022 12:42:53
Typical, writing off a player before he has been given a chance to prove himself.
6.) 01 May 2022 13:24:10
To quote your verdict on James Tarkowski (which I share BTW) . 'not good enough'. Just my opinion too.
7.) 01 May 2022 14:02:15
Spenno,
James Tarkowski has been tried and tested in the PL. Garner hasn't yet. If he gets his chance and fails, then fair enough.
8.) 01 May 2022 14:20:20
Garner deserves a chance. He has stood out for Forest all season in a very difficult league and in cup games against PL opposition. He has composure on the ball which is something our midfield sorely lacks.
If we had given him the minutes of Matic, McTominay or Pogba this season we'd have been no worse. Same goes for Mengi in place of our CB's.
9.) 01 May 2022 14:33:39
Tarkowski is 29 years old and has played 6 years of EPL football.
Garner has just turned 21 and has not been given a chance to step up.
Will Garner be good enough? Who knows, no one if he isn't given a chance.
If he can step up and recreate those sort of stats in the EPL then he could be a very good player for us. Personally of the academy players I think it's between him and Hannibal as the most ready to step up. With Garnacho a close third.
Hannibal has a higher ceiling than Garner, but Garner seems more mature and ready for the challenges. He's a very complete player, and his loan spells at Forest seem to have really help him flourish.
I think he needs to be given a chance under EtH to see what he can do. That said if Forest get promoted I'd be very tempted to let him stay at Forest next season in the EPL.
10.) 01 May 2022 14:44:38
There is that feeling, that so many players have been so utterly poor for us this season that a few youths eager to impress should have been given a shot. I fear it's a bit of a rock and a hard place with RR assuming the more experienced players are more likely to help us get the points we were desperate for over the last few months. Maybe he'll be a bit braver in the final games but I think until the lofty heights of 6th (automatic Europa League spot), is guaranteed, he'll still stick with the same names.
11.) 01 May 2022 15:06:48
The Garner route should be perfect, shines at youth level, has a season or so at top end championship or bottom premier. Look at them in the summer pre season and decide if good enough to have a place in the first team squad and if not sell on for decent value. If you are doing this regularly there is a clear path for the youth players and strategy.
For me Garner should be given a chance no matter who we bring in. seems a good learner and has a touch of Carrick about him. Squad player to cover all midfield positions . He does well we have a position covered, he struggles we sell him to teams in that same bracket who know he has good ability.
12.) 01 May 2022 15:27:14
One other thing with Garner is that when he joined Forest they were 17th in the Championship and a few points off of relegation. In the time that he has been there they have gone from close to relegation to within touching distance of automatic promotion to the EPL.
Now I'm not saying this is just down to Garner, it's clearly not. However he has been a key player in that move up the championship table.
If they beat Bournemouth in their next game and then either match or better Bournemouth's result in the final game (Forest play 18th place Hull, Bournemouth play 8th placed Millwall) then they will go up in second place. Which will be a fantastic achievement.
There have been several young players who have excelled in the Championship who have really done well and stepped up in the EPL.
Maybe Garner could follow in the footsteps of players like Recee James or Mason Mount, players who excelled in the championship while on loan from an EPL club.
{Ed014's Note - the sign of a really good player would have been if he’d done it under Hughton. He didn’t.
13.) 01 May 2022 15:39:47
He is a good player. Has been well regarded for a good few years.
I'm sure he will be in the pre season squad and will get a chance to impress.
There are midfield squad places up for grabs.
Playing in the championship is a big drop off in class compared to the epl. But he will have learnt plenty and with pogba and matic leaving and Fred and mctom being very average if he can't command a squad place for next season it will not bode well for him.
14.) 01 May 2022 19:41:13
Quite rightly he will get a shot. But the jump he has to make now to become an established player in the squad is huge. I'm sure they will look at him and choose the best route for him. He has done very well this year with what was asked of him. He is a light framed player who is more of a passer in midfield. He has gone to a physical league and held his own. He needs a step up to see what he can do against better players.
15.) 02 May 2022 07:20:54
Garner is the sort of player we should have backing our first 11 pushing to see if he can push his way in.
I would like to our squad filled with players like Hannibal, Garner, Elanga etc behind the first 11 and not bloated full of players like Mata, Martin, etc who aren't the present or the future.
25 Apr 2022 12:34:47
So last night I had a few drinks down the pub with some friends and conversation turned to whether football fans should boo players or not. One friend was arguing that we don't know what is happening in that players personal life that might be affecting their performance.
My other friend said this and I think it's a great way to look at it.
He said "if you go out to a restaurant and the waiter takes 20 minutes to come over and take your order. When they do they are short with you bordering on rude. They then take 40 minutes to bring you out your food, they've messed up some of the order and some people have the wrong food. When you mention that the order is wrong they are again rude, telling you it would be best just to eat what you've been served. Then you eat the food and it's terrible, cold, bland, over or under cooked, just horrible verging on inedible"
Would you complain?
You've paid good money for terrible goods and service.
Maybe the waiter and/ or the chef is having a bad day, maybe one of their parents just passed away, or they split up with their partner, or their kid is sick.
Could be multiple factors that provide a context for why they are performing poorly at work.
Yet you still paid for a meal that was terrible along with awful service.
Surely you'd complain.
Then why shouldn't fans boo footballers who are equally performing poorly regardless of the context behind why they might be. Those fans have paid a lot of money to be entertained, if the players aren't playing well, particularly if they are perceived to be lacking in effort, then why shouldn't fans be able to complain just like you would if you got poor service in a restaurant?
I thought it summed it up really well. We are living in a society where there is a genuine question about whether you can complain about receiving poor goods and services based on what the person providing them is going through.
In reality we all go through things from time to time. We will all suffer deaths in our family, we will all suffer heart break, we all suffer stress and anxiety at work and in our personal lives, we all get ill from time to time, or have loved ones battling serious sicknesses.
Yet we are all still expected to perform in our jobs and if we don't we have the boss and/ or clients complaining to us and about us.
Footballers probably suffer many things we don't appreciate, the fame and the intensity of public opinion that comes with it cannot be easy to live with. Millions of people judging without knowing or understanding. It comes with the territory I'm afraid. However, the fact that footballers are becoming increasingly detached from the rest of society almost certainly makes that harder.
We can cope with the trials and tribulations we face because we are part of a society, we aren't isolated like footballers are. I think they are to an extent victims of their own success and they would probably find dealing with the issues they face much easier if they were closer to the society that judges them.
However, while that might be the case, if you as a paying match going fan are unhappy with the level of performance or effort our players are putting in then you are obviously allowed to voice that displeasure.
While if the players have a responsibility to themselves to perform as best they can and if they can't then they are responsible for finding a solution to enable them to get back to where they should be.
1.) 25 Apr 2022 13:12:24
I always complain! There's no benefit to either the customer or the business by pretending that shoddy work is good enough. Complaints lead to change. or at least might. and if it doesn't then the natural process of competition will take its toll. Unless of course the business has moved on line in which case you will be very lucky if there's any avenue to complain left open to you. "Your call is very important to us however all our (not enough by design) operators are helping other customers, so please call back later. "
2.) 25 Apr 2022 15:28:11
I don't get this obsession within society for the need to debate this site of thing or the need to conform.
If you want to boo do it if you don't then don't do it. There is no right or wrong. Each customer has the right to complain or not and as long as their method of complaining is legal who gives a toss about whether other customers agree with you or not.
It's subjective and personal to each customer.
Players have themselves to blame if they are not performing. If they are not in the right state to perform due to personal issues they should take themselves out and explain to their employer that they can't perform so don't consider them for selection.
There is no debate it's an individual choice and should not be an issue for anybody other than the individual.
Everybody has their own views and opinions and should be allowed voice them as they see fit without fear of the PC brigade taking offence.
3.) 25 Apr 2022 15:47:01
Ken it’s same on here someone as a differing opinion all hell breaks lose, god forbid if you don’t agree with the regular posters even some of the Ed’s are as bad (not all but 1 or 2). Society we now live in I am afraid no one likes anyone with an opinion that differs from there own, it’s very very sad!
4.) 25 Apr 2022 15:53:06
Fans are not booing because of poor performances but lack of effort.
People died representing this football Club, young lives lost, cut short in their prime, pioneers, expanding the game to foreign lands for the love of the game. In spite of such tragedy the Club rose to the pinnacle of the game in an immortal tribute to those lost at Munich.
These charlatans earn millions and refuse to run around for 90 minutes. They need a lesson in humility and reminding of what a miraculous Club they represent. If a few boos hurt their feelings there are others Clubs out there that might tolerate such cowardly behaviour.
This booing isn’t toxic or abusive merely a reminder to the players of the history and standards of this football Club and whilst bad performances are forgivable a lack of effort is not.
5.) 25 Apr 2022 16:07:16
If someone wants to boo…. boo…. you paid your money you make your choice…. I’m not sure I agree with everyone at the club as now become useless and unprofessional and don’t care over night, I think that’s a bit immature thinking IMO… ok they not been busting a gut but there is other reasons for that…. There is some strange logic applied by some posters on here that’s for sure.
6.) 25 Apr 2022 16:31:09
I'm all for booing this set of chancers. It will be better fun than the dross/ football they've been serving up.
7.) 25 Apr 2022 16:40:00
Have to disagree Dlib, fans booing McGuire because he not good enough, I don’t think it’s lack of effort from him at all, I don’t think AWB is lack of effort just not good enough, Mc T and Fred the same……. you all seem to have jumped on this bandwagon of no one is trying, which is really a bit stupid.
8.) 25 Apr 2022 17:19:19
Juicer, I'm not sure that's true. I like Ken even though we regularly disagree.
I have nothing against any posters on here, even the occasional fan/ troll I seem to regularly attract. Maybe my skin is thicker than most, my head probably is. No point getting your knickers in a twist over what someone said on the internet.
Ken, I think debate is vital for society. While debating things everyone agrees on just doesn't make sense. We don't have to agree but debate enables us to at least understand what someone's view is and why. Debate only works though where it is respectful, and where people are genuinely prepared to listen and not just get on their soapbox.
I agree each to their own and it's silly to get upset or offended on other people's behalf. Do as you see fit as long as it is acceptable within the bounds of society.
9.) 25 Apr 2022 17:24:58
DLIB I agree. The standards at the club have been let slip to back to 80s standards before fergie.
No leadership no desire to win players not dedicating themselves to the only thing that should matter.
But the last 3 years post Jose we have sunk to new levels on the playing side.
On the bright side we have a new coach coming in and a new recruitment policy which are 2 big steps forward.
I think a few of our players will be a lot better under eth and a few will surprise people imo.
I see this as a new chapter I'm full of hope and optimism and I don't get all the doom and gloom.
This season was a write off before a ball was kicked. Ole was always going to be sacked mid season because he had to run out of luck eventually. He was a replica of the tinder swindler.
As it turns out we got an equally poor coach in to hold the reins until the end of the season. But putting him in there was the smartest move ever imo despite the crap results it's exposed some of our players for what they are.
Can't wait for the epl to kick off next season and starting the journey under eth. He will create a proper working environment full of challenges for the players.
Eth has the opportunity of a lifetime.
10.) 25 Apr 2022 17:35:33
Shappy I'm not against debate at all. I encourage debate. But not pointless debate.
You don't need to understand everybody's actions. If tj actions are legal and they do things different to me I don't need to understand it I just need to respect their right to feel and act differently to me. So need need to debate, just mind my own bloody business and respect others rights.
11.) 25 Apr 2022 17:53:25
Ken, I disagree, Rangnick is a far superior coach but he was always on a hiding to nothing after 3 years of hugs.
These players don't well to hard work and being told home truths.
12.) 25 Apr 2022 18:38:11
Angel what do you base that statement on? As anyone improved? Or they all useless and not worth a bean? Does RR not have the worst win rate at 40% then anyone had with the same players there is a argument he got better players then Ole had with last years additions!
Shappy I agree debate is good but I don’t agree when posters come on here they get abuse for having a different opinion, that never changes.
13.) 25 Apr 2022 18:39:05
Ken, that's fair. I suppose it's down to the individual as to what they personally feel is worth debating or attempting to understand.
14.) 25 Apr 2022 19:16:23
Juicer, basing it on his career overall mainly.
Also, everywhere he has gone he has been lauded by various coaches and people who have forgotten more about football than we will ever know.
Are you saying that Ole is a superior coach? Lol.
15.) 25 Apr 2022 19:31:35
Angel…what you mean wherever he been he been nowhere won nothing, please don’t quote Klopp and Tuchel said he was great! WAS being the operative word in a lowly league at a small club, he managed 2 years out of last 10 that tells you all you need to know!
If he had such a great career why was he not snapped up by Barcelona by Bayern by real by Liverpool by city oh wait he was in Russia!
I never said Ole was a better coach, but ole won more games then he as! Also if he such a great coach should not be beyond the realms of possibility that out of a team he should have improved 2 or 3 players, NAME them?
16.) 26 Apr 2022 01:01:31
Juicer reminds me of somebody ?.
26 May 2022 20:07:05
Tuanzebe had it all, strong, quick, good on the ball, and was a real leader at youth level.
He showed real promise in his games for United. Played with a maturity beyond his years.
Unfortunately he got injured at bad moments meaning he missed chances and his development stalled because of that.
It's a shame but he needs to move on for the sake of his career now, although it might have to be a drop down to the championship to prove himself before he might be able to make his way up to the EPL.
26 May 2022 08:20:27
I expect to see all of Bailly, Jones and Tuanzebe to leave.
That leaves Maguire, Varane and Lindelof as our only senior CB's.
Of those three Varane has been injury prone this season.
While Maguire has been absolute dung. In fact he's been worse than dung as at least dung sticks to its man and can run.
I wouldn't be surprised to see two CB's come in. Defence is the biggest area that needs fixing and in order to play the way EtH wants he needs specific skills from his defenders.
26 May 2022 08:16:58
I doubt EtH will sell Lindelof, he's actually pretty well suited to his style of play. Good passing range, mobile and capable of defending in the wide areas.
24 May 2022 00:22:58
Shappy said he had concerns that Pau Torres may lack the physicality for the EPL and has tended to play in a low to mid block defensive set up and wonders whether he could adapt to playing a high line.
Torres has some great aspects about his game, however he is bullied off the ball too easily in La Liga for me, he also lacks aerial prowess, often beaten in the air. That is in La Liga, the EPL is a much more physical league and I wonder how well he could adapt to that physical battle, as it is something that he hasn't shown yet in his career.
Try watching him and see what you think, and consider how his skills might translate to the EPL. Lindelof looked a much stronger and more physical player in Liga Nos than Torres looks in La Liga.
22 May 2022 05:22:19
Mata has always been a great professional and a good character to have around the squad. In his first few seasons he was better than most probably remember. However, he is one of those players that need to have the right sort of players around him to get the best out of him, rather than the sort of player who lifts everyone else to his level.
Ironically he is best suited to a possession based side that plays with intelligence and ideally high up the pitch (meaning he doesn't have to cover large distances) . We haven't had a manager who plays like this, but we are about to get one.
I think he could be a good option to keep as a coach, his links to the players and his high level of football intelligence suggest he might be a good coach. I don't think there is much point in keeping him as a player though.
28 May 2022 11:20:13
BadRedDevil, Which bit was disrespectful?
"Jose was a poor fit for our club, but you can't deny the guy is a great manager. " This bit where I call him a great manager?
This bit: "Five European titles (2 UCL, 2 Europa/ UEFA cups and now the Europa conference) is a great achievement. " where I say what a great achievement his five European titles are?
This bit: "Great manager and his achievements should be celebrated" where I say he is a great manager and honour his achievements?
Or the bit where I wish him further success?
I've said it before many posters read what they want/ expect to read and not what is written down.
I'd love for you to pick our where in this thread I've been disrespectful to Jose?
I mean is it disrespectful to say Jose plays a pragmatic style? Or is that just honesty? He does play a pragmatic style.
Is it disrespectful to say that in my opinion he was a poor fit for the club? No, firstly its an opinion. Secondly, he fell out with most people at the club and the majority of the fan base had turned on him by the end. That doesn't scream great fit for the club.
Was it me saying Jose is a shot term manager? Well he's on his tenth job in management and has only completed three consecutive seasons once in his career in his first stint at Chelsea. He left Chelsea in the September of his fourth season a the club, less than 6 weeks into the new season. Again when the evidence is so substantial I don't think its disrespectful to say it as it is.
So exactly where have I been disrespectful?
27 May 2022 21:11:19
I was born around the time Sir Alex was hired, so I don't remember a great deal no.
However, I don't think the two scenarios are comparable.
When SAF took over we hadn't won the league in 25 years. We were a former top club decades ago and a good cup team. The pressure on him and the global scrutiny on him isn't one tenth of what it will be on EtH or any other new manager we hire.
We have a fan base supposedly of 1 billion world wide. Our games are beamed out live to over 50 countries. Most of those fans have only known the club under Sir Alex, they have only known success and cavalier football.
That is what they expect from Manchester United.
I live in Yorkshire, and am almost certainly in the top 1% of fans who live closest to Old Trafford. The vast majority of our fans have huge expectations of the club and don't have the patience to watch poor football for three years in the hope that eventually they will win something of note.
Since SAF retired we have won an FA cup, League cup and Europa League. More than 90% of English clubs in that time. Yet I can't think of a single United fan who is truly happy at winning any of those trophies.
You take them, but what United fans really want, what they expect are league titles and UCL titles.
With this fan base you can't take 3 years playing crap football to rebuild a side. The fans won't allow it.
They turned on Ole who as you repeatedly say was an emotional choice, a man most fans WANTED to succeed. As such they gave him longer than they would give another manager who they have no connection with.
The only way to see a complete squad overhaul that will take years is if the fans are being entertained in that time. Otherwise they will turn on the manager and he'll be sacked.
27 May 2022 17:36:54
Red Man, I think SAF had plenty of credit in the bank to go a few years at the end of this career not playing great football after over 25 years of top quality service to the club.
No fans were going to fly a banner over Old Trafford asking for Sir Alex to be sacked. That idea is crazy.
No new managers will come in with 25 years of great service to our club and be able to weather the storm playing poor football for 2-3 years before he challenges for titles.
27 May 2022 11:29:45
I'm not saying he will play a back three system, just that the signings we have been linked to in the press would better suit a back three system.
I find the lack of a clear CDM target interesting.
Tchouameni is going to Real Madrid, Kamara has gone to Villa. Rice won't be moving this summer. With Leeds staying up Kalvin Philips seems a long shot.
While the players we have been linked with (De Jong, Laimer, Manu Kone, Haidara, Neves etc) are more suited to playing as a No.8 box to box type role than as a sitting holding midfielder.
While if we look at how EtH has played at Ajax he has always played with a CDM who sits deep and drops between the CB's. Yet we don't have any player in our squad who suits that role.
We also don't seem to be being linked with any in the media. So either we aren't looking at signing someone who plays this role, in which case will we play a different way. Or we the media have no clue who we are looking at in this position.
27 May 2022 09:53:35
Red Man, Conte and Jose are short term managers who get the best out of a squad for 2 season's before imploding in their third year.
Seeing as our squad will need 2-3 years to be capable of challenging for top honours they would both be terrible picks. They would both be gone before they built a squad capable of challenging for titles.
Simeone has shown staying power at Atletico, so would maybe be more likely to be able to stay they course until we had a squad capable of challenging.
However, what you keep forgetting is our fan base. You know the one that flies banners over Old Trafford when they don't like watching boring football. The one that goes bananas on social media every time we draw a game let alone lose.
We are a club that are 2-3 YEARS away from truly challenging for titles. That means the fans need to be behind and support the manager for YEARS before we win anything of note.
Simply they won't do that if they aren't entertained. They won't be happy to sit there and watch boring anti-football for 3 years in the hope that eventually we bore our way to a title.