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11 Jul 2024 16:00:06
Romano says we have signed Zirksee. 5 years with option for additional year.
1.) 11 Jul 2024 17:44:55
And D VdB also leaving, so one dutch out one Dutch in.
MDL will prob be next.
2.) 11 Jul 2024 19:10:28
Nice to get our no1 target in that position. Getting him instead of Milan is a nice coup too.
14 Jun 2024 16:41:08
Ornstein reporting united have made an opening bid of 35 million for branthwaite. sanity rules i guess, starting to really like ineos.
1.) 14 Jun 2024 17:09:41
First offer always was going to be low
everton need the money by the end of the month
Will prob end at 40-45 plus 5-10 in addons
But young potential signings is what we should be doing build a young team.
2.) 14 Jun 2024 18:20:29
Glad we’re not going in with a ridiculous opening offer, but am half expecting one of the other big clubs to do so. Can’t say I’d mind too much if they did.
3.) 14 Jun 2024 18:23:12
And we have lift off! Nice. Expect a swift rejection but that’s part of the game.
4.) 15 Jun 2024 07:45:38
Rejected but frames where we think the valuation is for him and glad to see us have some discipline. Don't hear anyone else in for him given so many clubs are looking for cb's.
I expect us to get something done in the low 40's or move on to someone else if we are egtting stretched higher. I think ed002 mentioned our priority list of cb's a while ago and he was 4th or 5th choice on the list the rest were more expensive.
{Ed025's Note - it will take over £60m to get JB ahmad, which is dirt cheap considering you paid £80m for slab head and big prices for the other time wasters who are nowhere near as good as Jarrad mate..
5.) 15 Jun 2024 08:13:08
Yeah Ed but that’s because we overpaid for those player, glad we aren’t just paying up because Everton want and we are incompetent for once. We know Everton need to sell and while it’s probably lower than JB valuation it’s a good starting point and I’d say £50m plus add ons be about right for potential.
{Ed025's Note - i think its a bit of a low ball offer with an initial bid reportedly being £35m WRD, he has a 4 year deal with us and i think we should keep him rather than sell him for a pittance mate, but it seems like he wants to go so i suppose a deal will be struck somewhere but if it was up to me the bidding would start at £60m, he will turn out to be a stellar player and FEC i expect..
6.) 15 Jun 2024 08:28:37
Doubt it will be much below £70m.
{Ed025's Note - i agree spenno..
7.) 15 Jun 2024 08:19:00
Ed025. That we paid up for slab head doesn’t follow that we should do the same for other players now. The ethos of the club in that respect is hopefully changing dramatically and what we value a player at and pay will, again, hopefully, be way more realistic.
{Ed025's Note - the likes of Utd and other big clubs will always have to pay a premium Fizz, everyone puts at least 25% on their price when the big boys come a calling thats just the way it is mate..
8.) 15 Jun 2024 09:20:24
United are just chancing their luck off the back of Everton’s financial circumstance I guess. This summer will be about United working in the transfer market and trying to undo poor performance over the past how ever many windows. Everton know they can state £70M because previously United have paid those prices. £55/ £60M with add ons up to £70M would probably be fair in this market for a player who we could get 10 years out of.
9.) 15 Jun 2024 10:35:11
ED025, Everton need to sell, so unless they can sell other players instead of JB before 30th June, then I think Utd might actually get him for £50 million plus add ons.
{Ed025's Note - hopefully other bids will come in and drive the price up MH, but i suppose £50m + add on,s is in the ball park mate..
10.) 15 Jun 2024 11:11:33
I don't think this new management structure is into going in the area people are talking about or even value him at those numbers. look at Ashworth case.
If we go to 50 mill plus add ons that's 60 mill. No one else will come in for him at those numbers. Still say low 40's plus add ons then we walk away.
60 mill is leny yoro zip code. easy choice to make if we are spending that kind of money and if the player is on board to coming.
11.) 15 Jun 2024 15:10:54
ED025,
I agree, a deal like that would probably suit both parties aswell.
{Ed025's Note - he is certainly open to it MH, and i expect it will happen mate..
12.) 16 Jun 2024 11:05:25
There will be wiggle room on the price, it'll be more than United would ideally like to pay, but less than Everton want. That's the way negotiations work.
I expect we'll start to see prices come down a little over the next couple of seasons.
Lots of clubs have been hit by the pandemic and now have FFP/ PSR issues because of the loss of revenue during that time.
Simply put clubs just have less to spend.
Everton are in a pinch and need money before June 30th, yet very few teams can afford to spend before then due to their own PSR issues and balancing the books.
That means Everton either accept a lower offer than might otherwise be expected, or they don't make raise the money needed and probably end up with another points deduction.
United are in a similar boat, we can't afford to spend too much before June 30th. While we might be able to pay a bigger fee afterwards, that won't be of any use to Everton at that point.
If United are the only team coming in for any Everton players before June 30th then it really puts them up against the wall and United will probably get Branthwaite for a much lower fee because of that. The other thing to factor in is that all of the fee from Branthwaite will be considered profit. Onana is the other player often linked with being sold to raise funds. Yet because he was bought for a few that could reach 33m there will still be a certain amount of his fee to be amortised meaning 15-20m of what they sell him for won't count as profit and therefore doesn't help them with PSR. They'd need 50-60m up front for Onana to solve the PSR issue compared to 35-40m for Branthwaite. The reality is that there probably isn't anyone who'll be able or willing to pay the amount they would need for a player like Onana to satisfy the PSR requirements.
From what I gather Everton need between 35-40m in their account before June 30th.
That will be why United's reported opening offer is around that figure. Also United can't really afford to pay much more than that before the end of June either.
I'd expect there to be some compromise, where United pay 35-40m upfront (whatever Everton need for PSR), then there to be some add-ons payable at a later date depending on certain criteria being met. Probably with around half the add-ons being fairly easy to meet (number of games etc) and the other half being harder (linked to club success) .
I'd imagine the total package might be worth around 60m if all add-ons are met, with United realistically probably paying 50-55m when all is said and done.
It'll save Everton from further PSR sanctions, while the larger figure will be reported to help them save face. Yet it'll still be less than they want and most Everton fans will rightly feel a little bitter about it.
As a United fan I'm not going to lose any sleep over the club taking advantage of another clubs situation. After all many clubs have ripped us off when selling players to us and have taken advantage when buying players.
Just looking at Everton for example they charged us more for Rooney than the price they agreed with Newcastle, pushed us with Fellaini to get a premium deal, while they also got cut price deals for players like Saha, Howard, Phil Neville, Gibson, Cleverley and most recently James Garner.
Even if we get Branthwaite for 20m less than current market value, Everton will still be the side that has had the better of the transfer dealings overall between the clubs over the past 20 years.
However, I can still sympathise with the Everton fans who'll be reeling at losing their most promising player and the club won't even be able to take advantage of it or use the money to buy a replacement. Much like ourselves under the Glazers we had to suffer for the incompetence of our owners, Everton fans are suffering the same right now. So I can easily sympathise with them over that.
I just hope that they have the decency to see past the likely lower fee and they give Branthwaite a fair reception when he plays against them and not to take out the situation the club are in on the player. He's been a good player for them, given his all and his sale will probably play a big part in helping the club get some financial stability and hopefully avoid more points deductions next season.
07 Jun 2024 13:42:34
All kinds of reports about greenwood going to Juve. He will do very well there if true and great move for him to a massive club. Hope we get good value for him.
1.) 07 Jun 2024 13:52:02
Loan was a good decision by the hierarchy last summer, probably best to get this situation over and done with this summer for final, whatever the club does in this situation they will be criticised.
2.) 07 Jun 2024 14:47:18
Its an all around good outcome. let the guy get on with his life and his football and hopefully we get decent value. He is a tremendous talent. Better than all our current forwards and wingers imo. Good luck to him.
3.) 07 Jun 2024 17:20:39
Tremendous talent Ahmad, trash person. Hope he falls flat on his face ??.
4.) 07 Jun 2024 17:57:51
Agree with all of the above.
At the time Greenwood was just breaking through I thought we were set for 10 years with the trio of Rashford / Martial / Greenwood. For very different reasons it hasn't worked out.
I wish him the best and hope he and his partner are happy going forward.
5.) 07 Jun 2024 19:11:12
I am quite happy to see him achieve some form of redemption. I don't generally expect high moral character from teenagers who have too much money and have come from poor backgrounds.
6.) 07 Jun 2024 21:02:04
Two years ago we had two stellar English strikers in Rashy and Greenwood. A shame what’s happened to both in terms of Utd but Greenwood can forge a very successful career away from the glare of the English press elsewhere. Might even get to a point where the next English manager/ potter/ poch has to have a think.
7.) 07 Jun 2024 21:14:58
Doesn’t deserve any redemption and he background was fine noting to do with how he grew up
Guys vile and doesn’t deserve a move to any big club.
{Ed025's Note - im with you Bolger..
8.) 07 Jun 2024 22:16:12
I don't think he gets near the England setup under any manager, no matter how he plays. MEngland so not need that kind of negative publicity.
9.) 08 Jun 2024 08:20:17
He screwed up the opportunity to become a club legend but we will never truly know all the facts to be fair. Best for him to move, hopefully a decent fee for us and a sell on clause just to be wise.
10.) 08 Jun 2024 15:17:27
To say the morality is low linked to poor background? Shawthing?
11.) 08 Jun 2024 15:23:05
Really good player will do well wherever he goes. I wish him every success. England's loss which is always nice?.
21 Mar 2024 07:22:37
Reports cas had signalled something is not right and after getting assessed by our medical staff was sent out and told everything is okay. He then went and saw a doctor in spain and they found a small tear in his hamstring which we missed. if this true i am speechless and how can that be. its incompetence at the highest level and how can this happen at Mnachester United one of the biggest clubs in the world.
1.) 21 Mar 2024 07:58:29
It might be shocking but as you describe it, a 'small' tear.
Misdiagnoses happen.
2.) 21 Mar 2024 11:09:47
Ahmad its common knowledge that the doctor he went to see is the best on the plant for this type of injury. nothing to lose sleep over.
3.) 21 Mar 2024 13:26:16
Also reported that casemiro blamed the intensity of training sessions for his injuries.
Which tbh probably vindicates us selling him in summer and replacing him with a younger age player.
If Ten Haag is committed to this transition based fast tempo style then we have to manage out the older players like Maguire, Casemiro, Varane and maybe Shaw as well.
4.) 21 Mar 2024 13:36:56
Same way as it can happen to any doctor dealing with any patient in any hospital in the world.
It's no drama no matter how much people try to dramatise it.
5.) 21 Mar 2024 18:05:03
Casimero will know his own body too. He obviously just didn't feel right and felt there was something there and was right.
You'd like to think these things were never missed but they are. Lots of muscle injuries this season as opposed to impact. I think martinez and mainoo were the only impact injuries of note.
I wonder why that is? Players play too much but you get examples like Bruno who has never once missed a club game through injury which is a mad stat really. Obviously some of it is genetics but you have to wonder why so many muscle injuries. We are not alone with the issue.
6.) 21 Mar 2024 18:08:42
I was listening to the overlap and Ian Wright was talking about how physical Keown was in training. But rather than complain about it, he saw it as crucial to giving him an edge in games.
Can’t imagine that Klopp or Pep’s training is easy given how much running and pressing their teams do in games. But players aren’t complaining. Just our players who want an easy training session despite not having the stamina to play hight temp football for more than 20 mins a game.
7.) 21 Mar 2024 18:41:02
Spot on Danny.
Too many flakes in the squad who know from experience that if they kick up a fuss they will get their own way.
8.) 21 Mar 2024 20:04:13
I’ve never heard anything more ridiculous than a professional athlete complaining about physical exercise. I go to the gym 5-6 times a week and don’t moan, and pay for the privilege too.
9.) 22 Mar 2024 01:57:19
Eric79
Impressive and agree when young I used to do 6/ 7 days, young footballers should be able to handle 2 hours a day when its their job.
Both my sons who are at uni pretty much do 7 days a week and proper stuff. How old are you if you don't mind me asking. I can't do 5/ 6 days anymore and 4 days is most i can do or injury right around the corner.
10.) 22 Mar 2024 14:40:28
In my 40s, but do low impact stuff with weights twice a week, and a game of footy!
19 Mar 2024 14:23:02
Been reading SJR interview tidbits and looks like he has gotten quite close to Fergie and taking advice.
I think eth is toast if that's the case as Fergie does not like him and it goes back to eth first season and eth basically telling Fergie to mind his own business related to something that made headlines.
The story was something a current pundit in the UK and ex united great shared over dinner last year.
1.) 19 Mar 2024 16:41:58
SAF is a legend but he is yesterday's man. If SJR is taking his advice then that is not good news. Remember, this is the man who picked Moyes, and has been retired for 11 years.
2.) 19 Mar 2024 16:52:52
If that’s the case then the Rattcliffe is being silly. Ferguson should have zero involvement with the running of the club and, especially, not with the coaching.
If the history of football clubs can tell us one thing, is that allowing an former manager to have influence is a recipe for disaster.
3.) 19 Mar 2024 17:49:17
SJR is right to speak with Fergie and listen to his words, he is right to speak with lots of people involved in football and listen to their words.
He then needs to process all that information and work out the best course to take.
SJR I do not believe is anyone's fool, it would be remiss not to speak to Fergie for many reasons but it would also not be wise to take only one source of information as the only source.
However of course the biggest story is that SJR is talking to SAF, of course that's going to be focus of any report.
Also what is SJR supposed to do waltz about and ignore or dismiss a man who is adored and treated as a God by the fans, of course not.
I don't buy into the fact that SJR is not a shrewd and ruthless operator as and when he needs to be, I am not too worried he is going to hang on afergiea every word.
4.) 19 Mar 2024 18:31:56
There's 2 ways of looking at it, yes he Is from the old school and was the last of his kind, but the guy knows about football and winning, nothing wrong with having saf as a sounding board or for advice he loves united.
5.) 19 Mar 2024 18:44:27
SJR didn't get to where he is by being anybody's puppet. SJR is absolutely right to be speaking to SAF but don't think for one second that he will be forming opinions based on Chinese whispers.
If the story is true then I back ETH, because he is the manager and he will make some of the decisions while he's in charge.
I guess the player is Dwight Yorke, who is one of many ex-players who says extreme things to try to remain in the newspapers.
6.) 19 Mar 2024 19:14:37
I'm pretty sure SJR hasn't become a self-made billionaire by blindly doing what everyone tells him, certainly not when the advice might come from a grudge or a personal dislike.
7.) 19 Mar 2024 19:37:20
Wazza
Yorkie is not a UK based Pundit so wrong guy. Take it for what it is Fergie does not like ETH that's all. Story 100 accurate.
8.) 19 Mar 2024 19:46:51
If SJR knows his history, then he should know that Sir Matt’s influence around OT caused issues for years, maybe he knows what Liverpool did with Shankly.
Southgate and listening to SAF would be very worrying. We MUST move away from SAF influence.
9.) 19 Mar 2024 20:14:26
Hope those calling for ETHs get what's coming with Southgate. Bloke has no proven tactics and we will be playing boring football.
1 step forward 2 steps back.
10.) 19 Mar 2024 20:16:47
Ahmad you said “ex United great” and considering your love in with Dwight I wasn’t referring to the journalist.
Furthermore… “100% accurate” is not something you have any right to say. Not unless SAF told you personally that he isn’t Erik’s Best friend. Correct me if I’m wrong, but your opening statement does not imply that this has come from the horses mouth.
This is the most Daily Mail BS I’ve read this week. No direct quotes, just hearsay spread for engagement.
11.) 19 Mar 2024 19:30:15
Nonsense and hear say - maybe Sir Jim will give the job to Fergie?
12.) 20 Mar 2024 02:31:16
He would be mad bit to listen to what Ferguson has to say.
Nobody knows what they spoke about. There is a million things they could have been chatting about.
Listening is what all smart people do.
I'm quite sure sjr won't be making strategic decisions based on informal chats with the ex boss.
Smart guys don't listen to rumours and tittle tattle and they don't sack their head coaches because the ex boss doesn't like him.
There is going to be rumour after counter rumour for the next few months. The media spotlight is going to be on the club worse than ever before. Potter last week Southgate this week. Eth in at the weekend. It will be someone else soon enough then back to eth then before the euros Southgate again and before we play Brighton it will be de zerbi. Its going to be a nuthouse in here more than usual too I think all I need is ole to throw his hat back in the ring and I'll be heading for the funny farm.
The press and media are pushing buttons that trigger a certain type of fan and it's quite funny to be fair and successful.
When is the best time to hype up Southgate to united rumour? Oh on intl week v Brazil.
13.) 21 Mar 2024 11:46:06
I find it quite funny that people who have, in the past, banged on about statistics and data are worried about SJR talking to everyone, including Fergie. He is clearly not a clown
Believe it or not, any data is good data. Even the worst rubbish allows you to confidently discount it with evidence and identify the source of misinformation.
By the same virtue good data allows you to confidently identify trends, positive or negative and preempt any corrective action whilst discounting outliers quickly.
There is no such thing as a silly idea or suggestion even from a cleaner through to the groundsman until it is robustly discounted by the process which the Club have entrusted to SJR. Obviously over time things can be discounted quickly with sound background data.
Until that time, he can speak to the bus driver as far as I am concerned if it means we move forward!
14.) 21 Mar 2024 18:10:00
Really good post keefy.
2 ears one mouth. Use them in that proportion is good advice.
ahmad's banter posts with other poster's replies to ahmad's banter posts
07 Jul 2024 14:07:43
Speaking of cb's Serbian guy Pavlovic who plays for RB salzburg. left footer and very good player at 23.
Rumours Nc going for him. He will be a great buy at a very good price IMO.
1.) 08 Jul 2024 12:42:36
Notts County? Bit of a step down from Salzburg.
29 Jun 2024 10:02:02
{Ed025's Note - top 4 is a massive shout ahmad, City, Arsenal and Liverpool will almost certainly finish above you, so you are in the pool for 4th with the likes of Spurs, Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle mate, i would like to know what makes you think you will be better than them?
@Ed025
We had a pretty much dysfunctional line up every game last year. Some players came back late, some of our signings where injured and never really got going till later when others were out and we never really had a first 11 out that you thought that's our ideal line up. The injuries during the season kept coming and we could never get over it.
The teams you mentioned whilst had some injuries but never to the extend of what we had in terms of affecting the teams functionality. We played an aging DM and a 36 year old as our CB's pairing after all for a few games. It was more like who can we patch up and put out there for whatever minutes we can get out of them.
With some quality additions and no long term injuries to key players, we are not that far off. Its just my view and will probably get killed for it lol. We have a soft Centre when key players are not available and what's available is not good enough and need to fix that in this window. I rate Eth very highly as a coach and believe with the right players he will be a handful for anyone and has proved that.
I expect top 4 to be tussle with City, United, Liverpool, Arsenal. Not sure what to make of Chelsea as they have a new manager again and Liverpool needs to show they can transition from Klopp. Everyone knows how we did after Fergie but granted the guy coming in for Liverpool is inheriting a very good squad, set up and environment.
The rest of the teams you have mentioned will be tough especially away but not sure they can sustain enough form for top 4 finish in a long season especially with european football on their plate.
It will be a much more interesting discussion towards the end of august when we get a clear picture of what everyone has done in this window, until then its just a view.
1.) 29 Jun 2024 11:23:16
Excellent reply Ahmad.
Last season's injuries were ridiculous. We never fielded our best backline.
This year we finally have a proper structure in place with footballing people being appointed in key areas.
{Ed025's Note - i love the optimism guys but lets not get ahead of ourselves, unless you buy very big and are fortunate enough to get some of the Dutch Elm off the wage bill i dont see anything changing quickly im afraid, i would love to be wrong because the Premier league needs a strong United team but at the moment i just dont see it, but best of luck..
2.) 29 Jun 2024 13:57:59
To be honest, just trimming down the squad and having a normal amount of injuries next season should see us improve. If we can add 3-4 key signings as well then that will obviously help us improve all the more.
However, we have to remember that other teams are also going to improve. Newcastle had a similar issue with injuries last season to ourselves, if they have less injuries next season that would see them improve. They will also sign a few players no doubt.
Chelsea and Liverpool who knows whether they will improve or regress under their new managers. However, I'd argue both currently have a stronger squad than us, so if their managers hit the ground running and with a few new additions then they would both be likely to finish above us.
Villa have a very good manager who has worked wonders, they have also built a really good squad and continue to make some really astute signings (Ian Maatsen) who will further improve them. I wouldn't expect to see them drop off next season, meaning they will be right in the mix.
Spurs I feel are 50/ 50, I like Ange as a manager, but I do think he was overhyped last season. Probably because the press loved him. If Spurs get their recruitment right this summer they could be right in the mix next season, get it wrong though and it could all implode next season.
City and Arsenal will be the top two again by some distance next season. Great managers, great teams, well settled and likely to improve over the summer.
Which means there will be two UCL places up for grabs and 6 teams fighting it out for them (Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Villa, Spurs and United) .
I actually think our best route back into the UCL next season is by winning the Europa league. There is no drop down from the UCL next season. Which means that we are the biggest side in the competition, and have to probably start as the favourite for it.
If we finish 5th/ 6th with improved performances and win the Europa league next season that would be a very successful season.
3.) 29 Jun 2024 15:22:36
Are Liverpool almost certain to finish top 4? I like the manager, but this is a huge grey area especially with Salah's future bound to come under scrutiny again in the coming weeks. It could even depend on that.
4.) 29 Jun 2024 15:45:29
As things stand, I think we’re more likely to finish outside the top ten than inside the top four.
5.) 29 Jun 2024 15:59:50
Chelsea also had a similar amount of injuries to United and actually had more total days missed with several key players injured for most of their campaign. Would imagine if they can keep James, Chilwell, Nkunku, Lavia and Fernandez (was playing with a hernia injury for something like 6-8 months) fit then they’ll improve especially if they manage to sign a ST and GK.
6.) 29 Jun 2024 11:56:53
Agree with you 25, United needs to be looking at a mid-term approach and it seems that is what’s happening. Hopefully, the days of throwing silly money at graveyard galacticos is over.
It’s sensible to think that this new structure will take a couple of years to fully bed in. There will certainly be bumps in the road. Recruitment is the hardest part of running a business imo, I’ll be shocked if Ineos gets everything right straight away.
And that’s before looking at the playing staff. We have between 4-6 players who are any good, so it’s going to take a few summers to sort out. Again, we won’t get every signing right. That’s why I think a 3 year plan would be sensible.
{Ed025's Note - I’m with you Wazza mate..
7.) 29 Jun 2024 13:48:11
ED025,
I'm not expecting much either. It will be difficult to sell Casemiro, Sancho, Maguire, Ericsson, Greenwood etc.
I expect AWB an dpossibly Lindelof to leave soon, but if Celasemeiro was to go to Saudi I would have thought a deal would have been wrapped up pretty quickly by now.
{Ed025's Note - it won’t be easy to get rid of players with huge contracts MH, some think it will be easy mate…but most of us live in the real world..
8.) 29 Jun 2024 19:36:44
I’ve got an Ericsson you can buy, happy with my Nokia.
9.) 29 Jun 2024 20:39:17
I have UTD to win the league in an annual pick the winners of the four English leagues.
10.) 30 Jun 2024 05:27:23
CBs who can play a high line, DCM who is defensively responsible, can pass and can run. Another striker so that we have something extra we can always look to from the bench and anything else is a bonus this year.
Doing a lot of business is not always the sign of a team that will do well. We struggled last year with new striker and keeper. Chelsea changed too much and suffered.
We have a long way to go to get back to the top table in the epl, but we are now moving in the right direction.
11.) 30 Jun 2024 11:55:04
Dodgy, you're spot on. Evolution over revolution has always worked best.
The biggest issue we have is our bloated squad. Getting your ideas across is difficult and become watered down the more people you have to explain them to. While keeping the dressing room a tight knit group all pulling together in the same direction is also practically impossible with so many players. Especially as many of them won't play much.
Let's be honest if we sold/ let go any of Williams, Alvaro Fernandez, Pellistri, Donny, Hannibal, Gore, Forson, Shoretire, Greenwood or Sancho would we even need to replace them as between them they maybe player 350 minutes of first team football.
That's 10 players who had practically no impact for us last season and we wouldn't miss if they weren't here next season.
You could probably add Bayindir, Heaton and Martial to that list of hardly playing any minutes. Although they would need replacing as you need a second and third choice keeper and we need more than one striker.
Others like Lindelof, Eriksen and Amrabat also played limited minutes. Although would need replacing also.
We have 38 players in our first team squad, yet you tend to rely on around 18 or so the play the majority of the available minutes, with another 5 or 6 picking up minutes as squad players covering for injuries and playing games of lesser importance to allow the key players time to rest.
We need to work out who our core 18 are, which 5 or 6 players we need to cover and fill in the gaps, then let the rest go without replacing them.
Then we can look at that squad of 24-25 players and see which ones need/ can be sold and upgraded on.
If we upgrade 3 or 4 players who play considerable minutes and remove those that don't have play and just bloat the squad then we will be in a much better place. Which should result in better performances with players actually having time to be coached and take on board the tactics and instructions. While an improvement in the mentality and desire from players with them being a more united dressing room should also see an improvement.
Then next summer it'll be a case of replace 4 or 5 with better players more suited to how we want to play. With the same thing the following summer.
By which point we should have a core squad of 24 or 25 players, 12 to 14 of which have been brought in under the new ownership to suit the new squad they are looking to build. Along with the 5 to 8 players who might be good enough that they already have. Throw in a few academy players who might step up over the next couple of seasons and suddenly we have a squad that should be able to challenge for major honours. Assuming that the majority of the signings we make work out.
It's a medium term plan to rebuild the team that should bring in long term success.
But we can't be expecting instant success, title challenges are 2 to 3 years away. That's if everything goes to plan, which it won't. So 3 to 4 years is a more realistic expectation for our next serious title challenge.
Next year is about improving in all areas, hopefully securing top four, but accepting that will be a tough battle and we might well fall just short of top four. Yet 5th or 6th and being within 3-5 points of top four would show that we have made steps in the right direction. Hopefully we can win a third cup in three years under EtH along the way. Ideally the Europa League which would mean finishing outside of the top four won't be the financial challenge it could be as we'd still get UCL football.
26 Jun 2024 12:16:43
Lisandro Martinez getting rave reviews and starting for Argentina both games so far. Looks to be healthy and back to his best.
Hoiland getting slaughtered by Danish Media and having a very poor euros imo.
Also looks like we are going to fix the spine of the team given the news that is floating around and look like we are working to a plan.
Hoping we get Yoro and Zirkee.
Moratta is not a bad shout either and will do well in our set up. I know he can blow hot or cold and struggled in the pl before.
Hoping we see some outgoing sales.
1.) 26 Jun 2024 13:17:00
How much have you seen of zirkee?
I've seen little or nothing.
I'd he can't get into Dutch team ahead of depay and weggy it did not fill me with confidence in fact he was only a kate addition to an awful Dutch squad.
He didn't want to join injured and wants to sign for Milan as per ed002 so we will have to see what harpenden.
How much have you seen of yoro? Again I've seen little or nothing in bit a huge lille fan. 150m investment in those 2 alone your hoping for on a kid with potential and a striker that's not cobber himself in glory with a worse record than rasmus in seria A.
My only hope is that we get the players that the tech director and team have identified.
2.) 26 Jun 2024 13:17:19
Hope we get Yoro and Zirkzee, but Morata? Really?
3.) 26 Jun 2024 17:11:49
Tumble
Seen yoro play but not week in week out. Yoro handled mbappe in a game I saw pretty well and that was like wow given his age. Zirkee I have not seen but happy to here who you think we should be signing.
Yoro is another level to Branthwaite. So grossly overhyped imo and if we are going by who gets in and who does not talking of Zirkee, having dunk picked ahead of him then speaks volumes.
Zirkee was One of arsenals top targets and we have been scouting him so I assume we have seen enough to warrant the interest. If anyone can suggest a striker out there that is available and better option happy to hear. There is a lack of strikers generally and nothing ideal, unless someone is willing to fork out 120 mill for Osihmen.
Wazza
If we are tight on money then I can see why he makes sense as a short term solution for a season or two. He is not a dud and yes he can blow hot and cold but quite clever and good technically with link up play.
4.) 26 Jun 2024 19:07:02
I've no thoughts on who we should be signing at all ahmad. I couldn't care less who comes in to be honest. There are players out there I like and rate and players I'm not so keen on. But that won't come into the clubs thinking so it's totally irrelevant.
I'm not bothered about who comes in as long as they do well. It's a huge lottery we've seen players with huge fees and reputations come in and be rubbish and others come for less and do well. So I really couldn't care less until they have signed and we can see how they play.
I can't get too excited about players I've know nothing about looking for them to sign when I honestly wouldn't know enough to give an opinion on them.
5.) 26 Jun 2024 19:08:03
Morata too slow for the Premier League. We need fast attackers and I would much rather buy someone likely to get at least 20 a season which I don't think Morata will in our team.
With regard to paying high prices for Yoro I can't say whether he seems worth it or not as I have not seen him play. I do wish though that our scouting system could produce gems like Brighton seem to do instead of us always having to pay fortunes.
6.) 26 Jun 2024 21:33:00
Salford
RM don't generally buy duds. They are not willing to pay what lille wants but clearly have him as a top target. He is a very good player considering his age and him filling in. Very good defending crosses and good passer.
We will not get him by the sounds of it as he wants to go to rm and just a wish list player for me.
Watching Portugal and Silva having a mare of a game.
7.) 26 Jun 2024 21:52:40
We are not getting yoro so forget it, he’s Madrid bound. Hopefully we can push the issue and get some legal help on todibo. If we get him in then someone like inacio would leave us well covered at CB.
8.) 27 Jun 2024 01:56:57
By all accounts if we are in for two CBs they will be Branthwaite and a cheaper option I reckon. Branthwaite and Silva would be well over £100m, can’t see it myself.
9.) 27 Jun 2024 07:04:34
While I think Yoro looks to be a great young player with huge potential, I probably not look to buy him for a couple of reasons.
On the surface he seems like a he'd be a good signing. I really like his profile of CB and think his calmer more measured approach would pair nicely with Martinez. He is very similar to a young Varane in many ways.
However, he very clearly has his heart set on Real Madrid. Which means even if we did sign him (and he won't be cheap 60m plus price range), that he'd likely be looking to leave to join Madrid in a few years time. Does it make sense to spend big on a young player with potential to start rebuilding our side only for him to jump ship probably around the time we are actually ready to start challenging. We'd be doing the hard yards with him helping him develop only for Madrid to reap the rewards. Players who have their heart set on Real Madrid or Barcelona will invariably leave for and even push to leave for those clubs if there is a chance for them to move there. While we would then need to replace a key player in a key position.
The other reasons, and it's much less of a concern, is whether he'd would adapt to the EPL. Or how long might it take him to adapt to it. He's very young and would be joining the most physically demanding league in the world, with arguably the most attacking talent in the world. He would face fat more challenges than he has faced so far and under the microscope of playing for Manchester United and the intensity of the UK media. That's tough for a 22 year old player with 3-4 season's of top flight football under their belt. Let alone an 18 year old, with one season of top level football, while moving counties and having to adapt to a new culture.
There are others who have done it, like Ronaldo. Yet Ronaldo was playing in a far better team and had much less pressure and expectations to perform due to having world class teammates around him. He also played in a less vital position where mistakes don't directly lead to the team conceding goals.
Personally if we are going to spend 60m+ on a young CB this summer then we would be better off spending it on Branthwaite. A player who has huge potential, is more proven, and actually proven in the EPL, and would count towards our homegrown quota, while also able and comfortable to play on either side at CB. He's also less likely to jump ship to Real Madrid in three years time.
10.) 27 Jun 2024 10:35:54
Tumbleweed - where does 150m come from?
Zirkzee has a buy out clause of 40m EURO (approx 24m GBP)
Lille are asking between 60-70m EURO (approx 50-60m GBP) for Yoro.
As Ahmed said RM want this kid for a reason, he is young, fast, extremely good reader of the game and a good tackler.
Why wouldn't we be interested in him, that's not to say we will get him.
Just calm down a bit and take it easy! It's an poinion site my friend.
11.) 27 Jun 2024 13:48:00
Christ, has the pound crashed again? !
12.) 27 Jun 2024 21:13:22
Sim0 they don't play for nothing they need to get paid. And your f ex conversion rate is off as Patrick points out. If you read my post I never mentioned any fee just a Conservative guess at the total investment.
How can people express an opinion about players they have never or rarely seen? We can only trust in their judgement. They will have done their homework.
In the case of yoro he is well sought after and highly regarded obviously, but can he adapt to the epl? It's a whole different ball game, you don't see too many 18yo cbs come in and dominate. Who was the last one? It's very high risk for the sums involved imo.
He wants to go to Madrid and has made it known. If they don't come in for him the door may open for us or he might run his contract down and join them on a bosman next summer.
If our scouts or new management deem that they want any player in because they fit the plan and profile then I'm all in I don't care who it is.
13.) 28 Jun 2024 04:09:53
Yoro’s desire to go to Real has seen 2 sides step back from the transfer. Could be another Di Maria signing if United press ahead. Also pretty sure Lille were wanting €90m although it’s probably gone down a bit since.
Also Buy-Out clauses the player pays the club the money. IE Zirkzee would have to pay Bologna €60m out of his own pocket and the United would reimburse him. So you’d have to add tax to that amount. Would end up around €80m.
14.) 28 Jun 2024 11:30:25
Yes it was a misstype on the conversion Tumbleweed so kill me know lol.
Jesus mate you need to calm down.
15.) 28 Jun 2024 14:43:17
I'm super calm sim.
20 Jun 2024 19:39:21
Finished watching england and it was a really poor performance in terms of how little they create.
I wonder what palmer would do playing as a 10 instead of Bellingham and Gordon on the left. The current line up does not scare teams and has no pace to get behind teams later in this tournament when you come up against better midfields who will make it even harder. Strange set up to watch.
1.) 20 Jun 2024 20:02:14
Problems all over the pitch
Trippier at left back means no support further forward for whoever is on that wing
Play three at the back
Definitely need Gordon on to give some real pace and the ability to stretch the opposing defence
Foden or Palmer needs to be more central or ideally on the right side of centre midfield coming in to the centre like they do for City/ Chelsea
Bellingham looks absolutely shattered. He has had a huge season but it looks like it's catching up with him. Put him on the bench for the last game and if absolutely necessary bring him on with 20mins to go.
Saka also looks like he doesn't have enough gas in the tank to remain a threat for 90mins
Kane also looks well off the pace
Why not play Gordon left wing, Tony in the middle of the attack with Watkins on the right side of attack and let them interchange positions.
My team for the next match
Pickford
Walker Stones Guehi
Rice Mainoo Foden/ Palmer Gallagher
Watkins Tony Gordon.
2.) 20 Jun 2024 20:15:51
Jeez, relax, top the group and unbeaten aren’t you, expect to win Brazil 70 style every game you lot, just enjoy that you’re basically through.
3.) 20 Jun 2024 20:23:02
The narrowest team possible Salford?
4.) 20 Jun 2024 21:59:46
If I am playing 3 at the back I am playing Trent at right wing back.
5.) 20 Jun 2024 22:17:39
On the plus side, this will be Southgate’s last tournament. Last time we will have to watch his overly cautious, sideways and backwards football.
6.) 20 Jun 2024 23:58:09
England have always been cautious, it is what makes them so hard to watch.
Go 1-0 up, shut up shop. Idiots.
Agree, some either look tired, Jude saka etc or in the wrong position TAA, trippier.
The biggest issue with that performance was no palmer or Gordon.
Bowen was also ineffective when he came on, looked lost.
It is now a must win game, and Southgate will likely make a couple of changes, the LB will still be a problem, but maybe trippier can do a good enough job.
Pickford
Walker stone guehi trippier
Gallagher
Jude
Foden
Palmer Kane Gordon
They need to go with an attack minded approach.
7.) 21 Jun 2024 06:53:20
Pickford
Walker
Guehi
Trippier
Wharton
Mainoo
Bellingham
Palmer
Gordon
Kane
Saka.
8.) 21 Jun 2024 08:49:30
I assume you lot are just forgetting Rice rather than dropping him? Wharton and Gallagher ahead of him, absolute madness haha. Southgate is bad but some of these suggestions above I’d rather have him for the next 10 years than any of you. Imagine how much he would get slated if he went 3 at the back with no wing backs. The formation is fine, the style just isn’t quite working.
Is Slovenia a must win game? We are through even if we lose and we can still win the group even if we draw. Not my definition of must win, would be good if we could though and you’d assume we will have enough to beat Slovenia.
9.) 21 Jun 2024 11:03:15
GDS you're right I had forgot Rice! Switch him for Gallagher.
Not sure if Wharton can play at LB, but if he can, then swap for Trippier.
10.) 21 Jun 2024 12:27:45
I’m not forgetting Rice another overhyped bang average midfielder
He bores me to death
90 million doesn’t get you much these days.
14 Jun 2024 09:23:13
A great very detail piece by laurie whitwell from the athletic is really worth reading. gives a really good inside look at what is going on at United. Players, owners, manager etc etc.
1.) 14 Jun 2024 10:19:28
I agree Ahmed a really good balanced article detailing the various issues that have occured over the past season.
What stands out to me is that there is no single issue. Player power and attitude, managerial style not aligned to what all of the players needs, lack of structure above Ten Hag, injuries and medical staff issues, commitment and bad luck.
The positive is that if we are serious and can address all of these even if it takes time then we should see a real jump this season. It will be tough but so long as the right steps are made I am positive.
2.) 14 Jun 2024 11:49:19
Brad76
It kinds of connects a lot of dots and even the end of season review and amount of time it took. Its just a multitude of things that paints a picture that leaves me thinking we have a lot of stuff that needs fixing going forward and not just one thing or another.
3.) 14 Jun 2024 16:21:55
I do think ETH has tried very much to follow the directive to play an attacking style of play. Unfortunately that's a very big ask when you don't have any of your first choice defenders, and one of your key midfielders (Casemiro) doesn't have the legs for it. It's all very well he and Varane complaining that It's not the way Ancelotti coached, the basic reality is that RM is well established top European club whereas MUFC is clearly not. Obviously, in the last few games, with a title on the line, ETH reined in the attacking ambition and became totally pragmatic. So he can go that way, but tell me how many of you will applaud when he goes for that approach against a nominally weak team? Do we want a return to the pragmatic LVG days? How wonderful, we just beat Ipswich 1-0 at home with a break away goal after a demoing a defensive master class!
I do feel for those players who were disappointed by United's inability to recruit truly top team mates. But that's been a problem for a long while now. You may recall when Rooney went through a transfer saga with SAF. I seem to remember even back then there was talk of him being dissatisfied with the lack of top quality transfers. It's been a dominant feature of the Glazer ownership. No competition for top players up to the end of SAF's reign, then indecisiveness ultimately leading to resorting to over priced players who only came for the money, and were not acquired within the context of any thought out longer term strategy. Just big names, often in the twilight of their careers, whose principle value it seems was for the kit sponsors to sell more shirts. I think we fail to appreciate just how toxic the internal dynamics of the club had become in the eyes of outsiders. Why would a top manager or player choose United over City, Liverpool or any of the other major European powerhouses. And of course, FFP rules and the £1bn+ in debt only added to the problems.
Ineos have a lot to sort out. The most important challenge of all is theirs, restoring our credibility to the outside world.
13 Jul 2024 09:10:53
Romano just reported fee off around 10m euros permanent move with buy back clause. I think we are definitely buying two cb's by the looks of it and one of harry or lindelof will go once we secure deals. That will give us 4 Cb's with Evans being the stop gap as a fifth. Hope that's enough and not a repeat of last year and probably need someone from the youth team to provide minutes.
13 Jul 2024 08:08:59
Hard one. His work ethic is unquestionable but lacks passing skills and can look quite labored. All depends if cas goes imo and then would make sense to have him as a squad player plus a proper new number 6 coming in. By all accounts a good character and professional.
13 Jul 2024 06:24:10
I don't really care about the detail of what has happened and him being back and no issues with it. The realty is he has been poor for us even before the spat under previous managers barring the odd game and not sure he can cut it at united and hence selling him would be ideal.
11 Jul 2024 16:17:36
TRD
Where did you see that. Is it confirmed by a reputable journo?
10 Jul 2024 16:47:33
Even if we sign 2 cb's I don't believe we will sell both maguire and lindelof. we are still light and would probably keep one.
18 Jul 2024 05:22:17
You are spending way too much time about Real Madrid and him going there in a few years. He may end up being at the club for the next 10 years if he turns out to be what people think. Its a pointless conversation imo and most important thing is how well he settles down and adapts to the Pl and life in Manchester and at United. Winning trophies being happy and in general players mindset come into it when they decide to make a change. We are a massive club and not some transit station mid level team with little history.
18 Jul 2024 05:10:16
I will go on a limb here and say rash will have a big season and onana will be excellent Gulp:)
16 Jul 2024 12:13:49
Wazza
Managing an international team where you get the pick of the best there is and if you listen to the pundits and media this england team has generational talent all over the pitch and he can't get a tune of them. At club level you have to play and manage squads that are not necessarily the best players and add injuries to that too and sometimes no options. He will sink imo no matter how good a guy he is.
13 Jul 2024 06:19:45
shappy
You have clearly never watched yoro if you think he is a light weight. I can assure you he will not get tossed to the side like a box of kleneex like br did when he was covering halaand.
Your have an overly biased opinion of BR. Ask yourself something are all the scouts for Real, United, PSG, Liverpool wrong to be all in for yoro and why is no one else bidding or even trying for BR. He may be a good player but not at the crazy valuation they have on him. Bremer and Arujo are similar sort of number and they are worlds apart imo.
You keep going on about home grown, we don't need to have our pants pulled down to buy a British defender who will not start ahead of Martinez or Deligt if he comes and definitely not yoro. if we get Yoro imo its the biggest signing we have made in 10 years and buying someone who is potentially the best cb for many years in football. 42 mill euro given what players cost will look like chicken feed in a couple of seasons.
I would take Guehi if we are going english. The Serbian guy from RB who looks like going to AC milan or NC is great buy at 23 imo.
As you said new season and split opinion from the fan base.
12 Jul 2024 21:54:26
I think its just window dressing things. club will sell him if they can this window but finding it difficult to find buyers. I wonder why.