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25 Sep 2024 12:21:26
Hi Ed, are utd looking to sign Mastantuono in any of the coming two transfer windows?
{Ed002's Note - Franco Mastantuono (AM) Another kiddie of interest to Real Madrid and Chelsea after Chelsea failed to complete a deal in the summer when they were negotiating over another player and discussing a separate matter. Arsenal, Manchester City, PSG and Barcelona have all sent scouts. Manchester United had a high-end independent scout and ex-PL player look at him last season but it went no further. Cannot move to England until he is 18 but Chelsea will again look to an early agreement.}
1.) 25 Sep 2024 14:14:57
Thank you :)
21 Aug 2024 09:45:13
Good morning Ed002, is there any truth to our links with Atalanta's Ederson?
{Ed002's Note - Ederson (CM/DM) Has had a very good season and has attracted interest from Spurs, Newcastle, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. Barcelona have also sent scouts. Atalanta want to keep him and with Koopmeiners departing they may simply refuse to sell. With CL football and Gasperini staying put it makes it less likely he will be sold. I am not aware of Liverpool having made an offer but Manchester United and Spurs will push, and perhaps Aston Villa.}
06 Aug 2024 08:56:01
Some bits and pieces to start our morning:
It is understood that Mctominay had initial doubts about Fulham, earlier in summer and it dissuaded them as he looked for other options. Galatasary had appealed to him strongly with champions league football, as well as other clubs in PL, but those deals never materialized to offers for him to United. Seems he’s more open to Fulham now than before but it’s leaving a tinge of concern on if they don’t think he’s committed to them, but they’ve made 2 offers now so perhaps it’s alright. Continuing to talk and United think they'll make a 3rd offer, United would accept lower than earlier, around 25m pounds likely.
United have always had their cap on De Ligt, they expected they should be able to get him for 33-35m pounds up front, they’re okay reaching that 42m pounds asked for mark but with addons. It’s really about Bayern as we do not get the idea at all that United want to bend and go to 50m euros base fee, so its really up to Bayern. They will very likely make another offer in the next few days, they’ve made more checks on Branthwaite but it hasn’t appeared like a deal is to be made anymore.
Awb expected to join west ham in the coming days. Have not heard anything as of yet to change that plan, with Mazraoui all but lined up.
Being more flexible on Ugarte continues to be fairly contingent on Mctominay, the cost of the deal for a loan + obligation would be higher than they want. If Mctominay sold more structures of the deal become possible. Main option still.
New talks are set to occur with psg and continue once they (PSG) also spoken with the player this week and their stance has appeared more flexible. However utd will move on to other options if asking price is not renegotiated.
Chilwell may be a potential option for United at left back, he could be available on loan.
1.) 06 Aug 2024 10:48:57
The muppitiers is a great channel for getting info, been following him for years.
2.) 06 Aug 2024 11:05:26
Yeah he is very good. Seems to always have decent information and doesn't feed with lots of bull either.
Does a great podcast with Phil brown.
3.) 06 Aug 2024 11:17:21
Chilwell? Very good on his day, but he’s injured more than Shaw!
4.) 06 Aug 2024 12:47:20
Awesome update.
5.) 06 Aug 2024 15:19:33
Thanks for this mdb.
I find the Muppetiers totally plagiarise their content. Most of it they take from here with other snippets coming from big journos. I’m astonished they have the following they do.
If you reference their ‘info’ in accordance to when Ed posts stuff here, it is consistently 1 week or 2 later. I think they’re riding on the fortunes of others for self gain and I have 0 respect for them.
6.) 06 Aug 2024 16:14:29
He literally posted the info given on the muppitiers video scholesy
You can’t thank him then slag his source of info off ?.
7.) 06 Aug 2024 16:14:36
Spot on Scholesy - I believe they scour this site and then present Ed002's info as their own with a bit of story around it to present it as their own. I know because that's how I used to do my homework in school. I called them out on it years ago when they were just on reddit and they essentially made the claim that they know Ed002 and Ed002 is/ was providing the info directly to them which I'd be very surprised if that were true (only one person who can confirm or deny that though! ) .
8.) 06 Aug 2024 16:19:36
Just like fabrizo the know sweet fanny Adams and feed off the frenzy and thirst for snip bits by gullible people.
There are idiots like goldbridge and the likes making huge money just talking nonsense. Ranting like a spoiled child.
Fair play to them they have carved out their niche but make no mistake they know very little more than the average Joe and a lot less than ed002 for example.
9.) 06 Aug 2024 16:46:55
Not sure how much money he makes Ken. Think he has a full time job and this is more of a pastime. But he seems to be pretty knowledgeable.
Id trust that he is decent given the fact he does a lot of work with Phil Brown, someone who is a good guy and IMO doesn't work with idiots.
With regards to Fabrizio, journalists such as Whitwell and Ornstein tend to tip their hats to him and acknowledge that he gets a good few exclusives. So again, based on that, I'd say that they know a lot more than the average joe or ken ?.
10.) 06 Aug 2024 17:11:04
How many followers do they have?
11.) 06 Aug 2024 18:08:16
You tell me Ken.
Then you'll tell me you why you believe that's relevant. Then you'll tell me how I'm wrong.
But it will only be your opinion ?.
12.) 06 Aug 2024 18:31:10
There's been some top banter on here lately ?.
13.) 06 Aug 2024 18:48:49
What if James Rhodes is Ed002? ??.
14.) 06 Aug 2024 20:41:47
Bolger3 - you have totally misread my post. I attach 0 criticism to the original poster. Purely expressing my opinion on the source he mentions.
Chill.
15.) 06 Aug 2024 21:23:23
No angel it depends on how many filters they have as to whether they are making money. Anything over 500k followers they will be making 6 figures angina over a million and they will be making 250k plus.
I have 30 or 40 influencers and content creators on my books and the pay is very substantial once you have accumulated a million plus followers.
Most high profile football footballers or highly followed celebrities for example don't buy their own clothes or cars or pay to eat certain places all they need to do is endorse or post pictures etc.
If their sites are busy enough they will get plenty of payments.
16.) 07 Aug 2024 05:20:07
Pretty much all these sites are aggregators of what is out there as news and a lot of it can be debated if its accurate or has any basis. some present it as news and some like to present it like they have an inside line to United. Its the silly season as they say and lots of stuff out there and you will drive yourself crazy as a fan reading it all and best wait and see and club best source of what's real and ed002.
17.) 07 Aug 2024 09:20:28
Jesus, 90% of what anyone posts on social media, or in the print media is just farts in the wind. Regardless of who they are.
Romano has linked United with "interest" in over 20 players so far this window, he'll probably link us to another 10 or more before the window closes. While United will only sign 4 or 5 players. Meaning there will be 15 players or so he will have linked us with this window that the club don't sign. Farts in the wind.
I'm not saying he doesn't get some good information, but he makes money by people following him and interacting with his media. To do that he has to fluff out his media to keep getting people to come back every day.
Daily updates on multiple stories when in reality very little to nothing has changed, but he has to say something or his numbers drop.
This is the same with all of them. Try not to get your knickers in a twist with anything that is written in the media. Are we chasing Ugarte or will it be Berge or whoever. I take it all with a pinch of salt until they hold the shirt aloft at a press conference.
18.) 07 Aug 2024 12:01:55
Romano's X (Twitter) account makes him $1million a year, HERE WE GO! all the way to the bank, hopefully Ed02 gets something similar.
19.) 07 Aug 2024 17:05:07
Fair play to them they are creaming it and people actually follow and believe them its gas. They are not hurting anybody and could be up to a lit worse.
20.) 07 Aug 2024 19:07:35
What platforms are these ken? i'd like to know so I can tell the few I know with millions of followers to get on them. Because the ones I know do not make anywhere near 6 figures.
21.) 07 Aug 2024 19:08:38
Like the good old days AJH.
22.) 07 Aug 2024 19:59:46
Primarily tik tok or Instagram angel. If you know anybody with a million followers not making 6 figures then send them my way.
23.) 08 Aug 2024 07:51:50
Haha will do ken!
29 Jul 2024 17:35:23
A round up news from some outlets, for what they're worth .
Awb departure is being lined up and club are planning for it now. He is very much expected to depart as is Victor lindelof though a deal for Awb with mazraoui coming in is closer at this stage.
Ugarte remains the top target in midfield, but has to be at the right price. They won’t just overpay beyond their valuation which is much lower than 70m. Alternative names may be considered as fall back options.
However, once psg complete the move for Joao Neves and united return from tour there should be further talks. If it is a permanent deal of significant cost, it will likely require a departure. Scott Mctominay could be sold if a good offer came in for him, Erik ten Hag has accepted that this may be necessary to continue his plans even though he likes Scott.
Sources also indicated that Casemiros departure seems very unlikely at this stage and they are looking at how they can get the best out of him. This is expected to have a significant effect on spending ability (ie limiting) . We MUST sell to buy.
Targeting at least 2 more signings, prior to the injury to Yoro. But sales are key.
The early indications on Yoro were a foot injury. But they’ll be doing/ done scans and we hope to have some answers this evening for him and Hojulnd, which seems to be a hamstring pull but first indications were minor.
PAOK interested in Pellistri, don't know how far this will get.
24 Jul 2024 11:49:11
Some titbits I read and decided to share:
The Club will want a new deal for Bruno end of summer. Maybe an additional year to 2027 with a better performance incentive package. Under his current deal they'll have to talk about selling next summer to get maximum value and they don't want to prioritize that in 2025. Will be discussions when he returns. United not wanting to sell any major players now. But if he wanted to leave and brought a big offer they'd consider it.
Amad new deal as mentioned some time ago, definitely will be discussed end of summer and he's had assurances from the hierarchy of his importance to the team.
Midfield situation is challenging, lot of options explored but nobody really convinced at the prices. Will need to sell to buy anyone significant, which we already know.
LB situation very live and very plausible. If we can move AWB to West Ham, they're still considering players like Mazroui, KWP or someone else.
De Ligt would need to be again at an opportunity price to be signed, especially post Yoro. Not 50m+. Ugarte in similar boat, opportunity pricing, that's part of why 'they're not totally convinced. '
As mentioned before, there were no "plans" to sign Amrabat or activate his option. Really would be surprised if anything happens here but could be an emergency fallback, vs just bringing Collyer in. Know with some certainty that most don't really want to sign him. Ten Hag still a big fan.
1.) 24 Jul 2024 13:06:29
United are is a difficult position and this was always going to be the toughest summer.
The squad needs totally rebuilding, yet it can't all be done at once. When players deals run out will have as big a say on the comings and goings as their ability or suitability this summer.
As will who wants to go and who wants to stay, as well as who is available and who is willing to join.
Money is tight and cannot afford to be wasted, the knock on effects of signing the wrong players for big fees is what has got us in this mess and it absolutely has to stop if we are to get out of it.
I think who we sign will very much depend on what opportunities present themselves this summer, it will be what is the best value for money deal for a player who improves the team and has some level of longevity as a signing.
I don't see us signing players just to fill out the squad, we already have a bloated squad. So there is no need to make signings for signings sake. They have to have a definitive purpose/ role in the squad that needs filling.
It's why fullback is probably the hardest position for the club to recruit this summer. As when fit Shaw and Dalot are probably good enough for next season and are not priorities to replace. While Malacia and AWB are fine as back ups for now. The problem is AWB is out of contract next summer and this is the last chance to sell him and raise some funds. While Malacia has been out injured for over a year. Yet the club don't really have the funds to justify spending a large amount on a new fullback, and they don't want to spend 20-25m on someone who isn't good enough to be first choice and likely never will be.
Players like Frimpong (personally a poor fit despite being a great player), and Ait-Nouri have been mentioned, but the club can't afford to spend 40-50m on a fullback this summer.
Maybe one to keep an eye on is Ferdi Kadioglu, as he has potential to improve and become better, can cover both LB and RB and wouldn't cost a huge amount. Realistically the club cannot afford to spend more on a full back then they would receive from selling AWB.
2.) 24 Jul 2024 17:48:52
Personally I think the midfield is the toughest area to strengthen this season.
We desperately need a No6. Amrabat becoming more attractive each day if we can grab him for £15m or so if PSG are holding out for £50m for Ugarte. Unless there’s some mileage in swap deal of sorts for Sancho.
3.) 24 Jul 2024 18:35:46
Honest to god amrabat had like 2 good games end of the season and everyone seems to have forgotten how crap he was for the rest of it.
We need a couple of players in midfield you'd want to replace Eriksen, McTominay, and Casemiro.
Been linked to Ricardo Rios but only seen stuff on twitter so no idea if it's true, the youtube videos show good attributes but that's all they're designed to show supposedly had a good copa.
4.) 24 Jul 2024 19:51:04
Ferdi Kadioglu is a good shout Shappy, he should be next into the stable.
I'd keep McTom for another season vs CAS or Eriksen, purely based upon salary and a portion of ability. (Yes I know McTom is also a bit of a donkey and a bit crap) . But Eriksen and CAS are done at this level in my opinion, especially the latter and especially on his wages.
Ugarte made sense, if we aren't going after Neves (my preference), especially if it means we can farm out someone else from the stable (Sancho to PSG) . I don't buy the Simons and Bruno swap interest, and I rate Bruno a lot higher than Simons, at the PL level.
From memory to be farmed out
AWB
Lindelof
Maguire
Casemiro
Eriksen
Sancho
Those 6 need to not be at the club in a few weeks.
Ferdi Kadioglu
Ugarte
MDL/ JB - both if the above outs all happen and there is enough dosh.
Promote from below for the gaps, Colyer for instance.
That would be a stellar end to this first window.
5.) 24 Jul 2024 20:49:54
I don't see us replacing Eriksen, Casemiro AND McTominey.
I'd say at least one of the three, maybe two. McTominey would be my preference to keep.
If we can get Ugarte or someone similar we should be ok, and I don't think 50m sounds unreasonable for Ugarte.
6.) 24 Jul 2024 21:08:52
Left back is an interesting one. Perhaps another Reguilon type player loan deal is in the pipeline as back up to Shaw as really no idea how long Malacia will be out for. His recovery timeline will determine that type of transfer but sadly not looking good for him that’s for sure.
7.) 24 Jul 2024 21:25:01
I see hanko as a good option.
8.) 25 Jul 2024 13:14:22
Utd Road, Hancko looks like potentially a decent option for a reasonable price (25-30m at most) .
He's done well at Feyenoord, but he is a player who turns 27 in December, and his only previous experience in one of Europe's top 5 leagues was 5 appearances for Fiorentina between 2018 and 2021.
Maybe he's a late bloomer, or maybe he's just a decent squad option. If he signed maybe he'd do well in the EPL, or maybe he'd struggle like many players who have moved to the EPL from one of Europe's less competitive leagues.
For a relatively small fee he might be worth a punt, especially as he can cover both LCB and LB.
If he isn't good enough then you still stand a chance of selling him in a year or twos time for close to what we bought him for (18-20m maybe) .
What we don't want to do though is pay a high price (40-45m) for him, as unless he steps up and becomes a top player then he'll always be either an expensive option to sit on the bench, or an expensive flop the club get stuck with.
I'm really interested to see how Mats Wieffer does at Brighton this season. Like Hancko he looked very good in a Feyenoord side that dominated the Eredivisie. Only playing a couple of sides (Ajax and PSV) who might stand a chance of not getting relegated from the EPL.
Whether they can play as well against sides they won't absolutely dominate remains to be seen.
mbd's banter posts with other poster's replies to mbd's banter posts
28 Aug 2024 12:19:43
Hi Ed001 and fellow posters, would you say there is much difference between Ugarte and Lucas Torreira?
{Ed001's Note - not a lot, but I would say Ugarte is a better version.}
1.) 28 Aug 2024 13:45:07
I like Ugarte and am partial to an agressive south american midfielder. He will cover a lot of ground and will dove tail well with Mainoo.
He is not the fancy progressive ball playing midfielder that others have looked at but he is more than comfortable on the ball and will not go hiding in the build up play. Mainoo will be freed a bit to be that progressive ball player.
When you consider he is replacing McTominay we are getting an upgrade in all aspects, other than the amount of goals that McTominay got last year. but other than that (which were key) he offered little.
We should be less over run than last year, not concede as many shots on target and between him and Martinez could form quite a dynamic/ agressive block in HM/ CD allowing De Ligt to sweep back.
03 Jul 2024 20:02:14
Hi Ed001
I copied this from a post elsewhere and figured you'd enjoy it if you haven't already read it.
Patrick Kluivert's consolation goal against England ??????? at Euro 96 helped the Netherlands ?? to progress to the quarterfinals. At 19 he was already a well established star for club and country after his match-winning cameo in the champions league final for Ajax in 1995 against Milan.
He also went on to shine for Barcelona in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He also was one of Netherlands main stars at World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000. but his star declined sharply by the time Euro 2004 arrived. He didn't play a single minute in Portugal despite making the Dutch squad.
It was the turn of another Dutch striker to shine. Van Nistelrooy finally appeared for the Netherlands at a major tournament at last aged 27. Despite making his international debut aged 22 in late 1998, he missed Euro 2000 because of a serious knee injury and the Dutch didn't qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
Van Nistelrooy made full of use of his appearances in Portugal scoring 4 goals in five appearances as the Netherlands reached the semifinal of Euro 2004.
While Euro 2004 was viewed as Kluivert's swan song on the international stage, it heralded Van Nistelrooy's arrival at big international tournaments. He went on to appear for the Oranje at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 scoring one and three goals, respectively. He went on to enjoy a long club career until his retirement in 2012 aged 36.
Both Kluivert and Van Nistelrooy were born on the same day on July 1st 1976 as they turn 48 today. However, their career trajectories were completely contrasting as Kluivert's career nosedived by the time he was 28. On the other hand, van Nistelrooy's career blossomed when he was 25 as he secured his big transfer to Manchester United in 2001.
Happy birthday to both Dutch legends!
{Ed001's Note - van Nistelrooij was a special player, recovering from a knee injury that often ended careers in those days to become one of the best modern strikers. Kluivert had the talent but not the mentality sadly. He didn't want to put in the work and faded quickly. It got so bad he ended up at Newcastle bless him!}
1.) 04 Jul 2024 09:33:07
Well said and ouch lol.
2.) 04 Jul 2024 12:12:19
RVN was something else! Coming back from an ACL at that time was special. Same with Keano, elite mentality.
I'm currently going through the rehab of a fully ruptured ACL, and it's tough. But with modern medicine today, you can get through it.
Back then, it took special characters.
05 Jun 2024 17:47:41
Ed 001, would I be right in saying Kobbie Mainoo and Joao Neves are similar players?
And if so, will playing both of them in the same team (Utd) be tactically smart?
{Ed001's Note - from what I have seen of Neves, he does seem to be fairly similar in role and style. It can work, but it makes more sense to look for players to compliment Mainoo's skillset with a differing one, imo. It doesn't matter how good a player is, you don't really need two the same. You really want players that mesh to get the best out of them.}
1.) 05 Jun 2024 20:13:18
I wonder if mainoo will replace Bruno eventually and play a little further forward.
I suppose it very much depends on who he is playing for and what system they prefer.
I'm not suggesting a toti type no 10.
It's probably way too early to define where he will end up, I see something in his inter play in tight areas around the box that leads me to think he will develop that side of his game to a high standard.
His longer range passing has not been evident but that can be down to the role he is playing. He should be in no rush to pigeon hole himself just yet.
There are some players I really just like watching in the epl. They have that little something so natural looking and it's all fun and easy.
Mainoo catapulted himself into that list very early on.
Foden rohdri vvd (prime) odengard maddison mcallister Bruno G, are others I like to watch as at times the make things look so easy and that's not easy?.
2.) 05 Jun 2024 21:07:04
I'd disagree, in that Mainoo Neves and Bruno provide a midfield that has all the attributes required, as a collective.
Overlaying all their attributes, they actually are near perfect.
Of course, they have to help together, but my position there is that there is already playing relationships, with Bruno being the link between the two as in Portugal/ United. Another good reason to keep Bruno, and have him assist in bonding Mainoo/ Neves together.
3.) 05 Jun 2024 22:35:45
Mainoo and Neves are similar players with similar skill sets. Neves I think is slightly more suited to playing as the holding/ shielding midfielder and Mainoo more as a floating box to box player, yet both are technical players who have great skills and reading/ understanding of the game, they are hard workers with a great attitude. What both of them lack though is physicality. Neither are tall, strong, athletic or particularly quick players.
I agree that we need to add some physicality to our midfield, ideally without losing any technical ability.
I like Neves, he looks a phenomenal talent, but I don't think he's the right profile of player to partner Mainoo.
4.) 05 Jun 2024 23:52:51
Shappy, I agree.
Neves in the DM position
Mainoo in the B2B
Bruno in AM
Neves frees Mainoo up. He plugged the hole in DM this season, but that is not his position.
5.) 06 Jun 2024 10:21:15
Jim, I don't think Neves can play DM, he always has a DM playing alongside him.
6.) 06 Jun 2024 13:20:25
Xavi and Iniesta shared some similarities.
I’d back these lads to figure it out.
7.) 06 Jun 2024 15:48:11
UTD Road yes they did and they had Busquets sitting deep behind them. Same way Kobbie and Bruno need a good DM behind them.
Joao Neves has Palhinha playing that role in Portugal's national team and he has Florentino doing same in Benfica.
As much as I like Neves I also believe we need a good DMF in our team.
8.) 06 Jun 2024 18:43:54
Both Mainoo and Neves require the same thing in a midfield partner, someone who has a bit more physicality and athleticism to pair with their technical quality.
Both Mainoo and Neves can be physically bullied, both are hard workers, and neither shy away from a battle. But ultimately they will come off worse 9 times out of 10 against a player 3-4 inches taller and two stone of muscle heavier.
The problem with having them both play together is the third midfielder will absolutely have to be the muscle and be a tough battling, physically imposing, athletic monster. Which means one of Mainoo or Neves will need to play as the more offensive attacking midfielder. Maybe Mainoo could develop that side of his game, but he looks far more suited to being that facilitating box to box player. Allowing him to make the most of his ability to progress the ball forward by giving him the licence to be where he needs to be during any stage of the game to do so.
The EPL player Mainoo reminds me of most is Fabregas. I remember when he was a young player (17/ 18 years old) and he started to play regularly for Arsenal. Good on the ball, but just a really intelligent reader of the game, wise beyond his years. Mainoo like Fabregas could do a job as a No.10, but playing him that far forward negates many of his best aspects, and limits his ability to impact the game.
Fabregas could and did on many occasions (more as he got older) play as that controlling No.6 with a more defensive No.8 along side him. Yet really he was best when he was the No.8 and he had a more physical midfielder alongside him. At Arsenal that was Gilberto Silva.
I think if we want to see the best of Mainoo then we need to find him a modern equivalent of Gilberto Silva. Someone with the physicality, athleticism and defensive nous to given him the freedom to move where he needs to be to be most effective.
From what I've seen of Joao Neves he isn't that guy. As mentioned above neves has thrived with his version of Gilberto Silva alongside him, be that either Florentino at Benfica or Palhinha for Portugal.
Phenomenal player that Joao Neves is, he doesn't look like the right fit for what we need to partner with Mainoo. When you factor in the price he becomes an extravagant expense that will not bring value for money in terms of improving our team. I could probably find 50 players for half the price that are more suited and as such would improve us more than Neves (despite them being far less talented) .
9.) 06 Jun 2024 23:08:37
All depending of course on the system which is to be implemented and the manager charged with implementing that system by the new DoF.
10.) 06 Jun 2024 23:17:53
Mbd/ shappy, he is a defensive midfielder who has additional attributes to play a bit further forward, if say, a Paulinho is available to allow the team to benefit from his additional attributes.
This is a team sport and the attributes of Bruno, Mainoo and Neves provides a formidable midfield.
Neves has the combative side to his game that people believe we need, he also has the intelligence, as does Mainoo to realise if one or the other is found to be pressing, the other won't go with them and leave a gaping hole.
As someone said, I would trust these two to figure it out between them.
11.) 07 Jun 2024 12:38:57
I understand you Jim, but that was why I started this off with a question to Ed which pretty much confirmed what I thought. Mainoo needs someone to compliment him, not another similar to him.
12.) 08 Jun 2024 11:04:52
Yes, again, they aren't as similar as people are making out.
Neves literally compliments Mainoo and helps him to play to his strengths.
19 Apr 2024 11:38:48
Hi Ed001, can you give me your opinion on Joao Neves please? I know you probably have a long list of players to do profiles on, I was hoping for a tit bit in the mean time :)
{Ed001's Note - excellent technique, good range of passing and vision, but lacks a bit of mobility. Quite similar to Mac Allister in a lot of respects.}
1.) 19 Apr 2024 12:19:16
Kind of reminds me a bit of Ander Herrera from when I've watched him. Pretty physical for a small guy and I do think he has good potential, just depends where he goes next.
{Ed001's Note - you know what I was half asleep when I typed that and I realise I was talking about Ruben Neves not Joao Neves. You are closer, he is more workmanlike, good mobility, works hard, puts himself about, good touch and decent passing range. My apologies for the confusion.}
2.) 19 Apr 2024 12:23:36
Thanks pal, so he isn't an out and out DMF more of a CM?
{Ed001's Note - I have to apologise, I was misreading when I typed that, but Joao Neves I would see as more of a CM who can break up play. Like Caicedo, Kante etc, they play better with a deep-lying player alongside them to free them up to get about the pitch. Herrera as Elvis mentions is a good example.}
3.) 19 Apr 2024 13:40:04
His highlights reel is fantastic. but then they all are lol.
A player to watch for sure but I hope we don't blow so much budget on any one player, we need so much.
4.) 19 Apr 2024 15:14:20
No troubles at all Ed001, you are human after all :)
{Ed001's Note - there are a lot of people that would dispute I am human.}
5.) 19 Apr 2024 18:04:02
Herrera isn't small, he is 6 feet tall.
{Ed001's Note - I think slight is what he meant, small as in build rather than height.}
19 Mar 2024 10:40:03
Thank you for the great update Ed 002. It is much more detailed that what i have been able to gather, so it is very much appreciated.
From what i have read and heard; it appears our main targets are RW, 1-2 midfielders and 1-2 CBs (which of course is a subset of Eds valuable info)
Varane's future seems in the balance a bit. Olise, Branthwaite are names that keep popping up.
We are told usually during this international break there's a fair bit of work done on really nailing down plans for the next steps in recruitment. As between now and May, contacts will be made confirm interests and start talks, get prices and begin approaching the subject.
My only concern in all these targets I see is the lack of a striker, won't that make us over reliant on Hojlund?
1.) 19 Mar 2024 13:26:43
Feels like we will be looking at HM/ CB/ RW as starters with possible additional players for development/ rotation at CB/ CM/ Striker.
Depending on outgoings could be places up for grabs from the youth set up or more ins.
Can't all be solved in one window so expect the plan to cover 2 summers with winter window any pickups that may come available but would sooner we don't need to do that.
2.) 19 Mar 2024 14:38:41
mbd, I'm fairly sure the club will look to bring in a striker. However, despite the lack of options currently at the club at CF we do have Højlund who is and will be first choice. While we have several other areas in the first 11 that needs to be up graded.
It'd be madness for the club to focus on bringing in a player to sit on the bench over bringing in a player to improve the first 11 and start most weeks.
Therefore, a CB partner for Martinez, a midfield partner for Mainoo and a RW starter to replace Sancho/ Greenwood/ Antony must be the priorities. If Onana leaves then GK becomes an obvious priority as well.
Once those deals are done then we can look at what other areas of the squad need improving. With ST, CM, CB and possibly fullback. All dependent on departures, players available and finances of course.
3.) 19 Mar 2024 15:31:02
It's so hard to know Brad.
So much depends on who leaves and what fees we get.
The eds list is pretty comprehensive but there are so many unknowns.
Can't wait for 31st Aug tbh.
4.) 19 Mar 2024 17:57:55
Why do you think Onana will leave?
5.) 19 Mar 2024 19:22:22
Dodgy, I hope he doesn't but Ed002 said that it's a possibility this summer.
6.) 19 Mar 2024 21:23:50
Shappy,
When did ed002 say that? that's a strange one. I actually like him more and more every passing game now and think he is going to be really good for us in a better team.
There is so much stuff everyday about united and latest being about Greenwood coming back. Hard to make sense of what true and what's just bs.
One thing for sure, we will have a better team/ squad after the summer and let's see what happens.
7.) 19 Mar 2024 22:07:20
I am coming round to Onana but he does faff about with it when he has clear outlets. The frustration was tangible on a number of occasions at the weekend.
8.) 20 Mar 2024 10:03:30
It could be any number of things with Onana. The new people in charge might not rate him. It could be the uncertainty surrounding manager who signed him. Ability of the squad to compete for trophies. Not liking the atmosphere in the dressing room. Or possibly not liking Manchester.
I think he has shown a lot of character in fighting his way back to form. But players leave clubs, so wadda ya going to do huh?
9.) 20 Mar 2024 10:05:10
Onana is improving as the season goes on and I don't think we will see the best of him until next season. The risk is if EtH does leave does the new manager like him.
He has a unique style that can look ugly when it goes wrong which does not help and he has been playing in a system with players that do not suit his best atributes.
I am looking forward to next season when we will hopefully have another CB comfortable on the ball, Martinez back from injury and a settled back 4 with Dalot/ Shaw. Alongside that a developing Mainoo who is comfortable playing out from the base of midfield. We will then see the benefit of his ball playing atributes alongside him being more comfotable with the premier league.
25 Sep 2024 14:14:57
Thank you :)
31 Aug 2024 08:07:18
The Barbarian .
21 Aug 2024 14:20:47
Ork, from your analysis am I right in thinking Ederson is like Fred in terms of where and how he plays?
23 Jul 2024 14:03:47
GDS, haven't u noticed the difference in our team when he plays and when he does not? He may have his flaws, but his positives more than make up for it.
23 Jul 2024 10:18:59
In my opinion, I think Bruno will stay, he was with us during the gloomy days, why leave when there seems to finally be a ray of light?
25 Sep 2024 12:19:41
Nitpicking Redman?
24 Sep 2024 09:39:54
Not a victim mentality as much as double standards. Haaland telling arteta to stay humble? He will have no sympathy from me if he gets what happened to rodri, maybe he will learn humility.
19 Sep 2024 16:44:42
Was thinking this would be an 'of all time' list but as i read I understood it is a current list. Of all time would be an even bigger task, I assume.
I wonder Ed, would coaches like Aliou Cisse, Zlatko Dalic and Walid Regragui make it into your top 15? I think I would have Cisse in top ten.
{Ed001's Note - I did consider Cisse, he was very close to making it.}
12 Sep 2024 14:03:03
Depends on for whom .?
09 Sep 2024 17:09:07
Thanks Ed, have missed these.
{Ed001's Note - nice to know they are missed. People normally just complain about the links showing up all the time!}