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spenno's rumours posts with other poster's replies to spenno's rumours posts
29 Aug 2023 11:15:10
Another day and another link to a former ten Hag player in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (formerly of Bayern reserves) .
I think he's been ok for Spurs in recent seasons but Postecoglu wasted little time in revamping that midfield to something more energetic, which is pretty much something we all crave in the Utd team.
1.) 29 Aug 2023 11:29:39
The key is to ignore everything the media and Twitter says and believe only when a player signs on the dotted line. 99% of what we hear is made up.
2.) 29 Aug 2023 11:31:36
The pretty obvious ploy to buy players with a previous connection to ETH is a concern for me. It is too much like surrounding himself with who he knows. Maybe the scouting system has been poor but surely this isn’t the way forward. Whilst unlikely, if ETH leaves we have his core players who likely would all be unhappy. I am uneasy about this strategy.
3.) 29 Aug 2023 11:38:38
Isn't there a big difference between the myth of EtH signing players he has worked with before and the reality.
Didn't someone on here go through the list the other day and it came out it was only around 30%, sorry I forgot who it was.
4.) 29 Aug 2023 11:47:38
Red Man, Martinez Anthony and Onana are the only player who have any connection to Ten Haag and are all very good signings. Casemiro, Mount, Malacia, Hojlund, have never had any link to Ten Haag and are also very good signings. As I said above everything else is just noise. The media make things up every day. Every day that passes were supposedly in talks with or have interest in a different player. If we were to sign every player we were linked with by the media I’m not sure there would be any players left to play for any one else.
{Ed002's Note - Hojlund has.}
5.) 29 Aug 2023 11:49:18
Tagliafico has also been linked today. I get the manager trusting players he’s managed previously but this is piss poor from the clubs scouting department and Ten Hag if it turns out to be true.
6.) 29 Aug 2023 11:50:23
If he comes in purely as the rotational option to Casemiro for under £15m, I’d be delighted. Premier League experienced, a leader and has an excellent habit of putting his foot in and keeping the ball simple.
However, if it’s to come in and play ALONGSIDE Casemiro, I’d be worried as we’d be far too static and unimaginative in the middle.
Overall I feel it’s probably just a story we’ve leaked to put further pressure on Fiorentina to reduce the Amrabat price, like we did with Caicedo/ Mount and Ramos/ Hojlund.
Whatever happens, this squad desperately needs a backup no.6.
7.) 29 Aug 2023 12:06:16
Embarrassing.
Mediocre player at best.
We are scrambling around enquiring about Spurs leftovers.
8.) 29 Aug 2023 12:10:28
Seems like more than just noise on this occasion, looks like a legit target. Dunno if it's a case of one of Hjojberg / Amrabat / Gravenberch or whether it could be two.
9.) 29 Aug 2023 11:57:25
Oh right, where Ed? Never heard of any links before now.
{Ed002's Note - Bayern Munich.}
10.) 29 Aug 2023 12:42:10
JE888 - Malacia and Mount he observed when in Holland. EtH was very impressed with Mount when at Vitesse. So there are links.
I bet if we had more money he would take more chances, but I guess he needs to be extra careful with every signing, therefore goes by what he knows.
Not sure I like this for every signing. Hopefully this will change when we are free from the stranglehold of the Glazer family.
{Ed002's Note - Far from even being tenuous.}
11.) 29 Aug 2023 12:58:03
Indeed.
I guess journalists can find links anywhere if they look hard enough.
ED002, will you be travelling Thursday or will you be with us for deadline day?
{Ed002's Note - I will generally be around this week.}
12.) 29 Aug 2023 12:58:11
The media are doing some nonsensical reporting about some of the players we're linked with having some connection with Ten Hag.
Cucurella is apparently wanted because he had a good game against Ajax 3 years ago and Ten Hag has fond memories of this. Absolute rubbish.
13.) 29 Aug 2023 13:21:55
Actually he hasn't signed a huge number of players he has worked with before, no more than other managers.
While I find the idea that it is frowned upon that he is maybe using links and previous understanding when signing players he maybe hasn't worked with.
Him having a network of people who can grease the wheels and help get deals done for players the club have identified is a benefit to us not a hindrance.
While him maybe having a greater understanding and having observed a player more closely previously is also not a bad thing. It means he has seen something in them that he feel the current side need.
Pit it like this, you are presented with player A someone who meets the criteria you have asked for, and you are presented with player B, also a player who equally meets the criteria set out but he is a player you have personally observed and have seen first hand that they possess the skills you are looking for.
Which one makes most sense to sign? Player A represents more of a gamble as there could be confusion between what the manager has asked his scouts to look for and what they think they need to look for. While the manager can be far more confident that player B does have the skills he is looking for.
To suggest the manager should just go with option A is to suggest for him to have more faith in a scouting network, that has pulled up some absolutely shocking signings over the past decade, than the manager has in his own ability to recognise the requisite skills he needs.
I wonder if Arsenal fans felt the same way back in the 90's when Arsene Wenger was using his knowledge of French football and his connections to sign players like Henry, Viera, and Pires?
14.) 29 Aug 2023 13:25:54
Rjmanutd, yes some of the links are getting a bit silly now agreed. Journalists are trying to find links everywhere. Next it'll be EtH watched the player on TV ?
Good news Ed002 is about for deadline day. Can remember when he broke what Wenger shouted at SAF in a London pub (I think) or hotel bar perhaps regarding Van Persie.
15.) 29 Aug 2023 13:33:36
One advantage you get from knowing the player personally is knowing their personality, their attitude and their mental abilities. You can get reports about this, but no one knows better than yourself when making a judgement.
However you do have to take chances on unknown players as you have to widen the talent pool.
16.) 29 Aug 2023 13:54:27
The links to ETH bear out what I've been suggesting, that our scouting/ recruitment system has been completely broken under Woodward. There has been no continuity, no adaptation to the post Northern European centric system that served SAF so well. Now we have to rely almost entirely on the manager to come up with names. It's a step forward from the CEO doing it. At least he's recruiting in accordance with a footballing strategy rather than with an eye to shirt sales. But for the club to really recover from the Woodward era we're going to need to look further afield than those with whom ETH has had previous connections. Eventually he'll run out of them. Then what? I think we're still way behind in this area.
17.) 29 Aug 2023 14:44:47
Contrary to posts above, there is a theme running through the players ETH is looking at. The Manchester evening paper has this very day written a piece about it naming the connections and how this strategy is limiting us. I agree and taking someone not good enough for Spurs is a joke quite honestly. The strategy is flawed and someone needs to grab it before it goes too far.
18.) 29 Aug 2023 14:45:32
Shappy, there's a difference between Arsene Wenger using his knowledge of French footballers and seeking out opinions on the players you mentioned, and Arsene Wenger bypassing those players to only sign ones he's worked with previously. Not what I was suggesting at all.
19.) 29 Aug 2023 14:49:25
Signing Malacia was using 'his knowledge' and networking to only sign Dutch players which of course I'd expect from a manager who has been working in that league for two years.
He seems to prefer moving for players he's worked with in person, bit like Danny Ocean. Understandable in a heist but seems like a bit of a restriction and oversight in a sporting environment.
20.) 29 Aug 2023 14:56:15
Spenno, it may be a money thing. It's easier to bring in players who you know. Easier for them to settle and there is little risk regarding their mentality.
But it really does limit our access to the larger talent pool.
Perhaps if we had more money. Needed less work on our squad, he would look further afield. ?♂️.
21.) 29 Aug 2023 16:11:00
Sydney
More money? We have spent what, £500m, on players at ETH instruction. The Glazers are a poison but ETH has spent on players he feels comfy with, that is a limitation which is a real concern. Let’s see if £85m on Antony was really worth it in the coming months. There has to be someone at the club with concern or at least uncomfortable that players generally have had to be connected to the manager to be seen as suitable. The only proviso is whether someone at the club wants to make ETH feel comfortable, but that would be amateur.
22.) 29 Aug 2023 17:33:58
Half a billion hardly smacks of Glazers not releasing money, my concern is the players we keep buying are bang average, and I don’t get hoe Ten thinks these players are good enough! I know we need numbers but to me it should be quality over Quantity I keep being told they need to settle well Sancho now had years, Antony now in 2nd year Malacia is not good enough, neither is AWB and we spend huge money on these and now add Mount to the list, not one of these are good enough for city, even Arsenal nor Munich nor Madrid, so how are they good enough for united if we expect to win anything. I want players who make a difference and are better then what we got, we are just swapping average for average, but they are said to play the Ten way, which I’m still waiting to see what exactly that is! I agree we improved from Ole which was not that difficult but are we anywhere near standard required our forward front three add Sancho that’s 4 of them and zero goals, that’s a major concern. Add to that Varane injury problems and two left backs out and Alvaro clearly considered not good enough it’s worrying.
23.) 29 Aug 2023 18:30:20
I think too much of the money spent was panic buys.
We paid well over the odds for Antony, Martinez and Casemiro. Other clubs coming in for Martinez, Hojlund, Ronaldo pushed the prices up significantly. Antony and Casemiro were panic buys after EtH crisis talks. Necessary, but going into the summer with the plan to penny pinch.
24.) 29 Aug 2023 19:09:44
Penny pinch this year…. Mount 60 million, is he really any better then what we had, marginally if he is
Rasmus 70 million for what really should be one for future who can be eased in whilst learning from a proper striker, not bought into be main and only man
Onana 40 million, ok he will play a different style we hear what Ten wants, so that’s fine, will he cost us more points with mistakes over 10 years who knows
That’s before we get in to 80 million for Antony, who forget the money is just not good enough, Sancho same ok not bought by Ten, but not sold by him either.
Although I like Ten I really don’t understand what is he trying to do, it’s seems to be changing every game if you ask me and I think he bit too stubborn for his own good, at moment he is a good manager doing a average job for money spent, he needs to be great manager but I can’t see that whilst buying bang average players….
25.) 29 Aug 2023 19:53:27
Jesus what a toxic group we have here! Get a grip! New signings getting thrown u see the bus already! The manager getting criticised for signing players he wants or knows or trusts! What a terrible idea!
The manager hasn’t got a hope in hell of succeeding at the club if he’s trying to win over a fan base as spoilt and self entitled as some of our lot!
26.) 29 Aug 2023 20:06:26
So Trafford, he’s buying “bang average players”, and doing an average job whilst finishing third and winning a trophy and getting to another major final in his first season. Your own argument makes no sense. Surely if he’s buying “bang average players” we should be finishing in a “bang average position” considering in your eyes he’s doing a “bang average job”. Seriously get a grip.
27.) 29 Aug 2023 20:47:30
The penny pinching aspect is going for a kid on low wages like Hojlund over a proven player like Kane or even Osimhen. Kane overall package probably £250m no sell on value, compared to Hojlund £85m with huge sell on value.
Going for Mount simply because they thought they could get him on the cheap, being in his last year of contract.
Both will be good signings, but we are Manchester United. Kane should be a United player now. Any other owner he would be. So yes, penny pinching.
28.) 29 Aug 2023 22:22:23
Trafford,
Notice you didn’t heed the advice to stop just posting the same negative stuff over and over, I think we all know your opinion now, ‘Ten’ as you call him is useless, all the players are useless, winning games isn’t good enough, maybe just try and find some balance.
29.) 29 Aug 2023 23:46:55
We have spent close to 400 million and only players we overpaid is Antony imo. None of the players that have come in have been a disappointment for me, unless people are going to judge players on 2 games. I give antony stick because i expected a lot more given his price tag. If we had spent 40 mill I would be okay with his inconsistency.
All managers have views on players and bring players they rate after taking a new job. Remember mourinho at chelsea when he arrived and the Portuguese signings.
Nothing wrong with buying good players who started their career in the Dutch league as it produces a ton of talent, who go on to top European leagues. Suarez and ronaldo come to mind as easy ones.
People seem to like Gravenburch and i have no opinion and hardly seen him play but many here advocating we should get him.
If he turns out to be a tulip people will say its eth fault as he only buys players he knows from the Dutch league, if it turns out to be good nothing will be said about the fact, him being here probably influenced the player decision.
Finally this is the same manager who on a very small budget and wages put a team together that got to the semis of cl a few years ago and probably played the most attractive football.
Even before a player joins people are labelling them as rejects. Plenty of players don't work out under one manager at one club and go to another club and do very well.
30.) 30 Aug 2023 00:23:37
Paying over the odds for a player has nothing to do with whether or not they are a disappointment Ahmed. It means we paid more than what they were initially priced at during the time of sale. Price driven up by other teams bidding higher for example.
Players like Martinez will end up being a steal in years to come. However we paid over the odds at the time for him. That's what I meant. If my memory serves me correct his price went from €40m up to whatever we paid. Hojlund was priced at €40m too, paid significantly more.
Even if these guys turn out to be the best. In the long run they'll seem like bargains, but at the time we paid over the odds.
31.) 30 Aug 2023 06:00:35
Price makes no odds to me, I expect a certain level of player, if they disappoint they disappoint don’t matter if 2 Bob or 200 million
And Giggs your making stuff up again I never said Ten was useless I said good manager not a great manager and concerned with his purchases and stubbornness, read properly and please don’t tell me not to post, it’s rather childish.
32.) 30 Aug 2023 06:20:43
We have spent circa £500m for ETH, yet have a ropey central midfield, one striker who we don’t know yet and no one else capable, our central defence is shaky and we don’t know how long Varane will go before the next injury.
Any competent board would question this strategy and would have agreed a plan for what was needed. Any competent board would question why the manager seems to want to know a player to be interested. There again a competent board would be the vision of the owners to produce the desired goal. That goal has been financial for the leeches, the club has bled £1.5Bn it didn’t need to, in order for them to be here. If we can get rid of the leeches and get Qatar in it will be a great day. They would likely give far better direction and that produces the plan. If they get a competent board I would expect there to be challenges to what we are seeing.
ETH had a good season, the aim should be to improve on it, yet with the weaknesses we can see, that’s going to be tough. Third can easily become sixth when ambitious clubs like Villa are improving. Two days left and we seem more bothered about a left back. We seem unable to shift players and it’s not just their wages, it looks to me like the club are being accountants and not wanting to write amounts off, plus don’t like to be proven wrong for what they did previously.
We are now in the panic section of the window where we usually end up. It’s not good enough for a club like us.
33.) 30 Aug 2023 07:37:38
Have to totally agree RedMan, the manager is buying exactly what he wants and to me they appear not the standard required to catch city, and when Ten moves on, we are left again with a major rebuild needed, I agree manager does have to have final say on which players he thinks suit but the club should have a vision and focus on when he leaves a succession on style comes in and 99% of the players are already in situ for new manager to add a couple that take us up a level, my concern is the players being purchased are not good enough, Shappy says 8 purchased for this manager, I say none of them would get in city team and that’s the benchmark, I am not so sure we are not weaker then last year and other teams have improved, so could be a problem, no problem if Ten buys everyone he knows but having coached them before or know them very well he should also be aware if they are good enough…. Last year he could have been shocked by EPL but no excuse this year.
34.) 30 Aug 2023 01:22:40
Ed the reference to Hojlund having links to Ten Hag is an interesting angle, one I’ve not seen before.
Was Hojlund at Bayern as a young player? He started his professional career a good 5 years after Ten Hag left Bayerns 2nd team.
It would be interesting if their paths have crossed in the past. Thanks for the info.
{Ed002's Note - It should have read Hojbjerg at Bayern, but the entiore post is nonsense.}
35.) 30 Aug 2023 10:35:11
‘Ten’ finished 3rd last year so if he was shocked by the premier league then he managed it pretty well. I agree we won’t catch city this year, I don’t think anybody will for a few years yet, we just need to be ready for when they start to falter, which hopefully with new ownership we will be, until then this is where we are at.
The issue last year was the away games against the top teams, after spurs it seems like that may be an issue again this term, I can’t see us getting much on Sunday but hopefully I’m wrong. I can only imagine the meltdown on here if we don’t get 5 shiny new signings by Friday and beat Arsenal 3-0.
36.) 30 Aug 2023 10:49:37
Truth is Red Man, there was so much work that needed to be done when EtH arrived, it was a huge rebuild. Greenwood situation hasn't helped either as I suspect EtH was expecting him back. The manager for me has bought were is needed, but to buy everything we need in a couple summers is impossible with the spending restrictions. The amount of money clubs want for players when United are interested is staggering. This is why I am slightly amazed why we haven't gone for Amrabat yet. Reasonably cheap and what we need. We clearly don't have the money. I think that's pretty obvious. Brighton have signed Baleba for £23m. If United, Chelsea, City etc went in for him it would have been closer to £35m. If I was in charge at United, I would seriously consider bringing in a South American Scout with great pull. Our best signings should be new scouting staff, we should be finding these players before they are unaffordable.
37.) 30 Aug 2023 11:47:29
We did, Sydney. His name was Moises Caceido!
38.) 30 Aug 2023 13:07:36
£4.5m wasn't it? I seen a list of United near misses once. It was hard to read.
06 May 2023 12:20:25
Ed, I've watched a little of Napoli this season, mainly to see the fuss around Osimhen. But it's Kvaratskhelia I've been most impressed by. I haven't worked out how to pronounce his name yet lol but what a cracking player. He seems most suited to left attack, which doesn't seem a priority position for Utd. I can't think of many top clubs in the Prem lacking in that department either. Has there been any Prem interest in the player?
{Ed002's Note - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (LW) In late 2021 Torino, Borussia Dortmund and Lokomotiv Moscow were speaking with Rubin Kazan who said they were not willing to sell at that time. Previously the player had been watched by Bayern Munich and his agent had been hawking him around the Premier League clubs including Everton with, according to him, Leeds showing some interest. Ancelotti had been open to the idea of replacing Bolasie and Bernard with him but it was clear something was going on in the background. Remarkably he was sold to Georgian side Dinamo Batumi for a small amount of money but well beyond their means in March 2022. For 3 months Napoli and Juventus discussed a deal with his agent and on July 1, 2022 he moved to Napoli, giving a small profit to Dinamo Batumi. A move to Spain with Real Sociedad was ruled out. Paratici had originally identified him for Juventus and it is was surprise Spurs did not follow up. Roma waited too long to be a viable option. The transfers are potentially going to be looked at by UEFA. Don't rule out Real Madrid or Manchester City looking at taking the player in a year or two and he has also attracted scouts from Liverpool and Juventus but interest from both has gone with other recruits. Newcastle have a declared interest but a move seems unlikely. Napoli have no intention of selling and will offer a new contract - I expect to be agreed.}
1.) 06 May 2023 13:41:17
Very informative Ed, thanks. For me he's the player City should have gone for over Grealish.
2.) 06 May 2023 16:45:12
Spenno, don't worry about pronunciation, he's known as Kvaradonna!
His performances of late have not quite been up to the same standard, but his potential is, I think, very very high.
Many have compared him to George Best and one similarity he shares is that he learnt his football playing on the street's (in Georgia) and it toughened him up.
Clearly we are not going to go for him given our left wing options, but I agree with you, think he is going all the way to the very top.
3.) 07 May 2023 21:17:16
What left wing options do we possess
Not one of them is any good
There all shocking wingers who couldn’t beat an egg yet alone a defender.
4.) 08 May 2023 09:46:25
Come on Blackpool, it's Rashy's best position we're he's scored the majority of his goals from and we have probably the most exciting prospect we've had for yonks in Garnacho.
5.) 08 May 2023 09:56:29
Its the position we least need to address, i have long criticised the qualit of both the starting 11 and the squad but thisbis the one spot i don't think we need to touch.
13 Apr 2023 08:53:34
Hi Ed02, are Utd likely to be interested in Felix this summer? There were plenty of rumours that Utd were interested in a loan at the time Chelsea got him and wondered if there was genuine interest in him or whether the player will hope for a permanent move to London. Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Joao Felix (AM/F) Chelsea have no option to buy in the loan agreement but Atletico have given them an eye watering fee for which he will be available, but it may be possible to include a player in the transaction but Chelsea will not pay the full asking price, and they have already agreed the transfer of a similar player for the summer. Real Madrid are keen on him but would want to include players in any deal. Barcelona may look to him again but they are still working on wage issues that need to be resolved. Manchesteer United may offer a wildcard option but they already have Bruno Fernandes and there pressing need is for other positions. The player has made it clear he wants to stay at Chelsea. Interest of Bayern Munich and Manchester City will have gone.}
1.) 13 Apr 2023 10:14:27
Very informative as always Ed. Thanks.
2.) 13 Apr 2023 11:40:32
He’s so not what we need!
3.) 13 Apr 2023 12:00:50
Not sure about that, yes we need a CF more but I don't see much creativity in the squad beyond Fernandes and at a push Eriksen myself.
4.) 13 Apr 2023 12:38:56
I think we need a Striker, CM possibly 2, CB, RB and GK for a start before we need a number 10 to compete with Bruno.
You coukd argue that the RB CM x2 and Str are positions where you can add significantly to a teams creativity if you buy well.
5.) 13 Apr 2023 15:37:06
I think the order of importance is ST, GK, then CM. With what sort of CM very much dependant on how EtH wants to set the team up next year.
After those three positions which I think are vital it become much about who leaves. If Greenwood leaves then we probably need another ST. If McTominay leaves then possibly another CM. If one of Maguire or Lindelof leave then we will need a CB. If one of Dalot or AWB leave then a RB.
6.) 14 Apr 2023 08:10:40
More and more games happen, the more I feel GK is as important as striker.
I love de gea to the core and think he's one of the best keepers we have had.
But stylistically the way we want to play, he does not fit.
Rumors of david raya etc who imo is a decent keeper, but i'd rather us blow money on the best prodigy available in diogo costa.
We need 2-3 50m signings.
I particularly hate the expensive 100m + signings which more often than not absolutely flop.
7.) 14 Apr 2023 11:15:59
Backpass, I'm torn over which keeper we should sign. On one hand Diogo Costa could be the best in the world in a few years time, on the other he is totally untested in the EPL and much like DDG before him could have a tough couple of years to get through before shining.
David Raya might not be the sexy choice, but he might be the right one. Stylistically a good fit, great age for a keeper, EPL proven and due to his contract situation would be cheaper than he normally would be. But he does lack the "wow" factor.
I'm swaying more towards Raya, he'd make an instant impact and given his age and cost we could look at another keeper in a couple of years time if he doesn't work out.
8.) 15 Apr 2023 11:39:54
Raya for me could have a similar impact for us as Ramsdale at Arsenal.
May not have the massive upside but offers a step up on DDG in the key metrics EtH likes whilst being PL proven.
9.) 16 Apr 2023 21:37:54
Why would he want to drop down a level to go to Chelsea?
10.) 16 Apr 2023 21:37:54
Why would he want to drop down a level to go to Chelsea?
08 Jan 2023 17:41:32
Hey Ed, any truth in Villa interest in Maguire, loan or otherwise?
{Ed014's Note - someone’s beaten you to that question mate and is waiting for ed02 to answer if he hasn’t already.
1.) 08 Jan 2023 18:19:17
More excited by this potential deal than any striker we could sign this month.
Maguire is the epitome of everything that has been wrong with our squad and transfer dealings in recent years.
2.) 08 Jan 2023 18:29:43
Being reported as completely false…hope not! Maguire is clearly 5/ 6 choice so moving him on would be best for everyone concerned.
3.) 08 Jan 2023 18:23:24
Many thanks Ed, shall keep an eye out for it!
{Ed014's Note - no probs, I put it back for him earlier, he’s obvs just busy today.
4.) 08 Jan 2023 18:52:05
Would be great if Weghorst came in AND the money from a Maguire sale went towards Felix.
We can dream!
5.) 08 Jan 2023 20:33:49
United in Focus are reporting that it makes no sense to get rid of Maguire with the fixture pile up.
I would argue that it makes total sense. That way there is no chance of him playing for us again, otherwise the fixture pile up will be fixed!
03 Jan 2023 15:43:04
Ed, I've read a few snippets suggesting Utd are interested in Randal Kolo Muani. I've not heard of him, what do you know of the player and might he be a target?
{Ed002's Note - Randal Kolo Muani (S/F) Eintracht Frankfurt have said they rejected an approach from Spurs for the player they only signed in the summer. Representatives are trying to set up a deal with Bayern Munich but it is being suggested that if EF were to sell they could look for as much as €75M - which they won't play. Offered to Manchester United and Milan by his representatives who see a potentially huge payment to themselves. Having a good season and did well at Nantes although Germany is a step up. High risk at that price.}
1.) 03 Jan 2023 16:05:39
Thanks Ed. Very informative.
2.) 03 Jan 2023 17:09:38
That's interesting ed002 do you see the German league as a much better standard of football than the French one?
{Ed002's Note - Yes.}
spenno's banter posts with other poster's replies to spenno's banter posts
03 Nov 2023 11:54:29
I'm going to stick my neck out and predict we'll win our next three (Fulham A, Copenhagen A, Luton H) .
I don't think any will be attractive, in fact a couple might be games we should have taken nothing from, like a few of our wins have been.
1.) 03 Nov 2023 12:18:08
Spenno
You are a brave man lol. Hope you are right. Fulham away is not easy game for us atm. I think they drew with Arsenal and Brighton away this season already. Cas out for a few weeks, hamstring injury I read, so nothing going our way atm.
2.) 03 Nov 2023 12:23:41
Lose. Draw. Draw.
3.) 03 Nov 2023 13:11:40
With Cas being injured hopefully Mainoo gets a chance.
4.) 03 Nov 2023 13:32:20
Lose lose win. Fulham is always a tough game and with the way we are playing I can’t see it. Copenhagen played well last time so think they’ll do us at their gaff. Luton we have to win if not then surely there’s no way back for eth.
5.) 03 Nov 2023 14:27:03
I'm with you spenno.
6.) 03 Nov 2023 15:12:07
I agree Spenno. With some players back I think these 3 games and the international break could provide a different feel around the team.
I think EtH has it in him to adapt and get a tune out of the players, let's hope we see it.
22 Sep 2023 14:48:21
Much has been made of Utd trying to navigate a tricky bunch of games in recent weeks that most sides would have stumbled with at some point. Arsenal, Spurs, Brighton, Bayern.
However the next run of games sees four fixtures I feel we should be picking up at least a handful of wins in. With respect to Galatasaray, they're the perfect opposition after Bayern to try and get our CL campaign up and running if we're to get out the group. A double-header at Palace I feel we should be winning both fixtures.
Then Brentford, possibly the toughest of these fixtures and finally Sheff Utd away, which I'd put in the same bracket as Burnley, tough away crowd, an energetic and aggressive opponent, but a side I expect to be at the wrong end of the table come season end.
September 23: Burnley (A)
September 26: Crystal Palace (H)
September 30: Crystal Palace (H)
October 3: Galatasaray (H)
October 7: Brentford (H)
October 21: Sheffield United (A)
1.) 22 Sep 2023 15:03:42
Palace for me tougher fixture. They are very solid defensively with really good cb pair up front olise and eze can cause trouble and we struggle against them last few seasons.
2.) 22 Sep 2023 15:56:18
Ahmad, it's been mentioned Guehi is out for Palace atm, with their defensive record appalling when they've played without either him or Anderson. Not sure if he'll be back by the Utd fixtures but I'm pretty sure with those stats they'll be busting a gut to make sure he's back.
3.) 22 Sep 2023 16:27:49
I agree Spenno and was looking at these fixtures up to the City game as make or break for the season. Palace and Brentford will be tricky but we should be beating these sides.
The run has the ability of getting some of the injured players back into the team, building some morale and hopefully a way of playing good football.
I want to see by the end of thid run that we are more agressive, stronger in midfield and not run over so easily, pressing as more of a unit and Onana playing more his usual game than we are seeing at the minute.
Lets all be positive.
4.) 22 Sep 2023 20:06:18
Onana is showing rxacrly why we shouldn't have sold DeGea. That guy is simply not good enough and talks more then he actually saves us points or wins us games.
I am scratching my head thinking how the hekl we sold DeGea to buy him.
If you buy to upgrade then you buy the best and not buy a keeper becoz he's good with his toes but save a goal lmaoo.
5.) 22 Sep 2023 21:34:16
Singh. Other than the complete error against Bayern which goal do you think de Gea would have saved that Onana did not?
Onana is the basis for playing a different way from the past. De Gea could not play that way as was proved time and again during his last season. One might also argue that our inability to compete at the top was a direct result of failing to evolve our tactical approach to keep up with the times. Managers today want their goalkeepers to be competent with their feet.
Onana is not the reason for our poor start. The manager, the outfield players, and/ or injuries to key defenders are all better candidates for our current malaise than Onana. Be patient.
6.) 22 Sep 2023 21:50:37
Bar the mistake Wednesday I thought he was excellent with his feet, at crosses and when called into action! Unfortunately he’s had an absolute stinker and arguably cost us the game but I’ve seen enough in him to see how he changes so much about our play! Just need some decent outfielders fit now for him to pass too!
7.) 23 Sep 2023 02:50:42
shawthing:-
How is the manager responsible out of interest?
8.) 23 Sep 2023 04:16:40
Singh,
I don’t think you need to scratch your head, De Gea is contemplating retirement because no decent team wants to sign him, he made error after error last season including losing us the cup final, he was horrific with his feet, he had to go. Onana will be fine imo, goalkeepers make errors, he has the personality to get through this.
9.) 23 Sep 2023 06:51:50
Good to see you GDS, you took the words out of my mouth.
10.) 23 Sep 2023 07:50:16
Singh is living in denial lol :)
11.) 23 Sep 2023 09:04:35
Don't know about you guys but really like onana. We looked desperate last year kicking it away and watching team come back at us at times, when we got pressed.
With onana some teams almost give up doing it because he is so good with his distribution. The goals he has conceded bar the howler and maybe the third goal vs brighton where he got a hand to it which is 50/ 50. besides that nothing else and press are doing a hit job on him.
Our back 4 is a patch work and we are soft through the middle, that's why we are conceding goals.
12.) 23 Sep 2023 09:09:11
I'm a massive fan of DDG, but even I accept that he had to move on and Onana is the better long term solution.
But it does beg the question, why are we so bad at the back this year. Is it individual errors, or is there something fundamentally wrong there.
13.) 23 Sep 2023 09:26:58
Grim, I think it has more to do with the midfield, and a half arsed press from the front.
Our back 4 have the opposition running at them non stop with no help from midfield.
Reguilon was facing up two Bayern players for most of the game on Wednesday. The number of times Laimer received the ball down our left side was alarming.
To add to that, opposition players are waltzing through our midfield. This leaves our defenders exposed.
It’s been attack against defence at times, and we are too easy to counter against.
We need to be defending from the front as a unit. That’s how the best teams defend. Unfortunately we don’t have the players to do it.
It only takes 1 player (Rashford or Martial) to not do their job, for the press to becomes pointless.
14.) 23 Sep 2023 14:10:43
Watching the defenders and Onana play the ball to eachother for minutes at a time has become quite a chore if I'm honest. Without feigning to take a throw-in before leaving the ball for another player it's practically deliberate time-wasting watching Utd do it. Maybe it's because there really are no options ahead of them and better midfielders can help solve this as we improve. Looking forward to seeing how Amrabat fits in in this regard.
15.) 23 Sep 2023 15:56:22
Personally would not care if we were knocked out of carabao cup. prefer to focus on league and cl and Fa cup. can't be playing 55-60 games two seasons in row. it will break the players.
16 Sep 2023 12:56:16
Neto as an option for RW? 4 assists so far this season and a brilliant one today.
I know Shappy's a fan!
1.) 16 Sep 2023 14:52:26
Dont go by Shappy's choices. He recommended Donny too.
2.) 16 Sep 2023 15:29:59
Donny was a ballon d'Or nominee at the time tbf @united addict.
3.) 16 Sep 2023 17:37:30
At the time Donny was performing well and looked a top talent. To be fair he still has the quality. He just isn't suited to the EPL and is devoid of confidence. If he goes to Serie A or the Bundesliga then I expect he'll recover his form and look like a great player again.
Not every signing will be successful, no matter how good they were for their previous club. Sometimes the player just doesn't suit the club, the manager or the tactics, sometimes they don't like the new culture and and struggle to settle on a personal level, or they struggle to step up a level, or in United's case they can't deal with the media attention that they receive once they join the club.
It's rarely ever due to a lack of talent, just suitability, or mental and/ or emotional fortitude. Something that's hard to predict prior even if you know the player personally.
I've always said I prefer signing players from the EPL due to there being less concerns about their ability to cope living in England, and with the style of the EPL.
Pedro Neto is a player who had an amazing season a couple of years ago, before having a bad injury. He cam back last season and clearly took a long time to find his feet again. This season he has been rediscovering his best form, and is a player I think the club should be keeping an eye on given our issues at RW.
Others in the EPL we probably should watch are Diaby at Villa who has started well and has all the attributes needed to be a top player. Olise is another who looks like an excellent young player ready to step up to a top club. Bowen is someone I'm surprised is still at West Ham, he could do a job for a top side. Another who I think is underrated but maybe doesn't have that top top level in him is Bryan Mbeumo, I think he'd be a great back up option and is a little underrated in my opinion.
4.) 16 Sep 2023 22:46:44
Donny won’t recover and look like a great player……. because he isn’t one.
5.) 17 Sep 2023 11:26:16
But Shappy, why would any of those players want to take a step down and join utd?
Ah yes! Of course! because Utd will triple their wages.
05 Aug 2023 13:45:29
And there's the danger of the sweeper-keeper. :D.
1.) 05 Aug 2023 14:25:27
rash looks super sharp. team looks very fit.
2.) 05 Aug 2023 14:29:54
Still be De Geas fault somehow.
3.) 05 Aug 2023 14:41:20
This is the risk with the modern style of keeper, we will have to accept this. Not his fault the ball was lost in the position it was and maybe he needs to hold back a bit in the early days of the transition period.
4.) 05 Aug 2023 15:15:14
Hopefully he will learn from it -BTW Lens are no mugs did very well last year and willbe of the standard we will be meeting in CL gtoup stages.
5.) 05 Aug 2023 15:21:51
Dalots fault that. Going from Dave to onana is like chalk and cheeese. Going to be a huge adjustment for the whole team especially the defenders. Having a gk who can play out is only one aspect of the equation having defenders who are technically good enough to receive the ball, is another.
6.) 05 Aug 2023 15:28:56
Nothing to do with the keeper, he’s in a position to be an option because we had easy possession! Criminal by Dalot . Like Dortmund game giving ball away and getting punished.
Onana had good game I thought and can see he’ll offer us so much more than ddg!
{Ed077's Note - hopefully that's the customary long distance goal out of his system for Onana now, almost every Keeper gets dome like that at some stage.
(as a response to an upper reply, Lens are in the UCL group stages)}
7.) 05 Aug 2023 16:23:17
He already had his customary mess up in his first game. Rushed out into no man's land and got chipped very easily.
I'm looking forward to seeing Onana with our first team, Varane, Martinez and Shaw are very comfortable with the ball as in Lindelof. Maguire, AWB, Dalot and Malacia won't be comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas.
Having watched a few videos of Onana and from what I saw at Ajax and Inter, he has a few more looser screws than Neuer, Edison, Allison in the sweeper keeper game. That's two goals in a few games he's conceded that were his fault.
8.) 05 Aug 2023 17:36:48
I just watched the highlight. The fault was entirely Dalot's for carelessly giving the ball away. Sure, they would not have scored in that manner if Onana had been on his line or if the Lens player had not hit a perfect shot, but Onana has not been purchased to stand on his line when we're pushing up the field. The fault is either the FB's or the manager's. or you just have to hand it to Sotoca for seizing the moment with a perfect shot.
The way we're setting up to play may end up with us being disappointed - mistakes will certainly be made - but I have a feeling we are not going to be bored. And that's how all the best Man Utd team over the years have been: risk taking and entertaining.
9.) 05 Aug 2023 17:44:52
Mumbles, neither were directly his fault at all, just because a keeper gets chipped doesn't make it a mistake, he will take some getting used to after having the complete opposite in de gea for the last 12 years.
10.) 05 Aug 2023 19:04:52
I'm not having that it was a keeper error, in the system we play onana was exactly where he should have been, you would hope that an international full back could play a simple 10 yard pass, unfortunately not ?.
Good performance overall and garnacho looks incredible.
11.) 05 Aug 2023 19:09:50
I was at the game in the Stretford end. That goal wasn't Onana's fault. His position was fine, it was allowing the team to press higher up and was vital in allowing us to dominate the game despite the fact that Lens looked sharper and fitter in the first half.
Losing the ball that cheaply in midfield is criminal and it was the giving up of possession so easily in a key area that then left Onana stranded.
We had the ball, there should have been no danger. But one loose touch or pass and suddenly the opposition have the ball centrally with the keeper playing high.
The media and social media will likely make a thing of a out it. But it really wasn't an issue.
12.) 05 Aug 2023 19:10:01
Rather it happened in pre-season than when it matters.
13.) 05 Aug 2023 19:12:53
I missed the part where the gk rushed out mumbles. Was that today?
14.) 05 Aug 2023 19:43:55
These are friendly games, he has just signed this summer. Pre season offers nothing more than building up fitness and learning and implementing new tactics, whiskt allowing a few youth players the chance to impress.
Wait for the season to start and give it at least 5 games before criticising anyone.
15.) 05 Aug 2023 19:48:42
Hmm, that's where we expect Onana to be, he was bought specifically to be an extra outfield player when we are in possession.
Don't be surprised to see EtH go for a RB after that. Dalot and AWB are back-up fullbacks at best. We need a traditional fullback.
RB may not have been a priority, but outgoings will continue to determine out incomings and we may well sell enough players to get that RB EtH wants.
16.) 05 Aug 2023 19:55:02
No FZZ, the Dortmund game. Easy finish for Bellingham.
Different strokes for different folks I guess.
17.) 05 Aug 2023 20:22:42
You’d rather have ddg mate? I hope we can give this guy the season to see how our play is transformed.
I have only seen highlights of the games so don’t have an opinion yet. Will watch once the season starts.
18.) 05 Aug 2023 22:06:45
I’m sorry MUMBLES, but to class that today as a GK error is just ludicrous. It was Dalot at fault for giving away possession so cheaply. Onana was where Ten Hag wants him to be.
19.) 05 Aug 2023 22:35:45
Mumbles, your memory alright?
Bellingham doesn't play for Dortmund anymore, and Onana wasn't chipped in the Dortmund game.
Bellingham does however play for Real Madrid now and he did score a similar goal to the one you describe in our pre-season friendly with Real Madrid ?
Don't worry mate, happens to us all in time.
I'd say that the Bellingham goal you could say Onana was somewhat at fault. However, he did technical do the thing you should in that situation and close down the angle. However, Bellingham is a world ass talent and expertly turned the defender and set himself with one classy touch, then had the presence of mind to chip the keeper. I'd be more inclined to put that down to excellent play from Bellingham.
The goal earlier was in no way his fault. Dalot laid the chance on a plate. It was a shocking error.
20.) 05 Aug 2023 22:35:45
Mumbles, your memory alright?
Bellingham doesn't play for Dortmund anymore, and Onana wasn't chipped in the Dortmund game.
Bellingham does however play for Real Madrid now and he did score a similar goal to the one you describe in our pre-season friendly with Real Madrid ?
Don't worry mate, happens to us all in time.
I'd say that the Bellingham goal you could say Onana was somewhat at fault. However, he did technical do the thing you should in that situation and close down the angle. However, Bellingham is a world ass talent and expertly turned the defender and set himself with one classy touch, then had the presence of mind to chip the keeper. I'd be more inclined to put that down to excellent play from Bellingham.
The goal earlier was in no way his fault. Dalot laid the chance on a plate. It was a shocking error.
21.) 05 Aug 2023 23:59:17
Well this is a can of worms :D
As the original poster I merely said it was the danger of playing a GK who likes to get involved a bit more.
Was it his fault we lost the ball, no, was it his fault he was chipped from there. probably. from playing as young kids we all know the perils of being in goal and deciding to go walkies and leave an empty net.
It wasn't a criticism, I'm sure this type of player will benefit us as much as he petrifies us.
17 Jul 2023 14:23:39
--------------If you are going to waste my time about random players I will simply stop posting here--------
1.) 17 Jul 2023 17:19:15
Hopefully we ask about players that those in the know (Ed’s) tell us. Little Johnny in his room saying we are interested in some random is not worth bothering about, do your own research is what I suggest.
2.) 18 Jul 2023 05:41:47
Or just do what Fabrizio "bull" Romano does. Link every player with us and every other club and say I told you so when 1 in a 1000 is correct!
20 Nov 2023 10:52:02
Well I'd love to see it, even if he's a little older. I'd be more interested in his perceived position, as we seem to be viewing him as a striker but he plays a lot deeper these days, particularly for France in the World Cup where he was the main man in the middle. So, pretty much in that Mount / Eriksen / Fernandes position - do we need another?
07 Nov 2023 15:58:40
Because there must be at least one midfielder left in the world that Liverpool haven't bid for or been linked with.
Utd don't have a great history with South American players. There are a few for sure, Tevez is probably my favourite ever alongside King Eric, but there have been so many flops in there too.
31 Oct 2023 08:54:54
FiremanC, I do think there was that first season bounce last year. But to ignore last season completely as you suggest, if what we have now is the shape of things to come then these are extremely worrying times. I fully agree that he talks a good game in terms of structure and discipline. Maybe he should apply for the Director of Football role instead.
30 Oct 2023 22:03:33
Sweet Jesus. Think I'd rather have a Shappy/ Ahmed job share. The dream team!
27 Oct 2023 08:28:59
Stranger things have happened. Doesn't seem beyond the realms of possibility tbf.
29 Nov 2023 13:22:10
It has to be Garnacho and Pellistri on the flanks with Martial or Hojlund in the middle for me. If not the other (tried and tested) option is moving Fernades out wide with Eriksen coming in, love Eriksen but his energy is less and less each time I see him. Perfect sub though.
29 Nov 2023 11:25:36
Every time the ball goes into the box and it hits any part of any defender the entire ground is engulfed half by fans baying for a penalty and half fearing that it will be given. Penalties were quite rare back in the day when watching games. Now it's rare for any game to just allowed to be a great sporting spectacle and some controversy or other has to eclipse everything else about it.
Deliberate handballs seem quite easy to spot to me. If the arm changes direction towards it then those are the ones that should be given. Balls being deflected at point blank range onto hands then given as penalties are a disgrace in my view. We're humans, we have hands and there's only so much you can do with them. I quite like the stance of the defenders that put their hands behind their backs whenever the ball/ opposing player goes into the box. Can't see what else you can do really, anything seems fair game at the moment.
28 Nov 2023 14:11:53
Well I'm on board with all that Trololo, an on-form Greenwood walks into the side and gives much-needed options up front. Will be interesting to see what happens, and whether Utd have simply always had the opinion that they would put him aside for a while and readdress another time.
27 Nov 2023 22:52:30
He has spoken lol.
27 Nov 2023 15:29:58
It was perceived that he would be public enemy no.1 at each and every ground he played it, and maybe from a portion of the Utd home crowd too, and that we could do without another circus. Seems weak to backtrack based on one wonder goal.
But, as I said at the time, he's exactly the player we could use, and if he's innocent then of course he should be able to play for us. But we know exactly how things are, there'll be a a media backlash, his face will be plastered everywhere and he'll be public enemy number one, whether because he's a Utd player, or because his own fans don't want to be associated with him.
So again, I'd love to see it, but I don't.