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04 May 2024 13:13:40
On the topic of next opponents Crystal Palace, a lot has been mentioned of a potential move for Olise. I love Eze too a think they’ll struggle to retain either. There’s another even younger player Adam Wharton I’d ashamedly not seen previously who seems to be getting some praise. With Utd’s midfield looking somewhat ragged and in need of some inspiration, is this another youngster who could be on the radar?
{Ed002's Note - Scouts were sent last season - before he moved to Crystal Palace.}
1.) 04 May 2024 13:51:18
Cheers Ed. Seems like a good crop emerging English talent this season.
2.) 05 May 2024 08:45:47
We were still run by the amateurs then so probably missed the opportunity to sign him.
3.) 06 May 2024 11:44:18
He looks a cracking player, I don't think Palace will entertain selling him this summer as he only joined in January. Saying that though if a massive offer came in they might be tempted to cash in.
However, if he continues to play as well next season as he has since his January move then the following summer I could see a few sides eyeing up a big move for him.
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!
spenno's banter posts with other poster's replies to spenno's banter posts
14 Jul 2024 12:59:34
Good to see Malacia running about again this week. It was a very long injury, what was it? Seems like a bit of a mystery.
I’m not sure if he’s a future starter or not from what I saw but good to have a solid option in that position, just a freak stroke of bad luck that both he and Shaw got longterm injuries.
1.) 14 Jul 2024 14:24:59
None of us know the full story, and it’s just good to see him back training again. Hopefully he’s back on track because he’s a good player to have in the squad.
2.) 14 Jul 2024 14:40:33
Not sure what his long term injuries and challenges are, but he’s a very promising left back. Hope he can put them behind him, as he will get loads of game time being Shaw’s back up.
3.) 15 Jul 2024 07:53:52
Decent squad player. Don’t think he’ll get any further than that from what we’ve seen.
14 Jun 2024 15:34:40
Ok folks. One player only, no essays or rants, you're the United manager and Jim has told you he'll get you one realistic target this summer but one only. Who you going for?
Neves.
1.) 14 Jun 2024 16:53:22
Pointless. We need more than one player. Lol.
But I suppose that situation could be possible if we keep casemiro, mcguire (and trust that they will stay fit and play well) . We also need luke Shaw and malacia back fit and playing well. Keep both RBs. Keep everyone else.
So the answer is we need a striker. Every other position we have players, who are not suited to playing thr right way, but they are there. Martial goes, we have to sign a second striker.
I think we also have to have a first choice CB to replace varane.
I also think cassemiro, Amrabat and possibly Eriksen go, and we need a ball playing CDM for the first team.
2.) 14 Jun 2024 16:53:53
A new roof for Old Traffird.
3.) 14 Jun 2024 16:59:22
Pointless reply Dodgy, is what was pointless. I was just curious who one priority signing could be before the usual essays on needing, well everything lol. We know that.
4.) 14 Jun 2024 17:11:13
Give hojland actual service into the box and he will score plently of goals.
5.) 14 Jun 2024 19:24:46
While clearly we need central defenders, if it was the option of just one player then for me it would be Manuel Ugarte from PSG.
While our CB's aren't good enough, we only have Casemiro (who'll likely leave) and Mainoo as midfielders capable of playing deeper.
For me Ugarte is probably the best CDM that is well suited to work alongside Mainoo that might be available this summer.
Not only does he tick the combative ball winner box, he's actually very good on the ball. For me he'd be perfect to play alongside Mainoo.
Although he won't be cheap to get out of PSG, even though he hasn't played as much as he'd have thought, PSG will still want 55-60m for him at the very least.
6.) 14 Jun 2024 19:38:36
Spenno, it's a tough question to answer.
If I could have one player I think I would choose fdj.
The only reason I say that is because he would be the managers 1st choice and dream signing.
The only players any fan should want is the ones that are 1st choice of the group that decide imo.
7.) 14 Jun 2024 20:08:59
CM / DM seems a popular call. Love Frenkie but I wonder if that ship as sailed, as much as I would love to see him link up with ten Hag again.
Not heard a peep from Ugarte since last years rumours. Would love to see some south anerican steel in midfield. Ederson/ Gomes are a few others.
8.) 14 Jun 2024 22:13:39
Spenno, not sure everyone understood the assignment lol.
Frenkie De Jong.
9.) 14 Jun 2024 23:33:01
Neves for me.
I think FDJ has stalled in development whereas Neves is on the surge.
But it is a tight call, and definitely midfield is the priority, even though CB is threadbare.
If you added one quality signing to midfield, it would lift the existing stock of the CBs, but they also need to go!
10.) 14 Jun 2024 23:51:50
I think a Casemiro replacement to partner Mainoo. I don’t know to be honest who’s realistic but I read Douglas Luiz is leaving Villa, so if that’s true, he’d be great imo.
11.) 15 Jun 2024 01:58:17
So you would all go into the season with only hoyland as a recognized striker? Assume you have rash and Fernandes false 9 as backup?
For me that won't work. No way to change anything from the bench. If hoyland gets injured we are screwed.
I understood the question. It is a draft question as we will sign a minimum of 3 players.
We will replace varane and Martial in the squad as a minimum. Even if casemiro stays we will likely sign a CM - amrabat or a. n. other.
I hope we sign a few lesser known players that can grow into the team. Very happy to have a few that we don't really know who the scounting network have discovered.
12.) 15 Jun 2024 06:26:18
DM for me. We had a good 8 or so months of Casemiro. Other than that we haven’t had a proper DM for the best part of 10 years.
13.) 15 Jun 2024 08:02:40
Perhaps we should cast an eye at Adam Wharton.
14.) 15 Jun 2024 08:04:19
I’m with angelred, on both counts.
FDJ.
15.) 15 Jun 2024 08:12:16
Red Man, I really like Wharton and I wonder if INEOS were in by September last year then I think we would have rivaled Palace for his signature in January.
It'd take a monster bid to sign him now. Definitely one to keep an eye on. Once Palace have Chieck Doucoure back to play alongside him they will have a great midfield. Looking at the recruitment at Palace in the last few years you can see why Dougie Freedman is so highly rated, he's done an absolute madness with them.
16.) 15 Jun 2024 10:57:30
Neves.
17.) 15 Jun 2024 12:03:03
I don't think we will get or even chase Ugarte as he'll likely be too expensive for us this summer. I just think he's the best player available in that profile that I think we need to complement Mainoo (Tchoumeni is probably the best, but he is totally unavailable) .
Other linked, Joao Neves has huge potential, but I can't see serious manager lining up with two 19 years olds in the heart of their midfield. I also think they are too similar in some ways and lacking physicality with neither being particularly strong or quick. Which for the money makes him a bad option regardless of talent.
Onana will be very expensive, there are question marks over his technical level and I think he's more suited to being a box to box destroyer than a sitting No.6. One of his best attributes is his stamina, while a weakness to his game is knowing when to engage and when to stand off. His stamina would be wasted as a holding player, while his tendency to always dive in could leave the defence exposed when he gets it wrong.
Joao Gomes is similar to Onana but I expect he'd be a little cheaper and has shown himself to be better on the ball, again I think he would have similar issues to Onana and be more suited to being a combative box to box player. Both are EPL proven and if we were to sign two midfielders and the other was a more natural No.6 then I'd probably go for Gomes over Onana.
Frankie De Jong is a weird shout at this point for me. He'd be very expensive both in terms of fee and wages, is now 27 years old, meaning he might need replacing in 3-4 years time (which realistically is when we will be ready to seriously challenge for the title), and has shown himself to be a little injury prone this season. In terms of playing profile I think he is the right sort of player. I just don't think at his age and with his cost he is the right player for us now.
I really like Wharton, but like Neves I don't see us playing with two such young and inexperienced players in midfield. While Palace would charge the earth for him right now. One to keep an eye on and maybe buy in 2-3 years time if he becomes the player he looks capable of becoming. At that point he'd have a year to 18 months left on his deal (unless he signs a new one in the meantime) and he and Mainoo will be much more experienced and could form a great partnership.
Douglas Luiz I think is better in that box to box role, would also be expensive and I'm not sure why he'd leave Villa who'll be in the UCL next season to join a club in the Europa league.
Ederson from Atalanta looks a decent option, well suited, and shouldn't be too expensive.
Youssef Fofana would be a great option for the price, slight concerns that he again might be better suited as a No.8 rather than a No.6. Would be a great option alongside a more natural No.6.
Mats Wieffer is another often mentioned and he looks like a good option, more suited to the No.6 role than most on this list. Just the gamble of whether he can step up from the Eredivise.
A final one I'll mention who I haven't seen linked would be Chieck Doucoure from Palace. He's been out injured for a lot of this season and as such isn't in as high demand. I think he'd probably be the best of the EPL proven options both in terms of being the right fit and cost. Palace might be prepared to do a deal now they have Wharton if it means they can keep hold of some of their other players.
{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have no interest in the vast majority of these players.}
18.) 15 Jun 2024 12:46:46
Ed, of the ones mentioned in Shappy's post, I assume there is still interest in Neves?
I know you have dismissed Wharton previously.
Any of the others that we are interested in?
{Ed002's Note - I have explained the level of interest in players.}
19.) 15 Jun 2024 19:31:54
Silva.
13 Jun 2024 15:31:12
Quick question for Ed02 from the uninitiated. With all talk of Berrada, Blanc, Ashworth, Wilcox, Brailsford et al it's easy to wonder if there is a danger of there being too many chefs involved at the club. Do you believe that to be the case? Forgive my naivety but I assume these roles all exist at other clubs but I'm not sure of what they're each likely to be tasked with other than Wilcox who seems important in terms of helping define the style of play and perhaps recommend players. So what are the key differences between say Blanc and Ashworth, what would they be doing?
Finally does Wilcox's opinion carry enough weight without all of the others to begin bringing in players? Thanks and sorry for the long-winded question.
{Ed002's Note - They all have differing roles and clubs set up differently but Manchester United are looking at a fairly traditional approach. Blanc is a businessman in sports and Cheif Exec of Ineos sports involvement - and will oversee Manchester United. Ashworth is a Director of Football who will oversee the various teams, managers and the scouting and recruitment system. I really don't know how Wilcox will be used but he will be there to assist the coach from a tactical perspective.}
1.) 14 Jun 2024 09:58:41
Cheers Ed. Much appreciated.
2.) 14 Jun 2024 16:21:57
Just a rejoinder kinda question Ed if you don't mind. We know Berrada will be Utd's CEO, but you did not touch on him in your reply. Can we consider him as a mini Blanc? He does what Blanc does for Ineos but he does it only for utd and reports directly to Blanc?
{Ed002's Note - No. I would be wary of him.}
3.) 14 Jun 2024 19:33:48
I might be wrong but my understanding of Wilcox's role is that he is there to help create the footballing vision of the side, to help with a unified way of playing from academy to first team. To assist with recruiting players for the first team and to make sure there is a pathway into the first team for the best academy players.
From my understanding the football style isn't very specific, it won't be focusing on specific patterns of play, or even formation. But a basic principle. From what I gather they want a more possession based, control the game style of play, with less focus on counter attacks and counter pressing.
{Ed002's Note - I think you are reading too much in to it. He is the Technical Director looking at maintaining high levels of performance.}
4.) 15 Jun 2024 12:04:02
Probably Ed002.
15 May 2024 21:23:51
I hold my hand up to maybe doing Diallo a disservice this season when considering our options going forward. Useful little player with an air of unpredictability to his game. Keep.
1.) 15 May 2024 23:45:48
Sunderland fans rave about him. Looks to make things happen and to create.
Can play himself into the cup final team and secure his place in the squad next season and would give city something to think about.
Onana said in an interview a few weeks ago he was the most skillful player at the club. Nice to see him doing well.
2.) 16 May 2024 06:20:37
Cut in and tried to find a team mate. Antony, rash and garnacho ? would have shot. Always looking to do little give and go's. Also works really hard. Definitely keep.
3.) 16 May 2024 06:38:43
I don’t like saying this but how many times did I say give Amad a chance early season, for the wise sages on here to tell me I was talking rubbish
The Amad question, is why we allowed £85m to be spent on the useless Antony when they must have had scouting reports and seen Amads potential?
4.) 16 May 2024 07:31:13
What do you mean you don't like saying this? You say things like that a lot so you do like saying it ?? I'd say you said it half a dozen times last night on live chat I've just read??
Not sure who said not to give him a chance. Most have been championing that for a long time.
No point questioning the scouting it was the old regime we know how useless they were.
5.) 16 May 2024 07:47:26
lol Red Man, you said it in the chat too. But looks like you were right.
6.) 16 May 2024 08:37:11
Frustration Ken,
A few told me and one I think said glad I wasn’t selecting the team over it.
7.) 16 May 2024 08:41:24
Also, can we give the man in charge a small amount of credit for his team set up last night and putting Rasmus on the bench and playing Diallo, (however long Redman has been calling for it) . I think it was the right thing. He gets plenty of slack but he think he done right last night.
8.) 16 May 2024 08:58:09
Formation worked well last night to a certain extent, but Gordon looked excellent for Newcastle and was a constant thorn in our side. He’s really developing into a fine player.
Still like watching basketball, but made for a very entertaining game of football. Beats watching Moyes ball and Jose parking the bus.
Shout out to Amad, tireless running, always looking to make something happen, looked really exciting. So good to see Licha back, and Bruno was excellent. He’s our best player by far still.
Note on Hojlund’s goal, I loved it. He finally committed a defender, took a chance and slotted it in nicely.
Nice touch from Erik to address the crowd - kind of felt like a goodbye. Weirdly I am still in the stay camp for another season to see what he can really do with. l the right backing.
9.) 16 May 2024 09:27:55
I think Rasmus needed that break and him coming on and scoring like he did will do him the world of good.
10.) 16 May 2024 09:39:45
And dare I say Amrabat has looked a little better in recent games, a bit more energetic and mobile. Still hope he is returned in a few weeks and it doesn't become permanent but fair play.
11.) 16 May 2024 10:20:45
amrabat was decent last nite and roughed em up a bit - nice to see: even played where he is naturally better at midfield. Amad is a demi god to the sunderland fans and they still wax lyrical about his loan period- very dissappointed they weren't able to seal him permanently- loved his celebration in the east corner - thought we played much better last nit than at most point of the season -good to see bruno back, and licha - still out on rashford ;think the lad needs a move/ therapy or both tbh.
12.) 16 May 2024 10:23:35
We are finally seeing what Amrabat can do, albeit a little too late.
Diallo deserves a run next season at RW and for the next two games. It has been really surprising that since the Liverpool game and upon completion of his suspension, that he hasn't played more at RW.
Garnacho is playing similarly to Rashford. It is frustrating, but he is still young.
It was great seeing Martinez come on, he really is great CB. Along with Bruno, whom I have being calling out for his petulance, that we really miss when they don't play.
13.) 16 May 2024 12:22:22
Crazy isn't it how the last 2 games have shown completely abandoning midfield was a bad idea.
14.) 16 May 2024 12:36:17
I don’t understand why Amrabat hasn’t been given a decent run in the team when fit. He’s an average player but undoubtedly offers a lot more protection to the defence than anyone else we have.
Amad definitely has something about him. Plays with his head up which is a rarity for our wingers.
In the cup final I would play that midfield/ attack with Bruno as a false 9. Only change I’d make is Martinez in for Casemiro in defence. Even though we didn’t play brilliantly last night, and the keeper is pretty poor on the ball for a player brought in to be a sweeper keeper, but there was at least some intensity in defensive pressing, and we’ll need that against City.
15.) 16 May 2024 12:45:09
Diallo didn't seem ready for the rigours of the PL earlier in the season but looks so now. Tbf he was out injured. What he does is try to pick the right pass each time. His decision making is good and technique is top notch. This he has in common with Mainoo. Whether it's better loaning him to a PL club next year where he'll play every game or stay is a hard one to gauge now, as we're going to need to bring in at least one forward player.
16.) 16 May 2024 12:59:27
Banjoe I have him credit on the match posts page.
I always give credit where its due. Shape was much better.
Sane players same injuries so it can be done. Begs the question why we have been playing like we have for weeks. Perhaps wilcox has had an input into the team shape also who knows. I've seen people saying they thought his address to the crowd was a bit 'cringy' but I thought it was appropriate given the cup final coming up.
17.) 16 May 2024 13:38:01
I said on the live chat out shape was much better. Where it suddenly came from is another discussion.
18.) 16 May 2024 14:01:49
That's a fair point weed, it shows they can compete better than it has been shown. I think he might be trying to get the team more solid to have a better chance in the final. I think he knows winning that would be a huge for the team going into next season.
19.) 16 May 2024 14:49:36
Banjoe.
The players are not all awful players. The tactics and obsession with what he was trying to do exposed them.
Any wonder they don't believe in what they were being asked and set up to do.
We have enough good players to be a lot better off than we are but if you ask guys to do things that are so obviously not working it's just stupid.
20.) 16 May 2024 15:09:29
I really don't understand why Kwambala didn't play at centre back last night and against Palace.
But what do i know, why play a player in his preferred position.
Madness!
21.) 16 May 2024 15:12:35
Rather play him over Anthony or Rashford all day. Seen him loads for Sunderland and his a class act. He plays even better when he knows the fans appreciate him like they did at Sunderland and he still talks about them.
22.) 16 May 2024 15:19:15
Amrabat disciplin compared to Casemiro indiscipline is a key reason for shape improvements. We also started with bruno false 9. So an extra midfielder to make up for mctominay the ghost.
23.) 17 May 2024 09:42:57
He’s not fully fit sim and at the moment risking losing another centre half injured by rushing him back for 90 minutes would be stupid with the cup final in 8 days.
24.) 17 May 2024 10:00:19
DONRED- diallo wasnt ready because he had an injury that kept him out for a long time - when he came back and played against lpool he got a rec and also suffered a knock - maybe explains his lack of minutes but he does show up when picked and classic example of loan for experience working. Also must have been working hard on his strength and physique as he is not so wiry . definately worth a final place over antony imo.
25.) 18 May 2024 11:56:03
By early season do you mean before Christmas when he was out injured?
I agree and have said a few times that since February I'd have liked to see him get a few more chances.
Even if it was just the last 10-15 minutes every game to allow us to rest players and give him a chance to build up his match sharpness.
Always good to give players like Amad a run each week for the final 15 minutes or so. It means he is more ready if you need him to start due to injury or suspension, while it keeps the first choice players fresher meaning they are less likely to suffer injuries or dips in form due to fatigue. It might even motivate them to work harder knowing someone is pushing for their place.
That said I don't know what was happening in training or behind the scenes, maybe Amad needed more time to get back up to full fitness, or maybe he wasn't working hard enough in training, or not following instructions. Who knows, that's why it's hard to judge as we only know about 10% of the information.
Just sitting back and enjoying him doing well in the last couple of games and hoping he can keep it up and put a marker down for next season.
14 Apr 2024 11:33:39
6 points from the last 21.
On the brink of 8th place if West Ham win today.
Question - would be genuinely be better to remove the manager now and put an interim in charge for the remainder of the season? If have no idea who it would be, but could the tactics or desire be any worse than they are right now?
You often see a bounce when such appointments are made. Maybe enough to at least keep in the fight for sixth.
Genuine question.
1.) 14 Apr 2024 12:00:12
I see your reasoning, but for financial reasons it won’t happen! If it were me I would let him go now rather than let this fester for another 2 months.
2.) 14 Apr 2024 12:07:51
Would you rather spend £15m today on Dan Ashworth or removing ten Hag?
3.) 14 Apr 2024 12:35:55
I'd absolutely pay the £15m for Ashworth now.
4.) 14 Apr 2024 14:51:34
Sack him now and if it’s to be Potter he can get started now.
5.) 14 Apr 2024 15:12:13
Id do both…?.
6.) 14 Apr 2024 16:19:10
An interim new manager bounce isn’t guaranteed. Need only look at what happened to Chelsea after Potter was sacked. They got even worse under Lampard.
7.) 14 Apr 2024 16:39:04
We need to adhere to the rules.
8.) 14 Apr 2024 17:04:19
I would say if we lose our next game to Coventry and go out of the Cup then he must go then but the fact that our new CEO, DOF and technical director are not at the club yet will probably mean he is here till the summer.
9.) 14 Apr 2024 19:19:22
What rules are those Ken?
10.) 14 Apr 2024 20:45:21
I'm not an expert Tim.
But you are only allowed to lose a certain amount of money over a 3 year period concurrent (I think)
We have been sailing very close to a points deduction or at best falling foul of those rules.
An exit spend of eth's and staff payout will run to millions. Ideally on next years book. Next funancial year starts July 1st.
11.) 15 Apr 2024 09:48:27
It really is a bizarre system. Wish I could count on a £15m payout if I was crap at my job and facing the sack, I might try a little harder to fall out with people.
19 Jul 2024 08:55:52
Just like a few other maligned players I reckon McT would do an amazing job for a mid-table team without CL aspirations. I wouldn't say he was poor at much, just not outstanding at anything. Perfect squad material for a top team but surely better for the player to go somewhere he can make a real difference. Looks touch and go, the reported £40m tag seems steep to me but the Fulham bid below half that is off. I'd bite their hand off at £25m, but then again who can he be replaced with for that kind of money? Surely better to keep, as we run a risk of being a little light in certain areas.
18 Jul 2024 22:20:12
If there’s a joke in there it soared way over my head.
18 Jul 2024 20:21:25
He'll be part of the post-Pep City next summer.
17 Jul 2024 15:54:22
Please Frimpong! Adaptable and can also cover RW.
Who am I kidding, think that one looks like it's fading.
16 Jul 2024 15:53:58
Why would signing Yoro affect MdL, if we've been bidding on 3?
21 Jul 2024 18:17:05
I don’t think any recentish City signings have flopped in the way we are talking about Utd signings like Pogba and Antony et al. I mean properly gone off the rails, complete waste of tens of millions flopped. Grealish and Nunes haven’t been great, especially the former at that ridiculous price, but don’t think they’ve been woeful. Of course players are going to leave for a multitude of reasons, now you’re just being silly.
21 Jul 2024 15:58:12
It will be interesting to see what happens with our RW options.
Sancho and Antony cost around £150m between them but it's the kid Amad that always takes his chances when given them, makes an impact in the big games and doesn't seem to have the baggage or hang-ups.
I must say I'd prefer to keep Sancho over Antony as I think he's a better player but that's not saying much, he did himself no favours with his childish behaviour and although it might seem a bit harsh to give him the chop based on that if he's apologised, knuckles down and helps us get some kind of rhythm going then I'm sure all will be forgotten pretty quickly.
21 Jul 2024 11:59:43
Ok, Phillips lol.
{Ed001's Note - Grealish.}
21 Jul 2024 11:59:35
Think I'd include Martial in the mix but he didn't seem a bad egg like the others. The world's most expensive teenager at the time. He's literally been injured for most of his stay, whether he's actually been injured or just declared himself unable to play more than most who knows but he wasn't there to be counted on when required.
I think it's hard for an player whether a marquee signing or youngster to come in and make an impact in a poor team. Fernandes is a good exception, he lit the team up, but Sancho/ Pogba/ di Maria were in sides on the decline and didn't make the miracle impact. It seems much easier to go into a successful team that's on a high. When's the last time City made a dud signing?
20 Jul 2024 17:40:45
De Ligt all day for me. Good to see an even poll where we're all able to make up our own minds without needing to write Moby Dick. :D
Whoever it is will end up playing a sackful of games, along with both Yoro and Martinez. 5 top centre backs has always felt about right.