24 Jul 2013 15:37:29
According to Ed001 on the Barcelona page, we were never in for Thiago. Apparently we know exactly what had to be done in order to sign him and we didn't do anything about it.

When asked why did we wait after Thiago was gone to bid for cesc, his answer was we are probably not too bothered to sign Cesc, and since his transfer never looked likely, the bid for him was mostly to appease the fans and show that Moyes has ambitions.

But if that was true, why did we bid twice, and a third bid is apparently on the way? Something doesn't add up. If Ed001 is around would you give me your 2 cents on the matter if anything new has appeared? {Ed001's Note - there are only really two possible reasons, either you think Martino doesn't want him, or it would be too obvious you were just messing about if you just bid once. In my opinion, there has been no sign, despite the way Sly have been covering it, to suggest he is interested in a move to United. Their coverage is strange though, it is almost like Marca's coverage of Madrid, the way they proclaim Rooney is going nowhere, while saying Cesc is open to offers from United. Neither seems to be true, unless Cesc is being dishonest, as he has made it plain to those around him that he wants to stay at Barca first and foremost. Until we know what Martino has told him about the role he foresees him playing, we won't really know for sure. Certainly the club told him they wanted him to stay, but since then Tito has gone and been replaced, so the new manager might have his own ideas. I really don't know a lot about the new guy, but with Thiago gone and Xavi ageing and troubled by injuries, I would be surprised if he was wanting to offload Fabregas.}

1.) 24 Jul 2013
Thiagos dad has said today he was close to signing for us but we could reach an agreement when in talks with him.

2.) 24 Jul 2013
Unless Barcelona is desperate for more money to buy a decent centerback.
One more year without a proper cover/first choice to pair up with Pique is rather ridiculous.

3.) 24 Jul 2013
Thanks ed. I actually find it strange why Fabregas would be interested in a move to United.
He is playing for one of the best clubs in the world, and a move to us would argubly be a sideway step ( some would even consider it a downstep ). Unless he is deseperate for a worldcup starting spot of course.

But even with barcelona needing him, they sure know that they need central defenders first and foremost, and they might need to sell some players to fund the move. They still have iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Song and the young Sergi Roberto who is beeing touted as the new Xavi.

So their need for a central defender outweigh their need for Fabregas and maybe, just maybe, they are willing to sacrifice him to improve their defense.

On another note, I know you are kind of an expert on youth football, so what do you think about Sergi Roberto? Does he really have what it takes to make the step up in the next couple of seasons?

4.) 24 Jul 2013
Ed001 Do you seriously believe for one minute that Manchester united would put a bid in for a player just to "appease" the fans? Seriously come on behave don't you think that if that was the case that this would raise doubt in the fans mind over David Moyes's ability to attract the right players rather than "appease" US fans. Do you seriously think for one minute that David Moyes would sit back and let the united board make him look like a fool? Do you genuinely think that united would do such a thing to the new manager and put him under even more pressure than he is already under ( just has any manager would be under pressure trying to take over after sir Alex) I seriously doubt your thoughts on this matter. David Moyes has sat there in a few conferences now and told the waiting press and the United fans that ed woodward is working hard to try to get this deal done so not only would they (United) be making Moyes look a fool they would be making out that the new Chief Executive of the biggest club in the world is incapable of doing his job. What sort of message would this send out to the footballing world and the shareholders? plus what message would this send out to the new York stock exchange? we all hate the glazers but I don't think for one minute they would be that stupid do you. really? {Ed001's Note - I fail to see how it would be blamed on Moyes if Fabregas doesn't join?}

5.) 24 Jul 2013
Ed001, all Sky have done is quote Moyes saying Rooney is not for sale. That is all. Sky are the biggest sports media outlet in the world. It would be pretty poor workmanship if they never quoted Manchester United manager publicly stating Rooney is not for sale. But Sky have also said via Dharmesh Sheth that their sources say that it's likely Rooney will be sold, but MU will want two significant signings in first. I'm not sure what's happening with Cesc, but I do not believe for a second these are token bids. Cesc could replace Rooney in the hole very easily. If not he is exactly what we need in midfield. I think Barcelona will sell at the right price and that will inevitably give an unwanted Cesc a big decision to make. I find it hard to believe that there has been no indication by Cesc or his agent that he would move to OT if a bid was accepted by Barcelona. Not sure we will sign Cesc, but I do not think it's token bids.

Sydney! {Ed001's Note - so why do they not say just that in their main reports? They were saying all yesterday Rooney is not for sale, following a report saying Barca said Cesc isn't for sale but we are told he is. Why not put the same addendum on the Rooney report? Sly are not interested in truth, they are only interested in what stirs up the betting market, saying Rooney will stay will get a few mugs to put money on it. Saying Fabregas will go stirs up more bets. That is all they are doing.}

6.) 24 Jul 2013
Have to agree with Ed001. Sky's transfer coverage has been going downhill ever since they opened .

Reports that Fabregas is considering his future seem to have originated from 'tv' shortly after a second affirmation by Barcelona that Cesc would not be sold. Although it's being reported in numerous other places - they're all quoting Sky as their source.

The 'fact' that their 'sources' have told them that Cesc is considering his future would surely shorten their odds on him moving to United - but it hasn't. As far as I can see they're eager to encourage betting on something which they are pretty certain will not happen. I'm tempted to put money on him staying with them if there's still a market for it.

redseven

7.) 24 Jul 2013
But why waste time on fabragas to appease the fans when there are many excellent midfielders we could actually sign with whom united fans would be very happy?

just chuckling at my voice recognition software which spelt fabragas as fabric ass and now fab rubber gas! must be my northern vowels!

8.) 24 Jul 2013
The reality is that football transfers are full of innuendo, half truths and pure speculation. Most of the nonsense originates with players agents who make vast sums for themselves by such behaviour and tipping off journalists, some of whom are good and credible and some who are just hopeless. a website does not have a great reputation for real insider knowledge but we clearly did not pursue Thiago as hard as we could and I really believe Moyes wants Fabregas very badly and has been told deal is possible. Only time will tell.

9.) 24 Jul 2013
Ed001, I know Sky like to meddle with the truth and when they say "a web site sources understands" you can always take it with a pinch of salt, but I do not think Sky work with MU in the same way as Marca do with RM and I do not believe MU are making token bids for Cesc. That's all I was saying.

Sydney! {Ed001's Note - sorry, I wasn't meaning to imply it was like that, I meant they are liberal with the truth in a similar way to Marca are with Madrid. Though for totally different reasons, I agree.}

10.) 24 Jul 2013
How come cesc or his agent haven't come out and dismissed these rumours the last few weeks. Clubs will always say the player is not for sale but every player has his price and utd must know they have a good chance of getting him. That's why they've bid three times. I think you are talking nonsense Edd001. Wishful thinking {Ed001's Note - he has said numerous times that the only club in England he would play for is Arsenal, I am not sure what else he could add to that? Not sure why it would be wishful thinking by me, I don't support Arsenal and I don't rate Fabregas all that highly. I think there are many better players out there for United, especially at this price.}

11.) 24 Jul 2013
I would agree with Ed but then something I'd ask you Ed is why hasn't Fabregas said he's not interested in joining united after we started bidding? He's said after Neymar signing that he'd still fight for his place but he's been silent since this all started.

Dan {Ed001's Note - he has said many times, publicly, that he would only join Arsenal in England. Maybe he just doesn't feel the need to say any more? After all they have sold Thiago, who was more of a threat to his position than Neymar, who plays a totally different role.}

12.) 24 Jul 2013
Fair enough. But the signing of Neymar will just push Messi and Iniesta to cover the 2 positions he likes to play in. Neymar would play wide left, behind the striker (or false 9 for Barca) or false 9. These are Fabs positions. I don't think he would play wide right would he? Xavi and Busquets are the 2 in midfield all day. The only way I see him getting a starting place and not a squad role is playing with Xavi and Busquets in a 433. But then it's hard to fit Iniesta, Neymar and Messi into an attacking 3 with Pedro wanting a place as well.

Dan

13.) 25 Jul 2013
25 Jul 2013 10:19:29
@Ed001

Would just like your opinion on this one if you have the time.

At the price that we seem to be going towards with Fabregas which players do you think we should be going for instead? I really don't see a chance of any other top midfielder out there right now who could move, perhaps Modric but that is just about it imo.

Also, I know it must be frustrating to constantly answer the same questions for you, but I think the obsession on here with Fabregas is because there is no other info about our transfer dealings out there currently, so have you heard about interest in any other players that we may be pursuing currently?

Thanks.

REDFAITH {Ed001's Note - I wrote a few on another post, but at that price, I personally would push for Vidal or Gundogan. Fabregas is a big name, it excites the fans, it is in the media constantly, so people want to know more. It is only to be expected to be honest, with the scarcity of other movement on the United side of things. Incidentally, I found Roberto Martinez's comments a bit baffling regarding Baines. Saying no firm interest in him. Odd comment that!}

14.) 25 Jul 2013
25 Jul 2013 12:19:46
@Ed001

Cheers. I would love a move for either Gundogan or Vidal but don't think either is going to be let go.

Didn't read Martinez's comments about Baines. So no other activity from our side? Very odd. This transfer window has been poorly managed by us imo.

REDFAITH