24 Jun 2019 14:41:29
Not posted anything substantial for a while so I thought I'd add my two pennies.

First and foremost, welcome to Daniel James. He's working hard pre pre-season and looks to have all the attributes to become a player. I hope he gets a good run in the side and protection from the manager, staff, players and crowd.

What do we need to do now?

Football is simple, you need a good spine and we are a couple of players away from having that.

Wan-Bissaka would be a welcome addition and the specialist right back we have needed since Gary Neville and Rafael left. Shaw is a capable option on the other side too. We absolutely must sign a commanding centre half. Ruben Dias is a great option, but could it be a case or better the devil you know in signing Maguire? He's proven in this League and has international pedigree. Strong in the air and physical, he could be the perfect partner for Lindelöf and would therefore have my full backing.

The second area we must address is a central midfielder who can receive a ball from the centre backs, turn and lift his head to pick a pass. We have the water carriers in Fred and McTominay, and they are essential parts of a good side. The playmaker is a must though. Can Rabiot fill that role? Would Kroos swap clubs with Pogba? Kroos is still a fabulous player and still has the best passing range in world football. Pjanic maybe in a Pogba deal?

In an ideal world I'd like another goal scorer too. Every good and great side has one. Rashford could be that player, but will he blossom under the pressure? Could a player like Moussa Dembele assist or could a more experienced, ageing player like Lewandowsk do the business for a couple of years.

The last key area to address is in goal, but I feel that we have sufficient in house options to cover De Gea should he leave. Now would be the time to cash in, take the money and reinvest elsewhere. Henderson will be hounded for his Euro error, as have many keepers in the past but there's no doubting his talent and self confidence.

In sum, a commanding centre half, playmaker and striker are what I feel we must get to stand any chance of a top 3 finish. It also goes without saying that the bad eggs must go, there's no value in keeping a player whose heart isn't it : Lukaku, Pogba and probably De Gea.

Thoughts?

1.) 24 Jun 2019
24 Jun 2019 14:50:04
In a midfield that already lacks pace, signing Kroos would be unwise.

2.) 24 Jun 2019
24 Jun 2019 15:53:17
Agree with danny, if people are distressed by the sight of pogba ambling around the pitch, can't wait for them to see the sight of kroos trundling around without casemiro there to cover for him.

3.) 24 Jun 2019
24 Jun 2019 16:03:42
Say no to Kroos, Pjanic is probably going to stay as he will do a role what Jurginho did for Sarri at Chelsea and Maguire isn't worth the 80/ 90 mill pound which Leicester are defending.

Rabiot might be an interesting choice but he could also flop at the same time due to him playing so little in the last few years.