31 May 2016 08:16:40
So 'reports' today that Mata and Blind will be sold, Mata I can unders as he didn't fit Jose style then so unlikely too now but a bit surprised about Blind, even if he's not seen as a centre back I think he is a useful and versatile player for the squad, he has been a bit outspoken lately tho. Time will tell.
31 May 2016 09:05:00
Yh i was surprised to read reports of blind going but i guess if CBJ is going to be back up to shaw, 2 centre backs wanted this summer and carrick getting another contract then it does leave blind surplus to requirements.
As you said mata speaks for itself but i'm sure there won't be a shortage of clubs after both players especially blind.
31 May 2016 09:39:27
Personally I would keep blind and let Carrick go.
31 May 2016 10:12:36
I agree with that red79.
31 May 2016 10:28:14
I like blind but he is nowhere near as good as carrick.
31 May 2016 11:03:52
In terms of whom to keep Blind vs Carrick, you'd have to give it to Carrick. You'd have to think he wouldn't expect to start much next season and he seems like one of the key figures in the dressing room. Not to mention his trophy haul and he'll quickly buy into the winning mentality of Mourinho and hopefully transfer it to the younger players.
31 May 2016 11:08:25
how can u say that gds, blind is slow, but carrick is slower, carrick is a great passer unless opposition starts pressing him, the minute the pressing starts carrick starts giving away the ball as if he is on a donation spree, add to the fact that he is 35. Carrick in no way shape or form is better than blind currently.
31 May 2016 11:58:08
Keeping carrick keeps that strong link to the dressing room that Mourinho wants especially if he plans on bringing in 4 or 5 starters. Clever move keeping someone who has been here for a long time and as stated above won't expect to start most games.
31 May 2016 12:09:57
I'd rather have Carrick/ Schweinsteiger over Blind.
When you look at it, where will Blind get a game? Left back we have Shaw and Borthwich-Jackson who has just signed a new deal.
Centre back I think we will see two or three signed with only Smalling remaining. So he could be something like 5th choice.
Defensive midfield we have Schneiderlin, Carrick and Schweinsteiger plus potential new signings.
At best, he is third choice left back.
Let's be honest, nice guy but doesn't cut it.
{Ed004's Note - I really like Blind and think he is a brilliant squad player but if we get a good offer and he is replaced then I wouldn't be opposed to him being sold}
31 May 2016 12:31:21
blind is a lot better and versatile squad player than either schweinsteiger or carrick, bastian is too injury prone and carrick too old. If we get rid of carrick, blind can easily be a back up in mf and given our injury issues, he is a lot more reliable than either carrick or schweinsteiger.
31 May 2016 12:31:21
blind is a lot better and versatile squad player than either schweinsteiger or carrick, bastian is too injury prone and carrick too old. If we get rid of carrick, blind can easily be a back up in mf and given our injury issues, he is a lot more reliable than either carrick or schweinsteiger.
31 May 2016 13:01:55
I'm going to go with Rio with respect to Carrick. He was incredibly complimentary and he should know, having played with him for years. Yes, he's getting old, but remember Pirlo? He managed to destroy England at the same age. I don't believe Blind was ever aquired as a CB, so if Jose finds a better option or 2 there, plus another midfielder or 2, that leaves Blind without a position. Shaw and CBJ should be good for the season. I would expect TFM to be making a move for regular first team football too.
31 May 2016 13:43:47
Carrick is a link between the players and the managers. He has won everything, every squad needs a few winners whether they play much or not.
Blind would fetch £20 million which could be reinvested.
If we need a man to plug in the gaps I'd rather have Fosu-Mensah: RB, CB, LB and central midfield.
31 May 2016 21:04:33
If Blind is so seemingly average how are we going to get 20m for him?
He gave a lot to the cause last season and given he was playing out of position but was still our best CB my a mile I think he should not be disposed of so quickly. He is a great squad player.
Schweinsteiger has offered nothing this year which I was really really surprised about. Maybe if he had a good run of games with Schneiderlin and Herrera doing all the legwork he will shine again. But same can be said of Carrick. At 35 he has been a GREAT servant to the club. But Jose should not be allowing sentiment when re-tooling this squad. I agree to much change in one go is not good. And I also agree we need experienced leaders in the dressing room.
What we need more than anything is the right mix of players on the pitch. Therefore if I had to choose between one of Carrick / Schweini / Blind it would have to be Blind. He is a good player who is very versatile. I don't think he will ever give you a 10/ 10 but he won't have too many 6s and below either.