03 Mar 2017 08:48:43
It seems pretty accepted that we need a CB, a full back, a midfielder and a forward in the summer.
But to mix things up a little which of those four positions do you think is most important and why?
For me the forward position is least important, we have many good options and with Pereira coming back off a good loan I think we have enough there.
Centre back is another position I think we can muddle through with. On the whole our CB's have done well this season and with Tuanzebe coming through we could get through another season without strengthening in theory.
Now it gets very tricky the lack of balance in our full back position has been an issue all season, where as with Carrick another year older and the general lack of options in midfield is a serious issue, and injury to either Pogba or Herrera and suddenly we look quite exposed in the middle.
All in all for me that makes the midfield position the most important to strengthen in the summer, especially as we have Shaw who if he can recover his best form would solve our full back issue.
03 Mar 2017 10:02:39
Good post Shappy
My feeling is that we need to address the defence first, I think it's our weakest position in the team
My gut feeling on transfers this summer
Gk De Gea - I hope that United and De Gea rebuff Madrid again however if he decides to go to Madrid, I really like Donnamruma from Milan
LB - Not a situation to address if Shaw/ Blind stays which is what I think will happen
CB - Manolas/ Lindeof for me to replace either Jones or Rojo
RB - Nelson Semedo to come in and Darmian to leave
Midfield - Not sure the situation regarding players, if Carrick retires then that will need addressing, I like the Kessie guy from Atlanta, I believe Baily has recommended him to the club aswell
Wingers/ Striker - Feel we make that marquee signing this summer at the moment it could be Griezmann, I feel like this will carry on with all this talk now until the summer, Young will most likely leave, the Rooney rumors will carry on until the summer, I like Pereira but don't think he get a chance here so a move to a decent Spanish/ Portuguese team will do him good
I think our Keeper and Defence situation is pretty clear, I think the Midfield, Wingers and Fowards will become more clear this summer.
03 Mar 2017 10:22:12
I agree Shappy, we need a midfielder who can replace Carrick as our main priority. We can do this in one of two ways, we can have a midfielder who is seen as a true defensive midfielder and a different type of player to Carrick. Perhaps not the most technically accomplished but provides a shield to the back 4 and a strong physical presence at the heart of midfield. This allows the likes of Pogba to roam a little more while having the cover behind him.
Alternatively, we could go for a passer who will control the tempo of a game and in terms of player are more similar to Carrick. Someone like a Kroos or Verratti would in my opinion be slightly more beneficial than a destroyer type player. This would still allow Pogba to roam but would give us someone who can play a penetrating pass as well. This type of player would likely be less physical than the destroyer type player.
If we go for a more physical player there are the likes of Bakayoko, Luiz Gustavo, N'Zonzi who would all be good signings. If we go for more of a passer then Kroos would be top of my list. Alternatives such as Jorginho could also do well if signed.
Kessie, Nainggolan, Saul, Krychowiak and more. It's clear there are plenty of options for a CM and it just depends on what we want and whether the players are available.
If Ibrahimovic were to leave do you feel that would then lead to a new CF being prioritised ahead of a CM?
03 Mar 2017 10:36:52
Shane the issue for me is that Schweinsteiger will likely leave in the summer, add to that Carrick may retire. But even if he doesn't he'll be 36 and not capable of playing a full season. That leaves us with Pogba, Herrera and Fellaini as our midfield choices. Maybe Blind in a pinch, but I don't think Mourinho has ever played Blind in midfield. Fellaini might well leave also. TFM could play a role but he doesn't look ready to be relied on in a midfield position just yet.
Not only do we lack quality there but a serious lack of numbers also. that's why I think Midfield is the most important position to strengthen.
CB is also important but Jones and Rojo formed a really solid partnership, we also have Bailly and Tuanzebe coming through. Smalling and Blind who can also play there. Yes we lack a little quality there but we have 6 players who can play there. Where as we may only have 3 maybe 4 midfielders.
03 Mar 2017 10:45:39
CB. We have quality first team players in DDG-GK, Pogba, Herrera-CM, Miki-no.10, Martial, IBRA, Mata-front 3, admittedly Mata is not a winger but he has done well there for us, second highest scorer and few assists.
Full backs we have Shaw, Darmian, Blind, Valencia, Young, CBJ, Rojo, Smalling, Jones, TFM so we have plenty of depth although no top quality players based on this season's performances. I hope Shaw stays, knuckles down and finds his pre injury form, he has the talent to be world class. Valencia has done well at RB, not an ideal solution and not getting any younger but think we can get 1 more season out of him at least.
CB. Any team challenging for the title needs a strong, settled CB pairing, even Leicester had that last season. Yes our Cb's have done better than last year but it's difficult to pick who Bailey's long term partner should be. Rojo is too rash and goes to ground too easy, Smalling is poor positionally and can't pass, Jones' injury record is terrible which has stalled his development. The youth options lack experience and none of the options offer leadership or organisational qualities.
We need a first team commanding, vocal CB who will take responsibility for organising the back 4, a Bruce, Stam or Ferdinand.
03 Mar 2017 11:47:27
Rjmanutd, I'm not sure, obviously losing Zlatan would be a massive loss, but I have high hopes for both Rashford and Martial. So part of me would want to see them given a chance, the question is whether next season is too soon for them to be thrust in there. Maybe, but then signing someone in their mid twenties would block their development. Could possibly look at someone like Cavani or maybe Mario Gomez for a couple of seasons. Personally I think Zlatan will stay so I don't think it'll be an issue.
03 Mar 2017 12:07:16
Shaps
Do you see rashford playing the lone striker role under jose, can't see it myself.
03 Mar 2017 12:19:08
No I don't unfortunately Jred, but I think he should. On the plus side Rashford is young and will likely only be 22/ 23 by the time Jose leaves so he will have plently of time ahead of him.
I think Jose will go for a more classical No.9 when Zlatan leaves.
Were talking about a manager here who played Eto'o on the wing to accomidate Diego Milito as the focal point of his team at Inter. So I don't see that changing anytime soon.
03 Mar 2017 12:29:54
As highly as I rate Martial and Rashford they don't fit the mould of a Mourinho CF and I don't see Mourinho changing the way he sets his team up even if it is for 2 very talented players.
As you say I think Zlatan will stay for at least another year providing we get into the CL.
I personally would love to see Zlatan and Carrick get extensions then bring in 3 top class players. An adaptable forward such as Griezmann, a central midfielder who can control a game like Kroos and a dominant centre back like Manolas or Van Dijk. If we got a full ba ck and new back up keeper in there as well then that's a bonus. Also keeping hold of De Gea is vital.
We are likely losing the likes of Rooney, Young, Bastian and Darmian with Romero, Fellaini, Januzaj and one of the CB also leaving (should be Jones imo as he can never stay fit, even though I prefer him to Rojo) . This will require players like Pereira, Tuanzebe and Fosu Mensah to play a bigger role which I hope does happen as they are clearly 3 very talented players who have high potential.
03 Mar 2017 14:51:46
Left Back for me.
I would spend £50m on Alaba and have at it.
03 Mar 2017 15:51:07
For me forward is by far the most important we look almost lost without Ibra.
03 Mar 2017 16:08:45
Deano, do we lost without Zlatan because he is so much better than the others or because we are set up to play to his strengths?
We have no other strikers with Zlatans size, technicque, power or ability to bring others into play.
Martial scored 17 last season, Rashford was on fire too. Mata always chips in with a fair few goals and people seem to have forgotten about Rooney who has scored the odd goal during his United career. Add to that Mkhitaryan as well as Lingard and Pereira we have goals in there. Even Pogba can chip in with a few.
I don't think we lack the players capable of scoring, I just think the way Jose set his teams up suits a big man up front. Take him out and suddenly everyone has to find a new way to play.
03 Mar 2017 16:36:16
Ibra has been compared to cantona and i can see why .
Cantona was the right player at the right time, but some of the players where in his shadow .
The whole team was set up around him and it was great to watch but the top teams knew to stop united you just had to stop eric (more or less ) .
I was gutted when he left but all of a sudden our attack was let of the leash.
Cole was a different player, yorke come in, scholes started running games we didn't just look and wait for eric to do something .
Cantona left and the following year we won the treble playing imo the best footy since best and co .
Ibra has been great but there is always 2 sides to an argument.
03 Mar 2017 17:26:50
The year after Cantona left arsenal won the double and Manchester United won nothing so maybe there are 3 sides to every argument😊😊😊
Shappy I agree that the team is set up for a front man in the mould of ibra/ costa/ drogba/ milito. That's the way Jose sets up his team. That probably won't change too much is a proven method for him. So if rash can't develop the required skills to play that role the way Jose wants he will buy someone who can imo and rightly so. The issue we have currently is that we don't have a like for like replacement for ibra in terms of style so everybody has to play differently if he is not available or rested. I would be hopful that rash could develop into the front man of choice for Jose I don't see any reason why not. Certaintly a 19 year old ibra would not have fit the profile Jose wants but his game developed and matured as he got older. Rash has lots of the right credentials imo. Martial less so imo he is a fantastic dribbler.
03 mar 2017 17:43:34
year after my mistake but the point is the same
site been good banter last week, nice place to be lot of good debates with out anyone looking for arguments or scoring points .
but i see your back.
03 Mar 2017 17:52:04
Rash is a on the shoulder striker his major asset is pace not really a back to goal striker or a player to bring others in .
Slight player really not going to go toe to toe with a cb or bully them .
Far more an eto type than a milito .
You won't get a like for like replacement as there is only one place they can play and that's a 9 and as we have seen if fit ibra plays . so no real chance of rotation, when ibra leaves jose will sign a similar type to replace him.
03 Mar 2017 18:02:06
How was o looking for am argument just pointing out it was 2 years after. But don't let paranoia Ron your weekend.
03 Mar 2017 18:07:59
When ibra was 19 he was off the shoulder type too by his own admission always looking to ruin in behind insteadof looking to drop off. Maybe rash will change his game he is capable of that. If not I agree as I said above Jose will sign someone else in The big no 9 mold. He should do anyway as only having one of that type means that if he is unavailable lots of positions and team style has to change instead of just the 1 position/ player.
03 Mar 2017 18:13:34
Ken
Havent seen you for a while and then your first post is a wee dig at me 😂😂😂
Site has been good, some good debates, people having a crack.
Only 2 sides to the argument imo not 3, everyone thought we would be lost with out cantano but someone allways steps up . Cole scored 7 goals in erics last year 25 the year after he left . The whole team had a new dynamic .
But never mind that check my numbers and spelling 😆😆.
03 Mar 2017 18:18:28
At ajax ibra could do both he was excellent with his back to goal has always been able to hold the ball up, 6ft odd ( can't rember exactly, don't want to put the wrong height ) and could dominate a cb.
Also a right angry physical player who put himself about .
Could beat a man but never blessed with pace imo.
03 Mar 2017 18:59:08
I'm not saying that we won't copy without Ibra shappy and I'm reasonably pleased with the goal return throughout the team, but to have that talismanic spearhead is vital imo there are very few strikers of that quality worldwide and I believe that will be the hardest position to fill so I think that's where our main focus should be followed by midfield.
As far as cb go I don't think we are in dire straits we could cope quite easily with what we have imo the midfielder we are missing could be problematic as we see when pogba isn't playing we look like we're missing something but I think we could find a midfielder easier than we could a striker.
03 Mar 2017 19:04:46
All good players are replaceable given time. Robson keane Cantona scholes rooney giggs ibra Charlton whoever. We were a bit lost in 98 without cantona but over time the team evolved it will be the same with ibra whenever he leaves. Most are never replaced like for like. But players soon adapt. Barcelona won't cease to exist when messi finishes but they will find a way to adapt.
No matter who posted that I would have pointed out it was a year after. It's not a dig at you your not that special😀 sure you never point out a mistaken fact.
03 Mar 2017 19:18:26
Ken
Aww come on i even used a 😆😆.
You keep saying i'm not that special but you can't miss a post of mine or stop talking about me on the chat 😆.
But let's leave it at that, its a good thread this lot of good points above . Shame to spoil it.
03 Mar 2017 19:27:42
We came second in the league behind a good arsenal team in 98 by 1 point .
Topped our group in the ECL ahead of juve then some how manged to get knocked out by monaco in the qf.
Boring 0-0 away then some how never beat them at home .
Although to be fair big pete pally nevile scholes kean and giggs i think where missing .
So maybe not that lost,
03 Mar 2017 19:29:46
I don't think Rashford or Martial is a Mourinho type of striker, I think long term they will have to accept playing on the wing or if we have a new manager in the future their a possibility of being moved back their
Strikers-wise I see Zlatan being here for at least another season, I would at someone like Mauro Icardi personally, Lukaku would be someone to look at but I think he will leave Everton before Zlatan retires.
03 Mar 2017 19:42:06
88
I agree with that, i like icardi as well, bit nuts tho.
{Ed004's Note - I'm not sure Icardi would be a good signing he seems to be excellent in and around the box however not great on the ball. Also comes with a lot of baggage. I think Ed002 mentioned that Belotti and Andre Silva had been watched by United (among many others) and they would seem to be more likely and better options}
03 Mar 2017 20:33:55
Belotti looks the business, i like icardi but he is a bit nuts.
{Ed004's Note - Have seen very little of Belotti what's his playing style like?}
03 Mar 2017 21:04:57
Big strong lad very good in the air and with his back to goal, been said he is a lot like c vieri in the box .
Got pace tho, started of as a winger and you can tell, he can beat a man, seen him make some great breaks from his own half.
He says his game is based on workrate, and as a lone striker he covers the last of third of the pitch, really puts a shift in .
23 years old
19 league goals in 21 games for torino this season
3 in 5 for italy .
This is his first big season but looks the part,
03 Mar 2017 21:11:02
Haha agreed no Maxi Lopez jokes please, their actually a photo of Icardi as a kid getting Maxi autograph (when at Barca) I bet stealing his wife didn't come into play then lol
I like Andre Silva, not sure if he ready to be our striker though, think he needs to play for a team like Valencia and get that European top level experience, Belotti is decent but I feel like he just another Immobile, be better to join one of the top Italian teams
We need someone proven with a goalscoring record, Lukaku be good as he Premier League tested aswell, also read on a United site Lacazette is gaining interest (I don't think he United quality though)
{Ed004's Note - Thanks Jred just saw your post above. Sounds like a promising player. I don't think Lukaku would suit us here at all he doesn't have a good enough touch and would struggle playing against team that park the bus each week.
I'm not sure that Andre Silva is ready for the move but we have watched him. Lacazette is one to watch. He is ridiculously quick and can create chances for himself also very clinical and a proven penalty taker}
03 Mar 2017 21:25:01
I wouldn't look beyond harry kane perfect imo .
04 Mar 2017 07:04:37
Kane sould be the first option for me, Alvaro Morata should be up there too. Belotti seems promising, but I'd like to see him do it for a couple of seasons first. Italians have been very hit and miss when moving outside of Italy. Especially strikers.
04 Mar 2017 08:15:52
I would love Kane here but trying to buy from Spurs and Levy will be very hard and near impossible, Levy will most likely rather sell Kane aboard than sell to us.