14 Feb 2015 11:36:48
Hey guys hope all is good. with it looking increasingly likely that we are going to buy a striker with a lot of pace in the summer, can anybody shed any light as to what strikers we are keeping a close eye on at the minute? Ed002? thanks guys
{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you mean about a striker "with a lot of pace" but Santos' Gabriel Barbosa continues to be of interest to Chelsea, Fiorentina and Manchester United. However, much is expected of him and there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that will be exercised in 2016 if he does not beforehand. Do not be surprised by a bid for Benzema. Cavani is being offered around the clubs who have previously shown an interest.}
14 Feb 2015 14:55:58
Benzema and Lacazette would be my first two picks. Then maybe Cavani.
{Ed002's Note - You can put aside any thoughts of Lacazette.}
14 Feb 2015 15:44:42
That is a shame, is his future sorted?
{Ed002's Note - He won't be moving to Old Trafford.}
15 Feb 2015 04:55:18
Hi all, this is my first post, so please be kind! I've been watching this site for a very long time, so, for once, I thought I'd ask Ed002 a question. .
Can you give a definitive answer as to who might come to Utd this summer? I know that you cannot guarantee any signings, but you seem to me, to be someone 'in the know'.
Thanks in advance from Wales!
{Ed002's Note - I cannot give a definitive answer Cofi and much will depend on what happens with the manager and with Champions League qualification. But right now it looks something like this.
GK: If De Gea goes perhaps Krul or Handanovic will be added.
RB: Coleman would be expensive and remains "not for sale". Perhaps Clyne would be a better option. Perhaps Alves.
CB: Mats Hummels remains the primary target, if available. The summer is certainly realistic, particularly given the Champions League situation. Garay could certainly be an option for the summer - he will be leaving Zenit. Alternatively, Godin or Howedes if available but I doubt a first choice. Virgil van Dijk has been looked at but there is interest from elsewhere and I cannot see him sitting on the bench. Miranda - only makes sense at a much, much lower fee. Terence Kongolo is of growing interest to both Manchester clubs and Southampton. Tyrone Mings has been looked at but remains one for the future and with Rojo and Shaw seems an unlikely choice. Otamendi was of interest to Barcelona, Zenit, Chelsea, Napoli, Manchester City and CSKA before a move to Valencia in January 2014 and a subsequent loan to Atlético Mineiro. As Otamendi has only effectively been playing in Spain since August 2014 a move in January was unlikely - but he was of interest.
DM: Strootman has been injured for a while and whilst he remains a target for the summer. Carvalho remains a player that both Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in and his situation remains the same. He is for sale, but the asking price would need to come down to make any move possible. Previous interest from Monaco, Inter, Chelsea and Juventus has gone because of the price. Vidal is due to be sold in the summer. Nainggolan might, if his complex ownership can be resolved, be an option.
M/W: I have dealt with Depay and Pogba at length, but Depay is probably not ready at this time, Pogba will be outrageously expensive.
FW: Santos' Gabriel Barbosa continues to be of interest to Chelsea, Fiorentina and Manchester United. However, much is expected of him and there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that will be exercised in 2016 if he does not beforehand. Do not be surprised by a bid for Benzema. Cavani is being offered around the clubs who have previously shown an interest.}
16 Feb 2015 09:52:42
Sorry Ed002, but just re-read your reply. What I found interesting was what you said in your first paragraph. "depends what happens with the manager"
Could you clarify what you mean by that please?
{Ed002's Note - I have explained before that there is some pressure from a third party to bring another manager in this summer and that van Gaal has upset someone in the MU hierarchy.}
16 Feb 2015 09:53:03
Thanks Ed002. I really enjoy your insight into what goes on at Man Utd. Hopefully we are on the 'up' and the glory days will soon return!