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Juanmatasbeard's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Juanmatasbeard's rumours posts
25 Apr 2015 12:07:20
ED002 I have seen you have previously said United have monitored Gabriel Barbosa from Santos but Barca have first option on him. You also said if Barca can raise funds then Dybala will wait for a move to Catalonia.
With both players effectively playing the same role and both being very expensive, if Dybala heads to the Noucamp would that leave Barbosa for other intrested parties such as United?
{Ed002's Note - Gabriel is of interest to Fiorentina, Chelsea and Manchester United. However, although much is expected of him he is only 18 and whilst there is an agreement between Santos and Barcelona that may be exercised in 2016, I suspect that he won't move there at that time. Chelsea will try and continue to strike a deal - but it may be a while away.
Dybala's situation is very different and you should not confuse the two. Barcelona's rebuilding does require them to move a number of players on and they have the further difficulty that they cannot make any incoming transfers before January 2016. As such, they are going to try and do a little horse trading this summer, like loaning a player to a club for 6 months and then he becomes part of a deal for someone else in January with cash or whatever passing hands then. In the interim, Palermo are aware of interest in the player and have already turned down three offers - two in cash and one including two players.
So there is no dependency between the two players - and I rather doubt Gabriel will end up in Manchester, unless it is in the away dressing room.}
1.) 25 Apr 2015 12:50:57
Cheers ED!
21 Apr 2015 03:14:40
I spoke to mate over lunch today who works in the marketing department at Under Armour sportswear. He has told me that they have been instructed to draw up several marketing posters and dispays which will be getting implemented in sports stores throughout the UK to release their new sportswear and soccer boots. A major face of one of the sportsmen (according to him) will be Memphis Depay.
Now I am just speculating that this sounds to me Depay will move to England and for him to be considered a major draw for the sports brand he would be going to a 'big club' if it were because if he was still at PSV, joined say Newcastle (no disrespect) or went to a club like PSG how many folk in the UK would recognise Depay's face? Probably not me unless I see him playing week in week out.
We all know the Eds have some inside info but you lads are all welcome for the JMB insider instalment!
1.) 21 Apr 2015 12:52:34
I really he will be with us in the summer fresh, rarely do I watch a young prospect like him and get so excited, he seems to have everything
20 Apr 2015 07:24:04
Ed002 I seen on the Liverpool page you said there was interest in Ward-Prowse, can you elaborate on who that is? Chelsea or City maybe? Good player.
{Ed002's Note - Try asking on the Southampton page.}
09 Apr 2015 09:15:58
Ed002 - just a quick question in regards to player transfers and the FFP rule. Hypothetically if a player like Messi was desperate to leave Barcelona but no club could afford him due to FFP regulations could Messi take legal action against UEFA for infringing his working rights even if he is still under contract at Barcelona?
Obviously this is a 'what if' situation but could that be a possible route for a player to go down?
{Ed002's Note - It would not be an FFP issue in any one year for a number of clubs but it would be an issue for any club looking to do any other business over forthcoming years. And the amounts of money involved are well beyond significant. As I have explained before, although Barcelona have not been hawking Messi around, my expectation is that Messi will be made available and Barcelona will start looking to rebuild around Neymar from January 2016 when they can start bring players in again. And I expect that Barcelona will make Messi available from the summer - regardless of who the manager is at that time. Whether or not there would be any takers is another matter, and Barcelona are well aware of that and are looking at the same of others to raise funds (e.g. Pedro). A number of questions were asked of representatives of UEFA in December regarding the transfer of the financially very high-end players and the impact on FFP. It is clear that exceptions would need to be put in place as the alternative could be lawsuits from players regarding restrictions on trade. In the past Messi has turned down a transfer to one side who had agreed to meet Barcelona's then €250M price tag, and Barcelona and a commercial partner resisted an approach by a commercial organisation on behalf of an English side with an offer to buy, or at least part fund, the player. I am aware that in Spain there has been speculation about an offer being made during the summer 2014 transfer window, but it is "largely" incorrect. This all started in 2012 when in mid December Anzhi made an offer to Barcelona that matched the €250M euro release clause that existed in his contract, and put up what I am told was a "very" significant personal package. However, Messi was not interested in a move to Russia and Barcelona did not want to sell - so Messi, in early February 2013, extended his contract with Barcelona. In the early summer of 2013 efforts were being made by Adidas to broker a deal that would get Messi away from Nike and to one of their three high-profile clubs. Very quickly Real Madrid were ruled out and with Pep Guardiola moving to Bayern Munich that pretty much saw the end of any chance of a move there (given the strained relationship) at the time. This left Chelsea and I can confirm that discussions were held about making a firm bid - at this point we are in late 2013 and early 2014 and Messi was in a verbal spat with Barcelona about getting a further extension - which the club were against. Ultimately, the player was (at least in his eyes) available during the Spring of 2014 and at that point Chelsea and Adidas made his management representatives and Barcelona aware of what they would be willing to do to make a transfer happen. Since then he has again extended his contract with Barcelona. I understand that again they see three possible destinations for the player but I am not going to get involved in any further speculation at this time. Right now, I would think a summer move anywhere is unlikely.}
1.) 09 Apr 2015 16:54:12
Woah, cheers for that Ed002. If Chelsea did manage to sign him I honestly wouldn't know what to think. They would be a real force in world football.
It's a longshot but would Manchester United have the financial power to sign him ever in the future?
{Ed002's Note - I have no interest in speculating.}
31 Mar 2015 08:51:14
Ed004 I have seen you have mentioned Vietto as an alternative for the striking position. Do you know if we had hold any interest? I have seen him linked with everyone else but us in the media.
{Ed004's Note - I think he has been linked with us in papers but haven't heard Ed002 talking about him so don't think so}
Juanmatasbeard's banter posts with other poster's replies to Juanmatasbeard's banter posts
21 May 2015 14:43:12
Since I am making this page 'depressing' and now being lambasted with personal attacks (such as being labelled a **** by CTR) this will be my last post until the season resumes in August.
Folk have real short memories on here. They change their mind more times in a month than they change their underwear. At the start of the season (especially after signing Di Maria, Falcao etc) it was all "we should be winning the league", "Challenging at the top", "We will be playing some great football" and "winning silverware".
As the season progressed and we regressed in terms of performances so many individuals began to backtrack. We went from possible title winners to "Champions League is the aim and that is all". When Liverpool strung together some form it became "as long as we keep in front of Liverpool in fifth that's all that matters". When we eventually settled 4th spot there was glee on here "so happy we finished top four as that's all that mattered anyway". Effectively from title talk at the beginning of the season folk became content with 4th spot, no silverware and horror show performances.
Have a go at the folk who speak their minds and stick by what they believe to be true if that's what keeps a lot of you happy. Some of the shepherds on here do very well to keep the sheep in the pen. I'd rather err what I have said from the start than be spineless and chop and change my opinions week by week.
I'd much rather be someone's shot of whiskey than everyone's cup of tea.
Over and out.
1.) 21 May 2015 15:42:41
You'll be back, you won't be able to resist it!
I understand you taking a break though, sometimes it can get a bit heated and time away can always solve many issues.
Hope to see you soon JMB, you bringing another side of the argument to the table was keeping this site interesting.
2.) 21 May 2015 15:32:47
no doubt some will be happy .
i would stick it out and don't take it to heart
3.) 21 May 2015 15:36:52
Everyone should have their won opinion , so do you JMB . May be your opinion differs to from others but it is your own . I myself disagree with many of your post but this is a banter site mate . don't loose urself as we are United buddies at last supporting same club . Cheer up bro , don't give up and enjoy the game :)
4.) 21 May 2015 15:47:24
At least you haven't taken CTR's comments to heart mate, enjoy the summer and see you in August.
5.) 21 May 2015 15:52:56
Stick with it JMB, sometimes you just have to suck it up.
6.) 21 May 2015 16:02:52
Give over JMB! It's a banter site, you give it and you receive it. I had it plenty during 'Rooney-Gate', 'Rooney-Gate 2' and 'Rooney-Gate 3', part of being on a site like this my friend. Now get your ball and come back out and play.
7.) 21 May 2015 16:10:11
Biggest martyr since Thomas Beckett. I'll light a candle and shed a tear.
8.) 21 May 2015 16:16:43
You are bang on JMB. I took a break for a month around Xmas time, did me the world of good. I was close to getting ratty yesterday but bit my tongue. At the end of the day a large proportion of people resent being told that what is happening is not right, especially if they lack the control to change it. It's much easier to be a passenger in life, but it's not very fulfilling.
The ones that get me are the names you never see on here and then they pop up for a one off attack.
Across society as a whole the PC brigade are winning over, to be critical is automatically to be negative in some peoples eyes. Sitting back and making excuses is what leads to big problems further down the line. We are becoming a world full of excusers, it's time for people to man up!
I actually said to my Mrs at lunch that I feel like I am giving more than I am getting at the moment, so I am going to whittle back my comments now for a while as well. It's good to put across a counter point especially if you believe it, but at the moment I feel like I could say the grass is green and somebody will jump on it.
Catch you in August mate, but maybe do what I am going to do and just throw in the occasional comment now and again rather than ignoring it all completely - we need our wing men after all to help keep things real, the metamorphosis into Arsenal fans needs to be held back!
9.) 21 May 2015 15:58:11
I think there's times when all of us think we should stop coming/posting to this site. For me it's always Ed02 that riled me up with his extremely rude and dismissive attitude towards those who disagree with him - still I miss the transfer insights, not that any of it really means much, since nobody, or at least very few insiders, know who we'll get until it's basically happened.
Sometimes one posts comments which seem self-evident, and then virtually everyone clicks the disagree button, or makes some critical comments based upon a total misunderstanding of what one has written. In the end people just want to write what they want to write and find a way to do it.
It is, when all said ad done, just a banter site, and from a positive note, one can post with anonymity and without having to sign into some social media site first.
10.) 21 May 2015 16:24:34
I'd imagine how some of you would have survived a few years back when KLOOT made it much more personal.
11.) 21 May 2015 16:34:46
Beast ,
Maybe we're not all like spoilt kids who expect to win the league every year as if it's the club's God given right . Maybe some of us are patient enough and realistic enough to realise that somewhere along the line there are going to be periods where the team needs rebuilding or a manager leaves after a quarter of a century and has to be replaced .
We get it Beast . You don't like lvg , haven't done from pretty much the start and never will . I guess us sheep will have to wait and see what happens next season while you fight the good fight
12.) 21 May 2015 16:47:35
I have said it a million times. It is not about winning the league, it is about playing the way I expect my team to play. Desire to attack and win at pace, as opposed to contain and not lose!
I was happy when LVG signed. Then I watched the Dutch, then I watched us for several games and realised we were going to be subjected to crap football. What did it for me was when he was saying we played well and created lots of chances in games we played awfully in and barely got a shot off.
I don't like how LVG is acting like some sort of Demi-God and fans are worshiping him when we have spent wildly, have massive wage budgets, signed quality - yet played the most boring brand of football I have ever seen, he has done nothing yet, the guy can even make a fool of himself on stage and people think its the most hilarious thing they have ever seen, it's messed up!
For one final time, I would rather finish 5th and be entertaining than win the league playing this brand of football! I hate watching us play at the minute and yet I can't wait to watch us, hoping the corner is turned. I thought it had, but no we are back to where we were at the start of the season, that is why I don't like LVG, he is bad for the football I enjoy watching.
13.) 21 May 2015 16:49:44
Bye!!
14.) 21 May 2015 16:54:46
JMB is right some do change there opinions more than there underwear.
15.) 21 May 2015 17:07:07
Here here Weggy, I honestly do miss Kloot on here. Even when you fell foul of him, it was funny. Didn't he dissappear from here, about the same time that guy shot all those people in the cinema in Aurora? Coincidence?
16.) 21 May 2015 17:08:22
Can't help but think this is attention seeking
17.) 21 May 2015 17:25:26
Cant argue with that Weggy, Kloot would of trampled all over todays lot.
:-0
18.) 21 May 2015 17:47:39
Used to love poking KLOOT with a stick, and jumping back and waiting for a reaction. Replica tops, and the right to support Utd depending on your address, were always my two favourite ones :)
{Ed025's Note - love it noucamp..
19.) 21 May 2015 17:50:19
Guys. Its a banter site. When you read the posts that Stretha has written about the terrible tragedy in Nepal, you realise how lucky we all are to be where we are, supporting the best team in the world.
I grew up when United went through a bad patch in the 70s and 80s, and now we're in re building stage again. So I know patience is a dirty word with some, but patience is what we have to have.
Madrid have spent 100s of millions in the past few years with only one cl and la Liga to show for it, and they've played some very nice football. Just goes to show how difficult it is to win and continue winning trophies.
So let's not lose sight of why we all come on this site, we all love United and we all want us to have a great team again. It will happen!!
20.) 21 May 2015 17:57:37
He can't win: if he vanishes then people will say he couldn't hack it and if he explains why he is giving it a rest he is "attention seeking".
JMB I think adds a lot to this site, I agree with him more than most. But I also think a lot of other regular posters make it what is, even if I disagree with a lot of what they say. Just making any contentious point is jumped on lately, especially if attributed to certain people. Numerous times points are made by one person and criticised, a few days later somebody words the same point slightly differently and its nothing but praise!
21.) 21 May 2015 18:00:32
This Kloot sounds like an interesting character, shame he isn't on here. What happened, was he hounded off the site?
22.) 21 May 2015 18:02:25
ballotelli European footballer of the year.
was that kloot
23.) 21 May 2015 17:57:38
Kloot would've had a field day today, come on guys make up and keep on posting . We all love manchester united so why hate each other and take things to heart.
24.) 21 May 2015 18:09:13
Not being funny, but it is a banter site and you should grow a thicker skin.
25.) 21 May 2015 18:17:56
Stevie your a bad boy, beast JmB I'm sure we will here from you soon😃 I'm quite sure we will sign more players you disapprove before august and that lvg will have upset you by waking up in the mornings so I doubt you'll last too long off these pages you both seem to me to be 2 decent blokes don't take anything on here too literally.
I think you are both bonkers but in the nicest possible way😅
26.) 21 May 2015 18:27:06
Having a break is one thing but announcing it seems a bit like seeking attention. Personally I have had dogs abuse over various issues, Nani (with Percy) Berbatov, SAF tactics/purchases , especially Moyes and LVG, yet this site is about expressing an opinion and without them it's like tumbleweed on here. If you are sensitive and need a break , take one, but announcing it as if waiting on your "followers" to beg you not to seems to overstate your position on here, we are merely contributors to the debate not Editors.
27.) 21 May 2015 18:28:10
Ure not kloot are u beast?
I have been wonderful the last few weeks lol.
28.) 21 May 2015 18:31:50
redman don't forget the glazers
29.) 21 May 2015 18:33:52
redman
dont forget the glazers
{Ed025's Note - why.. is his window smashed?.. :)
30.) 21 May 2015 18:42:06
Jred
Yes, indeed But I didn't get too much argument on them
31.) 21 May 2015 19:37:47
Beast
Answer to your question is nobody really knows what happened to Kloot (Rainfishtrombone).
Some say he is living his days out in solitary confinement at strangeways, some say his planet recalled him early others say he moved back to his hometown of Grimsby.
He was the original villain of the site, always an argument wanting to happen.
32.) 21 May 2015 19:50:50
Herbie
I think Kloot became RFT then became johnnydontsurf before finally getting banned would be my guess or just bored. He certainly wouldn't have taken a break because someone said something.
33.) 21 May 2015 20:07:32
Cheers Herbie, brilliant.
34.) 21 May 2015 20:15:10
Back in the early days kloot was RFT, later changing his name to kloot.
HIM and Irish Rover and a few Celtic and rangers fans would constantly be at each other, once this site was split he became I AM KLOOT (which I never found out the meaning behind it).
35.) 21 May 2015 20:25:08
CTR
I AM KLOOT is a music band from Manchester, no originality from the RFT days.
Red Man
I never knew he was johnnydontsurf, all I knew is he had more issues than the national geographic. :-)
36.) 21 May 2015 20:53:18
I no that herbie, but there was a hidden meaning that not many found out if any. One of the eds knew I seem to remember.
37.) 21 May 2015 21:35:25
Kloot was hilarious. Everything was a personal attack on him.
Sydney was always good for a debate. It must kill him seeing Sanchez in a Arsenal shirt. He worshipped him before his Barca move!
This is a banter site guys. We all dig at each other but honestly this is a great site. I've been a reader for 5 years and enjoy the debates and the wind ups. Recently it has got a lot more serious these days due to how the club is.
We all laugh at each other but I remember when I posted about my boy and the amount of good luck messages I got astounded me. It shows that even though we disagree on something's, this place is like a little community that needs its characters. Even wrongens like Beast ðŸ˜
38.) 21 May 2015 22:14:20
Yes Herbie I am as certain as I can be that his comments and writing style meant johnnydontsurf was the last name tag of RFT and Kloot. It did not last long. RFT did indeed come before Kloot.
39.) 21 May 2015 23:11:03
Kloot is bit like voldemort on here.
40.) 21 May 2015 23:20:51
Beast,
I think you summed it up when you said 'a large number of people don't like being told that what is happening is not right'. It is that word 'told', this is a site for opinions, nobody's opinion is worth more than others, if 99% of people think one thing and you come on here mouthing off how they are all wrong and they should all think like you then no wonder you get stick.
Sometimes you seem unable to understand that some fans have a lot of patience, we have been fortunate to support a top side and we know that we will be a top side again whether it be in 1 year, 2 years or 5 years, we are willing to support the lads and not complain too much because it will come good.
We don't have a divine right to win anything, liverpool have gone 25 years without a league title, we have gone 2 years and we lost the manager who brought all the success, most people think a couple of years grace to rebuild is fair enough, they don't need to be told that what they think is wrong, they are allowed their own opinions.
41.) 22 May 2015 08:26:53
CHris, 'wonderful' or 'wondering'? I really hope it was meant to be wonderful. I've been fabulous this week, mate :)
21 May 2015 08:57:31
Ed001 since you are around, how does it make you feel seeing United fans celebrate 4th place?
{Ed001's Note - I enjoy it personally, it is nice to see after all the years of laughing at Arsenal fans for the same thing! It is understandable though, after all it is progress after last season, but it is only one step, so I am surprised people are so excited. Let's face it, as a Liverpool fan I just wish it was Liverpool fans that were celebrating it.}
1.) 21 May 2015 09:40:51
I haven't seen too many fans celebrate the fact we're fourth as an actual achievement, but more of a step in the right direction after last season. It's more a necessity.
I'm glad we're back in Europe but next season we shouldn't be looking no shorter than coming 1st in the league and having a good run in the UCL.
2.) 21 May 2015 09:43:34
JMB,
You are obsessed with people celebrating 4th place, I certainly didn't see any celebrations at the stadium on Sunday, the players certainly weren't celebrating finishing 4th, people have said they are happy finishing 4th, getting into the Champions League is very important to a lot of people, me included, I have missed it so much this season and love the midweek games under the lights at OT, so it is nice to be back in the Champions League, but I haven't seen many celebrating.
It appears you have decided people are celebrating so you can mention it over and over and have stuck with it, but in reality that isn't really what has happened.
3.) 21 May 2015 09:51:00
We are taking baby steps when everything was ready for a giant leap. If we keep baby stepping our rivals won't be doing the same. Missed opportunity this year.
We all want us to get our transfers done quickly, but by finishing 4th this could possibly prohibit players being signed that want assurances about CL football until very late in the day. Players like Hummels, Vidal, Bale etc, the ones we really need to make us a threat on all fronts.
We can sugar coat it all we like but 4th wasn't good enough and will in all likelihood mean a slower start and juggling Europe as well as integrating players could mean another difficult year. 3rd was the bare minimum expectation for a reason, I find it amusing how 4th is the same as 3rd now for a lot of people (especially those with a vested interest at the club). Even 3rd is poor, but I suppose it depends how crushed your expectations have been by the Moyes period - mine haven't been hence my constant deflation and call for realism.
LVG will need to earn his crust this summer that's for sure, difficult task - let's hops all the big talk finally starts to turn into action.
{Ed001's Note - to be fair, the early start could mean you get off to a better start in the Prem as the players will be match sharp much sooner. It is the end of the season, when they are moaning about being tired even though they get plenty of rest, when it might affect the team.}
4.) 21 May 2015 09:52:56
Well said mate. Your right it is one step. I think Spurs will see CL football before Liverpool if you lot don't get your finger out big time!
{Ed001's Note - I can't see either getting in there if the FFP rules are relaxed too much. At least not before the work on their respective stadiums is sorted and paid for.}
5.) 21 May 2015 09:53:29
If you see another team win anything for so long only to see them all of a sudden celebrating finishing 3 spots below that of course you are going to enjoy it, I know I would! However there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a realist and adjusting your expectations when necessary. Champions League was the goal this year as we are in the middle of a rebuild - we achieved it. I can sure as hell tell you I won't be cheering fourth place next year.
We MUFC fans have been spoiled for so long, and we will be spoiled again.
{Ed001's Note - what would you cheer next season out of interest? I am wondering what would be seen as success next season.}
6.) 21 May 2015 10:07:06
A good point Ed. I'm not too worried about fitness at the start of the season as LVG will have them well drilled fitness wise (hopefully), I'm more concerned with players being signed late so they don't have a full pre-season having to learn the arduous tactical side to the way LVG wants them to play. Just a couple of player not in synch could mean a poor start.
It was the excuse he and the fans gave for our slow start last season, with us needing 5-6 players to come in now the longer they have will benefit us. If they arrive late because of 4th place not guaranteeing CL football then it makes the job harder. Even GDS2 above is assuming CL football is back (he will know about the playoff of course, but 99% of our fans are just assuming we will be in the CL next season when we will have a tricky match undoubtedly).
In saying all that, we looked shattered 2nd half of most of our games this season, so maybe fitness is a problem with all the extra games, so it could be a very tricky year ahead. The joys.
7.) 21 May 2015 10:13:30
Ed001 yes we got fourth our minimum expectation but it's the way we got it. We have got into the CL places through lacklustre performances and down right luck.
As for next year we should be winning the league if not being pipped by a few points.
{Ed001's Note - so a championship challenge then?}
8.) 21 May 2015 10:48:38
Challenging for the title Ed. 3 transfer windows and a full season under his belt, new manager won't be an excuse next year. Has to be a title challenge.
9.) 21 May 2015 10:50:03
@Ed001, I would personally be happy with a title challenge, a trophy and maybe quarter finals of the CL? I think that would class as a successful season next year. By title challenge I mean a proper one and not an Arsenal type one where they get within a certain amount of points and then will definitely bottle it. I'd love an FA cup win because we haven't won it for a long time now. Basically further progress in the right direction.
Then again it depends who we sign, if for example we got Bale, Vidal, Hummels, Gundogan and Clyne then I'd be expecting a title win because that team would have so much going forward.
10.) 21 May 2015 10:53:54
I think everybody, including the manager and the players are expecting a championship challenge next season, success would be winning it, top 2 would be another step in the right direction, anything less would be disappointing.
Let's hope you are wrong Beast and players sign for us regardless of the Champions League playoff and we get off to a nice fast start.
11.) 21 May 2015 10:56:12
Beast ,
You start off a post saying fitness is not a problem , by the end you're worrying it will be a problem .
How do you manage to get out of bed and face the world every day ?
12.) 21 May 2015 11:07:51
Fitness won't be a problem at the start of the season, but it will be at the end. What is difficult to grasp about that?
We will hopefully have more games next season. Did you not notice the pace and power of our second half performances this season dropping off markedly?
13.) 21 May 2015 11:30:11
I just can't believe how fitness is always such an issue, I really don't get it, I think it is a poor excuse, there are much more tougher sports out there that are more physically demanding and you rarely hear coaches talk about how tired their players are.
The money these players are on, with all the conditioning and sports science, there should be no talk of fatigue at all.
14.) 21 May 2015 11:30:23
I agree with Beast regarding fitness. It will be interesting how we overcome players becoming exhausted near the end of the season.
I'd imagine the recruitment's this summer and maybe even January will be very helpful.
15.) 21 May 2015 11:30:34
@Ed001
Only a very strong title challenge and quarter finals in the UCL will be seen as success next season. By September the 2nd I expect us to have invested up to 300mil+ starting from the period Moyes took over. There will be no excuses next year.
I just hope we spend more wisely than we did last summer. I also suspect that the club has Guardiola in mind as long term manager at the club and next summer could see a change if LVG doesn't win the league.
{Ed001's Note - really quarter finals of the Champions League? I understand the title challenge but wouldn't it be enough to make the group stages?}
16.) 21 May 2015 11:52:19
Beast,
I am assuming Champions League football is back because we got top 4 which was the plan, just because you still had to make that into a negative and keep suggesting we will lose the playoff doesn't mean others are quite so pessimistic. I know the playoff will be hard, but if we don't win it we don't deserve to be in the CL anyway, but I do expect us to win it, even the 'horror' teams the papers keep saying we could draw I would expect us to beat, and there is a good chance it would not be one of them anyway.
17.) 21 May 2015 12:35:49
all this talk of 4th. I am still hoping we pull one big game out of the bag, and finish 3rd. Arsenal would need to loss at home to west brom (0-1) and we would then need to win (0-6)but what a way to end the season.
18.) 21 May 2015 12:39:03
Has anyone really been celebrating? Real celebrating is like after the CL win in 99 when I still have no memory of the days after, that is celebrating. Just looking forward to CL football and what could be next year is a totally different thing.
19.) 21 May 2015 12:48:48
We aren't getting 3rd now, so I'd like Hull to get the win they need and Newcastle to get beat and keep Brucey in the PL next season.
20.) 21 May 2015 12:53:27
Come on Brendan we have been going mental for the last 2 days I can't wait for the DVD to be out about our triumph of 4th place!
No, no one has been celebrating 4th place mate,it's just a few that have said this and now tricked themselves into actually believing it lol.
21.) 21 May 2015 13:49:37
I used to quite like Newcastle and their flamboyant play under Keegan, but that team at the minute would be no loss to the premiership, whatsoever. Even some Toon mates of mine are hoping they go down, just to try and persuade Ashley to leave. They've turned into a travesty of a club.
22.) 21 May 2015 14:39:35
Personally I'm celebrating getting into the champs league next season, other than that there is nothing to celebrate.
:-)
23.) 21 May 2015 16:26:59
GDS2 - So you are say Hummels or Vidal, do you sign before we have that playoff if you want guaranteed CL football? That is the point, it means very little signing wise this summer because it takes ages for players to grasp the philosophy and if they demand CL football they won't sign before its assured!
24.) 21 May 2015 16:55:04
Next season we need to see a title push, either 1st or 2nd realistically and to get out of our group in the CL - quarter finals are a realistic aspiration.
19 May 2015 06:27:55
As much as we all want De Gea to stay put, if his minds set on going to Spain then I hope we send him packing as soon as possible and avoid the inevitable dragging on circus effect throughout the summer.
I hope we get all our deals out the way early like we have done with Depay and then keep ourselves out of the headlines until the season starts back. This is the summer where we either get it right and move back among the elite or get it wrong and slip several steps behind our rivals.
1.) 19 May 2015 12:56:41
JMB,
Could not agree more with that last sentence. We need some proven PL quality in the squad and some strong foreigners, we can afford to be buying young players or players that might not make it in the PL.
Bale - Hummels & Clyne for me.
2.) 19 May 2015 13:05:50
From a selfish perspective I would like de gea to sign an extension on higher wages and commit to one more year with an agreement to sell next year at a prearranged fee. Much like Ronaldo did.
Without this I suspect we will get our pants pulled down by Madrid. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in the world we are naive compared to our European counterparts.
3.) 19 May 2015 14:13:17
Yes I agree, decisions need to be made quickly so we can adjust accordingly. I really hope his replacement is Cech.
4.) 19 May 2015 14:44:25
Huggy I think that would be perfect but I feel if we don't get something for him now then he will leave on a free which would be a disaster.
5.) 19 May 2015 16:24:35
I disagree. We don't need to rush into anything. Transfers will happen and players will become available as the summer progresses. We need to keep our eyes open, our options open and go for the best deals out there.
18 May 2015 16:23:29
Having a look through our season in general and asking the question could we have finished where we did without splashing that £150million in the summer? Looking at how the season panned out it seems that the players we brought in were very much outshone by those already within the walls at OT prior to the summer of 2014.
Di Maria (£60million) has done very little. Yes he has a few assists to his name but generally he has caused us more problems with his sloppy play and at times it felt like we have had ten men on the pitch with him seemingly disinterested. Did he really make a massive difference to our campaign? No. The next superstar, Falcao (potentially £20million in fee and wages) has been downright rancid this season. Hasn't looked sharp from the get go and now it looks like he has blew his chance at a permanent deal. Very expensive loan for a sporadic squad player. Could we have got by this year without him? Yes.
Shaw (£30million) has spent most of the season on the sidelines and yes he may be one for the future but could we have got through this campaign without him? Most definitely. Marcos Rojo (£16million) looks like a decent player at times but was he really a huge improvement on what we already had in defence? I don't think so. Could the players that we had do the job he did for us this season? For sure.
Daley Blind (£18million) was one of the better signings this summer. I don't think he is or will be top of the class but he has had some steady performances for us this year. As Carrick has had his injury problems this year it made sense to sign this type of player, but could we have got top four without Daley Blind? I think we could of. Ander Herrera (£29million) has been a huge plus for us this season. I thought he was overpriced when we signed him but the lad is doing all he can to pay us back on the pitch. He is the only signing of the lot who I think has made a massive difference to our season.
With players like DDG, Smalling, Felliani, Young and Rooney among others spearheading us to the CL places this year I have to say I think we may have wasted a grand amount of cash last summer. In hindsight that money could have and should have been used better. When you analyse last summers window it does make you worry about how this years kitty will be spent and if we will just be spending for the sake of spending.
1.) 18 May 2015 17:00:03
That lad is going to be a star for united and worth every penny compared to others
2.) 18 May 2015 17:11:32
Without blind rojo and shaw the injuries we've had this season we wouldn't be in the top 4 so I think your wrong on them rojo I feel has been ok and is better than our other defenders (except smalling) blind is massively important when carrick isn't fit we need a holding midfielder and he's done ok much better than dropping Rooney in midfield. And shaw is still out best lb and needs some rest and a good preseason to kick on.
3.) 18 May 2015 17:15:46
It's really only a waste in hindsight, before the season people were more than happy with our transfer business I think.
There are plenty of things I'm sure we would all liked done differently if we could seen the future.
We got top 4 competed for top 3/2 that's par for the course for the season imo. Next year I and I'm sure everyone else will expect better. We are not arsenal we don't celebrate just making up the numbers but I'm content with the finish.
Could it of been better? Yes! Could it of been worse YES! U couldn't find a pundit in the land that thought we would make the top 4 pre spurs at home and now the common consensus is we will kick on. Let's next season really get behind the lads and not give knee jerk reactions every game.
Good post though.
4.) 18 May 2015 17:26:12
herrera has been a top player for a few years now .
di maria is a top player and i'm sure will kick on next season .
same goes for shaw will be a top player in the years to come
blind and rojo i'm not so sure about to be honest
5.) 18 May 2015 17:36:39
Will Shaw be another DDG though, so even he could be a waste?
We spend 2-3 years getting him to World Class, then the old "1 year left on his contract, boyhood fan of Chelsea" reports start appearing, Chelsea then need to replace Azpi, I can see it now - £5m loss for us and twice the player he is now signing for another rival.
I like the idea of perfecting potential, but I see little point in spending £20m-£30m on a gamble that even if it pays off (Big "IF") will ultimately benefit our rivals more in the long run. Much rather focus on developing our own youth or buying ready made world class. We are turning into a feeder club and paying a hell of a lot in money and fielding weaker teams whilst they develop.
DDG to Madrid is really annoying me, but unless prospects are from miserable/gloomy places and support Wycombe as kids we aren't standing a chance of keeping them once we have got them to the level it seems, even then we would struggle.
6.) 18 May 2015 17:37:38
JMB - I posted another one saying I agreed with everything but it came up "error". Good post.
{Ed001's Note - it just said error?}
7.) 18 May 2015 19:01:02
Yes Ed, I wrote a long post, pressed "reply" as normal and below the box (just above reply) it said "Error" in red, I copy and pasted it several times but it just wouldn't post, repeating the error message. So I gave up came back a bit later and it let me post the 2 above. Haven't had it happen before and I obviously post a lot, so just one of those things I suppose. Will let you know if it crops up again mate.
{Ed033's Note - Thanks for the feedback. i think if you can't post then a page refresh is the next step to take and then try and post again. If you don't refresh or click on another page and then back again, as nothing has changed, you'll continue to get the same error probably.
8.) 18 May 2015 19:31:15
Beast, are you really suggesting we shouldn't buy young top talent because they may choose to leave us in 3 or 4 years time? That we've become Southampton, a feeder club for the giants? Are you willing us into mediocrity?
We have some negatives, it's true. Manchester does not offer the climate, the relative anonymity or perhaps the cultural diversity of London, Paris, Barcelona or Madrid, but that doesn't mean United cannot be one of the preferred destinations for talent. Certainly no less so than City. It will come down to money, manager and momentum.
You should audition for Colin Firth's role if they ever do a United based version of Fever Pitch!!
9.) 18 May 2015 22:33:35
Didn't Blind sign for something like £11m-£13m?
16 May 2015 09:58:32
I just seen Woodward has come out and said we will be very active in the market and we will have great squad depth come the start of next season. He has said the expectations are that the club challenge on all fronts including the champions league.
So just to clarify if we have a season like this one just gone let's all the remember that the man responsible for running the club on a day to day basis has said he expects nothing but the best. No excuses.
1.) 16 May 2015 10:16:19
I think everybody is aware that next season needs to be better than this one, that's how a transition works, not like you to try and think negatively and place the blame on somebody for something that hasn't even happened yet.
Most people would see that ambition from Woodward as a good thing, but you've managed to twist it round so it isn't, well done.
2.) 16 May 2015 10:58:22
Where have I been negative GDS? I am just posting to clarify that this is now our expectations as has been highlighted by the top men at the club.
So if we are languishing in 4th place, been knocked out the CL at the group stages and out the league cup but have an FA cup quarter final to look forward too, folk like your good self won't turn around and say 'well this isn't too bad, we are still in the FA cup and have had plenty of possession this year'. Gimme a break.
As it turns out I am aiming for the sky next year and I feel we should be lifting some large silverware.
3.) 16 May 2015 11:17:17
JMB I don't think any fan expects less anything less than a title challenge. We also need to challenge in the CL and quarters would be my least expectation.
Its scary how long it has been since we had a proper run in the FA cup so we definitely need to mount a serious challenge there.
So if in next March we are not challenging for PL or have been kicked out early in the CL then no nobody would say it isn't too bad.
4.) 16 May 2015 20:01:03
Jmb. Please give it a break. Let's see who we buy in the summer and hopefully they integrate quickly and we can mount a real challenge for the PL. Isn't that what we all want? Or are you wishing we have a mediocre season so we can sack another manager and you can say "I told you".
Wouldn't it be better to give the manager support and you never know, we might even surprise you and have a good season. Remember, sir Alex was here for three years before achieving anything.
Juanmatasbeard's rumour replies
19 May 2015 09:59:36
Modric is the best in the world at what he does.
13 May 2015 09:29:29
If was available to sign him may end up being a mistake but to pass on him may be an even bigger mistake. He bangs in goals every week and we are crying out for a complete CF. Who is more compete than him?
12 May 2015 13:17:44
004 who is the CB?
{Ed004's Note - Hummels. I am hoping he is signed before the window. Hummels and Depay would be a good starting point}
12 May 2015 13:17:44
004 who is the CB?
07 May 2015 00:15:55
I swear I posted this exact post on the banter page a few days ago.
Juanmatasbeard's banter replies
22 May 2015 08:09:10
I would take him aswell. He may not be getting any younger but he is still top of his trade and has had no injury troubles in a long time. He also gets up and down the flanks like an 18 year old. Age is just a number. Class player.
21 May 2015 14:48:13
Why do you feel the need to have a dig at folk? Concentrate on the football rather than trying to put others down to make a point. Pathetic really.
21 May 2015 13:48:33
In other words what Chris is saying is you can't have your own opinion and it isn't valid unless it is approved by him. Like Jred said, you have just posted to have a dig at folk rather than talk about the football. Grow up mate.
21 May 2015 10:13:30
Ed001 yes we got fourth our minimum expectation but it's the way we got it. We have got into the CL places through lacklustre performances and down right luck.
As for next year we should be winning the league if not being pipped by a few points.
{Ed001's Note - so a championship challenge then?}
21 May 2015 09:52:56
Well said mate. Your right it is one step. I think Spurs will see CL football before Liverpool if you lot don't get your finger out big time!
{Ed001's Note - I can't see either getting in there if the FFP rules are relaxed too much. At least not before the work on their respective stadiums is sorted and paid for.}