15 Jun 2022 10:01:10
I'm saying it now, and this is by no means based on his performance last night, brilliant as it was, but based on his overall performances with Burnley. I've been watching him for a while.
But Nathan Collins is a fantastic CB, 6ft4, very mobile, very comfortable with the ball at his feet, great header and positionally looks very solid and only 21 years of age.
If I was looking to take a punt on a CB, he would be the one.
Ed001, I very much value your take on players and wonder what you think of him, if anything at all.
{Ed001's Note - I have to say I like him a lot, I think Burnley did brilliantly getting him. He was highly rated and it was a coup imo for him to end up there. They will get big money for him if they have him on a long term deal, they certainly need to raise some funds. If I was looking at defenders from outside of the big clubs, him and Adam Webster at Brighton would be the two I would be showing interest in. Age and ability is very much on Collins side. I would be shocked if he is still a Burnley player next season.}
15 Jun 2022 10:16:05
There was a rumour a few years back that Darren fletcher recommended him to the club when he played with him at Stoke.
{Ed001's Note - he was recommended to just about every club in the Prem and a few abroad, hence why I see it as a coup that Burnley got him.}
15 Jun 2022 10:26:09
It will be interesting. I could probably see him as a £25m kind of player, possibly more?
But he just looks so complete, and he is so young in terms of CBs. He is better than every United CB at the moment and has great potential.
I'd just like to see United look to these type of players and give them the opportunity. Because he will be at a top club not before long. Pep/ Klopp will go for him IMO.
{Ed001's Note - I agree, he is exactly the kind of signing the top clubs should be looking to make. He would be a great signing for United. It amazes me they weren't in for him the moment Burnley's relegation happened. Not just them. Every club that stayed up should have been in for him, he is probably the only player I would take from the relegated teams last season.}
15 Jun 2022 11:20:58
I’d offer 25m plus throw in Maguire for him ……and I’m not even joking, the lad is going to be a star.
15 Jun 2022 11:50:00
But it's far too sensible for Man United ed001.
Footballing men are in charge now apparently ?♂️.
{Ed001's Note - yes and maybe they will organise it so they spot these players in future, but right now they are in the midst of another complete change of leadership at every level, so you have to expect a bit of a mess. It is shocking that it has been allowed to happen again after the way the Ferguson and Gill leaving was handled. Especially as it was well known Woodward was going months ago! The new man should have been in immediately to begin the process of familiarisation.}
15 Jun 2022 12:15:45
Ed, we would let him go somewhere like Everton or Villa then try and spend 50-60 million on him in a couple of years.
{Ed001's Note - with inflation it will be more like 150-160m. Though if Maguire is any indication you won't be interested unless he lowers his level substantially!}
15 Jun 2022 12:35:33
I have no faith whatsoever in this club Ed001. This chat of Murtaugh, Fletcher, O'Boyle being the right men, I'm not buying it. They've gone with easy options who probably won't upset the apple cart in there. Which screams out to me that real change is far far away.
{Ed001's Note - Ten Hag is not known for being easy though, so hopefully he will push some change for the better.}
15 Jun 2022 13:04:02
While you're here Ed001, what's your thoughts on Frenkie De Jong?
{Ed001's Note - good player but not sure he is really the main priority player you need. However Ten Hag will have an idea of what he will need to play the way he wants to play, so he must see De Jong as central to it. Personally I think there are probably other options available for a better value price which would leave you in a stronger place to build a team. He is not what I would see as a cornerstone - good but not yet a great player, nor do I see the makings of a great player in him.
It just seems a strange move. I understand that he knows the style and Ten Hag knows him well, but he is another big name choice imo.}
15 Jun 2022 13:37:26
Ed001, I hope you're right. But history tells us something else.
15 Jun 2022 14:43:27
Cheers Ed001. Just having a player in midfield who is actually comfortable on the ball (and isn't just interested in highlights, like Pogba) isn't something we've had in a while so that in itself is going to be an upgrade on what we've had. Personally I rate him highly and think he could become a key player for us but we definitely need to shore up other areas such as CB and a ball winning midfielder to allow him to thrive.
{Ed001's Note - good point, though DVDB is comfortable on the ball, but he needed help.}
15 Jun 2022 16:22:57
Ed what do you think will happen with Van de beek this season? I reckon he’s a good player, but my concern is he’s just not suited to the premier league?
{Ed001's Note - I expect Ten Hag to use him and we can find out if he is suited. I think he will be fine with a run of games in a position that suits him and a system that works to his strengths. He needs to be on the ball and he never got that chance with you or on loan at Everton.}
15 Jun 2022 16:57:47
Ed001 will United get FDJ over the line in your opinion?
{Ed001's Note - in my opinion they will because Barca need the dosh, they certainly expect him to leave which is why they told Busquets, Pique etc they don't need to take a pay cut.}
15 Jun 2022 17:25:35
Thanks for your candid response Ed. It’s is sooo infuriating at the moment as a United fan. The media don’t help.
Appreciate your time.