19 Mar 2024 10:40:03
Thank you for the great update Ed 002. It is much more detailed that what i have been able to gather, so it is very much appreciated.
From what i have read and heard; it appears our main targets are RW, 1-2 midfielders and 1-2 CBs (which of course is a subset of Eds valuable info)
Varane's future seems in the balance a bit. Olise, Branthwaite are names that keep popping up.
We are told usually during this international break there's a fair bit of work done on really nailing down plans for the next steps in recruitment. As between now and May, contacts will be made confirm interests and start talks, get prices and begin approaching the subject.
My only concern in all these targets I see is the lack of a striker, won't that make us over reliant on Hojlund?
19 Mar 2024 13:26:43
Feels like we will be looking at HM/ CB/ RW as starters with possible additional players for development/ rotation at CB/ CM/ Striker.
Depending on outgoings could be places up for grabs from the youth set up or more ins.
Can't all be solved in one window so expect the plan to cover 2 summers with winter window any pickups that may come available but would sooner we don't need to do that.
19 Mar 2024 14:38:41
mbd, I'm fairly sure the club will look to bring in a striker. However, despite the lack of options currently at the club at CF we do have Højlund who is and will be first choice. While we have several other areas in the first 11 that needs to be up graded.
It'd be madness for the club to focus on bringing in a player to sit on the bench over bringing in a player to improve the first 11 and start most weeks.
Therefore, a CB partner for Martinez, a midfield partner for Mainoo and a RW starter to replace Sancho/ Greenwood/ Antony must be the priorities. If Onana leaves then GK becomes an obvious priority as well.
Once those deals are done then we can look at what other areas of the squad need improving. With ST, CM, CB and possibly fullback. All dependent on departures, players available and finances of course.
19 Mar 2024 15:31:02
It's so hard to know Brad.
So much depends on who leaves and what fees we get.
The eds list is pretty comprehensive but there are so many unknowns.
Can't wait for 31st Aug tbh.
19 Mar 2024 17:57:55
Why do you think Onana will leave?
19 Mar 2024 19:22:22
Dodgy, I hope he doesn't but Ed002 said that it's a possibility this summer.
19 Mar 2024 21:23:50
Shappy,
When did ed002 say that? that's a strange one. I actually like him more and more every passing game now and think he is going to be really good for us in a better team.
There is so much stuff everyday about united and latest being about Greenwood coming back. Hard to make sense of what true and what's just bs.
One thing for sure, we will have a better team/ squad after the summer and let's see what happens.
19 Mar 2024 22:07:20
I am coming round to Onana but he does faff about with it when he has clear outlets. The frustration was tangible on a number of occasions at the weekend.
20 Mar 2024 10:03:30
It could be any number of things with Onana. The new people in charge might not rate him. It could be the uncertainty surrounding manager who signed him. Ability of the squad to compete for trophies. Not liking the atmosphere in the dressing room. Or possibly not liking Manchester.
I think he has shown a lot of character in fighting his way back to form. But players leave clubs, so wadda ya going to do huh?
20 Mar 2024 10:05:10
Onana is improving as the season goes on and I don't think we will see the best of him until next season. The risk is if EtH does leave does the new manager like him.
He has a unique style that can look ugly when it goes wrong which does not help and he has been playing in a system with players that do not suit his best atributes.
I am looking forward to next season when we will hopefully have another CB comfortable on the ball, Martinez back from injury and a settled back 4 with Dalot/ Shaw. Alongside that a developing Mainoo who is comfortable playing out from the base of midfield. We will then see the benefit of his ball playing atributes alongside him being more comfotable with the premier league.