08 Aug 2024 23:49:56
Can't help but think that Trevor chalobah would be a good option for us. Young, talented, prem experience and room to grow. Chelsea want to sell too. Never going to happen but it wouldn't be the worst move especially if we have a limited budget.
09 Aug 2024 07:22:20
I’d imagine he would be another one of those players who will cost £20m if Palace want him, but all of sudden he’s £50m when United are interested.
09 Aug 2024 10:06:18
Not sure why Chelsea want him gone.
That being said, I don’t think he’s at the highest level we need to upgrade the said sadly. Palace feels about right.
09 Aug 2024 10:31:41
He'd be a sensible option, cheaper than MdL, better injury record, homegrown, EPL proven and capable of playing in multiple positions.
Ideally you want to buy players who go straight into your first 11, pushing the current player into a squad role and the current squad player out of the club.
Yet that isn't always possible, especially on a budget.
Replacing the squad player with a higher quality and better suited player is another way to improve the squad strength overall. Rather than raise the ceiling you lift the floor of the squad.
Last season the injuries were a major problem, but they were compounded by having a disjointed squad of players who don't all suit playing a specific style of play. Meaning that the tactics either have to completely change when a squad player has to step in, or you create a massive weakness by asking a poorer player to play in a way that exposes their weaknesses and doesn't make the most of their strengths.
While someone like Chalobah doesn't necessarily improve the first 11, if he steps in for Yoro instead of Maguire then the team can continue to play the same way, which should mean better overall performance.
It's the same issue in midfield, Ugarte would improve the first 11. But if we can't sign him due to budget etc, then someone like Sander Berge makes sense. If Berge steps in for Casemiro or Mainoo he is the right profile of player compared to Eriksen or McTominay.
Berge isn't necessarily a better player than Eriksen or McTominay, but he is a better CDM than either of them. A player suited to the role and can do what is being asked of them.
I wouldn't rule Chalobah out, we have reportedly looked at him, although people at the club preferred MdL when he supposedly became available. Although if that potential deal is dead in the water due to Bayern's price demands then I wouldn't be surprised to see United consider a move for Chalobah.
09 Aug 2024 12:38:39
Chaloba instead of de ligt? I've heard it all now.
09 Aug 2024 13:38:35
And yet for his much publicised availability no-one has moved for him. Maybe it's the level we're at, despite the ambitions.