09 Nov 2025 13:39:47
We all know, as does the club, that we need DMs. The club was clearly prepared to spend for the right player but was not able to come up with £100m plus over the summer. Not every hole could be fixed in one transfer window. Ugarte is obviously not good enough. I think it was him that lost his man in midfield as Spurs set up their equalizer. He's simply too slow and not strong enough. Another expensive mistake who will need to be moved on over the summer along with Zirkzee. Bruno has been doing well in the early stages of games of late but once we're ahead and, inevitably good teams start to press us more and build up momentum in search of saving the game, how weaknesses are exposed. We looked pretty brittle yesterday from fairly on in the second half.
Can anything be done in January? Qualifying for the Champions League should undoubtedly be the goal. How much would doing so be worth it to the club? One expensive midseason acquisition? You would think so. And if we can move a player or two on and someone is available, perhaps it could happen.
09 Nov 2025 19:00:20
Re central midfield, for me it is pretty simple at the moment.
CAS and Bruno start, they have done a good enough job to keep us withing striking distance of the top 4.
The issue arises when CAS legs get tired and a swap is required.
When this happens, retaining Bruno with either Ugarte or Mainoo doesn't work, they have not got the same wavelengths. Ugarte and Mainoo works, but not one of those pair plus Bruno.
I suggested it once before on here but when CAS is being changed, if Bruno isn't also being hooked, then we need to take off a 10/sesko and move the front 3 around.
Not ideal, but if we are in a winning position you need to ensure you make necessary changes to protect the game.
Don't disagree that a new mid wouldn't be welcomed, but am not going to advocate for one as it was kind of suggested by the upper management that we weren't really in for January or purchases.
09 Nov 2025 19:23:10
Anderson to play alongside bruno would be good. Honestly think we would be playing better as a team without bruno and two solid epl cms in this formation. We are a work in progress and top 4 this year would be an over achievement.
09 Nov 2025 21:41:30
Cannot believe people who think we would be better off without Bruno. He is consistently one of the best goal creators in the league. That said it is obvious that he can't keep playing game after game for 90mins at peak performance.
He is also going to drop his levels of performance as he gets older. So it is a no brainer to get another player in and introduce them slowly.
09 Nov 2025 22:41:07
Agreed Salford, bruno has to play.
From my side, I'm okay with the case/Bruno pairing as a starting pair. As highlighted though, my concern comes when CAS goes off, then Bruno doesn't work with Ugarte or Mainoo.
09 Nov 2025 23:20:35
I think we go for a DM ib January of one of our targwta is available and not too overpriced. If not i think we sit and wait, i just don't see the guys in charge moving if it means overpaying or settling for a guy not one of the targets to make do.
I also see us shifting on some playera not starting who want to puah for a WC spot.
Mainoo and Zirkzee stand out but Mazraoui is another whom i think could jump at the right chance.
10 Nov 2025 00:32:16
I really don't understand why we would get rid of Mainoo. He is so talented. Not had a lot of game time to get his rhythm. We need a strong squad. Played so well for England as others mentioned.
It pained me to see Scott go. Also upset that Garnacho wasn't kept as he is also young will def improve and showed yday what he is capable of.
If Mainoo goes that's three young payers who should be developing with and then playing in their prime years for Utd.
10 Nov 2025 08:31:25
Wouldnt agree on Garnacho, billy big boots who of course will have the off purple patch here and there but he's not special.
10 Nov 2025 15:28:41
If Bruno plays play him in his correct position he isn't a central midfielder.
10 Nov 2025 18:02:50
Salford I also agree on Mainoo. He should come on instead of Ugarte at least. He needs to improve but he has ability which I don't think Ugarte has. McTominay is doing great but he's not the answer. As for Garnacho, he and his brother are poison. He has ability but he was a big part of a toxic culture. We were going nowhere with him.
10 Nov 2025 18:16:56
I hear you Don but he is a youngster and needs to mature. I can't help feeling that if Fergie was still in charge he would have handled Garnacho better and developed him.
10 Nov 2025 23:15:15
Maybe so. I hope the lad sorts himself out, because he'll have a very good career if he does. Maturity is one thing, but a lack of team ethic is another. I'm not sure that actually is something that can come in time tbh.