Manchester United Banter 2

29 Apr 2026 14:45:07
Hope we buy some quality fullbacks to deal with these monstrous wingers in the CL next season. 😂

30 Apr 2026 09:55:05
That did not help PSG much, Olise used that left flank as if Mendes wasn't even there, and Mendes is one of the best if not the best LBs in the world currently. :D :D Lol !!!

29 Apr 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Crystal Palace - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

28 Apr 2026 20:54:56
Half time in the CL final PSG v Bayern.
It's like watching a different game to the robotic EPL. End to end 2 teams attacking to win. Brilliant attacking technical ability on display. Some suspect defending but primarily down to great attacking play.

Dodgy pen at the end of the half.
Often a second half can see the pace slow a bit, hopefully more of the same though. A great advert for football so far.

28 Apr 2026 21:08:04
Tbh Ken, I'm gutted. I've got HBO Max but not Prime, so I can't watch tonight's game... Instead, I'm stuck with Arsenal v Athletico. 🤦🏼‍♂️ Seems like I'm missing a classic!!

28 Apr 2026 21:39:29
I was going to post the same, Ken. It demonstrates exactly why some of us are anxious about the results-are-all-that-counts mentality and about ignoring how negative our football has become.

If we're to bridge the gap to these two teams, we need to have a much more proactive approach.
Both teams are so well balanced, a joy to watch, and a blueprint for what we need to follow.

28 Apr 2026 22:02:14
Cracking game of football. Both teams went for it, could have been 8-8. Neither sat back at any stage of the game, they backed themselves to get more goals.

Side note, can't see Enrique wanting to leave that squad, they're quality.

28 Apr 2026 22:13:55
I dunno, Mumbles. I think he definitely stays if they win CL again because he can set a record with them then, but it's not impossible if they don't.

28 Apr 2026 23:17:44
Well, it didn't slow down. Super stuff. Players that are not afraid to take risks. Players that don't have the life and soul coached out of them. Players that put an emphasis on skill and technique. Players that make you jump out of your seat.
The EPL is all brawn over brain. Very competitive athletes.

There are some exceptions, and some really great players, but due to the culture of the game in England, they don't get to flourish and showcase their skills as much.
In Europe, even the best EPL teams often come out on top, but not often do they produce the most entertaining play.

28 Apr 2026 23:26:39
We need fewer games, I think. The EPL has so many closely matched sides that everyone is at 70% throughout. Only Man City have aimed at having the players peak for the latter part of the season - because they can. An 18-team EPL would help.

But, some reduction in CL games, too. I'm not inclined to compliment US sports, but they are much more aware of the spectacle, and there has been very little change in their main sports on the number of games over the years.

29 Apr 2026 10:08:58
You're absolutely right, Ken. The Premier League has shown that if you're an athlete first, footballer second, you can succeed.

There's more than one way to win a football match, but there is something wonderful about watching two teams go punch for punch.

5-3 last night, and Enrique brought on Barcola for Doue, hoping his face could get in behind Bayern. It didn't pan out, but there wasn't a thought in his head to bring on another defender. His first thought was how he could hurt Bayern and get another one.

29 Apr 2026 15:15:35
Last night was the best game of football I've seen in years. It was a shame that it wasn't the CL final. There was constant end-to-end action. It was like being back at school, playing footie at lunchtime, all about scoring goals, regardless of the actual score.

Those two teams set the benchmark for football last night!

28 Apr 2026 18:53:08
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Liverpool v Crystal Palace - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

28 Apr 2026 17:18:03
Sesko is gooodddd guyss! He's getting better and will be world class in a year's time!

28 Apr 2026 17:39:32
Calm down lol. I have high hopes but a god already. 😂

28 Apr 2026 18:30:35
I think he needs to earn the trust of his teammates more, but I was getting Bergkamp vibes with a sprinkle of Zlatan watching his game vs Brentford.

29 Apr 2026 11:24:12
Bergkamp or Zlatan vibes? That's bold.

28 Apr 2026 14:03:12
Anyone else think signing John Stones on a pay as you play/as available would be a no brainer?

My opinion, he brings winning culture and mentality, top quality when available, tremendous dressing room and young defender development influence and could act as a conduit to other players from the Wngland squad or City moving to us in future.



He has goals in him, replaces Casemiro as an extra top header and nuisance in the box and can play multiple positions including wb, FB and midfield.

28 Apr 2026 14:54:49
A big no for me.

28 Apr 2026 15:22:09
No from me too.

28 Apr 2026 15:31:24
Too injury prone and has availability issues.

28 Apr 2026 16:29:03
Yep, sure, Stones, de Ligt and Martinez all in one squad going into a season.

Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate will probably have to come out of retirement when they are all injured.

28 Apr 2026 17:13:15
Stones had one good season at City.
No, get Senesi instead, ffs, if you want a free transfer cb.

28 Apr 2026 18:25:38
I would if we hadn't signed Harry. For ability and experience, Stones offers a lot as a 3rd choice. I'd expect he'll go to Italy or the US.

But he'd do well at Everton or being a back up at Arsenal or Chelsea. He can't play 40-50 games, that's for sure, and needs managing.

Good player and professional.

29 Apr 2026 07:44:50
I actually didn't realise his record was that bad as you're saying. It looked like he was available for at least half the lrem games, which, considering City are costly in the Champions League and go deep in every cup, didn't seem that bad overall.

I did say pay as you play, or are available, but fair enough.

28 Apr 2026 06:07:09
When it was first announced that Cas was leaving I thought it was for the best, despite the incredible season he's been having. Now, though, I'm starting to wonder whether it would be worth keeping him on for another year - especially if we can offload Ugarte.

We're presumably going to be bringing in two new CMs this summer. What if one (or both) of them takes a while to settle? What if they get injured, or, like Ugarte, they never acclimatize to the league?

If Cas leaves, we're not only losing his performances (which have been world class as of late), we're also losing his leadership qualities, as well as his desire to win.

28 Apr 2026 08:42:36
There is no "if Cas leaves"; he is leaving. Don't look back, keep moving forward. Thanks, Cas, and goodbye.

28 Apr 2026 08:59:12
Yh, agreed, he's leaving, it's done, and it's really good he is leaving on a high.

Interestingly, most people who want to keep him are on a 1 year deal only with reduced wages.

Why would he agree to that lol, if we were to keep him he would probably want a 2/3 deal at his current wage plus Champions League increase.



It's a non starter for that reason, one thing the club is getting right is the wage bill and not overcommitting on contracts for older players.

28 Apr 2026 09:18:15
He has already said that his mind is made up and he is leaving.

28 Apr 2026 11:44:25
Agreed. Leave on a high, and go and enjoy his football elsewhere now it's announced. However, parties are obviously entitled to change their minds, of course, if they feel it's the right thing to do.

28 Apr 2026 12:11:31
He can't play two games in a week, therefore he would only be a squad player next season, as we are signing a midfielder in his position who will be first choice. He won't accept a big wage cut (why would he?), so it's best for all parties if he leaves.



What we need is a player that can play like him but their legs haven't gone, it's now up to the club to find that player.

28 Apr 2026 18:28:57
100% Go out on a high.

I was thinking about it last night. He's had highs and lows with us. I remember watching him in his first season against Chelsea. He was levels above. Fair play, he came out well.

He can do another 3 years in Italy easily before going MLS. Top player.

28 Apr 2026 18:43:23
We'll get 2 new midfielders and promote Thwaites.

28 Apr 2026 01:34:20
Good win at this stage of the season. Brentford play some good football, and I'm sure if we had a half decent center midfielder we would have added a player in there to help clog up their play.



They scored a worldy, but you can't argue they deserved at least one goal given their chances. Lammens was superb. Casemiro superb. My god, how do we replace him?

28 Apr 2026 09:07:12
Good win, as in it's 3 vital points. However, there's no escaping the fact that, at times, we were very poor, and could just as easily have lost that match. We need a very good summer window!

28 Apr 2026 09:19:15
I thought Mainoo had a really good game as well. His tackling was first class last night.

28 Apr 2026 09:35:25
Agreed, DB.
We just keep getting results, thankfully. Big game v Liverpool next week.

28 Apr 2026 12:13:29
Big game in what way? We will finish in the top 5 now. Even if we didn't get another point, the job is done. It's against Liverpool, and we always want to beat them, but realistically both teams are finishing 3rd - 5th, so there will be as little pressure on a United v Liverpool game as there ever could be.

28 Apr 2026 15:33:18
It's a big game in energy, easy, gds2. It's Manchester United v Liverpool. There is no bigger game, imo. Huge game no matter what the circumstance is in the table.

28 Apr 2026 15:47:58
It's the most viewed match in the world from time to time, GDS. Some years even more than the Champions League final. It's a huge match.

28 Apr 2026 17:36:39
GDS, surely you are pulling our chain, right? It's the dippers, you can't be serious. 😳

28 Apr 2026 17:44:23
Aww c'mon, GDS2. It's Liverpool.

Had a mare there, fella. 😁

28 Apr 2026 18:20:25
Sorry GDS, not a big game at all. Only against Liverpool. 😂

28 Apr 2026 00:24:03
After a roaring start when we could have had 3, Brentford played well. In particular they exposed the spaces between Dalot and Mbuemo. We were lucky not to concede at least 1 or 2 ourselves. 2-0 up at the break, Carrick made immediate changes which succeeded in closing down that area of Brentford dominance. We still conceded a lot of possession but we made it far more difficult for the opposition.

So that's 2 weekends in a run where we've won by the skin of our teeth.

Champions League is now almost certain. It's something many of us felt should be attainable with this squad but looked like the chance was going to die on Amorim's obstinacy.

Say what you like, since Carrick came in we've marginally improved our goal scoring rate and cut down our goals conceded down by 1/3rd. Yes, some of it hasn't been as pretty as we would like and, just as we did before Amorim's departure, we've found it difficult to control games after going ahead, but I'm sure all of us must be delighted that it's now virtually certain that we'll be back in the Champions League next year. I think a draw against Brighton is all we need.

28 Apr 2026 07:11:37
Carrick was given a mandate, and he's achieved that mandate with room to spare. What happens next is anyone's guess. I'm a bit like Ken, I don't have a preferred candidate, but just hope the owners do their due diligence, and make the best decision for the club.

If that's Carrick, then I'll support it, if not, then I'll thank him for what he's done and wish him the best.

28 Apr 2026 09:21:54
I think beating the Scousers on Sunday will guarantee him the job if he hasn't already got it anyway.
As long as the club backs him and brings in some decent proven players, I think he will be ok.

28 Apr 2026 11:02:07
Got to agree, Sim, whoever is manager next year needs real quality in midfield and fullback. We lack so much in those areas.

28 Apr 2026 11:42:16
Great point on the shad. We gave Amorim slack, based on the squad make up. Same can be applied to Carrick too. We made no additions since he took over and he's working with what he has. Interesting fact - since he took over, we've amassed more points than anybody else in the league over the same period.

26 Apr 2026 21:46:23
Hi Ed's am I right in saying that Napoli have an obligation to buy hojlund as long as they make UCL? They're currently 2nd so it looks a safe bet he gone.

{Ed001's Note - yes mate, that is correct.}

26 Apr 2026 22:48:06
Happy days now we just need rid of ugarte, onana and mount then we r getting somewhere lol. Cheers ed.

27 Apr 2026 03:31:59
And Rashford.

27 Apr 2026 04:44:43
And Shaw.
And Dalot.
And de Ligt.
And Martinez.
And Zirzkee.

27 Apr 2026 08:25:54
First and foremost Hojlund and Rashford have to go for the agreed amount.

Shifting the others may be more difficult.

Jimbo, Dalot? Why? He's probably one of the most consistent performers in that team, and is always available.

I really like him.

I agree with the rest, but I don't think Shaw or Martinez will move. I would have loved to see de Ligt stay too, but I fear for his injuries.

27 Apr 2026 09:03:20
You're right Jimbo, but realistically getting rid of 3/4 of them is probably the best we'll manage.

27 Apr 2026 12:52:10
Angelred, yes he's been available, but come on, are we really going to push for a title with Dalot as our full time right back? He is bang average at best.
He just isn't good enough, constantly out of position, and his defending is terrible.
I think both full back areas, left and right, need looking at, as well as the central midfield area this summer.

27 Apr 2026 13:09:28
Both full back positions need attention. Dalot is a 6.5 every week, not nearly at the level required to push for major honours. Either he or Mazraoui is very replaceable.

Shaw has been reliable this season, and Dorgu looks like he can do a job further up the pitch. Left back is definitely on the list for improvement.



On a side note, shame we didn't include an obligation to buy for Rashford, like the one for Hojlund. Barcelona are already playing the media, saying they won't pay £30,000,000. Spanish clubs are playing the pauper when it's time to pony up the dough.

It will be a long summer trying to shift a few of those lads.

27 Apr 2026 13:24:45
Simo, I'm not suggesting that he is a nailed on starter every week, but I don't see horrible defending and always being out of position with him. I actually think he is one of the most dependable defenders of the bunch and I'm absolutely fine with him as part of the squad.



He also keeps getting picked by every manager we have had, so that should also tell us something.

27 Apr 2026 13:48:36
Shaw and Dalot have both looked much better since Amorim left. Don't understand why we would look to sell either.

27 Apr 2026 13:54:45
Saw that about Barca, Mumbles. Typical ploy from them, and they're probably hoping Rashford forces our hand by refusing to go elsewhere. Hopefully we stand firm and get what was agreed. In the end, the fee is more than fair for a player of Rashford's age.

27 Apr 2026 13:55:51
Just shows how depleted we are.... Listen, I am not gonna argue with you, it's all about opinions. My opinion is that both full backs are not up to it if we want to push on next season.

27 Apr 2026 14:57:55
I agree, Sim, the know-alls will say one thing, but it's a simple fact that they are both in the bottom 5 % of all EPL full backs for goals or assists and key passes.
2 very average Joe's who contribute little or nothing to our progressive play.
They are average or below in most aspects of the game compared to their peers.


This season alone, Shaw has an assist and no goals in the EPL, and Dalot has no assists and no goals. Yes, they are defenders, but full backs have more to their role than simply defending.
Their stats for defending are a little better, but we don't keep many clean sheets.
They are well below par for EPL full backs imo.

27 Apr 2026 15:19:16
I'm good with Dalot being a squad option. Have always said we need better full backs to start, but I wouldn't look to sell him. Would be nowhere near the top of my list.

Danny, agree, both looked better since the overachieving Ra has left.

27 Apr 2026 15:30:50
Thankfully, we have all the stats and data to go on. Some would say the stats don't lie, although context needs to be added most of the time for them to make sense.

27 Apr 2026 17:30:31
Dalot has 3 assists and a goal this season.

When you say 'we' have all the stats, those stats are not well below par?

27 Apr 2026 18:15:28
Dalot and Shaw are both solid players. Long term, we should be looking to upgrade. But this isn't a priority.

This summer the priority has to be bringing in 2 midfielders, a centre back, and another forward.

27 Apr 2026 18:56:43
Agree with all that, Danny.

27 Apr 2026 19:22:05
Angel, he is the last to go from that lot, in fairness to him, and I wouldn't mind him as back up. But if we have the desire, cash and ability to churn through all the others this summer, which is highly doubtful, though.

For me, he needs to be upgraded.

Next summer, we will be crying out for a right fullback if we get everything else right this summer.

27 Apr 2026 19:40:22
Jimbo, I've always said, we need top quality full backs, but he is a fine squad player and I don't sigh when I see him play. He gets involved (1 goal, 3 assists), is passionate, and defensively sound.



Like Danny says, CM, CB and a forward are the priority positions for us this summer. We can think about FB next year. Remember, Dorgu is still there also and can deputise as a LB too.

27 Apr 2026 22:21:14
Apart from today's performance, he was dire; same for Shaw.

And here is the contentious content... We need to get rid of Amad ASAP whilst he has perceived value.

He is atrocious.

Today's performance was one of his worst.

I looked at his offsides this season.

He now has 13 from 28 games.
Next nearest is Mbeumo and Dorgu on 7 and Sesko on 6.

I have Dorgu ahead of him now, whether that is 343 and a wing back role, or 442 and on the left side.

Maybe he can be understudy to Mbeumo on the right. Otherwise, sell.

28 Apr 2026 01:38:53
I think Amad had some personal upset this last year, no doubt it has knocked him a bit. He desperately needs a coach to tell him it is his job to create for others first, score second. He has a knack of making things happen, definitely keep and see how he does next year for me.