Manchester United banter 7

29 May 2026 12:56:51
People keep saying "United have spent loads" as if spending money automatically means spending well.

The reality is we've wasted hundreds of millions on players who were either bang average, mentally weak, lazy, didn't suit the system, or simply nowhere near the standard required for Manchester United.

José wasn't the first manager hung out to dry either. LVG openly said the club failed to get his main targets and kept handing him 3rd, 4th and 5th choice signings. Since Ferguson retired, managers have been expected to build title-winning sides with leftovers and commercial signings.

As MUFC fans we've had to sit through years of dreadful football watching managers force out-of-position players into systems they clearly can't play, while the board acts shocked when it all falls apart and sacks another manager.

Then the cycle repeats:
New manager.
Wrong players.
Massive wages.
No football IQ.
Manager blamed.
Huge payout.
Start again.

For over a decade we've been absolutely robbed in the transfer market and laughed at across Europe because clubs know United panic, overpay and reward failure.

29 May 2026 13:35:33
Last summer was much better.

2 proven EPL players at a reasonable price.
1 promising young striker who suits the league's physicality.
1 young keeper, bought for cheap and exceeded expectations.

If we stick with this transfer strategy, the club is on the right track.

A few proven players, if they can be got for a fair price, and a handful of prospects. That's how you build a squad that can be competitive now with the potential to get better without throwing away money on big names.

30 May 2026 09:53:30
Danny,

To take the next step, and for the club's 2028 aims to be met, we need to modify that strategy. It's not enough. We need at least one top-level diamond, if not two. It's not throwing money away on big names; it's about buying the right profile of player, and, if a top-level player that moves us to contenders is available, pay what it takes.



Arsenal paid, was it, £105m for Declan Rice? To compete, we need to up the strategy.

30 May 2026 15:39:33
Redman, I honestly think the club's arbitrary timeframe is nonsense. After watching a decade and a half of money being wasted on big name players, I'm more than happy to see a slow and steady approach to transfers.

The truth is that the only reason a £100m player would come to us right now is for money.

Despite our league position, we're still a long way from competing for titles. 2-3 years of this approach to squad building should get us a lot closer, and then we can start bringing in that level of player because.

29 May 2026 09:45:57
It's a tough question but if you had to name your 5 favourite players since starting to support United to would they be.
Born in the 60s so I've a wide enough choice.
Mine are
Robson
Scholes
Beckham
Stam
Hughes. Just ahead of RVN.
I'd have an honourable mentions for Duxberry Buchan Coppell and
Hill from the 70s.

There is not 1 signing over last 10 years that I'd even consider to be in my top 50.
Who are your all time fav players?

No Keane no Cantona no Rio Vidic etc in my list so I accept it is hard to pick 5.

29 May 2026 11:36:41
I started supporting in 1962/3, so hard to look beyond Law, Best and Charlton. Then there was relegation. Hard to pick any heroes during that period. I moved to the US in 1982, when it was a football black hole, so I didn't really start watching games regularly until they were being televised regularly. I largely missed the Robson and Cantona eras. Scholes and Beckham. I never much liked Ronaldo, as good as he was. I have a soft spot for Ole. Rooney, Giggs (notwithstanding his scurrilous behavior), and then the Glazers arrived and heralded in a new era.

The globalizing of the sport changed everything. Players came and went more frequently. Support and finances moved away from pure local generation.

I like some of the current players, but it will take something special for any of them to ever rise to the heights achieved by the holy triumvirate of my first years as a preteen and teenage fan in the 1960s. First loves are always special.

29 May 2026 12:19:53
Born n 1983

Robson
Keane
Cantona
Scholes
Vidic.

29 May 2026 12:45:13
Born 1981.
Irish.

Keane.
Rooney.
Beckham.
Scholes.
Vidic.

Unbiased view.
Robson.
Cantana.
Irwin.
Hughes.
Giggs.

29 May 2026 13:11:30
Great question, and difficult to answer.

Robson, an awesome player, one of a kind.

Cantona, found his spiritual home.

Schmeichel, best GK in the world for a time.

Giggs, People forget how good he was.

5th is hard, too many competing - Rvn, Scholes, Coppell, Rooney.

Can I also say Carrick was massively underrated.

29 May 2026 13:27:04
1971

Robson
Cantona
Keane
Irwin
Stam.

29 May 2026 13:41:06
Born in the 1980s.

Keane - just a phenomenal player and leader.
Giggs - longevity and reinvention.
Cantona - gave us the edge and flair to win a title.
Rooney - he frustrated me to no end because I think he should have got to the level of Messi and Ronaldo, but still the most naturally talented player I've seen at the club.


Van der Saar - most people would point to Vidic and Rio, but this guy was the foundational stability that got the team over the line in the 00s.

29 May 2026 13:43:10
Many different choices from everyone.
Rooney is number one for me.
Chicharito.
Schmeichel.
Carrick.
Giggs.

29 May 2026 13:45:12
Best was head and shoulders above everyone to play for Utd, but from whom I actually saw.

Schmeichel

Scholes

Robson

Beckham

Ruud.

29 May 2026 14:22:51
Born in the early 80's, so for me it's
Scholes
Rooney
Keane
Ronaldo
Cantona

If I had to pick my favourite, it would be Cantona. The flair, attitude, skill and aura he had was unmatched... all us playing in the park with the collars turned up. Those were the days.

29 May 2026 14:38:18
Born in 1949.
Attended a Home match against Aston Villa in 1957, a 1-1 draw. I think Duncan Edwards and Bobby Charlton played.
I would add Denis Law and George Best.
And, finally, I would add Eric Cantona.

29 May 2026 14:43:17
Born 1975.

Robson
Cantona
Beckham
Scholes
Rooney.

29 May 2026 15:22:42
Born in 1963.
Definitely George Best.
Then it's hard, it just shows how difficult it is to choose the other 4.
I love entertaining players, but have to put Roy Keane in there for his leadership and the example he set.

Next 3, Cantona. What a player.
Charlton, as above.
Hughes.
So difficult to choose, but, like others have said, I wouldn't have anybody in there from the last 15 years.

29 May 2026 17:38:39
I'll do two lists: one with my overall 5 favourite players, and one with my favourite 5 underrated/overlooked players.

Overall:

1. Keane
2. Cantona
3. RvN
4. Scholes
5. VdS

Underrated/overlooked:

1. Park Ji-Sung
2. Irwin
3. Evra
4. Nani
5. Carrick.

29 May 2026 20:00:42
Robson - Will always be my hero.

Cantona - Eric the King, because I didn't get to see the King.

Sharpe - For a few years, his combination with the lad below was rock and roll football, from an era where that's where the excitement came from.

Giggs - I think his footballing ability is overlooked due to subsequent events.



Rooney - Brilliant player and underappreciated.

I also grew up being told that Robson wasn't fit to lace Edwards' boots, and this was from people who loved Robbo. Even now, in my head I have the impression that Big Dunc was, or would have been, the greatest player ever, but for tragic events, and I was born 20 years after the tragedy.

29 May 2026 21:49:42
Born 1970

I've chosen captains who were true leaders.

In no particular order:

Buchan
Robson
Bruce
Cantona
Keane


To me, they all made other players better.

29 May 2026 22:05:42
Born in 70.

Robson
Whiteside
Cantona
Giggs
Rooney.

29 May 2026 23:03:29
Hill
Coppell
Whiteside
Hughes
Scholes.

29 May 2026 23:24:06
1989 - personal faves

Rooney
De Gea
Ronaldo
Berbatov
Nani.

30 May 2026 00:52:27
Good read that. So many great players. Over the years, interesting to see a few names repeated so often.

30 May 2026 04:21:36
Born late 80s, supporting since 2000.

No particular order.
- Vidic
- Scholes
- Giggs
- Vds
- Ronaldo

Last one is a bit of a question mark even as I typed it (left too soon, ego too big), but eff it, he was very very good.



Honorable mentions / soft spots.
- Rooney (was between him and Ronaldo in the first list)
- DDG
- Carrick
- Park
- Rio

Very weird that the second list names automatically started with caps but not the first.

30 May 2026 10:05:12
Early 60's

Georgie Best
Billy Foulkes
Keane
Cantona
Ronaldo.

30 May 2026 10:31:30
'86

- Cantona
- Scholes
- Berbatov
- Ronaldo
- Rooney.

30 May 2026 11:39:04
Born in the 80's.

Cantona - The reason I still wear my collar up on polo shirts.

Sharpe - Just something about him that made me love watching him play.

Vidic - Went into battle every game.

Schmeichel - As a kid I was a goalkeeper. Just made me want to be like him.

Rooney - Just an absolute beast.

30 May 2026 14:27:38
Just to add that growing up Andrei Kanchelskis was a player I really liked watching.

31 May 2026 11:48:51
1983

Keane
Scholes
Berbatov
Stam
Cantona.

01 Jun 2026 11:55:23
1. Cr7
2. Giggs
3. Scholes
4. Vidic
5. Keane.

28 May 2026 16:02:13
It's not before time that the club is prioritizing midfield acquisitions. The lack of focus in this critical area has been a hallmark of the Glazer era. Other than Bruno, what other longer term purchase of a top midfielder have we made in the last 15-20 years? Casemiro was a decent stop gap, not a long term solution.

The others all went to our competition. It's good that we finally seem to have a professional decision making team that actually gets it. Berada set his sights on 2027/8 to return to the top. Right now you can at least see a pathway to that end.

28 May 2026 16:35:55
I'm not really sure there are long-term solutions nowadays. Most players move on, like managers are doing now too. You can't fill your team with just young potential, as Chelsea just realised. You need those, what you call, stop-gaps for 3-4 years in their prime, as they bring the experience and know-how of how to win.

28 May 2026 21:02:08
Still, the way throughout Ferguson's tenure we had players who came in for 3, 4 or 5 seasons.
It's about having the right mix, and knowing when to shake it up and refresh.
City, Arsenal and Liverpool under Klopp had the luxury of doing that from strong bases.


We were like the gambler, chasing his losses with bad bet after a bigger bad bet.
I think now Carrick has to try and get a solid base and add bits to complement that as he goes. But, with the way it is now, he has to keep us in the cl and competitive while he builds.

28 May 2026 21:00:43
It isn't as simple as that. We have allowed our midfield to become dreadfully weak, and incredibly lacking in depth. But, whilst there have been several occasions that we have neglected our engine room to our detriment, arguably, it is less that we haven't signed young midfielders with the potential to be first team players for several years, and it is more that we haven't signed the right players.

Marouane Fellaini was 25 when we signed him in 2013. Unfortunately he simply didn't have the first touch, passing ability, shooting ability, vision, or defensive awareness to play as a holding midfielder at United.

Ander Herrera was 25 when we signed him in 2014, and although he was pretty solid and a great squad player that could be relied upon to perform a certain role, he wasn't technically gifted enough to take United to the top level. Also, we were very hesitant to offer him a new deal so he joined PSG for free when he probably had a few more decent years left.

Morgan Schneiderlin was 25 when we signed him in 2015, and although he had been a fantastic player for Southampton, he again wasn't technically gifted enough to allow United to control matches, and he struggled to adapt.

In 2016, we signed Paul Pogba, who was 23 years old and easily the most talented young central midfielder in the world at the time. We all have our opinions on Pogba, and whilst I believe he was consistently the best player on the pitch for United throughout his first three seasons, he was constantly shifted between different positions, and typically expected to play several different roles at once. In the right system, with the right players alongside him in midfield, I genuinely believe Pogba could've been the best midfielder in the world, he certainly had all the attributes. However, he clearly didn't work hard enough or have the tenacity to dominate matches, and he has somewhat admitted this himself.

We signed Nemanja Matic in 2017, who was 29 years old, but had never relied on pace, and seemed like the ideal player to sit deep and allow Pogba to roam. But we continued to play the wrong system at times and it never really worked, although we did manage 83 points and finished 2nd in the league.

In 2018, having finished 2nd in the league, we failed to back Mourinho, and failed to invest in the squad, only signing Fred and Dalot that summer. For my money, that was the single greatest error we have made since Ferguson left. With the right additions that summer, we could've progressed that season and potentially challenged City for the title, but instead it all fell apart.

There have been several other midfielders signed in the last 20 years that had the potential to make a significant impact over many years. Carrick in 2006, Hargreaves in 2007, Anderson in 2007, Kagawa in 2012, Van de Beek in 2020, Mount in 2023, Ugarte in 2024.

We've spent enough money on the midfield over the years that the current squad should be significantly better. Unfortunately we signed players that were not suited to the league, or simply not good enough on far too many occasions, and have wasted countless millions in the process. It is absolutely essential that we get it right this summer.

28 May 2026 23:53:38
Great summary, Gilly. I agree on backing Jose too. Fred and Dalot. ??

29 May 2026 04:13:42
It was a travesty not backing Jose, our best manager since Fergie left. But many on here seem to not remember also barracking him because he chose to live in a hotel instead of buying a house in the area. Absolutely pathetic, what difference that made was beyond a joke, but it happened.
Jose was not liked by many because of strong opinions and strong leadership. Strange how people of 2026 don’t like opinions that differ from theirs.


I agree we have purchased many players over the years, just that they have been players who are just not good enough or just don’t realise their potential, or attitudes waver. Hopefully more due diligence is happening now too on players we purchase, and more suited to our needs at the time and of a level required. Yes, they all won’t turn out to be world beaters, but it would be nice if most don’t turn out as duds, like seems to have been happening.

29 May 2026 05:27:57
Jose wasn't the first not to be backed. LVG openly criticised the club for not backing his preferred signings and going for 3rd/4th/5th choices.

29 May 2026 07:34:45
Eric, that's been the problem over the years, not signing the best targets that were actually wanted. It's how we always ended up with a mixmash of players.

29 May 2026 17:45:46
I think the problem with signing midfielders over the past decade has been the constant chopping and changing of direction.

The style of play/tactics typically has less of a bearing when it comes to signing keepers, defenders and forwards than it does midfield.

Everyone wants a keeper who can command their box and make saves. Good with their feet is a bonus, and teams typically won't massively change how they want to play based on their keepers' talents.

Similarly, in defence, you want players who are quick, strong, good in the air, and who read the game well.



Forwards need to be either quick or strong, ideally both, and able to take their chances. You will see a bit more variation here due to tactical or stylistic reasons.

Yet it is midfield where the team's true identity comes through. If you take any great team, and you swap out their midfielders, then it will have a massive impact on the way that team plays football, far bigger than any other positions.

When we've been regularly chopping and changing, it has made it impossible to build a core of midfielders that suit a specific style of play.

28 May 2026 11:30:01
Anyone here think it's not over yet regarding Anderson? I mean, what if City get a transfer ban, massive point deduction or even relegation?

Would he still prioritise them? Does he still see them as the best option with Pep gone? What do you guys think? Also, given he is supposed to have flat out focused on City, do you want him anyway of he wasn't q00% committed to us?

28 May 2026 11:51:22
I actually don't care. If he is keen to play for us then great, let's buy him. If not, let's move on. One player, good as he is, is not the be all and end all. I can't help think the hype is overtaking the reality.

28 May 2026 12:40:32
They must surely know by now whether there's any actionable guilt. If so, whether or not a transfer ban or major point deduction is coming, they really ought to get the decision out well before the window officially opens. It doesn't just affect City. Clubs and players should not be forced into this period of uncertainty while negotiations are taking place. Maybe a player like Anderson, assuming anyone is prepared to stump up £100m+, would reject City if they're found guilty. There's a knock-on effect.

Personally, while I do check up on transfer news regularly (like 8x a day!) I don't really have any idea whether those we sign will end up being a hit or a miss.

So I tend not to get into any arguments about it. The proof of the pudding, etc. Liverpool spent £100m+ on 2 players last summer. How did that turn out? Of course they may do much better next season, but it's been a short-term bust. There are no guarantees... although having more money, maybe cheating and getting away with it, and having a great manager most assuredly stack the deck in your favour.

28 May 2026 13:33:54
Agree, newname.
I think we all check the sites, but you can't believe much if any of it at all.
I trust that they will do all they can to get whom they consider to be the right players. We won't always get our 1st choice, those days have gone, but hopefully they will return soon enough.

28 May 2026 13:43:32
His stats put him at the top in every area out of the handful of names we keep getting linked to. I'd like to think he has a tough choice to make, but feels like it's already made. Still, no harm in hoping.

28 May 2026 14:06:22
Anderson would be my preference, but if he chooses City, he chooses City. We can't go back to paying players over the odds to sign for us. Obviously, money is important, but the opportunity should matter just as much as any player that we sign.

28 May 2026 14:19:58
Anderson has a better pass completion than Tonali for last season, spenno.
Both won exact same% of trial deals, less than 50%.
Anderson made more dribbles and won ground deals, but had less possession.
Anderson lost possession 38 more times than Tonali, despite Tonali attempting over 200 more passes than Anderson.
I'd say one is as good as the other. They have slightly different core strengths.

28 May 2026 16:27:09
I really like Anderson as a player, but if he really is going to cost over 100 million, plus wages, I am not convinced it's the best use of that money, and that we couldn't spend the same amount better and have a greater impact on improving the squad for next season.

28 May 2026 16:24:03
lol 3rd world Google been at it again! Are just googling these stats and just picking what suits your narrative that given day . Maybe you should google about wage bills and fanbase as it seems to be your favoured method atm
Glad we can now just dismiss City according to the font of all knowledge, even a clock is right twice a day!

28 May 2026 18:43:17
Not at all. It was interesting to read how they both play in similar positions, but with very different styles, and carry out different jobs for their teams.
The explanations, rationale, and insights behind each stat gave good reasoning behind why Anderson topped some and Tonali others.
The headline stat only tells half the story.
Anderson plays much more of a mainoo role for Forest than a Casemiro type role, whereas Tonali plays more of a Casemiro role, as does Ederson for Atalanta.

I think both are very multifunctional.
I think either would prove to be a good buy, both are top players imo, and it also looks to me like they would be 2 characters that would embrace the pressure and not shrink in it. I accept that is completely subjective. Both would be expensive. I hope we get 1 of the 2, but id not be very positive that we will get either. But I suppose most of us will live in hope.

28 May 2026 17:13:31
JSU

Give it a rest mate. I have no idea why you come on here as you just wind people up. Some of us sometimes agree, sometimes we disagree, sometimes we argue, but we muddle through. You just seem to want to poke the bear continually, you seem very unhappy, with almost everything you post being negative. It's exhausting.

I know I can block posters and I really don't want to do that but my God, I can make an exception for you.

You remind me of a poster from about 13 years ago who eventually got himself banned for being so argumentative, take a chill pill, relax, try and find some joy.

28 May 2026 22:03:44
I reckon he was bullied at school and even perhaps still is. Bless him. Poor lad feels the need to compensate from behind a keyboard. I have blocked him so as not to have to read the pathetic dribble he comes up with on a daily basis and feel much the better for it.

Do it AJH. Use the block facility. It's refreshing!

29 May 2026 04:17:55
Yes, of course you can block, it's 2026, and you can choose to listen to only nice things and ignore opinions you don't like. Only listen to the fluffy nice stuff that blows smoke in a certain direction, that's what seems to be liked best of all nowadays, look where that's got the world now, but of course it's your individual choice.


Amazes me, posters say it's ok for people to preach opinions long as it's the same as there's..!

29 May 2026 05:45:45
You missed my point. Of course, it's OK to disagree, I've had plenty of arguments with many posters. I am suggesting that life is too short to be as continually negative as you are, you seem constantly unhappy.

29 May 2026 07:37:45
Only Anderson and United will know what he wants. The days of United trying to change minds to convince players are over. It's a good place to start, to have players who want to be here, deep down.

Anderson is a cracker of a player. Sure, his on-ball choices have to improve, but his engine, drive, and ability to make that pass are fantastic.

29 May 2026 22:10:30
Most of us can't see his reply lol.

28 May 2026 10:41:48
Some strange management goings on right now.

Iraola takes Bournemouth into the Europa League but is leaving. Glasner wins Palace's first 2 trophies including the European Conference but is leaving. There something pretty odd there, particularly as neither seems to have a new club lined up yet. Rumours are Iraola will go to Palace which does not seem like a big step up, whilst Glassner is taking a sabbatical.

Slot allegedly spends half his time back in the Netherlands and the Liverpool players have a lot more days off then they used to, you can see their standards have slipped yet he appears to be staying.

Maresca leaves Chelsea in a huff, appearing to engineer his own sacking, and surprise surprise, he surfaces at City, that smells awfully fishy.

Forest had 5 permanent Managers, finally finding a saviour in Pereira, Spurs had 3, same situation for De Zerbi.

The appointment of Rosenior at Chelsea seemed bizarre at the time and that's how it turned out.

And that's all before the end of season merry for round.

Bizarrely, we seem pretty stable compared to a lot of the others.

28 May 2026 12:53:56
100%, Carrick has cut a lot of the noise out of the club in his interim period. A lot of that is probably down to the fact he is genuinely boring (in a good way) in his press conferences. The media can hardly get a soundbite out of him compared to previous managers.

On the other managers, Chelsea have self imploded, Liverpool have recruited poorly and have injuries.

Glasner and Iraola hit their respective ceilings with Palace and Bournemouth, and, in order to finish any higher, they would have to spend serious money and not sell their best players every window.

28 May 2026 14:25:03
Delighted for Glasner. I think he was a bit hasty in not signing a new contract, based on the chairman selling his players.
It's probably why Iraola is leaving Bournemouth, but he can expect the dame at Palace if he goes there.
Chelsea have a very good coach now, and I expect them, with 1 game a week, to turn it round next season just like we did.


City, I don't see winning a league for the foreseeable future.
Liverpool, I'd expect to be better next season, but slot could be a busted flush.
It will be ingesting to see how all the new boys get on.
I think Arsenal, despite their stability, are not streets ahead, so I'm sorry of expecting a closer league again next season.
We'll have to wait and see.

28 May 2026 17:16:06
City will be interesting. He was there before, which brings some continuity, but Pep is pure class and will take some following.

Chelsea and Liverpool look all over the place; they have issues to resolve.



I fear Arsenal might relax now they've won one and play proper football, but Arteta may end up being his own worst enemy.

If we buy and sell well, we should be at the right end of things.

28 May 2026 20:44:30
I don't know, AJH thinks Alonso is a good coach. I think he will change them completely. I think they will show big improvement next season, and then kick on the following year. A year out of Europe, a good clearout of players, and a couple of astute signings will see them back up in a CL place.
Liverpool could go either way imo.
I don't think the new guys will do as well at Bournemouth and Palace as their predecessors. But it's not the club's fault both guys walked.

Sunderland will find it tough with Europe and the EPL, I think. Brighton are better equipped than those teams, I think.
Newcastle, I'm not sure what to expect. Could go either way, imo, depends on who leaves.
You could be right on Arsenal. Very complete squad, maybe light on goals at times.
They could do worse than sign Lewandowski for a season. I'd take him at United.
It will be as open as I can remember, really.

28 May 2026 09:56:58
Hi Eds and fellow fans, looking at EPL relegated teams;
Do you think any of Wolves' mfs would be a good addition to our squad even if just for depth - Andre and J. Gomes? Anyone else?
Westham's best player is Bowen, but I doubt we need another left footeb right winger.

Although someone mentioned Bowen as a backup Striker to sesko, its an idea but not one that thrills me. I think we will sign M. Fernandes.
Burnely: Esteve (another left footed CB), Flemming has also stood out for them but he reminds me of Weghourst.

{Ed001's Note - Andre has said he will stay but J Gomes is worth a look.}

28 May 2026 11:07:59
Hasn't Gomes already agreed a move to Atletico?

28 May 2026 10:04:06
Is he not madrid bound ed?

{Ed001's Note - most likely, yes. It is not done yet though.}

28 May 2026 21:24:56
Am I the only one whose mind said something else when mf's was said?

28 May 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 38 - Quick Round Up

28 May 2026 01:18:57
I read that Carrick is likely to retain Mason Mount. I'm pretty disappointed in that if true.

Even if he can stay fit, where does he slot in?

28 May 2026 07:19:52
Who's going to buy him realistically? He's on big wages and is hardly ever fit to play.

28 May 2026 07:40:58
Mount's last 2 performances have shown he is a good player. He just needs to stay fit for a period. Hopefully, over the summer, this can be worked on. With Europe next season, having him part of the squad will be good imo.

28 May 2026 08:54:23
He is a good player and there will be more games for him next season if fit.
He is a bit of a jack of all trades and master of none.
I think, if an unsolicited offer came in, it would be considered, but if not, they are not actively looking to sell.

Good guy around the place, apparently, so not a sulker if not in the team.
Every coach speaks highly of him.

28 May 2026 09:19:42
He's a very good footballer, and if he can stay fit, he can play in a number of positions, which is great when we will likely have a lot more games. Fitness is obviously his issue, and he can't stay fit, but that means nobody is likely to take a gamble signing him, so he will end up staying. Not sure it's 'Carrick retaining him', you can't force someone with a contract out of the club.



He is the only player in our squad that has won the Champions League as well, so some would say valuable experience. Zirkzee has won it as well, but he might not be in the squad and he certainly wasn't really in the squad that won it, so not counting him.

28 May 2026 13:45:09
Wish I could get a new job and have two or three paid sick days a week.

28 May 2026 15:55:17
Surely that depends on why he is "likely" to retain him.

Have the club got any acceptable offers, and is it the manager who is asking for them to be turned down?

If not, then you can rephrase "likely to retain" with "unable to find a buyer".

This, given his injury record, wages, and the fee we would need to receive to breakeven, is the far more likely situation.

28 May 2026 18:46:06
Mount is a good player, but a total waste of time, being that if you can't stay fit, I can't see anyone making an offer for him, so I would say he will be keeping the treatment room busy again next season.
Diabolical purchase, like many we done previously. But probably stuck with him.

27 May 2026 22:32:30
I've not paid too much notice of Wharton before tonight's game in the conference final.
I thought he played well and he looks on that showing to be a very good player.
Been right at the centre of their historic 2 years so if he does leave Palace this summer somebody will be getting a very good player.


I've read that Liverpool and Chelsea are keen and I've not seen too much recent talk of United being interested.
Nice to see Henderson captain the team and he has shown himself to be a very good keeper.

28 May 2026 01:15:39
That was a solid performance from him, Ken.
I suspect he could be an option for Liverpool, but perhaps even a replacement for what seems an outgoing Enzo from Chelsea.

28 May 2026 05:06:50
I'm not sure Chelsea will be signing too many more youngsters. They clearly tried this path and it has not worked for them. I believe they might start signing some older, more wise heads. Enzo wants to leave, but money might be a stumbling block.

Good player, maybe questionable attitude, but how much of that is down to a basket case of a club atm? So, would take Enzo at United, but can't see that one happening or us interested in Wharton.

{Ed001's Note - Enzo's problems were not caused by Chelsea. They did not make him sing a racist song while he was away with the Argentinian team, that is an issue all of his own making.}

28 May 2026 13:48:01
I think Chelsea have scored a massive own goal with Enzo. They overpaid by a whopping amount, and now seem to want to recoup most, if not all, of it. I think he's very good, but is there a £100m+ player there?

28 May 2026 13:57:29
Absolutely Ed. I'd steer miles away from Enzo. Caicedo is the midfielder at Chelsea I'd most likely here

27 May 2026 16:27:25
Barcelona apparently close to signing Gordon yet they won’t stump up the very fair price for Rashford who I think is a better player. I don’t know what this means for Rashford, I don’t know what he thinks of the whole thing.

Potentially they’ll look to sign both but that would surprise me. I really hope there is another club prepared to make a bid for him.

Just out of interest, who does everyone think we’ll sign for midfield?! .?

27 May 2026 17:32:38
If they can afford Gordon, then imo he is a much better buy and a much better player than Rashford.
Watching them celebrate, Rashford was like a lost soul wandering around on his own most of the time.
Let's hope they want both of them. If they do, will Rashford sign knowing he'll be on the bench even more than he was this year? He probably would sign for them anyway, I'm not sure he is that bothered if he doesn't play much.

They can flip him on in Jan or next summer for a profit.
Maybe we can twist someone else's arm, maybe Villa will take him.
Just 1 more conundrum for the club.

27 May 2026 18:04:35
For someone on the bench like you, insinuating he got enough assists & goals, many more than Gordon did. Earlier you were barracking Red Man for being biased, of course you're not, are you?

27 May 2026 18:24:10
He started 18 league games. Less than half.
No bias there at all. He spent more time off the pitch than on it, just a fact, not an insinuation.
If I had the option of signing either for a club, I'd sign Gordon. No bias, I just think he has more to offer, he works harder for the team.
Are Barcelona biased in their opinion? Is the manager biased against him, selecting him less than half the time?
Redman has a bias against the owners, and he owns and admits that.

I'm not sure what your point is. He readily admits this, it was not an accusation, more a statement of fact.
I'd have a bias against Ole, for example, but not against Rashford.
Preferring one player over another is not showing bias, it's just an opinion.
Hopefully Barcelona sign Rashford and Gordon goes to Bayern.

27 May 2026 18:30:17
I did not barrack Redman. People are allowed to disagree and make points, and Redman is entitled to disagree. Redman defends his position and opinion, and does it well.
Bias will come through occasionally, and on certain topics more than occasionally for most of us.

I'm sure some of your log in names show bias on some subjects, and other log in names show it on other topics. So, you probably don't know if you're coming or going.

27 May 2026 18:49:34
If they want to offer a lower fee, we should negotiate a sell on %.

27 May 2026 19:41:36
Both good players, but Gordon is younger, on lower wages, and has a longer contract, which means, on an amortised basis, he would cost Barca a similar amount per year to Rashford, all things considered.

27 May 2026 21:04:06
DSG, that's it. Not that he is a better player than Rashford (he isn't, by the way), but he will be cheaper.

27 May 2026 21:09:59
In your opinion, he is not better, Angel. Others think he is better.

27 May 2026 21:29:24
Agreed, Angel, Rashford is a better player for me. Think Tuchel will have the same view come the World Cup first game for England.

27 May 2026 21:31:53
DSG, I'd like to see your numbers on that, please.
Rashford has agreed to take 200k per week, allegedly, 14m per year circa 10m per year on a 4 year deal plus his fee of 26m. Total 66m.
Assuming Gordon is on a 5 year contract, his fee amortisation before wages is 14m a year, plus minimum 5m a year in wages.

Total 95m, with 1 extra year to use.
But let's face it, neither of us knows the figures, and we are both making assumptions.

27 May 2026 21:42:57
Barca and Rashford know how many people do not want him back, so the power is not with United. Barca will buy Gordon for the left, and then agree another loan with United, but with an obligation next summer instead. Rashford will then be used as a utility forward across the front line as needed.

27 May 2026 22:04:45
Not to get too knee-deep in the weeds on finances, as I am a football finance amateur, but:

Gordon = EUR80m over 5 years is EUR16m.
Rashford = EUR30m over 3 years is EUR10m.

Gordon salary EUR8m a year based on rumours.
Rashford current salary is around EUR15m a year with the Champions League reduction.

So annual cost for Gordon is 16+8 = 24 a year, and Rashford is 10+15 = 25 a year, even if he agrees to keep his Champions League reduction to join Barca on lower wages than he would earn if he moved back to United.



So pretty similar deals based on my assumptions, which could be wrong clearly, but not as simple as the "oh Barca will pay 80m for Gordon but cant stump up 30m for Rashy" narrative.

Rashford is one of the best paid players in the Premier League if he comes back to United based on the contract he signed. Going to be hard to shift if the Barcelona door closes.

27 May 2026 22:06:29
In fairness, they might be looking at Gordon or Rashford as a cf, with Lewy moving on.
I'm very much hoping they will still sign Rashford. He has proven he can be effective as a rotation player. He is also good in big games quite often, and he does score goals.

I think he is a sniper at 26 m, and a very saleable asset if he takes lower wages, as it will be a lot easier for clubs to afford him. A loan with obligation is kicking the can down the road for Barcelona, and that might suit them and us.

27 May 2026 22:19:35
Rashford is a snip in terms of his football output. However, Barca have seen him up close, so can assess his mentality. Barcelona nightlife may have been tempting, and he may have shown his United attitude, but we just don't know.

Rashford's salary is a consideration. He is in the England WC squad. Gordon is a good player, but hit and miss. Surprised at Barca, but it may relieve some financial pressure at Newcastle, making it more difficult for Tonali admirers.

27 May 2026 22:30:25
According to The Guardian, Gordon is set to double his wages to £300k pw and is going to cost close to £70m. That's apparently 50% more wages than Rashford would have settled for, and 2X the transfer cost.

We all know his shortcomings. I can't see him starting for us ahead of Cunha or Dorgu.

He simply doesn't have the defensive qualities needed in the EPL. He would provide depth for European games, but according to reports, the hierarchy don't want him back. This could well end up with just another loan.

27 May 2026 22:13:54
Yes ken, that's my opinion and you have yours, although you usually caveat yours with how far superior your footballing opinions are to others.

I think he's proven to be better at this time having played for Man United, Barcelona and England. Gordon is yet to reach those heights, that could change of course.

27 May 2026 22:42:51
Yeah, it's thought it might ease the pressure on Newcastle, Red Man, if we are indeed in for Tonali, which I'd like to think we are. Smashing player ino, and the sort of quality we need.
I think he is better than Anderson right now, but I also think Anderson has more improvement to come.
It might mean Newcastle will be harder to deal with.
They have Harvey Barnes, Elanga, and Murphy, so are well stocked out wide.

They, imo, wasted their Isaak money last year with 2 bad buys up front and were relying on a kid at the end of the season. Hall and Tonali are both likely to be sold for further investment, but they will need to spend their money more wisely, not unlike ourselves. Over a billion of tripe bought under Woodward and co.

27 May 2026 23:01:40
I have never once said my opinion is superior to anybody else's.
I am not a subject matter expert at that level of professional sport, nor have I ever once claimed to be.
I think you'll find the caveat I use most is 'imo'. Rarely, unlike yourself, do I give my opinion as fact unless I have something factual to back it up.
If I think someone has what I consider to be a dumb opinion, I'll say it and give a different perspective.

But that will only be my opinion of their opinion. If someone chooses to get offended by my opinion of their opinion, then that's not my intention, and perhaps a debating site of differing opinions is not the place for them. They need to remember it's just my opinion. No big deal.

27 May 2026 23:37:09
I wonder if the door is open for Rashy now Carrick has been appointed. It's no secret we are light up front, and are maybe looking at another wide forward. Rashford ticks those boxes as a versatile forward and costs us his salary only?

28 May 2026 02:09:06
Gordon a done.

28 May 2026 05:18:09
Rashford will post better figures in goals and assists every season than Gordon. I don’t think that’s a doubt; you're misreading the situation. Barca have no need to push on the Rashford deal. He is already there and stated it's the only place he really wants to be, so why would Barca jump in if they can do another loan deal for him, leaving money free for Gordon or whoever? Why are you reading it as one or the other player? It’s no great shame not playing every week at Barca, but it’s good when you are called upon that you score or assist.

I would take Rashford every day of the week above Gordon, and twice on Sundays. Barca are probably building a squad for a year's time when Pep heads back there, which is why I said previously we should approach Hansi Flick now as manager.

28 May 2026 08:27:54
Now, don't spit your dummy out, Jsu, as it's AI stats.
Last 3 seasons.
Rashford has 29 goals, Gordon has 38.
Rashford has 16 assists, and Gordon has 21.
Top scoring season for the last 3, Gordon has 17 goals, Rashford 14.
Maybe it's a language barrier, or they count differently in German.

28 May 2026 08:42:18
Anyone who wants Rashford back must have their heads buried in the sand. He was a disruptive influence, he disrespected the club when he was partying and couldn't attend training, and he meandered around the pitch.



He had the shirt, and he didn't respect it. Sell him for tuppence for all I care, but he must not come back. I do not want him, and if the club try this reformed character nonsense, they are back to the Ole nonsense era. Get rid.

28 May 2026 09:00:39
I think the vast majority of United fans would agree, Redman.
Gordon, imo, is a better player. He scores more, he assists more, he works harder, but the odd numpty will argue otherwise and tell you misleading info based on info in their own head. But if you have several personalities within the same head, there is bound to be confusion.

28 May 2026 09:06:07
The odd numpty. There he is. ?

28 May 2026 09:07:21
EUR30m fee for Rashford is cheap, wages are not representative of the player's ability. His output in terms of goals and assists were OK at best. The fact he has had two loans, and nobody has taken him, especially Barce, as both parties were very keen to begin with, suggests there is more to this.

Barce got to try before they bought, and, on the face of it, have gone No thank you.

It is the stupidest contract this club has given out to date; the data showed he wasn't consistent. Crazy.

28 May 2026 09:17:50
Ken, you are so far up your own behind on all things football. You have put yourself on top of that mighty high horse that you can't see the wood from the trees. Sometimes I think you believe you have some God given right on here. I think even ed001 called it out recently. You have also been banned from the page having to set up a new profile ?

I will have an opinion on something, mainly based upon stats, but I never claim it to be the right opinion, just mine. You on the other hand will resort to name calling, say that you have bast superior knowledge on the subject etc etc. And when called out on it, you'll probably resort to more name calling. But you do you ?

And where has Gordon scored more goals and made more assists than Marcus Rashford. Google is your friend, and a simple search will tell you, that is not the case. Rashford comes out on top for goals and assists per game across his career.

Just take this season alone, I think Gordon only has 2 assists and has played many more games than rashford, not to mention minutes.

28 May 2026 09:47:11
Last 3 seasons were the stats I asked for, Angel. I think it's more relevant to a buying team to look at recent stats, as opposed to stats when one player was playing while the other was still at school.

28 May 2026 09:53:29
Don't be a handbag angel playing they're victim suits you but don't labour on it.
The respo se was to German fella who said and I quote
Rashford will post better figures in goals and assists every season than Gordon. I don't think that's a doubt;
So its not about opinion just facts disputing and outrageously incorrect claim yet again.

28 May 2026 10:41:40
He's only played the last 3 seasons has he? Fml.
Rashford only existed then. Gordon had 2 assists in the PL last season.

28 May 2026 11:18:53
Rashford had none in the EPL last season.
I think you will find buying clubs will be more interested in the more recent stats and outputs.
Oh, maybe that's why Barcelona bought him.
Rashford's stats from 4 plus years ago won't be taken into consideration by his next club.
Last 3 years is a fair reflection on most recent form.
59 g+a for Gordon and 43 for Rashford.

Google is my friend.
Now, last season is not comparable, as they were playing in different leagues, where they both had a combined 21.
So, the 2 previous seasons when both were in the same league.
Gordon had 38 v Rashford's 22.

Based on your criteria, Barcelona should be in for Olivier Giroud. He has more than both over his career. ???

28 May 2026 10:21:40
Now name calling angel. You called amorim a fraud among other personal insults. So do you only name call those that can't answer back. Get off your own high horse ya numpty?

28 May 2026 11:18:20
angel

Given your responses to me over a long period, I think you have some nerve calling out Ken.

28 May 2026 11:53:54
Oooh. ??

28 May 2026 13:42:51
I think the brown one is Angel AJH and the pink one belongs to his pal Tinky Winky.

28 May 2026 13:51:43
I love English players being snapped up by the top European teams, whether Kane/Trent/Bellingham and now seemingly Gordon. Can only improve them, and also help our national team (I know most seem not to care, but I enjoy that too).

However, gotta admit I was stunned to see Gordon linked with Barca, and even more so now it appears to have actually happened. He's incredibly fast and direct, but I never saw his ability at that level.

28 May 2026 14:27:40
It came a bit out of the blue, spenno. But when you look at his figures over last 3 seasons they are very good, and much better outputs than Rashford.
English youngsters and snr pros should play more at the top clubs around Europe. It would help your national team, I think for sure.

28 May 2026 14:36:39
You and your alto ego come up with some belters. Usually you say you take no notice of stats, but today you made them up to suit your argument, as per. But the reality is, Gordon got 6 goals this season, 2 assists in about 26 games.

Rashford, 8 goals and 7 assists in the league alone; we won't even bother with the 5&3 in the Champions League.

But of course you rock on with your factual opinion!

28 May 2026 14:39:51
You talk some twaddle Ken and then get all gun ho when your wrong and start abusing everyone, but that's ok everyone knows.

28 May 2026 14:49:55
Tumble you should also invest in a new computer because you must have some 3rd world google too, that or you had too many sherberts and it's effecting your eyesight

28 May 2026 15:42:57
Gordon scored 17 goals last season. Rashford scored 14. Check your computer for a virus.

28 May 2026 15:52:10
Jsu, in the last 3 seasons, how many goals has Rashford?
How many assists has Rashford had in the last 3 seasons?
How many goals has Gordon scored in the last 3 seasons, and how many assists has he had?
Please then come back to me and explain why you quoted
"Rashford will post better figures in goals and assists every season than Gordon." I don't think that's a doubt.


Over the last 3 seasons, Gordon has scored and assisted more than Rashford.
I'm not sure why you made that up.
You're mistaken, or your perception was wrong. I was a little surprised myself by the gulf in numbers, but it explains why Barcelona fancy him. Is it your ego that won't allow you to admit that you were wrong? It's not that rare an occurrence, so you should be used to it.

28 May 2026 16:31:57
Wonder what looks the much better player returns! Do you need me to tell you which one is which player... Oh maybe not!

Premier League Games
297
176
Premier League Goals
89
31
Premier League Assists
53
26
Champions League Games
48
18
Champions League Goals
17
10
Champions League Assists
12
2
England Games
70
17
England Goals
18
2
England Assists
7
0.

28 May 2026 16:20:24
lol .

oh you you scoured the exact amount of seasons that suits your google search and according to you that makes it 3 years and again According to you that's the exact number of years we should be looking at, and so are you including just league goals or adding cup games too, are you also including whilst playing at other clubs too or you want to look first to see what suits your self opinionated claims then come back or maybe as usual your resort to derogatory comments!

28 May 2026 17:11:29
Total games. For whomever they were registered for. It's not difficult.

28 May 2026 17:46:23
Well, you can see that list above. Now, anyone looking at that, without being biased and without knowing names or anything about them, picks only 1 player out of those 2, unless, of course, they just like to peddle their own agenda when it suits.



Guess you'll be awkward, though, and take the one with the vastly lower figures in every stat. But, luckily, you don't pick the United team or the England team, or, in fact, any team... thankfully.

28 May 2026 17:09:48
Has Gordon scored and assisted more in any season than rashford?
The answer is yes and your original claim is so far wrong its funny. Back in your box.
In none of the last 3 seadon has rashford out scored and assisted Gordon quite simple really.

Your wrong and can't admit it. So you think one of your other personalities could admit it. i'd say German could but he was a bit dopey so your dropped that one. You are wrong and you just can't say it. Its ok. ????

28 May 2026 19:17:37
Most sensible people with any sort of analytical mind would ask questions and look at trends before committing 10s of millions.
So, looking at career stats, Rashford's will show better numbers. He has played more games, had a few years more, and much more exposure to accumulate the numbers.
So before committing my millions id ask what are the most recent trends, last 5 years /3 years, 6 months etc.
Then id consider the circumstances behind the numbers.
The last 3 seasons is the example I gave to show that your claim there being no doubt that Rashford posts better numbers than Gordon every season. If I hadn't checked, I wouldn't have known. Your perception was wrong. Gordon has posted better numbers in g+a twice and the same once in the last 3 seasons.
Rashford has done well with his limited minutes. Nobody disputes that.
So if you looked at a VHS rental store's accounts from the 90s and they looked great and you invested your money in a new store today, based on old data you'd look pretty foolish.


Gordon is no world beater. I was shocked when I heard they came in for him. But if I had the choice of either id choose Gordon and if they sign both I think Rashford will play even less than he did this season.
Im not sure at all why your so blind to the fact you thought something and were wrong. Its not like it doesn't happen to us all every day in one way or another.
Its ok to be mistaken you know its not like we're experts. You just got it wrong, everybody gets things wrong from time to time.
I think if you'd asked 100 people, 70% + might have had your perception. But they'd have been wrong too.
I also think that 100% of those wrong would have been surprised and the same 100% would admit they were wrong. If you were an expert it would be surprising to be so wrong but your not nor do you claim to be so there is no shame in it.