03 Aug 2024 14:01:33
Afternoon Ed, it appears to that the club are targeting a RB and another CB during the current window. Some reports are suggesting AWB swap with Dumfries. Others suggest AWB is off to West Ham and United will then move for the Bayern RB.
Who are the club's no1 targets for CB and RB at this point?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Noussair Mazraoui (RB) The preferred AWB replacement for Manchester United. West Ham offer an option for Noussair Mazraoui.
Jarrad Branthwaite (CB) Everton want a new contract but Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle have an interest. Ancelotti has spoken to Solari about him and scouts were sent to watch him against Newcastle, but Solari is not convinced that English players settle well on the continent. Manchester United will likely need a complete rebuild at CB with departures in the summer and so he will be a leading option but after two offers the clubs are a long way apart in valuation. Spurs have a need for a CB but have preferred options. Newcastle has a compelling need to add one or two younger CBs but a move there is very unlikely, particularly after adding Lloyd Kelly and courting Guehi. A wildcard would be Manchester City but they don't see value for money.}
03 Aug 2024 19:38:11
Ed002, regarding the cb position, is it one of either MDL and Branthwaite or is it possible we try sign both players?
{Ed002's Note - Manchester United wanted two CBs and have already signed one - so expect one more - whoever iy may be.}
03 Aug 2024 22:25:35
Thanks Ed. With the recent bid for De Ligt, do you think the club have refocused their interests on him rather than Branthwaite?
{Ed002's Note - JB is first choice but more difficult to sign.}
04 Aug 2024 01:51:13
Ed002, do you know if McGuire likely to leave this summer in search of first team football? He commented on tour that he is told he is in utd long term plans and is staying, but surely he knows he will be 4th or 5th choice soon?
{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any interest in him.}
04 Aug 2024 12:32:31
Can’t see many suitors in England. He’d be very good in Serie A.
04 Aug 2024 21:33:46
His contract ends next year, cannot see the extra year being activated he will get a decent team come in for him then.
04 Aug 2024 22:56:18
Bayern looking for increased funds now they know yoro is injured for 3 months.
05 Aug 2024 11:33:08
Smart move by bayern.
05 Aug 2024 11:41:16
I don't get this thought process of fans where they think the club is likely to spend more money on another CB purely based on our new 18 year signing being out injured for three months.
Yoro was signed as a prospect, someone who can play now, but ultimately will not be at his best for several years yet.
Clubs don't commit to spending tens of millions on new players to cover for a few months.
I'm fairly certain the club will sign another CB this summer, I expect that signing at least 2 CB's was always part of the plan.
Yet I doubt the club will decide to overspend on a CB target, wasting millions when the budget is already tight just to get someone in a couple of weeks earlier and to maybe play in one or two extra games.
From what has been suggested and reported Branthwaite is the preferred target, but to get him more funds need to be raised AND Everton will need to come down in their valuation. MdL was not initially a serious target and was way down the list. However, when it became obvious that Branthwaite would be difficult to sign AND it was thought Bayern would allow him to leave for a reasonable fee that a deal became possibly viable.
That said, the club will not want to over pay for MdL. If Bayern have moved the goalposts (maybe due to fan pressure or injury concerns of their own), or that United were lead to believe Bayern would accept a lower offer than they would in reality. Then I see the club walking away from the deal.
If they are going to be forced to overpay for a CB then surely they would rather over pay for their top choice rather than overpay for their 5th choice?