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09 Apr 2025 22:26:12
I'm sure everybody has seen the Liam Delap links over the past couple of weeks. Well, the latest update is United are likely to miss out on Delap unless they win the Europa as he wants European football. The rumours are saying Delap prefers a move to Chelsea instead.
{Ed007's Note - I never buy this "wants CL/European football" mantra, come up to Celtic for £30k a week and play in the CL, what they mean is they want the £250k a week type wages top CL teams pay.
1.) 10 Apr 2025 07:57:06
In some cases I can understand these stories especially with players of a certain age or if they have been competing on the CL with there current club (someone like Osihmen maybe its an influence) . Players should also consider the life of their contract they sign, if not year 1 what is it likely to be in year 2/ 3.
However, for someone like Delap he needs to be considering what is the best place for his next development not what European football that team will be in. If the two points align great, but being second/ third fiddle for a CL team would not be the right move.
Plus as Ed says, quite often wages can appease players!
2.) 10 Apr 2025 08:44:41
Playing second fiddle to a more established striker is exactly what the lad needs. He still has a lot to learn, and could do without the pressure and expectation that being first choice at a club like ours would bring. Likewise, we need a proven goalscorer, not another young player with a lot of potential. I think Chelsea would be a much better fit for him.
3.) 10 Apr 2025 09:59:03
We have to accept that currently we are not a top side that everyone just wants to join like we were under SAF.
We will have to sell the club and the project to players to get them to join us.
It's about what we can offer them as much as what they offer us. Maybe we can't offer European football maybe we can. But that isn't the only reason a player joins a club. Money is another factor, but we have to be careful here not to overstretch ourselves like we have done in the past. Being able to offer higher wages doesn't mean that you should.
For us however the real selling point over a club like Chelsea has to be our record of developing young players.
We can point to Mainoo and Garnacho who have come up through the academy, and to Yoro, Dorgu and Heaven who we have signed recently and given plenty of opportunities to them.
While Chelsea have gained a reputation of stockpiling young players in recent seasons. Signing many of them and giving very few a real chance to play regularly. Chelsea have signed 41 players in the last three seasons, of which maybe 7 can be considered regular starters for them. That means only 17% of the players they sign become regular first team players.
Would Delap be first choice at Chelsea or will it be Jackson once he's back from injury?
Sow the seed of doubt, several young and promising players have joined Chelsea recently to see their career stall.
If the rumours of his release clause are true and he could be available for as little as 30m then it would be an absolute no brainer for us to do what we can to sign him this summer. Young, talented, English, EPL proven and with potential to become a genuine top player.
He is a player who could join us and with better players around him could easily score 15-20 league goals next season (he has 12 for Ipswich this season already) .
While if bought for 30m then even if he doesn't step up to the level we need he'd either be a solid squad option or we could sell him without making a loss, we might even make a profit.
This is the kind of sensible transfer that we have been crying out for over the past decade. Normally we spend twice as much on either a declining or unproven player who ultimately doesn't live up to the hype. We have to accept that the fee paid can both weigh heavily on the player and raises the expectations of fans to often unreasonable and ultimately unattainable levels. Meaning the player is often considered a flop even when they've been okay. Take Maguire for example, he's an average player who is fine in the right set up. If we paid 35m for him he wouldn't be considered the flop he is often referred to.
Højlund I think is suffering from the fee paid for him. He is a decent player with a lot of potential. His finishing is elite, and his channel runs are great, his hold up and link play is poor. But he was 20 years old when we signed him, he was always at least 3 or 4 years away from being the finished article. Yet for the fee paid and due to a lack of other options he became the first choice and expected to be able to carry the goalscoring burden (for a team that in recent times have really struggled to create good chances for our strikers) .
He's not a bad player, he's just young and has a lot of developing to do.
Delap ticks pretty much all the boxes for what we need both on the pitch and in terms of financial restrictions. The only box he doesn't tick is experience. He doesn't have 3 or 4 seasons of performing at a high level. Yet if he did he'd probably cost 80-100m given that he'd be 24/ 25 years old and English. The kind of money we don't have to spend on a striker this summer.
I've said before, I think the ideal solution to our striker issue this summer is to sign both Delap and Jonathan David which we can do for around 30-40m apparently (with David being on a free) . That gives us two strikers to rotate around up front, one young but with EPL experience, the other entering their peak and with a track record of scoring 20 goals a season for the past 4 years. I'd then loan out Højlund so the he can develop and improve without the spotlight of playing for United. Then we have options the following summer of maybe selling him if we can find a buyer or bringing him back and rotating him up front if he's ready. I'd probably also send Chido out on loan to the championship to play regularly at senior level. He's too good for youth football, but not ready to play regularly for us. Give him a loan and he might come back ready to be a squad option for us.
4.) 10 Apr 2025 10:18:19
Maguire would be considered a flop if we paid 50p for him! And to be fair Hoijlund isn’t elite in his finishing. That’s a stretch of the imagination.
5.) 10 Apr 2025 11:09:58
Keefy, Maguire is an average EPL defender, he'd be first choice for most teams outside of the ECL places. He has some strengths and some obvious weaknesses, if you have the right set up/ partner for him then that limits those issues.
He's not a player I'd have ever signed and I was strongly against it when we were linked with him, and not happy when we signed him.
However, while he hasn't been a great player for us, I think the criticism that he receives at times is over the top. Because we paid a ridiculous fee for him he was expected to be our saviour, and he was never capable of being that.
As for Højlund's finishing last season he had the highest shot conversion rate in Europe's top five leagues. At one point he was scoring with over 60% of his shots. Most elite strikers rarely get above 30%.
So I think it's fair to say his finishing is elite. The problem has always been the fact that he gets so few shots.
Elite goalscorers tend to have around 4 shots a game on average, typically scoring around 1 goal a game, with a shot conversion rate of around 25%.
Højlund was averaging 1 shot a game, and scored 7 in 10 games where he had a total of 12 shots across those 10 games, giving him a conversion rate of above 60%. This dropped a little by the end of the season, but he still finished with a conversion rate of above 40%.
If he can get his shot numbers up to 3 or 4 shots a game then he'll likely start scoring a goal a game, which would make him an elite goalscorer.
Last season I put the issue down to a lack of chances being made for him. With players like Rashford, Antony and Garnacho all looking to shoot first and only looking to pass as a last resort when they cannot shoot. While I still feel that as a team we don't create enough shooting opportunities for our strikers, I have seen issues in Højlund's game where he isn't consistently in the best positions to get shooting opportunities.
Now however much of that is down to him and an area of his game he needs to develop and how much is down to how he is being asked to play in Amorim's system who knows.
Højlund's current skill set is very much suited to playing on the shoulder of the last man and making runs into the channels, using his pace to get away from his man and finishing well past the keeper.
Yet a Amorim's system demands his striker to both be able to do that but to also drop a little deeper, hold up the ball and link play. These are things that Højlund currently struggles with. His touch is inconsistent when under pressure, his passing is average and despite being a big guy he loses most of his physical battles even though he does it shy away from them.
This has led to him dropping deeper than his natural game would have him, getting involved in battles with defenders and unfortunately losing them either due to a poor touch under pressure or being out muscled. This has also meant that he has often been too deep when we have a breakaway opportunity and he hasn't been as effective at running the channels.
I also think the pressure and spotlight on him this season has been too much, and that seems to have impacted his confidence. He certainly doesn't look as happy or comfortable playing this season as he did last.
In a different team with a different set up he'd be a great young player. The question now is whether he can develop his game to the level needed to fit into Amorim's system or not. It's a tricky juncture, does he try and round out his skill set to become a more complete striker, or does he focus on what he's good at to become truly elite within a specific role. Lots of young players have tired to become more rounded but ended up as a jack of all trades but master of none type player.
That's why I'd loan him out. Send him to a team that suits his natural game, let him build up his confidence and form again. Allow him to develop his strengths as clearly trying to improve his weaknesses hasn't really worked. Allow him to become that great counter attacking striker.
Then he can either come back and be an option off the bench later in games when we need a goal and the game has become more open and end to end, or we could sell him and recoup all of his book value meaning we don't make a loss. You also never know who might be in charge by that point. I expect Amorim to have a much stronger season next year with a full pre-season and a much more suited squad, but if he doesn't he might well be sacked and the new manager might set up his team in a way that more suits Højlund.
6.) 10 Apr 2025 11:30:04
Nah. Elite strikers do it consistently. Not even close. Again skewed statistics based on a very very low sample rate can make anyone look elite.
If he has the same conversion rate in a few years time, then fair enough.
But don't hold your breath.
7.) 10 Apr 2025 13:50:50
Hojlund has regressed since Ruud and Macarthy departed. No one is developing him now and his positional sense has deserted him as its not being reinforced week in week out. I wouldn't sell, but I would get someone he can learn from, so in that sense ypu need a proven top player, Osimhen or Kane are the only options who can cut ot straight away, Delay is only learning himself whilst David if available is only French proven and that's a worry for me.
The crux of our problems are in transition and creation. Sort out the spine in the centre, and upfront, don't meddle too much (this constant need for rebuilding is a smoke screen, it's 4 players away from being a squad thay fits Ruben's system and it's time to deliver next season.
By the way, anyone else notice Rashford lose the ball for PSGs second last night, and then amble back without a care in the world. If he had done that at United as he always did we would be be crucified in the press but at Villa, not so much a murmur.
I wonder when Amorim is going to create a siege mentality around all the negativity and get into the players heads that the media and the Premier League are all ABUs and leverage that to our advantage.
I hope when he gets the right players for his setup he puts the hammer down and really sets our stall out. I've seen some great fast passing link up play in transition fail due to poor creativity, poor vision of obvious passes and really poor movement by the forwards.
Get that right and we will be properly dangerous as a unit.
8.) 10 Apr 2025 18:52:03
Delap more suited for Chamionship, than Champions league.
9.) 11 Apr 2025 05:16:03
That’s a real stretch Rasmus finishing is elite! Your skewed figures are from games against very very lowly teams in europa league!
Plus he is useless with his head, he got delayed reaction always on his heels, reacts a split second late on everything, certainly can’t hold the ball up and the elite finishing you mention, he misses the target more than hits it!
Moans and groans at everyone else always there fault, never gambles
Very poor striker, I don’t buy this young crap either and will develop, he shows no signs of anything to develop!
Another play with stats I’m afraid.
10.) 11 Apr 2025 07:24:30
Rasmus is not elite at anything. His touch is dreadful.
11.) 13 Apr 2025 08:01:26
Shappy
Hojland elite and great, words I don’t associate with the player I see.
Then you say “his current skill set is very much suited to playing on the shoulder of the last man and making runs into the channels, using his pace to get away from his man and finishing well past the keeper. ”. That sounds like fantasy description from a computer game to be quite frank. We never see him doing it.
Hojland lacks confidence right now but has glaring inadequacies and we are not seeing improvements. It was said he had a very big ego when he arrived, maybe he reads that it isn’t his fault, just the way he being asked to play, so it’s not him. Oh woe is me the rest of the team are not putting chances on a plate for me. That said they did on Thursday and he totally fluffed it, miss hit it didn’t even put it on target.
Fact is Shappy, Harry came on up front and looked more dangerous in 10 minutes than Hojland looked all season. Even Zirkzee created more space for himself. I think we have to face it that Hojland may not be United standard, the shirt maybe too much and he may do better in a different league.
12.) 15 Apr 2025 00:08:05
So Shappy, Utd can point out that Chelsea have bought 41 players but only 7 have become regulars. But United have bought 2 young ST’s in Hojlund and Zirkzee and both are complete flops. Both get zero service from your attacking players which is unlikely to change next year. Utd’s ’success’ with young players is Garnacho who the club want to flog, Mainoo who’s fallen off completely this year (and doesn’t seem to have a place in RA’s system), Yoro and Dorgu have been mixed performances and Hayden has played twice. Hardly a ringing endorsement for ‘record of developing young players’.
13.) 15 Apr 2025 14:23:40
Hoijlund and elite don't belong in the same sentence pure fantasy Shappy not only is he the worst striker in the prem i'd say he's comfortably the worst overall player inthe league.
14 Mar 2025 07:19:45
All the reports of a deal being ready to go for Sporting's right wing back Geovany Quenda were way off. He's just signed for Chelsea.
1.) 14 Mar 2025 09:48:08
Unless Chelsea are going to 4-4-2 he makes little sense for them. He's either an out-and-out winger or a RWB. I don't think he'll play RB and wouldn't get in ahead of Gusto anyway. It's a pity for us, but I also struggle to understand it from the player's perspective.
2.) 14 Mar 2025 11:23:45
Read that he wants to play as a winger. And I think Chelsea just like collecting wingers. They seem to have loads of them.
3.) 14 Mar 2025 16:21:12
They seem to collect wingers with patchy performances. Thought they were after Jesus Rodriguez.
4.) 15 Mar 2025 15:06:37
Oddly I think another year in Portugal is best for him, he is very young being just 17.
I'd imagine Chelsea see him as a winger, which is where he played most of his youth career. It was Amorim who played him as a wingback, and since he left he's played quite a bit as a winger for Sporting.
Hugely talented player, and depending on how he continues to develop at Sporting over the next 18 months he could be a real hit at Chelsea.
It's a shame as he looked like one of those players who seemed a great fit for us with Amorim and the clubs seemingly new transfer strategy.
But we move. If Yoro and/ or Heaven becomes a regular starter and top player for us will we really be that worried about missing out on Branthwaite last summer? Probably not.
We don't get Quenda this summer, maybe we sign someone else who becomes a top start. Maybe it gives a youth player a chance in the first team and they become a star.
5.) 16 Mar 2025 19:35:21
I genuinely believe that Amorim sees Amad as the RWB, therefore I’d expect a 10 to be purchased before a RWB in the summer.
6.) 23 Mar 2025 10:10:47
Downsie, I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to see Amad start as our first choice RWB next season.
Personally I think his best performances have actually come from the wingback position rather than inside forward position. The only slight concern I'd have with him as a wingback is whether he has the athleticism to play the position for 90 minutes twice a week for an extended period of time. He's a hard worker, an intelligent presser, good defensively and one of our most creative players going forward. But sometimes in games when he's played as a wingback when he's bombed forward 50 yards with the ball he looks a little out of breath. He's phenomenal over short distances, but over those longer distances I wonder if he has the stamina. Although this is something he can work on and build up.
After missing out on Quenda I highly doubt we'll sign a RWB this summer. Quenda was too big of a talent to pass up on, but with Amad, Dalot, Mazraoui and even Dorgu able to play RWB it's not a position of dier need. Plus we have young players like Kamason and Mantato in our academy who could well step up soon. I know they are young, but Amorim gave Quenda his chance when he was 16, and he was a regular by the age of 17.
I know a lot of people will be unhappy with Dalot potentially being a regular next season. Yet he has all the attributes to be a very good RWB. I think he has suffered this season by playing at a LWB. He can cover as a LB, but he isn't a naturally attacking player which I think you need to be to play on the opposite side to your stronger foot. The fact that he has done so without complaining and has always given his best shows he is a great character and certainly not a player we should be looking to move on.
Personally, I think we probably need another LWB more than a RWB right now. Neither Malacia or Shaw are suited or likely to be fit. Leaving only Dorgu in our current squad. We've signed Diego Leon for the summer, but it's a big step up from South American football to the EPL and he is very young. He will likely need time to adapt. Harry Amass is the only player in our Academy who looks likely to be able to step up into the first team in the LWB position. Yet he does seem more suited to LB than LWB, so might take a little time to adapt to the position as well as step up to that higher level.
LWB having one first teamer an academy player and a young signing who has never played in Europe looks pretty slim compared to Amad, Dalot, Mazraoui, Dorgu if needed and two academy players at RWB. Although I highly doubt we'll see another LWB this summer also.
I wonder if there is a left footed CB out there that is capable of playing LB/ LWB that we could sign for back up/ rotation. With Martinez's injury, and with Evans and Lindelof certain to leave, along with possibly Maguire (unlikely I think), we need another CB, ideally one suited to playing as LCB. Heaven has looked good there but is very young and will have ups and downs, while there is no guarantee that Martinez will come back the same player. Even if he does can he stay fit in the EPL playing the way he does? With MdL, Maguire, Yoro and Mazraoui we have plenty of options for CB and RCB. Is there a player in a similar mould to Luke Shaw (able to play CB and LB/ LWB, not fat) who can stay fit and could come in to add quality in depth and competition for places. Personally that's what I'd be looking for in defence this summer. I feel that we actually need to focus most of the money on a striker, a creative midfielder and a box to box, high energy midfielder.
11 Feb 2025 21:00:42
And so it begins.
Reports now saying United players are discussing amongst themselves that they believe a change in style is needed that better suits them.
No idea how much of this is true obviously, but with the amount of leaks at the club it wouldn't surprise me if it was true.
Is this the beginning of the players throwing another manager under the bus?
I'm not a fan of the RA system, but it really won't work if the players start sulking and whinging about it.
1.) 11 Feb 2025 21:30:35
Players have a myopic view of life - their only concern is for themselves - their pay packet, how they play, how they are viewed. The players themselves got the team into this mess, not the managers. It’s not their job to decide how a team plays. They only want to play a style or formation that suits them as individuals. Get on with it or get out.
2.) 11 Feb 2025 21:38:07
If it is true, it won't go anywhere, the club have made a decision to back the manager through hell or high water and he will be allowed to do what he wants, rightly or wrongly. Club needs a full reset.
3.) 11 Feb 2025 21:47:44
They moaned when it was 4231 then moaned at 433 now moaning at 434.I mean these players. If we could I'd love most to be sold ASAP and just get 14 new players in that care and work hard. we've all just had enough of them.
4.) 11 Feb 2025 21:59:04
We've tried every system under the sun with these players.
It's about time to admit some of them are very lucky to even have a career as a footballer.
5.) 11 Feb 2025 22:22:00
Was always going to happen. Interesting to see what happens next!
6.) 11 Feb 2025 23:36:51
It should be a ruthlessly simple approach now - moan = bin.
7.) 12 Feb 2025 05:04:55
Its normal paper talk when you have been as a bad as we have. Clear most players are struggling with the change looking at how we are playing. Don't believe its a lack of effort or work rate. Spurs away and they are riddled with injuries like we were last year. Need a good performance even if the result does not go our way. The more you lose and play like this the more stories like this will start doing the rounds.
Watched most of the city game and and a bit of sporting last night swapping channels to really watch Quenda given all the stories about us going for him in the summer. Delighted city got beat and great game to watch.
8.) 12 Feb 2025 07:25:11
But some will want you believe that LVG, Jose, Rangnick, Ole, ETH are to blame. It’s so clear there is a rotten culture set at the club that has been allowed since SAF left, that any manager that has tried to address it has been stitched up by the players and the club. Sadly the media love it and feed off any negative news about Manchester United.
9.) 12 Feb 2025 08:12:05
What does that mean though Ports. I’m not arguing that the culture at the whole of our club is not toxic, but things have been wrong for years across multiple managers. Is the head coach job not that important or influential enough to change the footballing culture? who is actually to blame/ causing all this? If it stems from the very top and those who own the club, then no amount of players/ money/ training/ new coaches and managers will change a single thing.
If it’s not, should have just kept OGS who we could all at least identify with and put an arm around his squad.
10.) 12 Feb 2025 10:02:25
I think the culture of the club is that the players are worth more than the manager and this is represented in the wages. 11 players are on a higher wage than Amorim and these include, Casemiro, Mount, Shaw, Maguire, Eriksen, Anthony, Sancho and Rashford.
It wouldn’t happen in any other industry that a manager would earn less than his subordinate. I think only Haaland is on more than Guardiola. I believe Klopp was the highest earner at Liverpool, maybe Salah close/ on more.
Head coach/ Manager is the most important and should be the most influential role at a club, but I don't think our wages reflect that. Manchester United have allowed players to dictate the wage structure and IMO, this has resulted in a shift of power and importance.
11.) 12 Feb 2025 10:57:20
I have argued this point and will continue to do so on that point in the last reply Ports. Players are worth more than the manager. who started this trend? Fergie, RVP.
What followed was a catalogue of hiring errors, resulting in where we are right now.
Additionally, Fergie was in control of so much, for so long, and then he was gone, no hand over, no transition of control/ power, just Moyes and the rest is history. Thanks Fergie, truly, thanks.
12.) 12 Feb 2025 13:16:37
im still lukeward on RA. however it seems he has the backing of the club, it seems SJR and his crew are here longtime so it needs to be a simple case of identifying the players he wants, the ones who suit his style either in the squad or new recruits
So whether its a kid from the academy or a 50 mill player coming that's been indentified once you sit down with the player you say we know you can play the way we want, youve got the skill set but don't sign if you are not willing to play my style, give 100% every training session, every game, if you don't think you can run, fight and compete for every ball for 90 minutes for a full season this isn't the club for you and no amount of salary no luxury car or model girlfriend will turn you into the player i need, but if you can follow me we can win medals together.
13.) 12 Feb 2025 14:54:36
On the money Burrenwayboy.
14.) 12 Feb 2025 15:13:39
Ports,
That's not true and nothing unusual about player wages at united. so many top teams have players who earn a lot more than coaches unless you are pep and he is not even the highest earner at city. KDB, Halaand, Walker, Silva and a few others come to mind who are on some serious wages. They are paying a big chunk of walkers wage at ac Milan but press never talks abut it but our stuff is always in the public.
Generally in professional sports players are seen as bigger assets than coaches. Teams happy to sign players to long term crazy contracts where coaches do not get that. Happens in all main stream professional sports including top tier football.
Our wage structure comparatively to how big we are is actually not high. its the our results and the press that high lights some players wages to stir up more discontent among an already unhappy fan base.
15.) 12 Feb 2025 18:39:53
According to capology, the top 5 wagebills in football are:
Al-Nassr. £287.976m
Real. £229.319m
Bayern. £220.464m
City. £215.54m
United. £183.04m
The Deloitte Football Money League has us in 4th and the Forbes valuations list has us 2nd, so we do definitely do well financially.
Ultimately, it shouldn't need to be said, but we've been paying big money to the wrong players for far too long, long enough for the walls of the hole we've dug to keep collapsing as we frantically claw away. Eventually, the steepness will taper and we can crawl out, but we must endure the clawing because any other approach at all will simply dig down further.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for the club to pay a mad amount for a player, but he must be the right player.
I have faith that we finally have people in charge who will not surrender to the toxic 'Me' culture, let's just see how this pans out.
16.) 12 Feb 2025 20:53:30
What’s not true Ahmad? That there are mediocre players on more money than the manager? That in no other industry a manager is paid less than his/ her subordinate? Or my opinion in regards to Eric’s question? ?.
17.) 12 Feb 2025 21:19:35
£ FOR £ the worst team in the world. I think the numbers are up on the vast majority of these players at United. It isn't going to be quick and it's not going to be painless, it will take a few years.
This isn't a squad that is going to be put right with the addition of a handful of new signings. The problem is we have spent the last decade spending money each year on bringing in a few players thinking it will out right what is essentially an awful team.
It's time United ripped it up and started from scratch. We bought in a manager to play system and hebis going to need a team built piece by piece, and some of those pieces especially in the squadnpsoitions may well be taken by what is in exciting crop of young players.
I am still hopeful that the club are finally going to perform the open heart surgery that is needed.
18.) 12 Feb 2025 22:03:41
Reports from who? A reporter? Rag talk.
19.) 12 Feb 2025 22:25:13
Ports
Your view that we are a outlier with some player wages above the manager. its not factual mate. have a look at the wages at psg, bayern, real madrid and barca.
Whether they deserve it or not is another subject.
ORK
That table you put up is incorrect. We are not the second highest wage in the league and PSG has the highest wage bill in football. Pl wages was published recently we are 3rd/ 4th if i am not mistaken. scousers wage bill higher than us and someone else i recall. caught my attention as i thought we would be first.
I agree based on our wages we must be the worst in terms of returns on pounds lol.
20.) 12 Feb 2025 23:27:59
You can’t prove it’s factual or not. Your opinion is it’s not. My opinion is that it’s set the wrong culture. But you seem to have taken the mantle of oracle from certain individuals on here so please enlighten us on what the issue is.
21.) 13 Feb 2025 00:46:52
Ahmad
There are multiple sites that say our wage bill is the second highest in the PL, including Capology and FBref. The only published piece I've found that correlates to your claim is one from the Givemesport lummoxes who, despite drawing their stats from the aforementioned 2, have seemingly neglected to include the percentages of salaries we still pay for some players out on loan.
Categorically, PSG do not have the highest wage bill in (world) football - 100% fact. They did have the highest in Europe last season, but I'm talking about now.
Simply put buddy, you're wrong.
22.) 13 Feb 2025 03:12:42
City 1st united 2nd in epl in terms of wage bill.
23.) 13 Feb 2025 04:50:06
Ports no issue bud and no oracle. In all major sports players are seen as bigger assets than managers. It is not something that is united related and hence a united cultural issue and cause of cultural issues. One thing one can always argue is the money is too big in the game now and this new generation of players are different to the older generation and have different ambitions and what makes them tick.
Look at golf and the young kid from NI who recently signed with LIV. He is some talent and could have been a major winner but took the easier road and money upfront rather than grinding it out there on a major tour.
Look at the NFL, NBA, Baseball, NHL, Golf its what gets people to tune in or go to games. They are your biggest assets.
The market dictates players costs and wages. People can rightfully be upset for what we have paid in the transfer fees and wages or contract extensions but the fault lies on the scouting and management and not on the players.
I would argue allowing players who are clearly not good enough hang around year after year which has been the case at United since fergie left is a bigger issue than player power. We have created our own mess.
24.) 13 Feb 2025 12:42:59
Players with contracts cannot be forced out it's not a case of allowing them to stay. Players with contracts are entitled to stay.
25.) 13 Feb 2025 13:19:08
Eg, Maguire and West Ham, which results in the players having the power. Which the players know, which is why the culture stinks.
26.) 13 Feb 2025 14:36:38
Ports anybody that has a contract is entitled to see it out its not about power. Thankfully we don't live in a world where you can just walk away from your obligations to abide by contracts.
As for scourers having a wage bill higher than ours??? they are not even in the top 4 in the epl and have a wage bill about 32.5% lower than ours. Absolute nonsense above.
Psg Madrid and bayern are top 3 in Europe followed by city and ourselves which are very close Liverpool are 10th. City only Overton us this season.
27.) 13 Feb 2025 15:25:02
Well it is a form of power though Ken. United wanted to sell the player for whatever their reason, Maguire knew because of the length of his contract and value of his contract, he didn't have to move unless West Ham met his terms. Now this isn't Maguire's fault or problem, it's the clubs fault but this gives the players the power. Now you maybe interpreting the word ''Power'' as something else and if it helps we can change it to authority, importance or clout but the principle remains the same, players are employers of the club and now they dictate their contracts, dictate their movements, so where is the requirement from them to perform to the highest level week in, week out? It should be an expectation but that no longer exists.
Sadly, I actually admire Liverpool for not bowing down to Salah, VVD and TAA with their demands. As soon as that happens, that opens a whole can or worms IMO.
28.) 13 Feb 2025 16:14:33
Ken you are wrong this is a world where people walk away from contracts and football is one of the biggest culprits our own RA walked away from his with Sporting, Rashford got a contract but don’t want to play for us so technically he walked away by getting his own way, same Sancho that’s just our players and managers, it sets the wrong culture staff/ employees being paid more than there superior, it’s ridiculous.
29.) 13 Feb 2025 16:40:54
What contract has rashford walked away from?
Sancho was sold at his agreement he has walked away from nothing.
You can't just stop paying someone if you don't want to. Don't be daft.
Contracts are binding until both parties agree to move on. If either party wants to stay then they are entitled to do that unless they are paid up or settle.
You can ask to leave or be made stay. You can be fired but you must be compensated in line with the contract.
RA asked to be let out of his contract and the club were Compensated by us he didn't walk away. I'm not sure you understand contract and employment law if you think people can just walk away without agreement.
30.) 13 Feb 2025 16:48:24
Ports. A contract is a binding agreement between 2 or more parties. If any party wants to change that they can with agreement from all parties. Maguire didn't refuse to move unless West ham met his demands he refused to move unless the club compensated him for wanting to move him from his contract early.
Employment laws are there to protect employees and employers.
Liverpool are not boring to the demands of players because they can't afford to and won't put themselves in a vulnerableposition and i agree with you and they're stance on that. Look what happened at Leeds and what's happened now at united because of stupid contracts given to players.
It's not power it's not authority it's just a case of honouri g the legally binding agreement between both parties.
31.) 13 Feb 2025 18:05:41
Yeah I know how contracts work Ken, cheers. So I got the details slightly wrong in the Maguire circumstance but that doesn’t change the position of it. Who was in control of that transfer? West Ham? United? Or Maguire?!
Wenger called back in 2018 that the shift in power was now with the players.
03 Feb 2025 09:43:51
Say this morning talk of a move for Villa's Leon Bailey. Not see him mentioned before.
1.) 03 Feb 2025 10:59:31
He has been mentioned before but I hoped the idea had died away.
2.) 03 Feb 2025 11:40:45
We definitely need a CF. Maybe a late bid for David of Lille?
3.) 03 Feb 2025 12:00:20
Go for Boniface, his deal with the Saudis has fallen through and is apparently available for £50m.
4.) 03 Feb 2025 12:50:46
We need that more than a winger / wing back like Bailey.
5.) 03 Feb 2025 18:45:01
We won’t buy anyone today. I’d rather Amorim play some young lads up front that are ripping up the youth levels than waste millions on Plan Z.
6.) 03 Feb 2025 23:55:58
Hear hear Eric. Absolutely nothing to lose by this approach.
I hear the rumblings of it backfiring on said youth prospects. To that end, if they can't cope with the pressure, maybe they are mentally too weak for united.
13 Jan 2025 17:59:47
Possibility that Garnacho might be heading to Napoli. Well there's interest in him anyway. Whether they make a bid or can get close to agreeing a fee is another matter.
Can't see the club letting garnacho and rashford leave in the same window.
1.) 13 Jan 2025 19:10:27
Probably just paper talk but selling Rashford, Garnacho and Casemiro and potentially Malacia, Eriksen and Antony.
Would be a huge PSR boost and allow Amorim to make significant changes.
2.) 13 Jan 2025 19:31:20
I agree it would free up cash. But it’s difficult to get good players in January without over spending. Could end up with a lack of numbers.
But as you’ve said, it’s all likely paper talk and nobody will end up leaving.
3.) 13 Jan 2025 21:05:53
Of that list only Garnacho should stay. Unfortunately he is the one most likely to make the biggest impact on PSR.
I think that he will end up staying and we move Rashford (loan fee and salary) and Casemiro (sale fee and wages) giving us a small hit.
I think that Amorim will see develpment potential in Garnacho and will want at least the rest of the season with him.
It will be loans in if anything, LWB and Striker. We will have to make do for the rest of the season.
4.) 13 Jan 2025 22:18:07
I'm on the fence with the idea of selling Garnacho.
On one hand I'm loathed to sell a talented young academy graduate who looks like he has the talent to become a top player. For me giving academy players a chance and helping them become top players is a big part of the clubs identity and sets us apart from most other top clubs. It would be a transfer that feels opposed to what the club should be about.
However, on the other hand it is a deal that could make a lot of sense. I like Garnacho, but currently he isn't a natural fit for any of the roles in Amorim's system. While there have been more than one rumour about a lack of professionalism or questionable attitude from Garnacho. Talent alone will not carry him to the top, you need to have the work rate and the right attitude/ mentality. Therefore, selling a young player who isn't a natural fit in the team, and who might struggle to realise his potential due to his attitude/ mentality for a large fee (all of which will be considered profit which important for PSR) that can be used to bring in a top class player who is suited to how this team will look to play under the new manager makes a lot of sense.
In an ideal world we'd keep Garnacho and he will continue to improve and develop (he has shown glimpses in recent games of taking on board the managers instructions) and we offload other players who are contributing less. But the reality is that this isn't an ideal world, and Garnacho might have to be sacrificed for the greater good. Which will be a crying shame, but maybe a necessity.
5.) 13 Jan 2025 22:36:17
I read somewhere that the reports of United having no cash due to PSR aren’t accurate and there is money to spend if needed. Don’t know how true that is.
6.) 13 Jan 2025 22:52:59
Selling Garnacho would be stupid. He’s quality and will only get better. A replacement would cost more than we’d get and be on more wages!
Ed0002 is this genuine news that they want to sell him?
{Ed025's Note - ED002 will not be answering you anytime soon mate..
7.) 14 Jan 2025 05:27:00
I'm seeing figures of around 40 million for Garnacho. I know that is 100% profit but it would be ludicrous to sell him for that low.
8.) 14 Jan 2025 09:21:39
The article I read, and take it with a huge pinch of salt, said that Napoli were looking to pay around £40m but United want £60-£65m.
9.) 15 Jan 2025 06:58:43
we would not sell for under 60 mill. Ignore the noise.
10.) 18 Jan 2025 17:29:45
Ed025 thanks. Is he not around anymore? I’ve not been around since pre season if anything has happened.
Do you know if this is genuine or just nonsense? Surely they can’t be looking at selling Garnacho or Mainoo?
{Ed025's Note - sadly LEE ED002 passed away just before Christmas mate, i cant see them 2 going anywhere now mate because you were within the PSR regulations it may change in the summer but i would hope not..
11.) 26 Jan 2025 13:15:50
Ed025 sorry mate I had no idea, that’s awful.
{Ed025's Note - yeah mate a massive loss for us all..
Fallguy's banter posts with other poster's replies to Fallguy's banter posts
28 Apr 2025 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - Fallguy has posted a new article entitled, Ruben Amorim Hasn't Impressed At Manchester United
1.) 28 Apr 2025 10:08:53
It's pretty harsh, but that doesn't mean it's not right. I also struggle to see any player that has improved, apart from perhaps Bruno.
We should remember that injuries have been shocking, but I remain underwhelmed.
2.) 28 Apr 2025 10:15:08
AJH
How did you feel in SAF first three years where we were finishing 13th and 11th?
27 Apr 2025 18:11:05
Fallguy has written an article entitled, Ruben Amorim Hasn't Impressed At Manchester United
1.) 27 Apr 2025 19:09:39
40 years is long enough. Perhaps time to take a break.
Just read you first paragraph and thought that the same effing pundits were gushing all over Klopp and Pep and guess what, they bought new squads that suit their style. So the argument fails. Remember the new manager bounce when EtH came in? Two heavy defeats against Brighton and Brentford.
2.) 27 Apr 2025 19:22:03
As bad as it's been, I'm willing to give a manager more than half a season to put things right, let's remember when he joined, he said himself the team will suffer and it's proved right, I'm not sure he expected the players to be quite as bad. I'm not sure your right when you sy he will only get until oct/ Nov, this is the new regimes man and they will give him longer than that.
If we get in 3 or 4 players early it will give him a whole pre season to bed the into the team, there's nothing wrong with the formation, you can see what he wants to do but I'm afraid at the moment he has dross trying to implement it.
If this time next season we are still seeing no improvement then I'll start to ask questions but surely us fans can't be questioning a new manager after a few months who has inherited the worse squad I've seen in many years, just have a little patience.
3.) 27 Apr 2025 22:30:40
Fall guy
Everyone is entitled to an opinion
The Glazers have shafted this club for decades, appointed Woodward. After years of making terrible decisions we have a team built by incompetents with different directions every time the manager changed. They appointed Moyes, an utterly clueless decision and stumbled through others. ETH was supposed to bring the Ajax philosophy but changed at a whim.
The club has needed a direction, a philosophy to bring us in to a modern era, stop looking at SAF eighties methods. We have appointed someone who looks to me like he can see the issues and has the cohones to deal with them. He has the conviction to stand by his plan and not cave in because players get upset.
Honestly calling for the managers head, after what 5 months, when he is showing us conviction and a plan when we haven’t had that for knocking 40 years, is to me utter and complete madness. SAF finished 11th and 13th, was given time. I think RA is a revolutionary visionary in the club at a time it is needed. He must stay.
4.) 27 Apr 2025 22:48:56
The football we've been playing isn't that bad. We just don't have players with an any great aptitude for scoring. We also still tend to make really bad mistakes which seem inevitably to lead to goals against the run of play. So, two problems that need fixing, and it could not be done during the season. Amorin has had to make do with the players he has. Today, once again, we created the better chances.
If the manager is backed in the summer with the right calibre of new players and he still fails then, yes, he should and will no doubt be fired. In any event, if my some miracle we actually win the Europa, I would actually argue that Amorim's first partial season has been a success. We will be in the Champions League, we'll have more money, and be more attractive to potential targets. We will also have started to develop a clear style of play which has been creating more chances than have put opponents. Even if we fail at the last hurdle Amorim has done enough for me to justify his tenure and at least one opportunity to start acquiring the type of players he wants.
5.) 27 Apr 2025 23:19:53
There is enough noise from outside the club, from press and pundits, revelling in the demise of this once great club. Fans need to grow a pair and have some patience.
This is a total reset. We needed a total reset and this is what it looks like. Things get worse before they get better. Players who have been in the squad for a long time have to go, but they are pretty demotivated until that happens.
New manager, new system. He needs time, backing by the club to remove those he doesn't want - seems he has had some backing in that regard. He need backing by the club to bring players in who fit his play style. This has clearly not happened yet.
We need to break the cycle, and that means backing this guy for at least a few years. Building a squad I his image and setting realistic goals for the team that match the pace of change by the club.
If you want to get angry and shake your fist at the clouds, aim your discent at the glazers, the debt and the new management team.
6.) 28 Apr 2025 09:07:39
Back in 2022 Ragnic said that we needed open heart surgery and whilst the fans agreed the club continued on its path repeating the same mistakes of the past.
Ineos came in and made some dramatic comments about the state of the club and playing team, suggesting it is going to take years to correct and get us back challenging (2027!) - wilst not what we want to hear he fans agreed
Amorim came in and made statements that ideally he wanted to wait for the season to end to get a full pre-season, stating that it was going to get worse before it gets better and we will feel pain. But for the long run it would be for the best. YThe fans liked the honesty and agreed that it was going to be a tough period.
My point is that our problems are not new, we all understand the pain and agree that we have to re-set. We need to judget the manager next season after a summer transfer window and training period where we have the players he want and system is imbeded with more players suited.
I agree this season has been painful and not easy to watch, also Amorim and his system is not for everyone. However, what we have been doing previously has not worked so we have to give this time. I think he will come good.
7.) 28 Apr 2025 09:14:42
Redman,
Spot on post.
03 Feb 2025 20:04:37
Was never a fan of Tel from Bayern so not worried that spurs are getting him. We don't need another youngster who's far from prolific up top. Just see the reason why United reportedly pulled out of the deal and to be fair to the hierarchy at united, it makes a lot of sense.
"Manchester United's interest in Mathys Tel ended as Bayern Munich wanted a £5m loan fee with no buy clause in the deal.
"It was seen as an expensive risk and developing the player only for Bayern or another club to benefit at the end of the temporary spell. ".
1.) 03 Feb 2025 21:07:19
I think spurs have an option to buy.
2.) 03 Feb 2025 21:08:53
Reading between the lines of what has been reported, Spurs wanted to buy him, which the player rejected, we were interested in a loan, but wanted an option to buy him included. Then Spurs eventually sign him on loan with no buy option.
Given that the lad has played less minutes than Bayern's second choice keeper so far this season it seems he was just looking for playing time.
Bayern were happy to sell at the right price, but the player doesn't want to leave Bayern permanently, he just wants game time. Which given the ages of Kane and Muller and the contract situations of Gnabry, Coman and Sane really only leaves Olise as someone whose probably going to still be at Bayern in 2-3 years time. 2 or 3 of them might even be gone by the start of next season. Meaning Tel has a great chance to be a regular next season, so why leave on a permanent deal.
From United's point of view taking him on loan with no buy option doesn't make a huge amount of sense. He either doesn't play well and we just have another players wages to pay with little return. Or he does play well, becomes integral in how we play then heads back to Bayern and we are left having to replace the hole he leaves behind. Rebuilding the team again.
Neither are really great options, and we are probably better off playing our own players and trying to develop and improve them than do that with for another clubs players for their benefit.
3.) 04 Feb 2025 08:56:07
Shappy, on Sky:
Tottenham sign Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich on Deadline Day; forward joins on loan until end of season with a £45m option to buy.
4.) 04 Feb 2025 12:29:36
Fizz the player can still refuse the move and move back to bayern if he so chooses. The option to buy clause is not just for the club but for the player aswell he can say no.
5.) 04 Feb 2025 12:45:12
If amad and/ or garnacho get injured we are very short of options. Lots of patient utd fans though, with utd in worst position in decades. At least our debt is still being serviced ?.
6.) 04 Feb 2025 13:59:42
dio
Thanks, Sherlock. My post was in reply to that by Shappy. If you read in that context you might realise that, oh never mind.
19 Jan 2025 16:09:22
11 new players wouldn't fix this lot.
Said this on the live chat, and I'm not gunning for RA, I like him, but I don't see a 3 back system ever working in the prem. getting outplayed every game, having only 2 central midfielders leaves you wide open against pretty much everybody in the modern game.
The coach has been very clear he won't change his philosophy, but maybe he should.
The players are far from great, but they are better than this.
Adding a new striker and LWB won't change a thing. Will still get outplayed in most games and create next to nothing.
Despite the final result against bottom of the league Southampton, they still outplayed us and should have scored a few.
1.) 19 Jan 2025 17:21:41
Slightly worrying comment from RA after the game:
“I have one way of doing things”.
Don’t top coaches change all the time to suit the opponent and what’s happening in the match?
2.) 19 Jan 2025 18:12:00
Absolutely spot on.
19 Jan 2025 08:30:05
Looking like Antony might be the first player out the door. Real Betis on loan with no buy clause.
Granted, Antony is not that good or the future, but I don't see many realistic names being mentioned coming in to the club this month. We need some attacking options, especially with Rashford not being available and now maybe Antony going. Leaving us very light. And a LWB.
Fingers crossed the club will pull something off in the next 10 days or so.
1.) 19 Jan 2025 10:29:34
Even if he is not replaced it is a liability both financially and physically off our books even if it is a loan.
He gives us absolutely nothing that a 16 year old kid could not give us.
2.) 19 Jan 2025 10:29:37
It would be a guess but suspect Ashworth paid the price for committing that much money in summer for ETH to the point it has left us hamstrung financially, to the point where we have to sell first. That still left us without a striker who scores and a left back. That’s how ridiculous summer was, then more money on sacking ETh. So maybe once they get players out they may do something, yet I would be surprised at anything big coming in in January, not impossible mind you.
3.) 19 Jan 2025 12:22:02
A loan for him is good. Hopefully he leaves, plays really well and we get some decent money back for him. He was good at ajax, it just hasn't worked for him with us, started well but then maybe the pressure was too much.
4.) 19 Jan 2025 12:37:17
Anyone think just not having Antony around the club will be a instant huge boost?
Just not having someone that bad who earns so much around the dressing room should give everyone a lift.
Really surprised Amorim didn't freeze him out with Rashford to begin with as he definitely does not need to be replaced.
5.) 19 Jan 2025 20:56:04
Bad guess Red Man IMO.
22 Apr 2025 21:19:09
I think the issue in previous years may have been as we classed as a full on striker, and not sure he was performing that well in that role.
Since moving to wolves he seems to have morphed into a wide attacker or number 10, which seems to suit him more and hence the improved performances.
He’s far from world class, but he would be an upgrade on what we currently have in those spots. Well on paper anyway. We’ve signed players many times before that make sense on paper, but often fail to deliver. Fingers crossed this will be different, if he ends up signing.
22 Apr 2025 20:05:08
He’s looked alright the few times I’ve seen him. Although I’ve not seen much. Enough decent teams were reportedly interested to suggest he’s decent.
Would fit nicely into the left 10 role.
That being said, I’ll believe it when I see him holding the shirt and a signed contract. Too many times we’ve been told about signings that are close that never happen.
Could mean the end of Garnacho, but I’d prefer him to stay and be an impact sub for the most part.
13 Apr 2025 13:04:24
100% the correct decision. Little surprised he’s not in the bench. Although RA is playing it as rotation and not him being dropped.
Fingers crossed that’s the last time we see him playing for the club.
24 Mar 2025 07:30:54
Lots of stories/ runours around that the reason why RWB has been pushed down the list of priorities is because RA sees Amad as playing at RWB, or at least an option there.
With so many new players needed, might have to go another season with what we’ve already got in that spot.
23 Mar 2025 21:55:00
I would imagine there’s very little chance of the player wanting the move.
From what I’ve seen, the RWB spot is way down the list of priorities.
24 Apr 2025 17:27:35
Haven’t seen much of Delap to comment on his ability. But heard plenty of TV pundits praising him.
I would have to agree it’s a huge gamble to rely on him to be the main goalscorer.
But there aren’t many strikers around that are proven and available. Read today that Osihmen is no longer a target.
21 Apr 2025 11:26:40
Our attackers are truly awful. But they have proved they can score goals before, so no idea why they look so bad now. Is it the system, the manager, or confidence? Possibly a bit of all 3.
It’s probably true that RA will get a free hit this season, even though he’s likely to finish 17th. Looking at the fixtures, I can’t see where a win will come from. It is worrying that the results are so bad though. There’s always a chance the higher ups pull the plug before investing more millions into players that RA wants.
However, if RA doesn’t get some kind of miraculous recovery next season he will definitely find himself out of work by Xmas, and we start again. Not sure how likely it is that a team this bad can add a few players and suddenly become decent. It’s likely most of the players in the squad will be ones from this season. The additions probably need to be exceptional and not more untested young players.
Im hoping the recruitment team know what they’re doing this time, and they look at more than what they can do on the pitch. They need to be mentally strong as they will be under the spotlight 24/ 7.
Yoro looks decent, but other than that the signings in the last year or so haven’t filled me with confidence. The only real signing under RA currently is Dorgu, he’s youngish, it’s early days, but so far he doesn’t look that great.
11 Apr 2025 12:23:18
The Brighton keeper is an upgrade. Although I’ve not watched much of him. Problem is, it’s Brighton so they’d probable ask £80m for him.
11 Apr 2025 10:09:09
You could pretty much choose any keeper from top flight professional football and it would be an upgrade.
I can’t think of a single positive Onana offers.
He can’t stop crosses, he’s terrible at one on ones, any save he does make is pushed back into the path of the opposition, he delays play all the time and then just passes it 5 yards to a centre back. Most infuriating keeper I’ve ever witnessed. The amount of errors he’s made that lead to goals is embarrassing.
Other than financial, there’s not a single reason why you’d play him another minute.
I don’t care who they get in goal as long as next season he’s not here, or at least on the bench.
10 Apr 2025 07:08:34
I’d love to see an elite striker sign. However, there aren’t many out there, and those who are will likely cost a fortune.
But do we need a striker who is regarded as elite? Look at the Forest. Chris Wood is not an elite striker but is doing very well. I’m not saying we sign Chris wood, what I’m saying is, if the team is setup correctly and has players that suit that system and work hard, have ability and play for the team, then top, top level players shouldn’t be needed to vastly improve results.
Winning the league is a different story, but we are some years off even thinking about that. We just need to get back near the top of the league first.
{Ed025's Note - good realistic post there Fallguy..