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05 Oct 2023 17:32:12
So miguel delaney reporting the dressing room is toxic. Is there a way back for ten hag? Normally only one outcome when manager looses the players.
1.) 05 Oct 2023 18:59:34
Rinse and repeat. So tedious, and if true, anyone not happy can leave in the winter transfer window.
2.) 05 Oct 2023 19:05:27
How would he know. another manager gone because of these players. All comes from top thou, until that changes utd will struggle.
3.) 05 Oct 2023 19:47:33
Aye Eric, rather just play young players who care instead of these horrible bunch of whinging softies.
4.) 06 Oct 2023 07:58:41
Why the surprise, it’s been clear for weeks, upsets too many people causes too many divisions, he thinks he is in the Ajax dressing room with bunch of kids, he needs to wake up and realise, he keeps spouting this is United, then goes in the changing room with his small club mentality.
Too stubborn for his own good, made some terrible mistakes and awful decisions. Coupled with the awful football and poor buys shows he is totally out of his depth, sooner or later you will realise.
5.) 06 Oct 2023 09:53:27
If Miguel Delaney told me the sun was shining I’d bring my raincoat.
6.) 06 Oct 2023 10:56:17
Don’t take Delaney to tell you this, anyone with an ounce of sense can see it themselves just listen if you can’t, how would you perform at work if the highest paid workers were in plumb jobs all the time no matter what you done, or even if they performed terribly…. even same at school, who actually liked the teachers pets! How can anyone in there right mind not see this causes bad feeling and friction, it’s a managers job to calm this situation not fuel it.
7.) 06 Oct 2023 12:13:40
If this is the case then at some point the club will have to make a stand.
These players have done this too many times.
Players don't have to like the manager, but they do have to give it their all, get on with the job they are being paid to do. They are adults in a professional environment.
Imagine if everyone in all fields of work didn't try or stopped doing their job if they didn't like their manager.
The definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
The club have sacked managers and sided with the players.
That is a big part of the reason for why we find ourselves where we are now.
Either rinse and repeat or break the cycle.
Arsenal chose to break it with Arteta, they shipped out the bad eggs and backed the manager. Now look where they are and the progress they've made.
If the dressing room think they can oust another manager then we have again reached a key moment. Will the club continue down this broken path leading to nowhere, directionless and changing the plan with the wind. Or will they take decisive action and ship out the players who don't want to play for the club, that don't have the right attitude, that will never get us to where we want to be.
8.) 06 Oct 2023 12:23:37
I agree the club as to back a manager, but in this case I don't believe ETH is of the required ability to be the one backed, needs to be a manager who experienced big clubs winning big trophies dealing with players that have done the same.
It happens in any walk of life if people don’t like there manager whilst being a professional they will only give what’s required nothing more, but in professional sports that 5% can make a huge difference, as it is here, shows with just Casermiro, the drop of is huge but probably it’s only that extra 5% he is not giving but shows drastically you only need a few of them and your doomed.
9.) 06 Oct 2023 12:27:57
Who are these players?
10.) 06 Oct 2023 12:41:00
Sent before finished, yes also agreed ship out players but like I keep saying the players that come in have to be of a better standard, that’s where I also think ETH as fell well short, I would honestly say and you probably would too that forget the injuries forget the squad ETH first 11 is nowhere near the required standard to challenge certainly with the way he sets up the team.
Nowhere near enough goals in team
And with injuries his stubbornness is also cause for great concern, I say it over and over iMO ETH is nowhere near the required standard of a united manager and what he needs to be.
Sadly the only way it will change is if new owners do outright buyout and change the lot including ETH and all the coaches, sadly that’s a long way off, even if SJR gets his wish, nothing will change for years if he gets the 25% now he supposedly trying for, SJR will just use it to promote his own brands and along the same road we go.
It’s going to tough few years ahead, I would rather not do them with ETH. The football is dreadful.
11.) 06 Oct 2023 12:44:48
Strangeways, I disagree. EtH is an great manager.
I used Arsenal as the example, did Arteta have the required experience?
You back the manager, boot the players out. Set the precedent.
12.) 06 Oct 2023 12:50:00
Not sure I agree that EtH is a great manager, maybe more so in terms of what he's doing (or trying to do) behind the scenes.
13.) 06 Oct 2023 12:50:00
Not sure I agree that EtH is a great manager, maybe more so in terms of what he's doing (or trying to do) behind the scenes.
14.) 06 Oct 2023 13:37:39
What seriously denotes ETH as. Great manager, won some leagues in a league that is ruled by Ajax and there money and history, won carabao cup with us and finished 3rd in a season that Liverpool had a meltdown along with Chelsea, that in no way lifts you to Great manager!
Jose is a Great manager he done far better with an inferior team Pep is a great manager, Klopp is great manager, Carlo is great manager, ETH not in there league!
How can you call Arteta a great manager he won nothing how can you use him as measuring stick, when he won nothing….
I admire your loyalty but shocked at your lack of ability to see the bigger picture.
Did you see Zlaten interview? He got no axe to grind with ETH and played for both but virtually said same as Ronaldo ETH out of his depth….
15.) 06 Oct 2023 14:13:51
Strangeways you're either a troll or just strange but either way you keep banging on about getting rid of ETH so. who you going to replace him with? Come on big man give us your pearls of wisdom as to who you see as the man for the job who's available and will dig us out of the mess and fix everything.
It's no good repeating yourself endlessly without a plan. So please, enlighten us if you will.
16.) 06 Oct 2023 15:24:22
Fizz calm yourself down with the personal remarks! Why is it a troll because I don’t agree with remarks of some on here, you really need to get a grip with yourself, my view is ETH does not have the experience and every game that passes he back this up if you like it or not and everyday that passes another more educated in football then you comes out and agrees, that does not make us trolls or strange as you say, why does it not work the other way then, why are the people that keep banging on that ETH is great manager not make them a troll, so just get back in your box and wind your neck in, it’s my opinion like it or not!
17.) 06 Oct 2023 15:42:29
Strangeways, we all know it's your opinion because you never stop banging on about it. Your entitled to think what you want but you're just boring. A bit like a 4 year old stamping his feet. We know how you feel, you don't have to tell us 3 times every day.
18.) 06 Oct 2023 15:49:00
Strangeways, I'm not overly convinced by the manager myself but I am convinced that we've had so many managers since SFA, including some very successful ones, and every one of them has failed miserably. Each of them has been given huge budgets and bought players in their own vision (although arguable that none got their first choices) .
I am genuinely interested in who you believe would be a strong candidate to replace EtH as I don't honestly think anyone would succeed as things are. Sure, there's that new manager bounce where we'd win a few, but it would soon regress again.
I'm sure many would say de Zerbi, but I'm not convinced without his Brighton crew (including South/ Central American scouts in particular) he'd do very well at all. I think even Pep would be at a loss right now.
19.) 06 Oct 2023 15:56:33
Strangeways you are entitled to that somewhat boring opinion but YET AGAIN you fail to answer the question. Who do you propose to replace ETH with that is available? Very simple question that, given the number of times you have repeated your opinion, you should know the answer. Come on big man tell us.
20.) 06 Oct 2023 16:11:35
AJH is this not a site to discuss or we all got to have same opinion as you and praise the great work that’s going on! Who are you anyway to say who can say what and when.
Spenno I agree there is huge problems at the club and some good managers far better then ETH have come and gone, and some huge sums spent by most of them, ok none of them been backed as much as ETH with there first choices.
I would not think someone like Di Zerbi again no big club experience he is just flavour of the season much like Potter was, I think to be manager of a big club you need to gain players respect especially when your supposed to be talking of elite players that should be at an elite club, that’s totally different level then kids at Ajax.
My concern is what’s the point bringing in new manager if not everything swept clean, for a elite manager to work under for that it needs new owners which don’t look like forthcoming, so if I had to go for a new manager now who is available so would cost nothing and won everything it would be Hansi Flick, done fantastic with Bayern, played great football and won the lot, my opinion international management did not suit him, but club football a different animal, he would command respect got tactical know how and a winner with bucket loads of experience.
21.) 06 Oct 2023 16:23:54
So basically you 'suggest' replacing ETH who has only the experience of managing Ajax. A club in a weaker league in a one horse race. (your description) With Hansi Flick, a failed international manager who was also successful with a team, Bayern Munich, a team in a weaker league and also a one horse race. (my description) .
Excellent work. Personally I'd stop rinsing and repeating and stick with ETH. That's also an opinion whether you like it or not.
22.) 06 Oct 2023 16:35:59
Had anyone heard of Mourinho before his porto run.
I like so many things about this guy that i don't only think he will be successful, i think he will be scary successful to the detriment of everyone in Pl and Europe.
United and Real Madrid are the biggest management jobs in Football. Some might argue Barcelona is in there but i don't agree.
What he has achieved in his first season is remarkable. I was reading these same pages when people taught we were finishing 10th or worse last year.
The environment at united is not conducive to succeed imo. There is so much baggage with our club, frankly I am surprised why some want to even try it as a manager.
This season has been an utter disaster staring with greenwood, injuries, sancho, antony that you have to be delusional not to accept the issues we are facing. Give ETH a team of his players without the distractions, i think he will bore us with winning.
I rate this guy very highly and see what he is trying to build but needs time.
23.) 06 Oct 2023 16:53:44
Doesn’t matter whether it’s a football club or any other workplace, when employees can’t rule the roost and there’s actually a hierarchy put in place, it puts noses out of joint. The end result is always long term productivity as opposed to short term gains. There’ll always be rumours of a ‘toxic’ culture because the moaners won’t be able to run the show. To make an omelette you have to break a few eggs.
We were always going to have to take a step back at some point in order to move forward. Maybe this season is the one where we finish out of Europe but really allow Eric to stamp his authority on the football club.
Doesn’t feel like it, but in a weird way I think we are moving forward by backing the manager and believing in his ethos. There isn’t anyone out there who would come in and do a better job, we’ve been there and done it. And the notion that Hansi Flick could come in and instantly change our fortunes is quite frankly ludicrous!
24.) 06 Oct 2023 16:54:10
So let me get this straight, strangeways would want Hansi Flick as our new manager because of his experience and I'm assuming because he would demand respect (As that seems to be his biggest issue with EtH) .
Lets look at this rich an illustrious history of top level experience the soon to be 59 year old Hansi Flick has.
Got his first club, Victoria Bammental, relegated into non-league football.
Sacked from his second managerial job because he couldn't get Hoffenheim out of the THIRD division in Germany. Yes you heard that right couldn't get out of the German equivalent of our league one.
Next role was as the assistant manager at Red Bull Salzburg for a few months.
Then settled as the assistant manager to Joachim Loew for 8 years (clearly very ambitious) .
He then became Nico Kovac's assistant at Bayern Munich, baring in mind Kovac is nearly 8 years YOUNGER than Flick.
Kovac got sacked and really upset the dressing room. Flick was hired as a temporary manager who went on a madness and won the treble despite only being in charge from November. It was a phenomenal season. I take nothing away from that. The following season was slightly underwhelming only winning the league and with Flick leaving at the end of the season to take over the German national team job.
As a slight caveat to Flicks success with Bayern Munich, they are by far the biggest club in Germany and utterly dominate that league. They have won 11 straight titles regardless of who the manager is.
Flick has since been manager of the German national side and has presided over the worst form in their history, becoming the first manager to EVER be sacked from the national side.
His managerial statistics show that as manager of Victoria Bammental he has a win rate of 36%. At Hoffenheim it was 44%, while at Bayern that jumped to 81%, then dropped for the national team back to 48%.
This is a manager who apart from an 18 month spell at one of the best run, and most powerful clubs, in the world has a win rate sub 50% throughout the rest of his career; with the majority of that coming in the lower tiers of German football.
Yet despite all of that Strangeways feels that Flick is a manager who would "command respect" while also having "tactical know how and a winner with bucket loads of experience".
Seriously he might as well suggested Bobby Di Matteo.
25.) 06 Oct 2023 17:56:40
Good post Shappy. That should put Strangeways firmly back in his box winding his neck right in as he suggested I do. Funny old game. ?.
26.) 06 Oct 2023 18:26:09
Not quite fizz because what Shappy is saying we can’t judge flick in a inferior league even though he won champs league, there league and super cup and many other cups, but we can judge ETH on winning an even more inferior league that’s hypocritical at its highest
It further proves he is better at dealing with big egos and elite players much better then low level players and better at dealing with a club elite level, another thing ETH never experienced plus I was ask who is available at the moment so that was the answer.
Shappy as he won much more than ETH. ?
As he actually coached elite players?
As he coached at elite club?
All the above YES
Same questions for ETH. Answer NO.
27.) 06 Oct 2023 18:49:59
Strangeways ????????
That’s the best post I’ve read yet that, read in such a way it fits an agenda. i. e. your agenda. Honestly Strangeways that post properly made I laff.
Give up fella before you make a real nonsense of yourself.
28.) 07 Oct 2023 00:06:30
Fizz,
Strange troll is the answer to the original question you wondered.
29.) 07 Oct 2023 00:07:44
Has ETH won more than ETH? Good question, tricky to be a yes to that one.
09 Aug 2023 14:31:22
Looks like pavard.
1.) 09 Aug 2023 18:09:43
I’d still be surprised if it was Pavard.
Todibo’s express pace and younger age mean I think he’s more likely.
We’ll see. But either would be an upgrade to our CB options from last season.
2.) 09 Aug 2023 18:28:09
Think Pavard too slow for ETH.
3.) 09 Aug 2023 19:32:43
Pavard is not slow by any stretch - but I’d be very surprised if we do sign him that being said. We have Lindelof already - I’d expect a younger signing to come in and grow into the team.
However - the best signing by far we have made in recent years is the manager, and I trust his judgement whoever comes in.
4.) 09 Aug 2023 20:54:29
if pavard is the choice, i would think its for giving our right side and antony more bite and productivity, he is good going forward. He is not a cb and generally plays rb for bayern and france.
5.) 10 Aug 2023 06:11:03
Ahmad what makes you think Pavarotti is good going forward? His stats are as followed 1 assist last season in the league in 25 games, 1 assist in 30 games the season before and 0 assist the season before that. Pavard is a myth he has made a career out of a good international tournament but in reality he is average in every position he plays.
6.) 10 Aug 2023 07:26:54
Another player being overhyped because we’re linked with him.
Isn’t he surplus to requirements at Bayern?
But if the manager sees something, that’s good enough for me.
7.) 10 Aug 2023 09:02:10
Dio
Pavarotti is a bit too heavy and might struggle for pace:) I did not check his assists stats but whenever I have watched him play he is very capable going forward.
All the guys being mentioned besides the palace guy are not pl players so there is always the risk of them not being able to adapt. Look at Koulibaly who was really poor at Chelsea.
I like the other palace CB Andersen and sporting guy and surprised no one has gone after them. They fit the profile and spend we can probably afford.
We are buying back ups and some players will not come to play second fiddle to varrane, martinez and eth is not a rotation type guy an plays his first 11 most of the time.
8.) 10 Aug 2023 09:13:10
I'm hoping we revive our previous interest in Bella-Kotchap from Southampton. He's had a year in the league, is only 21 and he has good physical attributes. He's still a bit raw but considering we're effectively signing a centre back to provide cover and we already have Lindelof, Shaw and Evans there, I think he could develop into a very good player for us.
{Ed002's Note - I very much doubt it.}
9.) 10 Aug 2023 09:57:50
Ed002
Hope all is well. From a choice of Todibo or Pavard who do you rate higher and a good fit for us if you don't mind me asking.
{Ed002's Note - I am afraid I am not the one to ask about "rating" or comparing players but they are very different players.}
24 Aug 2022 15:24:45
Hi Ed. With the signing of casemiro I was curious if efforts were being made to bring in another midfielder.
He seems a different type of midfielder then we were targeting earlier on in the summer fdj and sms.
I'm still hoping we move for sms but think it's a bit late on in the window, wiry what we have already spent and look like spending on Anthony.
{Ed002's Note - Yes, as I have explained before.}
1.) 24 Aug 2022 17:45:13
Ed is it true United have gone back in for frenkie for one final time?
Or have we moved on from him?
{Ed002's Note - I don’t know what you mean by “gone back”. The player is the issue.”
2.) 25 Aug 2022 09:58:35
Not sure why the same question gets asked in another form every day. (De Jong is not coming he never was) .
3.) 25 Aug 2022 12:07:20
But Fzz, if we ask every day, perhaps it will happen, you know, by magic.
4.) 25 Aug 2022 14:00:26
It's like being in a car with kids on a long journey, it's the forum equivalent of "are we there yet"
5.) 25 Aug 2022 09:00:59
Ed - I recognise this is something that you have plainer before but could you please provide a reminder of who the other players are being considered by the club? Youri Tielemans and James Ward-Prowse were mentioned by another Ed earlier this week. Anyone else?
{Ed002's Note - It seems hardle worth bothering.}
16 Jun 2022 07:20:18
Hi eds. Hope all is well.
Was wondering if there was any interest in any players utd have made available?
{Ed002's Note - Not much, Henderson and Dalot. It will ramp up with agents knocking on doors.}.
1.) 16 Jun 2022 09:44:28
Hi Ed, I was under the impression Dalot was being kept but AWB would be made available. Has something changed or have I just got it wrong?
{Ed002's Note - I was asked about interest - there is interest in Dalot and as far as I know could be sold if a suitable replacement is found.}
14 Nov 2021 08:39:00
Duncan Castles reporting utd trying to convince Zidane.
Other reports rodgers house hunting in Cheshire and has verbally agreed to take over.
What are peoples thoughts?
I think rodgers would suit united's structure they have in place ( all be it a shakey one )
Very impressed with ten hag but he has a great team at ajax.
Always fancied poch for the utd job but would he be willing to work with how we are set up.
Personally think ragnik for 6 months and then moved to a advisory role would be the way to go but he would want to shake things up, unfortunately the powers to be won't want that.
1.) 14 Nov 2021 09:45:11
The club has options, which option is best depends on your perspective.
Like Red Man has said it seems Murtagh and Fletcher were chosen for their roles not on their past experience or expertise but to support the manager. That is the problem with places the cart before the horse.
The club had a similar issue trying to appoint a DoF when Jose was manager as they seemed to be trying to find a candidate that would work well with Jose specifically rather than finding the right candidate for the clubs vision.
Maybe that is why people like Southgate feature highly on the clubs wanted list. A manager who is similar to Solskjaer. Maybe his profile suits Murtagh and Fletcher as they were brought in to work with Ole, so it makes sense they look to hire someone similar to who they have worked well with in the past. At least from their perspective.
Someone like Rangnick could be an excellent option to come in and start to set the team up how he thinks they should be. He then moves into the DoF role and hires a manager with a similar philosophy to him making the transition between managers much more fluid. He'd probably look to someone like Marco Rose or Jesse Marsch.
Another option would be Erik Ten Hag, his style of play and his philosophy also closely align with our club. Offensive football, trust in youth, development of players. While maybe his more dominating technical style of play is possibly better suited to a club of our size. Ideally this option would see VDS come in and replace Ed Woodward and Marc Overmars replace Murtagh and Fletcher. Giving the club a better balance between football club and business.
Or there is the option of keeping Murtagh and Fletcher, replacing Ed Woodward with Richard Arnold (his mini-me) then looking for a manager who fits that set up. Ideally by the sounds of it someone who won't rock the boat or upset the apple cart.
Personally I think the VDS, Overmars and EtH route is best as it not only brings in possibly one of the best options for a new manager, it also goes someway to fixing the imbalance at our club and gives us hope that we will be run as a football club more than as a trust fund.
The ironic thing is the more successful the club is the greater the clubs scope is to make money. Meaning the trust fund performs better. Also a better run football club would not only make more money, but potentially save expenditure by properly running the youth set up to feed directly into the first team. Reducing the need for a bloated squad of players on high wages, while also potentially reducing the need to splash out huge fees on as many signings.
Look at clubs like Leicester who on a fraction of the budget have won the FA cup and the League in the past 9 years. A well run club can achieve success on half of what we have spent.
2.) 14 Nov 2021 09:55:01
First choice the Ajax trio . Overmars, VD Sar, Ten hag -pipe dream never going to happen.
second choice Rangnick - let him come in coach the team until the summer then let him appoint a manager and coaches with the same vison and he can move upstairs and have full control of football matters. playing style, academy, recruitment of players, selling of players . The current Ajax model really . also never going to happen
3rd choice Appointment of Poch or Rodgers both better than Ole both respectable choices but not a patch on option one or two.
3.) 14 Nov 2021 10:18:02
The challenge with option 1 is you can’t just lift a whole club’s infrastructure (as in Ajax’s) in a two week international break mid season. If that is the best long term option (and I’m not sure it is) and if that is the way the club will go, then that is a summer job.
Either way, leaves us with the question of what to do with OGS now? That’s why he’s sticking around for the season in my opinion.
4.) 14 Nov 2021 10:33:00
I think out of the rumoured names I'd be happiest with Rogers. Poch is still to win anything, but is a nice guy (sound familiar? ) .
I am a little wary that those who seem most in favour, Ten Hag and Rogers, have 'smaller' clubs with brilliant structures. How would they fare in ours? Leicester have been forced to find the likes of Kante, Soyuncu, Fofana, Daka, Soumare et al. Maybe it's because of the smaller set-up that it does work.
Would love the Ajax dreamteam but so many reasons it wouldn't work, least of all Ajax not allowing it. We might get Ten Hag alone, but it's the structure that makes it successful. Even then if we did things their way, it would take time. That Ajax team has been painstakingly put together from the ground up, meaning that even when they lose 4-5 top players in recent years as they have, they still look incredible.
Not convinced by Zidane but who knows. The communication barrier can be overcome (see Bielsa) and we have a few French players for now at least, even if two are always on the brink of leaving.
Whatever happens it seems only Zidane is available now, and probably isn't keen on a six-month contract while we wait for a preferred target them replace him, unless he has clear goals and is reworded with a longer contract if he meets them. Sounds familiar.
5.) 14 Nov 2021 10:34:15
Bfbw, that's probably my order of preference too.
6.) 14 Nov 2021 11:49:43
Spenno- I think the Leicester set up is also a good one behind the scenes- the recruitment of players is as you say very very good. I wonder if we got Rodgers would his philosophy change from still scouting (obvioulsy LCFC has a network team doing this) in the same markets or would he only look at the "big names" to play at UTD.
Its something that's always intrigued me, would UTD fans be happy seeing an unknown Kante, Fofana, soyuncu arrive and get behind them when they expect a Varane or Rice - I wonder if this affects a managers choices when moving to a bigger club?
7.) 14 Nov 2021 11:57:53
BFBW,
I agree with your post as they would also be my preference in order of appointment.
8.) 14 Nov 2021 12:58:04
Bfbw, I think the Leicester set up is excellent. They know what they want and they have a great network set up.
That said I don't think it's something we could replicate at United. Our club, and the expectations of players coming into our club and what we need in a player.
At Leicester they can afford to try and pick out those rough diamonds, then spend a couple of season's polishing them up and developing them into superstars.
While for those players a club like Leicester offers a perfect stepping stone. A club with pedigree of developing players, an atmosphere that doesn't place huge pressure on them, while still at a level where they can complete against the best.
If a club like ours came in for players like Fofana then the price would be twice what Leicester paid. Then there is expectations that he hits the ground running and does well immediately. That atmosphere probably isn't best suited to players at that level.
It's a massive step to go from a small provincial Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 club with a stadium that holds 10-15k people to playing in the EPL for Manchester United at a packed Old Trafford.
Same thing with Jude Bellingham, he is able to make that step at Dortmund without the same pressure or expectancy. He plays regularly, at a club that has a great record of developing players, and he plays at a great level.
If he signed for us he'd have played maybe 10-12 games at most and would be looking for a loan like Amad.
Our club has to look for those half-polished diamonds, players who are ready to step up to the highest level and perform consistently at that level.
A player like Fofana or Maddison would have had the same trouble playing regularly as Bailly or Lingard have had at United. Two players with a similar level of ability when they started playing for United as Fofana and Maddison had when they signed for Leicester.
9.) 14 Nov 2021 13:24:33
You make some good points there Shappy I think the expectation level on a player coming to O. T is huge and is worth considering -Rice is another player living in his home city and has been able to mature at WHU, a big move 2 yearsa go might not have benefited him.
10.) 14 Nov 2021 18:55:49
No point bringing in Rodgers if you don't bring in the team in Leicester that identify and make decisions on recruitment.
Rodgers isn't the man for me but he and his coaching staff are a significant upgrade on Ole and his team.
I still think the Lad at West Ham is doing a cracking job.
11.) 14 Nov 2021 19:00:41
I would go for Bielsa if I could pick anyone. At least OT would be fun plus no way Pogba survives Murder all.
12.) 15 Nov 2021 09:29:36
Oakbark, we don't need the Leicester recruitment team. We just need a competent scouting network, have a clear idea about what we want, and have good quality negotiators.
While Rodgers was able to be very successful in Scotland winning back to back trebles and utterly dominating the SPL. Now I know some people will rubbish that achievement because he was managing Celtic. Yet he managed to dominate the league far more than his predecessors and he even had Rangers back in the league for the time he was there. Would Gerrard have won the league with Rangers had Rodgers stayed at Celtic? Probably not.
Rodgers has his faults, notably for me his defensive organisation isn't great. Which considering our issues on the pitch is slightly baffling that he would feature so highly on our wanted list. That said he got a tune out of Maguire with lesser players than Varane alongside him. While most fans would prefer a "you score 1 we'll score 2" mentality than a "we'll score 1 and shut up shop" mentality.
I think more is made about whether he can handle "big names" than is needed. Could he handle Ronaldo? Well he handled Suarez and Gerrard. While you don't get many bigger ego's than Stevie Me at Liverpool. Gerrard also speaks in glowing terms about Rodgers.
{Ed001's Note - Rodgers is a spoofer and won a one horse race, then jumped ship as soon as Rangers got back somewhere near competitive.}
13.) 15 Nov 2021 13:03:06
A spoofer, nonsense. A very good coach.
14.) 16 Nov 2021 06:23:29
Doesn't do too bad for a spoofer Ed ?.
{Ed001's Note - you mean he won a 1 horse race and then jumped ship when it turned into a 2 horse one? Then he failed repeatedly to get Leicester the top 4 place that they had in their hands. The only achievement he has actually got is the cup, which is not a lot for a team that is as strong as Leicester's.}
15.) 16 Nov 2021 08:54:58
Little bit harsh Ed001. Leicester on paper have the 5th best squad in the league, and that's where he's got them. So doing about par really, plus won an FA cup.
While at Celtic he dominated the league and the cups in a way that none of his predecessors could. While he did that with Rangers in the league.
{Ed001's Note - if you say so, but you are forgetting Rangers were not in the same league, they were only just promoted and having to rebuild, it is absolute crap to suggest that he beat anyone while up there. As for 5th best squad, I disagree but you are only going to do your usual and twist everything to suit your agenda, now you have decided Bodgers is not a useless manager in case he becomes your next flop in charge.}
16.) 16 Nov 2021 10:39:26
Ed001, out of interest where do you rank Leicester's squad compared to that of Chelsea, City, Liverpool and United's?
Personally I'd prefer EtH and probably Pochettino over Rodgers, but he is in the conversation because he has done well as a manager. You don't consistently get offered good jobs by being useless.
My only real concern over Rodgers suitability at United is his team's are often defensively suspect and rely too heavily on individuals winning there battles rather than a collective defensive set up. Which in light of the problems at United with our defence doesn't really inspire confidence.
I'm not saying he didn't have by far and away the best team in Scotland during his time up there. Just really pointing out that he got more out of them than the previous Celtic managers. Anyone else win the treble? Or do so back to back? Having the best side is one thing, getting them to stay motivated and consistently perform is another.
He was also just a Steven Gerrard slip away from winning the EPL with Liverpool.
{Ed001's Note - rank their squad? I don't, I am talking about how their squad was in terms of what he had available throughout the season and it should have been good enough to finish 3rd last season.
As for doing better than anyone else, no one else ever had a complete absence of competition before.
As for that nonsense about a Gerrard slip, your ignorance is astonishing you just regurgitate media nonsense time and again. That slip was not the difference, there were 37 other games and 89 minutes more in that game. One slip was not the reason.}
Tom22's banter posts with other poster's replies to Tom22's banter posts
23 Sep 2023 18:36:25
Hannibal starting apparently. May bring some much needed energy in midfield.
1.) 23 Sep 2023 18:56:20
And Evan's and Lindelof and McTom.
19 Aug 2023 22:08:24
Trying not to be negative. but not a great deal to be positive about.
Go back to last year's blue print. Stop shoe horning players into the team. Coach the players available rather than bringing in players you have coached before.
1.) 19 Aug 2023 23:19:31
Hopefully we do not fall into the rut that has blighted our last few seasons. Got to batten down the hatches and get a few results until the team starts to fully get into its stride.
I know it’s the same for all teams but a few dirty results can swing momentum. A penalty there and we would have possibly got a result and be sitting on 6 points.
Onwards and upwards!
2.) 19 Aug 2023 23:32:49
Well, our biggest problem last season was putting the ball in the net. Guess what, we did nothing to fix it.
Rashford isn't CF, rather play Sancho there.
Garnacho still needs to be an impact sub, his time will come.
Basically the same changes I would have made in the Wolves game.
3.) 19 Aug 2023 23:34:05
I know it's tough after a couple of substandard performances, but it's important not to fall into hyperbole.
We were better today against Spurs than we were against Wolves. Spurs are just a better team and to be honest we didn't get any luck what so ever.
We mostly made silly individual mistakes in defence which cost us and gave Spurs too many chances.
People are writing off our season when last season at this point we had lost the opening two games against Brighton and Brentford. This season we beat Wolves and lost away to Spurs (a team that will be challenging for European places) .
We are in a better position than we were this time last year. Have we really got the the point where we throw the towel in after one defeat in a season?
A lot of people seem to think we have bought badly, and that the tactics aren't working. I don't agree with that, Onana has been very good and will be excellent. Mount will prove to be a good signing come the end of the season and Højlund hasn't even had a kick yet. I expect we'll get a couple more through the door. There is also scope for players currently at the club to improve and step up this season and play a bigger role. Garnacho, Mainoo, Sancho, Antony, AWB, Dalot, Amad and Pellistri. If a few of these players step up and prove themselves this season they will be like new signings (sorry for the cliché) .
I also expect to see one or two more come through the door before the transfer window slams shut.
I have two real concerns about this season.
Firstly, this is the second season we have started slowly. Maybe the truncated season last year with a world cup sandwiched mid season, and a shortened break this summer has played a part. Either way EtH may need to look into if he can change his pre-season planning for next season so we aren't so slow out of the blocks.
The second issue is the injuries, we didn't have a great bench and that is in part due to few players being out injured. We don't have the strongest depth in our squad, especially in a few key areas. Injuries to key players at key times this season could well hold us back.
Tactically I think we will be fine, I think the performances so far are more a combination of a lack of fitness/ match sharpness and teething issues as new players settle in.
4.) 19 Aug 2023 23:34:30
Not just the penalty keefy- swings and round abouts with that one. No pen last week, no pen this week. I'm okay with that.
But in the first half we were the better team for 35 mins, rashford and bruno missed sitters. Anthony should have scored, he has one danger to his game and he fluffed his lines.
We were well in the game. But the team are weak mentally and severely lacking match fitness. One our energy levels and competitiveness dropped, spurs took over the game.
EtH has to take a big slice of blame for failing to change the game. Not for the first time, second half we started like we'd fallen asleep at half time. But then he watched as the game went away from us. Very poor.
5.) 20 Aug 2023 00:28:48
This team lacks hunger passion and desire and there is no energy whatsoever
A shocking window so far
The deadwood need shipping out quickly and a couple of signings asap or we will struggle big time to even finish in the top 6
This is not an over reaction to one defeat but I feared for us before a ball was even kicked this season
Our midfield lacks cohesion and is devoid of pace.
6.) 20 Aug 2023 01:12:16
Dya want to know what the problem is?
And it doesn't take an essay to explain it. mount bruno and casemiro does not work. Simple as that. Mount undoubtedly has his uses, but not in our midfield. Yet again proof of English hype.
7.) 20 Aug 2023 09:13:23
Yeh Rashford shouldn’t be number 9 but to think Sancho, someone who should be in the championship is the answer is laughable. I doubt the lad even needs a shower after the game doesn’t do anything and is useless.
8.) 20 Aug 2023 10:33:57
Bit fatalist, can't see anyone 'writing off the season' :D. We've already got more points than this time last season and we finished a respectable third.
Pretty sure EtH will come good although I wish he'd expand his wishlist beyond players he knows or has worked with. The likes of Mitoma and Szoboszlai were available for so much less than Antony and Mount for example. Gravenberch could be another. Who next, Bergkamp? Give him the power to do what he wants but I think much of it has to fall at his door if he insists on using this template. For a third of the price of Antony, Brighton bought Estupian, Enciso and Mitoma. We need to eat more of what they're having.
9.) 20 Aug 2023 13:36:02
Well, Sell Fred, yes, if it means moving Rashford to his position and making Garnacho an impact sub, yes, Sancho is an answer. And he is not as bad as you put him to be. I mean, why put him at the false 9 in preseason if you are not going to try it out when the season starts? At least while our main striker is out.
12 Aug 2023 16:35:11
Looks like Pavard is the one utd will try and sign.
Not the player I'd go for think he's bang average to be honest.
1.) 12 Aug 2023 17:05:39
Not according to the professionals. He's rated very highly. I can only go by them. He is versatile, RB, CB, rightside of back 3. 27 so experienced. But he is relatively cheap which is probably a big part of the decision making. €30m I believe.
2.) 12 Aug 2023 17:14:07
Sydney
He is cheap because he has only one year left on his contract and is not renewing. if he had 3/ 4 years left in this market who knows what they would ask for.
3.) 12 Aug 2023 17:21:03
As I said I don't know much about him or his situation, other than what was being discussed on SSN amongst the transfer journalists and they were all saying he was top level. Very versatile. And affordable. Other than that I don't know. Never seen him play.
4.) 12 Aug 2023 17:59:26
Better options out there.
Only my opinion just never that impressed by him.
5.) 12 Aug 2023 18:19:25
Pavard could be a game changer for us.
At RB he inverts to a wide CB, with Martinez on the other side and Varane and Onana in the Centre. Pavard will provide us a very solid base for a possession based game.
Levels above our current RB and probably equal or better than most of our CBs.
Very encouraging window.
6.) 12 Aug 2023 18:26:07
Never thought of him as top level, scored a cracker at world cup though, imagine his ability to cover at RB will be the biggest attraction.
I do seem to remember ED saying oerhaos last summer he did not wanr to go to a team to play FB though.
7.) 12 Aug 2023 19:13:57
Utd Road. Why would we play him rb? Dalot has just signed a new contract and wan bisaka in talks over new deal. can't see him coming to play rb.
Personally think a younger cb to learn from varane and be our 4th choice cb would be a better way to go. Lindelof looked good towards end of last season when he had to step in.
8.) 12 Aug 2023 22:16:50
He play RB and stay back to form a 3 with Martinez, Varane or Shaw with the spare creating overloads.
Dalot is mid.
31 Dec 2022 16:20:36
Happy new year to all. Thanks to the eds and the people who make this site what it is. I wish you all success and happiness for next year. Utfr.
26 Aug 2022 19:37:37
Another bid for Anthony rejected. What do people think? Walk away or do we back the manager regardless of the price?
I think we still need to add to the midfield and would like to see the money spent on sms or see if we could snatch rabian ruiz if possible.
It would leave us light up top but do think we should be targeting a cf rather than another winger.
1.) 26 Aug 2022 20:01:49
The fact that every Tom Dick and Harry knows which players the manager wants means their respective clubs are able to get a bit greedy and in this case, take the p*ss somewhat. He's hardly prolific and they'll never get an offer like this again.
2.) 26 Aug 2022 20:13:29
Walk away now. Ajax are refusing to sell.
3.) 26 Aug 2022 20:41:58
If the problem is his retirement surely we could give them amad on loan if they are interested.
4.) 26 Aug 2022 21:04:29
Ultimately, we have only 6 more days to improve the depth of quality in the squad - we cannot afford to waste any more time.
Ajax, as I've suggested before, are holding out for as long as they can in the hope of pushing the fee to £100m+. They don't need to sell and they know United still have money to use - they are now acting in precisely the same manner as the other big names of European football.
It should be of no surprise to any of us that we are in this position.
Plenty of time at the start of the window to get some big players in to at least strengthen the squad, but no - we've had the Arthur Daley tribute act swaggering around trying to haggle - thus protracting the process and allowing constraints of time to dictate progress.
ten Hag can only do so much, but he's also wasted time nagging at a player who made it very clear, before the window even opened, that he doesn't want to know.
2 players for whom United have wasted so much time, thus impacting on the potential to make more shrewd signings like Malacia, I see only a slight improvement on the annual farce.
6 more days, no more time for scouting, no more time for haggling, no more time to waste - only time to put in respectful bids for players with no CL to improve the squad.
That said, other clubs would still be reluctant to sell so I suspect there may be 2 more 30yo+ players to arrive because their clubs don't want them - perhaps Depay and Meunier.
I don't think we'll get another midfielder, the Glazers would not sanction another big fee for the same department and United don't have the time to unearth a gem.
This season Fred and McFlurry will still be heavily involved, we'll all still be in hope of our attackers maintaining a high level of quality, we'll still see Ronaldo strolling around with hands on hips, we'll still see Bruno's tantrums and we'll still see the depth of quality in our squad be our undoing.
5.) 26 Aug 2022 21:14:32
While I appreciate that he wants to leave Ajax, the way he is going about it really isn't the right way to do things.
It makes you wonder if we did sign him and in 2 years time he decides he wants to leave to try a new challenge how will he go about it.
Will he refuse to train, will he be giving interviews to the world's media declaring his desire to leave and his unhappiness with the club for not giving in to his every whim?
He is a really talented lad, with huge potential, but he isn't painting a good picture of himself currently.
6.) 26 Aug 2022 21:32:16
It smacks of the Lukaku inter interview. I didn’t like that and don’t like this move by Antony. Ultimately, he’ll get his move and we’ll pay a massively over inflated fee.
That’s on our board, they’re crap at transfers and Ajax have a decent board who know what they’re doing.
Modern football absolutely stinks. Modern footballers stink. The power they have stinks. Griezmann, Pogba, Lukaku and now this from Antony. What a load of bollocks.
7.) 26 Aug 2022 21:34:19
I appreciate what you are saying Shappy and it isn’t the professional way to act but he’s hardly alone in how he has acted when a big club and maybe a dream move has come in for him.
Even humble professionals like Kane have mysteriously not turned up for the first day at school when the big boys came calling. Maybe we’d all do similar in our respective jobs if we were head-hunted. It would be down to Utd to fulfill his ambitions.
8.) 26 Aug 2022 21:42:09
One more push. Everyone is for sale and he really wants to move here. I don't think you walk away from this Shappy, we've come this far, we must see it out.
I think the player has given Ajax no choice now.
9.) 26 Aug 2022 21:45:51
Jesus what a mess. move ronaldo buy the real Madrid guy and another Mid fielder and back up goalie and wait till jan or next summer I guess.
10.) 26 Aug 2022 21:53:46
Keep the fee the same and offer them two of Elanga, Amad and Pellistri on loan OR take 15m off and give them vdBeek permanently.
11.) 26 Aug 2022 22:00:59
Why do people keep insisting on throwing them our cast offs they don’t want? This isn’t football manager is it. Some people need to get a grip.
12.) 26 Aug 2022 22:04:16
Go back but lower the bid and tell them the 90m offer has expired. There must be some ETH clause in dealing with ajax.
13.) 26 Aug 2022 22:06:14
They have to let him go. Keeping him would be a disaster for them. Let them take the offer. If true that he told them he wants to go back in feb then its a bonehead move by ajax to have not sorted a replacement. I would not offer anything iver what's been offered.
14.) 26 Aug 2022 22:40:51
Don't seem like clubs are queuing round the block for him, I don't think he's that good from what I see, I'd quite happily take that back if he comes and is a success. I'd personally go for memphis. Very cheap and he's bulked out physically a lot since he was here last time which I thought was his downfall. Would also free up funds for another decent signing.
15.) 26 Aug 2022 21:57:25
I do think we should move on but with the people dealing with our transfer I doubt they can get anyone else in.
A question to the eds and fellow posters. This transfer window was ment to be different but it seems lessons again haven't been learnt. Are the people in charge of the transfers going to be held accountable? Or will it just be sweet under the carpet? Even if Antony is signed if we were to start negotiations say in June surely all this drama could have been avoided.
{Ed002's Note - The approach and one role is wrong - this has been explained over and over.}
16.) 26 Aug 2022 22:46:34
In fairness we are talking about an offer way above market value for a move that the player desperately wants. The agitation is simply a way that these transfers get pushed through. Ajax still have a choice, so do Utd. Ajax set a price they were happy with 100m euro by all accounts. Utd set a "budget" slightly lower than what Ajax set as a take it or leave it. Who blinks first?
17.) 27 Aug 2022 02:34:52
While it's a player that the manager wants, we have offered over the odds and it has been rejected.
No further bid is required, we tried now move on, decent wingers isn't exactly an area we are desperate for players.
18.) 27 Aug 2022 07:26:20
We should move on and look for another player now but I reckon we will go with one more bid for Antony as Ten Hag clearly wants him.
Antony and Gakpo aren't players who play the same role so simply buying Gakpo won't give us a left footed right winger.
If Antony continues to develop at United he could be one of the best wingers in the world, however, he has just as much chance of being the next Nicolas Pepe in the PL so it's a very risky move at the prices quoted. Could make the club look daft, though we usually are when it comes to transfers and it puts huge pressure on Antony to be successful.
19.) 27 Aug 2022 11:51:43
Don't see any problem with the interview. The club are effectively holding him to ransom. He has asked to leave, reiterated it numerous times and they will receive a pretty penny for him.
Why is it okay for any other club to hold a play ransom but when we do it we are the worst club in the world?
20.) 27 Aug 2022 13:41:36
The selling club usually caves in the end. See: Fofana.
06 Oct 2023 18:32:10
Like I said yesterday, only usually one outcome.
I hope the club stay strong with ten hag although he does need to improve in areas.
Time will tell.
26 Aug 2023 06:51:13
Another player ten hag has already coached. Shock horror. Surely there are better options available. Utds recruitment team are so far off the mark it has to be questioned.
25 Jun 2023 15:22:22
Thanks Ed. I think he may end up at city. Have a good Sunday. Thanks for info.
25 Jun 2023 14:48:28
Thanks for the information Ed. Just don't see utd paying what Chelsea are asking for.
Sabitzer and rabiot are probably more achievable, which is a shame as I think mout is a very talented player.
{Ed002's Note - That is OK with Chelsea as another club are already pushing for talks with him. They would still prefer him to stay.}
25 Jun 2023 14:16:32
Do you still think a deal for mount is possible ed. Both clubs seem to have taken a stand over the deal. Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Of course it is possible.}
30 Oct 2023 17:31:19
I agree oakbark.
The structure needs to be in place and then a plan put together and seen through.
Hoping sir Jim will appoint the right people as quick as possible so they can have what's left of the season to see what needs improving. Then hopefully the club follow through with the plans and not just discard them like with ragnik.
Can't see ten hag being here after the summer. He wants to much control of the transfers and don't think he will relinquish that.
22 Sep 2023 20:51:19
Wazza, I completely agree and hope the manager is backed by the club. For to long have the players held the power and standards have fallen to a worrying low.
The recruitment from club and manager I have my doubts on but that's another matter.
Dodgy it's a discussion forum, I'm not spreading anything. Like you I hope the club stay strong but I do have doubts.
Anyway hopefully our season starts tomorrow and we can kick on.
Have a good weekend all.
22 Sep 2023 17:52:35
I don't want him out. Just think the club will side with the players if it came to it.
22 Sep 2023 16:52:02
I think ten hag will be gone by January.
The players have given up on him and his demands, the sancho saga will be the nail in the coffin for ten hag. Already reports players are unhappy with sancho being exiled.
Until these players and the player power culture is booted out the club will continue to fail.
I have heard a whispers southgate will be utd manager by 2024 / 2025. Another incredible decision.
17 Sep 2023 15:28:12
I just personally feel ten hag isn't up to it. Signs were there at the end of last season. He can't seem to get a tune out of players he hasn't coached before and the others I think have made their mind up about him. Hence why he wants players he knows.
The recruitment team all need sacking. Every signing this summer has been the wrong choice.
The gk is average at best, you'll never get the best out of mason mount in ten hags system and to be honest all the others are average players in my opinion. I feel for the young striker, watching game film and the way he scores his goals is completely the opposite to how ten hag wants to play.
We hear he wants to play a high press yet selects erickson, rashford and bruno who can't press and when these are out of position it leaves the leggy casemiro no chance in plugging the holes.
Our away form last year and continuing in to this year has made my mind up on ten hag. I thinkhis recruitment is horrendous and he's to stubborn and won't adapt as it will make him look weak. Yesterday was a clear example. We had the better of it for first 20 mins but Brighton sussed him out and it was one way traffic after that.
The problem being we have let him have full controll instead of working with our supposed dof. When he leaves we will have to press the rest button again, be left with a squad full of another managers players waiting for the next manager to rinse and rpeat.
His r.