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16 Jan 2024 08:36:20
Quick one for the eds if you would oblige-
vhalovic was a player allegedly on our list before going to juve is he someone still of interest? cheers.
{Ed002's Note - Not to Manchester United.}
1.) 16 Jan 2024 11:02:39
cheers ed002.
2.) 16 Jan 2024 11:02:39
cheers ed002.
3.) 16 Jan 2024 20:03:17
Thank god. He's very average but would cost a good whack from Juventus and would demand big wages.
United need to be much smarter in the transfer market. We need a striker as Højlund is the only option at the club. Yet finding players who are good enough but who won't cost a kings ransom is difficult.
One option I've been thinking about lately is Dominic Solanke, he was highly regarded as a young player, but probably didn't really kick on. A spell at Liverpool after leaving Chelsea seemed to stagnate his development somewhat. He probably needed to step down slightly to play more regular football and keep on developing rather than swapping the Chelsea bench for the Liverpool one.
At Bournemouth though he's really developed into a really good around player. He's a big strong unit who can lead the line and be an aerial threat, he's quick enough and he works really hard and presses excellently from the front. 29 goals in the Championship shows that when given regular service that he can be a clinical finisher. However, the thing I really like about him is how he's a player who brings other players into the game and creates really good opportunities for his teammates. While at 26 (27 in September) he'd be a good player to lead the line for 2-3 years while a 20 year old Rasmus Højlund develops without the pressure of playing every game on him.
It'd mean that in 2-3 years time we'd have a 23/ 24 year old Højlund ready to explode and prove himself with a 29 year old proven EPL striker to back him up.
He wouldn't be cheap, 45-50m most likely. But given what some strikers are going for, I think you'd have to go some way to find a more cost effective option.
I mean options like Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord is reportedly going to cost 50-60m for a player who has never proven anything in one of Europe's top five leagues. Højlund cost 70m. Brentford want 80-100m for Ivan Toney.
To get any half-decent striker for less than 60m is a tough ask in the current market and only really possible if you take a gamble on a less proven player.
Considering we would still likely be spending 50m on a young player not proven in the EPL, personally I think a similar amount on a known quantity like Solanke would be the better option given the choices available.
4.) 17 Jan 2024 09:28:41
I'd be testing Newcastle and the recent reports about they may need to sell 1 or 2 of their top players and make an approach for Isak. You're right Shappy, to get any half decent striker in is going to cost money but i'd rather pay a bit more and get an Isak than let's say £50M for Solanke.
5.) 17 Jan 2024 12:36:28
Ports they bought Isak for more than 60m, they'd want more than that for him if they had to sell. Either way I highly doubt he'd be one of the players they'd consider selling to free up some funds.
I'd imagine the soon to be 32 year old Callum Wilson would more likely be the striker they would consider selling.
Personally I'm not enthusiastic about any of the potential options. They are either massively overpriced average players, or massively overpriced youngsters with potential.
There seems little point signing another young striker with potential after doing just that when we signed Rasmus Højlund.
Given that we don't really want to spend big on a long-term first choice option who would just restrict and hinder the development of the 70m long term striker we bought last summer. It means we need to buy at that next bracket down, someone who can lead the line and play regularly, but won't block the pathway for Højlund. Being the backup option for Højlund in a couple of years time.
In that case I think we are much better off signing a EPL proven player rather than take a gamble on a player with no previous experience in the EPL. Someone who'd be far more likely to flop, and who given the state of the market will only be marginally cheaper.
It's not sexy or exciting signing players like that, they are known quantities that we already know aren't likely to step up to being a star player for us. However, ultimately every team needs some players like that in their squad.
We've invested big on Højlund, now we need to make sure we do what we need to to to protect that investment. Bring in a player who'll help Højlund develop and not block his pathway while also giving the team what it needs on the pitch when they play.
These are often the hardest signings to find and sign.
6.) 17 Jan 2024 16:17:38
I know you are the oracle Shappy and your posts are said as facts rather than opinions but you’re telling me you’d rather sign Solanke for £50M due to a current purple patch he is in and say he is EPL proven yet he scored 6 in 33 last season and 3 in 32 the season before. Hardly prolific stats is it. If you want to go off purple patches though why not go for Hwang Hee-Chan who’s only 2 goals off Solanke and would be a lot cheaper but that’s not a signing you’d ever consider!
7.) 17 Jan 2024 19:02:48
If our number 1 anorak is suggesting we sign Dominic Solanke then we really have got problems…….
8.) 17 Jan 2024 20:38:21
Shappy have to say your off on a mad one there. ??.
19 Aug 2023 09:44:15
good morning eds- I asked this previously but didn't see the post or reply if there was one so I'll try reposting if ok? is there any interest from us in the young lad marco leandro from santos I think? cheers.
{Ed002's Note - Marcos Leandro (AM/F) With the books balanced after the sale of Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel Santos wish to keep hold of Leandro. West Ham had an offer rejected in January and Roma are pushing hard to secure a deal now for this coming January. He was discussed with Chelsea who are now comfortable with Washington. Manchester United and Arsenal attended the U23 World Cup and have both declared an interest, as have Lazio.}
1.) 19 Aug 2023 11:38:57
cheers once again ed 002
have a great weekend!
{Ed002's Note - And you.}
28 Apr 2023 08:40:33
Quick 1 for the eds if possible.
Several suggestions about cassemeiro and a link to bayern munich in the summer: can see the attraction, but asking if there has been any preliminary enquiries for him to any other club- thanks .
{Ed002's Note - Not that I am aware.}
1.) 28 Apr 2023 11:34:26
cheers ed002 for the reply- probably just been unlucky to catch more lazy journo stuff- enjoy the bank holiday weekend!
06 Oct 2022 08:46:49
Question for ed002 if possible-
there are a few, granted clickbait, rumours regarding rashford being linked as a departure soon: is there any substance or just lazy journalism, again . Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Marcus Rashford (F) has an uncertain future at Manchester United although there has been no final decision. PSG have previously enquired although their interest has drifted away. He may provide an option for Arsenal still. Newcastle and Spurs may well provide options. Right now he would be difficult to sell given he is out of contract in the summer - although the club has a one year option they could invoke - then they potentially end up with another hostage situation. The club is certainly considering options, one of which will of course be a new contract.}
1.) 06 Oct 2022 12:13:54
thanks ed 002 - personally think he may thrive at another club as he seems to have lost his way from the raw exciting prospect we had a few seasons back. Prefer to see him in a different league to the epl as he could come back to haunt usin an arsenal or spurs team.
2.) 06 Oct 2022 13:48:08
It's time to let him go, along with a few others.
3.) 06 Oct 2022 14:56:43
We have several players who are out of contract next summer which we have to deal with. Some have one year options, others don't and would need a new contract offer to stay.
We all have our own opinions on what the club should do.
Personally I'd activate the one year option in both of DDG and Rashford's deals. In Rashford's case it gives EtH another season with him to see if he can tap into that potential.
With DDG I'd expect us to sign a new keeper next summer, but we can't sell everyone. Henderson I'd expect to go and Dubravka might not be signed on a permanent deal. Having DDG for one final year means if the new keeper struggles we have a solid option to play in DDG (even if his skillset isn't ideally suited) .
Dalot I'd give a new deal to, he's one of the few that is on a low wage, we could give him a pay rise and a longer term deal and still find a buyer in a couple of season's time if he doesn't reach the level we require.
Ronaldo, Tuanzebe, Jones etc will leave and that's probably best for their careers.
Fred should probably leave as well, with Casemiro, McTominay and Eriksen ahead of him and the likelihood that we will sing another midfielder. Along with academy players like Iqbal and Savage needing game time it just makes sense to let Fred leave.
Shaw is the one I'm stuck on. He isn't good enough, but if he goes someone will have to cover LB. If Alvaro Fernandez is ready then let Shaw go next summer. If Alvaro needs another loan then keep Shaw for one more year.
As much as we'd all like to boot 10 or more players out the door, the reality is we won't be able to sign enough players to come in and cover.
Some need to stay if only for one more year just as squad players until we are ready to bring in better players in their positions.
4.) 06 Oct 2022 18:42:35
I'd give him a new contract. If in a year we sell him then we would get decent fee.
5.) 06 Oct 2022 19:56:44
Apart from the obvious players like Tuanzebe or Jones etc I think the club should wait till December end and see the performances over time before dishing out contracts.
If he stays and plays like today, happy to keep him.
But 40-50m with 1 year left on his contract is an absolute steal. (That's what PSG were rumoured to offer)
6.) 07 Oct 2022 08:51:59
Backpass
40-50 is cheap imo given what players are going for in the market. If he continuous on current form this year for the full season and under contract to united, think much higher.
The guy at psv is 23 and people talking about 50 mill, honestly nothing better than rash if you watch him. Might go to Italy or even Germany and bulk up his stats but in the pl he will find it a lot more difficult and physically hard to cope with.
Is Anthony twice the player rash is from what you have seen so far. I even think Bellingham at the numbers they are talking about is overvalued and will find the PL a much different animal.
I like Sesko who I think has a huge ceiling and think he is the one if the club was going to make a move.
7.) 08 Oct 2022 13:14:22
Sesko is the one i would go for too!
funkypigeon1's banter posts with other poster's replies to funkypigeon1's banter posts
01 Dec 2023 11:05:15
Cl done can't change result and on to the game on saturday- would take a draw now as it is going to be a tough fixture but would like to see ETH switch keepers to give onana a break (his Confidence must be rock bottom) and also see the young turkish lad in action: he will probably be called in when afcon starts anyway.
1.) 01 Dec 2023 13:13:34
Newcastle like us are riddled with injuries. We normally don't get much joy against teams that work hard off the ball but I'm quietly optimistic about Saturday.
I think we're getting a bit of our groove back. All depends which keeper shows up. Having Shaw back is huge for the back 4 too. Hopefully a first league goal for Hojlund.
2.) 01 Dec 2023 13:19:36
Hoping Antony kicks on as well, thought he looked a lot better on Wednesday. Long way to go for him but definite improvement and could cause Dan Burn some problems.
3.) 01 Dec 2023 17:35:32
think burn is out ports-
hope so mumbles agree with shaw comment as well
hope mainoo has a good game and we don't pick up any more injuries because joelinton, guimares are not shy about putting in some harsh fouls. Personally worried more about gordon up against our defenders .
4.) 02 Dec 2023 00:30:33
Hope the ref calls fouls against them, they literally charge into the back of players from minute 1 to 100. don't know how the refs let them get away with it.
I don't know why people think dan burn is a weakness for them, he is always excellent against us, and his size and pace causes problems.
Not many give us a chance, I hope we can prove a few wrong. It will be very tough, but we need to get a result against a genuine team.
5.) 02 Dec 2023 06:51:07
Agree dodgy not many give us a chance snd it is one of toughest away games in the calendar especially under the lights it’ll be lively, but despite result Wednesday we are showing signs of improvement for me, few players returning, few finding a bit of form, few more goals scored we are getting there! We’ll see! Fingers crossed.
6.) 02 Dec 2023 15:01:14
dodgy spot on. one of the most physical teams and dirty teams around, gumarez=s and linton foul all game whilst winning fair battles.
28 Sep 2023 08:48:45
Being from north east I was unfortunate to be surrounded by wannabe mags watching the game last nite. The talk before the goal was about how strong a team to put out in the cup games . Until they won they mainly were accepting of a "weaker team" but then after the draw against us, it changed .
Always thought that a team should play a strong side with minmal changes - just interested in the thoughts of folk on here re- the 4th round against the mags?
1.) 28 Sep 2023 10:12:03
I can see the need to rotate, especially in today's era of playing potentially 60+ games. I know it's always been the case (for the top sides who are in Europe anyway), but the game have never been as physical or intense. I don't think it's sustainable - look at the injuries at not just Utd, but many of the top clubs. You can argue either way, that something needs to change, or that a squad is there to be utilised.
There are increasing issues with fixture congestion and scenarios like the farcical situation where the real Liverpool were playing on the other side of the world at the same time that a team made up of cooks, ballboys and fanzine competition winners were playing back home in one of the domestic cups. A one-off I guess.
As for Newcastle, I imagine we'll drop a few. We play City two days before which you fancy will be our strongest team, then Fulham away four days after. Seems a good call to start with the likes of Martial up front and the youngsters like Pellistri and Hannibal.
28 Jun 2023 12:48:53
With reports of rice 100m, belligham 115m, and caicedo expectedly 80m is there more sense in going for talented younguns in the current budgetry constrained window at united- snippets on taylor booth, tyler adams and ramsey from villa (who had a good season) being mooted. Wonder on the people on heres thought as they could be the next crop?
1.) 28 Jun 2023 13:10:41
You mean trying to sign a young and talented midfielder like Moises Caicedo for £4.5m?
2.) 28 Jun 2023 14:03:50
That's the trick, isn't it. Having a team firstly able to spot these next superstars, then being able to convince the money people to fork out on them as opposed to the more ready-made players we usually go for.
Our scouting network is often mocked but they did recommend Bellingham, Haaland, Caicedo. but the club went for other targets in every case. Seems like these departments are often at odds with each other.
I want whoever Brighton want.
3.) 28 Jun 2023 14:54:50
Bellingham chose Dortmund over us because they had a route to the first team, United didn't offer that apparently.
Never sure Haaland was realistic, no matter what age we went for him, the links to City and what Keane did to his dad would always have been an issue I believe.
Caicedo is one where you don't know how they will adapt, he could have easily crashed and burned on moving to Europe, he could still fail when he moves to a top club with all the extra pressure that brings, just look at Sancho.
{Ed077's Note - people seem to not know that Caicedo had a loan spell away from Brighton, in Belgium iirc, and still took time to get into the Brighton first XI.
Would he have had the same support and patience, not only from the club but also the fans, had he joined us back then? I highly doubt it.
4.) 28 Jun 2023 16:48:13
Your right Ed, is it better for these young players to develop out of the limelight than have the added pressure of playing for a top club.
How many players experienced players rock up up at Old Trafford and struggle. I think we woefully underestimate what it takes to succeed at the big European clubs.
{Ed077's Note - not just the limelight, it's the weight of the expectation and also for some you may just have a better player ahead of you already at the club, and as such never get enough chances to cut your teeth.
Look at Kelleher at Liverpool, or Julian Alvarez at City. They're both good players but have a World class player ahead of them in their position, limiting their chances. Sometimes it can be about timing as well.
And yes it must be beneficial for youngsters to be involved in matches week in week out, train with the first team players and coaches regularly; than to get lost in the shuffle and never get a real look in. Ultimately game-time out on the field is the most important way to improve, IMO
5.) 28 Jun 2023 18:04:05
That’s why a multi club ownership has so many benefits. Not to mention scouting networks and growth of young players. Ed’s are there any rules around sale of players between clubs - pricing to avoid FFP etc.?
{Ed002's Note - I have no idea what you mean. I am sorry.}
6.) 29 Jun 2023 18:48:21
@FP1
I think you’re spot on we have Case and need someone who’ll be happy being 2nd but has the potential to takeover and fill in. £80M is way too much for that role.
The kid at Antwerp would be my choice tbh.
7.) 29 Jun 2023 19:13:27
There are issues for aspiring top teams buying future prospects. Firstly, they need their transfers to yield immediate results if they're going to challenge the teams above them.
Secondly, they have limited squad openings. Thirdly, there are many prospects who simply end up not making it. And, fourthly, the players themselves may be lured by the prospect of immediate 1st team football rather than waiting in the wings. especially if the wings are at a club which has not been well run, like United. The top contenders may be developing up and comers, but they are also out there jockeying for proven top players who can help them fulfill their immediate objectives, like winning trophies. The prospects who actually develop into top players are a bonus.
As good as Brighton are, and as enviable their ability to find younger talent is, Man United is not aspiring to be Brighton.
8.) 30 Jun 2023 08:12:07
100 million if true for Calcedo is a crazy valuation and never worth the investment imo and we should stay away.
We need to get a striker on board and sort out a replacement for maguire and DDG. Move DVB, Maguire, fred, Williams, henderson, telles, bally on as a minimum. We get that done I think its a good window. A 5th signing would be a bonus in terms of someone to provide cover/ rest for cas. can't play a guy who is 31 over 50 games.
Most important announcement imo is to get the glazers out of running the club and start a new chapter.
Other noteworthy news Marcus seems to be making up for the time spent being in a relationship and getting a leg over on everything that moves :)
16 Jun 2023 08:12:02
Well only 2 days into the tw and the same old twaddle is bandied about, kane too much-off the list, osinhem too much off the list, mount the potential new fdj saga, can't get rid of players due to wages and ddg could walk away for nothing! We all know a vast majority is click bait but it never ceases top amaze how much is generated compared to other clubs and that we rarely get much near to line as over it like a lot of the rest. Have a great nail biting summer guys.
{Ed077's Note - but also nothing surprising or confusing.
1.) 16 jun 2023 08:35:33
ed077
what signings woukd you make this summer?
{Ed077's Note - In a dream world it would be Magic Mike at GK, Kimmich or Bruno G or FdJ for midfield (all unlikely) and Mbappe (highly unlikely, impossible even) or Kane (I've come round to that idea now). Defence maybe we could look at Bastoni or Kim Min-Jae.
Realistically maybe Onana or Costa for GK, but not seen enough of them to make up my mind either ways; Kim maybe doable for Cb or maybe trust the scouting system and go for Inacio from Spoting CP, Milinkovic-Savic for midfield and maybe David and Hojlund for attack?}
2.) 16 Jun 2023 12:51:24
totally agree ed077- we never do ourselves any favours in the windows though
reading the list above the realistic list sounds good to me.
3.) 16 Jun 2023 15:34:56
Cheers ED077,
Your realistic picks are good choices.
{Ed077's Note - I'm glad you guys like the shouts but I might have jinxed them all now ;-D
26 May 2023 09:39:01
Apologies in advance - but do 4th place have to play qualifying rounds in cl : such a complex web I'm officially baffled.
1.) 26 May 2023 09:57:22
Straight to group stage and pot 2 for United.
2.) 26 May 2023 10:01:24
No, it was done away with years ago for Premier League. We will be in Pot 2 for the draw in August.
3.) 26 May 2023 10:39:20
Makes total sense then to not play first teamers and risk more injuries against fulham.
Id play something like
Butland
brandon maguire dalot malacia
Fred iqbal weghorst
Pellistri martial Elanga
Garnacho, mainoo on the bench along with other younger players.
Let maguire captian the side one last time and give a lot of these players their last game for us.
4.) 26 May 2023 11:21:29
Martial? He will be starting the cup final so very unlikely he plays on Sunday. Wouldn’t have any of the starting line up for the final anywhere near the pitch on Sunday.
Garnacho needs minutes so I would play him for 60 minutes. Unlikely we play with 3 full backs and 1 centre back as well, sure we have a kid that can play. Scott needs minutes so he will probably start, will be an interesting line up and hopefully a few kids on the bench like Gore and Mainoo who won the awards last night.
5.) 26 May 2023 11:30:46
I'm sure there's a not small £ difference between finishing 3rd and 4th. I think Erik will go strong without taking major risks.
6.) 26 May 2023 13:35:12
Yeah, I can see a few reserve players come in, but think the club will want to finish 3rd. Especially since a win at home against a mid table side will guarantee it.
7.) 26 May 2023 18:27:14
£2m difference finishing 3rd. But EtH will want it. I expect Weghorst, Garnacho, Maguire, McTominay, Dalot, Fred and Elanga to get a run out. Mixed with first teamers.
8.) 27 May 2023 10:56:29
That was just a reference lineup.
Whoever in eth mind is in the starting XI should not even be in the squad.
We lost antony and possibly shaw as well for the final. Losing shaw is a big blow.
I wouldn't want to lose anyone else who are the first 11.
The players who start tomorrow will also have a chance to stake a claim for man city final and make the bench.
I have a feeling rashford will start as CF and martial will be on the bench. Martial has done nothing to deserve a starting berth.
I also feel bruno will play RB and mctominay would play in midfield.
Not sure if there are any CBs in the squad, that's why I thought dalot can play CB as he seems to have all the attributes for it.
16 Jan 2024 11:02:39
cheers ed002.
16 Jan 2024 11:02:39
cheers ed002.
15 Dec 2023 15:10:58
Heard a rumour wednesday evening before the newcastle match that they are seriously interested in rashford: this was off a mag with a box at st james - wouldn't think so though?
15 Dec 2023 12:11:57
Shappy - he does split opinion but would argue that he is our best player on form, as he is never on form for long enough periods: it doesn't matter if he is a mancunian either, best, law, charlton, rooney, cantona and so on!
his problem is workrate and application -he wants left wing but won't cross/ pass tries to beat the same man twice and loses the ball - then walks back or if his teamates are lucky, slowly trots. He has got ability but doesn't seem happy to put in the work to let it shine.
Agree there are plenty around him the same but despite having less ability/ skill levels albeit in a different area of the pitch he could learn a lot about applying his skillset from maguire. There is obviously uncertainty throughout the club and that is from the top to the playing side but he is 26 a senior pro and international player who should be doing better by far.
there are others to be sold before him but if, if the offers came in at the figures mooted the club should accept. ps very much doubt it though.
15 Nov 2023 08:48:18
agree with your thoughts shappy on what we need with the exception of 2 cb tbh, but i think that is what we need pdq. Factor in the next couple of windows and we could lose, maguire, lindlehof evans, varane,
midfield- eriksen, casemiro possibly even fernandes, donny
up front, martial, sancho, pellestri, antony.
Really think they could be realistic departures and soon due to form, fitting the play and age which leaves even more gaps to fill both first team and squad players.
06 Apr 2024 17:09:19
angel must admit I am leaning more towards him staying as I think he has had some crap to wade through :at least for another season but can see why the clubs you mention could consider him- after the other results today hope he conjers something up tomorrow as well as the team:)
06 Apr 2024 09:16:36
good article DLIB-
what I would say that hasn't been considered as much, is not a question of getting rid of eth, but what if he simply engineers a move or resigns his post? After all he hasn't had an easy ride during his tenure and with more than a year of uncertainty re buyout and the player issues ronaldo, sancho and rashford as well as a lot of stuff we don't fully know; he might just take time out .
Regarding rashford, this isn't his only season of mediocrity and apart from last year hasn't been the superstar since C.V. hit. last season he had a purple patch in the league 27/ 12 until the game before 7-0 to them. after that 3 in 12 games and 4 before his run . 17 league goals is not a world class return ;new challenge for him and fee and wage saving would be the best thing.
05 Dec 2023 09:15:04
tripplelock- worry about leaks because it shouldn't happen- no counter argument or reason to justify,
agree with the personnel who have come in, but solely down to him idts,
hard to know his man management but regarding grudge;if its sancho you refer to good on him he has been trouble wherever he has been,
agree tactics not working but part of that could be the players not working?
subs awful- totally agree
many coaches at the club but if he relies on the dinosaur mcclaren then also antony agree but he has only been with us 2 seasons
never managed a big club - unlike pep, many managers havent
mcguire love or hate is a success in that he has come back fighting and playing the best he can, lindlehof lacks concentration / ability, degea was time to go 350k and wasnt so saintly with his contract negotiations re fax, varane our darren anderton, sancho ignorant little bighead who i would put on jsa!
add in the ronaldo situ and the task of cleaning the rot from the club, lingard (pogbas partner in crime a) he has had a lot to deal with. He should shoulder some of the blame in fortunes of the club but a lot of crap and amateur ways he inherited. Maybe ralf wasnt as blind as some painted him?
03 Dec 2023 09:21:54
Dodgy re above Newcastle and position
Last season and hopefully this
We were outplayed but still believe a few changes and tactical shifty can improve us dramatically
Drop Rashford get a couple in and sell or loan four or five
It is a lot in jan but can be done
Tell the players straight
Try or you fly.
01 Dec 2023 17:35:32
think burn is out ports-
hope so mumbles agree with shaw comment as well
hope mainoo has a good game and we don't pick up any more injuries because joelinton, guimares are not shy about putting in some harsh fouls. Personally worried more about gordon up against our defenders .