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06 Oct 2020 08:43:02
Hi Ed002, did Filip Stevanovic move during the window, i cannot find any news on him? Thanks in advance.

inhope

{Ed002's Note - No, although one of the offers was from a club where the transfer window remains open. Next year would be more likely for now.}


1.) 06 Oct 2020 09:53:58
According to Andy Mitten the whole deal was false and was never happening.


2.) 06 Oct 2020 10:56:13
you should listen to ed02 not him.

{Ed002's Note - There were three offers for the player.}


3.) 06 Oct 2020 11:55:20
I didn't say I don't believe Ed002. I stated what another Utd source said.


4.) 06 Oct 2020 16:14:29
@Cheshire Red any info on if we’ll try for De Ligt again? Their finances are in an absolute shambles I can’t see how they can survive the way they’re going.


5.) 06 Oct 2020 23:59:12
Prodigal I am rarely genuinely in the know and I deliberately don't set out to ask questions of people I know because, one, we are mates and they prefer a normal life and it feels a bit weird, I also ask when I have been told stuff whether it's sensitive, opinion or an 'open secret' at Carrington. In short, can I talk or not.

Ed 002 is very often a great source of insight and far more likely to be up to speed on actual activity and discussion with agents.

I know nothing other than what I already posted.

The only reason I said anything is because there was so much fake info flying around and media hysteria that just doesn't explain any situation properly or impartially that I did comment. I also went back and checked before I said anything about a source.

We do have a group of lads now moving in the right direction. Work needs doing with Harry because his head is gone because of his summer. Self inflicted to a very minor degree and a terrible way to learn about the limitations that come with his status as a Utd player and captain, but he's very much of today's generation, very naive and not at all streetwise.

World class centre backs are very hard to come by. Right now its Upamecano and is dependent on 2 things going our way. If not, I would expect us to 'Do a Chelsea'. Our net spend is just shy of £80m. We have suffered with a big hit revenue wise, but proportionately nowhere bear as badly as other clubs. don't be surprised with 2 or even 3 big January moves as clubs continue to forecast finances.

So time will tell, however we did not spend anywhere near what we anticpated and sent a strong message by refusing to pay for Sancho. Think back. Dortmund were the ones openly stating weekly the same message. The truth is they expected Utd to crumble, hence in the last 2 weeks no less than 5 different people at Dortmund raising the issue. If it was dead, why don't they STFU, and simply say to the media, move on, not interested in speaking. Utd said norhing whatsoever publicly at any point, and privately briefed only twice to update a previous red line, just to test the water. But they never said Sancho wasnt worth it, they said they wouldn't and couldn't pay that type of fee in a C.V. with finances so unpredictable.

So when in July and August they were getting slated for not getting the deal done, that's because they knew the reality of CV which is now much clearer to everyone else in the world. Lockdown is here to stay.

Dortmund painted themselves into a corner and now coming out saying next year a bidding war. What an absolute load of drivel. Clubs will all be weaker. Every one of them. Us included. Transfers will be worth less again than they were this year. Its a Koulibaly strategy. De laurentis was being open this year that he shouldn't have been so greedy and sold at the optimum value last year. Dortmund risk the same, deluding themselves with past deals driving future prices. As with all investments, depending on market forces, they can go up, OR, in a C.V., they can go down also. Anyone who thinks next summer will be a return to normal is in for a huge wake up call. This financial impact hasn't even started yet! The worst is yet to come.

The next 3 months will be a real barometer for what happens in January, but I will share my expectation.

Firstly, ignore the utter nonsense in the press about next summer. By next summer lots of clubs will be in serious serious trouble. They will be on the verge of panic by Christmas with projected revenues aligned to their progress in Europe.

You can expect ANYTHING if a massive club fails to make the play off stages and Government strategies worldwide do not change on restrictions on fans. Any club out of the UCL or EL losing upto £50m in European money, AND no matchday revenue will be selling either in Jan or summer at latest. Players will have to play their part too.

We wll either bring in 2 players in Jan or 4 major upgrades next summer.

We are still work in progress but we will get better and we have, in my opinion, significantly strengthened in 3 areas. That is by no means a failure of any sort, by the club or the board.

We also shipped Sancez off the books, and Smalling Dalot and Perreira. that's a £41.5m instant gain in the wage bill, fees and loan fees, with £47m in possible permanent fees though I would honestly expect to knock 20 to 30% off that simply due to a global downturn in player valuations as 'long C.V.' hits the news more and realiry dawns that there is no more old normal.

How anyone can call that failure and view that window negatively is beyond me. We are all entitled to our opinion, but I cannot fathom why there is such huge negativity.

Its progress on all fronts. Those are football and commercial facts. We improved the team, invested in the future (as many have commented our under 23s business has been absolutely world class), we continued with lower risk fringe first team acquistions in Pellestri and Dallo, got rid of 4 who were wasting our money and squad numbers and brought 3 great additions in.

I for one am very happy with steps forward. The ones that got away? You can never lose what you never had!


6.) 07 Oct 2020 07:00:07
I stopped reading at "Lockdown is here to stay" if anyone seriously believes people are going to stay locked in a bubble and losing jobs they're deluded. Just let it play out .


7.) 07 Oct 2020 07:20:08
Great read Cheshire, makes a lot of sense.


8.) 07 Oct 2020 08:57:27
Cheshire what a very insightful post it makes a lot of sense i just hope ole can get ruthless and can turn this around because i believe in his process i don't see the point and haven't to start from scratch again with a new manager.


9.) 07 Oct 2020 09:38:26
Completely with Cheshire here - really well explained, informed post.

Whilst I’m gutted at the moment about how the first team are playing (fitness? Mentality? Unrest? Maguire? Pogba? Others probably also? ) I think there is real hope for the future - which fills me with real excitement.

Yes, I’d like us competing now - and, after seeing his benefits for so long, OGS just has to go now, to be replaced by Pochetino, because of his hard ruthless focus and the way he works with younger players - and if we had an Upemecano and a Rice, I think we’d have a team/ squad to compete, but the future - with the right boss and management structure - looks amazing. Maybe the board have been planning 5 years ahead all this time?

Just look at the players who will be maturing together in the next few years (plus younger first trainers now) :

Henderson
Swindon loanee goalie Kovar?

Mengi
D’shon bernard
That new french lad Kuwumbala?!
Jurado plus other one from Real
Williams
Wan Bissaka
Axel Tuanzebe
Fish

Garner
Laird
Shoretire
Hannibal
Pellistri

Traore
Greenwood
Martial
Hugill
Rashford

I think the board did exactly the right thing with Sancho: way too expensive in current climate and didn’t want to come anyway (plus attitude to rules? ) and maybe get him next summer.

Thus we need to tread water for another season or two, with pochetino, trying to stay in the top 4, then go for it after that.

Though obviously this is being consumed by Man United - there are much more important things going on at the moment in the world, so guess we’re lucky just to have a team at all.


10.) 07 Oct 2020 09:46:26
Cheshire red another good read thst and an interesting point of view, nice to see a different take on the situation to be honest.


11.) 07 Oct 2020 14:09:03
Redpaul i think he means the concequences of lock down and none can disagree with that.


12.) 07 Oct 2020 20:27:08
I do indeed Herrera, however the concepts of lockdown are more in respect of restrictions.

One thing very misunderstood is statute. As in the LEGAL responsibilities of a Government. Take for example the legal demands upon the NHS. That is, First, Do no harm. that's a legally enforceable precedent that in essence means, do nothing as a statutory body that may harm citizens.

This in context is where the C.V. is misunderstood. It is also where 'activists' get to play out their agenda often through spin rather than truths.

Its also where democracy kicks in as both a counterbalance to the actions of Government can be challenged, both in free speech but also legally through the courts. Did you know for example, the LEGALITY of lockdown has been challenged twice and found to be not only legal, but proportionate, aligned with the view of experts and necessary actions of Government to protect not only the vulnerable as a lweal requirement, but to protect people from their own inexperienced or poor judgment or bad behaviour. isn't that the very foundation of ANY law or rule?

So when I say lockdown is here to stay, RedPaul, I mean in the context of the legal obligations of a Government first and foremost to protect its tax paying citizens (thats the contractual balance if you like) for the 'service we buy from our taxes'. In essence we devolve responsibility for managing society to a function of Governance, hence the word Government.

They must follow this law, which means doing what is required, crucially NOT what may just be popular. This extends in all forms of Governance, employers having legal teslonsibility for the Health and Safety of Employees. Same basic principles.

In turn if any disagreements between industry, the public, employer or employee bodies can challenge the legality of any decisions taken by Government.

Parliament regulates decisions taken and approves them. This week, parliament reapproved the rolling 90 day legislation for requiring businesses and individuals to follow social distancing and lockdown rules. That takes us to 2021 at the earliest.

There has also been time booked to hear thebsame request in January, and IT WILL, not might, WILL be approved.

The impact, for RedPauls benefit are going to become more, not less severe. There is a new bill going through to give emergency powers at local and national level to require ANy premises, public or private sector to be closed as a result of people not following the rules.

Now before you claim rebellion, just reflect. Would a Government realistically and logically deliberately impose measures it fully knows are going to be massively unpopular and economically damaging without due cause?

Is that logical? Does it make sense to you?

Does it make sense to make things even tougher, knowing it may cause civil unrest and disobedience?

So with C.V., look at the impact on the logistics of football.

Some countries, let's take Germany, have set 20% of capacity limits of bringing fans back in. Other restriction applies such as prioritising only ticket holders you can PROVE come from an area with less than 35 cases per 100k of populus. NO AWAY FANS ALLOWED, period, to restrict travel.

Further, the location of the club must meet that same standard. Right now, every single part of the UK with a premier team fails this test.

In the past week, so too does Germany, if they go another week (they review each fortnight), no more fans again. Germany as of Tuesday was at 35.1 per 100k across the entire country, but it ia rising not falling. Their benchmark is 35! In short, no more fans at all until it falls again. But testing is increasing, so the chance of that is doubtful. More tests, more chances of positives, so do the math.

Utd position. They are planning financially and logistically that fans will be allowed back in MARCH at the earliest. That will be in their quarterly financial statement to investors. That's the true position and the one which has driven their transfers.

They had that view from MAY onwards but legally didn't have to comment in their last financial statement as ALL fans were banned.

Yes they drew down on a £140m facility back in I think, June, but don't quote me on it, and had circa £90m at bank. But we still had staged payments to make on previous transfers at that stage and we had staff to pay knowing they were never going to work for another 3 months at best at that stage. We haven't spent it all, the money will either be returned or IF it isn't, then what might that allude to for January? So pay attention to the forthcomjng statement instead of Sky Splurts and Twatter. For the detail, no better source of the what's happening than our own Ed002. Sondont shoot that messenger.

There was, at that point, a worst case scenario of being back with fans in some type in October, with best case scenario of August. As we all know, that's changed dramatically. Not just here, but everywhere. Utd never bought into that rose coloured specs view, hence their red line on how much to pay but also, crucially, HOW to structure payments. As bad as we want a return to success, do you eant to be patient with a ling term plan, or do you want to put it ALL ON RED. Perhaps we should ask Leeds? Hindsight is a wonderful thing, no?

Track and trace is already proving in France and Germany that cases per 100k RISE in the areas after a football match.

Germany last week banned alcohol. Today Scotland will, partly to try and bring back large gathering events earlier.

All Governments are in new territory, with no roadmap for goodnl or bad decisions. All data is beibg measured to see what works and what doesn't. It's trial an error, and controlled by behaviours not of the sensible, but what I like to call the F@#&wit factor.

There is no doubt alcohol has great impact on social distancing. that's a world wide no brainer, you start off disciplined, then lose inhibitions and misbehave and do stuff you wouldn't do when sober.

Its a bloody nightmare, but it also makes sense. I can honestly say I am less in control after 5 or 6 stellas. I've done it myself. Despite ny sensible self telling me in advance to control my inebriated self. It just doesn't work. My alcohol infused self is an incompetent unreliable simpleton.

New habits are hard to form anyway, trying to maintain a new habit when pissed is something I am yet to master. I doubt I am alone.

So that's why I expect football to be on its arse. Even with fans allowed, matchday revenues greatest friend? Alcohol. Its just not going to happen. Ever tried queuing at any of OTs bars?

We all wanted Sancho at a decent price if we could afford it. But there are two sides to that also. Could Dortmund afford to keep him? Or for us not to buy him?

They lost Hakim back to Real and had to buy in the summer. They are the best supported team in Germany with the highest average attendances.

But they aren't allowed fans back in. Best case scenario for them? 16,000 fans per game from an average gate pf 81,000. That's massively damaging. From just missung 5 games at home, they LOST €12.5m euros.

They lose the ENTIRE €36.6M they generate from renting out siguna park as events are banned for the foreseeable. Despite having a net profit on transfers last year of €40m euros, that's less than HALF their net profit on trasnfers from the previous year. Overall they posted a net loss for that year of €49.7m. Despite only 5 GAMES revenues being lost. This summer window, their net profit on transfers was MINUS €46.3m. AND despite MAKING €40m on transfers.

Sustainable? So you lose €30m in gate receipts, €37m in asset income, carry forward a €49m loss into the season anyway and lose €46m in transfers from your summer net spend? Well you made €40m in transfers the year before and yet you STILL lost €49m. So in a C.V. year woth no fans no matchday revenues an €86m swing in profitability of your previous transfer business, what is your upcoming year looking like?

Thats without the downturn in TV rights, signed in June and worth €10m a year LESS to Dortmund than the previous contract. A final fun fact on that stat. The previous rights issue raised 85% MORE than the previous deal, this deal is 6% LESS than the current deal. Did clubs expect such a downturn in revenues from broadcasting?

In my personal opinion, commercially speaking, we were Dortmunds break even ticket for the upcoming season.
It will be an interesting few months to see how they equally to all other clubs, fare in such turbulent times.


So bearing in mind the general view of Utd's incompetence, one which I don't share, despite my Fan head saying so, my Supporter (google the definition, they're very different), I pose a question.

Would you rather, following the summer window and what is to come, be Man Utd after the window WITHOUT Sancho, or prefer to be Dortmund WITH Sancho right now?

Sadly we don't have the thumbs up or down button any longer, but I welcome other viewpoints on why we should have gone balls out to get something we ALL wanted, irrespective of the consequences.

{Ed047's Note - shappy, read this bad boy and weep! 😉🤣


13.) 07 Oct 2020 22:57:40
Sorry Ed0047, wasnt meant to be a rant, but I just despair of terrible football analysis aligned to commercials where Utd by being commercially sound and managing risk are painted as the ones not to get a 'simple' deal over the line, saying Dortmund were frustrated by Utd not basically doing what benefited Dortmund but put Utd at risk and having been messed around and wronged in some way.

The reality is in my view very different. Dortmunds President was invisible during the summer so people may not know he is an ex politician of German left wing politics, who are leading the anti lockdown protests in Germany despite being the junior party in a coilition. He is deluding himself that Germany can return to normal and work through C.V. instead of social restrictions, which is far more to do with his politics and his imterest as Dortmund president than it is relevant to the popular view of the electorate overall, where the CDU are the party in control of decisions. They're conservative, as in, more risk averse, more financially astute and responsible, and prefer to take pain be criticised if necessary and make unpopular decisions.

Its baffling that NONE of these factors were even touched on during what was not really a transfer saga, it was a massive difference of views on risk, economics and heathcare projections and how their respectivd Governments were liekly to influebce their ability to make money and function normally, between 2 sporting clubs deciding largely on their assessment of their own Government's approach to a C.V.

Dortmund are convinced they will be back to normal in mere months, led by a politician who opposes lockdown, Utd are run by 3 investment bankers, all qualified economists who have access to world class futurologists, political contacts and analysts.

Call me stupid, but trained economists and investment bankers seem a more reliable barometer of risks around finances than a political drum banger whos PERSONAL, not business values appear to be clouding the way they lead and manage their own club.

Ironically, one leader is massively popular with fans, because all is rosy and there is nothing to worry about, the other is despised for not mortgaging the ranch.

Who is more likely to be right?

{Ed047's Note - apologies Cheshire, feel free to say as much as you like, my comment was only a joke in relation to your post outdoing any of his which are normally associated with such length but you outstripped him and then some!

I enjoy reading your posts mate, they are spot on, as I’m pretty certain everyone else does.

So as they say, “fill your boots” and keep them coming! 😁👍🏼


14.) 08 Oct 2020 00:16:52
Bravo Cheshire Red, take a bow. I think your two posts in this thread are the best I have read on this site.

My view is that transfer fees have been beyond ridiculous for a while now. This could provide a welcome reset to the market.

I think you're right that Dortmond got greedy and are perhaps now regretting not accepting our final offer which I understand was £90 million? When you consider what you have explained it seems crazy that we offered that much and Dortmond turned us down.

Wallace has listed some of the younger players we have to look forward to so perhaps now is a time for patience with the expectation that it will soon come good for us. There is solace in this.

The problem still remains with the manager though who worries me greatly. Having a manager who can build something that is greater than the sum of its parts is perhaps more valuable than ever and no way is that Solksjaer.


15.) 08 Oct 2020 14:13:42
Cheshire with some epic posts and a different view. Take a bow mate.


16.) 08 Oct 2020 16:47:00
Doesn't tie in with the normal doom and gloom i'm very surprised 1 or 2 haven't been all over this because if really is at odds with the general mood on thd site.


17.) 08 Oct 2020 17:38:26
Thanks and agree Cheshire Red. The intricacies of the business of football will fly over the head of a lot of our infantile "supporters" but most will understand and agree with you, and why the Sancho costs were rightly refused by the club.
My concerns would be around the new EU state aid package and whether that might be used to prop up the continents football clubs to avoid them having to succumb to PL transfer offers. Brexit happens in January remember, right when the next window opens, and the EU (especially Macron) have gone out of their way to try and weaken the PL many times before.


18.) 09 Oct 2020 10:30:48
Cheers Ed, and I do like Shappys posts, takes his time to explore facts on lot ps the points he makes deapite his passion. don't always agree with his posts, but I do like the varied opinions on here.

Thanks to the otehr lads too, appreciate being heard even if not agreed with.

Prodigal makes a good point too. People may not remember many years ago Real Madrid were on the verge of administration, bailed out to the tune of hundreds of millions of Euros. In theory central government can use state aid for certain types of club structure, but only where they are operated as non profits with cooperative style membership structures. I would have to ask a mate who specialises in that, but I don't at first glance think Dortmund come under those rules as they only have 46% fan based ownership, the rest are corproate shareholders. None own more than 9% but they do still fall unfer rules of 'commerce'. However l, Madrid and Barcelona? Well they would qualify.

More worrying would be the power of regional or local government where the rules are far more circumspect on 'local economic and social value'. Interest free loans, gifts of land worth hundreds of millions, or even special purpose vehicles for shared investments are prefectly legal and, in fact, absolutely normal practice throughout the world, not just the EU. Everton wouldn't be building a new stadium without the gifting of the land as well as commitment of rates reductions, tax breaks and promise investment in transport routes and surrounding infrastruture. No surprise their chairman suddenly found his cash pockets immediately after that decision, leading to him splashing £130m on players even before ancellotti arrived.

Dont be too despondent though. Expect Trafford and Salford to do exactly that when Utd are ready to take the plunge. I estimate 3 to 5 years more of quietly buying up the land before a complete overhaul of plans and New Trafford vision being proposed.

Plus again the board are far from stupid on all these rules across EU or Brexit. I'm told we only bought a player at the time we did for exCtly the reason that after Brexit the deal wouldnhave oresented significantly greater problems relating to both EU and UK rules.

I have seen a lot said lately about Ole on here. I have, as usual I think, a different narrative but I want to do more historic checking to make sure I am not misremembering lots of stories of yesteryear, or indeed soeaking out of turn.

I last saw Ole at his hotel in Stockholm when we won the Europa League. Half the 99 team and around 40 other ex players were there too, all staying at the hotel. I will tell the story when I post.

Prior to him leaving the UK I knew him as a player. Knew him well.

I read opinions on here and all I can say is people just do not know the person they're talking about. He wasn't known as the baby faced assassin for nothing. He has ice in his blood and is a ruthless winner, not often loses it, but you would not want to be around when he did.

He was Roy's closest mate as a player for a reason. But he has control, and a sharp mind. But they share the same drive and intolerance of anything less than 100%

He isnt, and doesn't pretend to be a master tactician. Nor is he interested in being. He will employ people he trusts the judgment of for that, and he won't hesistate if he thinks he has picked the wrong person or there is someone better.

I would be interested to hear some of the views of posters who were around as I was during the pre Fergie years, as well as each of the 3 team rebuils he went through, aimply to see who they thoight was the tactician under Fergie's tenure

I will read with interest.


19.) 09 Oct 2020 17:24:40
I’d put Carlos Queiroz down as the biggest reason for Fergie’s success outside his man management skills. Great post again Cheshire thanks.


20.) 09 Oct 2020 17:47:36
Cheshire its been an enjoyable change to read your posts of late.


21.) 09 Oct 2020 19:16:34
Cheshire

The point you are missing with Ole is that he isn’t a leader. Deadly assassin fine, doesn’t like fools fine. People miss the point about SAF’s genius and that was leadership. He was no tactician and that is one reason he didn’t succeed in Europe as much as he should have done.

Initially SAF built a team with a bond, like with Aberdeen it didn’t need to be technical it was belligerent and well organised, a team together with fight, like the manager, against authority.

SAF relied upon his No2 to do the training, tactics were straightforward. SAF only became more technical when Quiroz arrived but the principles of the 80’s remained.

If your aim is to say Ole is the SAF character and it is others who should dictate tactics then you are missing the point about the personality, character and leadership of SAF which took him to another level. The game has a more technical nature now, the 90’s United would be bypassed as it was at the time when meeting a technical team.


22.) 09 Oct 2020 21:05:12
Cheshire, just want to say fella, your posts in the last few days, and the one's on this thread in particular, have been a breath of friggin fresh air on here. So refreshing to read something genuinely interesting, rather than the stale same old, same old, that's been a feature of the site lately.


23.) 10 Oct 2020 11:14:18
Cheshire Red

Just had chance to read your posts in full, enjoyable read and for someone in the financial field they make logical sense. In answer to your question, I would rather be Man Utd without Sancho but I was saying for weeks we should have walked away from that deal and looked elsewhere. I am actually pleased we didn’t crumble for once and didn’t just pay up the full amount. It will help us in future negotiations, the club we are buying from at least may know we mean what we say, for a change.

A few months ago on here I wrote a piece about how I didn’t think we would have a big net spend due to the impact of CV on finances, particularly revenue but it also affects cash flow, my assessment was correct. There is no doubt there is financial expertise at the club, I have worked with these type of finance people, they are almost always very astute. Their problem has been trying to operate on the football side too much, limited manoeuvre wriggle room due to the leverage (debt) the club is in and from what I have seen, lacked ability to negotiate.

Negotiation is an art, a special skill, one which ordinary financiers are not usually expert in. It’s why we are still dealing with Brexit, previous PM May started from a soft position and we haven’t recovered since, regardless of views, if you start soft you will get a worse deal in any negotiations. Maybe just maybe, the step away from the Sancho deal indicates the club negotiators have learned, or of course the just couldn’t afford it full stop. Whatever, it’s a good clear message we won’t be held to ransom.


24.) 14 Oct 2020 05:53:44
@cheshire, cracking post with loads of things making loads of sense.

To add on, I do remember reading somewhere that evidently Ole had discused with woodward that our recruitment has been terrible, what with going after mercinaries who need to be enticed by the wage packages, which is why we have struggled and evidently this is one of the key things that'been addressed behind the scenes, apparently vdb took either paycut/ same wage to be here and that's the kind a deals they're after.

Have no idea how true or otherwise it is, perhaps u or one of the eds can chip in.


 

 

07 Nov 2018 18:19:33
Can any Ed's give any information on if we are genuinely interested in Hirving Lozano. I've tried the search but found nothing. He is a player I highly rate, very talented and with a great work rate.

inhope

{Ed002's Note - Hirving Lozano was well down the list of LWs that Manchester United saw as a potential Martial replacement last summer. I am surprised you found nothing by searching.}


1.) 07 Nov 2018 20:48:46
That's how far down the list he was ed.


2.) 08 Nov 2018 13:43:59
Do United still have any long term interest in Ryan Sessengon for Fulham. Heard he reluctant to move up north though and wants to stay in the London area.

{Ed002's Note - No that seems to have drifted away.}


3.) 08 Nov 2018 16:59:41
Thanks Ed002 as always.


 

 

21 Jul 2018 11:54:51
A question for Ed002 if possible. You have listed the 4 clubs Pogba has been offered to on the European page. Can I ask if any of those offers were part of deals for players in return? Thanks.

inhope

{Ed002's Note - Manchester United do not want to discuss players being part of any deal at this time - but they may need to start changing that view or it will be difficult to unload the likes of Pogba and Martial.}


1.) 21 Jul 2018 13:54:42
Thanks Ed002, you would think it an obvious option, as they have players we are interested in.


2.) 21 Jul 2018 15:31:13
Ed, do you not think after the World Cup performances from Pogba, MUFC will look to keep him? At least for another season.

{Ed002's Note - Clearly not. The only reason for keeping him will be not being able to sell him.}


3.) 21 Jul 2018 15:03:22
Ed with your reply. it seems like Club is desperate to off load Pogba.


4.) 21 Jul 2018 15:15:59
Maybe it's the fact we don't see the deal the other clubs have offered for both players as acceptable.


5.) 21 Jul 2018 16:29:12
That's surprising that the club won't see a swap as an option. It clearly worked out well when we traded Mkhitaryan and Sanchez.

With the way the prices for players is increasing exponentially, I would have thought player plus cash deals would become more common.


6.) 21 Jul 2018 17:00:39
I'm completely non plussed as to why the club are so eager to see pogba leave I can't understand it at all .


7.) 21 Jul 2018 17:13:40
Pogba was never going to stay long term. We weren’t his first choice when leaving Juve, and the tensions with Jose haven’t helped. I presume that he wants one of the big two in Spain, but they don’t think he’s worth what we’re looking for.


8.) 21 Jul 2018 20:41:31
Ed002 is it the club or JM that wants to sell Pogba if I may ask?

{Ed002's Note - Jim works for the club - he does not make decisions on his own.}


9.) 21 Jul 2018 22:07:05
Thanks for all info Ed - thought-provoking stuff.

So, if United do decide to engage in player exchanges given the astronomical prices of goods/ players now almost rendering cash meaningless - like inflation in a war-torn dictatorship, and supposing Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG might entertain the prospect of taking Pogba, who might they be prepared to exchange, who might we want AND what would the value differential be?

Personally, I'd like to see the following players swapped or exchanged somehow for Pogba:


Real Madrid:


Toni Kroos (player plus cash)
Raphael Varane (swap)
Gareth Bale (player plus cash)
Marco Ascensio (swap)

Barcelona:

Rakitic (player plus cash)
Luis Suarez (player plus cash)

PSG:

Rabiot (player plus cash)
Verrati (swap)

Anyone from Chelsea? Willian?

Wonder if Lazio will do any swapsies.

{Ed002's Note - The point of it for the Spanish sides is that it does not require the effort to sell players.}


10.) 22 Jul 2018 01:12:30
Im surprised u would entertain Suarez i would stay awy from that dude.


11.) 22 Jul 2018 10:33:51
Why doesn't it require the effort for Spanish sides to sell players? I'm always intrigued that the Spanish sides can offload unwanted players so much easier than English sides, especially RM with the wages they offer and playing there being seen as the pinnacle by most players, you would think they would be reluctant to leave and they normally manage to get high fees for the players they want to shift.


 

 

30 Nov 2017 17:55:43
Reports in Spain, that Mourinho flew to Madrid on Wednesday to meet with Griezmann. Any truth in this Ed do you know, or is it just click bait.?

inhope

{Ed002's Note - I don’t know where he was man. My knowledge of click bait may precede yours by a couple of decades. Not really sure what you are referring to but way back Mike Dicken and I were involved in an incident in New York. I doubt that is what you are referring to.}


1.) 01 Dec 2017 12:06:41
RIP Mike Dicken - brief search reveals quite a character!

{Ed002's Note - Mike went quite a few years ago now.}


 

 

02 Jun 2017 10:31:59
With us cooling our interest in Griezmann and our reported interest in Lacazette, who allegedly preferred a move to AM, could it be a temporary arrangement until after their transfer ban, when a swap deal could happen, or is that way to complicated.

inhope

{Ed025's Note - very much so mate..


1.) 02 Jun 2017 13:58:04
Maybe we are trying to apply so pressure on Atleti, we buy Lacazette who they obviously wanted, maybe they will have a word with Grieznamm tell him they don't mind him going, lol.


 

 

 

inhope's banter posts with other poster's replies to inhope's banter posts

 

03 Sep 2023 20:30:28
It is official, i have cancelled my membership, and cancelled my MUTV subscription. I may only normally go to a few games a season, but no more. I will not spend one more penny on Manchester United until the leeches are gone. I may only be a tiny part of the United income but if everybody does the same we will persevere. From tiny acorns. It isn't easy but fans need to boycott games, not buy shirts, spend no money on this club. Results and football no longer matter to me, this is not my club and i will not be part of the Glazers world.

inhope

1.) 03 Sep 2023 20:49:25
Because we lost? Fair play to you but it won’t make much difference.


2.) 03 Sep 2023 21:59:37
I can’t believe its taken so long, and giggs it maybe due to the news that they are not selling. Think about that.


3.) 04 Sep 2023 06:44:20
Nothing to do with the result Giggs, i would happily accept a terrible season if it forced the Glazers out. As i say, its not about football anymore, its about greedy leeches that will run the club into the ground without any remorse. United means nothing to them apart from money.


4.) 04 Sep 2023 07:29:33
What news? Because the Mail on Sunday said it, do you think the Glazers have spoken to them directly and not to anybody else? There is no news, just clickety clickbait.


5.) 04 Sep 2023 11:56:16
inhope, good for you. How about the world of the gangster slavers? If they buy Utd will you hand over your cash to support their sports washing project?


 

 

04 May 2023 23:06:04
Hi all and Ed's, after tonight's game and many more I've watched recently, whether you agree with the handball or not, i am sick to the back teeth of VAR. It is the worst thing to happen to football, and has destroyed any joy in watching, so Ed any chance of a poll, has VAR been positive or negative to the game.

inhope

{Ed033's Note -


VAR poll


1.) 04 May 2023 23:22:29
Why are you sick of it? It was a fair decision, which wouldn't have been given, if VAR didn't exist. Fair is fair.

The other thing is if the tool is used correctly or not, and to me, it seems VAR often isn't used fairly to every club. But that is up to people, not the tool.


2.) 05 May 2023 00:05:44
Leading to the handball comes from a laughable free kick and yellow for Shaw on Encisco, followed by a very suspect corner. Everything was made possible for a brighton win by whoever. Some people maybe are trying to make the CL spots as dramatic as possible to the last day for the paying public as let's be honest, after the utter fragile mentality bottle job by Arsenal the title will be City's so they need the drama elsewhere.


3.) 05 May 2023 08:34:09
Trolo, in modern football, yes it was handball but without VAR it isn't noticed and nobody would have been complaining. My point though is the overall use of VAR, the game is being clinically examined in slow motion, and nobody has any idea what decisions are going to be made, look at the red cards for Casimero and the decisions like Jota, its a farce. In the good old days refs made mistakes but had the excuse they only get one look, now they study it in detail and are still useless. The game should only be refereed in real time.


4.) 05 May 2023 09:57:17
The thoughts behind VAR are great, it's the implementation of it that's shocking poor. The penalty last night was a penalty in the grand scheme of things. They're back into the habit now of not wanting to overrule anything the on pitch ref does. Jota and Nunez (I'm just picking these as they are the last games I watched) prime examples. Straight red and no penalty should have been the outcome.

The sporadic nature of their decisions is what causes people to lose it. Like I said the handball last night was the right decision, but the monitor Mariner looked at had the incident freeze framed as it hit his hand. No other angles, no time to see if maybe Shaw was pushed.

Casemiros two red cards were the same. Freeze fram with him with his hands close to the other players neck. Or freeze framed on him making contact with the players leg. They look terrible in the pictures but in both instances, they weren't bad at all.

I'm not crying saying we've had it rough, just using examples as to why right now, it's a joke.


5.) 05 May 2023 10:18:42
Mumbles is spot on. We brought in VAR because the referees are incompetent. However, we then put the incompetent people in charge of VAR and wonder why it hasn't improved anything.

VAR isn't the problem, it's the poor officiating that's at the root of the issue.


6.) 05 May 2023 10:31:03
Good post Mumbles.


7.) 05 May 2023 10:56:20
I am against VAR, it is sucking the fun out of the game. When a goal is scored, instead of instant celebration we are now looking to see if it is going to be allowed, sort of takes the edge off the excitement.

If VAR is to be used then it should not be slowed down, as it can makes things look a lot worse than they actually are. The incidents should be shown from all possible angles but in real time.


8.) 05 May 2023 11:02:58
It wasn't as bad as the refereeing in the FA Cup semi which was worse imo. The standard is dreadful at the moment. VAR will only look at particular incidents depending on who is monitoring.
For instance Sancho was taken out in the Brighton penalty area last night off the ball maybe 80ish minute of the game, nothing, no mention/ no VAR. Another example against Palace where Casemiro gets a red, Fred gets grabbed and literally slapped round the face by Ayew, yet they don't even look.
The Nunez penalty at Fulham which the referee now says he should'nt have given (and don't think there was any contact at all) wasn't overturned by VAR. The standards are shocking.
Maybe there is a benefit in our manager screaming in 4th officials faces (who don't make any decisions but might be refereeing your next game or the 1 after, either way planting a seed) and getting more favourable decisions. In the bigger picture its no wonder the players begin and learn the behaviour at grass roots and youth level if they see it benefits them.


9.) 05 May 2023 11:09:16
Its always going to be a difficult on subjective issues like handball or fouls.

Perfect for yes or no decisions like goal line tech or offsides.


10.) 05 May 2023 11:32:54
There was no doubt last night about the decision though. It was a clear and obvious handball and penalty. Right decision made, and the best team deservedly won the match.

Watching us grimly hold on for a 0-0 I thought was rather pathetic, and I hope it’s given Erik and his coaching staff a harsh lesson.


11.) 05 May 2023 11:45:25
Whichever system is used most aspects of the game will always come down to human judgment, which means that controversy is inevitable. The more incompetent and inconsistent the refereeing the more controversies there will be. For example, any other ref and Casemiro probably receives a second yellow last night, but maybe, having been involved in both his last 2 red cards, on this occasion he erred in favor of the player. That's football. For 20 years everyone complained that the refs erred in our favor. Okay, so referees are incompetent, but has it ever been different?

Last night's result was not down to the refereeing but our failure to put the ball in the back of the net, and to too many players making bad decisions, failing to come to the ball, failing to pass or pass accurately with the right weight, being weak in the tackle and a general inability of the team to gain and keep possession after de Gea gets his hands on the ball. It doesn't seem to matter whether we try to play it out of the back or kick it long.


12.) 05 May 2023 11:59:08
Get ex players in who played at the highest level who actually understand the game and give them proper training with VAR then turn it over to them. Also change the rules so that common sense can prevail. For example there isn't a footballer alive who hasn't used his arms to gain upwards momentum. You just cannot jump high unless you use your arms to propel you. So don't make it handball when a player totally inadvertently touches the ball with his hand when trying to jump to head a ball away.


13.) 05 May 2023 14:30:50
Echoing what a lot of people said, the main problem with var is that the standard of refs, particularly consistency, is shocking, and they’re the ones in charge of it.

I always compare it to rugby. The refs in rugby use video as a tool to help them make better decisions. They transparently discuss incidents and clearly explain their decisions. Common sense and judgement is applied. In football, the refs use var to avoid making decisions themselves. They point at the video and use it to shirk responsibility.

Last night was var applied correctly. The ref missed a blatant handball. Looked at the video and corrected his mistake.


14.) 05 May 2023 16:42:01
I agree the correct decision is made but VAR does not scrutinise everything that happens in the penalty area. It's very select. And regardless of the correct decision it shouldn't have been a free kick then a suspect corner from the free kick that lead to it. Antony went down exactly the same way minutes before when sandwiched by 2 brighton player before Rashford was also pulled back. Neither a free kick by Andre Mariner let alone a yellow card, within minutes of each decision, the level of consistency within even minutes of a game is farcical.


 

 

16 Feb 2023 21:01:33
For a minute tonight i thought Barcelona wanted me to play for them, when they said they were bringing on Fati and Balde.

inhope

{Ed002's Note - I thought they meant me.}


 

 

21 Apr 2022 21:21:55
What sort of football fan does bomb threats, whether real or fake, against a player. Some fans make me sick. Personal opinions of a player are just that, personal, even if you get lots of people who agree with you does not make it fact. Managers and coaches are the only people whose opinions count. All players have a chance to prove themselves under a new manager. Personally, i have always thought Rashford is massively overrated, but i will trust Ten Hags knowledge, over mine and if he rates him and includes him in his plans, i will support that choice.

inhope

1.) 21 Apr 2022 23:33:57
Good post mate.
Every player gets a clean slate according to the manager. Imo that is the correct approach.
If he can inspire martial and he becomes a great player for us then I'll be delighted. (We'll be able to charge more for tickets for pilgrims to watch the match on the site of a miracle ?)
Same goes for any player.
He is the guy in charge he knows what he needs and what attributes his players need so some players may be discarded for that reason alone.
I am really looking forward to seeing how some of our existing players improve. I for one think a few fans will be surprised by who improves working for a proper coach in a proper environment.
Can't wait to see how he goes about his business.


2.) 22 Apr 2022 01:20:15
Cant wait for him to start and I think he will be really good for us.

I hope we get Antony in from Ajax aswell, he is going to be a top top player.


3.) 22 Apr 2022 06:57:42
Ken, it’ll be unpopular opinion but I think Fred will thrive under ETH!
Exciting like you said, only way is up!


4.) 22 Apr 2022 09:22:01
The police said it was a dud and they found no bomb either.


5.) 22 Apr 2022 09:43:18
Players who will improve because of good coaching is one thing and is to be applauded. Players who improve because they like this manager but couldn't be arsed for last 18 months is something different altogether.


6.) 22 Apr 2022 09:55:30
We as fans all love our club and rightly get annoyed/ upset when the chips are down. We might even Blame players, especially ones who don't appear to be trying as hard as we would expect or like with Maguire comes out in an interview and either blatantly lies or shows a shocking sense of self-awareness.

It's perfectly okay to be annoyed at that, even angry (although I'd advise against it as it gets you nowhere) .

However, threats of violence towards what is effectively an entertainer is never acceptable. There is a line and people as a member of society have a responsibility to know where that line is and not to cross it. It's not particularly difficult, anything considered illegal is definitely across that line.

So it's pretty much idiot proof. Which means ignorance is not an excuse.


7.) 22 Apr 2022 13:34:48
Maguire has certainly entertained us this season Shappy! Although not in the way he is paid to. fair points on what he's been through though, it's only a game isn't it.
I don't think Fred is going to ever going to be the most skilful but he's won me over. His work rate and attitude are spot on from what I can see and I reckon he's the kind of player any manager would love. Still a bit of ambiguity on his position, with Rangnick stating last month he's been pigeon-holed as a defensive midfielder when he has typically been more attacking at his previous club and for Brazil, yet Rangnick himself still refers to him as a defensive player in press conferences.


8.) 23 Apr 2022 07:47:01
Isnt Fred more box-to-box than DM, won't him and Donny be fighting for that position next year.


9.) 23 Apr 2022 12:17:00
Fred will not be a regular under eth imo. Technically not up to scratch at all.


 

 

30 Oct 2021 10:27:43
It is incredible the furore this week about Ole and his management skills. It is almost like people up until this week, thought he was a competent manager, fit for the United roll.

Me, i knew 2 years ago, he was a waste of space, destined to drag us down. He is a decent ex player but a poor manager, to me that was obvious.

You have to wonder why our board gave him the job, and then more bafflingly, extended his contract.
To sum up, everything from the failed manager up, is not fit for purpose at our club. We are years from any success.

inhope

1.) 30 Oct 2021 13:41:27
They gave him the job because there was no one else out there who was both qualified and actually wanted it. The problem, as I have been saying for a decade, is the ownership and the board.

They are not liked (because they are not likable), they are incompetent in footballing matters, and above all they have run the club conspicuously as a financial and marketing company rather than a footballing enterprise.

Clubs have always been owned out of vanity by rich people, but United doesn't even have that. It's pure business. Outsiders know there is no worthwhile project to believe in. It's a soulless venture and if repeated would be the death of the traditional bonds between clubs and supporters. (see European Super League) .


2.) 30 Oct 2021 15:17:15
I'll play 3-5-2 of bailly, lindlof, verane. Shaw and Dalot as wing backs. Matic at DM and Bruno, Sancho or DVB behind Cavani and Ronaldo/ Greenwood up top.
If we're our of possession, then the two wing backs should tuck in.


 

 

 

inhope's rumour replies

 

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15 Feb 2024 11:08:09
Hi Ed002, do you think there is a chance of us recruiting any of that team from Brighton? Thanks.

inhope

{Ed002's Note - No, they are largely no longer at Brighton.}


 

 

Click To View This Thread

31 Aug 2023 19:46:10
Not exactly sure Trafford but football people like to use stats to rate players, maybe they could just read forums to get expert reviews like your own.

inhope

 

 

Click To View This Thread

31 Aug 2023 16:00:52
Ahmad, In 2022 season Anthony ranked 4th on the chamions league expected assists. The lack of assists last season is more to do with not having a striker than anything else, i don't get it why so many United fans just want to pick a player to hate on. Give everyone a chance with a striker in the team for the first time in a long while.

inhope

 

 

Click To View This Thread

21 Jan 2020 15:10:56
Ive heard the same thing about the toaster Boyfromburrenway, but apparently Argos want £40 and Ed won't pay more than £25, so the deal has fell through.

inhope

 

 

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16 Jan 2020 18:20:51
Amazing in depth reply Ed002, that is why we only look on here for news and not in the fiction media.

inhope

 

 

 

inhope's banter replies

 

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11 Jan 2024 06:28:51
Talksport should just change its name to Talksh~t along with most sports journalism.

inhope

 

 

Click To View This Thread

15 Dec 2023 08:35:58
Sorry, but most of the OP is just ranting nonsense. Using names like Johnstone, Gomes, Fosuh-mensa, Mengi, Tuanzabe, Garner and Henderson as examples of bad club decisions, come on that is just names to pad out your 3.18 per season stat. Others like Wan Bissaka, Fred Casimero are only bad in some peoples opinion.
No Doubt the club has made mistakes, and the structure is the biggest change needed but just throwing names around for numbers is ridiculous.

inhope

 

 

Click To View This Thread

06 Dec 2023 08:24:00
When have you seen Rashford tracking back Shappy? For a few years now all I've seen is a lazy, weak one dimensional player, his goals last year papered over some very big cracks. If we can get anything for him i would sell him in a heartbeat.

inhope

 

 

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29 Nov 2023 16:36:02
I think the OP was more just a way to slag off Antony than any real tactical thinking.

inhope

 

 

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05 Nov 2023 13:39:17
If the decision for offside yesterday is ultimately correct, i still believe the incompetent officials are in someway biased or corrupt. Certain VAR decisions are always interpreted against us, when a similar offence in our favour Var does not intervene. I honestly believe if we had scored that Newcastle goal yesterday they would have disallowed it, they would have either called the ball out or given the foul on the defender. At some point you have to question why referees interpret things differently depending on the team. Maybe they get free holidays in Abu Dhabi or something but they certainly are not balanced in their decisions.

inhope