The rumour of Frank Lampard to Manchester United has been doing the rounds again, a year after we first heard the Chelsea vice-captain was linked to us. Back then, Lampard had 18 months remaining on his contract and it appeared as though the club were still keen to negotiate an extension. Still, with time running out, there was some speculation that Chelsea would be prepared to sell him to recoup some money, rather than allow him to leave on a free the following year.
Ferguson was asked about the chances of a deal being done. He was quick to dismiss the reports whilst still flattering the player, calling him one of Chelsea’s best players.
“You are not going to tell me Chelsea would sell Frank Lampard to Manchester United in January. Do you really believe that?” he said. “There is no foundation to that. Chelsea are like us. They want to do something. The second half of the season is going to be important to them. If they want to try and win the league they will need to have all their best players.”
A year has gone by and now it appears as though Lampard will definitely be leaving Chelsea. They have recently adopted the policy which only allows them to extend the contract by a year if the player is over 30-years-old and no doubt would be reducing the player’s wages. Lampard’s agent has confirmed that Chelsea won’t be offering him a new deal, likely because they are not prepared to meet the wage demands, so he’s looking for a new club.
The obvious move would be one abroad, after spending years kissing Chelsea’s badge and breaking a host of records at the club. The fans at Stamford Bridge refer to him as a “legend” so it’s hard for players like that to remain in the same league. LA Galaxy had been tipped as favourites and the move to America would suit his career well. He would get a longer contract, meaning he had greater security, and they’d no doubt pay him top dollar.
However, United have apparently made enquiries about the possibility of him joining us, which gives Lampard a lot to think about. Whilst he won’t want to sour his reputation at Chelsea, how many players get the opportunity to play for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United? He’s not an idiot. These are once in a lifetime offers and with his playing career coming to an end, is he really prepared to miss out on something as big as United?
Another issue is the fact he has a fiancee and children based in England, making a move abroad not as simple as it would look, particularly one that is an 11 hour plane journey from London.
Whilst it’s now apparent that the club are interested in signing him, what should the fans make of it?
We’ve been here before a few summers ago when the manager made the bonkers decision to bring in Michael Owen. Whilst our feelings of dislike for Lampard come nothing close to how we felt about the former Liverpool player, they are comparable in the sense that both players were strongly associated with a rival, one historically and one for the title, and both are past their best.
Still, Lampard has managed 10 goals for club and country this season, which shows there’s life in the old dog yet. I suppose the fact five of those have come from the penalty spot makes more sense of that statistic, but the two goals he scored away at Everton in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory a couple of weeks ago are nothing to be scoffed at. It’s more than any of our players managed at Goodison Park!
“Thirty-two now is not what it was 10 years ago,” Lampard said in 2011. “Hopefully I can perform well into my thirties. The Giggses, Scholeses have all gone on and played well into their later 30s. I would love to be able to do that.”
There’s probably another season or two that you could have from him that would be worth taking him for. He’ll get you a few goals, add something to the midfield and give us an option. If it’s a choice between playing Giggs in the centre of midfield or Lampard, I know which I’d go for.
Why we took the gamble on Owen, and why we’re interested in Lampard, is because what comes with signing players of that calibre, even if they’re not as good as they used to be, is professionalism and experience. Having players who have been there, done it and won it all are great to have in the dressing room, particularly when you’re keen to bring through young talent as we are.
I don’t like Lampard, it’s rare for fans to have any time for the best players who represent your title rivals, but I wouldn’t be totally opposed to the signing. He’s no John Terry or Luis Suarez. He has a big decision to make and if he decides that he will risk the wrath of Chelsea fans to play for Manchester United, then he’ll go up in my estimations. If he fancies an easier (and better paid) life in Los Angeles, then fair play to him.
Either way, it’s not something for us to get too worked up over. I’d rather us have a player of his quality and experience in the squad than not, but on the shopping list of ideal midfielders, he would feature a long way down. He would have to be on reasonably good money, which would make sense given that we’d get him on a free, but I would rather we spent that on a player approaching his peak, rather than one that is past it.
Time will tell…
Man Utd News 24/7
it would be strange to see him in a united shirt
maybe if giggs and scholes retires this year it would make sence good cover for a free transfer
I’m really split on this one. As Scott says, there is no doubting his experience and the fact he’s a goal-getter, but even 5 minutes ago I saw on Sky Sports News the replay of him scoring his second goal against Everton and he slides over to the fans having kissed the badge. Maybe Owen was more hated but it still doesn’t mean we can immediately ‘like’ cunts from our rivals.
If he’s free and on a short contract, I can think of worse signings, but would he send the wrong message to some of our developing players? Clevs/Ando will be pushing for that slot next to Carrick week in week out so it ‘could’ cause some issues?
As I said, really not sure!
maybe if he scored a few important goals like owen against city
Scott are you drunk?
What would Lampard offer to our team that Cleverly, Carrick, Anderson, Fletcher and Kagawa can’t???
We have more than enough experience in our dressing room, and plenty of experienced Winners – Giggs, Scholes, Rio, Evra, Carrick, Van Persie, Rooney
How can anyone not oppose this pathetic signing? Yes he has a knack of scoring from midfield, probably the best record for a central midfield player but i’ve never taken to lampard,i’ve alway preferred midfield players that can control the tempo of a game. Lampard is one of the many reasons england struggle in tornaments, he’s an attacking midfield player suited to making
Runs than controlling a game. He will not improve united in the sense of what’s needed, he will be another pointless signing that could prove a stumbling block for players coming through. Add frank lampard and united look even more lethargic and pedestrian in midfield, the club needs to promote its younger midfielders whilst also purchasing and maintaining the quality we already have. Me being against this hopeless transfer has nothing to do with rivalry, i just don’t see what improvememts he brings to the team, i don’t see fergie sanctioning this and hopefully i am right.
Fucking hell i hope we don’t sign him. He’s too old for a start. Giggs and Scholes are legends of the club and came through the ranks so we get behind them and wish they could carry on forever but getting a 34 year old Lampard…. fuck off. What about all the youngsters who are gagging for a chance to shine ( just like the likes of Giggs and Scholes all them years ago ) whats to say one of the youngsters doesn’t do a Giggs and plays for us for 20 years or so. Fuck Lampard and his ugly bird.
Bobby – replying to your comment from the other page. Welbeck is near to being the top player he can be, his all round game is as top notch as you will find in europe. It’s his composure that’s lacking and perhaps tnat extra experience to get into position to score more but he hasn’t played regularly in his position and that doesn’t help consistency. I agree with costas saying he’s past the loan stage, he’s a fully fledged internaional, such a move would affect his confidence. I dismissed this rumour when i first saw it and i am doing so again, welbeck has the quality and temprament to be a regular at united and we need to be patient.
Isn’t it about time we actually addressed our midfield problems with youth? I actually like Lampard as a character and player but he’s not what we need.
Should’ve signed Becks up for the remainder of the season, the day after he left galaxy and put Tony V on the bench due to poor form. Not Frank Lampard!
I agree with SAMUEL – UNITED WE STAND,
I don’t mind Lampard, he seems one of the best out of a horrible shower of arsewipe at Chelsea but we don’t need him. We’ve got enough experience in the dressing room, even if one or both of Giggs and Scholes go and we need to be developing players like Cleverly and Powell et al.
Signing Lampard would only be good in order to make the rent boys go apoplectic. Michael Owen’s signing was worth it just for the 4-3.
No no no no no no no and no
I would prefer strootman or sneijder but its the gaffer who has the final say
Someone told me that he is not a jerk because he plays in Chelski, but that he is jerk who plays in Chelski…if we sign him..it will be interesting that SAF have no the same opinion of him like most of United fans…eather he dont care about a caracter of player, eather fans talking bullshit about Lampard…
Not a fan of this. He’s a great player, no doubt. But who is he gonna “steal” valuable playing time and experience from occasionally? Clev, Ando, Powell, Tunnicliffe, Lingard, Petrucci? we have many players like Lampard eager for a chance in the first team. I don’t see signing Lampard doing any good for especially Powell, and I’d rather let him get some chances. We have plenty of rutine in the dressing room with giggsy, rio, vida and scholes.
Simply no need for him. He’s a good player whos available, but that shouldn’t put him in contention for a spot in our team. No thanks
aside from that, shameful shit how Chelskji treat one of their iconic players
Chelsea are looking to replace Lampard with Fellaini – why should we get their cast offs when we could go for Fellaini? Or Strootman? Or, better yet, get some cover for Carrick in Wanyama?
Carrick is so vital and with Fletcher’s condition has no understudy, so we essentially have one CM spot up for grabs. Why give that to Lampard when we have Clevs and Anderson?
whilst one cannot argue that lampard is a quality player, I would rather give the u21 some more playing time. also doesn’t look too good for the youths if the gaffer is signing players that are 30+ rather than giving them a run. whilst he would chip in his fair share of goals, i think it would hinder the ambition of some players who would seek playing time elsewhere ala pogba.
where are the days were games that were won and dusted, would have some youth introduced in the last 20mins?
sadly it has become quite a rarity to see the likes of tunnincliffe on the bench
I like Frank Lampard just fine. He has been a phenomenal talent since he was 16 or so and it is more association with some real scumballs at Chelsea that taints him. Quality player, nutter family. But this is not a Henrik Larsson type player. Frank has history that hangs off him like his extra pounds.
I’m sorry, but we just don’t need another 34ish midfielder who will only get a few games. We need to focus on getting our up and coming players like Cleverley Jones and Kagawa more game time and then getting some new blood that will build the team when Scholes and Giggs retire. We need to make decisions on Powell Petrucci and Tunnicliff.
Won’t get us any shirt sales either….. unless some pissed supporter wants to burn it in fun….
This is not a serious story in my view. Just some journo taking the piss if you buy into it.
If he has designs on coming to United and if he is wanted by the man who matters,then he should instruct his agent to negotiate a buyout price for the remaider of his contract and jump ship now.I’m pretty sure he is more than capable of playing the def mid role and it would solve our problem area..Were it up to me I would be in like a rat up a drainpipe for him.
PS. If you like this sort of thing, then you will jump for joy when you hear that we are in for Ash Coles
as well. [hangs head in dispare] Hope the club installs metal detectors at the entrance to the players lounge….. just sayin.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/422260/20130109/ashley-cole-frank-lampard-chelsea-manchester-united.htm
ITS A FILLER PEOPLE! Nothing in it!
Would take Baines >>>>>> over Cole (even if there wasn’t the personality problem)
Thanks, but no, thanks!!!!
Lampard is not what we need…period!!
With ando we had a double fatty midfield
are you for real?!
I am OK with it as I don’t think our club will sign a young established midfielder in the summer. As Costas said above it’s time we addressed our midfield problem with someone young but will we? So Frank atleast gives us another option.
Jesus, this Wanyama hype is ridiculous. He plays in the SPL for Christ’s sake.
Rather talk about The Derby:
Man United (40 major trophies & 33 major titles (League 19 EuropCup 3 FA Cups 11)
Liverpool (41 major trophies & 30 major titles (League 18 EuropCup 5 FA Cups 7)
Let’s be having it! OOOOH Yessssss!
Man utd is too big a club for lampard. I don’t know how i will feel seeing him in our shirt. We don’t need himmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
He will be a damn sight more valuable to us than Larrson at two years older ever was.
great player who also comes across as a nice guy and a strong personality.
i wouldnt mind him coming seeing he still scores goals for fun in the prem and is a big game player…our midfield lacks goals and he could provide it…
why not?
hes the most respectable english player in england…and yes that includes rooney,gerrard,cole terry and the other english thugs in the national team
NO, THANKS! I mean – if he was like 29-30 ys old, then NO / with his age, it is NO again (Terry in disguise …?) And to alternatives: Wanyama simply IS a very good player (to Kanche´ s post above!), my 1st choice would be Bender – but NOT the one in the spot light atm, but his bro LARS from Leverkusen, good (enough!) player!
@Zigoo
Where will you fit lampard in our present team. Can’t believe the number of our family advocating for this. We need younger and hungrier talents.
Can only see this happening if Scholes, Giggs and Fletcher all retire for one reason or the other this summer. That would put us in need of an experienced centre mid.
If lamp is not good enough for chelksea, he isn’t good enough to be linked to man utd. My opinion of course.
we need someone different, someone hat gives us drive, a fletcher type player, I do think strootman would be a perfect buy, it takes the pressure off carrick and cleverly, and adds some more depth to the CM, which is worryingly thin. Especially with fletcher and andersons fitness problems
we don’t need anyone new to take the mantlepiece for experienced midfielder once to 2 legends go. We’ve got Carrick and the rest of the midfielders in our first team squad are hardly youngsters. All experienced (apart from arguably Clevz)
Haha fat frank? I doubt this deal would happen. But one can only dream of fat frank at carrington teaching our young midfielders the art of deflecting the ball into the net. The pie shops in Manchester must be ecstatic.
Geez. We hav Carrick as an experience midfielder to look up to
Lampard is not good for us
I got an idea for a “project” Bid for Andres Iniesta! Much more down to earth than Ronaldo and would work a treat in midfield.
If not him Keano still looks fit ! Ha!
The Final 3 Mins- Man United v Bayern Munich 1999- Rare Pitch Side footage
Have a look at this, via Stever Mercer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC_f9CB1Pmg
@markdegea
As has been quite clearly outlined, it’s not a case of being ‘not good enough’ for Chelsea. His departure from there is due to wage structures and contract policies regarding players of a certain age.
Engage brain.
Incidentally, does anyone know Lewis Holtby’s preferred decision? If there’s any chance his arrival at Spurs could unsettle Sandro (long shot), we should be prepared to do a lot to get hold of the Brazilian.
Wouldn’t want him, Why not play ando instead of lamps???
Anyone think there is any foundation to this?
imagine what having fat frank and ando would look like in midfield… Would look like a burger king advertisement!
@kanchelskis.
Noted man. Thanks for that. But do you really want lampard in our team?
Not a cm but an attacking midfielder and he is not as good as the ones we currently have in that position
@Kanchelskis – He’s joining Spurs on a free transfer I believe
With regards to Sandro, I just don’t think Fergie’s interested in that type of player. He either believes he can find one within the club (Anderson, Tunnicliffe), or he simply wants to play without one.
Talking about mf, i really like the look and play of sven bender of dortmud. What do y’all thinK?
@Sparkz
Whoops, I meant ‘position’; I know the deal with Spurs is done. But Sandro’s not just ‘that type of player’. He’s a good tackler, but he’s also rangy and pacy and can offer something further up the pitch. I genuinely believe with a couple of years’ work he could be the PL’s next Yaya Toure.
@markdegea
If the role in the squad was very clear to him, Fergie and the other players, then I don’t see what harm it would do. In all honesty, he’s not really an attacking midfielder any more. He can influence the game from a deeper role, as well as getting forward every now and then for goals. If you were looking at an authentic 4-2-3-1, I think he’d be a better partner for Carrick than anyone else in our team at the moment.
So what do u think will be our line-up against liverpool?
De gea
Ferdinand. Evans
Rafael. Evra
Carrick. Cleverley
Valencia. Young
Kagawa
RVP
The real question is:
Can we still call him a fat bastard if he comes to United?
@Kanchelskis – I agree mate, that box to box, energetic centre mid. But Fergie just doesn’t seem to be interested in that type of player atm, or surely he would’ve made a move last summer. I could be wrong though.
As for Holtby, i think he plays higher up (will probably play in behind Defoe/Adebayor)
markdegea – I would play chico, livepool are weak in all area’s of the pitch, and with the way RVP and hernandez have been playing, those 2 have to play. But has long as scholes and giggs do not start, I think united can pick apart liverpool, especially with the defense allot tighter, and the way united hit teams with numbers, united can score at will
@markdegea
You really believe Fergie when he says Rooney won’t be fit? Naaah, I reckon his name’s on the teamsheet already. Him instead of Kagawa in your lineup.
@rafael
Depends if frank knocks about with ando at meal times….
‘please sir, can i have some more’
Fat frank lumplard – the king of deflected goals. I would hate to see him at United. Seriously. Massively over rated i think.
Sparkz – there are a few about, and he should look for one, to give the team something different to what we got, heck it beats continue to use scholes in midfield, who really looked his age against west ham. I really do get concerned with the lack of depth in the engine room, beyond cleverly and carrick.
Oppty for Powell, Lingard, Petrucci > Lampard.
nah I’d pass (his penalty taking ability is the only things that makes me wanna see him in the red shirt in a PK shootout at a champions league game)
That fucking jammy rag the Sun putting up images of Howard Webb in a united jersey fucking ABU cunts add fuel to the fire for Sunday trying to pressure him into giving us fuck all again. honestly i wouldnt piss on the sun hq if the fucking gaf was on fire. In fact the steam off my piss would be a step to far for those fucks.
@kanchelskis Wazza will play im sure of that if theres one game hell break a bollocks to be fit for it will be against those fuckining in breds.
@kanchelskis, news have it that rooney will returns against west ham. But as we all know, anything can happen with saf in charge.
@fergie is the boss, staring scholes and giggs will be ………… Don’t want to say anything ♠…ℓ☺ℓ…♠.
@Fergie Is The Boss – Yeah we defo lack the power/engine in there at times. In terms of creating and passing, we’re nicely covered. Just need that steamroller in the middle of the park to give us the full blend.
The way we’re getting around it atm is by making use of Cleverley’s energy and having Rooney drop deep to become an extra midfielder.
Hasn’t Rooney been given compassionate leave because of his sister in law’s death? Won’t have trained much, and we all know what he’s like when he’s rusty. Can’t see him playing tbh.
@sparkz. True talk
We need that all round mf to drive the team forward and thus give rooney licence to do what he does best. Scoring goals.
@Sparkz
Yeh, good point. I’d forgotten about that. I worry about starting Kagawa in a game as big as this just yet. He was largely bullied out of the game – not the for the first time – against West Ham, and to be perfectly honest I can see Lucas keeping him fairly quiet (yep!). If Rooney’s not available, I think we’re more likely to see RVP dropping in behind either Hernandez or Welbeck, than playing Kagawa.
Sparkz – we are just lacking depth, has beyond carrick and cleverly, is only scholes and giggs, as fletcher seems he is not ready, and anderson is never fit. so I am a little concerned if we lost cleverly or carrick to injury, fergie will then turn to guys like scholes and giggs who are one of the reasons why some sides are capable of counter attacking us at will, as the spurs and newcastle games were a perfect example.
@markdegea I would go with line-up but under ONE condition:
Kagawa MUST BE AGGRESSIVE. He has looksed passive in nearly all the games he has played for us. He is MUCH MUCH MUCH better than that. When he turns it on there are very few players who can stop him and NONE of them play for Liverpool.
If that doesn’t work out then Chicharito should be on as soon as possible. It is these kind of games that I love Chicha coming off the bench rather than starting. Taking advantage of tired, worn out Liverpool players in the late minutes.
One glaring disaster-in-waiting at Chelsea is a benitez meltdown. Sir Alex gleefully awaits.
Lampard to United? It’s just another straw on their beast-of-burden’s back.
Hors d’oeuvres to be served shortly.
@dannysoya,
Just like the way the boy kags plays, i hope he settles in quickly. The boy can be unplayable.
Friends answer this funny question please.
What shall it profit a man to slap Usain Bolt and run away? ♠…ℓ☺ℓ…♠.
Guys. Take nothing forgranted in life.
I used to hate Michael Owen like hell but when he scored that fabulous goal vs City I cried with joy !
Who on Earth thought that we will see Michael Owen with our special no 7 Shirt ? So pack it in my friends.
If Lamps comes to us welcome him with open arms. After all he’ll be wearing our beloved Utd shirt won’t he ?
Rd54 says:
With ando we had a double fatty midfield”
I bet anderson is in a better shape than you though, it’s always the pot bellied yetis that take cheap shots at a player.
dannysoya,- I just think the form hernandez has been in, he must play, his movement and ability to score crucial goals cannot be benched. Plus he has earned his place in the starting 11, and the amount of goals he has got, it would be foolish to leave the boy out.
@markdegea
that’s funny, I don’t know, everyone needs an exercise?
this is also funny
sturridge stuck in the timewrap,
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2013/01/09/3659495/cartoon-of-the-day-sturridge-stuck-in-liverpool-time-warp?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_8
samuel – the last time I checked, anderson was showing a six pack
Zulu – what relevance does that have to do with if lampard would actually improve the team?
Easy Samuel, I seem to remember you were constantly having a pop at Anderson’s weight issues last season! Some of the one liners were classic!
9/1/13: Reading are keen on signing Danny Welbeck for the rest of the season, according to The Sun. Surprisingly, the report claims United are receptive to the loan and are willing to sanction a deal before the end of the week.
This is ridiculous though, first we let King and Brady go, those I kinda understand
but now DDG and then Welbeck for loan? cmon, ABU’s can do better than that.
btw my general opinion is, I would betetr take a 28 old dutch international Sneijder to the bench rather Lampard a 34 old english international.
If he comes, he comes, I wasn’t that exited when Owen played here even though I respect what he did with that hattrick and only for the goal against City, but never was exited for the lad.
Same with Lampard, a good player, but I don’t see him improving us or taking us forward.
King and Brady and by these two I understand that we let them go, not that they’re rumours
I know they left haha.
But the rumours about DDG and Welbeck I don’t get it
Zulu-Utd Malta – we need a bit more aggression in the engine room, a sttoteman, or someone. Just to take the load off carrick and cleverly
This is a bit of a joke in all seriousness
No Freaking Way … Youth Power !!!
More than likely Scholes and Fletch won’t be around next year so to get Lampard on a free and for resonable wages why not?.Definitly won’t hurt the team he’s been Chelsea’s best player for a decade won’t expect to play every game and brings a wealth of experience plus will also have a point to prove
Were’s the problem here don’t understand why some fans are objecting
trollhunter… Maybe because most of u would rather have a youth player get more game time and gain the maturity and experience than have a 30 something that is not wanted by a club hes been at by over a decade who would just take the youngsters place.. LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE.
Sparkz – i may doubt a player but any proof of me having a pop at anderson for his weight? I don’t think so, ha.
Vivaronaldo how will signing Lampard effect Utd’s youth policy?every team has to have a balance.Lampard is not that injury prone and is still a quality player no need to shout either.Just because Chelsea want to cut him loose doesn’t make him a bad player last few games been Chelsea’s best player
I agree 100% with Fergie is the boss. Strootman is ideal for us but in life especally f’ball transfers it is all about who is available or not.
@ Samuel-Utd we stand. I didn’t understand what you meant mate !
Anderson is like rooney, these players are powerfully built, only difference between them and other players is they need to play consistently to look in peak fitness, it’s their genes. What on earth can they do about thaf? The image that the physios at united would allow a player to gazump pork all night and drag themselves in like a zombie trying to beat the rush hour is bollocks.
On the issue of Lampard. Sure he is a Cheslki legend BUT he’s still a good player. Scholes, Giggs and Fletcher most likely will be gone soon. If we get Lampard in for free, I would not mind. He’s a pretty good role player. I would accept him as long as we don’t pay ANY fee for him.
@trollhunter
Because the games he would be playing (carling cup, fa cup i presume) me personally, i would rather have fergie play some of the youth players to gain match experience. Im not knocking the guys ability, i think on his day he can be a class player, But for the sake of one season i can see him being another michael owen.
I wasnt shouting, its just an emphases on the future.
Who would you play him instead of?
Just so you know im not arguing with you, Just genuinley interested!!
@vivaronaldoooo
The younger players he could learn from are already here. Cleverley, Ando, Kagawa, Tunnicliffe, Powell. When you recruit a senior player like that, you effectively get a player and a coach. He’s experienced, mature, grounded and – like it or not – he’s a winner. He will offer those credentials on the pitch, in the dressing room and on the training ground.
And as I’ve pointed out before, his ‘not being wanted’ by Chelsea is only to do with wage structures / contract policies for players of a certain age. Nothing to do with his quality. If Fergie thinks he’s still got it, he’s still got it.
Zulu – you said united fans should support anyone in the united shirt (fair enough) but how does that answer the question of “how lampard could improve united?”
Like i said im not saying he hasnt got it… With the experience side of it.. What has he got that scholes and giggs combined hasnt…. I thought giggs looked fantastic on the left on saturday??
With someone that age, hes going to be played in midfield in a central role. not an attacking role… Keep scholsey i say.
Nah, he’s a midfielder…
Kanchekskis – what wages? You make out as if roman is scrounging for pennies in the bottocks of apes, he’s a billionaire oligarch and would offer lamps the money if he wanted but the fact is, chelsea have significantly strenghtened their midfield, he’d struggle to get a look in and he may be scoring now but that doesn’t mean he’ll keep improving. Fergie must be laughing at all these rumours, the signing of lampard regardless of his quality as a goal scorer from midfield won’t paint a pretty picture of the united team, it certainly isn’t a forward step, hopefully this pathetic senseless rumour will fall into where it belongs, in a bag of crap.
@samuel-united WE stand.
I personally have to admit (although it is hard to swollow) that Giggs and Scholes have passed it.
Lamps in my humble opinion could give us their effect in our m’field coz he has got I repeat in my opinion 2 years at the top left in him. So in a nut shell we can replace Scholsy and Giggsy with Lamps and we have to pay nothing exept his wages !
Giggs passed it? Yes, he passed it to RVP, who scored to keep us in the cup.
@samuel
So cos Abramovich is rich, they don’t have any sort of wage structure or contract policy at Chelsea?
Don’t be ridiculous.
@kanchelskis
Fair point, Why would you want him though??
@DreadedRed
He also missed a complete and utter sitter about 90 seconds before that.
@vivaronaldoooo
I’ve outlined various reasons above why a free transfer might be a good idea. Can’t be arsed to do so again.
Yeah but i mean compared to giggs/scholes?
No shit Fwank wasn’t too enamoured by Roman’s offer of a buttock full of cash.
Zulu – they may have past it (both can be useful this season if used wisely) but why replace them with lampard? United have younger midfield players dreaming and working hard to step up, why shouldn’t they be given an opportunity? Or why not buy more fresher dynamic midfielders. Fact is, lampard will not improve united and this is what fergie will look at. We point out that carrick needs a more dynamic player alongside him to release him off the shackles of being exposed for a lack of significant mobility, pairing him with lampard makes no sense.
Im just happy im the 100th comment!!!!
VIVA RONALDOOOOOO
@vivaronaldoooo
Another four years of service?
Lampard not getting regular games has nothing to do with his ability.Everything Chelsea is based on Roman Abramovich’s whims and ego.He’s fired 2 managers and got rid of Drogba because he paid 50mill for Torres and doesn’t want to be proven a mug.He spent a fortune on Oscar and Hazard so it just stands to reason Lampard’s place is in question it’s just the way Chelsea operates
@vivaronaldo Utd aren’t going to sign him to play in FA and Carling Cup games he’d bring experience and quality to a squad that could soon be without Fletch,Scholes,Giggs and unless Anderson sorts out his injury problems can’t be trusted.Its up the the young lads to prove their good enough.
Kanchelskis – Wage structure and chelsea don’t mix together. PSG, chelsea, city. These clubs are run by owners with bottomless pit of gold, they’ll pay whatever is needed for glory. Simple fact is, lampard does not fit into the scheme of things anymore, roman watches his beloved fantasy team fron his box, he wants his team playing like barca, he wants his team filled with little technical attacking playmakers, lampard fits into the latter day typical box goal scoring midfielder, he’s not wanted at chelsea for that added with his value to the team. Chelsea are strong in midfield. Why would united try to pick up lampard? It doesn’t add up in terms of trying to improve and make a forward step.
kanchelskis – hush, I’m living that dream to the end. You’re right though, the end is nigh. No doubt our best midfielders are not Giggs or Scholes. Makes one feel that a couple more lads in their late 20′s would add a lot. I’m not so sure though, as our league position is a sure testament to the blend of our squad. We probably all agree that some ‘vast experience’ is a crucial element, yet replacing Giggs or Scholes with Lampard is a step down, and a cop-out.
Im all for Lampard coming to United.
With Ashley Young, michael Carrick, Lampard, Rooney and Wellbeck we have the England team and we all know how good they are.
Shit lets get Lennon from Tottenham and we will really be summin.
Facepalm
@samuel
You’re chatting bollocks. Just because there is limitless financial backing does NOT mean they will not have a wage structure. You’re talking about huge, multinational companies. There’s no way they’d operate without some kind of pay structure – it’s inconceivable. They all have to get their house in order eventually for FFP, and this would be impossible without exercising some kind of structured control over their long-term outlay.
And why this black-and-white idea that ‘buying a player over 30 = taking a step backwards’. We could be losing two players each four years older than Lampard, thus making the average age of the midfield younger. Plus what I said about him transmitting his vast experience to the younger midfielders we have coming through.
AND we’re talking about the rare case of a possible signing we could make of someone who’s actually won as much as – if not more than – a lot of our players. He’s a seasoned and successful campaigner, and if there’s one boss who knows how to get the best out of those, it’s Fergie.
@Goat
You haven’t been watching Lennon this season have you? On current form, he would trample over Valencia into our starting XI.
kanchelskis
Hoers shit.
Lennon has been doing well because defenders are double tagging Bale leaving him room. Would your analysis reach the same conclussion should Bale not be playing.
As for Valencia his game has improved massively. Alot seem to think that because Valencia isnt running to the line as often that hes in decline, NO he is covering the completely defensive unaware Rafael. Its become a two wing back tandom on the right rather a tall makeshift fullback (Jones or Smalling) and an out and out winger.
@Goat
- Good point about the space being left for Lennon.
- Bale is still getting a lot of joy even when double marked
- I have to disagree with your assessment of Rafael
- Valencia has also been poor playing in front of Jones and Smalling. He seems to have lost the courage to take players on and utilise his pace and strength
I actually don’t mind Lampard to be fair. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Fergie had a punt on him. Even just to get under the fat Spanish waiters skin!
Kanchelskis – Facts are there, these clubs have and will continue to do all they can financially to maintain glory, if lampard was part of the project, they would pay him what he needs. Lampard is on 170 grand, hardly going to hit roman in the pockets. You don’t want to accept it but chelsea have more talented and fresher midfield, if they value this so called experience you bang on about (which can be overrated as if the knowledge of the mind can’t be carried out by the body, it becomes pointless. Ac milan are paying for the price of over reliance on experience). FFFP rules and all that rubbish, teams will find a loop-hole in it, only a naive person would think they couldn’t. When i say wage structure is irrelevant to these teams, they offer what’s needed, they are not withdrawing the cash from the club’s purse, it is from their own pockets, they’re funding their own fantasy, fans are gullible enough not to see that their clubs are just mere toys, harsh but true.
What united’s midfield requires is an injection of fresher, hungrier, dynamic and talented players, not a chelsea legend entering the twilight of his career and hoping to use united to set off into the sunset.
No thank you.
@king eric if scholes and giggs retires then i think fergie will go for lampard. but i do beleive he will go to a london club maybe WEST HAM . . he will probably want regular football with the world cup coming.
kanchelskis
Not really a fair assesment my friend. How many times has either Smalling or Jones been RB and Valencia played ahead of them. I wouldnt be surprised if it wasnt more than twice. Hardly a basis for a definitive answer. Would that team have included the play breaking Rooney? Everyone knows my feelings about that donkey.
King Eric
I can see the attraction of getting a seasoned pro such as Lampard especially as he would be free. I reckon he has two good years in him atleast and come thebig matches he would fit right in BUT he would take up a younger players playing time, he would trample all over Scholes toes as he did for England. It would be another veteran without pace that we would have to rotate around with Scholes and Giggs but never play two of them together. Hard enough keeping Giggs and Scholes happy in games let alone adding another player. I feel adding Lampard would trample on some toes and regress the development of others. Contractual wise and price excellent, team moral and future thinking a complete nightmare. A short sighted option in my opinion.
@samuel
You’re off in your own little world as regards wage structures and contract policies. Clearly not going to be convinced, but never mind.
Lampard’s 34. Should we have sacked off Giggs and Scholes 4 years ago?
@samuel mate if giggs and scholes retire dnt you think fergie will go for him. i think we might and we will hopefully go for strootman as well
I always felt he was the player (when at West Ham) who we should have moved heaven and earth to get. We went for Veron when Lamps was the better option. Now its too late, lets get some genuine long lasting quality.
I’m certain Scholes won’t be around next year and if Lampard comes then he definitely won’t.
I have mixed feelings and haven’t decided whether I’d like to see him in a red shirt or not. He definitely has a lot to offer for two seasons and he while playing for Chelsea for 10 years obviously goes against him he was never public enemy number 1 at old trafford. Not sure his missus wants to live up north though and I’d say she prefers LA to Manchester. Still Ferguson always admired him.
Never thought he was outstanding though in the big games for Chelsea or England. Hmmmmit seems I’m very undecided indeed.
@Goat
Let’s try and leave Rooney out of it for now …
In the league, Valencia has 4 assists and 0 goals this season, from 14 full appearances and 1 sub appearance. That’s not good enough.
I dont think Scholes or Giggs will retire at the end of the year. I think both will be convinced for another year and I for one would welcome that. Scholes is a known commodity that is no worse than any of our players on their better days and Giggs has made a huge diference over christmas and injected impetus into a tiring team to keep the momentum up. Im convinced without Giggs during the christmas period we would be at best 4 points clear. His expertise and experience has been a valuable lesson for the youngsters who are getting more time this year.
Alot seem to think that because Valencia isnt running to the line as often that hes in decline, NO he is covering the completely defensive unaware RafaeL”
Valencia has been poor this season, the images of bumbling when trying to take a shot, hesitating and trying to complicate things when clearly he isn’t technically strong enough to do so, he skies crosses or maybe those are shots. He’s not being the direct and powerful winger he is, maybe teams have worked him out and needs to adapt his game. On rafael, he may once have been inexperienced and naive, launching and lashing into tackles, letting his enthusiasm get the better of him but the experiences of the olympics has helped. He’s more powerful and reads the game well. He’s a battler and won’t shirk a challenge but he’s added composure and calmness when it’s needed. Of course he will get caught out at times due to his attacking style but it’s up to the likes of valencia to help out. The english game seem to set a tag on players, even when they improve and become stronger players they’ll still claim they’re not good enough, another one of many reasons why mammoth’s will have to rise before they win anything again.
kanchelskis
There are lies, damn lies and then theres statistics.
During his 14 appearances we have been solid and he has been dependable. BUT with your love of statistics. Look up how many assists and goals Rafael has been involved in due to great covering play. Then compare that with the assists and goals (not from set plays corners) created by Smalling and Jones playing right back last term. Also add to the fact that a new striker is being learned.
Stats dont tell the whole truth but what they do is cover up the truth.
My own little world? What, and you’re making a lot of sense regarding a player approaching his late late 30s to improve a midfield that’s one or two ageing legs? Right.
Where is Owen Hargreaves? No comment
samuel – united WE stand
My comment about Rafael wasnt a dig at the player rather a dig at the difference of having two wing backs playing (him and Evra) and the system of playing a CB in a fullback role. Obviously the defending is better when Smalling or Jones are there as they are natural defenders. That was my point.
I personally feel that Valencia is being primed to replace Giggs in the squad. That is an ex winger who plays more centrally and will drift to either wing. He plays centrally for his country and he is a very fine close in passer of the ball. He also has height and power and will get stuck in with the tackle.
We have moved away from the 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 that we have played for eons and have moved to the 4-3-3. Naturally Valencia is then a more withdrawn figure on the right of the midfield three rather than an old fasioned out and out winger.
I cannot understand why people cannot see this. People seem to think a wingers job is to just bang in crosses. Its nice, if your the one there to do it but there is more to Valencias game than that.
@samuel
Ageing? They’re decrepit. Name one other outfield player aged 37/38 in the Premier League.
Thought not.
And how is 34 ‘approaching late late 30s’?
Are you pissed?
I’ve outlined several reasons why signing Lampard on a free could be a good thing (note that I’ve never once said I think it will happen or posited it as an ideal scenario), and all you can do is ramble on about Abramovich and some mythical bottomless pit of money as proof that Lampard is past it.
Veron didn’t fit into the english gung-ho pace, doesn’t mean lampard was any better. The argentine was a midfield world class playmaker who wasn’t ever going to shine in a flat 442. Maybe if he was a little more patient, he may have adapted but his quality is undeniable.
Arun – can’t say how realistic the strootman deal is but he’s a quality player and would improve the team.
Lampard is a respectable person and a good professional. I think it is a good move if Giggs and or Scholes retire. Manchester United face a lot of ‘routine’ games in any given season and a player like Lampard can be a big part in those. He may not be the solution to doing well in Europe or a week in week out stalwart but he’s a threat from long shots.
Ashley Cole has to be a bit more controversial given his relationship with Ferdinand however he’s a more than adequate left back.
We have our own legends and there is no need for a new one. My opinion would be to promote our youngsters so that they can become our next legends… GGMU…
Lampard Pros:
Hugely experienced.
Scores goals and often decisive ones.
Still motivated.
Good Engine.
no transfer fee
Cons:
34 and increasingly injury prone
no good at holding the ball
will stunt the development of our younger players
brett1985 and Bobby Charlton’s combover
Sense spoken
Bobby Charlton’s combover
May not stunt the development of a youngster if like Brett said if one or both Scholes and Giggs retire.
Is Lampard injury prone? Fuck me from what I have seen he has rarely missed a game in his years at the Chavs. He has been dropped more than been injured of late hasnt he?
Kanchelskis – i can gracefully say i don’t drink or even smoke, you may need an intervention though but that’s a matter for another day. What is “34″ then? Your early or APPROACHING your late 30s (mid 30s is moving towards that), approaching as in moving towards that bracket in which players become passengers due to physically demanding games.
And i have outlined why i think it would be a senseless signing and one hope fergie doesn’t make. “mythical bottomless cash”, what is roman using to pay for these extravagantly assembled squad, coupons? Magic beans? Monopoly money? Marijuana leafs?. He’s significantly fucking rich and gets what he wants which he shows off all the time.
I’ve said it, lampard is good at what he does, he ghosts into the box and scores, he’s the best penalty taker alongside noble and baines but out there, better all round midfield generals exists that can take united into the level it wants to be. He won’t improve the team even if he has “2 years” left in him, it won’t guarantee. I would rather younger players or those near their peak are bought, promote within and maintain players already in the team who are also capable than bring a chelsea legend. We won’t agree, this will drag on and on, time isn’t to be wasted as they say.
King Eric
Yeah and when the chavs play with their magic trio it lacks weight and experience and they flop. When Lampard plays he offers cover and experience and they generally do better. Chelsea are trying their best, just like us, to survive without the old guard but are finding it difficult to do that. To nab Lampard and stick a few fingers up to the FSW, like you said, would bring pleasure. He can still do a job in a squad. Just because we sign him doesnt mean hes in our “best 11″. The younger fan never seems to understand that.
Goat – Absolutely mate. The “3 Amigos” which they have been ludicrously called seeing as though only Mata is Spanish and the only decent one are a bunch of fucking fags . Can attack but as you say no balance to the side.
Would anyone start singing songs about lampard if he came to united???
Goat – i have heard but not seen valenncia play centrally so i will go with what you say in terms of his ability to play there but i look at him and don’t think he’s flexible enough to carry out any other role other than a traditional winger, i’m not criticising him but looking at his style and predictability, i just don’t think he has it in him to be rotated, maybe i am wrong but if you want a wing man adaptable enough to carry out a central role then it’s nani. I agree with you in terms of wingers have a more wider variety of tasks than just crossing.
Really great article, that summed up my thoughts exactly. If he comes he can be a great addition, but no sweat if he doesn’t.
There was a time when United would never even consider bringing in a 34 year old player. But look what’s going on now.
I’m surprised a lot of fans here are actually happy with the idea of of signing a 34 yr old in his twilight years just because we can get 2 or so years out of him. This would not only be a short term fix to a long standing midfield problem, Lampard would hinder the development of players like Powell. I would rather Powell get those two years than Fat Frank. Look at what game time has done to the likes of Clevs/Evans/Rafael’s development. I would rather we look to the future than add some ageing legs to our midfield.
Like Scholes, Lampard has bags of ability but is not the most mobile of players. The last thing we would want is to have a pedestrian midfield, Clevs and Ando have shown that Carrick is at his best when he is partnered with a mobile midfielder. Furthermore, this would also send a very bad message to our youth and developing players, one of the reasons why Pogba left (besides greed) was the lack of playing time even if it was just 20min appearances in games we had already wrapped up as Fergie would so often introduce gigs.
As someone mentioned earlier, I miss those days when that 20min minute period was for a youth player provided the game was already won. Anyways I sure hope this is just a rumour and nothing more, we need to be thinking about the future not short term fixes. Lampard is not a player entering his prime like RvP, his game will decline in the next 2 or so years. He is best suited for Italy or the US for that last pay check.
I think many people are missing the point about this entry by Scott. Even if Lampard comes, he is not here to replace Clev, or Ando. In all likelihood, Scholes, Giggs & Fletcher are gone, which leaves us with only Clev, Ando, Carrick & Kagawa for next season. Thats 3 players of massive experience out at the same time. And with Ando still a big question mark, we will be down to barebones next season. Lampard would be a good squad player for 2 years, until the likes of Tunni are more ready. I seriously do not see us signing 3 young players to replace the trio. So a player like Lampard would do fine to bridge the gap.
Dont try to convince me that Tunni is anywhere near first team action, because from what I see, he is still a good 2-3 years away, and rather than try to give him experience here, he’d be better off out on loan
Goat Peticoat – I am sorry, scholes and giggs are not good enough anymore, we get overrun when they play, and it is like playing with 10 or 9 men when they play. United really need to add depth to the engine room, as anderson and fletcher’s fitness levels are a worry, and scholes and giggs are to old to start games these days, our 3 defeats have come when they have started games, and when they do, we are prone to getting hit on the counter, and scholes is prone to getting sent off. as he is 3 yards slower, and even worse at tackling than ever before
I’d rather we take Beck’s back…
Scholes isnt good enough?? Ive heard it all now
Look at his passing percentage…
How is it we can hate our biggest rivals but then be so welcoming to take a part of them to help us even though it’s obvious that lampard IS past his best( though i realise he wud be coming here as a squad player) as many have said give them opportunities to the youth like powell and lets see what their made of or they will stop wanting to come!
Also SAF has fairly changed his policy even though throwing the youth in all those yrs ago was exactly why utd swept all before them.. they knew each other inside out by the time they were in their peak..
And for those who are comfortable with taking lampard would you feel the same if scholes or giggs were to jump ship and tog out for our rivals .. sorry but it doesn’t sit right with me at all..
murt73
How can they be our rivals if they are crap, if their players are crap. If they arent crap then whats wrong with coveting them.
You say Sir Alex ha changed his policy – surely thats a good thing. Surely a manager that moves with the times and even changes the direction of the future of football is better than having a Sam Allerdyce or a Sven Goran Eriksson.
Also you mention that the young swept all before them, with the help of Hughes Cantona Bruce and Pallister who were already there, signings like Andy Cole and eventually Dwight Yorke and more importantly an old Teddy Sheringham. Youre not trying to say it was ALL youth are you. The only ones that came in were The Nevilles (only one would play at any given time more often than not) Butt (occassionally) Scholes Giggs and Beckham. So arguably that was only 5 of the 11 on the pitch at any given moment.
United is a team that encourages youth, it is not dependent on it. We arent Ajax.
vivaronaldoooo
Exactly
Mate i think its rediculous that people would have lampard instead of offering scholes a new contract for a year…
Stats dont lie.. Look how much carrick has improved over the past 12 months.. Hes still maturing as a player and a personality like lampard would interrupt that in the training ground
samuel – united WE stand
You mention Nani as an adaptable winger and I think you are spot on there. However we are playing with success the 4-3-3. I see Valencia as being an adaptable presence in the midfield 3 and Nani as an adaptable presence in the top 3. I see Nani as being pencilled in on either side of the attack but during a match when RvP finds himself on the wing I can see Nani doing the Ronaldo role perfectly well.
Nani is a quick box player, great shot and natural ability to take two defenders with him. Valencia I see as a player who can thread a ball, chase a player down and tackle. With the added advantage of being drawn to the wing and even getting the job there as well as covering the wing back.
I like them both and love the both of them.
Lamps would be an amazing signing adding to the strength we already got, if giggsy n scholesy retire, signing lamps would add to the great midfielders already. Not sure on cole, arguably one of the best left backs in europe but we have no 1 in Patrice!!!!!!
lets hammer liverpool lets get on that bandwagon
Comeback Kingz
Signing Lampard isnt a short term fix, nor is Manchester United a team of 11 players. Its a squad game. I would only like the signing of Lampard should one of Giggs or Scholes retire. He wouldnt take a youngsters place and can do a job like Giggs has done keeping momentum up during hectic periods in the calender. Thats the experience needed. Also a veteran player adds alot of lessons to be learnt for the youngsters that comes from a different angle to which our veterans have experience of.
vivaronaldoooo
Im pretty sure if Scholes wants to stay on there is no chance Sir Alex will tell him to get lost. Scholes is miles ahead of Lampard but should Scholes retire then Lampard will offer something else, something new. We dont need both of them.
As for what people say on here take it with a pinch of salt.
Those championing Nani now were calling him an arsehole 3 months ago. Those singing RvPs name were calling him a shirt lifter 6 months ago. Those that are calling Valencia crap reckon hes finnished all of a sudden and those in love with Carrick had him as the most over rated midfielder in world football last year.
Probably the same people who rate Rooney as a world star. Like the 0.09% of football coaches who voted for him in the UEFA prises this week.
Im still at work, and i’m in hysterics… so thank you!
DARREN FLETCHER FOR WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!
Seriously though.. lamps should be last resort!
fergie is the boss
“I am sorry, scholes and giggs are not good enough anymore, we get overrun when they play, and it is like playing with 10 or 9 men when they play”
I agree when they both play things can get a little slow but saying each one individually isnt good enough is crazy talk. Scholes out passes everyone in the premier league and is the only one in the squad that could fit into the Barca team at present. Giggs has carried us over the christmas period and been arguably our best player. Its not all RvP and goals, you have to get the ball there first.
Goat – Spot on. Giggs and Scholes finished is laughable. A piss take. No cunt in WORLD FOOTBALL could have made the pass Giggsy did on Saturday, nobody.
i thought giggs made it look easy on the left hand side on saturday vs west ham! Squad rotation is key over the news year/feb time.. especially with madrid coming up soon and fixtures coming thick and fast.. And with the quality that scholes are showing at the moment why would anyone on this planet get rid of them and have lampard…. Would fat frank be as highly praised if he’d been in the united squad over the last decade.. i doubt it!!
Just because he had a huge hype at chelsea doesnt mean he would be as key at united!! im not knocking his ability but we have better options.
Not going to get into a debate over Lampard’s ability, professionalism, character, etc, but for me, he’s a fucking Chav and I can’t stand any of them. Only Chelsea player I’d have glady taken in the last while is Drogba 5 years ago. He was bloody unstoppable, hated the cunt, but he was an absolute beast.
With Arsenal it’s a bit different, they’ve been the lovable, laughable, kicking water bottles (reads throwing toys) wannabes for nearly a decade and to scoop RVP is just a feather in that wonderfully written story. If only Cesc was still there last summer!!
Lampard is past his due date, doesn’t mean he can’t do a job, but let’s get serious, why the fuck do we need a 34 year old CAM with mobility that’s clocked by a sun dial? We just got Kagawa, Rooney loves that role, we just bought Powell ffs and a whole host of lads in our squad could play the part. If anyone’s telling me “Frank’s adapted his game into more of a defensive or customary CM role” than I say bullox. We kick and scream when Scholes or Giggs start at CM, yet folks are all aboard to bring in Frank? So Scholes and/or Giggs retire next year and we’ve got Frank to cover? Fuck me. We’re taking a step sideways with that logic and not forward.
My two cents, rake me over the coals if you’d like but I will officially go on record and say I would hate to see the day when Lampard pulls a United kit over his head and shakes the boss’s hand….I bet you Frank would too.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2259690/Cristiano-Ronaldo-snubbed-Pep-Guardiola-Ballon-dOr.html
Something tells me Guardiola won’t replace Sor Alex anymore.
Goat .. Who did I say was crap? I only said Lampard was past his best..and theres a difference. And no I agree with you there was older players there though most were at their peak I think when they came of the ones you mentioned, but what I meant was SAF now at times seems to be a little slow to throw them in to the team where as before they started younger, of course you may argue thats coz our squad is stronger overall.. and sheringham was more the exception than the norm when it came to age, But maybe pogba would have stayed if he had got more chances.and maybe if he had been played more SAF would have deemed it worthy to give him improved contract I just hate losing potential stars to ones who are more part of the past than our future.. Look Im all for giggs and scholes hanging on a bit past their best.. but even so at times if we have a game sewn up with 20 min to go(rare now) throw on the younger lads and blood them
If Lampard is in his twilight years what years was Henrik Larrson in when he was here and we tried to get him for a second time.Its all speculation but if he came he would do a great job for us imo.
Ha fuck off you Rentboy cunts. Well done Swansea. Have a lot of time for Laudrup. A clever, astute and articulate man. Top drawer player too.
Can you imagine Laudrup as our next manager and Mo very angry because Saf promised him a job?:-) hahahahahah and Saf is smileing showing him middle finger
I remember quite a few Utd fans saying “RVP?! Why sign RVP?! We don’t need RVP!” Well, how wrong they were. Lampard is a great player who could/would do a great job of filling the massive void that will be left WHEN Giggs & Scholes retire. Even if just for 2/3 years. SAF needs experience and quality in the side. Imagine 3 years from now, no Giggs, no Scholes, no SAF.
I hated Chelsea for winning the PL as much as any other Utd fan, but that’s football, people. Doesn’t mean we have to hate every individual involved with Chelsea. Appreciate great players when you see them. I’d welcome him to Utd. Great player. And he’s a pro, as well.
Mara. Alright pal. Ha I know. Laudrup will end up at a bigger club yes. @
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/united-alone-in-making-move-to-sign-palaces-zaha-8445136.html
Any concrete truth in this rumour? Wilfred zaha is one fantastic talent, a very adaptable and flexible attacker. At 20, he’s potential and a fergie type signing if it happens, probably buy him to fill the void of missing outon moura.
King eric – laudrup has taken them swansea onto another level and won’t suprise me if a major team picks him up. They’re organised defensively and as clinical as any team. He’s passed on that european cleverness onto swansea, making them tactically astute like champions league team. they have experience and quality, not suprised with their performances.
I would be ok with signing him. Many of the same comments re youth etc were made when we were linked with RVP and look how that turned out. Arguably you could say Welbeck suffered from RVP signing but who is complaining?
Lampard would not play every game, but in Europe and in certain games he could be the difference. He is a world class player, none of our present MF players other than Scholes and Giggs have that status.
Lampard can give 3 good years more. He is a fit quiet guy, takes care of himself and importantly he can defend, did you see him re Barca, his covering defensively is excellent and he is a switched on player who reads the game well and a MF player tall enough to bring the ball down and play it forward. He will also improve and train up Ando, Powell and Cleverly who like him are not as gifted as Scholes or even remotely in his league, and they would benefit from experience of a player who has worked hard and uses what ability he has to become a world class player. His directness and shooting from out of the box, no one else really does that at United any more.
Lampard as a squad player. Yes from me. It’s a no brainer. For a good price. Take him. But also buy one more class MF.
Breaking news, maybe you’ve heard of it
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Jan/wootton-and-petrucci-agree-loan-moves-to-peterborough.aspx
King Eric – yes it maybe a bit mad to say they are not good enough anymore, but I do not think they are these days, in terms of starting games. We have seen against teams like spurs, starting that many 30 something year old players, will see us get overrun. I think united have been at their best when its cleverly carrickl valencia and young in a midfield 4
We talk about Giggs and Scholes leaving but if Ferdinand goes also then there is a void in terms of experience.
Furthermore I question whether the consensus is that we are happy with the midfield now or not. Cleverly seems like he has good ability and compliments Carrick nicely. If anything I think our main area from improvement is on the left side of the pitch given the inconsistent form of Evra and Young.
Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as some in terms of eulogising Gareth Bale, it occurs to me that if we are every going to pay out big money then it would be best spent on him. .
I don’t want Bale for 50mill thanks,most of his ‘huge’ games come against ave opponents,just isn’t worth the money imo.Wouldn’t want Utd to line Spurs pockets anyway,don’t like the club or the fans if Utd intend to splash 50 mill + on a player its highly unlikely it’ll be him
The thing is, the age gap between Scholes/Giggs and Clev/Ando/Kagawa is too big, not counting Fletcher, Carrick is the only one bridging the gap. Alot have been said about how much game time would be taken away from Clev & Ando if Lampard comes in, but we seem to have taken for granted Carrick’s ever presence. Imagine this, Scholes & Giggs retires, Carrick gets injured, and Ando is out for his per annum injury, what do we have left? Clev & Kagawa only. You could put Rooney in there yes, but putting a shift there is very different than actually controlling the pace of the game, doing things like passing sideways & back if need be. The void of experience would be so telling. A senior head is definitely needed, and they don’t come as good as Lampard. So if the price is right, I say get him in for the 2 years we groom up the current crop.
When has lampard actually ever controlled a game? He’s not that type of player, he’s not a playmaker but a goal scorer from midfield. He’s never going to improve the team. If united wants players nearer to the peak then it should purchase them.
As for comparing van persie’s signing to lampard, don’t make me laugh. Van persie may be 29 but he’s at his peak and producing his best form, he’s fantastically gifted and a player if avalaible, fergie didn’t want to miss out on, he’s always wanted him since his feynoord days but his temprament at that time made fergie withdraw interest oí (a big mistake on fergie’s part) but he wasn’t going to let the opportunity for a world class attacker who would have raised and improved the team. He came with experience and maturity after having an outstanding season with arsenal. Totally different to a potential “frankie” lampard signing which makes no sense, some claim he should arrive for experience but soon enough, he will become a passenger filling the space of another top younger player coming through or a top class midfield player being bought, he’s not the dynamic playmaker required at the club, he’d be another pedestrian and immobile midfield player for others to carry through a game. Experience is good to a certain extent, it’s notthe be all and end all. Like i said, a player may have gathered all the knowledge of the game but if he lacks the physical fitness to match that then they become lethargic. Lampard falls into that category, i don’t think united’s major rivals across europe would be simmering in anxiety if they heard lampard signed, it paints a backward step for a cluv that supposedly wants to maintain quality. If united wants players to stay around to pass on experience, the likes of giggs and scholes will take coaching roles, i would gladly accept passing on knowledge of the game than “frankie”.
Wasn’t Larson over 35 when we signed him for a spell? And what did he do?
Lampard would improve the squad. No question about it. Whether he improves the First X1 on the pitch will depend on whose fit and what’s on offer and how they are playing.
We have Fletch, Giggs and Scoles on way out. That is 3 players. Bring through 1, buy 1 with experience, buy one with potential. We also need cover for Carrick. He can’t keep playing so many games. Lampard is a good passer. He retains possession well. He assists. He knows when to run forward and when to hang back.
That’s my 2p.
Lampard – Cleverly – good pairing. Lampard – Ando also works ok. Lampard – Kagwa – definately yes, he is the type of MF that will bring the best out of Kagwa and read Van Persies runs magnificently, see his link play with Drogba.
Carrick – Lampard – not so much. But I think Lampard will be competition for Carrick and give SAF the ability to rotate and rest him. Imagine if Carrick gets injured, then you will be screaming that we should have bought Lampard as cover at least. he will agree to being a cover, provided he gets enough games, a hot shot won’t and youth have been shown to be poor in that role.
what exactly did larsson do? 13 appearances 3 goals, people make out as if he dragged the team to another level. Another one of fergie’s moves of signing players he admired but couldn’t get (check owen and larsson). Lampard and carrick are not similar at all, therefore he cannot be a deputy or replacement. There are players out there that would come in and challenge carrick. His passing is ok but his strenghts are arriving in the box and finishing, not what united need.
I hope fergie has laughed this off like it should be done.
My Ans is BIG NO. There are many reasons to it. We don’t need another 35+ year old in our line up. I still feel many people over rate Lampard and Gerrard. Its best for him to move abroad. He has won everything here with chelsea, the league,FA cup and even champions league now. So unlike Owen he may not be motivated to win a trophy.
Instead of giving time to lampard why not give that valuable time to Powell, Tunniclife, Petrucci, Lingard etc. Atleast give them some chance to prove. It is one of the most bullshit thing that I have heard. I hope this thing is over. No lampard and it has nothing to do with him being a chelsea legend.
We need to be realistic and give our youngsters time to shine. I would prefer if I see Powell scoring goals and starting in midfield instead of a Lampard. And if someone is thinking he may replace Scholes then you know fuck about football. Scholes and giggs are irreplaceable. We should make new stars. Cleverly is becoming into a fine footballer let him be our first choice midfielder.
Off Topic- Bebe haters news for you , He has scored his first goal in his debut. I am still not writing him off especially after what Sir ALex recently said about him. Even in his awful season he scored 3 goals for us remember. Three fantastic Goals. He is 22 and could be a lethal player by the time he reaches 25. Drogba was shit when he was 22 and he became one of the Best strikers in the european football. Honestly I will remain patient with both Bebe and Macheda.
Bebe scored an own goal.
Apparently we will buy Prince Zaha from the Palace to be our wing man. Hmmm. I think of all the rumours this is more likely to be true. Not sure what I think about that one.
NBI
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2259898/Manchester-United-flop-Bebe-scores-debut-Rio-Ave.html
Go and check whether it was a Own goal or a winner
I think at the end of the season Fergie will put his arm around Scholes and say ‘Paul, this is the end of the line’. Scholes will mumble something along the lines of ‘yeah, I know Gaffer’.
Giggs will stay around and as we have seen he can still make an impact coming on but obviously struggles to deliver when starting in CM.
Bebe own goal? Where did you read that?
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EMC4SgcLx7Q
even after reading so much.. my only reaction to signing lampard would be – WHY??!!!!!!
It’s often mentioned that Lampard will be needed in case Scholes and Giggs retire. So basically, replace 2 veteran midfielders that are limited in what they do with another one. Why not just replace those two with a CM that can do it all and is in his prime? Why does our midfield have to have 35+ year olds? We are ok in terms of experience. Carrick has bags of it, as do Fletcher and Anderson. Buy someone who’s 25-27 and we are set.
Lampard can go eat a dick we dont need him.
@Costas
Thats the thing, of the 3 players you mentioned, there are big question marks over 2 of them, so leaves Carrick as the only one to rely on. And like you say, it would be ideal to bring in someone who is at his prime, or close to it. But its not gonna be cheap, and even with that, we would need 1 more upstart, unless Tunni or Petru can fulfill their potential. Its a big question mark, and if Lampard can answer even jus the call of 15 games a season, in the event Scholes & Giggs really retire at the end of the season, I would think its a good addition. If we have the money to bring in 1 quality midfirlder in his prime , plus one with good potential, then we don’t need Lampard
My answer is no too. We have Evra, Carrick, Vidic, Rooney, Valencia and Nani for experienced players so we are covered. It will be going backwards. Scholes was better than him anyway so being 34 wont make him better than the Ginger’s contribution.
Players who are 25-27 clearly have ID issues, and may struggle to get a work permit.
samuel – the lampard signing makes sense, if scholes and giggs retire, but even if united signed lamparrd, we are still short of a new CM, not only to add depth to the engine room, but someone who can take carricks place. Over the years, we have always had 3 CM condidates that are not only ahead of the rest, but all can play week in week out. We only have 2, carrick and cleverly, we need that missing piece, anderson and fletcher are supposed to be those go to guys, but they are never fit. So my january wish, is to spend big bucks on a new CM, just to take the load off carrick and cleverly
He is an exceptional player for Chelsea,tou pay attention to players who score from midfield.He has been getting 20 a year on average,the above is Sir Alex’s words still think he is no use to United?
@Marq
He would be a good addition as long as he came as an alternative and we also bought another midfielder. This is one of those cases where we have to stop looking at cheap options. We’ve done it for too long now and our performances have suffered as a result. Look at Chelsea. They are supposedly interested in Fellaini. They aren’t looking for another veteran.
No thanks. Not needed, not wanted. Oh yeah, decent player and all that. But there’s no way to avoid it: he would only come to us because the rent boys no longer want him. Since when did we, Manchester United, stand in line with a begging bowl drooling at the mouth in anticipation of picking up the’ rejects that our rivals no longer want, players who themselves would never have joined United until their own clubs cast them off onto to the breadline? Can we please just fuck off with that? If SAF isn’t confident that Giggs and Scholes can be replaced by Clevs and Anderson and the others we’ve already got, then go and buy someone. Either someone young with potential, or someone experienced and expensive in his prime. But a reject from the rent boys? For fuck’s sake!
It’s ridiculous to say that some folk were against RVP and he turned out OK, so therefore we should go for Lampard. Those who are saying that need to stop and think about it. One player of a certain age works out, therefore other players of the same age will also work out? It’s so illogical as to be laughable. Do I really need to point out to you that Owen was also around a similar age — and he most definitely did not work out for us, did he? Anyone with half a brain can see that each case needs to be judged on its merits.
For me, it’s not about whether Lampard could do a job for us. Maybe he could. But so what? There are plenty of others who could, too, and many of them would have much more to offer for longer into the future. Honestly, the idea of picking up the rejects that the rent boys no longer want, it makes me sick. What next? Whenthe dippers decide it’s time to dispense with Stevie Me, will we clap our hands with glee and send a limo to dipperville to chauffuer him over to Old Tarfford? After all, he could probably do a job for us, too, couldn’t he? Why stop there — I bet that cunt John Terry will be available soon, and we’re always short in defense. Fuck me.
Stateside Aussie with 2 belters as King Eric would say…
@Costas
Exactly. Its a catch 21 situation. Do we go out there and get someone good, and permanently shunt the path of Ando, Clev & maybe even Tunni? Or do we go for the stop gap and put our faith in them? Of course a club of our size should not be waiting for things to happen, or you could argue that if Ando or Clev is really good enough, they would be able to shift any established players. We are not talking about being a squad player here, we are talking about who is going to start the big games. All ifs & buts here.
However, if you ask me, a choice between a free Lampard or a 22m Fellaini, its Fellaini anytime. But I doubt it would be that price, probably closer to 30m.
football
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Features/2012/Dec/video-manchester-united-real-madrid-2003.aspx
Costas … cheers mate. Takes a bit to wind me up, but this certainly does it. I might have welcomed a player like Lampard when he was 24, 25 or even 26. But would he have joined us then? Like fuck he would. Picture it:
Frank comes home and closes front door behind him. A female voice calls out: “That you, love?”
“Yeah, I’m home. You alright?”
“Yeah. Hey, had a call for you earlier. You’ll never guess who it was.”
“Go on then, tell me!”
“Stop yelling at me across the house and come in here.”
“OK”
(Frank enters bedroom room where missus is on bed with John Terry’s poxy white pimpled arse pumping up and down between her raised thighs) “Hello John,” says Frank. Terry grunts a reply. Then, Frank says to his missus, “So who was it?”
“Sir Alex Ferguson! You know, the one with the trophy cabinet, that’s the one …well, he wants to talk to you”
“Well if he calls back, tell him to fuck off, will ya?”
“Sure love”
“Good. Hey John, when you’re done, we’ll go for a beer, yeah?”
I mean, fuck me.
@Marq
I think FITB summed it up best when he said that the age gap between the experienced players and the young players is too big. We only have 2 midfilders in their prime years (Anderson and Fletcher) and like you said, there are many question marks about them. And in my opinion, Fergie has persisted with them (as well as Scholes and Giggs) for so long because the inevitable midfield revamp will be very costly. Carrick also won’t be around forever so we are talking about 2-3 new acquisitions over the next few years to compliment Tom, Ando (if he finally manages to stay fit long term) and Tunni (if he makes the grade). Will these new players stand in the way of Cleverley and Tunnicliffe? Who knows? If they are good enough, they will eventually get plenty of starts. Look at how many games Butt got and he had Keane and Scholes as his direct competition.
@Stateside Aussie
As has been proved over the last min three years we are buying fuckall midfielders (and we need Two now) so far we have had the stunt the growth of Morrison Pogbha,Fletcher will be returning later in the year and lastly I’m happy with what we have,no signings this tear excuses.Well I’m not happy with what we’ve got,we badly need midfielders and I say grab what’s going.it’s just wages fucks sake any fee would be minimal and regardless what some say he is a fucking good player.