Paul Scholes was a bit older and slower, Michael Carrick struggled to find the form he enjoyed before the disastrous 2009 Champions League performance, Owen Hargreaves was permanently injured, attitude and injuries held Anderson back from fulfilling his potential to the maximum and Darren Fletcher still had plenty in the engine but his virus only interrupted what was an ineffective season for the Scot.
We never really replaced Roy Keane, maybe because he is irreplaceable, but this season we have struggled in the centre of the park more than ever, with the gap left by the departure of true world class talent more obvious than ever. Week, after week, after week, particularly on the road, the midfield has been alarmingly below the standards set by our defenders and attackers. Even when shoving five across the middle, average teams have overrun our central midfield. Whilst the gulf is class was obviously far more apparent when confronted with the best midfield in the world in the Champions League final, it shouldn’t be ignored that we’ve struggled to get to grips with the likes of Blackpool, Bolton and Birmingham this season.
Jordan Henderson, a Manchester United fan who has been linked to the club for some time, has now become a target for Liverpool. Sunderland rejected their bid this morning, apparently £13m, and I desperately hope we don’t try and beat it.
Another 20-year-old United fan who we’ve been linked to is Jack Rodwell. Of the two deals, this appears to be the more likely, but again, I hope it doesn’t happen. We’d be looking at least £20m for this lad.
After our midfield has been on a steady decline for a few seasons, we can’t afford the time, as much as the money, to see whether these players can make it. Scholes has gone, Giggs is a year older, Hargreaves is finally out of the picture once and for all, so we need someone special, and we need them now. Maybe Henderson and Rodwell will be special players in a few years time but that’s no use to us.
Luka Modric has to be our priority and is probably the most realistic of the lot, with Wesley Sneijder also mentioned fairly regularly. For all Harry Redknapp’s assertions to the contrary, Spurs will sell Modric if the price is right. After spending all season claiming he was going to stay, he revealed this week that he wanted Champions League football and would leave if there was a good deal for him and the club. United will have to stump up the cash, which should be around the £30m mark. He still has five years remaining on the contract he signed last summer, so there’s no chance of us getting him on the cheap. We will probably have to rely on him stamping his feet a little too because that Daniel Levy can be a stubborn git, particularly where United are concerned.
I’m being spoilt and unrealistic but I’d like Bastian Schweinsteiger to come with him. He also has five years remaining on his contract, despite his brother repeatedly telling him to join us, so wouldn’t be cheap either. If Fletch and Carrick have it in them to up their game and play like they did a couple of years ago, then Schweinsteiger wouldn’t be a desperate need, like Modric is. He would be a luxury. Remember when we used to be able to afford them? A midfield of Scholes and Keane at their peak and splashing the cash on Juan Sebastian Verson? Those were the days. Our situation is different in the Glazer reign though, so I’m probably going to have to get over Bastian.
When it comes to young players with the potential to be great, we should look no further than our own youth. Tom Cleverley will be welcomed back in to the squad for the pre-season and will be on the fringe of the team next season. Why spend £15m-£20m on Henderson or Rodwell when we have our own players waiting to step up?
Oliver Holt met Tom Cleverley last summer and couldn’t speak highly enough of him. “There is something about him that tells you he has been at United since he was 11. He is assured, mature, single-minded and happy to make whatever sacrifices he needs to.” This is the player we should be offering our opportunities to, not Sunderland and Everton’s youth products. Further down the line, you hope that Paul Pogba and Ryan Tunnicliffe will be given their chance too, given how brightly they have shone for our youth teams.
In years gone by we had time to wait and see youth develop, even if it meant the team wasn’t as good as it could have been in the present. We don’t have £20m to spend on a 20-year-old who might be world class in five years time and we can’t afford to be any weaker than necessary with our rivals splashing the cash. We need to go for the kill, bring in that special player now, and hope that players like Cleverley do enough with the limited chances they get to improve their game and keep their place in the squad. That is how we’ve always been successful and after keeping the purse strings pulled tight in recent seasons, it’s time for the manager to spend what is required to land us that world class midfielder who will take us to the next level.
Man Utd News 24/7
think cantona has any form left for us?
What are the odds of this thread getting 1000+ comments? :LOL:
no bookie would take bets against
The x factor in all this could be Anderson. He’s at an age now where he has to start performing well on a regular basis. In my opinion, the answer is in ranks more than outside. But even with Tom back, we will need another body in midfield in case Gibson is sold.
Daniele De Rossi. 15 mil. apparently he is leaving Roma.
Sneijder or Modric at minimum.
Yeah I have always been a fan of schweinsteiger. Godd powerful player. Would be perfect for us! Cleverly looked great in a poor poor team. Thats not easy. Its hard to be a good player when all the rest of your team mates are shite so i hope he gets a shot! This may not be popular, but i think that maybe we should get whatever money we can for carrick now. If we are truly going to try to go toe to toe with barca he cant be anywhere near the first team.
Spot on about carsick. He’s squad player at best.
@Jeet
1000 plus comments will happen if we sign Michael McIntyre before Scott puts the next post up.
Hope it doesn’t happen.
Scott what do you think of this Pastore guy at Palermo, he seems to be the real deal…
It’s a no brainer Scott! Of course we need a world class midfielder and we need 1 now! Even a 8 year old kid would tell u that! Fergie knows best and I’m backing the Glazers to give him the cash. VIVA THE GLAZERS!!!!
Exactly STR. Like we have all known for 2 or 3 years…
great post from scott
but spurs wont sell modric for 30 million
Agree 100% with above. Think I’d take Sneider over Modric but I wouldn’t mind either to be honest. Definitely think we need to land someone like Schweinsteoger as well, one more addition in the midfield isn’t enough, and it’s currently too lightweight to afford someone of Modric’s skill.
Cleverly should be given every chance available to develop and Anderson should be given some opportunity to prove he shouldn’t be shown the door – I felt last year was his last chance but he’s probably got another considering Scholes & Hargreaves leaving.
sneijder and schweinsteiger… don’t want modric.
Completely agree, especially about Tom Cleverley. I’ve mentioned before, but it’s worth repeating, the Watford chairman said almost word for word the same to me about Tom as Oliver Holt (he was at Watford on a very successful loan). We really must give our youngsters a chance, or we risk losing them like Aaron Ramsey to Arsenal (wonder if he thinks he made the right decision…)
With Rodwell there’s one other factor though. It’s said that he wants to play as a centre half and I could see him developing into a real play-maker-from-the back alongside Smalling in the future. Rio’s done better than expected but realistically he’s always just one pulled muscle away from a long layoff, plus the great Vidic is no spring chicken. Yes our defence has been great (when fit) but Brown’s on his way out, O’Shea is now 30 something, Jonny Evans has regressed, so we need to think long term about defenders.
We have been beging for a midfield signing for few years now. It is desperately needed. Our MF got exposed in almost every single away game. I agree with you Scott
SUMS:
Diouf + Macheda + Gibson + Brown = £12m?
£12m from these sales + £40m begged off the Glazers = £52m
Modric (£35m) + De Gea (£17m) = £52m
Current squad + Modric + De Gea = league + FA Cup in 2012
get in there for de rossi.
1 year left on his contract and in his absolute prime.
absolut bargain for around 15 million. and he would bring that steel into midfield we lack.
modric is enough. we have the likes of cleverley,pogba,morrison breaking through!
Pastore, its hard to call, but for the money they are asking for, I’d rather go for the proven Sneijder.
@supertramp In my fantasy world you’ve just named the 2 players i’d love at united. been saying schweinsteiger for 3 yrs! The perfect player for us. A bit of bite in midfield and is capable of grabbing a goal or 2. Awesome player. As for sniejder, yeah another player i wouldnt say no to but it makes no odds cos both of them are unnavailable. So we look closer to home, modric is a good player tbh. He really has had a great season for spurs and he knows the league. A big advantage in my opinion. What about nasri? Another superb player. However, top whack wanted for them and their clubs will be unwilling to sell. Especially to us! I can see us shoving cleverley in there and getting the 2 named in scotts article tbh :-/ Hope i’m wrong but dont hold yer breath reds.
If we go for a creative midfielder it’s modric.
But if we are targeting a holding midfielder it’s de rossi.
Pastore? Can’t play in a 2-man midfield. and way to expensive,
Schweiny is only 26?!?!?!
In my head it was like 32 or summat!!
I had no idea he was that young!
Sign him up! Fergie Fergie sign him up!
I do not want Modric, spending 30 mil+ on a player who does’nt score or assist many is crazy! I would rather we bought a midfielder who can score 10+ goals a season and assisted that many aswell. However, we do need someone who can really take the game by the scruff of the neck and that is not modric. Some players thrive with more responsibilty, so personally if we could not get that type of player then we should not buy anyone at all. I hope Anderson steps up and i expect Cleverley to be a revelation next season
@kanchelskis – I know what you mean mate! I was thinking that he was something like 28, 3 years back! And I checked him up on wiki and he was only 23 then! An excellent player and would love to see him at United! But, I am sure Ferguson will know whom to buy! Though, I thought the De Gea deal would have been done at the start of the transfer window! Now, I don’t even hear rumours about him. Wonder what happened there…
1. Forget Schweinsteiger – not happening
2. I hope its not Pastore – lovely player, but not meant for the PL. Perfect for Serie A or La Liga
3. I had great hopes of Sneidjer joining, but he himself seems to have ruled it out
4. Frankly, I think Modric will be too difficult a deal to pull off, though I agree he would be great
5. De Rossi – supririsngly, dont hear a lot of noise about him
So then, who else is left? Doesn’t look too promising…sadly…
….I guess you can always expect Charlie Adam and Nico Krancjaer (not the Velvet Underground Nico – she’s too expensive, I’ve heard)
@RedManWalking
De Gea must be nearly done. Fergie isn’t one to run his mouth without good cause when it comes to transfers.
Atletico probably just digging their heels in a bit about terms. I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t unveiled as a United player within the next few weeks.
Y sad? Some of the muppets here still think the likes of carsick can be the core midfield when a changed is suggested. Living in the past think he’s still that sameplayer that joined us.
Sick of seeing Carrick in his non tackling, non scoring midfield role. Too many ‘decent’ players, not enough class. Giggs, Keane, Scholes, Beckham … fire up the flux capacitor!
@jeet
mate i think its de rossi
he will be available formaximum 20 million if he ends up at chelsea or shitty i will be fucking angry
have you heard of ricky alvarez from velez sarsfield
there are reports linking us with him for 10 million arsenal also linked
@RedManWalking
According to reports, the De Gea deal is already done. He has changed agents and it’s prudent to keep quiet till the beginning of the transfer window so that there is no legal trouble afterwards between his old agent and the new one.
I HATE the transfer window..Still got another 2 months to live through this crap..Hopefully SAF gets his players before pre season..And I’d really doubt if we got any of the afore mentioned players..
@arijc
Yeh, that’s what Ballague said, innit?
His new agent is going to be – surprise surprise – Jorge Mendes.
Schweinsteiger would be a dream – but just can’t see it happening.
Sneijder would be a great signing, but does he want to come and would he interfere with Wayne’s position?.
Modric, class act and just glides through games with ultimate ease, at 25 with 3 seasons in the PL, could he be the answer? I think £30m would be enough for him as long as he makes it clear he wants to come to us. My personal preference.
De Rossi – Has he done anything for the past 5 years? Plus is he creative enough? Think he’s more defensively minded – not what we need.
Rodwell – Sir Alex likes him and I can see it happening. £15m tops though. Replacement for Hargo and emergency centre back.
Henderson – Needs another season in the PL to prove himself – drifts in and out of games way too much for my liking. Only seem to hear about him when Sunderland are winning. Potentially good but wouldn’t pay over £12m for the lad.
Anyone else I missed off?
I absolutely love cleverly and have said for years that he is the next best thing to come out of Manchester since scholesy etc, but he unfortunately has the ONE problem of being a bit injury prone, I think one more season on loan to a good club with a good manager like everton, Sunderland or Bolton, just to prove his fitness, would be perfect
@jeet
mate if spurs dont make the CL NEXT SEASON then modric and bale and even vdv will leave
SO FERGIE MIGHT WAIT like we did for hargo and berba
also manutd.com said we were linked with 109 players last summer and we got none
so we have been linked with de rossi only once or twice
soit could be him
lads this has been in the making for a couple of yrs now. and while our manchester united fc spirit has gotten us a remarkable 19th league title, our midfield was overly exposed against barca. putting paper over cracks is not going to get us further. if we’re ok with how we did this year then no mid fld signinngs need to be made and we can hope anderson and one of youth players to have an impactful year. but if the gaffer wants to knock barca of european perch (which i sure as hell feel he does), then it really is time to plug the midfield with a 90s scholes type attacking mid fielder, one who can control the pace of the game and dish out 10 goals and assists a season. whether that is sneijder or modric i don’t know, but we cannot wait to buy young / develop in this role. this position is way too important. we’ve gotten by for the past few yrs but it really needs addressing to compete against the best of barca
GGMU
@kanchelskis
Yep, Ballague mentioned it. He has been correct so far in reporting this deal. And Jorge Mendes is very close to Fergie. So can’t think of any complications in this deal.
While we are all looking one way we will be SURPRISED by who Fergie gets.
My money is on Schweinsteiger and Modric.
That would be good for me.
I still think we need a BIG GUY as a striker too – Dont know who, but a big strong old fashioned centre forward like Van Nistelrooy. We miss that at the moment and I think it would compliment our set up nicely.
@carBANGrick: Did Mikey bank your car? Or your wife? Or your mum? All three? Can’t you think of anything else to comment about? It’s a waste of breath trying to debate with you on his merits, so just do us a favor and FUCK OFF, mate….not worth it…
Muppet.
Schweingsteiger = “ARBEIT”!!
@Sir Shaggsy : Shweinsteiger not gonna happen, mate…Bayern wont let him go (they dont need to) and for ze germans, that’s about as big as it gets. Trust me, if it hadnt been for moneybags Ballack would never have come to the PL. I remind everybody of my promise to give up weed if we get Schweinsteiger – I wont need it anymore to fuel my fantasies, and I am a guy that choses his bets very, very carefully.
if we had the money we shud just buy iniesta
@Jeet – You can never say never about Schweinsteiger.
I have heard a rumour about him having work carried out already on a house near Manchester.
I suspect that a lot of these deals have been done and discussed already. The end of the season is a bit like Christmas, comes every year at the same time so Fergie will have already plotted months ahead. August comes far too quickly to only start approaching deals in May.
I really do believe Schweinsteiger will come and maybe Modric now the CL at Spurs is a no-go.
We none of us know but I suspect Gill and Fergie are already pretty secure in the knowledge of who is coming and who is going because the clock ticks very quickly between now and August.
Hope we find out soon. Just renewed the season ticket and certainly didnt cough up £703 to watch Darren Gibson and Obertan again.
Great article. I couldn’t agree more. We have talent coming through. It’s time for Cleverley to be given the chance, and it’s up to him to grasp that opportunity with both hands. We need to be realistic — he will most surely have some bad games — but from what I saw in last year’s pre-season, I believe he can make it. Some of our other talent will take longer before it comes through.
In the meantime, let’s not throw money at everyone else’s youngsters, no matter how much “potential” they show. My view is that SAF has been “juggling for time” in this issue — waiting to see how long the Scholes/Giggs could continue and how far it could take us; while waiting to see how long it would take the academy stars to develop the necessary maturity; and all the while, hoping that the overpriced transfer market would settle down, given the the Fair Play rules coming in. And you have to feel for the man, because so many aspects of what I just said are totally outside of his control.
But now some of the unknowns are becoming clearer: we know now that Scholes is gone. We now, or must strongly believe, that Giggs will soon be gone and that in the mean time, will almost certainly play a diminished role this year. We also know that Fletcher and Carrick have struggled a little this year (but we don’t if those were temporary blips), and we know that Anderson has not yet fully and consistently delivered on his potential. And, it would seem that the academy stars are not quite ready for prime time.
It was always too much to hope that the decline of one generation could be perfectly dove-tailed with the rise of the next. And in fact, I am astonished it came even close. But there is going to be gap of anywhere from 2-5 years before the young stars fully take over (2 years is the minimum, and 5 is extreme; I think 3 may be realistic).
Given that, this is not the time to be fucking around with other unproven talent. It’s time for some hired guns. Sneijder, De Rossi, The Beast, Modric, whoever floats Sir Alex’s boat, I don’t care — but someone with the proven talent, ability and experience to keep us in silverware over the next few years, and also to help mentor the youngsters on the field as they come through. United has often used a mixture of ‘bought talent’ and ‘built talent’, it has served us well, and we need to do that now. Fuck ‘value’, because how much value do we place on winning the PL consistently 2 out of 3 years? Fuck ‘future resale’, because if we don’t keep doing the business now, the future will suck anyway.
what has MODRIC ever done!!? seriously. to be worth anything like the money being talked about. he is so very average. never scores, not many assists.
i think RODWELL deal is close to being done. as usual we will pay well over the odds.
IMO we have to except we can no longer afford to compete with city or chelsea in transfer dealings. thanks glazer scum
play CLEVERLEY every week with POGBA alongside
Why in God’s name are we going for these young inexperienced players when there are young EXPERIENCED players? please do not sign ANY of them. throw some money at Moratti and inter and they will budge. Sneijder or Schweinsteiger or modric. No one else is close to being a replacement for scholes that those three ( well there’s xavi and iniesta but they are unbuyable).
I don’t think we need another striker. we’ve got three good ones. If we are looking for another rooney – type striker out there it would be aguero. Strong quick deadly finisher. but that would put chicha on the bench as well as berba and they’d probably not be happy with that. We should stay as we are upfront but SERIOUS BIG TIME changes in midfield. One attacking midfielder and one defensive midfielder. there are many good ones out there. we just have to take time and search and i know that’s what Fergie is doing.
And how much money would Iniesta be? A player who doesn’t want to leave a club who doesn’t want to sell? Maybe if we kidnapped his family we could sign him.
@whiteside LMFAO. no way in hell anyone’s buying iniesta. Barcelona is not run by scooby doo. LOL.
Au revoir Max!
How come Tony Bee is nowhere to be seen? Now everyone says our CM is inadequate.
I said all these things last week and he was on here telling me to Fuck Off and calling me a plastic fan?
No wonder he is AWOL – Fucking Prick
Tony Bee where the fuck are you now ?
Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton.
I wish we could get modric and sneijder
Oh man I would love to see Schweinsteiger here. But for all the talk about him and Schneider, I bet we get Modric. And I would not be suprised to see Charlie Adam, either, as I think SAF really liks him. GGMU.
@ Willie – How bout Jermaine Jenas?
Buying Charlie Adam would send out all the wrong signals.
Scraping around the relegated bargain basement.
Every once in a while, when circumstance demands it, we should be buying big players from big European clubs.
And boy does circumstance demand it now.
Jeet, Too true buddy. Ha ha ha ah!!!!!
This is what I was telling everyone who would listen about Neuer last year. Fantasy, and so it turned out. Bring them in young from Germany, and maybe. But it has to be an exceptionally committed player. I have been talking up Gotze for a couple of days, but the same maths apply. Cheers
I think Carrick is still world class for what it’s worth and I only see him getting better next season. It’s not like the last defeat against Barcelona when he played like a shellshocked ghost afterwards until the beginning of this year – he’s improved steadily since January and I’m sick of United fans writing him off because the only thing they see about him is that he doesn’t “get stuck in” like Glenn Whelan does for Stoke, or misplaces a few passes every now and again. Sure, he may not be the same player as he was when we signed him but he’s getting back towards that, and his experience is second to none.
His diagonal quarterback pass for Giggs to set up Rooney’s goal away at Chelsea in the Champions League was one of the passes of the season.
I agree with STR, we need one big, big signing and I’ve got a feeling it is going to be Modric, which would be perfect, I don’t think I’ve seen many get the ball off him! I also think it’s worth throwing £8m at Charlie Adam and see what he can do – we need good left-foot set-piece delivery and he’s got to be more progressive than Darren Gibson.
I’d be over the moon with a midfield of Carrick, Giggs, Anderson, Cleverley, Modric, Adam, Park and Fletcher. That’s got a great balance – and hopefully Anderson can develop into more of the left-sided attacker he purports to be than the clumsy midfield clogger he’s ended up looking like.
some of the muppets have gone missing after ranting that barca is piss shit and we are better.
Personally I would like SAF to sign British players with potential. I think Henderson would be good for several reasons. He would love playing for United and would probably end his career here. He has a fairly good build, scores some goals. I don’t know enough about his passing ability and quickness to his feet.
With Henderson and Cleverly at United together with Anderson (who should be moved higher up in the pitch) and a far superior coaching staff to most teams in the world, we could be set for many years to come. Sadly this doens’t fix next years team (most likely).
Here again I would prefer some magic and scoring ability. United have the defensive midfielders in Fletcher, Carrick and Gibson – here I would like SAF to bring in Douglas Costa.
I am not sure where this leaves us with respect to the squad rules. If SAF also is thinking about a winger I hope he is able to bring in Ribery and lets Young go to some other club. Ribery would bring technical ability, free kicks, pace and a good work rate to the team.
Most likely none of this will come true, since SAF has one of the worlds best scouting teams and he will know of all the gems and stay away from the expensive players.
Agree with the need for experienced players in their prime to help bring Cleverly, Pogba, Morrison and Tunnicliffe – particularly – through the transition from youth team to senior side. Schweinsteiger and Schneider would be a dream – a Champion’s League ready central midfield pairing that might finally give the Xavi, Iniesta and Messi holy trinity something to worry about.
Something tells me though that Schweinsteiger’ll be a one-club man til the end of his career and, somehow, I just can’t see Schneider in a United shirt. Modric would be the logical next choice in the creative position with possibly De Rossi as a reasonably priced anchor-man. Again, though, despite the club’s statements to the contrary – 160 million squids available? Yeah right… – there’s a feeling of deja-vu about this coming summer’s transfer (in)activity.
It’s possible the boss might just take an immediate punt on youth. From what I have seen, Cleverly’s an option in the creative role and Tunnicliffe’s an imposing physical specimen for his age and a bloody decent footballer too. I would certainly rather see them getting a chance rather than the overrated Rodwell / Henderson. Wouldn’t be the first time Ferguson’s put his faith in youth either, would it?
“Carrick is still world class” you on drugs?
Couldn’t have said it better myself. In recent times under the glazer regime there has been alot more emphasis on buying youth, yet with our ever decaying midfield, we need top quality players than have experience and can do the business in the champions league as well as domestically. Like many have said i would take modric over sneijder because i reckon he would be cheaper, he has PL experience and he can defend as well as attack. I feel there is absolute no need to buy rodwell, although i do believe it will happen. Rodwell in his time at everton has not done nearly enough to draw any sort of attention from likes of united, he’s been average at best. This season we have seen the likes of pogba and tunnicliffe, as well as cleverley. These 3 midfielders are one of the brightest players to come out of uniteds academy in a long long time (no luke chadwick’s amongst this lot). Its time to bed these 3 in slowly into the first team and combine it with top quality (ahem not you carrick or you gibson).
Personally i believe we only need one star signing in the midfield and with the likes of tunnicliffe and pogba the future looks bright. One thing i would like to add is sell macheda and bring in lukaku, the guy is the next drogba and is built for the premier league.
FERGIE SIGN THEM UP!!!!!!!!!
L.U.H.G
Ignore the troll
I don’t see rodwell and henderson any better than our darron Gibson at the moment.
or it could be a well known player like Sneijder (hopefully it is).
United has a lot of young, promising and talented midfielder already and any purcase would reduce their chances to break into first team next season.
Well, they might turn out good but now more than ever we need a player who can immediately deliver to add number 20 to our collection and of course won the CL.
It’s difficult to predict who united will sign at this moment as it’s a long way till August and I’m sure Sir Alex and the scouts are in discussion. It could be another surprise like Bebe
I think we can see at least one big name due to Scholesy retirement and United certainly have some cash at disposal.
Right now I’m not ruling out anybody and I will support any players that Sir Alex will sign.
Hope Berba would stay so that we doesnt have to go for another striker…
do not want Modric!!!!!
would rather two of de rossi, sneijder and schweinsteiger.
OUT:
Gibson, Brown, VDS, Scholes, Hargreaves, Diouf
IN:
Sneijder
De Rossi/schweinsteiger
Varane
De Gea
give first team chances to:
Welbeck
Cleverley
Pogba
Petrucci
CM next year:
Giggs, Sneijder, De Rossi/schweinsteiger, Anderson, Pogba, Pertucci, Carrick, Fletcher, Cleverley (prob be used more as winger tho i reckon)
Wont happen though!!!!
If he is, y hasnt he ever been rumoured to be the target of the top teams in europe ?
Giles Oakley … I hadn’t thought of Rodwell as a center-half, and didn’t know it was a position he could play. If that’s the case, then there’s some merit to what you say.
And of course Ravel should get first team chances next year as well!!
The problem with speculating as to who SAF goes for is that whatever solution he may have had before the champions league game surely have been scuppered. Is he going to go for a new way of playing, change of formations. I can honestly say i’ve been through a lot calling for change in this area. I remember having worries about it ever since Keano left and Ronaldinho was rumored to be coming to OT. Yet here we are all these years later and we’re non the wiser. I don’t feel particularly excited about transfers in this area. It almost looks like any move will be destined to fail. Promote the youth, let they play along side the experienced players and hope to God we unearth gem or two from withn.
Someone mentioned all the difficulty in getting these guys, Modric – too much shit from Mr Levy and for fuck sake 30 million? Please. Bastian S – Bayern would rather die that let it happen, Sneidjer- ruled himself out, De-Rossi looks probable but who knows. Just hope and pray SAF and the board don’t go wasting money on Rodwell and Henderson. Good players but not what we need, we need special players. Hit the nail bang on the head STR
Just posted on another thread that De Rossi is a must buy. Even at 20mil he would be an absolute bargain. Fergie, sign him up!
@ carBANGrick
No, he’s got an elegance and composure that youth lacks. He’s overshadowed because he’s had bad form for ages – I’m not disputing that – but he is getting back to his best and he covers so much ground in that DMF position, anchoring, sweeping up, doing the jobs nobody else does etc, he does need another world class partner in the midfield though to be the creator. Carrick is a classic feeder, he feeds the ball to more creative players, meanwhile negating the threat of teams who press high up the pitch trying to outmanoeuvre us. Obviously that didn’t work against Barcelona, and we’ve struggled against other teams who do this because we haven’t found creative players further forward because we haven’t got one in midfield properly any more.
Maybe I’m the only one seeing this!
I’ll go as far as commenting that we DO need another winger. A special one too. For a team who bases their game on attacking on the wings, we lack that special players opponents know for a fact they will get turned or left with their ass on the turf. Great things from Tony V and Nani but that extra spark is required
@BerbaGod. What has De Rossi done for the past 5 yrs? Hold Roma together mate. He would be a top class signing.
@aimanunited: spot on re: Henderson and Rodwell. See. here’s the thing – SAF has got EPL winning down to a fine art. He simply knows how to get it done. And he will get it done with the current squad, “value” signings and upcoming youth 1-2 yrs out of every 3. But, Europe is a different deal altogether. And now that 19 is home, that’s the next big motherfucking perch, and I say this not only because of the freak “hiding”, but you got to admit that it’s the logical way to go. And Henderson and Rodwell are not the answer to that puzzle. Likes of Sneidjer are the missing pieces, IMO.
@Costas: you mentioned Anderson as the joker in the pack, and I agree. The lad’s got tons of talent, and depending on how much trust fergie has in him, and what role he has in mind for him, we need to get complimentary players. For instance, I have been arguing for a DMF, because it will free up Anderson. Towards the end of this season, he has shown signs of consistency. And if steps up a couple of gears, he could be the one that makes the difference.
@ Jeet
Missed that, I appear to have fed it. Apologies.
BerbaGod – He’s not as good as Barton and Nolan lol. Seriously though, Scott is right. We need a top CM. We’ve got enough potential coming through. A CM and De Gea, would be fine with me.
there are plenty of midfielders out there
sneijder modric de rossi hamsik markomarin
de rossi is the one who is going to be available at a realistic price
kaka on loan wont be bad option
above all anderson is the midfielder with most potential he has to step up next season and he said that
@nosferatu : I think Carrick did well in the CL final this time, for as long as he was there. But they were too fucking good, and he had too much to do for one guy.
FERGUSON’S RED WHITE ARMY
needs a new general in the middle of the pitch lol
Me and my big mouth wanting a midfielder thread
Got one and it’s about to lose control
@willie
mate we dont need jenas like u said
it going tobe de gea young varane and a midfielder
i hope its de rossi
just to let everyone know about sneijder
inter milan sold ibra to barca for 40 million pounds plus etoo
so thats about 60 million
thats the sort of money that inter would probably sell sneijder for
@ Jeet
Completely agree about Anderson. He looked like he enjoyed getting in scoring positions against Schalke and looks as if he’s only confidence away from a big season at some point – I’m happy he stayed because he always puts 100% in, and although most of the time things don’t come off for him he’s got a phenomenal lung-busting run in him every game. I’d like to see him play in the position Yaya Toure does for City – just behind Rooney, running the ball out of midfield and feeding the flanks on the counter, I think that’s where he’s most effective, and if he can step that up away from home it’d be great.
Looks like I posted this on the wrong thread
Have a cheeky read and tell me what you guys think. Viva Utd!!
For me, and if I were manager (massive LOL on that) I would have Rooney playing Scholesy’s position (which I’ve said for a bloody age now) and I’d sign De Rossi this summer to play next to him (or even put Fletch there) and I’d play Berbs just behind the striker ( cue one Chicharito) in a 4-4-1-1 system.
Let’s get into a little fantasy for a second.. this would be my Utd team next year. My summer signings would be De Gea, De Rossi, that Varane defender/defensive mid we’ve been linked with and A.Young would also make a good addition although I fail to see what would happen to Nani if that’s the case. Those 4 players.. definately the initial 3 (of which 2 look very close to happening).
——————–De Gea————————–
Rafael/Fabio—-Rio—–Vidic————–Evra
Valencia-Rooney-De Rossi/Fletch-Park/Young/Nani
-
————Berbagod——————————————
————————–Chicharito——————————-
Pretty crazy right? You know it makes sense!! LOL… good day ladies and gents
I beat Barcelona in my FM 2011 – Sneijder scored the winning goal
It’s a sign
@ Utdforever – I was just asking the question mate, wasn’t trying to be sarcastic or anything. I think he’s a good player and have always rated him, especially when Italy won the World Cup thought he was brilliant. Just haven’t heard much about him in the last 2/3 years. Do you think he could fit into our system(s)?. He’s more of a box to box player than that creative/attack minded midfielder, maybe that could be the answer. All I do know is he is a winner and I love his aggression!
@ Willie – ‘Yeah we don’t need Jenas like you said!’ –
@berbagod s required to buy him
he ticks all the boxes and he will certainly be the cheapest thats for sure
also neymar the BRAZILIAN MESSI
well his agent just said 39 million is required to buy him and that even then he would not go
and remember i think he is only 19 years old or 18
pastore 44 million
neymar 39 million jesus christ
@Sir Shaggsy : To your point around needing a big striker – the only occasion where you need such a player is when you play a 4-3-3/4-5-1. You know the perfect player for that sort of a role? He is called Didier Drogba – as much as I hate the writhing (post Jonny Evans kugfu kick) jelly of a cunt, he is a fantastic player. Built like a brick shithouse, holds up play, fantastic finisher, good in the air and shot like a mule’s kick. There are 2 problems in getting a player like that – A) there are very few of them and B) true quality like that doesnt like being on the bench and we know how many times we play 4-5-1 to actually NEED a player like that. A little bit down the priority list, IMO.
@Utdforever: That’s not a bad team, actually! I still have doubts whether Rooney has the close control and the tactical discipline to play the CM role. He has the energy and the passing, and once again let me reiterate, that’s good enough for most of the PL teams. But I am still not convinced if he can play that role at the highest, I mean the absolutely highest level.
With the experience of Wes Brown, and the lift he would give to a back line in the lower levels of PL, I’d say we could bring out about 5mil from him. As for Gibson, scoring in the the CL gives a strange kind of status that ups his value a bit. He has quite alot of experience even though he’s young, so around 7mil for him seems realistic. I don’t want us to sell Macheda, I think he has alot of potential. But Diouf doesn’t seem like UTD material. Haven’t heard or read anything about him, no interview about his situation or any comment from him at all. Don’t think he has the right atitude to make it. Let’s give him to Blackburn for 4mil and we will have a total of 16mil. Ad another 4mil from our account to release Rene Adler from his contract buy-out clause.
Slim … I really hope SAF doesn’t go buying players because they’re the only ones he can get, because the ones he really wants aren’t available. As I have said previously, this business about dismantling Barcelona is all well and good, but first we need a plan (how are we going to play?), and as you say, that may have (and should have) changed in light of Saturday. The other question that has to be asked is: is the “Barcelona Protocol” going to be short-term objective, or a longer-term objective? If I was going to buy players who could help achieve that in the immediate future, there wouldn’t be many names on the list who are up to it. That list would not include Ashley Young, for example. It probably would include names like Sneijder, De Rossi, The Beast, but probably not Rodwell (although as Giles Oakley has pointed out elsewhere, the lad might actually make a decent center-half).
It’s OK for people to argue about whether those guys, or others, are good enough or not. But too quickly, the debate becomes more about whether they’re actually available or not. That may be true, but if it is, then it has important ramifications. Because if those are the type of players we would need, in order to mount a serious challenge to Barca in the short-term, and if those players really aren’t available, then the significance is that we have no choice but to take a longer-term approach. And that means giving the younger players time to develop, and meanwhile, providing enough senior expertize to keep dominating the PL (and maybe occasionally making the CL final, even if, when we get there, we are then done by Barca). What I don’t want us to do is throw a lot of money at players unless SAF is certain, in his heart, that they are the right ones.
TOTALLY AGREE SCOTT
CLEVERLY, POGBA > RODWELL, HENDERSON !
HAVE FAITH IN OUR OWN !
SNEIJDER AND SCHWEINSTIEGER PLEASE
CL FINAL NEXT YEAR = DIFFERENT OUTCOME.
Sneijder is more likely than Modric because of Tottenham’s Busting My Balls Approach from Daniel Levy, Floppy Face will want around £40-50 mill, Selling To United Again
1- hes fallen out with inter
2- hes repaid them for saving him from Madrid.
3- New Challenges
4- Inter are on their way down with a average manager & Ac Milan taking back the League.
5- He likes United ( who doesnt) & His friends (VdV) are whispering in his ears to come to the PL.
Cons:
1- Expensive looking at a £35+ Mill transfer fee and £180-200K wages.
2- He’s only been at inter for 2 years, may want see out contract.
3- The money Grabber in him will be put off by The Taxes in Inglaterra.
4- Interest from FM 11 experts Manchester Shitty No Doubt will be Sniffing around his droppings.
Jeet: point taken about Drogba. We don’t have a striker of that type. Berbatov is a good size, and uses his frame well. He gave Carragher plenty to think about early in the last season, and he might well have been more competitive against Pique than the Little Pea was. But for stylistic reasons, he is not a Lone Ranger, Drogba-type of striker. As you say, there are very few of those around these days. And that’s important when considering formations like 451.
@statesideaussie
mate i think we need to sign players who fergie wanted to sign before the final
i dont think he wil thange that
and i do think real madrid will beat barca to the title next year
mourinho always gets it done
The sooner some trolls realize they support Manchester United FC and not Anti-Carrick FC the better.
@Stateside Aussie: On same page re: Drogish (Christ – I feel like puking, everytime I remotely come close to thinking of him in Utd’s red) striker – way low down the priority list.
@ Costas: hear, hear.
@clint am your pappi
mate i think will want to come if we make contact and i think he will take a paycut maybe
but pls remember that inter milan sold zlatan ibrahamovic for 40 million pounds plus etoo
so thts about 60 million
thats the amount of money required to buy him
Clint — well, one thing’s for sure. Sneijder isn’t going to win the CL with Inter, is he? Not the way they’re going. And he isn’t going back to the virus either. And as it stands, anyone with a brain can see that Barca, the virus and us are the three leading contenders for CL glory. Surely it’s something that must play into his thinking.
Of course, there are plenty who will say we don’t want him anyway, because his position would clash with Rooney’s new found role. Maybe so. But as much I as admire Rooney, this business about building the team around him, as if that was actually our main objective in life, is starting to try my patience.
Seriously why is Henderson being mention, I’m quite sure he’s no better than Gibson.
Goodynite, lads and lasses – as much as I would loved to contribute in taking this thread past 1000 posts, family beckons! Keep it bright, keep it Red!
Sachu … not sure about the money for Sneijder. I think that with the Fair Play rules coming in, we will see an end to the orgy of over-the-top money. Yes, it might be 30mil or maybe more, but 60m? I doubt it. But it’s all speculation, to be honest, and hardly worth pursuing. If SAF can’t get the players he wants, for whatever reason, then he must simpky take a longer term view of things — and start bringing the youngsters through. I would rather spend 40 million on a player who can take us to the next level, than spend 20 million on a player who can’t. If the top guy (whoever he is) isn’t available, then stick with the youngsters — and learn to be patient.
Anderson, carrick and fletcher all just been given new contracts so should only expect there to be one new central midfielder. Personally hope it is modric, he’s solid enough so u can play 442. I think if we bought sneijder, pastore then we’d have to play 433/451 because the midfield would be too easy to walk through. He’s also at the right age and knows the league.
Got a horrible feeling sneijder could be another veron. Pimp in Italy, bitch in England
All these names linked with us its Madness here on ROM. People here are as Giddy as a Bebe
Young, douglas costa, Adam, henderson, modric, de rossi, rodwell, sneijder, Schweini, Ribery FFS!
Like Fergie hinted:
1 Goalie = De Gea
1 Youngster as usual = henderson, rodwell or Varane, maybe even Oxlade Chamberlain??
1 Established midfielder to replace Hargo/Scholes = Who The Fuck Knows….Could Turn out to
to be The Great Na-se-ri
C’mon Fergie bring us : Robert Green Please
——————————-Green & Gold….Till Rooney’s Sold
Gotta Agree with StatesideAussie On that One
Jesus. Even STR is not immune to a touch of transfer muppetry.
1st: Schweiny is a colossal prick when it comes to the subject of joining us. He bleeds Bayern and will never come over.
2nd: With the exception of an already fully formed DM, I’d rather we promote from our youth and reserve ranks. We have to put more faith in our youth. Even if we bleed them a little young and suffer a little this year, there is no substitute for the younger guys getting some decent game time in the real top flight. Modric this and Sneijder that, it’s a god damn knee jerk from the Barca game. You can’t just buy a cracking midfield just off one mega buy. It’s rarely the case
3rd: If we do buy big, I foresee it being somebody who is of quality but is currently out of favour and surplus to requirements at their current club. Perhaps a Kaka or Higuain (though a forward is hardly the most pressing concern ATM). If anything was learnt of last year, anybody of note who made an impact was coming of a slump prior to being sold (VDV, Aquilani, etc..). Probably the one exception was David Villa.
4th: Whoever comes over must WANT to come over. No point buying an expensive merc who has no intention of fully applying himself passionately while here..
That being said, are any of these long discussed players actually half decent at all? Has anyone followed them closely? (Hamsik, Defour, Hazard, Pastore, Sanchez)?
@statesideaussie
thats agreat point you made about waiting
because i think that could happen again
we waited ayear for hargo and berba
and we got them
i will be surprised if spurs sell modric
but i am 100 percent certain that they will sell luka and bale if they dont make the CL again
the one we should get is de rossi
also i have to disagree with you the fee about sneijder
the FFP rules doesnt affect the selling team so they are not sell him under 50 million atleast
massimo moratti even wants 43 million for etoo
Good analysis.The Centre Midfield needs renovation.We are good elsewhere
Spot on Scot the Red. The old days, spend big this year BIG FOR 2 WORLD CLASS MID-FIELDERS !!!
Manchuchu,those names are nothing more than internet hype.They are just good players thats all
I understand what Scott means, I swear I must be the only one that gets annoyed when were linked to players like
henderson: who is INCREDIBLY OVER-RATED!!!! I don’t know what he’s done that I haven’t seen that makes him the “next big thing” Morrison & Pogba > Henderson
Rodwell: again I’ve seen a lot of everton this season and Rodwell is anonymous most games, (apart form like top 4 games (barring liverpool) and the odd spurs and city game. Tunni > Rodwell
If I had the choice between buying those 2 an keeping our midfield now I would keep our current midfield, don’t get me wrong I’m all for bringing through the youth but I’ve got no time for those 2, especially henderson, rodwell maybe but the longer we put off our midfield problem, the longer it will be a problem I wouldn’t say we struggle we’ve been formidable at home but away you need that bit extra from your midfield and sadly ours weren’t on our game away from home.
I agree that we do need 2 midfielders would love De Rossi & Sneijder/Modric, but the only problem with that is what happens to Fletch, Carrick, Ando, Giggsy and Clev, that’s why I don’t see us getting 2 we will probably get 1 and then chose between Fletch and Carrick.
I Love my team, we have probably the biggest squad of players in the league and their very loyal to the club, so I don’t see the boss selling carrick or what ever bollocks people say, we just need added quality in the middle of the park so fletch and carrick need to bring their “A” game for next season, cos its going to get harder.
But I do think we WILL win the league next season though, were easily the best team in the country
ANY ONE EVEN IN JEST WHO WANTS TO SELL ROONEY !!! FUCK OFF PLEASE, SAY THAT SHIT ON ANOTHER SITE!!!!!
Don’t know who said it, don’t really care, but of course we can sign someone who isn’t wanted at their current club. Prime example, Wesley Sneijder. Real didn’t want him, but Inter certainly wanted him. Just remind me what Inter won that year? Some talk about Anderson? I want to see Fergie play him in more advanced position. IMO, he’s wasted in the DM position. Come on Fergie, give Anderson that responsibility.
@StatesideAussie
With you on that mate. Top post. I mentioned it during the second part of the season that SAF may choose not to invest in the middle of the park and that fans shouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t. A plan. Thats exactly it, its what i hinted at in my last post, the last game complicated matters big time. Then again the most complex problems require the most simplest solutions. All i’m driving at is a well thought out plan is devised and seen through. I have no doubt in SAF, though the game must have disappointed him greatly. Like you said, it depends on what players are available. I hope we can get some in because i’d like this project to get underway with a boost. That said the younger players simply have to be given more responsibility, splashing the cash like the old days or the fellas down the street ain’t happening so they have a big big role to play
@willie
thats exactly wat i want
but it seems fergie still doesnt have enough confidece in him
37 year old ryan giggs played the final and 36 year old scholes played ahead of ando
fergie played a 20 year old fabio though thats a great sign
i realy hope we sign de rossi and play ando and de rossi together can that happen
I would like Sniejder and DeRossi.
I would like Berba to stay and be given a chance to play in front of them with Rooney. The little Pea will still get enough game time during the season to keep his development going.
I would like Ando to be given a decent run with a stronger team, not the Carling Cup team or players filling in for resting players.
I would like 20 in 2012.
I would like 4 in 2012.
Ando needs to be given the chance. In the final I would have kept and sprayed the ball around better than carrick n giggs.
We don’t know what’s on fergies mind. Pogba Morrison and tunnicliff look awesome in the reserves, but its difficult for us to gain a real knowledge of these players as we don’t see them in training with the snr players. Fergie will be planning for years down the line too. Personallly I’d like to see someof the three on tour this year but maybe a year or two too early?
I’d like to see ando n Rossi as first choice cm next season, with fletch carrick n giggs as back up can’t see it tbh.
Don’t even think well sign a cm it’ll be varne de Gea and young, so well have to see what’s on fergies mind
Good day Willie.
11am says:
In the final I would have kept and sprayed the ball around better than carrick n giggs.
____________________________________________________________________________
Wow! You must be pretty decent!
Couldn’t agree more. Good choices too. When you consider our midfield, if we had 2 of barcas midfielders we’d be the best team in the world in my opinion. Even if we had messi and ronaldo upfront we wouldn’t be. That shows the quality gap in mid.
@ Manchuchu
I have seen Hazard play a number of full games, he is the real deal for sure and could be and impact player for us immediately while still falling squarely into United’s youth transfer policy!
Anderson is a very decent attacking midfielder, performances vs valencia, schalke have shown that & i think he played reasonably well in the CL & against Fulham i think. A little bit more confidence, less injuries & Common sense should see him be our “Nani” next season.
How about Mario Gotze anyone?Sotiris Ninis?Steven Defour?
If you believe, as I do, that next year’s UTD first-team is one player away from winning the EPL and getting to the CL final again, then you have to ask what was the problem with this year’s outfit. To me the answer was pretty obvious in the CL Final – not enough quality in midfield and, in particular, too lightweight in terms of pressuring Barcelona. Half of the solution was sick – DarrenFletcherinho; the othe half of the solution is Daniele De Rossi. He’s good with his left foot, he mean, he’s tough, he skilled, AND he is in his prime. I really don’t care about the price, it’s all about the quality but the fact is that De Rossi has grown stale at Roma and he is in the last year of his contract so he’d be “relatively” cheap. So, leave aside your Modric, Sneijder, Rodwell, Henderson, Adam (!) or whatever – DE ROSSI IS THE ONE.
In a way, this is a situation reminiscent of SAF’s prolonged courtship of Ruud – he’s the right guy and he the guy who is right for UTD. Adding him to the current mix would make the team much better in the season-defining match. Of course, next year’s UTD without any new addition (bar De Gea) should win the EPL again since the other rivals all have really serious issues. BUT to have a satisfactory end to next year’s season, something more is required. De Rossi would be the guy to add that “something more” which would make UTD much more capable of dealing with Barcelona who look to be the obstacle to CL glory – and if you want to win the CL then they are blocking the road forward, either in the knock-outs or in the final.
So, in this sense, I am in slight disagreement with StateSideAussie – because I think that adding CLeverley and Welbeck to the current squad will be enough to win the EPL more comfortably than this year, too. BUT is that enough ? That’s the queston !
Sachu … the Fair Play rules affect the buying team, not the selling team, as you say. But the selling team can’t sell if the buying team can’t buy — because of the new rules. I’m not convinced about the new rules anyway — seems to me there will be plenty of loopholes for the abacus-twiddlers to slither through. Why? Because there always are, and in my experience, those abacus-twiddlers are pretty good at slithering.
But we shall have to wait and see. These things are always complicated. Inter could jack the price up, and maybe someone will pay it. maybe that someone will be us, maybe it won’t. But let’s not forget that the player also has some part in this. If he really doesn’t want to stay where he is, then there’s little point in hanging on to someone who doesn’t want to be there. And of course, we don’t even know if Sneijder is on SAF’s mind anyway.
Mario Gotze? More like Mario Goatse *ba ram pam pish*
Denton, I don’t think we are in disagreement over De Rossi. I don’t think I ever said that whatever it is you think I said, when you made that comment in your last paragraph. You and I do disagree on a lot of things, most notably, The Berb. But my main points about transfers this summer are:
* Our number one objective must be to continue dominating the PL. It would be foolish to focus on Barcelona to the detriment of that. A team that can beat Barcelona, isn’t necessarily a team that would continue to conquer the PL. I know some people, including you, might scoff at that. But we have seen, in recent years, that teams can do well in the top half of the PL, but not so well against lower-half teams — the dippers, two years ago, were a classic example of that. I am not saying that a team that could beat Barcelona *would not win the PL*. But I am saying it’s a risk.
* If we are going to implement the Barcelona Protocol in the immediate future (next season), then SAF must target the transfers that he honestly feels can get the job done. If he can’t get those players (or that player), because they’re not available or don’t want to come or we can’t afford them, then he shouldn’t splash money on other players who may be good but are not what he really wants for Operation Barcelona, simple because he can get them. And if that means Operation Barcelona is unrealistic in the short term, and must be a longer term deal, then so be it.
My take.
Henderson – agree with Scott we need a player now. He is a good prospect BUT we have prospects further down the line and closer to readiness with the same skill set e.g. Anderson.
Rodwell – Is a better defensive midfield prospect and I think it would be foolish not to sign him. I realise we need a now but he is as now as Carrick, Fletcher and Anderson are. I say he replaces Scholes in the squad.
Scweinsteiger is a left sided forward who “can” play midfield. He’s used to the slower german league and to be honest if we sign him then it would only be if we follow Barcas path and play the 4-3-3. No wingers. Thats not going to happen.
Schneider – Fiesty fucker and ready for the off. He is perfect for the 4-5-1. I would be happy and he will be a great example for young Cleverly to copy. Similar styles.
Modric – In my opinion a great big NO. I dont like him, he disapears during matches and personally you would get the same defensive prowess from him in midfield as you would get if you put Nani in the same possition. My opinion NO. Spurs strikers and midfielders always look better than they are because their philosophy is attack and worry about defence later. He does NOT fit into the United mould, at all. Sure Ferguson has said things but he always mentions players from opposing teams just before we play them, remember Ireland, lol.
The way I see it we have Fletcher, Carrick, Gibson, Giggs, Cleverly, Park, Anderson in midfield (not including wingers but those who can play center). Gibson should be allowed to leave as I feel at no time during the season have we said we’ve missed him, or begged for him to be subbed on. His place should be replaced by Cleverly – he becomes the youngster. I’d like to see Rodwell in for Hargreaves possition and Scneider in for Scholes place. Failing one of the two then I would like to see Rooney come back into midfield just infront of the striker(s).
Colbert,you dirty boy
LOL
Hello Zibbie stardust! Keep searching for major Tom!
Couple of sources are saying Wes Brown is on his way. Bit gutted because he was so important to us and is such a rock to come off the bench. Great song as well
Still, we have some really excellent talent coming through the back. If Rodwell is signed he might be used in defense as some have mentioned. So I am not worried, just gotta admit a bit of a soft spot for Wes. Can start to see the makings of big turnover across segments of the team. Hope it translates into more chances for some of the youngsters.
Love Wes. Wish him all the success in the world. Hope he goes out to become a prized member of fergies stealth united. The likes of Phil Neville still the prize of the lot. Tevez as well, but some might disagree. Disagree with Fergie at your peril mates!
The French lad will replace Wes, not Rodwell.
Henderson is apparently open to a move to Liverpool. I thought he supported United?
3 new signings in likelihood
GK – de gea
defence – rafa varana
midfld – i hope its a quality center mid fielder but for all we know it might be average ashley young
@willierednut
Why do you care? Let him go to pool, No loss to United what so ever.
If we really want to sign some young player then why not sign hte german sensation goetze.He looks awesome
You know i thought we would have signed atleast one player by now.Now i will be happy if we sign any player.We should atleast sign one top class mid fielder,.
Dre – Did I say I care? Just saying…..
who gives a shit about henderson. He’s not even that good. LOL. I think the reason why we lost to barcelona is because we lacked speed. Barcelona zip the ball around the park quickly and if you wanna stand any chance of closing them down that means super fitness and speed to close them down as they move the ball around. They are just that much fitter than everyone else. So if we are signing anyone they must be able to go thru 20 suicide drills a day. Schweinsteiger will prolly not come to us. He loves Germany too much. Sneijder is a real opportunity we can definitely get him. We are better than Inter we are more likely to rule Europe than they are and we are still kings of the Prem plus the added advantage of being coached by Fergie.
Willie
Fair enough, it sounded like you cared that he wanted to go Pool
We’ve just lost some of our most experienced players. There is no way Fergie is signing two players with “potential” to sit in our midfield. I can expect a major signing, but who?? i think it could surprise us all who he signs. I think De Gea, Young and Varane are likely at the moment. I think maybe the major signing could be a surprise.
Cleverly will be given a chance, but Fergie will already know whether he is good enough. Pogba, tunniclife and keane…..please will everyone stop banging on about these players and them being in our first team. Who are we??? Fulham? You just don’t walk from hardly getting a kick in any first team matchs to playing for the biggest club in the worlds first team on a regular basis. This isn’t a fairy tale. Scholes never did that! It just doesn’t work that way and the competition is far too good. Who ever replaces Scholes etc.. has to be ready, you can’t take massive chances on youth.
They may have what it takes, but banging on about how great they are is just adding more pressure and it could end up going to their heads. I’m sure if fergie thinks they are good enough he will give them plenty of time this season.
Look, I’m getting desperate for some transfer tittle-tattle – who the fuck are we signing?
@ sachu
As far as transfer prices are concerned clubs always wish to make a profit. What is key from an accountant’s perspective is the book value of the player assuming amortization of his contract has been done properly (don’t know if football clubs use straight line or accelerated depreciation methods). Thats the reason why clubs will want to sell players in year or last 2 years to make a book profit (i.e. Henry to Barca 16 million).
I can only assume that De Rossi’s contract will be valued at next to nothing on Roma’s BS while Modric’s with 5 years to go must be at least 30-35 million. That is why I cannot see Mdric coming for any less than that.
As far as Sneijder or Schwiensteiger is concerned, I am not too sure how long their deals run. I am sure Morrati or Hoeness will want to sell making a loss on the clubs books.
P.S. Though I am in no way suggesting this, this is the maybe reason that Berba’s value on United’s book is 7.5 million. 30 million / 4 years of contract.
Change of subject
Casillas claims that Madrid would have thrashed United too
Someone should remind him what Barca did to Madrid in the S/F of the CL and La Liga
The problem is now, because we missed out on Ozil last summer – and then didn’t identify an alternative – with Scholes retiring, Hargreaves going, Giggs winding down, Anderson not progressing at the rate he was supposed to, we are in a position of not only looking for one world class midfielder, but two!
But I agree on Henderson and Rodwell. It makes a farce of the economics of the youth development system if we spend £20m on either of those two, only for them to hinder the progress of Cleverley. Mostly, what we seem to do with the youth, is run a farm for producing dozens of players who end up in the lower leagues – I think we should cut down on the numbers, and concentrate on the gifted few.
How many make it through as first team regulars at United, less than one percent?
kanchelskis – oops iPhone managed to change ando to I, meaning me!
Thought we might see the likes of hazard and Götze linked a lot more. Surely they fit the stage in their career that utd want to sign now. If theyre as good as their reps then prob end up at real/city if we don’t make a move.
Götze certainly sounds interesting. One of the best propsects to come out of Germany apparently. Like 99% of people on here I’m not lucky enough to have seen him or hazard play.
As I’ve said before don’t think we’ll get a cm anyway, shame, unless fergie has lots of confidence in the kids
I do like modric as a player too, but jus don’t think it’s the answer to our problems
I know that a lot of people here might not know about Goetze but the guy is really quality. Very similar to Modric but the passing in the final third is more akin to Scholes (through balls, chips and the like). With Dortumd in the CL next season (and given that I expect them to pull down the pants of a few giants), this might actually be the only summer we could get him on the cheap.
StateSideAussie @ 15:38: I think that my earlier comment was about your primary concern being the EPL – I think that the team-in-place can win it again but you seem to think that the team-in-place needs strengthening to do so.
The Barcelona Challenge is a very different issue because they present such a different challenge in terms of their style of play – and ours. But having said that, I am not convinced that the team-in-place is destined to be given a “good hiding” when and if they play them next. BUT what I am convinced about is that if UTD are set up in the same way then they will get a “good hiding” again.
From my vantage-point, the key to the massive gulf between Barcelona and UTD was not a matter of players but rather a matter of tactics/strategy. As I wrote yesterday in the “Modric thread”, SAF had a series of key decisions to make from the start of the second half when the score was level at 1-1 – but it seemed to me (with hindsight, of course) that he got them all wrong in the contingent circumstances that came into effect after the interval.
If there is any merit in the argument of the previous paragraph then a wholesale infusion of players – what some have called a major overhaul of the midfield – is quite unlikely. What is more likely – I hope ! – is the inclusion of one real-quality player to add to what’s already available. I don’t think that a bad 45 minutes necessarily means that Michael Carrick, DarrenFletcherinho, and Anderson need replacing; similarly, SIrRyanGiggs has a lot to offer but not necessarily in a two-man midfield against Xavi/Iniesta/Mess and their pals; about ThreeLungPark and Darron Gibson, I’m agnostic – they’re both essentially squad players (although SAF’s loyalty to Park was shown to be mis-placed as he was clearly out of his depth as soon as his immense physical energy began to wilt).
There is some confusion in these discussions about short- and medium-term strategies for UTD. Hving knocked LiverPoo off their fucking perch, my own sense is that the pursuit of EPL glory is likely to be less urgent than previously whereas for SAF the “challenge” of winning a fourth and fifth and sixth CL title must become more pressing.
So, while I take your point about the importance of winning a 20th and 21st and 22nd EPL title, I think that this is much more likely to happen with the current squad than the other challenge because Barcelona a major road-block/obstruction that simply won’t be won by playing some version of normal-science footie with a “tradtitional flat four across the back”.
In this regard, I am in complete agreement with your second point – and that means purchasing one or two real-quality imports to olster the midfield and not wannabes like Ashley Young or Charlie Adam or “potential guys” like Jack Rodwell or Jordan Henderson.
i dont think we will buy both henderson and rodwell
thats foolish that will block pogba and tuncliffe
so buy de rossi and rodwell
*** Oops meant Dortmund
Dre – No problem mate. As a United fan, I could never play for that shite.
Fred – Apparently, De Gea is house hunting in sunny Manchester. Hows that for tittle tattle?
wat about signing KAKA
also guys shitty have dropped intrest in sanchez
having watched him play i will be delighted if he joins
Sachu make a great point about the transfer fees, especially in relation to Sneijder. This guy is in the absolute top bracket of players in the world. It’s ludicrous to think we could get him for as low as £35m. That ship has sailed I fear. Shame we didn’t get him in 2009 when Real Madrid sold him for about fucking £10m. Ah well, we know there’s was just no value in the transfer market at that time.
I think we should get De Rossi, Bastian, Modric, Sneijder, Pastore, Kaka, Ozil, Ronaldihno, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta, and while we are at it, we should also get Keano, Scholes and Cantona back from retirement….and yes, why not get Messi too?
I think that if we make this signings we’ll be UNSTOPPABLE!
Again
Why don’t Barca and Xavi have a fall out?
I wonder if Pele has still got a pair of boots. He was awesome in Escape to Victory. Not only would we have a awesome player, but he is also very handy at breaking out of any prisons whould we get into trouble and he knows Stallone. He could get us all a free screening of the next Rocky movie, should he make anymore!
Fuck it. Where is Bobby Moore buried?
Let’s get in Sylvester Stallone
Whilst we are at it sign up Vinny Jones
I want Heskey.
@FRED
thanks mate just cant see sneijder happening
will fergie spend 50 million on 1 player
i dont think so although i expect fergie to spend more than 50 million on maybe 3-4 players
also it would take adeal similar to ibarahamovic like maybe 40 million plus berba to bring in sneider or even modric
thats why i feel if we sign sneider or luka then berba will go i hope i am wrong
thats why the best one out there is DE ROSSI who will be cheap
also we might decide to wait like we did with hargo and berba and sign modric next season
because spurs will sell him and bale if th dont make the CL again
so de rossi 18 million de gea 18 million young 15 million varane 5 million
total 56 million that will be fabulous business
Bring back keano!!. Solves everythin out
Just read United have been linked with a move for a “slow pub league holding midfielder” nicknamed ididnotzeeit.
Fergie described him as “not skilled enough to be a striker, not smart enough to be a defender” and described his foot speed as “Brontosauras-esque.” He further added, “this is the Barcalona Protocol: Get one useless sod to run at Messi in pre game warmups and take his knees out. We’ve landed our man and I’m quit pleased about the business.”
Papers are quoting a fee of 2 of Darren Fletcher’s pre-virus water bottles and a jock strap to be named later.
Welcome to silly season folks!
@costas
mate take me also
Lads I went On FM11, did some research, asked some Man.Shitty Scouts….I’ve Found Our Man to Beat Barca….He’s also availiable this Summer….The Boys Amazing & would fit Right in….. Im about to Email
SAF Now. Heres What the boy has to say for himself:
“If you ask me,” Bendtner said, “if I am the one of the better goalscorers in the world, I would reply yes, because I believe it”,
As Morpheous Would say ” He is The One”
Schweinsteiger is like a better version of Fletcher, he would keep the midfield under control as well as chipping in with a few goals. He is the best box to box midfielder there is at the moment, better than Yaya or Biscuits, he would be a steal at £25m.
Modric is good attacking but he doesn’t look like he has the strength to support the defense, stopping Rooney from being “in the hole” to a part of the midfield, making him play deeper than he should.
I think Sneijder is amazing as well, but his role is bery similar to Rooney’s which is a dilemma in itself.
The AM position is the hardest decision for Ferguson, but I’m sure he’ll get it right.
@ididnotzeeit – thanks, mate. Exciting times!
I went on FM11 last night and won the League, Champion league, World club cup and lost in the final of the FA cup. I should manage United when fergie goes. I’ll do it for free as long as i can bring my Saved Game editor with me.
…and on a serious note. I do agree that we don’t need any more prospects. We have AMAZING prospects of our own in pretty much every single department (Obertan, Morrison, Pogba, Bebe, King, Cleverly, just to name a few…..).
Although, unlike many here, I still have faith in Carrick and Fletcher on their holding roles, what we really need is someone who can dictate the midfield and give us options in attack, as well as score goals. Someone who will take control of our SET PIECES too. Love you Giggs, but your corners have been dreadful, and Nani can’t get his past the wall.
SNEIJDER – Not Modric
If we get him, plus De Gaea, we are SET. Anyone else would just be frosting in the cake
Lets buy Fabregas, win the champions league next season with him scoring the winner and later sell him off to Barca for double the fees!!
giuseppe rossi is on his way to barcelona apparently
Really hope we get some experienced good midfielder, not some young that “might” be good in 5 years. We got plenty of young ones that can fill that role. And if we don’t “have” money, sell some players. Now when Scholes retired we got an average midfield.
@sachu
Haha, sure why not? I want Torres too.
Here Here Scotty lad and here here Stateside at 14.29.
We need bloody A listers…not fuckin overated kids.
1. Henderson = couple of games…people made him the next Scholsey. No thanks
2. Rodwell = perennially injured…couple of games and people made him the next robson. No thanks
3. Young = Average prem player, nowt better than what we already have. No thanks
4. Adam = tubby lad from blackpool..are we getting desperate now. No thanks
5. Modric = dont rate him as others and anyway Spuds holding us to ransom for 50 odd mill again. No thanks.
What we need is any of these. Wesley. Sweins bollocks, Diarra, De rossi or similar.
Time to shop in harrods not the bloody pound shop.
But the fear and nightmare i have is what Stateside posted at 14.29. Do we have the clout. Will he go out and buy players because of their availibility. Rather than the players he realy wanted but couldnt get. i think Stateside hit the nail on the head and i think that is what will happen.
Because face facts people. WE DONT HAVE 100 MILL. And the best players in the past have proven to liken a move to la liga, seria A or stay in the bundesliga.
If we hence are going for adam and young and the likes. Then fuck it i say. Rather give our young lads a chance who will be just as good eg clevs, tunny, poggy and ravel. Why waste money on those and inturn also restrict our homegrowners.
So the Moral is simple. IF WE AINT GOING FOR HOLLYWOOD. THEN ID RATHER WE MAKE OUR OWN PRODUCTIONS. INSTEAD OF SOME DVDS FROM THE SUNDAY CAR BOOT SALE.
*Sigh*
http://football-united-blogs.com/2011/06/02/wes-brown-out-of-united-2/
Not unexpected mind you. Maybe we will use him as part of a swap deal for Rodwell or someone else.
@Wille – De Gea must be signing for City. Fuck me, they get EVERYONE.
Oh well, I wonder if Mark Bosnich is available.
@Sachu – Rossi to Barcelona? That will really piss me off actually, no joke.
@Costas – I always liked and supported Wes. A damn fine defender and United through and through. I’m sorry to see him go.
@costas
it will be sad that
@suhayl
mate de rossi and diarra are possible
also dont foget sanchez hamsik markomarin thereis plenty of quality out there
David Friio (Man Utd scout in France):
“I scout the players in France on behalf of United,” he explained. “16 to 19-year-olds but also in Ligue 1. And then I try to learn about the player’s environment, family, agent etc to build a complete profile. Yes [there are other Frenchmen in my sights] but I will not mention names. In this environment, it is better to be discreet. We can find talent everywhere – Paris, Nancy and Luxembourg-ville.”
Maybe hinting at a move for Raphael Varane?
@fred
mate manutd.com says he will go there also that we have an option of signing him
i am happy for him
also eventhough barca are a great side dont forget that david villa has been having a tough time
so it could be rossi and pedro for them
Guys, the Rossi to Barcelona rumor has been going around for a while. I think it will probably happen. Did we drop the ball with him? I look at it like I did Pique’s situation. As much as I wanted both of them to remain at the club, they weren’t going to get the amount of games they wanted from United at the time they left.
@Fred
It’s an abrupt and sad end really. In my opinion, servants and true reds like Wes should end their careers at the club. Really sorry it has come down to this.
100% agree about Schweinsteiger, I think he’s just what we need in terms of that creative spark in the middle of the park. Basically someone to do what Giggsy does when he plays centre mid, but a lot younger! Modric would probz be a bit more realistic, due to his experience in this league.
I don’t get all this De Rossi talk. I don’t believe we need a ball winner. Yes, there’ve been games where we’ve been bullied in midfield (Liverpool at Anfield and Man City FA Cup springs to mind)- but most of those games were when we didn’t play Fletch or Anderson. They’re our rock hard bastards in the middle of the park. Let’s not forget that we’ve also got a couple of players of that ilk in the reserves, although it’s doubtful whether they’ll feature this season (I have a feeling they could be loaned)
Rodwell, Henderson- not interested. I don’t rate Henderson all that highly tbh. Rodwell’s a bit better- but Scott’s right, it should be our youth who should be given a chance, because they’re certainly promising enough. The only way I’d like to see Rodwell coming is if Fergie sees him as a future centre back- but even then I’d rather see Smalling and Evans given the chance.
David De Gea tweeted this on 28th May:
(originally in Spanish)
“Good morning to all confirmed I’m afraid the next thing. Play in the Manchester and leave the club of my life”
So apparently the move is on but he does not seem very excited about it. He’s clearly sad about leaving Atletico.
@man_utd_19 – Wow, this is the guy who found us Gabriel Obertan? I can tell what a great scout he is!
I have been impressed with Modric but I remember in the game between Arsenal and Spurs where spurs came from 2 down to win 3-2 that Modric was all over the place and had a terrible game. I’m not sure any of us fans can guess who we will sign this summer and I think it will be a big surprise.
Schweinsteiger’s http://egotastic.com/2011/06/sarah-brandner-flashes-her-wag-bikini-body-on-south-beach/sarah-brandner-black-bikini-miami-lb/) and Sneijder’s girlfriends and we’ve hit the jackpot:
pls have a look at the prices of some WORLD CLASS PLAYERS
pastore confirmed 44MILLION only 21 years old
NEYMAR confirmed 39 million only 18 years old
aguero confirmed 39 million
etooo 43 million and he is 30 years old
cavani 43 million
modric 40 millon
ronaldo 900 million buyout clause
sachu 1 billion
and finally niko bendtner 12 million and thats not ajoke his father said that
sneijder i have no fucking idea it should be 50 million
Fred – You’ll like this one, Berbatov to FC United?
BTW, with regards to Carrick getting slated- get out of here!
He’s the only midfielder we’ve got- and I mean ONLY- who has the discipline and positional awareness to sit in front of the defence. Sweeps up, intercepts a ridiculous amount of balls, and recycles. If given time and space, he’ll be a bit more expansive with his passing- if not, then he’ll move it on. Play him next to someone dynamic and more forward minded (as you’ve seen in his partnership with Giggsy)- and he’ll flourish.
Also think his partnership with Anderson has huge potential. I’ve thought this for a couple of years tbh- IMO they were our 2 best centre mids in our Double winning season, and I’d love for them to be given a regular run together. In all honesty, I know Anderson has had his issues with fitness and attitude- but I don’t think Fergie helps with his rotation in the middle of the park. A young player like Anderson needs regular game time, far too often I see him play 2 and then be benched for 2. Hopefully this summer he’ll have his first full, proper pre-season in 4 years- and next season will be the making of him.
“sachu 1 billion”
Willierednut: priceless
@Saad – great! He sounds thrilled to be joining us!
@Costas – Pique I can understand, of course, but not Rossi. He should have been kept at all costs. It doesn’t matter though, we have Mame Biram Diouf coming back from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
@David Friio – Benzema, Nasri, Gourcouff, Diarra, Malouda… the best this guy can find was Obertan??
@costas
mate i have two great feet
can kick aball
i can head the ball
so yeah 1 BILLION PUONDS
@fred
mate great post about rossi and david friio
just to add though i hope we are looking at gourcouff he is certainly an attacking midfielder
how is he doing at lyon does anybody know
I don’t rate Schweinsteiger, but I would take Mueller from the Bayern team
I’m on a free transfer – though mind signing on fee and wages have to be a world record
denilson from arsenal is available
does anybody want him
@Jeet – Exactly right mate – A big Fucker would be used for a 4-5-1 formation – I know that isnt our style usually but I think Fergie messed up big time in the CL Final by not changing at ahlf time.
If we had been able to put a 4-5-1 formation in the second half we MAY have stood a slight chance.
As Berba wasnt even on the bench that meant we couldnt really contemplate it. Shame.
@ Fred… He’s also the guy who found Pogba for us
I’m of the view that should Sir Alex decide to spend 30-35million pounds on a Modric(which I dont think He will), then it should rather be Schweinsteiger ( a chocolate island dream?). People might think He’ll not leave Germany, but hey…Money talks dont underestimate it. However I think Modric might just be it PLUS Rodwell due to His versatility. I’ve always loved Sneijder too. The important thing is United get a player with big game experience under His belt. Henderson? A fine player but no thanks, Lets rather bring up Pogba, Tunnicliffe + Cleverley
@MG
mate my wages are 300000 pounds aweek
wat are yours
If it was 12 years ago, I would want Rui Costa! What a player. What age is he?
sachu
I’m worth more than that
Can’t say someone from Inland Revenue may be reading and get the wrong impression
@SUHAYL
Spot on mate – 100% to the point and accurate assesment – I would get Modric though but not for more than 18million
@willie
If we’re 12 years ago in time, why the frack are you thinking about Rui Costa? Figo, baby. FIGO!!!
@dandivine
mate great
signing henderson realy blocks cleverley who could be the goal scoring midfielder we are looking for
also rod well is a goodplayer but first in myopinion he has to play a full season at everton injury free
dont hink there is any chance of bastian
realistic choice is DE ROSSI and maybe diarra
I’m not gonna lie, Sneijder’s a quality quality player. But do I see him fitting in at Utd? Nope. Plays the same role as Rooney IMO, and I don’t wanna move him from that number 10 role. We need somebody who’ll play as one of the 2 centre mids behind Rooney- and I’m not sure if Sneijder can do that, especially in this league.
Also. eople scoff at certain signings, or say something along the lines of “Player X isn’t good enough, he’s not gonna get us up to Barca’s level” or “Would Player Y have helped us beat barca? No, so we shouldn’t get him”. MUGS!
Toppling Barca is not our only goal. Our squad may have been good enough to win the League and reach the Champions League final this season, but that may not be the case next season, especially with a few of our rivals splashing the cash. Some of you act like because we won the League this year, we’ll easily win it next year and it’s really just Barca we should focus on.
You don’t seem to realise that it’s about staying ahead of the game, constantly improving your squad. As an example, someone like Ashley Young wouldn’t have helped us beat Barca- in fact I don’t believe he’s any better than Nani or Valencia- but should he come, would he improve our squad in terms of variety, versatility and a fair bit of quality? Yes.
@willie
mate he could be dead
wat about denilson from arsenal or rosicky
seriously though i do like marko marin
but he is called the german messi
Stolen from the RedCafe forum:
“Giuseppe Rossi is improving all the time,” enthuses Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson. “He has got a bright future ahead of him.
“He is probably the coolest player at the club in terms of his play around the penalty box.
“He has an absolutely wonderful temperament for a striker.”
—
“I hope to give Giuseppe Rossi more chances because he’s the future of the club,” Ferguson told United magazine.
“A sensational prospect and we want to encourage him. He’s always had ability but he has become stronger mentally and physically. He’s growing into a terrific professional with a great attitude.”
—
Arthur Albiston on MUTV: “I am convinced if Rossi could be given such a chance, then he’d take it. He’d blossom. Nothing seems to faze him. He is a very level-headed lad.
“As a striker and goalscorer he is fantastic. In the few opportunities he’s had among the senior players he doesn’t appear over-awed by playing with super stars.
“He has it all. His attitude and temperament is spot on. He can score all types of goals. I have seen him bang them in from outside the box, poach them inside the six-yard area, and, despite his size, he can score headers as well.
“He doesn’t panic when presented with a goal chance. He is cool and tough. He can take the knocks and ride tackles. He also has that Paul Scholes or Eric Cantona ability to pick out a pass and a chance for a colleague.
“Rossi has all the qualities needed. He can make the step up. It is just getting that opening to do it.”
—
Rooney: “Giuseppe is a great player and one to watch out for,” hailed the England ace.
“I see him every day in training and he has really impressed me. His touch, feel of the ball and awareness are nothing short of brilliant.
“He is perhaps the best finisher at Manchester United and he will only get better.”
—
*Sigh* Have a great time winning everything under the sun alongside Messi and co, Giuseppe.
I believe in Tom Cleverley: http://youtu.be/UFwxXsY0Jsk
@sparkz
good post mate
i can see DE ROSSI coming
@man_utd_19 – Fair point, he also found Pogba. Thank you David Friio!
@Fred
So basically, we went and got Hernandez when we had a perfectly good poacher come through our academy. How did we miss out on that?
What happened to that geezer Kakuta who Chelsea signed? Has his development stunted? Remember that prick Obi Mikel? Mourinho: “If he grows the way I predict, we’ve found gold.”
I think you found a gold-plated turd, Jose.
Saad, you silly bugger, we could have Hernandez AND Rossi now.
Sparkz – cristiano ronaldo would not have made a difference on saterday, the only players that would have helped us was xavi iniesta and messi, they were the difference saterday
sachu says, I can see De Rossi coming. Are you the real Dirk Diggler?
Real Madrid ready to offload Higuain for £15m. Gonna be a hell of a signing for someone.
Fuck it i don’t subscribe to this notion there was absolutely nothing we could have done on Saturday, we could have give a better account of our selves and like stateside’s been banging on about a solid plan needs to be in place. There seems to be a EPL train of thought and UCL train. I disagree, the closest we were to being supreme in England and Europe was during our 1999 success. 4-4-2 all the way, every game you knew what you were getting, a bashing, Either Cole/Yorke or Teddy/Ole or a mixture it didn’t fucking matter. in an ideal world a mixture of transfer and youth promotion. The transfer bit is tricky, again i’d rather we go for the right player for United or none at all
@ fred You can’t polish a turd, but you can sprinkle glitter on it.
GoatinaUnitedShirt – United always have a habit of playing 442, we tried playing 451 for a season and a quarter between 2004/05, and a small part of 2005/06 season and it never worked. We also tried it in the 2009/10 season and united lacked a plan B, and they were one dimensional. Unless united really look to buy certain outstanding midfielders to play that system of 451, then its useless to play. Barca’s 433 works because of 3 players, xavi iniesta and messi, now if united do go forward and play 451, now we still have the building blocks in place, carrick fletcher anderson gibson, gd central players but united need a bit of class.
If united signed Schneider or a modric, esp Schneider, united could play a 433 system of
De gea
rafeal ferdinand vidic evra
carrick fletcher
Schneider
valencia hernandez rooney
We may lose the overall balance in terms of the width, but united would have an overall better side to play in europe against sides like barcelona. But like always playing a 3 in the premiership, especially at home, many would call the system 433 wasting positions, has why play fletcher when we could play nani or park
@Slim – I think we should have abandoned our attacking principles and gone all-out defence on them and tried to nick a goal any which way we could, or even hold out for penalties (they’re probably better at those than us too though.)
Say what you want, but none of you would be complaining if those kind of tactics had won us our 4th European Cup on Saturday.
@Sachu, agree Rodwell needs to play consistently without interruptions,
@wille
thats just my prediction
@fred
i think those are just rumours i dont hink they will let him go for that he is on a long contract isnt he
@Sachu – I don’t know but Mourinho is fucking dumb if he prefers Adebayor.
@fred
mate our best chance of beating barca is in a2 legged tie and we get them at OT then we can beat beat them in front of 70000 reds like in 2008
also funny thing is barca dont have a great squad its not big
but there first team especialy xavi messi and iniesta never get injured
dnt know why
@fred
mate i do back jose to win the la liga or CL next season
he somehow always gets the job done
and if pepe had not been wrongly sent off i think real would have reached wembley
they have improved a lot after there 5-0 thrashing
slim – in reality united of 2010/11 never had a chance against Barcelona, we were all hoping but it never came off, and barca exposed a declining midfield 2 years overdue needing new blood, fergie has got all he could out of the current midfield. I said this time and time again, the engine room has cost united the european cup for the past 3 seasons, heck we have never truly replaced the fab 5 of keane scholes butt beckham and giggs, and we have a variety of central players but not quality. There is the saying quality not quantity, we have the latter.
Look at the options we have had in this season
- Carrick was never a special midfielder, he is good but he is much like busquets, a gd player who does his job well, but not up there with the best
- fletcher has either been injured or suspended, and he is an effective asset 2 have and a big game player
- scholes in terms of age, it finally caught up with him this season
- anderson is someone who is not a CM, and he still has not adjusted to this position, and he is still not reliable for 50 plus games a season
- gibson is still not of the standards set by this club
- hargreaves was finished has a player since 2010
So has you see, we only have had 3 recognised CM players who have the big time experience in the prime, carrick fletcher and anderson. We need that bit of class in there
I wonder if some on here have watched De Rossi this season. He’s been poor. If what denton says is true and he has become stale, maybe he needs a different challenge. I can say when I’ve watched him on numerous occasions, he’s been rarely impressive. Certainly not the De Rossi of previous seasons.
Slim … yeah, my preference would be to focus on one thing and just do it really, really well. After Saturday, I no longer believe that we can follow a policy of trying to be all things for all occasions (442 here, 451 there, 433 for them, 4411 for that mob) and still expect to achieve everything we want to achieve. It worked for a while, better than I imagined it would work. But when you fight and claw your way to the top of the heap, and then run into teams who do only one thing, who have only ever done one thing, and who just do that one thing very fucking week until they have it perfected, being “very good” at many things doesn’t help. You need to be perfect, and I don’t believe it’s possible to be perfect at many different things all at the same time. Not with squad limits, and budgets, and the highly specialized nature of football at the highest level these days.
I mean look at the debates on here: Oh that guy would be no good, he’s a number 10, can’t play as number 9! And that guy, he’s OK on the left, can’t play on the right. And this dude, good when he drops deeper, useless otherwise. And those comments are very often right — which just illustrates the folly of attempting to play many different ways with the same bunch of players.
In the end, players are more important than formations. A 442 (or whatever) played to perfection by the right players will take us further than being able to play a 451 95% as well as it should be played, PLUS a 433 at 95%, PLUS 442 at 95% … you get the picture. 95% doesn’t cut it. A great coach (in a different sport) once said that at the highest levels of sport, 1% or 2% difference between two teams — details of fitness, positional play, commitment, error rates — can translate into big differences on the scoreboard. He was right.
Pick a style of football that we want to play, buy and/or grow the best players that we can get for that style, put them in the right formation that works for that style, then stick to it.
Did Friio also find Djemba Djemma?
@willie
Rui Costa was a hell of a player on his day. Another guy that I thought was very talented was Deportivo’s Valeron.
willie .. yeah, I’ve heard that about de rossi this season, but to be honest, I’m not all that worried. I would be worried if it was an injury thing, but I haven’t heard that. Seems more likely that it’s all that other shit in his personal life — that’s enough to fuck with anyone’s head, that shit is. He’s got class, and we all know the truth of what they say about class and form. He just needs to leave it all behind him, just over somewhere. There’s nowhere better for him to go than Old Trafford.
@FITB
GOOD POST MATE
we have ando carrich fletch cleverley giggs can play there and if gibson is sold then we probably need two experienced midfielders
even if we dont get the big player pls play ando every week he is the most talented player we have now in midfield
and scholes was great because he played every week early on his carrer
and i dont think sir alex has great faith in him 37 year old giggs started the final ahead of him and then scholes came on still no ando
sachu – 1998/99 squad never had much depth in the midfield area, look at the options.
keane scholes butt beckham cruyff giggs blomvquest
if united lost keane scholes and beckham to injury we would have been in big trouble. We were shown the lack of depth when keane and scholes were unavailable for the 1999 final, we had no one else beyond butt. The current barca side do have depth in midfield, they lack the depth at the back at times. I would rather we had the quality in midfield, than having a variety of gd players who bring more quantity to the first team than quality, that is what its all about quality not quantity, and saturday exposed now the saying, the quality and quantity
Players make the formations. If you ain’t got the personnel, It won’t work. We could’ve played anti football tactics on Saturday and maybe held out for longer, but I still think the way Barcelona played, the result would still have went against us. One of the reasons I thought we had a chance, because I didn’t think they would play as well as two years ago. They turned it a couple of notches from the Rome final.
@costas
mate djemba djemba was an awful signing
we sold becks and veron and got djemba djemba and kleberson also we got ronaldo
since we are talking about midfielders
andy body want rosicky denilson boamorte parker diaby they could be available
willierednut – totally agree. I am not a huge fan, but charlie adams has had a better season than de rossi. De rossi is not better than what we already got, like you have said, we need players on the ball who can keep it on the deck, not workers who give their all this model was exposed against barca, if we are going to go to the next level we need something different, but both adams and de rossi do not not have the class to make that bit of difference. It is quality not quantity, and this statement I will keep saying on this subject
Quality not Quantity
Costas – Valeron? That Deportivo team was class. They got relegated. Money problems I heard.
@FITB
MATE i agree
wat abt a midfield pairing of ando and fletch that could work with nani and valencia on the wings
djemba djemba did prove one thing. No matter how shit something is, there is also some idiot to sell it to.
Djemba Djemba…
Shows that sometimes even Fergie gets it wrong haha
FITB … good points about quantity versus quality. Looking at our squad now, how many players are “automatic first-team choices”? I guess we will disagree on that, but here’s my take (assuming everyone is fit and available, and there are no scheduling issues to consider):
De Gea (or whoever replaces VDS)
Vidic
Rio
Evra
Rooney
That’s it. Five. And maybe Fletcher. The others, it’s always mix and match. It’s not a lot. Really, it isn’t. I’m not talking about who are your favorites, or my favorites, I’m talking about: for any given match, assuming everyone is fot and ready and there’s no other reason to leave someone out or rest him, who are the names that SAF is almost certain to write down first?
And that’s all I can come up with. Five. And not one of them in the midfield.
well apparently city have ended there chase of sanchez i would love us to sign him and the report suggest we are now the favourites
@sachu
At the time it was like hitting on a woman while you are drunk and wondering why she said no. Djemba Djemba, Kleberson and Liam Miller for that matter were better signings on paper than what we eventually got. At the time I actually thought that Kleberson for Veron was a stroke of genius by SAF…
@stateside aussie
thats a great point i do think though that rafael will take the RB position next year
Sachu … except when he doesn’t, because the boss wants O’Shea for his height. Contrast what I said with Barcelona. Anyone in any doubt who their “first team” midfield is? I’m not. And they’re not either. We’re a human Leggo set, is what we are.
@costas
mate veron aint that bad
but kleberson i dont know were he is
i know one thing sir alex will sign midfielders this summer thats 100 percent whether its snei jder or adam we have o wait and see if we are looking for sneijder and say we dont get him i hope the manager is atleast LOOKING AT KAKA MAYBE ON LOAN
Anyway, I’m off for a few hours. Back later … maybe I’ll be a bit calmer by then, too. Cheers lads!
sachu – nope that’s another combo that has never been played or worked enough because none of them can keep or make this brilliant passes and triangle moves, anderson for starters flaters to deceive, much like carrick he was exposed against the best. And fletcher is more than a disciplined player, that is what has made carrick such an effective weapon in midfield, he screens the back 4.
Nani for me is still a bit of a mixed bag, he has played well but he has never truly blew me away, its like carrick, he has done his job well, but there is still something missing. When valencia returned, he took it to the next level.
@STATESIDE AUSSIE
mate in 2008 wen we won the cl we had maybe
vds rio vida evra brown rooney ronaldo as first choices
@fitb
mate ando needs to play week in and week out this could be his chance with scholes gone
fabregas lampard modric plays every week so ando has to have a great pre season and realy impress the manager
Signing Charlie Adam would be like going on a night out and thinking you’ve pulled megan fox and when you wak up in the morning you find yourself handcuffed to the bed and Amy Winehouse lying next to you.
I don’t think i could bare the shame of it. The greatest club in the world, shopping at the blackpool pound store.
Hi guys, I’ve been following this blog for a long time but registered only recently…it feels great to be in the company of so many United fans.
Anyways, regarding the transfers this season, I’m strongly of the belief that United do not need to sign an attacking midfielder, rather we need a good defensive midfielder (better and more specialised in the role than Carrick or Fletcher) and a deep-lying playmaker, aka Scholes and Pirlo.
We have to keep Berbatov, though, since he and Rooney can play that false 10 role quite well because of their ability to drop deep and pick a pass in the final third, whether long or short. Those two are the attacking midfielders we need, along with Anderson and Cleverley.
I would’ve loved to see Nuri Sahin come to United, he would’ve beem a great signing, but with him going to Madrid, we need to find another deep-lying playmaker. I think Modric is the next best bet in this regard, since Schweinsteiger will not move from Bayern. He even plays a similar role at Spurs, so it would be good for us.
I’m going to go out on a limb here, because a lot of people here are going to disagree with me. I think the defensive midfielders we should be getting are Diarra, Huddlestone, or De Rossi. Personally, I think Huddlestone would be a good signing, since he’s aware of the English game, can tackle, can defend aerial balls due to his height, can strike a ball well from outside the box, and take free kicks. Plus, he has an understanding with Modric, so a combined bid of £35-40 million should get both of them. Its just that he’s injury prone, but then, at Spurs, who isn’t ?? He should play fine with us, I believe.
StatesideAussie – interesting point, fergie may have seen his model he has used since august 2007, where there was no fixed team. Fergie may think lets get more quality than quantity into the first team, to long esp since 2008/09 our first team has started to lose more fluency and quality, replacing quality with worker players and the side had started to lose its brilliance. And the end of this season this came to the front. Remember against real madrid in 2000, fergie said they changed the way they played, barca may have woken fergie up, lets actually get the first 11 sorted not mixing and matching making our performances very mediocre esp away from home.
I say there is more first 11 players
De gea (hopefully)
ferdinand
vidic
evra
carrick
valencia
rooney
hernandez
I do not mind how we chop and change at RB but the spine must be set week in week out
Ah, RedLife summed it up perfectly about Charlie Adam.
@sachu
Veron wasn’t a bad player at all. I remember being a fan of his before he joined us. There wasn’t a ROM at the time, but he was my Berba at the time.I supported him to death. But since he had some trouble adjusting to our play, I thought Kleberson would be the man to do it. Keep in mind, Kleberson wasn’t a bad guy player either. He just suffered a bad injury in his 2nd game and lets face it, no one was moving Keane and Scholes out of that United midfield…
@redlife
mate that wont happen dont worry
we will get good players dont worry
and we need some top midfielders
sachu – to be honnest, I do not think anderson is good enough for united, he has been here since 2007 and he still looks teqnically poor, and his fitness levels are still poor at times
is anderson that much better than gibson I dont
I’m all in favour of freedom of speech, but this takes the fucking piss. I have never seen so many shit fucking names on one thread since I’ve been posting on this blog.
Scott i cant for the life of me why carrick and owen have been given new deals i smell a rat. We have not got time to piss about with henderson adam rodwell we have enough youngsters of our own. We need world class not more of BEBE OBERTAN OR GIBSON .Idont think there is enough pace in the team either.
Redlife – I totally agree with your summation of Charlie Adam and I don’t think it would be a good signing in the slightest. However, and I mentioned this on a thread several weeks ago I god only knows I hope it is hot air, a good friend of mine plays golf with James Beattie and he says its a done deal! Now my mate isn’t the sort of lad who chats shit, however, I reckon Beattie could be. So fingers crossed.
Just a question, with City looking to buy a new squad in the summer again i.e. Pastore etc, would anybody be adverse to taking Silva off their hands?
And we didn’t even mention Scott Parker yet.
I reckon sniejder is on. He pulled out of the Dutch squad because he wasn’t match fit???? Why a player who’s just came back from injury and doesn’t want to play for his country I dunno! Maybe he doesn’t want to pick up an injury or risk giving himself a twinge. You don’t wanna risk failing the biggest medical of your life. So I’ll take him, lassana diarra and alexis Sanchez please. Just funny that when we’re prepared to spend, huge talents are thin on the ground or untransferrable. Coincidence? Schwienstieger would be a lovely buy.
Costas – parker henderson de rossi rodwell adams, they are not good enough. The barca defeat should have showed fergie, much like 2009 get a player or 2 that not only is if outstanding quality, but they are outstanding on the ball and is creative for our forwards. That is why united are struggling, we have no one who can pass the ball and domminate possesion. We have been outstanding at OT, but there is no guarentee we are going to be just has good at OT next season.
@fergie is the boss
gotta agree with you on that on mate, not been convinced by Ando but thats another story
Is modric really that good though? Look at his assist and goal record. He’s another “potential” buy. 30 mil pounds should be spent on players where the risk is low. Sneijder Van Der Vart that sort.
Fuck those modric’s & sneijders ( not really i want one of them
)
I Want Paul Scholes, Edwin & Red Nev Back
Theres a Big Hole left In United Now & It can Only Be Filled by Youth Players…buying players should be a temporary Fix….Raising Your Own & Bringing them through Wins the Heart of All Fans Because they Truely Understand the Club & play their skins off.
Only a Select Group of Bought Players Understood the club like Keano, Cantona, Bryan Robson, Denis Irwin, solskjaer etc.
I wanna see Welbeck,morrison, Tunny, Pog, J.evans come through including rafa,fabio,smallings etc.
C’mon Fergie One More Time ….Bring Through The Golden Generation
Toms – van der vaart cannot play CM, so what the fuck are you talking about. He has so many injury problems, and united have to change their system to suit him and he aint getting any younger
Nurse…
N – Yes boss
CD – I am seeing things
N – What things boss
CD – On that blog my therapist suggested, RoM its called
N – Yes I remember, what are you seeing boss?
CD – They call them trolls, makes my blood boil
N- Should I get the injection?
CD – Yes please, double dose
N- Right away boss
CD thinking to himself …. stupid bitch
On a serious note, some great posts here by the usual suspects and I see TonyBee got a very loving mention! lol Great to see my friend Kings posting again, been a while….
Now, who the hell should we sign? How the fuck should I know!
Sanchez, Sniejder, Varnae French kid,De Gea 1 SAF surprise.
Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pluto. Come on Walt, make it happen!
Fred- I love watching Rossi he has so much quality
What’s up doc?
Essien he would leave Chelsea, perfect…
Then skillful playmaker, we missed out on Ozil.
‘ The mere fact that I was standing so close to this giant of a young man made me feel like I was 2 feet tall. He had such a presence about him that was overwhelming. You could tell he was special, not just special but one bound for greatness beyond our realm’
My dad telling me about the day he met Duncan Edwards……
RIP the both of you
@ Dannysoya
Why is Iniesta un-buyable – Barca wanted Cesc and Inesta is blocking his way into the team, if we buy Iniesta Barca can buy Cesc – maybe there is a deal to be done there – doesn’t hurt to try…!!!!! Come on Fergie do a deal – Iniesta, Modric and Sneider/other.
@Costas, @*#&*@#!!!! Scotty Parker.
Blimey, you gonna give me a heart murmur !!!!
@Cedars, NURSE! I say…. Nurseee! Help me mother!
NBI Red Onion – I like your sence of humor
I don’t get people saying our opponents have problems and we should easily win the EPL (by the way why is a Welsh team playing in the EPL? Nothing against the Welsh, but given the Welsh FA told us to f* off re having Welsh players in the GB football team for the Olympics – oh I forgot they get more money this way…)
Anyway – sorry, point I was making was I don’t think anyone should underestimate Chelsea, Arsenal or even City, everyone is buying and remember Chelsea had a brutal slump this season that they are unlikely to repeat, plus the lower ranked teams are taking points all over the place and our away form was dismal – so we really do need to strengthen the team for numero vingt.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2011/06/02/2515060/udineses-alexis-sanchez-barcelona-would-be-a-great
@ fergie is the boss
Thanks dude – i think !!!
FletchTHEMAN
Glad you like the ‘nurse’ posts buddy…. Always up for a bit of fun here….
Also a bit of sentiment, check out my last post …..The memory still brings a tear to my eye
CedarsDevil – Hello my friend. Hope you are well.
I’ve been blown away by the reserves and Youth team this year, and that’s not taking in to account the lads out on loan.
I get a bit drawn in like the rest of you to the transfer gossip and the calls for we need to buy “Big name” players, But we are United and the ones coming through are starting to look the real deal again.
The Youth team that won the cup look massive, they must have an average height well over 6ft. Tunnicliffe looks as good a prospect as Rodwell and I’d put a tenner on him in a fight. Pogba may just be mental but with the right therapy (taking along Morrison) I would question anyone who thinks he wont make it.
So buying big names would move these lads down the order, imagine if we’d listened to the fuck wits in the media in the 90′s and replaced the kids with big names. Replace VDS and bring the kids through, trust in the team.
Sorry, couldn’t take part in the fun because had to go outside for movies.
But before I go to sleep, one post in honor of MG and his Barcelona Protocol. Thanks to Willie and Costas for reminding me about Looney Tunes.
Yosemite Sam (couldn’t think of anyone better, he has a gun)
Tasmanian Devil — Porky Pig — Elmer Fudd — Foghorn Leghorn
Speedy Gonzalez — Bugs Bunny — Daffy Duck — Road Runner
Wile. E. Coyote — Sylvester
In this way, we have defenders who can talk the opposition to death. Contrasting mid-fielders who can destroy Barcelona’s 3 and speedy wingers who can out-run anyone.
Oh, and I saw X-Men: First Class – Awesome movie better than X2, X3 and Wolverin’s Origins for people who are interested.
@Cedars. Yeah mate, thinking of Dunc will bring a tear. Sighhhhhhh. Whats’ to be done?
Nurrrrrsssseee
@Balaji Sivaraman
glad you enjoyed it, you’ve werebanging on about it earlier today . lol
NBI Red Onion – so what, welsh teams have played in the english league for decades, if the welsh FA said to the english FA to fuck off, they have done what everyone has been thinking. GB team for the olympics I would not be suprised if it is all english players
FletchTHEMAN
Too right my friend, nothing can be done….
Kings
I am very well mate, missed your posts here….. Hope all is well
@ Twisted Fatboy
You raise a conundrum that can get some people’s knickers in a twist.
Do you know what the average age was of the Giggs, Becks lot breaking into the first team versus the FA Youth Cup team – correct me if I am wring but I think the latter still have a year or two to go by that mark and the question is how to plug the gap, noting even if we buy to strengthen, we can always sell weaker players and it is likely some of the non-regular mid-field will be moved on. Gibson and the twins got a chance so I think the others will.
If the youth team is good, they will play in and win the Carling Cup and then SAF will pluck the best of them and feather his first team nest.
@ fergie is the boss
Haha – you are right, as a United fan, I should back the Welsh FA for telling the English FA to f-off. Sepp brown envelope it was for charity Blatter has too apparently.
slim
Last night was a lot more fun though, so poor Balaji did miss out! lol
Now where are the regulars here? Perhaps unlike me they have a life and are actually up to something useful!
Kings – Hello mate? I think some plank was referring to you and KE, about having faith, that United would beat Barcelona and rubbishing the latter as over rated. At least, I think he was talking about yous two. It seems you can’t be positive these days. We just run into a team in top form. No disgrace at all.
I’d like to see Rhino (from Bolt) lining up with Chuck Norris in the midfield.
Also, sell Gibson, buy stratocaster.
@ CedarsDevil
Irregular verbs are harder than regular verbs – welcome all newcomers to this site one and all !!!! United = Family (just not like the FIFA family).
Willie
Is it the same idiot who claimed that every one making fun of Barca ran away from here? Hell I still make fun of them and I am still here !
@ NBI Red Onion
Playing them in he Carling would be enough for me and against the weaker teams like Arsenal. The youth team is young so Im not expecting week in week out first team action, but the squad is getting too big to keep everyone happy.
NBI Red Onion – yea, teams like swansea have benifited from an FA who did not think they were all that like the scottish FA thought, and look at celtic and rangers now. The welsh played ball with the english and now one side is competing in the hardest league in the world. I do not blame the welsh FA for saying fuck you to the english
Kings – I agree mate. What a load of fuckin shit.
King Eric made a great point saying what can De Rossi do that Fletcher can’t?! Can anyone answer that?!
Sachu – I really don’t know what you’ve been smoking mate or if you’re actually “Nani4eva” with all the players you’re bleating on about. 60 million for Sneijder?! Try halving that made you’re confused.
Anyone would think we finished 4th and got knocked out in the fuckin group stages of the Champions League.
WE WON THE FUCKIN LEAGUE what’s with all the shit about a complete squad overhaul? Like Willie said earlier, one keeper, one CM and that should be enough. All these fuckin names that are getting drawn into discussion is a joke
willierednut – we played a side in the prime of their lives
Cedars – I think so mate.
NBI Red Onion
Agreed, we are one family…. Something about your user name though, gives me cravings to eat…. I love red onions ! yummy
Would anyone here go for Nasri if it’s around £10 million? I know he’s not been the same since Snoods got banned but just to piss of Wenger it would be worth it.
Rai – Like King Eric and a phew says, de rossi is no different to what we already got. Will say it again, quality not quantity
Twisted Fatboy – Quality not Quantity
@ Fergie is the boss
Sorry.
LOL @ “he’s not been the same since snoods got banned”
Breaking news.
Old boy Hughes has left Fulham! Might be clear to go to Villa.
Was a devil now a villain?! Bet he won’t want Young to leave.
Lots of options in my opinion . Hamsik (believe me , he is good enough), Pastore, De Rossi, SNEIJDER , Modric, even Lassana Diarra ! i think sneijder would be the best option, best cm/am in the world imo , or maybe just after xavi . How i’d love to see Dejan Stankovic in our shirt , although he is waaay too old =D
scott i think you’ve gone way overboard. we didnt need to spend massively last year and we got smalling and hernandez. we need ANOTHER quality player in the middle, whether hes youth team product, 5 mill or 30 mill.
Mark Hughes, one of the best holders of the ball the game has ever seen. Built like the hulk he was…. Every goal he scored was a contender for goal of the season. The day he went to manage City left a bad taste in my mouth, not lost the love for him though…..
Used to sing his name from the Stretty every week…. So good we signed him twice
I’m sure having that dickhead Leslie Hughes in charge is really going to change Young’s mind about leaving to join United.
@ Sachu – where did you compile this price list mate…tribal football?
“pastore confirmed 44MILLION only 21 years old
NEYMAR confirmed 39 million only 18 years old
aguero confirmed 39 million
etooo 43 million and he is 30 years old
cavani 43 million
modric 40 millon
and finally niko bendtner 12 million and thats not ajoke his father said that
sneijder i have no fucking idea it should be 50 million”
Just cusious as to where it came from……
Willie – yeah I saw that prick on here, think it was CarBANGrick – I wouldn’t pay any attention to the fuckin idiot he can go wank over the Barca team as much as he wants. Champions of England and 2nd best team in Europe this season. The idiot thinks we shouldn’t be confident about beating Barca? Why not? If Arsenal beat them why can’t we? We lost to the better side on the day but we had a good chance going into the game and I’ll stand by that
@Cedars – he was a hell of a player, but I’ve lost all love for him after the way he behaved as City manager; swiping Tevez, trying to hijack the Berbatov transfer, all those cheeky bitter comments he used to make about us. He really bought into the City mentality and that was unforgivable for me.
I’ll have to work on these stats a bit more, but just as a quick example of what I’m talking about:
In the season just finished, Xavi, Iniesta, Keita, Messi, Pedro and Villa all made more than 30 appearances each in La Liga, as did Pique and Alves in defense. Over all comps, those same players made more than 50 appearances each, and several others topped 40 each. (I excluded goalkeepers.)
In our PL season, the only midfield player to top 30 appearances was Nani, the only forward was Berbatov, and the only other two to do it were defenders, Evra and Vidic. Over all comps, you can take those four, add Rooney, Hernandez and Carrick as the players who topped 40 appearances. So far as I can tell, no-one hit 50.
In other words, Barcelona’s midfield, and their forward line, play together pretty much all the time, at least in the major competitions, La Liga and CL. Their key players play more matches than ours. They have twice as many players contributing 30+ matches each in the league, and they are all key players, and they play in positions that require excellence in passing, positioning, coordination and understanding between each other.
@ Twisted Fatboy
Good point – however you know everyone will be baa-ing like sheep when they play Swansea in England – this means clubs playing games without fans for blatant racism towards sheep – I mean Welsh teams
@ CedarsDevils
My user name is supposed to reflect United being eye wateringly good – however – your mounth watering and visions of you peeling me – i don’t know if that is pleasant or unpleasant – maybe you look like Shakira?
What did I miss?
Goodnight Manchester United
Thanks to Balaji – Very interesting point by StatesideAussie above
On that note till the next next morning unless some of you haven’t got there already
No matter what: through defeat the shirt becomes a greater symbol of defiance.
For United.
Whatever happen to those 80mil we got for Ronaldo?
NBI Red Onion
Hahaha, no the thought of peeling you did not occur to me! As for Shakira, yes I do like her, after all she originates from my home land…. Not sure I like the club she supports though!
There a kid at Dortmund called Gotze and the lad will be immense from what ive seen on the box. Missed out on Sahin hes class too.
What i think well maybe end up with is Modric as Spurs tend to be a feeder Club, Young cos hes on the cheap and De Gea of course.
Ideally id like Kaka if on the cheap.
Heard a rumour a few days back that us and the scousers are in for Enrique from Newcastle well see!
UTID
I loved Mark Hughes, One of My Favourite strikers, had a debate with my mate who supports Chelski
Mark hughes or Drogba….No Hesitation…Mark Hughes….I still love him, prick joined Shitty but was Sacked & Now Hates them, so I dont mind.
Bryan Robson La Di Dah What a player he was.
Did someone say Shakira? My Face always turns to this
at the mention of this Monstrosity of Beauty.
:lol:
For some of the late night Lads…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPPzzJGfbf4 …..sorry to the sensitve boys its saved as a Bookmark for me
Fucking hell, cracking link Clint!
christ the season isn’t a week old and i’m already getting sick of the speculation.think str being optimistic thinking modric for 30 mill,like to know how he calulates that number,fucking dippers paid 35mill for carrol with less than a season of top class football,rentboys 50mill for tranny boy.city pay 25mill+ for ave players.
utd won’t be the only club interested and spurs don’t want to sell,think you can tag on minimum 10mill.
if anything this summer will be worse than last,rentboys need to re-build,real always looking,dippers will be looking to improve and city are just out and out stupid.its going to take 40mill + to sign any elite player.
haha thanks Fred
Night Lads Gotta be Up Early tomorrow Fresh for More Transfer Gas Talk
I think we should sign Chuck Norris, stick him in midfield, and be done with it. If we can’t get him DeRossi is our man.
Interesting summer ahead for us..I ain’t even gonna get into the guessing game as there is no use..Out of all the quality CM’s available out there..I doubt whether we will get any of them because we will have to pay over the top for any player and knowing SAF he won’t do that..
Fergie is Boss.. DeRossi is not quality? Quality of Quantity? Bollocks mate.
of = *or. Are we speaking about the same player?.. World Cup winner Daniele DeRossi?
Why does no-one mention Tomas Muller – the German kid. He’s 21 and was the star for Germany in the last World Cup. We could’ve got Ozil last summer – why overlook the Germans?
I’d LOVE Schweinsteiger, Modric, Cleverley and personally i’d have Downing (def over Young, Downing is completely in line with the kind of direct wingers who can whip in great balls that suit us to a tee, imagine him and Valencia going at it with Chico in the box and Rooney hovering around!) This would be absolutely ace for me and start blooding the reserve team . Done. oh and Fabio over Evra at left back until Evra starts to earn his place again.
my team- DeGea, Rafael, Rio, Vidic, Fabio, Valencia, Carrick/Modric/Cleverly, Anderson/Fletch/Scweinsteiger, Giggs/Downing/Nani, Rooney, Chicharito
Wayne … I was sick of it before it even started!
On 28 July – UNITED -v- BARCA – in Washington DC.
That will be a great test for new signings, and to see what we have learned, also for SAF to tinker to find a way to baste barca in their own juices…
SO everybody sick of transfer talk or loving it – put this date in your diary – next month we play Barca again in the USA and this time we need to nail it – nail them to the Spanish sausage
Fucking hell, cracking link Clint!
Agreed about no more Henderson or Rodwell because we’re already have Tom Cleverly. I still think Charlie Adam can be a good signing whether it’s a luxury or main signing. This guy has determination, very good passes. He just needs to be trained by SAF and we’ll have a great midfielder. So I’d say Adam has the factors to become a great player, the rest will be decided by SAF. My prediction is that if we’ll sign 2 midfielders, then one would be him, but if there will be just one then probably a big name.
What a site. Big money for average players, sick money for good players and Billion pound buy outs for CR7 and Messi wow what a wacky world.
De Gea, Sanchez and Sneijder and the French kid CB Varnea.
Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents;
we have great strikers in berba, hernandez, wayne. world class all of them.
and of course, its great to have 3 world class strikers over the course of a season, as something is bound to happen to one of them (minor injury or form drop or whatever)
However how about a way to get all three players on the pitch when we need our “best” 11 (for cunts like barca)
the general consensus seems to be that rooney and berba play the same style (dropping back and setting up more) to both be on the field. But from a lot of whats been said, supposedly wayne and sneijders roles would overlap….? and sneijder = CAM.
I know Wayne is superb at finishing, but how about just letting him play in that central role? have u seen him ping the ball around?
I hate how people keep hating on Anderson. The guy tore his cruciate ligament in his knee, give him a break. Has anyone ever experience that before? Its a devastating injury to try and come back from. How do I know this? I did the same thing last year. I’m still not back to 100% a year removed from surgery. This next year Anderson will have had 18 months to recover, the amount of time usually required to both physically, but more importantly MENTALLY recover from such an injury. This is going to be his year to shine, we already saw it the last few games of the season.
@smartalex
I don’t know if most others got your Gibson joke, but it had me splitting my sides!
(Still think I’ll stick with the dimebag darrell, though.)
Rai @
there is only one nani4ever so don’t confuse me with anyone else, i’ve deliberately tried to stay out of this debate because the same issues i’ve be banning on about for nearly the whole season is now the most pressing issues i’ve seen people on here now do a complete about face, there were people on here stating that our midfield is ok and carrick is world class. Even more when I said Modric would walk into our team a few people laugh me to scorn and even question my age, but then barca happen and now miraculously the same people are now practically drooling at the taught of having him. It was clear in 09 as it is as clear now we need a world class midfielder and we need to start focusing on ball retention to mix with our traditional counter attacking style, and if that means backroom shake up the so be it because imho mike phelan and rene meulensteen are not up to it, but lastly we need to start giving youth a chance again and get rid of the dead weight, we need to incorporate welbeck, petrucci, cleverly, norwood and let go of gibson and owen should only be use as a last resort or for training scenario’s. The Youth Team class of 2011 (Pogba, Tunnicillife, Morrison, Kean, Torpe) should also be giving a shot especially in the carling cup.
Firgie is the boss @
On your comment about weather ando is better than gibson, are u on crack is that a joke looking on pure talent alone there is no comparison, gibson is probably the most immobile midfielder, with no sense of position or ball retention skills.
CedarsDevil – I’m good thanks my friend.
willierednut – Hello my friend, hope you are well. Well excuse me for having faith in the team that I have been in love with for over 30 years. If that cunt wants to make fun of that and masterbate over the opposition, then he’s not a fan at all, just a plastic cunt claiming to be one. He can go fuck himself the bastard. Yeah we lost to a better team mate, no disgrace at all. The problem was, we didn’t make use of the ball when we had it and all 3 of their goals could have been avoided in my opinion. We have had setbacks before and bounced back. This is another setback and we will move on and be stronger for it.
Rai – Top posts mate. Fucking clowns. This is Manchester United Football Club, not Manchester United Comedy Club.
utdforever – Re. Your post of 0.10. Oh well De Rossi is a world cup winner so we must buy him then. If you want to go with that logic, let’s buy Gerd Muller and Uwe Seeler. What a nonsensical argument that is. De Rossi is shit, I would have Fletch over that cunt all day long.
I hope the United backroom staff don’t read all the comments or the general consensus of signing blah blah blah. We don’t need a new Scholesy, coz honestly there ain’t one. We need a player in Hargo mould and Tunni might be the answer to this. This season Chico will play Copa, and it’s imperative that we rest him more. I’ve been thinking about this crazy thought, but anyone here thinks that Rafael or Fabio should be tried in CM positions, esp. the box-2-box. Don’t understand this fascination with Barca, still believe the team of final could have beaten them.A lot of people here think Barca would beat 9 out 10 times. Deluded bloody. The thing that separates Barca is their off the ball work ethic. How many times in the final we saw us fighting for the ball, getting stuck in. Giggsy, Carrick would let them come at us while they on the other hand would harass us, get stuck in. Maybe this was a tactic to hit them later in the game, but all things said and done we wanted to win the game in the late stages while they wanted to finish it ASAP.
Scholesy,Red Nev,VDS not there next season is more disappointing than the CL defeat.
@ Kings
ur right, if world cup winner was a criteria for buying players, then dint we already have one of those?? a certain brazilian called kleberson?? look how that turned out. thanks but no thanks.
and since we are on fantasy football here, how about a midfield pairing of harry potter and a dementor.
i hear potter is very creative and can literally conjure something out of nothing. and the dementor is good at closing space and ppl dont like him getting near. wot say??
Whoever we sign, in SAF we trust… Just that with the current state of finances, he wouldn’t take a gamble on 28 million with a purchase like Veron years back. Nowadays, 7 million on Bebe is considered a huge gamble.
Given a choice of Modric or Sneijder at the same price, SAF will probably get Modric as he is proven in EPL and at such a huge price.
Another note, from the CL finals… I don’t think our midfield could’ve done any better. Our first touch isn’t the best (compared to Barcelona) & before the ball reaches any of our players, I see 3 Barcelona players running to press him.
I hope for revenge next season… & since Casillas shot his mouth… I hope we meet and beat Madrid along the way too.
@PissedOffRed
See United’s first goal. I thought we got over whelmed once Barca started to kick-in. Make no mistake we have been piss poor sometimes this season, but that doesn’t make us a piss poor team. There might be players who have won it all and done it all. It’s about hunger and experience on that stage. Tony V didn’t have that experience of playing in a CL final against a opposition who ain’t letting you get the ball, same for chico,fabio.
Seiously, I was waiting for some of these last few posts to come up. OK, you dont want to talk transfers, you think our team doesnt need a single new signing, but if there are some who do, you dont really have to have a go at them do you now? I understand it if somebody is trolling and turns abusive towards one of our much beloved players, or if someone is being muppety and saying things like sell ten players and buy eleven, but if folks do want to talk of possible transfer, tactics and strategy, why do you have to dish them all and accuse them of being plastics, or cunts or whatever? Makes no sense to me…
@RAI
mate its not tribal football
palermo president said they rejected 33 million offer from chelsea for pastore and that he is worth 44 million
neymars agent said he is worth39 million and that santos rejected 30 MILION BIDS
aguero has a buyoutclause of 38 million anybody who pays that can take him thats wat athletico said
cavani 43 million again is buyoutclause
Breaking NEWS: Concrete signings will be finilised on 31st August 2011!!!
@90+Until We Score
Aye aye……
Man Utd is not a poor team. They always seem to take the harder route…
Paper rumour mill have said Bruce wants Gibson and Brown at Sunderland! I personally dont beleive it but if it were true i think it would be a great move for both. Brown has clearly fell out with Fergie as he was our most consistant player in 2008 and pretty much hasnt featured since. Gibson needs a break as to many United fans dont appreciate youth coming through, prsonal attacks even led to him closing his twitter accout. Gibson is actually a very good footballer probably just a yard of pace off from what United need with our style of play. I tell you one thing he is better than Jordan Henderson!
With Scholes, Neville, Brown and probably Gibson leaving, the squad is dropping a lot in numbers. I know that Brown and Gibson didn’t contribute a lot this season, but their presence was enough to prevent scenarios where Carrick had to play in defence or O’Shea had to play in midfield. We have to make sure our squad isn’t thinner next season. So in my opinion, it would be nice if we buy a defender that can play across the back to replace Wes.
@Jeet
I agree with your post mate about speculation we dont need to be so militant. It odesnt mean you love your team any less by wanting new signings if we only ever brought youth through we would not have had Rooney, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Nani, Carrick, Chicarito, VDS, Berba, Anderson to name a few of the current crop never mind the past signings of great players like Robbo, Keano, Cantona, Ronaldo
United have always been the best team at obtaining world class players whislt bringing youth players through! No one can say though that we have ready made youngsters ready to perform next season. Tunni Pogba and Morrison are great prospects but that is all the are at this moment in time. They will have to earn their spurs like first like Fletcher did, then Gibson etc bit it doesnt always work out. No one can honestly say Cleverly is the answer as well as he has not been prolific at Wigan although given time and chances he could well prgress. No one can deny our midfield is not world class and as such we need to add in that department both in the Hargo / Keano mould and also a Cantona / Veron (although didnt do it at United) mould to make us better.
Mikekelly12
When might we expect these ‘concrete’ signings to cement their place in the team?
Are they written in stone, or have we only scratched the surface?
With good vibrations, we might cast our bid for an in-form player in the Keano mould.
Marching Red
Thanks mate! It’s easier to play on words than to play on a Gibson!
Here goes this is what should happen, United setup a deal for Snijder with Nani going to Inter. Moderic in, And replace Nani with Sanchez. If theres any more cash then maybe slash out on Henderson or Adam too. If we can get a defender then great but to get all this cash United would need at least 50 million from club, sell Gibson for 8 mil, Brown 5mil, Berbatov 20mil (even thou he doesn’t want to leave). We have Rooney Little pea and a host of hungry strikers in reserves. Also I thought Bebe played well against Juve in a strikers position.
we should use black magic in our transfer dealings,we will sign Messi,Sneijder,De Rossi,Modric,Schweinsteiger and Sanchez all on the cheap,all of them will cost less than 30million,and everybody will be happy.
Lads lads lads
Theres a player who’s just gone down with Blackpool who would be quality.
Has a sweet left foot…. can take a deadly set piece and very technically good
In his prime so he could provide his experience to the younger lads.
Yes some of you suggest he lacks mobility and is very slow… but he is the real deal and for a cheap price too!
I am of course talking about –
Andy Reid
Was reading an aritcle on scholes’s blurrer vision and you have to read the second part of it commenting on our then midfield and January transfers.
Fergie – Genious
http://www.soccer-weblog.com/50226711/scholes_blurred_vision_gives_ferguson_headache.php
PS: The writer talking about rumoured targets and actualy players. Wonder where the rumour targets are now.
@smartalex. Lovin your word play! Yup, all the concrete signings will be written in stone on transfer deadline day! Either that or they ain’t coming. Don’t care who the concrete signing is as long as he’s a “rock”!
@jeet
(not the Velvet Underground Nico – she’s too expensive, I’ve heard)
haha quality
schweinsteiger would be lovely, cant see it appenin tho
I like Sneidjer but his wages would be too high £220,000 a week not incuding bonuses and image rights. Due to Rooney’s supposed wages any star player that comes here will want a huge amount and it is only fair enough. I have faith in Sir Alex as he knows his limits, when he wanted Benzema the little shit wanted £150,000 a week, true he was probably in a better bargaining position than us as we had just lost Ronaldo and Tevez but to ask for such a high wage when you are a promising player and not yet established is ridiculous even Rooney, Evra, Ferdinand, Berbatov and Vidic were only commanding £110,000 or under and they have been performing for us for years.
Our midfield really needs to get sorted out we need a player that does not get bullied off the ball easily or a creative attacking midfielder. We have not had a midfielder that can score goals for us in a very long time we need someone similar to Scholes or even Fabregas. I know people do not want to hear it but our midfielders have been quite poor. Anderson doesn’t cut for me at all, I remember when someone commented that he is better than Fabregas, I thought they must have been drunk.
We have great attackers and great defenders so I have no worries there, I don’t think we need to spend unneccessary millions to find a great midfielder. I would prefer if Wes Brown stayed as I feel he has something left in him and he has been with us for years as for Gibson to be honest I am not bothered.
Morning Lads – I see a few people enjoyed my link
Andy Reid? Might aswell bring the rest of the TeleTubbies with him to United. Charlie Adam, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Malbranque, Paul Robsinson (LB), Heskey, Yakubu, Huddlestone
They Can Join our TeleTubbie (Wazza-Poo) 
Bring in The Big Bad Bald Blob – John Hartson as Manager & We are Sorted for OverWeight XI of the Year
Read the above and am bemused. Why all the talk of buying this and that when we have an abundance of riches within.
Barca play with no real striker but a bunch of “midfield/attacking” options.
United have constantly “remade” players into different roles – Giggs/Scholes being classic examples.
To me Rooney drops into the middle – also Nani perhaps. Ando sees more game time. Problem solved.
UNITED 20/4 – 2012
We need to sell players. Park, brown, evans, gibbs, diouf and obertan would get us around 20mil at least. Then we buy modric and de Rossi. We need a strong defensive mid to push back teams like Barca. We are UNITED and we should win te CL next year. Barca won it 3 timesnin the last 6 years.
Does this mean that the ‘swoop’ for Baloo is off then? And why does Fergie always ‘swoop’ according to the tabloids? Is he a secret vampire like Martin Keown?
@ United4ever – Did you say sell Park?! Are you crazy man?! Evans?! What you been smoking?!
Park will leave when Sir Alex does…
@Costas, 12:24
I would have to agree, but only because I find myself convinced that almost any other manager would not see the real value of Park.
torontored – anderson has had lets see 4 seasons and he still looks overweight, unfit for a whole season and his teqnical ability is stil poor has ever. he is not 20 anymore, he is 23 and close to 24 soon., so we should have seen far beter progress.
@Clint – laughing my head off here!
Cyril Sneer – Baloo didn’t pass the medical. Agree about the red tops with their stupid headlines. Fergie set to sign, or United closing in. Fucking does my heed in! lol.
At the start of last season i said we need nobody new in central midfield. Now i say we need somebody with at least Wesley Sneijder’s calibre, no less…
We can still win the league without that kind of class, but we will not win the CL.
Agreed
Modric? Please please please no more Tottenham players. The last two have been enough to last me a lifetime.
Sign Fattlestone
Fergie is the boss – Anderson has been here for some time – part of which he was injured. Way more potential than most the “transfer targets” .
The team will be rearranged next year – tough games will be 4-5-1 or maybe the Barca 4-6. Rooney will not play as a striker but drop into midfield. The options with him as “pivot” become massive. Watch also for Nani to move positions.
It will not take a lot – players continue to mature
Quality is at OT already :-
Morrisson
Welbeck
Pogba
Petrucci
James
Cleverley
Macheda (but a ? mark there)
etc, etc
Shit we won the league – we made the UCL final. We got beat by a team who have 3 in the middle who are 1) the best on the planet because 2) play for each other and 3) around which the whole Barcalona team revolves. Christ I could score 20 a year on that squad.
Can see maybe two coming in but doubt if any known or recognised big names.
Can see some of the likes of Obertain, De Laet going or sent on loan if they do not perform pre-season.
The pipeline to Brazil will produce some great talent.
What is for sure is that there will be competition for every position. That in itself make the team
Do not look to the past for the way ahead – just remember the mistakes that were made in the past.
And lastly why do several members go on about Sneider?? He good but for me not the player we want wearing a red shirt.
UNITED 20/4/12 – 2012
Young, Modric, Sneijder and Nasri, thats what we need in midfield, and Hulk upfront with Rooney
If we want to challenge barca in any way next season, we definitely need a playmaker in midfield .. Modric or Sneijder .. or both ? lol proly a bit greedy there