2 defenders, 2 midfielders, 1 striker

[sammsky1]

In a recent interview, Gary Neville thinks Mourinho will need to sign 4-5 players in the summer to attain a squad capable of winning the PL.

Assuming BFS and Rooney leave, and with Zlatan and Carrick on the wane, who will those 5 be? Losing those 4 dramatically reduces our leadership and experience profile.

Im guessing this will be a minimum £200m investment.

 

[ovoxo]

I think he's right. we will possibly sign 4 this summer. We'll probably sign a CB, RB, CM (box to box), and a forward (Griezmann).

In the summer of 2018 I think we'll sign a CM (DLP) and a striker.

Other possibilities depend on the likes of Luke Shaw getting back into the team and De Gea staying long term.

 

[Paolo Di Canio]

Bakayoko, Griezmann, Lindelof, Semedo if the press are to be believed.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

In a recent interview, Gary Neville thinks Mourinho will need to sign 4-5 players in summer to attain a team capable of winning the PL.

Assuming BFS and Rooney leaves, and Zlatan is on the wane, who will those 5 be?

Im guessing this will be a minimum £200m investment!

It is quite obvious that we need a LB, a defensive CM, cover/competition for Zlatan, a goal scoring winger/ACM.

I guess that Gary wants us to sign a CB, or does he mean a RB?

As for names I have no clue besides maybe Griezmann and Bakayoko/Keita.

 

[sammsky1]

It is quite obvious that we need a LB, a defensive CM, cover/competition for Zlatan, a goal scoring winger/ACM.

I guess that Gary wants us to sign a CB, or does he mean a RB?

As for names I have no clue besides maybe Griezmann and Bakayoko/Keita.

From the chelsea team, he cites Kante and Hazard as two examples of the calibre of players required.

We have to remember that the other top clubs will also inject mega funds into their squads and so also improve their level.

 

[ThomasEmil]

No we don't. And we don't we don't have to set a new record for player purchases every fecking summer. People need to get a grib.

 

[MadMike]

I thought Mourinho said "2-3- players" and "there will be no extravagant signings".

I expect him to cover the bare essentials. The 2 will be a LB and a CM/DM. I doubt he needs a CB or an AM/Winger (like, wtf?), but he might get a RB or a striker depending on what happens with Ibra. I feel he'd rather push the striker purchase to summer '18 rather than this year.

No we don't. And we don't we don't have to set a new record for player purchases every fecking summer. People need to get a grib.

Exactly

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

From the chelsea team, he cites Kante and Hazard as two examples of the calibre of players required.

We have to remember that the other top clubs will also inject mega funds into their squads and so also improve their level.

Yes, we need to raise the bar and stop signing the likes of Schneiderlin. But I fail to understand why he didn't go after Kante in the summer? He wasn't overly expensive and I rate him higher than Bakayoko.

 

[Bepi]

I think Utd back four is working very well as a unit but there is still ample room for upgrades at individual level.

 

[sammsky1]

I thought Mourinho said "2-3- players" and "there will be no extravagant signings".

I expect him to cover the bare essentials. The 2 will be a LB and a CM/DM. I doubt he needs a CB or an AM/Winger (like, wtf?), but he might get a RB or a striker depending on what happens with Ibra. I feel he'd rather push the striker purchase to summer '18 rather than this year.

Assuming Zlatan is less effective next season due to age and Mata, mhki, Martial and Rashford collective inability to score enough - poses a big risk.

He'd have to be certain the group of 4 dramatically increase their goal scoring - else where will the goals come from?

Rashhford isn't close to shouldering that responsibility, neither at his age should he be asked to.

We need a 30 goals a season striker next year.

 

[stepic]

I'd upgrade the fullback spots if Shaw isn't going to be trusted. CB is less of an issue

Someone to replace Carrick

And Griezmann

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

I thought Mourinho said "2-3- players" and "there will be no extravagant signings".

I expect him to cover the bare essentials. The 2 will be a LB and a CM/DM. I doubt he needs a CB or an AM/Winger (like, wtf?), but he might get a RB or a striker depending on what happens with Ibra. I feel he'd rather push the striker purchase to summer '18 rather than this year.

We are too reliant on Zlatan to provide the goals. Mata, Rashford, Mikhi, Martial, Pogba must contribute more. Can we assume that they will and not sign a striker this summer. That would be foolish.

 

[sammsky1]

No we don't. And we don't we don't have to set a new record for player purchases every fecking summer. People need to get a grib.

Who is 'people'? Its Gary Neville's opinion, and I happen to agree with him.

 

[finneh]

In my view in terms of key players it will be 3 in 2017 and 3 in 2018. The last thing we need is the instability of replacing half our outfield players in one go.

Possibly something like Griezmann, Van Dijk & Guaye this Summer.

Then we'd be targeting a striker, creative midfielder and full back in 2018 - too much can change between now and then in terms of performances and availability (not to mention other players being more attractive options) but obvious candidates include the likes of Kane/Gabbiadini/Lukaku, Veratti/Weigl & probably someone like Semedo. This assumes that Shaw will work out.

The absolute last thing we should do is try to replace already solid players for the sake of it. Replacing Mata, Mkhitaryan, Herrera or Valencia's contribution for example would be a stupid decision. Likewise limiting Martial's or Bailly's development.

 

[Raees]

LB, CB, DM, CM, W, and CF. I think we need mininum 4 signings to be title contenders and 6 to be favourites and competitive in the CL if we get there.

 

[sammsky1]

Yes, we need to raise the bar and stop signing the likes of Schneiderlin. But I fail to understand why he didn't go after Kante in the summer? He wasn't overly expensive and I rate him higher than Bakayoko.

totally agree on both points .

Kante was signed relatively cheaply as well. Not many players in his mould in world football right now.

 

[MadMike]

Assuming Zlatan is less effective next season due to age and Mata, mhki, Martial and Rashford collective inability to score enough - poses a big risk.

He'd have to be certain the group of 4 dramatically increase their goal scoring - else where will the goals come from?

Rashhford isn't close to shouldering that responsibility, neither at his age should he be asked to.

We need a 30 goals a season striker next year.

You are assuming Zlatan will deteriorate and our young players won't improve though. Both those assumptions could very well be wrong. The solution to everything is not buying.

Postponing the striker purchase might give Rashford time to mature more and Mourinho to decide what kind of striker he needs. A £100m worldie that will bench Rashford, or a Hernandez type who will compete with but not overshadow Rashford.

 

[andersj]

In a recent interview, Gary Neville thinks Mourinho will need to sign 4-5 players in summer to attain a team capable of winning the PL.

Assuming BFS and Rooney leave, and with Zlatan and Carrick is on the wane, who will those 5 be? Losing those 4 dramatically reduced our leadership and experience profile.

Im guessing this will be a minimum £200m investment!

If we want to buy two defenders we probably want to sell two defenders too. Shaw and Smalling? Might raise £40 mill. Add Depay, Januzaj, Young and Rooney and we might be on £80 mill.

 

[AndyJ1985]

We definitely need to strengthen the full back positions; both left and right. I don't think we're desperate for a centre back but we could definitely upgrade Smalling, but it's not a priority. We absolutely unquestionably need at least one CM. And we absolutely unquestionably need to improve our attack; we need more goals. I expect Griezmann will be our big attacking signing, although I wouldn't be surprised to see another forward signed. All in all I expect 4-5 signings this summer with 5-6 leaving.

 

[RedPed]

Well he said he has already identified his targets for this summer so it's over to you Woody. We will just have to wait and see. No point speculating if he's already got his mind made up. It was mentioned on the BBC that he would be after Kane if he can't get Griezmann.

 

[BlueCelery]

Rashford, Martial & Zlatan are more than enough options upfront. Disagree United need another striker.

4 new signings are required.

Secondary goalscorer & seems like Griezmann has been identified as that player
First choice CB (Rojo, Jones, Smalling are depth players)
First choice Left back - Unsure if he rates Shaw or not but Darmain & Blind should be nothing more than depth players.
CM to rotate between Pogba/Herrera

 

[MadMike]

Yes, we need to raise the bar and stop signing the likes of Schneiderlin. But I fail to understand why he didn't go after Kante in the summer? He wasn't overly expensive and I rate him higher than Bakayoko.

Maybe because we have Herrera who was already here and showed in training (and through the season) that he deserves that spot?

 

[pacifictheme]

No we don't. And we don't we don't have to set a new record for player purchases every fecking summer. People need to get a grib.

Yeah get a grib everyone.

All teams need to recruit. 4 players seems right to me.

 

[Jaybomb]

Considering we have the funds to get pretty much anyone...

Fabinho
Pique
James
Vidal
Griezmann/Neymar/Bale (We'll break the record for one of these)

Would be my picks... but I think it's gonna be Nelsinho, Lindelof, Bakayoko and Griezmann.

 

[MadMike]

We definitely need to strengthen the full back positions; both left and right. I don't think we're desperate for a centre back but we could definitely upgrade Smalling, but it's not a priority. We absolutely unquestionably need at least one CM. And we absolutely unquestionably need to improve our attack; we need more goals. I expect Griezmann will be our big attacking signing, although I wouldn't be surprised to see another forward signed. All in all I expect 4-5 signings this summer with 5-6 leaving.

Smalling is trusted by Mourinho and he is a homegrown player that we need. He's not going anywhere. Rojo would be the one to go if anyone, but most of our CBs are young and have room to improve so I expect no changes.

 

[RedPed]

Oh and Hernandez, would've been perfect under Mourinho in this current setup.

 

[MadMike]

Considering we have the funds to get pretty much anyone...

Fabinho
Pique
James
Vidal
Griezmann/Neymar/Bale (We'll break the record for one of these)

Would be my picks... but I think it's gonna be Nelsinho, Lindelof, Bakayoko and Griezmann.

Time to Alt + F4 out of Football Manager and return to reality

 

[Jaybomb]

Time to Alt + F4 out of Football Manager and return to reality

Knew someone would say it.

If I told you last summer that I wanted Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Mkhitaryan in the one window, you would say the same thing.

 

[Globule]

The biggest weakness in the team on most match days is the left-back spot, so that's a no-brainer for improvement. Either that means Shaw stepping up and becoming the player we hoped he would, or us signing a new LB.

Another consistent weakness is the midfield. We don't have the same level of organisation without Carrick, and he cannot be relied upon week after week. Again, another no-brainer to target a midfielder that strengthens us and helps free up Pogba.

The biggest disappointment for me this season is the lack of punch we've had from the flanks, so I'd target a winger. Which side depends on Mourinho's plans for the team and, specifically, where he sees Mkhitaryan playing primarily next season. If we're going with three in midfield, then surely Mkhitaryan has to play on the right. He's too good not to be in the team. If he wants to play with someone behind Zlatan - and assuming that person is Mkhitaryan - we need a right winger. Hopefully Martial makes himself indispensable during the remainder of the season, because I think he can be great for us on the left side, but unless he fully gains Mourinho's trust I can see him targeting a LW in the summer.

Apart from those areas, I'd say it depends on who is available. Zlatan can do another job for us next season, but if we can get a top class striker in we should. He's not getting any younger and we're not blessed with credible alternatives.

I would like us to bring in a more experienced CB. Someone who can properly organise the back four and makes us more solid. While all of our current CBs have performed well at times, all of them have some question marks over them. But it's less of a priority for me than the other positions.

 

[MadMike]

Knew someone would say it.

If I told you last summer that I wanted Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Mkhitaryan in the one window, you would say the same thing.

I would say that one is free agent, the other on the final year of his contract, which leaves us with 1 transfer which I though was unlikely but happened. You have 5 players in there, all of which are under contract and would cost a minimum of 30m each. Some above 100m. Many of whom don't even want to move clubs (Bale, Neymar, Vidal, Pique). So.. yeah

 

[peridigm]

CB, FB, CM, ST
Obvious we need a new CB. I say FB because you can say we need a LB more than a RB but as good as Valencia has been, will he kick on for another season? Valencia has been stronger at RB than any of our LB options have been this season so I think Jose will prioritize the LB position. CM to replace Carrick. We could also use a winger if Mkhitaryan is going to play more central. Mata is not a winger.

If we sign Griezemann that would fill the striker, winger, and CAM positions with what we got.

 

[krazyrobus]

I don't see the point of acquiring CBs each of them has in their own way proved they are up to the task. LB, we have Luke Shaw, i wish Mou would get the best out of him and Blind would be adequete cover. RB is more of a concern primarily due to Valencia's age. I'd look to sign one to give him competition/cover. CM is the biggest need, we need at least 2 more. Maybe one Box to Box and one DM. Upfront due to probably losing Rooney and possibly Zlatan we might need 2 attackers.

So in conclusion 1 RB, 2 CM, 2 strikers/forwards.

 

[poleglass red]

No we don't. And we don't we don't have to set a new record for player purchases every fecking summer. People need to get a grib.

When Nev said that in interview I was like you, thought it was a bit ott, but when you break it down, he's pretty much spot on.

Need a left back, don't think anyone can argue that one.
Need a centre half. Jones is too injury prone to rely on. Smalling isn't good enough. Rojo who has done well this season but isn't good enough for a team trying to win the pl and do well in the cl.
Centre mid- need a defensive mid, again another position I don't think anyone can dispute, Herrera and Pogba as Nev pointed out as a 2 don't work, they leave too much space open. When Carrick isn't there we get exposed. He's another yr older next season. Schederlin is gone, Bastian will be gone. Fellaini not good enough
Striker- Rooney will be gone, Ibra if he stays will be 36. We need a top level striker who will be our main man for the next 3-4 yrs brought in

as you rightly say we will be gouged by clubs on transfer fees. Will we will fill all those holes in one window, tough call, but those areas need addressed

 

[willhse456]

Assuming Zlatan is less effective next season due to age and Mata, mhki, Martial and Rashford collective inability to score enough - poses a big risk.

He'd have to be certain the group of 4 dramatically increase their goal scoring - else where will the goals come from?

Rashhford isn't close to shouldering that responsibility, neither at his age should he be asked to.

We need a 30 goals a season striker next year.

We have one already in Zlatan.

I find it a bit odd that a lot of people think he'll suddenly decline next year, after he proved everyone wrong this year. Most strikers decline in their 30's because they lose their pace and agility. This isn't a problem for Zlatan as he has never really relied on pace, and is still one of the most agile players I've ever seen play in the Premier League at the age of 35.

Martial will also surely score more goals once he gets a solid run of games on the left hand side.

 

[Jaybomb]

I would say that one is free agent, the other on the final year of his contract, which leaves us with 1 transfer which I though was unlikely but happened. You have 5 players in there, all of which are under contract and would cost a minimum of 30m each. Some above 100m. Many of whom don't even want to move clubs (Bale, Neymar, Vidal, Pique). So.. yeah

That's rubbish pal. You would have never said that summer was likely to happen.

James probably wants regular game time. I think both him and Fabinho are realistic targets... And anyone will come here for the money or the chance to be the worlds most expensive player. More than likely it will be Griezmann but if we can get Neymar, it seems like a no brainer.

As for Vidal, his chance to join us was back in 2014. Sadly I think that shipped his sailed but he would be perfect for us. Nainggolan might be a good alternative.

If reports are to be believed, Shakira wants Pique to go back to England.

 

[finneh]

Knew someone would say it.

If I told you last summer that I wanted Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Mkhitaryan in the one window, you would say the same thing.

If you completely ignore context and reality you're spot on.

 

[waza7111]

Semedo, Griezmann and a CDM. Not sure which CDM Mourinho will sign. After his comments on Shaw, we won't sign a left back and we have four good centre back options who can all improve. Zlatan won't suddenly decline on this season's evidence so a striker isn't needed yet.

 

[MadMike]

That's rubbish pal. You would have never said that summer was likely to happen.

James probably wants regular game time. I think both him and Fabinho are realistic targets... And anyone will come here for the money or the chance to be the worlds most expensive player. More than likely it will be Griezmann but if we can get Neymar, it seems like a no brainer.

As for Vidal, his chance to join us was back in 2014. Sadly I think that shipped his sailed but he would be perfect for us. Nainggolan might be a good alternative.

If reports are to be believed, Shakira wants Pique to go back to England.

You know better than me what I was thinking last summer? Interesting.

You keep posting the shame rubbish ignoring the facts. We only signed 1 expensive player last summer. You have 5 expensive players in your list. Wake up.

 

[RedMaestro]

No idea, but will contribute with some ideas and make some guesses on their price tags:

Not sure if it should be 2 defenders, 2 midfielders and 1 striker - why 2 midfielders, when there's already Herrera and Pogba? And no idea which position Mourinho would want to improve:

LB: Kolasinac - Free, since contract ends this summer
CB: van Dijk - £40m
DM: Saul Niguez - £50m
AM/ST: Griezmann - £90m

£180m for 4 quality players.

Cheaper options on DM could be Kessie (£25m) and ST (Bernardeschi £40m).

Would be:
LB: Kolasinac - £0m
CB: van Dijk - £40m
DM: Kessie - £25m
ST/W: Bernardeschi - £40m

So if Niguez and Griezmann would be impossible moves then this would be cheaper and the 4 players could cost £105m.

Oh, before anyone complains about the figures, just something I think they could cost and to give an idea. Doesn't mean that they'll cost that much or little.

If a RB is much more needed than the LB or CB, than the RB could be Hysaj (£18m). But I Think a LB is much more needed, since it's not clear if Shaw will be ready. And Darmian will likely be sold, so if Kolasinac would arrive - he would share that side with Shaw and Valencia would share the RB with Blind. I have a feeling Mourinho could be in the search for a new CB and if so Smalling would probably be sold.

 

[Womp]

Considering we have the funds to get pretty much anyone...

Fabinho
Pique
James
Vidal
Griezmann/Neymar/Bale (We'll break the record for one of these)

Would be my picks... but I think it's gonna be Nelsinho, Lindelof, Bakayoko and Griezmann.

Hope you're ready for a summer of dissapointment pal, we ain't getting any of those except maybe Griezmann and Fabinho.