5 positions and the realistic 5 players to fill them ?
- Thread starter davidmichael
- Start date
I can see mourinho getting a tune out of phil Jones and him becoming a very important player for us at the back .
As long as you can get him fit that is .
As long as you can get him fit that is .
I think we will add another 2, possibly even 3, players.
Depends on whether we can shift a few, e.g. Mata.
I think there is a very strong chance we will get Pogba. Probably at around the Bale fee.
We've spent around £60m so far.
Add £85m for Pog if it comes off.
£145m.
I think we could stretch the gross spend to £200m and add another winger and a defensive addition. Sell a couple players and a net of £150m makes economic sense in our current position.
Depends on whether we can shift a few, e.g. Mata.
I think there is a very strong chance we will get Pogba. Probably at around the Bale fee.
We've spent around £60m so far.
Add £85m for Pog if it comes off.
£145m.
I think we could stretch the gross spend to £200m and add another winger and a defensive addition. Sell a couple players and a net of £150m makes economic sense in our current position.
5 becomes 4. Targaryan is not the new #10 bht the right winger, and we'll make do with existing right backs. Bailly is presumably the new CB as he is specialist in that position. Only Pogba or another CM is remaining.
It could change. Didnt he say bringing in the fourth and then we are in a good position and got our targets, but we still would have money and time left to buy another one if needed
Maybe in the way that Chong wasn't included amongst the 4, so further youth signings U21 can't be ruled out.
Wouldn't surprise me if we signed 5, or even 6.
He was saying how it's like a secondary reason to buy players, such as X player wants to leave so then they have to replace him, like random things that might happen in the market that is unexpected basically
My stream was very stop-start but now I've seen the PC again it would seem that more signings are possible but in a reactive sense rather than proactive ie. A player gets disgruntled and leaves (eg. Januzaj?) or a player becomes available. I like his approach of getting his key players in first before selling any, and letting that shift players out who's place is threatened.. Just wish he'd do that with Rooney too and buy a #10.
As far as i can see from our current squad, including Mkhitaryan, our weakest positions are RB, RW and DM. Talking about quality here, not quantity.
At RB potential players are Valencia, Darmian, Varela and TFM(though, i think he'll be used in DM position)
At RW we'll have Januzaj, Young and Lingard. Potentially also Mata(and Mkhitaryan) , though i think Mou would prefer them at #10.
DM is the position where we have most players, though for 2 positions aswell (thinking of a 4-2-3-1 formation). Currently Carrick/Schweinsteiger/Blind for one of the positions, and Schneiderlin/TFM/Fellaini for the other.
Now, i think we'll manage just fine without any further signings, i think the position where we'll improve the most this coming year if we buy someone is RW. Januzaj is the only one with (former) star potential, unless Mou wants Mkhitaryan for this position, which he might well do. Here we're linked with that Hirving Lozano fella, though that seems more of a talent than finished product kind of purchase.
As for next season though, the main target for us would be a Playmaker for the DM position. Both Carrick and Schweinsteiger are on their last legs, and though Blind could play well there, i'm hardly convinced he'll be our long term solution here. Unless we offload someone for this position during the transfer window, i think we'll be ok until next season. Rooney can fill in here as well if there is an injury crisis. The dream ofcourse would be someone like Verratti or Kroos. Maybe anyone more up to date on the up and coming talents could provide alternatives? I think we need the finished product for that position next season though. These players peak rather late anyways.
Short story. This year maybe a RW, but nothing we decisively need that would make or break our season. For next season, a playmaker DM to replace Carrick/Schweinsteiger.
At RB potential players are Valencia, Darmian, Varela and TFM(though, i think he'll be used in DM position)
At RW we'll have Januzaj, Young and Lingard. Potentially also Mata(and Mkhitaryan) , though i think Mou would prefer them at #10.
DM is the position where we have most players, though for 2 positions aswell (thinking of a 4-2-3-1 formation). Currently Carrick/Schweinsteiger/Blind for one of the positions, and Schneiderlin/TFM/Fellaini for the other.
Now, i think we'll manage just fine without any further signings, i think the position where we'll improve the most this coming year if we buy someone is RW. Januzaj is the only one with (former) star potential, unless Mou wants Mkhitaryan for this position, which he might well do. Here we're linked with that Hirving Lozano fella, though that seems more of a talent than finished product kind of purchase.
As for next season though, the main target for us would be a Playmaker for the DM position. Both Carrick and Schweinsteiger are on their last legs, and though Blind could play well there, i'm hardly convinced he'll be our long term solution here. Unless we offload someone for this position during the transfer window, i think we'll be ok until next season. Rooney can fill in here as well if there is an injury crisis. The dream ofcourse would be someone like Verratti or Kroos. Maybe anyone more up to date on the up and coming talents could provide alternatives? I think we need the finished product for that position next season though. These players peak rather late anyways.
Short story. This year maybe a RW, but nothing we decisively need that would make or break our season. For next season, a playmaker DM to replace Carrick/Schweinsteiger.
With Pogba looking to be nearly done is there another player needed?
Probably a top proven CB if bailly is just not ready yet, but could not see this happening.
Rather we just stick with blind or fosu mensah as backup now.
Next summer could be the window to look at maybe the new CB or zlatan's replacement if its really just one season here.
If we get Pogba, i still feel 2 or 3 players more would be needed.
CB, RB and DM is certainly positions that could use some strenghtening, maybe even AM if we use 4-2-3-1.
CB, RB and DM is certainly positions that could use some strenghtening, maybe even AM if we use 4-2-3-1.
Castles reckons Mourinho is annoyed we didn't get Renato Sanches. So if we didn't get Pogba, would Amadou Diawara be a good shout? I've not seen much of him, but from what I have he looks quick, strong, can dribble the ball through midfield and is still to turn 19. Any thoughts?
I think Pogba will definitely happen.
I also think we will shift a handful of players.
I hope we add a CB and a RW.
Someone like Mahrez would be a good addition.
I also think we will shift a handful of players.
I hope we add a CB and a RW.
Someone like Mahrez would be a good addition.
If Pogba happens, we just need a RB to rotate with Darmian and a RW or no.10 depending if Mourinho is going to play Mkhitaryan as a 10 or RW. That would leave us in a very good position to challenge for the league.
Hopefully with Kante leaving, Mahrez might re-evaluate his position in the squad and the possibility of perhaps leaving and enhancing his career elsewhere. Wouldn't be against his arrival at Old Trafford.
Would need to shift some dead wood on though, Januzaj, Mata and Felliani to start with.
Would need to shift some dead wood on though, Januzaj, Mata and Felliani to start with.
It would be great if we end up buying these 5 players (plus we sign Zlatan for free)
- Mkhitaryan
- Mahrez
- Pogba
- Bailly
- Fabinho
I think Pogba's coming (!). Which would mean 4 of the 5 have been filled. Not sure what else we need really aside from possibly another CB. If Mkhi plays through the middle we could use another RW. Still uncertainty over RB but plenty of options.
GK
DDG, Romero, Johnstone
RB
Darmian, Valencia, TFM
LB
Shaw, CBJ, Blind, Rojo
CB
Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Blind, Rojo
CM
Carrick, Herrera, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderin, Pogba
RW
Mkhitaryan, Mata, Januzaj, Lingard
LW
Martial, Memphis, Young
10
Rooney, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Lingard
9
Ibra, Rashford, Rooney, Martial
Youth to backup:
Perreira, Keane, Wilson
Looking at that I would think Rojo is probably at risk and also some of our wide options (probably Young).
GK
DDG, Romero, Johnstone
RB
Darmian, Valencia, TFM
LB
Shaw, CBJ, Blind, Rojo
CB
Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Blind, Rojo
CM
Carrick, Herrera, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderin, Pogba
RW
Mkhitaryan, Mata, Januzaj, Lingard
LW
Martial, Memphis, Young
10
Rooney, Mkhitaryan, Mata, Lingard
9
Ibra, Rashford, Rooney, Martial
Youth to backup:
Perreira, Keane, Wilson
Looking at that I would think Rojo is probably at risk and also some of our wide options (probably Young).
I'm hoping for Tuanzebe, TFM, Pereira and others to get frequent first team action during the season, and I'd be over the moon if our remaining transfer activity would include:
IN
Pogba
Mahrez
Manolas
OUT
Mata
Rooney (agreeing with De Brun that keeping Rooney on the bench will have a detrimental effect on team spirit, with press leaks and sulking)
Fellaini
Rojo
Valencia
Young
IN
Pogba
Mahrez
Manolas
OUT
Mata
Rooney (agreeing with De Brun that keeping Rooney on the bench will have a detrimental effect on team spirit, with press leaks and sulking)
Fellaini
Rojo
Valencia
Young
We need Pogba and a new CB to replace Smalling. Don't rate him at all and I don't think Mourinho will either. Varane is the dream.
The next player? a CDM, CB, RB?
So current squad we're looking at;
GK: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone, J. Pereira
DF: Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Blind, Rojo, McNair, Tuanzebe, Darmian, Valencia, Mensah, Shaw, Borthwick-Jackson, Blackett, Varela
MF: Carrick, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, Mata, A. Pereira, Lingard, Memphis, Young, Januzaj
FW: Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Martial, Rashford, W. Keane, Wilson
So, from that list I'd say it's likely we shift a fair few defenders. Varela looks like he's off to Eintracht on loan, Blackett's surplus to requirements also. Then there's CBJ who's not gone on tour, Rojo and Blind's positions in jeopardy.
In midfield it looks like Pogba's incoming so one of our current five CM's are likely to be sold. Unfortunately it sounds like it'll be Schwein and not Fellaini but there you go. Also think we could let a wide player or two go, with a RW an area possibly in need of addressing still (Mahrez). Young's pretty mediocre and Januzaj's attitude is questionable, think they're most in danger. Mata also clearly in danger, though I think it might be a struggle to find a buyer this window.
Upfront id say it looks good, though I hope Rooney doesn't stink the place out cos he should be fourth choice striker in an ideal world. Wilson and Keane to be moved on.
In summary;
IN:
Pogba
OUT:
Johnstone
Rojo
Blackett
Varela (loan)
CBJ (loan)
Schweinsteiger
Young
Januzaj
W. Keane
Wilson
GK: de Gea, Romero, J. Pereira
DF: Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Mensah, Tuanzebe, Darmian, Valencia, Shaw, Blind
MF: Schneiderlin, Pogba, Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, A. Pereira, Mata, Lingard, Memphis
FW: Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Martial, Rashford
Strong looking squad, you could argue for a few more additions in certain areas but still looking good.
I can see Mata being frozen out like he was under Jose at Chelsea then moving on in January; Rooney being dropped after some poor performances and A. Pereira staking a claim in the first team. Likewise Mensah and Tuanzebe really pushing the first team defenders.
We'll see how it goes. I think that squad could win the league.
GK: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone, J. Pereira
DF: Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Blind, Rojo, McNair, Tuanzebe, Darmian, Valencia, Mensah, Shaw, Borthwick-Jackson, Blackett, Varela
MF: Carrick, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Herrera, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, Mata, A. Pereira, Lingard, Memphis, Young, Januzaj
FW: Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Martial, Rashford, W. Keane, Wilson
So, from that list I'd say it's likely we shift a fair few defenders. Varela looks like he's off to Eintracht on loan, Blackett's surplus to requirements also. Then there's CBJ who's not gone on tour, Rojo and Blind's positions in jeopardy.
In midfield it looks like Pogba's incoming so one of our current five CM's are likely to be sold. Unfortunately it sounds like it'll be Schwein and not Fellaini but there you go. Also think we could let a wide player or two go, with a RW an area possibly in need of addressing still (Mahrez). Young's pretty mediocre and Januzaj's attitude is questionable, think they're most in danger. Mata also clearly in danger, though I think it might be a struggle to find a buyer this window.
Upfront id say it looks good, though I hope Rooney doesn't stink the place out cos he should be fourth choice striker in an ideal world. Wilson and Keane to be moved on.
In summary;
IN:
Pogba
OUT:
Johnstone
Rojo
Blackett
Varela (loan)
CBJ (loan)
Schweinsteiger
Young
Januzaj
W. Keane
Wilson
GK: de Gea, Romero, J. Pereira
DF: Smalling, Bailly, Jones, Mensah, Tuanzebe, Darmian, Valencia, Shaw, Blind
MF: Schneiderlin, Pogba, Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan, A. Pereira, Mata, Lingard, Memphis
FW: Ibrahimovic, Rooney, Martial, Rashford
Strong looking squad, you could argue for a few more additions in certain areas but still looking good.
I can see Mata being frozen out like he was under Jose at Chelsea then moving on in January; Rooney being dropped after some poor performances and A. Pereira staking a claim in the first team. Likewise Mensah and Tuanzebe really pushing the first team defenders.
We'll see how it goes. I think that squad could win the league.
We need another playmaker who can share the burden with Carrick - a midfielder who knows how to set the tempo of the passing and doesn't panic under mental pressure.
GK: de Gea, Romero
RB: Valencia, Darmian
LB: Shaw, Blind
CB: Smalling, Jones, Bailly, Tuanzebe
DM: Carrick, Mensah
B2B: Herrera, Schneiderlin
AM: Pogba, Pereira
RW: Mkhitaryan, Rashford
LW: Martial, Depay
CF: Ibrahimovic, Rooney
Even if we didn't buy anyone after Pogba, that's a decent squad. One more purchase would make it great. Januzaj, CBJ, Fellaini, Lingard, Rojo, Mata and Young could still stake their claim. I'd personally keep the first 2 in favour of Depay and Blind, and Fellaini as a plan B. But the above is how I think Mourinho will pick his squad as things stand.
RB: Valencia, Darmian
LB: Shaw, Blind
CB: Smalling, Jones, Bailly, Tuanzebe
DM: Carrick, Mensah
B2B: Herrera, Schneiderlin
AM: Pogba, Pereira
RW: Mkhitaryan, Rashford
LW: Martial, Depay
CF: Ibrahimovic, Rooney
Even if we didn't buy anyone after Pogba, that's a decent squad. One more purchase would make it great. Januzaj, CBJ, Fellaini, Lingard, Rojo, Mata and Young could still stake their claim. I'd personally keep the first 2 in favour of Depay and Blind, and Fellaini as a plan B. But the above is how I think Mourinho will pick his squad as things stand.
Isn't it possible that Mourinho is trying to groom Pereira for the role or did he just play him as a filler given that we are missing quite a few players? If its thr former then it will be great because the Carrick type of midfielders are difficult to find on the market and most sides tend to just groom them or allow former AMs to evolve into the role like we did with Carrick himself.
Most of our midfield options are either too young or shown themselves to be lacking in mental fortitude. Only Carrick and Schweinsteiger have the experience to be relied upon for the whole season, but the former is on his last legs and the latter is on his way out.
I'd love Pereira to be the next Carrick. But it's not going to happen this season. We should have bought Gundogan.
By the way, our playmaker doesn't necessarily needs to be deep-lying. They just need to be intelligent enough to pull the strings for the rest of the team.
Agree.
Someone like Verratti would be perfect. Ofc Verratti is impossible to get.
Weigl from Dortmund might be 1 to keep an eye on.
Players develop over time based on experience more than a natural evolution. You must be playing too much Pokémon
Bonucci would be great, I agree that a new CB could improve us. But I think we have covered that position with Smalling, Bailly, Blind, Jones, Rojo and Fosu-Mensah. If we sell Jones/Rojo, then I would sign a new CB. Ashley Williams and Garay are decent options, but I would prefer someone like Manolas, Koulibaly or even Mustafi.
If we sign a 5th player, I would like to see a young CDM (e.g. Neves/Weigl) or a young RW (e.g. Ounas). IMO a transfer window of Ibrahimovic, Bailly, Mkhitaryan and Pogba is better than I expected.
got to applaud Ed on this i for one have slated him before but this is one hell of a summer window, add in getting Jose in as well been a great summer for United
Didn't he just sign an extension? I doubt we're in for him or for a winger at all. We have options wide and CB/DM should be our priority if we are to make another signing.
Ideally we need another 2 players coming in - DM and CB.
I hope we sign a DM. Mainly because Schweinsteiger is not needed and Carrick is 35. Also, Pogba would be better in a midfield of 3. So, a CDM would be needed.
I know we also need a CB, but I would like to give an opportunity to Bailly (and Fosu-Mensah) this season. We still have Smalling, Blind and even Jones/Rojo.
I think we are very weak at right back. Valencia is a winger and Darmian has been very poor.
We should buy Seamus Coleman. He would be an excellent addition.
We should buy Seamus Coleman. He would be an excellent addition.
I think RB we are weak, CM is still an area we need strengthening, has beyond pogba, in carrick, morgan, herrera, and fellaini are not great options, and unless herrera and morgan step up to the plate we will ned a couple of CM players, as I see pogba replacing rooney in the attacking position of no10
Always hilarious listening to people's deductive elimination of other options as they promote their positions for buying another player.
Valencia - is a winger
Darmian - is rubbish
Varela - gone on loan
Therefore we should buy another player to make me feel more at ease.
Carrick - Old
Schweinsteiger - sicknote, past his prime, leaving
Schneiderlin - In effective
Blind - Not really a midfielder
Pereira - Too young
Herrera - Not great
Fellaini - shite
Valencia - is a winger
Darmian - is rubbish
Varela - gone on loan
Therefore we should buy another player to make me feel more at ease.
Carrick - Old
Schweinsteiger - sicknote, past his prime, leaving
Schneiderlin - In effective
Blind - Not really a midfielder
Pereira - Too young
Herrera - Not great
Fellaini - shite
I'd never heard of Bailly before this. Thought Mane would've been an option and didn't think Mkhitaryan was ever an option.
Thiago Silva of PSG would be my choice for the final signing. Experienced and still a top performer. Would be hard to get him out PSG though.
