Blaise Matuidi

[Ecstatic]

I am convinced 80% of the posters on this thread haven't watched him play if a) they think he is technically deficient b) plays in a similar style/position to Scheiderlin c) means we can't sign Pogba as they play in similar positions and d) wouldn't be an upgrade on anything we currently have.

This is a guy who whenever PSG play Barca is always one of the best performers on the pitch along with Verratti and looks really comfortable in tight spaces, drives with the ball, excellent dribbling skills and yes his passing can be inconsistent but it is a darn sight more progressive than any of the midfielders we currently possess. Yes he is 29 but he is super fit and covers the pitch like a duracell bunny, he would be worth the £25m and would give us a good three years of football.

He's a quality proven player at CL and international level. Instant upgrade and he would complement Pogba well IF we were to sign them.

Yeah, you can also add he has en excellent fighting-spirit and a positive mentality within a squad. His 1st quality is to harass the opposing team.

I don't know Schneiderlin version Southampton but Schneiderlin lacks mobility and work-rate: an over-paid acquisition imho.

 

[Coops73]

Why would Mendes be peeved? What's good for Jose is good for him.

Twas a mere quip.

 

[Cantona'sCollar]

If he's a replacement for Fellaini or even Scheiderlin as part of Mourinho's supplemental market stuff then cool, but if he's the only CM we buy we'll not be much better off than last season in midfield.



To be honest I wasn't impressed with Schweinsteiger against Italy and he's injured again, I think him, Carrick and Rooney are going to be a problem for us in a league built on pace and power with a lot of teams using the press a lot now. I think for Carrick to be effective he needs two box to box CM's to shield him like Pirlo had at Juve, but if Rooney plays as a #10 in a 4--2-3-1 I think that'll screw him and leave little use for Herrera.

Verratti is quality, pair him with a strong DM and he shines in a 2 or 3 IMO. I hope we are looking at Weigl to replace Carrick next summer personally, he's brilliant in a role that usually requires an older player due to it's tactical and positional responsibilities.

Agreed with everything here, though I still think Schweinsteiger can show his quality if rotated effectively. Good point about Rooney, though - Mourinho said he won't be a midfielder, which means a 433 without him, or a 4231 with him (which changes the dynamic of the midfield completely). I'm a fan of Rooney and think we are better with him, but if the rumours about Pogba are true, this could be the season where Rooney really needs to be demoted to being a squad player, unless he seriously picks up form (which is a big if).

Weigl is excellent. I know he's young and this is his breakthrough season, but i'm still surprised at how under the radar he is. He's been one of the most impressive young players in Europe this year, for me.

 

[Utd7]

I wonder if our interest is legitimate, or is this a smokescreen? Make it seem like we're in for Matuidi and not Pogba so that Madrid don't feel pressured to enter the race? That way we can tamper down the Pogba to United rumors...my hopeful (conspiracy) theory.

 

[ChaddyP]

I wonder if our interest is legitimate, or is this a smokescreen? Make it seem like we're in for Matuidi and not Pogba so that Madrid don't feel pressured to enter the race? That way we can tamper down the Pogba to United rumors...my hopeful (conspiracy) theory.

yes it is actually pogba thats getting the medical. we will just switch em before matudi enters the room

 

[Bruno8]

I wonder if our interest is legitimate, or is this a smokescreen? Make it seem like we're in for Matuidi and not Pogba so that Madrid don't feel pressured to enter the race? That way we can tamper down the Pogba to United rumors...my hopeful (conspiracy) theory.

Could easily be the other way round.

Forget his ability but this one looks more realistic target. 120m for Pogba is way OTT

 

[El-Manos]

Only for this transfer if we get Pogba as well, otherwise this doesn't really make sense. We should go for Kante instead then.

 

[izec]

He is no Pogba, would still be happy with him. Offers steel and drive from midfield.

 

[RC89]

Fundamental signing vs supplemental signing. We don't know for sure, just want to clarify that we would buy more than 4 fundamental players as long as these supplementary players become available and an upgrade on our players.



We want statement signing since SAF retirement. What if we see Pogba as our fundamental signing and Raiola (agent of both) leaked that Matuidi is also available. We can do well with Matuidi as supplemental signing to replace quite a few support players.

It's possible. Agents leak bogus all the time to get people to react. But why do we constantly need statement players? That's not to say I'm against them or that om against Pogba. But so far the two statement players we acquired were falcao and di Maria and neither are here today. If we get Pogba I'll be as happy as anyone, but let's not turn into City who just because they have a bit of money feel they're entitled to something.

And if we are after top players and don't get them, should we cower away from trying for other big players? What kind of ambition would we be showing then? And let's be honest, they players weve been linked with were just BS stories that some of you just want to believe to beat Woodward with.

Neymar for example, his dad seems to say anything to try and get more money.

 

[C'est Moi Cantona]

The Pogba chase seems like a long and painful process to me, and just not sure he would be up for it, I would rather we switched targets quickly and actually got someone decent, rather than chasing shadows for weeks and panic buying late on.

Matuidi is a very good option, and would leave plenty of cash for Varane, and Draxler.

That is unless we are smoking out the Pogba deal by bluffing for Matuidi... Or maybe I'm over thinking it.

 

[ti vu]

It's possible. Agents leak bogus all the time to get people to react. But why do we constantly need statement players? That's not to say I'm against them or that om against Pogba. But so far the two statement players we acquired were falcao and di Maria and neither are here today. If we get Pogba I'll be as happy as anyone, but let's not turn into City who just because they have a bit of money feel they're entitled to something.

And if we are after top players and don't get them, should we cower away from trying for other big players? What kind of ambition would we be showing then? And let's be honest, they players weve been linked with were just BS stories that some of you just want to believe to beat Woodward with.

Neymar for example, his dad seems to say anything to try and get more money.

We need poster boy. Zlatan win't be here long, understandably considering his age.

Without statement signing, we're stuck shoehorn the likes of Rooney and Mara forever.

Every big clubs have poster boys nowadays. Failure should not surrender our long term project. Before successful ones, Real, Barcelona, Bayern... got some bad eggs too. We could turn to Arsenal if we don't act.

 

[RC89]

We need poster boy. Zlatan win't be here long, understandably considering his age.

Without statement signing, we're stuck shoehorn the likes of Rooney and Mara forever.

Every big clubs have poster boys nowadays. Failure should surrender our long term project. Before successful ones, Real, Barcelona, Bayern... got some bad eggs too.

Yes but in the meantime, we do have Zlatan and Rooney. I'd like a big name, but it's not essential right now. Rather look at the players quality at this point.

 

[devilish]

I won't be surprised if he's the 4th signing

 

[JPRouve]

We need poster boy. Zlatan win't be here long, understandably considering his age.

Without statement signing, we're stuck shoehorn the likes of Rooney and Mara forever.

Every big clubs have poster boys nowadays. Failure should surrender our long term project. Before successful ones, Real, Barcelona, Bayern... got some bad eggs too.

We really don't need a statement signing. Shaw and Martial are extremely talented, are exciting to watch play and are good looking.

 

[charlenefan]

I won't be surprised if he's the 4th signing

Nor me now, I wonder if we've already been told that Pogba is a no go and so this guy is the fall back option, I'd certainly take him over Gomes and unlike most others think the comparisons between him and Pogba are pretty fair (they're pretty similar players imo)

I do wonder why PSG would be willing to let him go though

 

[Rams]

Nice player, in an position we could do with some strengthening

 

[Keeps It tidy]

Nor me now, I wonder if we've already been told that Pogba is a no go and so this guy is the fall back option, I'd certainly take him over Gomes and unlike most others think the comparisons between him and Pogba are pretty fair (they're pretty similar players imo)

I do wonder why PSG would be willing to let him go though

Same

 

[ottosec]

Nor me now, I wonder if we've already been told that Pogba is a no go and so this guy is the fall back option, I'd certainly take him over Gomes and unlike most others think the comparisons between him and Pogba are pretty fair (they're pretty similar players imo)

I do wonder why PSG would be willing to let him go though

They might be signing James and use him with Verratti and the polish guy who's name I can't spell. No place for Matuidi in the first 11 in that case.

 

[itso 7]

The Pogba chase seems like a long and painful process to me, and just not sure he would be up for it, I would rather we switched targets quickly and actually got someone decent, rather than chasing shadows for weeks and panic buying late on.

Matuidi is a very good option, and would leave plenty of cash for Varane, and Draxler.

That is unless we are smoking out the Pogba deal by bluffing for Matuidi... Or maybe I'm over thinking it.

Right on because there is a really good chance that the Pogba project will come to naught particularly given the fact that Real are his first choice. Last season's midfield combinations weren't too inspiring plus we certainly have at least two midfielders that should be off loaded so I would rather we invest in an experienced player like Matuidi and a young up coming CM like Neves whilst getting rid of Fellaini, Schweinsteiger and Herrera. Schneiderlin, Matuidi, Neves and Carrick is a very good selection to pick from for the two deep-lying midfielders with Pereira and TFM taking up squad role - regardless of what happens with Pogba.

 

[Bruno8]

At 29 he doesn't have much time until decline starts. Why do we go for someone younger?? Beginning to think Jose is buing a squad that will be at the top for the duration of his 3 year contract and leave us with an old squad

 

[ti vu]

Yes but in the meantime, we do have Zlatan and Rooney. I'd like a big name, but it's not essential right now. Rather look at the players quality at this point.

We still lack that 4th fundamental player. Zlatan won't be here long term and guarantee no success yet. What if Zlatan wouldn't deliver. Can you trust Rooney whole fully after last few seasons showing in #10 and #9 role? You should understand that Mourinho is adaptable type (he claimed it himself), while LVG and Moyes (tried to turn us to Everton) were not. Di Maria, Falcao never seem to fit LVG profile if you look into his past players. LVG tried to change the players to fit his philosophy, leave no space to adapt to players' best ability. His description of ideal striker and #10 are opposite to Falcao's and Di Maria ability. Di Maria is well known inconsistent winger and had the best season as #10/#8, yet LVG gradually turn him to his worse position. These screams clubs' signings. Similar with Herrera and Schneiderlin.

We really don't need a statement signing. Shaw and Martial are extremely talented, are exciting to watch play and are good looking.

Think is we need an immediate one, so we don't over rely onto Rooney, Mata, so we have better position if they decide to throw a chair. With Zlatan we have short term replacement for one. Still very risky.

At 29 he doesn't have much time until decline starts. Why do we go for someone younger?? Beginning to think Jose is buing a squad that will be at the top for the duration of his 3 year contract and leave us with an old squad

When will Matuidid decline start? You're not happy with the possibility of Pogba neither.

 

[RC89]

We still lack that 4th fundamental player. Zlatan won't be here long term and guarantee no success yet. What if Zlatan wouldn't deliver. Can you trust Rooney whole fully after last few seasons showing in #10 and #9 role? You should understand that Mourinho is adaptable type (he claimed it himself), while LVG and Moyes (tried to turn us to Everton) were not. Di Maria, Falcao never seem to fit LVG profile if you look into his past players. LVG tried to change the players to fit his philosophy, leave no space to adapt to players' best ability. His description of ideal striker and #10 are opposite to Falcao's and Di Maria ability. Di Maria is well known inconsistent winger and had the best season as #10/#8, yet LVG gradually turn him to his worse position. These screams clubs' signings. Similar with Herrera and Schneiderlin

You've misunderstood me, I absolutely think we need that 4th player, and I see that 4th player as a midfielder. I'd also love that player to be Pogba. What I don't believe however is that at this point the player NEEDS to be a statement player. If he is, brilliant. If not, ah well.

Your point suggests though that we need another striker. Do you believe our 4th player will be a striker? And do you think hes one of the nucleus players? I highly doubt it as he won't start ahead of Ibra. If we sign another striker, it will be in addition to the original four positions mourinho wanted sorted. It won't be one of the 4.

 

[JPRouve]

Think is we need an immediate one, so we don't over rely onto Rooney, Mata, so we have better position if they decide to throw a chair. With Zlatan we have short term replacement for one. Still very risky.

No, we don't. We just need to play well as a team, the rest is bullcrap. And I don't see what Mata and Rooney have to do with your statement signing theories.

 

[Bruno8]

When will Matuidid decline start? You're not happy with the possibility of Pogba neither.

From 30 the performances generally start to go south. Given a choice between him and Pogba I will take Pogba but the only problem is thathe is another Di Maria MK II because it appears he is only coming here as Madrid dont have enough desire/cash to sign him. We are basically 2nd option

 

[ti vu]

You've misunderstood me, I absolutely think we need that 4th player, and I see that 4th player as a midfielder. I'd also love that player to be Pogba. What I don't believe however is that at this point the player NEEDS to be a statement player. If he is, brilliant. If not, ah well.

Your point suggests though that we need another striker. Do you believe our 4th player will be a striker? And do you think hes one of the nucleus players? I highly doubt it as he won't start ahead of Ibra. If we sign another striker, it will be in addition to the original four positions mourinho wanted sorted. It won't be one of the 4.

What point of mine suggested we need another fundamental striker? You can replace forward poster big with a midfield poster boy, that's it. If you don't have another poster boy then you would be at risk dropping Mr. Manchester.

All sign point toward we need this statement signing even in SAF's last few years. We actively look at the big next thing while Rooney were still performing. We signed RVP and made him sound like King Eric MKII, and ready to boot Rooney if we can lure Bale.

No, we don't. We just need to play well as a team, the rest is bullcrap. And I don't see what Mata and Rooney have to do with your statement signing theories.

This is opinion matter so we can disagree and leave it here.

 

[RedRover]

From 30 the performances generally start to go south. Given a choice between him and Pogba I will take Pogba but the only problem is thathe is another Di Maria MK II because it appears he is only coming here as Madrid dont have enough desire/cash to sign him. We are basically 2nd option

So what?

If he comes here he has to fulfil his potential. He'll be front and centre with a big price tags around his neck.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

At 29 he doesn't have much time until decline starts. Why do we go for someone younger?? Beginning to think Jose is buing a squad that will be at the top for the duration of his 3 year contract and leave us with an old squad

Matuidi is also a very physical player who is dependent on his pace and stamina.

I would still take him if he's available for 25m EUR, he is exactly the kind of player that our CM is missing. We need pace, strength and stamina in there. Then we can hope that TFM is ready in a couple of year's time.

 

[Millertime88]

Reading through post on this board sometimes gets me to scratching my head.

First reason is I usually see post complaining about lack of pace in the midfield. Matuidi would help us with that but most don't want him because of the second reason these boards occasionally leave me flabergasted.

Age. I love youth players and young talent as well but why do so many people act like your legs cease to work and you are suddenly rubbish and ready to retire once you are near the age of 30? Have you guys forgotten about the likes of Gigs and Scholes already and how well they played late in their careers? I guess none of you would have bought Pirlo seven years ago because he did not have much left to offer huh? There are plenty of good footballers around the age of thirty playing possibly the best football of their careers. There is nothing wrong with a balance of veterans and youth.

I would love to land Pogba just as much as any of you but the reality is that will be a hard move to pull off. I am pretty sure Pogba wants to play at Real as well and there is a chance a Di Maria like event unfolds again if we did land him. At least we would get good football out of Pogba while he was here unlike Di Maria.

 

[itso 7]

At 29 he doesn't have much time until decline starts. Why do we go for someone younger?? Beginning to think Jose is buing a squad that will be at the top for the duration of his 3 year contract and leave us with an old squad

Depending on injuries and form he can give us three top class seasons which in turn allows us the time to scout and recruit/groom a long term replacement. What Jose is trying to do here is go for it now, win something noe to get us back on the map and next year we will be a realistic potential employer for targets like Saul, Griezmann etc.

 

[Ecstatic]

Reading through post on this board sometimes gets me to scratching my head.

First reason is I usually see post complaining about lack of pace in the midfield. Matuidi would help us with that but most don't want him because of the second reason these boards occasionally leave me flabergasted.

Age. I love youth players and young talent as well but why do so many people act like your legs cease to work and you are suddenly rubbish and ready to retire once you are near the age of 30? Have you guys forgotten about the likes of Gigs and Scholes already and how well they played late in their careers? I guess none of you would have bought Pirlo seven years ago because he did not have much left to offer huh? There are plenty of good footballers around the age of thirty playing possibly the best football of their careers. There is nothing wrong with a balance of veterans and youth.

I would love to land Pogba just as much as any of you but the reality is that will be a hard move to pull off. I am pretty sure Pogba wants to play at Real as well and there is a chance a Di Maria like event unfolds again if we did land him. At least we would get good football out of Pogba while he was here unlike Di Maria.

Excellent post.

Moreover, United is not Ajax Amsterdam: our business model is not to hire very young players and sell them at the age of 25 in order to survive or make money.

However, you can't compare Di Maria with Pogba who already knows life in Manchester.

 

[GJNJ]

From 30 the performances generally start to go south. Given a choice between him and Pogba I will take Pogba but the only problem is thathe is another Di Maria MK II because it appears he is only coming here as Madrid dont have enough desire/cash to sign him. We are basically 2nd option

Why are your posts always so Mellon Collie. I have City and Liverpool supporter 'friends' that are more optimistic about United then you.

 

[devilish]

Nor me now, I wonder if we've already been told that Pogba is a no go and so this guy is the fall back option, I'd certainly take him over Gomes and unlike most others think the comparisons between him and Pogba are pretty fair (they're pretty similar players imo)

I do wonder why PSG would be willing to let him go though

He's an underwhelming signing though

 

[mu4c_20le]

Gutted if he is the 4th signing. Sure, he and Pogba are quite alike. Except that Pogba can make 50 yard passes, and he sometimes struggles with 5.

 

[Yagami]

I'd be very disappointed with this signing. I've been quite down compared to most on our transfers so far but I can at least see what Zlatan and Mkhi both bring to the table. I may not rate either as highly as others but we needed a killer in front of goal and we (hopefully) got that in Zlatan, and we needed a player who can consistantly put chances on a plate for our forwards and that's Mkhi's main quality. Though, if played on the right I doubt we'll see that to full effect, but I digress.

With Matuidi however, he is the definition of average. He suits PSG because all his hard work allows their best players more freedom to create and he doesn't have to do much in terms of being an attacking outlet but here he'd need to do a lot more considering we don't have the quality PSG do, and he doesn't have the quality to do that to an acceptable standard imo.

I'd take Rooney as the #8/box to box midfielder over him any day. Not to mention Schweinsteiger who's been rubbish since joining, and Fellaini who I don't think is good enough for us either over him, too. Then there's Herrera who, though I'm a fan, I'm still not sure is good enough but would like to see given the chance anyhow.

If we were to sign a midfielder in that mould I'd much prefer Lass Diarra.

 

[Womp]

Pogoff?

 

[devilish]

Gutted if he is the 4th signing. Sure, he and Pogba are quite alike. Except that Pogba can make 50 yard passes, and he sometimes struggles with 5.

He's value just like ibra

 

[Van Piorsing]

Reported 25 millions is a good price and still leaves United with plenty of financial space for huge signings. Matuidi is a professional who could easily give us three more seasons of hard work in destruction and build up.

The recent reports have nothing to do with confirmed interest in Paul Pogba. This is is a different case where the class player may be available for a very fair price. Ironically, this could even help attract Paul more to Old Trafford with Schneidi and Martial being there already.

 

[charlenefan]

He's an underwhelming signing though

He is compared to Pogba

 

[JPRouve]

I'd take Rooney as the #8/box to box midfielder over him any day. Not to mention Schweinsteiger who's been rubbish since joining, and Fellaini who I don't think is good enough for us either over him, too. Then there's Herrera who, though I'm a fan, I'm still not sure is good enough but would like to see given the chance anyhow.

 

[Rams]

Matuidi is a top notch all round midfielder. Good technique, passing ability, reads the game well and has a great engine. Would be a more than welcome addition.