Both will be great. James in #10 with Kroos behind him.
Kroos is a nailed on regular starter for them. This theory that Kroos is somehow surplus to requirements isn't correct, unless Perez has had a sudden change of heart.
with Pogba in the picture tho will he be one? Who would they drop? I don't think it would be Modric.
No idea. Perhaps Kroos will be dropped occasionally. Perhaps they'll rotate between 3 of Modric, Pogba, Kroos and Casemiro. I just don't see them selling any of their stars other than James.
Fair enough, I didn't know about that Ballague quote, though why Kroos would want to leave at this point I've no idea. He's certainly getting lots of game time.
Welcome. Now sign for Stoke or I will throw more than just a chair - two chairs!
Then would you say City who seem to be in for Nolito (who turns 30 in October) will give them half a year to a year of great performances tops? A player's longevity varies dramatically. But yes you're right in that this would not really be a long term signing (5 years or more).Robben and Sneijder were Real Madrid cast offs as well and helped lead their teams to a treble within five years. People need to accept that, for now and the near future, Barca and Madrid will continue being the biggest attraction to players all over the world. Lots of talent pass through the Bernabeau and Nou Camp, most of them staying only 2-5 years in RM's case, and it's important to keep an eye on these players when they're sent packing. I know that most of you are traumatized over the Di Maria saga, but transfers fail half the time. It's just the nature of the game. No need to say no to someone like Kroos (who will instantly be a Top 4 CM in the PL) just because Madrid wanted to get rid. They are a circus after all.
EDIT: No offense meant, didn't meant to have go at you, just speaking in general with the Real phobia here
Going back to Mkhitaryan, he'd definitely be a great asset but at his age, he's not exactly a long term fix (tbf, same can be said for most of the players available in the market). I think he'd struggle once his pace and stamina declines, as he's not exactly blessed with elite dribbling or passing. Could be a Van Persie-esque transfer for United, get two years, maybe three tops, of great production from him and sell.
It's insane, isn't it?
You are actually the man! I love youStarts tomorrow mate!
I was just talking and he mentioned that he was involved with Dortmund and I mentioned being a united fan. Talked about the respect United still have around Europe and how they are a great club to work with, I asked him about Mhkitaryan and he said it's a done deal. Now I don't know if this means signed, sealed delivered or as good as done. But he believes he will be joining. They have massive hopes for dembele and mentioned that they're philosophy (hate that word) is to buy the young up and coming talent for reasonable prices and develop them and make a huge profit, it's how they recovered from the troubles they had. Really interesting and impressive how they think!
We've been doing both though lately haven't we?It's not "everything about United has to be long term", it's more "would you rather spend big on a player that can give you 2-4 years or 5-8?"
I'd argue that United, or Fergie, stopped thinking long term since Ronaldo left and was content adding decent to good players for short term gain. Now you're seeing the effects of this approach. It's not impossible to be a 'big club' in the modern era and think long term. Take Juve for example. They were able to withstand a constantly changing front line, a managerial change and the loss of both Pirlo and Vidal to their midfield, because they've had the same defense for the past 5-6 years.
I am not against adding players who can help you win in the short term, but I'd rather have someone who can help me win both short and long term. Granted, I previously mentioned that there might not be any players of this kind in the market at the moment so this is probably all moot
Disagree on SAF didn't look at long term in latter years. SAF always did. The problem is some of his methods are outdated (his time was short so he couldn't reinvent himself again): refused to pay big but reasonable transfer fee and refused to pay agent fee: Hazard, Bale demanded total submission & loyalty: Pogba before giving him chance in first team while his agent happens to be Raiola who is contact renewal killer, be softer than when he's younger: Anderson as prime example of overstayed his welcome, neglect central midfield while focus on CB, Forwards and wingers: Sneijder when he left Real Madrid, Modric before Totenham, Javier Martinez..., not too keen on Latin/ Hispanic players: David Silva, Marcos Senna, Kun Aguero, Alexis Sanchez... (improved in his later years, but still much to desire)...It's not "everything about United has to be long term", it's more "would you rather spend big on a player that can give you 2-4 years or 5-8?"
I'd argue that United, or Fergie, stopped thinking long term since Ronaldo left and was content adding decent to good players for short term gain. Now you're seeing the effects of this approach. It's not impossible to be a 'big club' in the modern era and think long term. Take Juve for example. They were able to withstand a constantly changing front line, a managerial change and the loss of both Pirlo and Vidal to their midfield, because they've had the same defense for the past 5-6 years.
I am not against adding players who can help you win in the short term, but I'd rather have someone who can help me win both short and long term. Granted, I previously mentioned that there might not be any players of this kind in the market at the moment so this is probably all moot
It's not "everything about United has to be long term", it's more "would you rather spend big on a player that can give you 2-4 years or 5-8?"
I'd argue that United, or Fergie, stopped thinking long term since Ronaldo left and was content adding decent to good players for short term gain. Now you're seeing the effects of this approach. It's not impossible to be a 'big club' in the modern era and think long term. Take Juve for example. They were able to withstand a constantly changing front line, a managerial change and the loss of both Pirlo and Vidal to their midfield, because they've had the same defense for the past 5-6 years.
I am not against adding players who can help you win in the short term, but I'd rather have someone who can help me win both short and long term. Granted, I previously mentioned that there might not be any players of this kind in the market at the moment so this is probably all moot
Wouldn't you "pogba a guess Hazard can easily get 50M"?
It's not "everything about United has to be long term", it's more "would you rather spend big on a player that can give you 2-4 years or 5-8?"
I'd argue that United, or Fergie, stopped thinking long term since Ronaldo left and was content adding decent to good players for short term gain. Now you're seeing the effects of this approach. It's not impossible to be a 'big club' in the modern era and think long term. Take Juve for example. They were able to withstand a constantly changing front line, a managerial change and the loss of both Pirlo and Vidal to their midfield, because they've had the same defense for the past 5-6 years.
I am not against adding players who can help you win in the short term, but I'd rather have someone who can help me win both short and long term. Granted, I previously mentioned that there might not be any players of this kind in the market at the moment so this is probably all moot
Sorry I just mean short term as in he's bought to be an instant success as 27 is prime age
