James Rodriguez | joins Bayern Munich | 2 year loan

[Devil may care]

He did not pay a record fee. Those in charge of the club are the ones that trusted his judgement and decided to do so.

Just another example of why we need a DOF rather than a marketing man in charge of transfers.

 

[BigCaine]

He did not pay a record fee. Those in charge of the club are the ones that trusted his judgement and decided to do so.

But he did know the amount, he wanted him at Chelsea so he must have known the figure necessary and still wanted him at utd, if mourinho fails to use pogba properly it isn't board's fault but only the manager's.

 

[Raees]

Thing with James is at his best on another planet to a Mata or a Mkhi but he needs to shift maybe half a stone in weight to get to his 2014 level of fitness where he was Lean mean and very quick on the ball.

Without that sharpness, he'd be slow and not a great asset.

 

[Eddy_JukeZ]

Thing with James is at his best on another planet to a Mata or a Mkhi but he needs to shift maybe half a stone in weight to get to his 2014 level of fitness where he was Lean mean and very quick on the ball.

Without that sharpness, he'd be slow and not a great asset.

Has he put on weight?

I haven't noticed.

Hopefully he does lose some then.

He's definitely faster than Mata though. He's one of those players who isn't fast nor slow for me.

 

[AR87]

If we plan on playing with a number 10, there are few better in world football. You feckers are hard to please, christ. I can understand reservations about playing Pogba in a 2 man midfield, but purchasing Griezmann would put Pogba in a 2 as well. So, why the reservations on James? Griezmann is better, yes, but James has world class talent.

Good point.

If we are getting James we will need a straight destroyer to pair with Pogba in the 2. I think Fabinho then becomes a priority signing. A pacey RW also would make sense imo. I also expect an LB and CB this summer as well. RB could be another addition though I think Jose will try to milk another year out of Valencia with Darmian/Tuanzebe/Bailly/TFM providing cover.

I imagine that we sell one of Blind, Smalling and Jones and I could also see Mata being sold.

 

[RAVred]

Here's hoping that he isn't plan B because Griezmann isn't coming here. That's the most worrying part of this is for me.

Agreed but in saying that, if that happens we should be able to snag alexis for sub 70 million. Especially if we win Europa and they don't get top 4. He'd be great as well as our striker, he plays somewhat like greizmann actually in his movement.

But I have a slight suspicion Arsenal might try to pull one on other clubs by finally making a 'marquee' big signing like say Belotti for 70-80

 

[jungledrums]

I don't think buying Griezmann will lead to a 2 man mf, he can start on the wing and then drift inside while attacking, we already play this way with valencia providing the width and mata/mkhi drift inside, only thing necessary to this formation would be good attacking fb's, we clearly are interested in semedo/aurier and hopefully shaw comes through or will be replaced by someone better.

Griezmann has played second striker 28 times this season, centre forward 20 times this season, and right wing 4 times this season. I get your point that he'd be given freedom to roam, but he's most dangerous in central areas, so it seems wasteful to spend so much on him (or James) only to shift either of them out to the wing. Plus, I haven't yet given up on Martial or Mkhi, as some seem to have. I think Mkhi is, at his best, capable of brilliance on the right (as he's shown in patches this season), and I'd like to see Martial starting on the left next season.

Bottom line, the difference between Mkhi and Griezmann on the right wing is negligible, whereas Griezmann thrives where James does - down the middle, meaning either James or Griez would, most likely, put Pog in a 2.
@AR87 I agree, Fabinho would be fabulous.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

Just another example of why we need a DOF rather than a marketing man in charge of transfers.

so that we can buy players that the manager does not want?

 

[Devil may care]

so that we can buy players that the manager does not want?

So that we can keep narcissism in check and prevent the clubs money being frivolously thrown around.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

But he did know the amount, he wanted him at Chelsea so he must have known the figure necessary and still wanted him at utd, if mourinho fails to use pogba properly it isn't board's fault but only the manager's.

Mourinho will be judged on the performance on the team and not a subplot of how well he utilized any player. If Mourinho delivers titles with Pogba on the bench, he is more likely to keep his job, than if Pogba is being maximized but the team is not producing at the expected level.

You hire a manager that you trust his judgement. At the point you stop trusting his judgment, you should fire him

 

[cheeky_backheel]

So that we can keep narcissism in check and prevent the clubs money being frivolously thrown around.

There is nothing to say the DOF would make any better decision. Txiki spent £42m on Mangala and £25m on Bonny.

 

[Devil may care]

There is nothing to say the DOF would make any better decision. Txiki spent £42m on Mangala and £25m on Bonny.

I would think any DOF with a lick of ssense would advise the club against paying a world record fee for a player who the manager doesn't intend to actually play in the position that made him one of the games top talents, and was intending to try and turn him into something different, you buy sure things with that kind of money, not projects.

 

[BigCaine]

Griezmann has played second striker 28 times this season, centre forward 20 times this season, and right wing 4 times this season. I get your point that he'd be given freedom to roam, but he's most dangerous in central areas, so it seems wasteful to spend so much on him (or James) only to shift either of them out to the wing. Plus, I haven't yet given up on Martial or Mkhi, as some seem to have. I think Mkhi is, at his best, capable of brilliance on the right (as he's shown in patches this season), and I'd like to see Martial starting on the left next season.

Bottom line, the difference between Mkhi and Griezmann on the right wing is negligible, whereas Griezmann thrives where James does - down the middle, meaning either James or Griez would, most likely, put Pog in a 2.

I think greizmann can start rw but play ss for all but name, a 3 man mf with hererra fabinho/dm pogba alongside say semedo in rb will help us get best of both pogba and greizmann, rb provides the width with mf 3 helping cover the fb when he is the final third. Mkhi is a good player but not as good as greizmann.

The problem with james is that he can't play wide even for parts of the game, his strength isn't dribbling or pace nor is he a really good passer, add to that his work rate issues, greizmann is a massive upgrade over james in those areas and can play a formation that can suit pogba unlike james which would need us playing mf 2.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

I would think any DOF with a lick of ssense would advise the club against paying a world record fee for a player who the manager doesn't intend to actually play in the position that made him one of the games top talents, and was intending to try and turn him into something different, you buy sure things with that kind of money, not projects.

Assuming the DOF disagrees with the manager's idea, what comes next?
- If you buy the player, the manger still decides to play him as he deems fit.
- If you dont buy the player, you likely have a disgruntled manager who can no longer implement his idea on the pitch cos of a DOF.

Except for helping in negotiations, I dont see the use of a DOF in first team football. You hire a manager that you trust his judgement. At the point you stop trusting his judgment, you should fire him

 

[OohAahMartial]

What's with the pretense that we play 4-3-3? We have played 4-2-3-1 loads this season and especially against weaker opposition. Pogba/Herrera have been more than fine in such games with us creating chances galore. James would finish more chances than either Rooney, Lingard, Mhki or Mata there. Clearly an upgrade.

 

[DarkXaero]

I think we'll switch to a 4-2-3-1 next season and bring in a new number ten and a new 'superstar who has a free role' type on the right.

I see no reason why we wouldn't go after both then.

Yea, I agree, I think they can both work out in the same lineup.

 

[Xoe]

Aren't we trying to build a squad??
Don't worry so much about the ideal first 11.... The chances of everyone in form, injury free & unsuspended at the same time is very low!
This season Mata gets injured.... Lingard becomes first choice. I know for sure id rather James stepping in than Jese!!
I'd take him in a shot !!!

 

[K2K]

What's with the pretense that we play 4-3-3? We have played 4-2-3-1 loads this season and especially against weaker opposition. Pogba/Herrera have been more than fine in such games with us creating chances galore. James would finish more chances than either Rooney, Lingard, Mhki or Mata there. Clearly an upgrade.

So a formation that our two top signings cannot use against the top sides? Leading to pushing one out of position when we do play those big games?

We will then just resort to bus parking like we do now.

It's easy to forger now, but Micky's perfomances at his last Dortmund season where as good as anything James has shown at Madrid. James is not clearly an upgrade as he might struggle too when gets to United.

Its just that grass is always greener on the other side for some.

 

[DarkXaero]

Why would that be worrying? If greizmann doesn't come there's nothing anyone else can do right? We can't hold a gun on greizmann and make him come

He's a world class attacking player who has been heavily linked with us. With no Ibra next season, we need someone to pick up the scoring mantle.

 

[Ødegaard]

Still don't remotely understand those who think we need a right winger. We need a left winger so our two striker talents don't have to play there.

 

[Fracture90]

Some posters need to understand that 18/19 teams in La Liga Park the bus against Madrid. James has plenty of time on the ball and nowhere near defensive duties he would potentially have in UTD if we are to sign him.

 

[TrueRed79]

He is a good player, but is not worth the 60 million transfer fee.

I would rather Barkley for 30 million

Well thank feck you're not managing us if that's your opinion on the matter. James will have a point to prove, and crucially has the class to go on and actually prove it. If he ends up coming here i genuinely think a lot of people are going to be surprised by him. I'm actually more enthused about this transfer than i was about ADM. Looks like he wants to come. Is not going to cost an absolute fortune, and he doesn't dream of Paris. He's got all the skills in his locker and he is a version of Ozil in his play but MUCH better. His style will suit the prem and he's a bit of a cnut on the pitch as well which always helps. He's absolutely not a shrinking violet.

 

[DatGuyRich]

If we plan on playing with a number 10, there are few better in world football. You feckers are hard to please, christ. I can understand reservations about playing Pogba in a 2 man midfield, but purchasing Griezmann would put Pogba in a 2 as well. So, why the reservations on James? Griezmann is better, yes, but James has world class talent.

There are other positions that need sorting out first but I trust Jose to get that done.

When our current options in the No. 10 position are Mata, Mkhitaryan, Rooney and Lingard then this signing is a no brainer. Just hope we don't overpay too much, Welcome James!

 

[DatGuyRich]

Some posters need to understand that 18/19 teams in La Liga Park the bus against Madrid. James has plenty of time on the ball and nowhere near defensive duties he would potentially have in UTD if we are to sign him.

Because teams in the Prem don't park the bus against us?

 

[Fracture90]

Because teams in the Prem don't park the bus against us?

I'd say more than the third doesn't but it's not just that it's the way Madrid plays is so different than us even when they're playing against teams that are parking the bus.

 

[2 man midfield]

AS saying it'll be announced on Sunday.

http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2017/05/14/primera/1494799078_189427.html

You'll need google translate and they're essentially just quoting Colombian radio. Still, they've got the 21st as their date.

 

[AXVnee7]

Looks like this one is on the cards. Fair play if Jose has sanctioned the deal then I'm very happy.

 

[Murder on Zidanes Floor]

Any regular La Liga / Ligue 1 viewers comment on his set piece delivery? Can he swing in a corner that doesn't hit the first man?

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Thing is, watching him for Madrid, it's quite apparent just how inferior he is to Isco... and thats the sort of level of player I'd be looking to bring in if I was Jose (or at least someone with the potential to be as good as Isco... which James will never be).

 

[TheReligion]

Still don't remotely understand those who think we need a right winger. We need a left winger so our two striker talents don't have to play there.

You do know James is primarily left footed though?

 

[Annihilate Now!]

Any regular La Liga / Ligue 1 viewers comment on his set piece delivery? Can he swing in a corner that doesn't hit the first man?

He doesn't get much of a chance at Set-Pieces (Ronaldo has the monoploy on FK's, Kroos on corners)... when he has taken them though there's been nothing remarkable about them.

 

[TheReligion]

Aren't we trying to build a squad??
Don't worry so much about the ideal first 11.... The chances of everyone in form, injury free & unsuspended at the same time is very low!
This season Mata gets injured.... Lingard becomes first choice. I know for sure id rather James stepping in than Jese!!
I'd take him in a shot !!!

This.

JM wants to build a squad. It's not all about the first XI. We have big wage players going in the summer and we have already seen Memphis and Schneiderlin move on.

James would undoubtedly be a great addition to the squad and offer us more threat in the attacking third.

 

[Z_Wolf]

Big Dave's a goner then?

 

[Murder on Zidanes Floor]

He doesn't get much of a chance at Set-Pieces (Ronaldo has the monoploy on FK's, Kroos on corners)... when he has taken them though there's been nothing remarkable about them.

Do not want.

Lukaku meeting Charlie Adams corners is what I want to see.

 

[Gentleman Jim]

There is nothing to say the DOF would make any better decision. Txiki spent £42m on Mangala and £25m on Bonny.

And 37m on Sane and 27m on G Jesus and 500k on Jadon Sancho.
Win some, lose some.

 

[Ramshock]

Seeing comments like this makes me forget we're playing with a player like Lingard in our attack.

Yep

 

[JoaquinJoaquin]

Thing is, watching him for Madrid, it's quite apparent just how inferior he is to Isco... and thats the sort of level of player I'd be looking to bring in if I was Jose (or at least someone with the potential to be as good as Isco... which James will never be).

I said in the 'realistic transfers' thread yesterday that we should just say to Madrid 'Give us Isco if you want De Gea'. It's not like he is settled in Madrid. I'd probably even accept a straight swap as a quality GK will cost less then the equivalent of signing Isco outright.

 

[VanGaalEra]

My opinions on this transfer (though I believe he's a very good player), depend on how much he's going to cost.

The £63M quoted in MARCA is a joke. This should be a £40M transfer at most.

 

[Ramshock]

Im thinking this is bollocks

 

[Annihilate Now!]

I said in the 'realistic transfers' thread yesterday that we should just say to Madrid 'Give us Isco if you want De Gea'. It's not like he is settled in Madrid. I'd probably even accept a straight swap as a quality GK will cost less then the equivalent of signing Isco outright.

I'd agree with that... but they'd be mad to let him go, and I think Zidane would never let him leave.

I honestly think Isco would be the best player in the Premiership should he leave La Liga.