James Rodriguez | joins Bayern Munich | 2 year loan

[NoPace]

So what potential positions could James play? Obviously he is best as a #10 in a 4-2-3-1. Couldn't he also play a similar role in any diamond shape (i.e., a 4-4-2 diamond like we used against Leicester)? And where could he play in the 4-3-3? As a right midfielder?

It's not crazy to think we could play 2 main formations with James:
1. A sort of 4-2-2-2/4-3-3 hybrid with Pogba and James ahead of Herrera and a CM we sign in a 4 man midfield with a LW and a 9, presumably one of Mkhitaryan/Martial/Rashford on the left and a 9 we sign, Martial or Rashford up top. Valencia would provide width on the right. We played this at times this year, really.

---------9-----------------
LW-----------James------
---Pogba------------------
--------Herrera-Valencia
LB-----DM--------------
-----LCB---Bailly-------

2. A simple 4-2-3-1 with James in the role Ozil and Sneijder played for Mourinho:

--------9----------
LW---James----RW
--Pogba-Herrera--
LB-LCB-Bailly-Valencia

and again, Martial, Rashford, Mkhitaryan, Mata competing for the 2 wing roles and presumably a 9, be it a returning in January Zlatan or a signing like Morata, Lukaku or Belotti up top.

I don't think either is optimal or worth the money, but I do think we'd probably be a bit better.

 

[Womp]

Can't get excited about this guy.

 

[jking948]

It's not crazy to think we could play 2 main formations with James:
1. A sort of 4-2-2-2/4-3-3 hybrid with Pogba and James ahead of Herrera and a CM we sign in a 4 man midfield with a LW and a 9, presumably one of Mkhitaryan/Martial/Rashford on the left and a 9 we sign, Martial or Rashford up top. Valencia would provide width on the right. We played this at times this year, really.

---------9-----------------
LW-----------James------
---Pogba------------------
--------Herrera-Valencia
LB-----DM--------------
-----LCB---Bailly-------

2. A simple 4-2-3-1 with James in the role Ozil and Sneijder played for Mourinho:

--------9----------
LW---James----RW
--Pogba-Herrera--
LB-LCB-Bailly-Valencia

and again, Martial, Rashford, Mkhitaryan, Mata competing for the 2 wing roles and presumably a 9, be it a returning in January Zlatan or a signing like Morata, Lukaku or Belotti up top.

I don't think either is optimal or worth the money, but I do think we'd probably be a bit better.

Thanks, this is good stuff. It made me think a lot.

Your point about Valencia relates to something I posted yesterday... Essentially, with a fullback like Valencia (or Milner in the comparison), your wing moves closer to a central role or as an inverted winger. On that note, would it be possible to play James on the right wing in a 4-3-3 and let Valencia act in the wingback-esque role he has played this year? I feel like that would clearly optimize Valencia (and Pogba), but it could also place James in a role closer to a traditional #10 (while not at that level entirely).

 

[Tosicsleftpeg]

Absolutely sick player, his left foot is a wand we need players like him but we desperately need a hard working cdm just as much.

 

[Delano]

My worry with this transfer is his position. He's a number 10 in a 4-2-3-1, not a winger. Pogba will therefore need to go back into the 2 man midfield.

The reason James/Isco have been benched at Real is because Kross and Modric in a 2 wasn't balanced against the top teams so they added casimero to the mix to shore everything up.

My concern is whether Herrera can play in front of the back 4 against quality teams with Pogba and James in front. With this signing we'd also need a proper DMC.

 

[PeteManic]

A disaster waiting to happen. Wouldn't like the language, wouldn't like the weather. Certainty for a panicking PSG this summer looking for a marquee signing or 3.

 

[Kill 'em all]

A disaster waiting to happen. Wouldn't like the language, wouldn't like the weather. Certainty for a panicking PSG this summer looking for a marquee signing or 3.

If anything he would feel comfortable with Mourinho, Mata, De Gea, Herrera, Valencia, Rojo, possibly Bailly all able to speak Spanish.

 

[Captain Obvious]

Changed my vote to no. This guy is trash (for the money) and just a glorified Juan mata (who isnt even good enough for us)

Rather get Tollisso on the cheap or Eriksson if we have to have a no.10.

Id prefer to have a balanced midfield 3 tbh

 

[Clas Sified]

Changed my vote to no. This guy is trash (for the money) and just a glorified Juan mata (who isnt even good enough for us)

Rather get Tollisso on the cheap or Eriksson if we have to have a no.10.

Id prefer to have a balanced midfield 3 tbh

You think James is trash but would rather sign Tollisso or Eriksen (I presume that's who you meant)?

Right. Makes perfect sense.

 

[AndyJ1985]

A disaster waiting to happen. Wouldn't like the language, wouldn't like the weather. Certainty for a panicking PSG this summer looking for a marquee signing or 3.

It's a bit pathetic that you're judging him based on how Di Maria behaved.

 

[PeteManic]

It's a bit pathetic that you're judging him based on how Di Maria behaved.

Not at all. My goodness if I had to choose over living in Manchester and playing in a tough league or living in Paris and living the life in a 2 horse title race and getting a good run in the CL then I'd go for Paris. But in all seriousness, his application, or lack thereof, is surely apparent. He isn't out of the picture in the RM set up for nothing.

 

[Scholsey2004]

It's a bit pathetic that you're judging him based on how Di Maria behaved.

The problem with di maria and with robinho when city signed him, was he never really wanted to come here, real brow-beat him into coming here as we pay big fees for players.. Its hard not to look at the james situation and not see a potential for a similar situation there.

 

[NoPace]

Thanks, this is good stuff. It made me think a lot.

Your point about Valencia relates to something I posted yesterday... Essentially, with a fullback like Valencia (or Milner in the comparison), your wing moves closer to a central role or as an inverted winger. On that note, would it be possible to play James on the right wing in a 4-3-3 and let Valencia act in the wingback-esque role he has played this year? I feel like that would clearly optimize Valencia (and Pogba), but it could also place James in a role closer to a traditional #10 (while not at that level entirely).

I agree, though I do think people overrate Valencia's end product going forward. A lot of his value this year was that he did a very good job defensively. Lots of right backs around Europe (Alves, Carvajal, Walker, Meunier, Aurier, Bellerin, Semedo, Sidibe) are better going forward and mostly asked to play a normal RB role.

Mourinho will have us playing fairly rigidly, but I think the best players in our squad might be a bit better off with a more open style. Valencia is a 2-way RB, Bailly is good at defending space, Mkhitaryan carries the ball well, De Gea is comfortable on the ball, Pogba would thrive in open games in a 3 man midfield and Herrera - if we play him as a 6 - is quick and skillful for his position. If we sign a box to box CM, a 2-way LB, a mobile 9 and an partner for Bailly, I think we'd do well to press more, open up games and just let Martial or Rashford win a role out wide.

 

[Oaencha]

Changed my vote to no. This guy is trash (for the money) and just a glorified Juan mata (who isnt even good enough for us)

Rather get Tollisso on the cheap or Eriksson if we have to have a no.10.

Id prefer to have a balanced midfield 3 tbh

There is so much wrong with this post.

James isn't world class but he's easily good enough to get into our starting XI.

Mata is good enough but is always stuck out wide when he should be playing more central.

Tollisso is not going to be cheap and wouldn't greatly improve us. As we're Utd we will be quoted £40m+.

Eriksen is quality but will be almost impossible to get. Add the Levy charge and it would take a bid of around £80-100m.

 

[EasyE]

I have this inherent feeling that Hames will end up at Arsenal and all this is white noise. Probably as a sweetener and direct replacement for either Sanchez or Ozil. I believe that Arsene will have to splurge a little to stop an almighty riot - and this fella fits the bill. It's just dependent on some other transfers playing their moves to start the merry go round. Is Ospina still married to his sister?

 

[jking948]

I agree, though I do think people overrate Valencia's end product going forward. A lot of his value this year was that he did a very good job defensively. Lots of right backs around Europe (Alves, Carvajal, Walker, Meunier, Aurier, Bellerin, Semedo, Sidibe) are better going forward and mostly asked to play a normal RB role.

Mourinho will have us playing fairly rigidly, but I think the best players in our squad might be a bit better off with a more open style. Valencia is a 2-way RB, Bailly is good at defending space, Mkhitaryan carries the ball well, De Gea is comfortable on the ball, Pogba would thrive in open games in a 3 man midfield and Herrera - if we play him as a 6 - is quick and skillful for his position. If we sign a box to box CM, a 2-way LB, a mobile 9 and an partner for Bailly, I think we'd do well to press more, open up games and just let Martial or Rashford win a role out wide.

Interesting. I have a bit of a different view of Valencia. I think he is good going forward, especially due to his ability to cross, and can play in that wingback-esque role fairly easily. My concern is that he is a high energy player. I worry that he will fade out fairly quickly, and it will happen unexpectedly, as happens with many high energy players. This is why I would like to sign a young RB (unless we have one in the youth system?) that excels going forward and can learn over the next year or two, be a sub, and prepare to play in the starting eleven.

I agree on the open style... It is basically the opposite of what Mourinho plays, but depending on the signings, it could be really useful. We have a bunch of smart players (Pogba, DDG, Mkhi, Valencia, and all of our linked transfer signings sans Lukaku) and they would seem to excel in a less rigid system. I could see certain 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations with a less rigid diamond being very effective for the squad.

 

[Dave46]

.

Where you get this load of pony from?

2 players who dont play, one who wants out and the other who wants to play but neither the manager wants above others . Morata quoted at 50+ and Jamez at 40+ . This was a few days ago. Inter quoted at 44 million bid for Hamez and they think they are in.

Hamez said he would consider a move to United, through his dad, thats about all the info we have so far.

Where you getting your numbers?

I don't know why are you so shocked. There are defenders and not proven CMs go for 50 now. Pogba was 100 mil, Griezmann would have cost 100 as well. The fans are talking about 80 for DDG and somehow 120 is too much for two Real players? Look at CF prices these days. Auba-70-80, Lukaku 100, Belotti 100. Mbappe 100+ and you think you will get Morata for 50?

 

[Klopp_De_Klown]

.

I don't know why are you so shocked. There are defenders and not proven CMs go for 50 now. Pogba was 100 mil, Griezmann would have cost 100 as well. The fans are talking about 80 for DDG and somehow 120 is too much for two Real players? Look at CF prices these days. Auba-70-80, Lukaku 100, Belotti 100. Mbappe 100+ and you think you will get Morata for 50?

Its not shocked i am.

This valuation is way off for 2 players who want to leave because they dont play and the club deems surplus to requirments.

When the player and club want a parting of ways. There is no extra high valuation. The only thing that could drive up the price is demand from a few suitors but even then if a player choses a club only willing to pay 10M less than the highest bid. The selling club will take the hit and get him off the books.

And as already said, Hamez was quoted around the 45M and Morata around the 55M. Inter bid 44M euro for Hamez and they think they are in (i think this is low too). To put it a different way. If Real didn't want to sell you could easily add 20 or 30 mill to that price. But as the current situation is the players wanting out and Real looking for new targets. These two will be good value in todays market. Its more the market value as to what will be bid as opposed to the selling club what will set the selling price.

In all the cases you mentioned the selling club does not want to sell. Thats not the case here.

 

[Dave46]

Its not shocked i am.

This valuation is way off for 2 players who want to leave because they dont play and the club deems surplus to requirments.

When the player and club want a parting of ways. There is no extra high valuation. The only thing that could drive up the price is demand from a few suitors but even then if a player choses a club only willing to pay 10M less than the highest bid. The selling club will take the hit and get him off the books.

And as already said, Hamez was quoted around the 45M and Morata around the 55M. Inter bid 44M euro for Hamez and they think they are in (i think this is low too). To put it a different way. If Real didn't want to sell you could easily add 20 or 30 mill to that price. But as the current situation is the players wanting out and Real looking for new targets. These two will be good value in todays market. Its more the market value as to what will be bid as opposed to the selling club what will set the selling price.

In all the cases you mentioned the selling club does not want to sell. Thats not the case here.

We can agree that Real would get at least 50 for James. Milan quoting 45 does not mean much. The problem is Morata and the current inflated market for CFs. Morata is better than Lukaku and I just don't see his price at 55.

 

[Raoul]

We can agree that Real would get at least 50 for James. Milan quoting 45 does not mean much. The problem is Morata and the current inflated market for CFs. Morata is better than Lukaku and I just don't see his price at 55.

50 would be a reasonable price for him. He didn't have the year Lukaku had last year (or the year before), isn't prem proven, and Madrid aren't desperate to cash in with a ridiculous fee since they are looking to get rid of James and possibly Bale as well, and frankly even if they sold no one, money isn't an issue for them.

 

[Redondo_Pirri]

According to Spanish media, Real Madrid want 75me for James and won't budge on the price. In this market I do not blame them.

Will be interesting to see what happens though.

 

[TomMUFC8]

People have to forget about the transfer fees and business. We don't care about that, we care about what happens on the pitch and it's a simple question. Who would you rather start if we had a game tomorrow, Rooney or Rodriguez? The answer is simple because he would improve our squad and that's all that matters.

No idea if there is anything in the link but he would obviously improve us and that's what we need.

 

[Dave46]

All the power to Woody if he can get Morata for 50.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

Its not shocked i am.

This valuation is way off for 2 players who want to leave because they dont play and the club deems surplus to requirments.

When the player and club want a parting of ways. There is no extra high valuation. The only thing that could drive up the price is demand from a few suitors but even then if a player choses a club only willing to pay 10M less than the highest bid. The selling club will take the hit and get him off the books.

And as already said, Hamez was quoted around the 45M and Morata around the 55M. Inter bid 44M euro for Hamez and they think they are in (i think this is low too). To put it a different way. If Real didn't want to sell you could easily add 20 or 30 mill to that price. But as the current situation is the players wanting out and Real looking for new targets. These two will be good value in todays market. Its more the market value as to what will be bid as opposed to the selling club what will set the selling price.

In all the cases you mentioned the selling club does not want to sell. Thats not the case here.

If the offer is too low, Madrid can decide to hold on to the player or send him out on loan. They are not under pressure or desire to sell either player beyond the players wanting more playing time.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

People have to forget about the transfer fees and business. We don't care about that, we care about what happens on the pitch and it's a simple question. Who would you rather start if we had a game tomorrow, Rooney or Rodriguez? The answer is simple because he would improve our squad and that's all that matters.

No idea if there is anything in the link but he would obviously improve us and that's what we need.

One affects the other, and if the cub over spends on one player, it would limit the funds available to recruit others, which would eventually affect what happens on the pitch.

 

[Successful]

I get your point and you might be right. However, if he can't get along with stars, what happens if Zlatan stays on for another year? What happens when we win the league and start bringing in more stars to challenge for the CL? (Well, it's all just conjecture, I must admit)

By then he'll be gone. He's just a stepping stone

 

[TomMUFC8]

One affects the other, and if the cub over spends on one player, it would limit the funds available to recruit others, which would eventually affect what happens on the pitch.

Maybe on football manager but not for a club the size of United in real life.

If we are talking an extra 30m on each target then yes, I'd see your point but for a 'marquee' signing, clubs like United are prepared to spend over and take any potential hit. See Pogba.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

Maybe on football manager but not for a club the size of United in real life.

If we are talking an extra 30m on each target then yes, I'd see your point but for a 'marquee' signing, clubs like United are prepared to spend over and take any potential hit. See Pogba.

Problem is we need a number of marquee signings and cant be bringing in only one per summer.

There is a limit to what can be spent in a single transfer window and we shouldnt overpay unnecessarily for any player at this point. Does not mean we shouldnt get top quality players like James, but that it should not equate to always looking to break the bank for every player.

 

[Dennis Viollet]

Simply you are wrong.

enough of this guy, not good enough for me.

 

[TomMUFC8]

Problem is we need a number of marquee signings and cant be bringing in only one per summer.

There is a limit to what can be spent in a single transfer window and we shouldnt overpay unnecessarily for any player at this point. Does not mean we shouldnt get top quality players like James, but that it should not equate to always looking to break the bank for every player.

Nonsense. We don't need a big name. We need the right player on the pitch.

Would you be against another Bailly type signing because it's not a 'marquee' name?

 

[cheeky_backheel]

Nonsense. We don't need a big name. We need the right player on the pitch.

Would you be against another Bailly type signing because it's not a 'marquee' name?

Yes, I will be against another bailly signing cos we would be pushing our luck, particularly for an attacking position where individual talent trumps a system (while in defence it is easier to make up for a lack of talent with a very good scheme
)

If you want to see what signing a team of marquee players look like, just take a look at Madrid. Almost every player in the squad was a star player or established talent before joining Madrid, with some being the best player on their previous team.

If you want to see what it looks like to sign a team of baillys, simply look at Arsenal. Yes, you will discover some absolute gems, but, most often than not, you will end up with mediocre players who wont win you anything of much value.

 

[Infra-red]

This all stinks of Madrid trying to make a market for their player and using our name to that end.

 

[MadMike]

This all stinks of Madrid trying to make a market for their player and using our name to that end.

Not saying that it could not be the case, but we did say the same about Di Maria up to a few days before he signed.

Reality is, we simply don't know. Could be either.

 

[Redondo_Pirri]

 

[wythyred]

Think if we was in for him this would be done by now.

He's a good player but doesn't strike me a Jose type.

 

[bucky]

Think if we was in for him this would be done by now.

He's a good player but doesn't strike me a Jose type.

Waiting for most of the summer can also be negotiating tactic. All other clubs know that James wants to leave and Madrid want to sell, so why give into their demands straight away? If Mourino is interested, he'd obviously like him to join as soon as possible, but United have to consider money as well and if there's any chance he could cost less, it probably wouldn't hurt to wait a bit longer.

 

[GJNJ]

Waiting for most of the summer can also be negotiating tactic. All other clubs know that James wants to leave and Madrid want to sell, so why give into their demands straight away? If Mourino is interested, he'd obviously like him to join as soon as possible, but United have to consider money as well and if there's any chance he could cost less, it probably wouldn't hurt to wait a bit longer.

Jose and James have the same agent too, so if we do want him, there won't be a big rush/risk in waiting as we will know who else is intrested or not.

 

[AmanNits04]

What is wrong with people who don't want James here, saying that it will restrict Pogba and he would have to sacrifice by playing in a midfield 2. Pogba is the most expensive footballer and is the most talented lad in our team, do you guys really think he will not be able to adapt to a new role or his game is so one dimensional that he would be comfortable in playing only one position. We saw last season how clueless we looked infront of goal, nobody apart from Ibra chipped in with goals, James is definitely going to be an asset for us, how often have we seen someone take a corner or a free kick for us and then hit the first man, this guy has one hell of a delivery, a sweet left foot, is capable of chipping in with goals(as we saw during the world cup and his time in Madrid) + he is Young. We have already seen that our players not that technically sound as compared to players of other team, why should we not buy a player who is much more technically sound and talented than most of our players. We should definitely buy him, he is Young and he is available. Not everyone from Madrid is going to be like Di Maria.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Think if we was in for him this would be done by now.

He's a good player but doesn't strike me a Jose type.

It's the beginning of June and Madrid's season ended 3 days ago.

 

[Chekhov]

Looks like we will acquire Chicharito's lesbian friend.