Kenyon on transfers

[Neil Thomson]

Just quotes from him.
"The defence is the area we are looking to improve. In terms of how much money there will be to spend, that hasn't been decided."

"This is not about wholesale changes it's about strengthening in selected areas and we'll get on to that soon. We haven't started on that yet, we'd all committed ourselves to seeing this season out and it could have been very different following Wednesday, it really was a battle until the end so that will start now and we will move into position to do something. We have the World Cup as well so that will take four or five weeks, but I am sure there will be new faces because we have several players out of contract so we know we have to strengthen and we'll do that. We know what sort of squad size we need and that will be taken into account."

“But how many, who and when, is all to be resolved. There has been no formal communications for any players yet. We have not even started that process yet.

There is a limit to how many players you can have in your squad and that has not changed. We are satisfied the number we have in our squad is right. We are not going to just keep adding. Players going is all part and parcel of the balance.

"The quality players we have want to play football. We don’t need players to sit on the bench. We also have good youngsters who need to break through and that is an important part of their development. We are after what is right for us. We always budget for transfers, we have to do, but how much is something we don’t make public.”

“Our scouts have been scouting constantly around certain positions. It is not just about going to the World Cup and seeing who has done well over a four-week tournament. That is one of the worst things we can do. We will have identified and been following some players and in some cases the World Cup may be a confirmation but in other cases they may not even be there. The only real impact of the World Cup is that there are an awful lot of people out of the loop for four or five weeks. Probably it will be July or August before we do business. Any new players we want in for pre-season so they become part of the squad.”

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:
<strong>It is not just about going to the World Cup and seeing who has done well over a four-week tournament. That is one of the worst things we can do.</strong><hr></blockquote>

They've learnt their lesson from the Poborsky affair then!

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

They've learnt their lesson from the Poborsky affair then!</strong><hr></blockquote>
That's what I thought too! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

 

[Due South]

Yes, we definitely need defenders (at least 2) One central and one left back.
What about another striker. I think we need a typical British type striker who can get in the box and score opportunistic goals...defoe, bridges or the derby striker (cant remember his name). We created the 4 striker method and now we only have three. ( I am assuming Dwight York is not in the plans).

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by Due South:
<strong>Yes, we definitely need defenders (at least 2) One central and one left back.</strong><hr></blockquote>

That's a dangerous thing to say on here You'll be lynched.

I agree with you though. Guess that means I'm up for a lynching too.

 

[lchk]

Excellent news!

Kenyon has spoken about strengthening the very area a majority of us have had misgivings with this season (or is it last?).

A good wake-up call to those of us who are still threading on clouds by proclaiming that everything is fine and dandy with our defence.

 

[Dans]

Originally posted by lchk:
<strong>Excellent news!

Kenyon has spoken about strengthening the very area a majority of us have had misgivings with this season (or is it last?).

A good wake-up call to those of us who are still threading on clouds by proclaiming that everything is fine and dandy with our defence.</strong><hr></blockquote>

And you wonder why......ahhh forget it.

 

[lchk]

Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

That's a dangerous thing to say on here You'll be lynched.

I agree with you though. Guess that means I'm up for a lynching too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Here comes murt with a nice thick rope.... <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

 

[the reporter]

At the end of last season Kenyon went on about 'a little tinkering' with the squad - and they spent around £50 million.
Wonder how much 'strengthening' will cost then?
I'm very encouraged by Kenyon's comments. only thing is, everyone will be expecting big things now...

 

[Penny]

Originally posted by Due South:
<strong>Yes, we definitely need defenders (at least 2) One central and one left back.
What about another striker. I think we need a typical British type striker who can get in the box and score opportunistic goals...defoe, bridges or the derby striker (cant remember his name). We created the 4 striker method and now we only have three. ( I am assuming Dwight York is not in the plans). </strong><hr></blockquote>


Melcom Christie Due South ... I am glad I have another seconder there after Gazza ..

Generally, I think Kenyon has always make sense compare to old mr. Edward ... <img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" />

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by Penny:
<strong>


Melcom Christie Due South ... I am glad I have another seconder there after Gazza ..

Generally, I think Kenyon has always make sense compare to old mr. Edward ... <img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Christie is not good enough for us imo, but certainly Kenyon is miles better than Edwards was. Having him and Paddy Harveson at the club is great.

 

[Amir]

Originally posted by the reporter:
<strong>At the end of last season Kenyon went on about 'a little tinkering' with the squad - and they spent around £50 million.</strong><hr></blockquote>

It was a little tinkering, one backup keeper, one midfielder and one striker. How much they cost is not important.

A little tinkering is also needed this time. If Blanc stays, we could look at really one added face to the starting back line (a center half), with a new full back meremy as backup. A fourth striker as well ofcource. Not wholesale changes.

 

[Julian Denny]

I am interested to know where the money is going to come from. Incredibly and despite being hailed as the world's richest club, there is no transfer reserve in the balance sheet. I think most fans would agree that two defenders are required plus one striker, maybe two if Forlan is going to contiue hitting row Z instead of the back of the net.

Kenyon has said time and again that they must "balance the books" a policy which led, partly at least, to the transfer of Jaap Stam. Therefore, if two or three major signings are to be made, they will try and capitalise on selling Veron and/or someone else whose departure will bring in the necessary funds.

It should be an interesting summer but it's advisable to remain cautious when it comes to hoping that the Plc will make available millions to buy whoever is needed, without some strings attached

 

[the reporter]

FAO AMIR:
I wasn't quibbling about the amount of money spent, more about the number of players signed.
My point was - if three players is 'a little tinkering', how many is 'strengthening'?
Kenyon is always one to choose his words carefully - lest people like us pick up on it...

 

[Amir]

Originally posted by the reporter:
<strong>FAO AMIR:
I wasn't quibbling about the amount of money spent, more about the number of players signed.
My point was - if three players is 'a little tinkering', how many is 'strengthening'?
Kenyon is always one to choose his words carefully - lest people like us pick up on it...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Realistically, three players is about what we're expected to bring in. One definate first teamer, another backup (striker) and another defender. I don't expect it to be more, although we won't spend anything as much.

 

[the reporter]

Originally posted by Amir:
<strong>

Realistically, three players is about what we're expected to bring in. One definate first teamer, another backup (striker) and another defender. I don't expect it to be more, although we won't spend anything as much.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You may be surprised. What's the point in bringing in just one first-teamer when SAF and now Peter Kenyon know the whole defence needs overhauled.
I'm expecting big money to be spent on Kenyon's 'carefully selected targets' They know United were not good enough last year -specifically in defence - and will want to make a point or two.
Be a little more optimistic...

 

[edmund]

Originally posted by the reporter:
<strong>

You may be surprised. What's the point in bringing in just one first-teamer when SAF and now Peter Kenyon know the whole defence needs overhauled.
I'm expecting big money to be spent on Kenyon's 'carefully selected targets' They know United were not good enough last year -specifically in defence - and will want to make a point or two.
Be a little more optimistic...</strong><hr></blockquote>

I agree...i'm thinking in addition to a first team defender and a fourth striker, they'll also get a couple of backup players so that our depth in squad goes back to a healthy level as it used to be unlike this season...which i think is one reason why we didnt win anything. Both Arse and Poo' have a healthy selection of capable and reliable players...Arse most apparent when they had so many injuries and suspension still managed to win so many feckin games.

So, if it was me it'll be 1 world class defender (if Larry goes make that 2) another one at full back ( we need backup for gary and micky and phil is not quite up to the job plus with Irwin gone... ) . Another Attacking midfield/Wing type player ala Duff again for more options up front and wide ( we dont have that at the moment...even more so if Fortune goes...we shouldnt have sold blomqvist...and is Chadders good enough for the first team? ).
And finally a fourth striker in the Henry mould ( Jet heeled with afterburners, good dribbling and predatory finishing ) cos we dont have that dimension at the moment and preferably young so he can sit on the bench without complaining.

All these doesnt have to be expensive big names except the much needed centre half.

Manchester United 4ever <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" />

 

[uranushk1]

Some responses here are certainly over the top. Kenyon never say that we will make a wholesale change. Notice the bold words, he said that we need strengthen in a few positions, but certainly not "overhauled". I agree with him as the current team is already pretty strong. We only need about three players (two defence and one attack) to make this team nearly perfect.

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by uranushk1:
<strong>Some responses here are certainly over the top. Kenyon never say that we will make a wholesale change. Notice the bold words, he said that we need strengthen in a few positions, but certainly not "overhauled". I agree with him as the current team is already pretty strong. We only need about three players (two defence and one attack) to make this team nearly perfect.</strong><hr></blockquote>
He also says that the number of players in our squad will remain constant.
If van Der Gouw, Irwin, Johnsen, Blanc, Fortune, Yorke leave then 5 players would come in. If any of veron, barthez, phil, or others were sold, then another player would have to come in too. I suspect that youngsters like Webber would not be replaced, but I maybe wrong as he is in the squad, as is Rachubka and Wallwork - but I think if any of these go then another youngster would take their place. I'm delighted that we signed Luke Steele because I really feel we need to strengthen our youth team and reserves - our competition certainly have been doing so.

 

[the reporter]

Originally posted by uranushk1:
<strong>Some responses here are certainly over the top. Kenyon never say that we will make a wholesale change. Notice the bold words, he said that we need strengthen in a few positions, but certainly not "overhauled". I agree with him as the current team is already pretty strong. We only need about three players (two defence and one attack) to make this team nearly perfect.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Not trying to be over the top. Merely hoping that Manchester United plc realise they are one of the biggest clubs in the world and in that case if any world class players are available should be interested in bringing them to Old Traffod - no matter where they play.
Naturally a couple of top defenders are required - but Kenyon did say the number of players in the squad should remain constant.
In that case Van Der Gouw, Irwin, Johnsen need to be raplaced (though perhaps Van der Gouw has with Steele). Then should Blanc, Fortune, Wallwork, May, Yorke etc leave we are looking at a lot of incoming players. Hopefully as many as possible will be established world stars. If United insist on being the 'best club in the world' surely they will want to attract the best players in the world.

 

[Neil Thomson]

Originally posted by the reporter:
<strong>

Not trying to be over the top. Merely hoping that Manchester United plc realise they are one of the biggest clubs in the world and in that case if any world class players are available should be interested in bringing them to Old Traffod - no matter where they play.
Naturally a couple of top defenders are required - but Kenyon did say the number of players in the squad should remain constant.
In that case Van Der Gouw, Irwin, Johnsen need to be raplaced (though perhaps Van der Gouw has with Steele). Then should Blanc, Fortune, Wallwork, May, Yorke etc leave we are looking at a lot of incoming players. Hopefully as many as possible will be established world stars. If United insist on being the 'best club in the world' surely they will want to attract the best players in the world.</strong><hr></blockquote>
I suspect a couple/few world class stars, and a few Riise type prospects.

 

[jamesblonde]

Of the youngsters to come through, I think Fergie will trust Djordic (Fortune out), maybe Stewart. That will still leave 3 more defenders. 1 quality RB that will challenge Gary & 1 quality CB (Ayala), IMO. Centre forward - Robbie Keane!

 

[jraby]

Originally posted by Julian Denny:
<strong>I am interested to know where the money is going to come from. Incredibly and despite being hailed as the world's richest club, there is no transfer reserve in the balance sheet. I think most fans would agree that two defenders are required plus one striker, maybe two if Forlan is going to contiue hitting row Z instead of the back of the net.

Kenyon has said time and again that they must "balance the books" a policy which led, partly at least, to the transfer of Jaap Stam. Therefore, if two or three major signings are to be made, they will try and capitalise on selling Veron and/or someone else whose departure will bring in the necessary funds.

It should be an interesting summer but it's advisable to remain cautious when it comes to hoping that the Plc will make available millions to buy whoever is needed, without some strings attached</strong><hr></blockquote>


I agree with this "reading between the lines". Let's face it, they've probably only made the post world cup statement to give Veron a chance to shine on the world stage again so they can recoup that money before spending big again.

You know that's how the PLC thinks, that's why we never got that damn defence fixed properly.

 

[the reporter]

Originally posted by jraby:
<strong>


I agree with this "reading between the lines". Let's face it, they've probably only made the post world cup statement to give Veron a chance to shine on the world stage again so they can recoup that money before spending big again.

You know that's how the PLC thinks, that's why we never got that damn defence fixed properly.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You old cynic you... we all had a go at the PLC this time last season - and they slashed out on Veron. Fergie is too proud to sell him now. - and he shouldn't anyway. The only way Veron will go is if he himself wants to - the PLC won't make a conscious decision to sell him.

 

[uranushk1]

Originally posted by the reporter:
<strong>

You old cynic you... we all had a go at the PLC this time last season - and they slashed out on Veron. Fergie is too proud to sell him now. - and he shouldn't anyway. The only way Veron will go is if he himself wants to - the PLC won't make a conscious decision to sell him.</strong><hr></blockquote>

With Kenyon on board he surely have showed more ambitious in signing world class players. But as a PLC the book-balancing issue is still limiting us -- most obvious when Fergie failed to capture 3-4 million rated Di Canio last season. I think we will get one more world class player at least and two more at most in this summer. Anything more than that may require us sell one of our current stars in the team. Therefore I agree someone said that we should be cautious and don't expect the board will provide us the required money for making wholesale change. "The higher the expectation, the higher the disappointment".