Maddison vs. Grealish -- Who would you rather have?

[United Pro]

Grealish is the more talented footballer imo and has better leadership qualities which is a very important skill to have when building a winning team. He should also cost a fair bit less (rumours range from £40-70m), whilst I can't see Leicester selling Maddison for less than £100m. So, if I were to pick one out of the two, it would be easily Grealish for me.

Saying that, in the context of our transfer window, if Pogba were to stay I don't think either should be a priority. If Pogba were to leave I think Grealish would replace his creativity but I would also like a midfielder that can play deeper. Reportedly we're looking at players like Partey, Zakaria and Saul, but I wonder if we see Bellingham as that player.

 

[the chameleon]

Grealish is a leader and has that extra spark to take ownership of things. He is capable of lifting those around him and has the talent to go with it. He's the type of player Fergie would have gone for.

Maddison is decent too. But he's more of a system player. He won't take ownership and fill vacant leadership vacuums. We've had few system players in recent years (Kagawa, Mata, Mkhitaryan), all looked better than Maddison at their previous clubs but failed to hit those heights at United. Unless we hire a systematic coach (which doesn't always work and would require a rehaul) Maddison wouldn't work here.

 

[mad1max954]

Grealish is more attainable. More fluid positionally I feel too which will be needed

 

[Svartzonker]

Grealish is more attainable. More fluid positionally I feel too which will be needed

I like both players, but this pretty much sums up my thoughts about the players.

Grealish will be a lot cheaper too. All thing considered we should go for Grealish.

 

[arnie_ni]

Pogba

 

[Champagne Football]

Grealish is a better player, Maddison is a better playmaker.

Grealish would be more likely of the two to score a wonder goal in a tight game.

Grealish would be more prone of the two to getting distracted by the celebrity life once he's won a couple of trophies.

Grealish would be considerably cheaper and Leicester are a nightmare to negotiate with. They have won a league title more recently than us, are ahead of us in the table, so probably feel there's no need for their players to leave for us.

 

[Champagne Football]

Pogba

Who?

 

[Nick.]

I watched a video on exactly this which was quite good:

 

[tenpoless]

One has played central midfield, the other left winger where our top scorer plays. Do the same stats with Rashford Vs. Grealish

What a childish way of doing a stat. It's basically just a goals-stat served in different ways

Calm down, I'm not the one who began the comparison. But since I see both Maddison and Grealish as AM (if They come here), I feel like offensive statistics should be the main focus especially Assist and Goal. But We have Bruno and Pogba who excels at these already and are better players. I personally prefer not to sign any of them, I think We don't need more AM.

Why only these stats? What about passing? chances created? turnovers? take ons etc

Usually Squawka Comparison Matrix is good for these but it is inaccessible for now. So here are a few more I could find. Premier League only.

Spoiler: WhoScored stats

Passing

Offensive

Defensive

 

[BenitoSTARR]

Grealish makes more sense for fee and ability he’ll be better value for money. However I really don’t want him after Dickensgate.

 

[Stacks]

Calm down, I'm not the one who began the comparison. But since I see both Maddison and Grealish as AM (if They come here), I feel like offensive statistics should be the main focus especially Assist. I personally prefer not to sign any of them, I think We don't need more AM.


Usually Squawka Comparison Matrix is good for these but it is inaccessible for now. So here are a few more I could find. Premier League only.

Spoiler: WhoScored stats

Passing

Offensive

Defensive

more like it. interesting and very similar

 

[RedRonaldo]

I'd rather have Bruno.

 

[TwoSheds]

Calm down, I'm not the one who began the comparison. But since I see both Maddison and Grealish as AM (if They come here), I feel like offensive statistics should be the main focus especially Assist and Goal. But We have Bruno and Pogba who excels at these already and are better players. I personally prefer not to sign any of them, I think We don't need more AM.


Usually Squawka Comparison Matrix is good for these but it is inaccessible for now. So here are a few more I could find. Premier League only.

Spoiler: WhoScored stats

Passing

Offensive

Defensive

To me those stats are clear. Grealish has more goals and assists despite not being their first choice set piece taker (Hourihane when he plays I think). Plus of course we don't really need a set piece guy now anyway between Bruno, Rashford, maybe Pogba, Fred/Mata for the left foot. He's also a better dribbler and better defensively. If he's interested I'd go get him, but not sure whether we'd really want him and Sancho unless we let Pogba go.

 

[seegoblu]

While I appreciate the club's desire to acquire young English talent, if the club is in as good a position financially as expected coming out of this crisis, I would hope the remit is expanded to take advantage of other clubs' distress and shop for the best talent at discounted prices.

So why limit the search to just Jack or Maddison? Why not see what Leverkusen really would take for Havertz instead, maybe it won't be nearly as high as reported. There will be bargains out there and we should be flexible in our approach to take advantage of these opportunities.

 

[Ekeke]

Calm down, I'm not the one who began the comparison. But since I see both Maddison and Grealish as AM (if They come here), I feel like offensive statistics should be the main focus especially Assist and Goal. But We have Bruno and Pogba who excels at these already and are better players. I personally prefer not to sign any of them, I think We don't need more AM.


Usually Squawka Comparison Matrix is good for these but it is inaccessible for now. So here are a few more I could find. Premier League only.

Spoiler: WhoScored stats

Passing

Offensive

Defensive

Okay, so here are Grealish's AM/CM stats

8 games in the middle, 6 in CM, 3 assists and 0 goals.

Maddison has

24 games in the middle, 22 of those in CM, 2 assists and 6 goals.

Then theres the defensive part of CM where Maddison does more of a defensive duty

Maddison also averages 0.4 interceptions to Grealish's 0.3 interceptions. So he's working to win the ball more


Grealish has played in CM and AM this season at the start, he was outshone during that time by McGinn who everyone was talking about at the time instead. Its very weird to take the stats of someone when they are playing Left Wing and then assume that they'd be exactly the same in CM/AM whilst also ignoring all the matches that season where he did play CM/AM and they were totally different.

Left wing he's been great, hasn't needed to worry about defending and he got into the box more to finish off 5 of his 6 goals. But thats where our top scorer plays. So the chances of him being signed and taking Rashford's place are small.

Also it hasnt worked out often when we sign a player who is playing well in one position and then we play him in another position.

 

[DRM]

Grelish no doubt. Has better calves

 

[Class of 63]

If we sign one of them it'll probably be the one with the least punchable face. Maybe we should punch them both and move on to other targets.

 

[United Pro]

Okay, so here are Grealish's AM/CM stats

8 games in the middle, 6 in CM, 3 assists and 0 goals.

Maddison has

24 games in the middle, 22 of those in CM, 2 assists and 6 goals.

Then theres the defensive part of CM where Maddison does more of a defensive duty

Maddison also averages 0.4 interceptions to Grealish's 0.3 interceptions. So he's working to win the ball more


Grealish has played in CM and AM this season at the start, he was outshone during that time by McGinn who everyone was talking about at the time instead. Its very weird to take the stats of someone when they are playing Left Wing and then assume that they'd be exactly the same in CM/AM whilst also ignoring all the matches that season where he did play CM/AM and they were totally different.

Left wing he's been great, hasn't needed to worry about defending and he got into the box more to finish off 5 of his 6 goals. But thats where our top scorer plays. So the chances of him being signed and taking Rashford's place are small.

Also it hasnt worked out often when we sign a player who is playing well in one position and then we play him in another position.

I don't watch a lot of Leicester games but I certainly didn't think Maddison played 22 games this season as a CM?

 

[Ekeke]

I don't watch a lot of Leicester games but I certainly didn't think Maddison played 22 games this season as a CM?

He did.

Leicester play 4-1-4-1 - he and Tielemans are part of the 4. He didnt play DM, Ndidi does. But he's no further forward than CMs in a 4-3-3

 

[Van Piorsing]

Mata while having moments of indisputable brilliance can't play in high tempo for entire season, Lingard's confidence is gone and Pereira having glimpses in a sea of average performances.

If Ole proceeds with clearing the squad then Grealish could easily take their multiple positions and give us more than Lingard and Pereira combined, while we could even keep Juan for one or couple of seasons more. Jack looks also like he can create more from the wing than Dan James so there's also sense of upgrade there. He's quite universal player who can play in the first squad, but also give quality substitution to break typical Premier League team's defense trying to survive in last minutes of the game.

Maddison can be a good deal for summer 2021 if Leicester will finally come to their senses or they'll end upcoming season at lower position. The only way I see it this year if we lose Pogba and Maddison politely put transfer request in a sensible way, kinda like Maguire did by patiently waiting for situation to unfold.

 

[Devil may care]

It's funny how much shit Pogba gets on here despite being a squeaky clean pro, while the chavyness of these 2 is given a pass. I think we need a proper holding CM more than we do an AM, whether Pogba stays or not, talking about depth is fine but we haven't sorted the first 11 yet and shouldn't be spending £40M+ on a rotation/competition option if it's going to impact our ability to strengthen key starting positions. That said, of the two I'd go for Grealish because he's cheaper, will be easier to get and is more versatile.

 

[Sea-Cow]

Grealish

If Pogba stays and we can get him playing 100%, then none, but I can't see it happening.
Zakaria / Ndidi and Grealish would be a great collective midfield, and if Bellingham was added to it, even better.

Imagine swapping out a 10% committed Pogba, Lingard, Pereira.

Zakaria
Matic
Garner

Fred
McTominay
Bellingham

Bruno
Grealish
Mejbri
​

Thats also forgetting Mata and Gomes if he signs
To be honest, I wouldn't even mind it if Mata and Matic left.

As we are now, it would be a disaster if Matic left!

*edit* I think you are saying -- if we were to sign Zakaria, then you would be ok if Matic left. And that is reasonable. Who would play at DM to give Zakaria a rest, or if he got injured? Maybe McTominey? Fred?

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Neither, a DM. This Ornstein news is music to my ears.

 

[DSG]

It's funny how much shit Pogba gets on here despite being a squeaky clean pro, while the chavyness of these 2 is given a pass. I think we need a proper holding CM more than we do an AM, whether Pogba stays or not, talking about depth is fine but we haven't sorted the first 11 yet and shouldn't be spending £40M+ on a rotation/competition option if it's going to impact our ability to strengthen key starting positions. That said, of the two I'd go for Grealish because he's cheaper, will be easier to get and is more versatile.

I don't mean to be singling out you... there is a lot of talk about Pogba in this thread.

Pogba gets a bunch of shit for the following reasons:
* He's been injured most of this season; and a fair bit in other seasons as well
* There are constant reports of him wanting out of Old Trafford, floated by himself and his agent
* He's been pretty damn inconsistent. Moments of brilliance for sure, but a lot of uninspiring performances.
* There have been matches where he categorically not shown up. Clearly doesn't want to be on the field.

For a player that was a world-record transfer at the time, I think it's not unreasonable to say we haven't gotten value for money. Secondly, I think a like-for-like replacement for Pogba would be someone like Saul or Tolisso, not Grealish/Maddison.

No excuses on Grealish's latest off field incident. It's a concern for sure.

Regarding the competition option... I'll tell you what -- when we were winning trophies year in-year out, there was A LOT of competition. Nowadays, when Rashford is injured or Martial, the squad player quality just isn't there. When you are challenging for a title, if Bruno is injured or needs a rest and you have to play at Sheffield United (or Burnley, Watford...) in cold driving rain, suddenly, your choices are Mata, Lingard and Andreas.... that's just unacceptable. We've watched enough of those three to know that they won't be able to compete in those situations.

 

[bosnian_red]

It's funny how much shit Pogba gets on here despite being a squeaky clean pro, while the chavyness of these 2 is given a pass. I think we need a proper holding CM more than we do an AM, whether Pogba stays or not, talking about depth is fine but we haven't sorted the first 11 yet and shouldn't be spending £40M+ on a rotation/competition option if it's going to impact our ability to strengthen key starting positions. That said, of the two I'd go for Grealish because he's cheaper, will be easier to get and is more versatile.

Think if Pogba stays, there's really only 1 position to get a good starting 11 - Sancho at right wing. Midfield 3 of Pogba, Bruno and McTominay would work really well IMO, and I think would be Ole's plan (or whoever the manager would be long term if not Ole). McTominay isn't a classic holding mid but there's plenty ways to succeed in football, and having McTominay as a ball winning midfielder next to Pogba, with Bruno roaming more, would give us a good balance. If I had to go for a position after RW to upgrade, I'd probably go a more suited partner to Maguire than Lindelof is. Midfield would be low on the list, unless Pogba leaves in which case I'm all for signing one.

 

[DSG]

Okay, so here are Grealish's AM/CM stats

8 games in the middle, 6 in CM, 3 assists and 0 goals.

Maddison has

24 games in the middle, 22 of those in CM, 2 assists and 6 goals.

Then theres the defensive part of CM where Maddison does more of a defensive duty

Maddison also averages 0.4 interceptions to Grealish's 0.3 interceptions. So he's working to win the ball more


Grealish has played in CM and AM this season at the start, he was outshone during that time by McGinn who everyone was talking about at the time instead. Its very weird to take the stats of someone when they are playing Left Wing and then assume that they'd be exactly the same in CM/AM whilst also ignoring all the matches that season where he did play CM/AM and they were totally different.

Left wing he's been great, hasn't needed to worry about defending and he got into the box more to finish off 5 of his 6 goals. But thats where our top scorer plays. So the chances of him being signed and taking Rashford's place are small.

Also it hasnt worked out often when we sign a player who is playing well in one position and then we play him in another position.

All of these are fair points. Thanks for posting these. I looked at them as well. I believe the stats for Maddison are pretty spot-on. For Grealish, there are questions about the sample size. With only 8 matches for Grealish at CM/AM, it begs the question: Who were their opponents? How long did he actually play in a AM/CM position? Were there substitutes during the matches that pushed him to the wing?

The eye-test is critical here as well. Maybe I'll dig up some Villa and Leicester matches this season and specifically focus on these two? Lord knows, I have the time!

 

[DSG]

Think if Pogba stays, there's really only 1 position to get a good starting 11 - Sancho at right wing. Midfield 3 of Pogba, Bruno and McTominay would work really well IMO, and I think would be Ole's plan (or whoever the manager would be long term if not Ole). McTominay isn't a classic holding mid but there's plenty ways to succeed in football, and having McTominay as a ball winning midfielder next to Pogba, with Bruno roaming more, would give us a good balance. If I had to go for a position after RW to upgrade, I'd probably go a more suited partner to Maguire than Lindelof is. Midfield would be low on the list, unless Pogba leaves in which case I'm all for signing one.

And if Pogba and Bruno are injured? Are we back to the unholy triumvirate of Andreas, Mata or Lingard?

 

[Andersonson]

The answer should really be no one of them.

With the silly prices thats still being operated no one of them is worth it. They're but best as AM and we have both Pogba and Bruno who is best in that position.
We need a right winger and a CM. Neither of those two players are best in that position.

So why use a big chunk of our budget on two players that really dont strengthen us the correct positions?

Unless Pogba goes there is really no neeed.

 

[tenpoless]

Okay, so here are Grealish's AM/CM stats

8 games in the middle, 6 in CM, 3 assists and 0 goals.

Maddison has

24 games in the middle, 22 of those in CM, 2 assists and 6 goals.

Then theres the defensive part of CM where Maddison does more of a defensive duty

Maddison also averages 0.4 interceptions to Grealish's 0.3 interceptions. So he's working to win the ball more


Grealish has played in CM and AM this season at the start, he was outshone during that time by McGinn who everyone was talking about at the time instead. Its very weird to take the stats of someone when they are playing Left Wing and then assume that they'd be exactly the same in CM/AM whilst also ignoring all the matches that season where he did play CM/AM and they were totally different.

Left wing he's been great, hasn't needed to worry about defending and he got into the box more to finish off 5 of his 6 goals. But thats where our top scorer plays. So the chances of him being signed and taking Rashford's place are small.

Also it hasnt worked out often when we sign a player who is playing well in one position and then we play him in another position.

Okay, so Maddison has played more as CM than Grealish. Fair point. But the sample size for Grealish is too small and it's hard to tell for sure. Maybe Grealish was in such a good form that had He played as a CM/AM He would have done just as well. Anyway, I consider both Attacking Midfielders. And like you said, it hasn't worked out well when the club signed a player for one position and play it in the other.

But here in lies the problem, If They come here who would They replace? as you said the left hand side is fixed. And the AM position is either for Bruno or Pogba. If We sign Maddison? (and He won't be coming here for cheap by the way) He could play as a CM, sure. But one of Pogba or Bruno could play there as well and do at least as good as him and most likely They'll do better. Fred is also becoming more important to the team, He can also play as a CM.

If We want a CM, let's just sign a quality CM while We're at it. Someone who has played there for years, proven and could actually dictate the tempo of the match. That person has to be better than Bruno, Fred and Pogba when playing as a Central Midfield. Or rather, a quality DM because We only have one. Matic could stay for another year but He'll need a replacement soon. That's why if I have to pick out of the two (dear lord, shed some light to Ole, We need a DM desperately - Scott need some help), I would still pick Grealish simply because He'll be cheaper. Then We can spend rest of the money elsewhere. And on top of that don't forget the Right Wing position. None of the quality Right Wingers could be gotten for cheap these days. They're like fecking unicorns, everyone plays from the left.

 

[bosnian_red]

And if Pogba and Bruno are injured? Are we back to the unholy triumvirate of Andreas, Mata or Lingard?

If we have 2 of our best players from the same position are out for a while, yeah, you make do with what you have (hopefully Angel Gomes and not Pereira/Lingard). That's normal. If Aguero and Jesus get injured for City, they have no striker. With Pogba and Bruno, we are covered if one gets injured in terms of creativity and have cover with Fred and Matic to come in and give different balance. But nobody can just have an endless supply. A midfield of Pogba, Bruno, McTominay, Matic and Fred is excellently balanced. Garner and Gomes as youth cover. Very good quality, balance and depth. As good as anyone will realistically get.

 

[The holy trinity 68]

3 words for both. Overrated, English, Overhyped.

 

[Devil may care]

I don't mean to be singling out you... there is a lot of talk about Pogba in this thread.

Pogba gets a bunch of shit for the following reasons:
* He's been injured most of this season; and a fair bit in other seasons as well
* There are constant reports of him wanting out of Old Trafford, floated by himself and his agent
* He's been pretty damn inconsistent. Moments of brilliance for sure, but a lot of uninspiring performances.
* There have been matches where he categorically not shown up. Clearly doesn't want to be on the field.

For a player that was a world-record transfer at the time, I think it's not unreasonable to say we haven't gotten value for money. Secondly, I think a like-for-like replacement for Pogba would be someone like Saul or Tolisso, not Grealish/Maddison.

To the 4 points on Pogba who didn't set his fee in fairness, being injured isn't reason to be talking shit about a player, it's unfortunate but hardly his fault, and inconsistency has been an issue but I'd also say that the team hasn't been as well set up as it is now, and I know people hate that but it's a fact, if you are playing with players who want you to carry them rather than who can carry their own in a dysfunctional system, it's an issue. The stories in the media I agree with, they are a problem and he can't hide behind his agent, yes Raiola is an asshole but Pogba could shut him up if he wasn't saying what he wanted him to say. He's had bad games where he's looked lost, no doubt about that, but there's nothing to say either of these two would be any better and I dare say could be a worse influence on our younger players off the pitch. I just think it's bullshit how he is treat and yet people are falling over themselves to bring one of these two in, both of whom have a lot more assholery to their names, it was about that not which position they play when I brought this up, I just find it hypocritical.

No excuses on Grealish's latest off field incident. It's a concern for sure.

Regarding the competition option... I'll tell you what -- when we were winning trophies year in-year out, there was A LOT of competition. Nowadays, when Rashford is injured or Martial, the squad player quality just isn't there. When you are challenging for a title, if Bruno is injured or needs a rest and you have to play at Sheffield United (or Burnley, Watford...) in cold driving rain, suddenly, your choices are Mata, Lingard and Andreas.... that's just unacceptable. We've watched enough of those three to know that they won't be able to compete in those situations.

You're right but we aren't in that position right now, we have to walk before we run, and you know how our board operates, there's no way we'll get a CM, Sancho, a striker and one of these 2, even if Pogba goes. If the board were willing to cover all positions then I'd be fine with either player coming in to compete, just not at the expense of the other positions.

Think if Pogba stays, there's really only 1 position to get a good starting 11 - Sancho at right wing. Midfield 3 of Pogba, Bruno and McTominay would work really well IMO, and I think would be Ole's plan (or whoever the manager would be long term if not Ole). McTominay isn't a classic holding mid but there's plenty ways to succeed in football, and having McTominay as a ball winning midfielder next to Pogba, with Bruno roaming more, would give us a good balance. If I had to go for a position after RW to upgrade, I'd probably go a more suited partner to Maguire than Lindelof is. Midfield would be low on the list, unless Pogba leaves in which case I'm all for signing one.

Honestly I think we'd be fecked if we tried to play that double pivot, I'd rather sell Pogba than try it as he'll just frustrate in a role he's not suited to and it wont help Fred or McTominay as neither of them are positionally good enough to operate as a safety net for him, look at the 2 top teams in the PL, both have at least one dedicated DM in their starting 11 most weeks, in fact I don't think there is a top side in Europe that plays without one, and you certainly need one if Pogba is part of your midfield.

 

[DSG]

To the 4 points on Pogba who didn't set his fee in fairness, being injured isn't reason to be talking shit about a player, it's unfortunate but hardly his fault, and inconsistency has been an issue but I'd also say that the team hasn't been as well set up as it is now, and I know people hate that but it's a fact, if you are playing with players who want you to carry them rather than who can carry their own in a dysfunctional system, it's an issue. The stories in the media I agree with, they are a problem and he can't hide behind his agent, yes Raiola is an asshole but Pogba could shut him up if he wasn't saying what he wanted him to say. He's had bad games where he's looked lost, no doubt about that, but there's nothing to say either of these two would be any better and I dare say could be a worse influence on our younger players off the pitch. I just think it's bullshit how he is treat and yet people are falling over themselves to bring one of these two in, both of whom have a lot more assholery to their names, it was about that not which position they play when I brought this up, I just find it hypocritical.

You're right but we aren't in that position right now, we have to walk before we run, and you know how our board operates, there's no way we'll get a CM, Sancho, a striker and one of these 2, even if Pogba goes. If the board were willing to cover all positions then I'd be fine with either player coming in to compete, just not at the expense of the other positions.

Honestly I think we'd be fecked if we tried to play that double pivot, I'd rather sell Pogba than try it as he'll just frustrate in a role he's not suited to and it wont help Fred or McTominay as neither of them are positionally good enough to operate as a safety net for him, look at the 2 top teams in the PL, both have at least one dedicated DM in their starting 11 most weeks, in fact I don't think there is a top side in Europe that plays without one, and you certainly need one if Pogba is part of your midfield.

You really didn't disagree with any of the four points I made about Pogba. Other than shifting blame for poor performances to the team around him rather than making him accountable for his own performances. Then you say there's no guarantee that Pogba's replacement would be any better.... I think that if Ole is dead set on a 4-2-3-1, Pogba doesn't fit that formation well because he is an indifferent defender. If you play him at the no.10 (Bruno's spot), then Bruno isn't on the field and is probably better than Pogba in that position anyhow.

Regarding the competition for places, I hope to hell we get there as soon as possible. Liverpool has decent options behind their front 3 in Shaquiri, Minamino and Origi, and the midfield is crazy deep with Henderson, Winaldum, Fabinho, Keita, Ox, Milner, and Lallana. And they weren't afraid to buy Keita and Fabinho and Ox! Why should we have a squad that is absolute dross after the first 11? It doesn't make sense.

 

[MadDogg]

You really didn't disagree with any of the four points I made about Pogba. Other than shifting blame for poor performances to the team around him rather than making him accountable for his own performances.

It's very difficult for anybody to be consistently good when surrounded by a dysfunctional team. Pogba still could have done better than he has at times so does have to take some blame, but it's certainly not all on him.

 

[Fox1884]

Need to remember that Grealish is pretty much the sole focal point of attacks for Aston Villa, everything goes through him

Where as for us unlike last season where Maddison was played as a 10 and most final third movement went through him, with Maddison now playing as an 8 he shares the responsibility with multiple outlets (Tielemans, both full backs and wingers)

Most likely I think you will go for Grealish as he seems to be the more attainable and cheaper of the two

Both are very good players just in different ways

 

[Devil may care]

You really didn't disagree with any of the four points I made about Pogba. Other than shifting blame for poor performances to the team around him rather than making him accountable for his own performances. Then you say there's no guarantee that Pogba's replacement would be any better.... I think that if Ole is dead set on a 4-2-3-1, Pogba doesn't fit that formation well because he is an indifferent defender. If you play him at the no.10 (Bruno's spot), then Bruno isn't on the field and is probably better than Pogba in that position anyhow.

Regarding the competition for places, I hope to hell we get there as soon as possible. Liverpool has decent options behind their front 3 in Shaquiri, Minamino and Origi, and the midfield is crazy deep with Henderson, Winaldum, Fabinho, Keita, Ox, Milner, and Lallana. And they weren't afraid to buy Keita and Fabinho and Ox! Why should we have a squad that is absolute dross after the first 11? It doesn't make sense.

I wasn't trying to disagree with them, I was just adding context to them, as three of the four weren't reasons to recieve the kind of vitriol he gets from United fans, especially on here, and I don't see pointing out the lack of performers around him and lack of coaching nous as being an issue is shifting blame, it's simply facts, football is a team game.......I agree with the bolded part, if Ole intends to stick with 4-2-3-1 then he might as well sell Pogba as he doesn't fit that system.

I hope we get there quickly as well but looking at how we move I just don't see it being as quickly as many would like. Sancho seems the main target this summer and that makes sense given RW is our biggest weak spot, but after that a proper CM has to be the priority and we know Ole wants a bench striker who'll be happy being the rotation option like he was back in the day, only after that could we be looking for depth that will cost the kind of money Grealish will cost and as I said, given how we move I think that extra sauce on the dish is going to have wait for another season.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Maddison hands down

 

[Ekeke]

Need to remember that Grealish is pretty much the sole focal point of attacks for Aston Villa, everything goes through him

Where as for us unlike last season where Maddison was played as a 10 and most final third movement went through him, with Maddison now playing as an 8 he shares the responsibility with multiple outlets (Tielemans, both full backs and wingers)

Most likely I think you will go for Grealish as he seems to be the more attainable and cheaper of the two

Both are very good players just in different ways

Agree with this. Grealish is far more likely as a transfer but now with Bruno coming in and doing so well, we don't really have a space in the team for either of them without selling someone.

Best case scenario would be Rashford up front and Grealish on the left, but Ole seems to have soured on Rashford being his striker and Rashford has had his best season as a left winger... So that leaves Grealish trying to convert to the right side.

Then theres the chance Pogba might leave. Realistically if he does leave I think we'd get half as much as we might have got last summer for him. If he does go Maddison is the better and proven CM as he helps Ndidi win the ball in midfield, while Grealish hasnt proven himself in that role in the premier league and may be nowhere near as good as he's been as a wide playmaker. If he costs a fair bit less than Maddison would then it may be worth the gamble anyway.

 

[davidmichael]

Of the two I’d have Grealish over Maddison but I’d much rather have a motivated and consistent Pogba over both of them, if Pogba signs a new contract and is prepared to stop all the off pitch bollocks whilst putting in a regular shift on the pitch then all we need in the summer is Sancho and a pure defensive midfielder.

 

[flappyjay]

The horrible few months by leicester have slowed down the Maddison hype. I had even forgotten that he had been mentioned as a Pogba replacement at some point. He still a good talent but I think he needs 2 more seasons of consistent football with leicester before making the jump to a bigger club.